Consulate Review: Frankfurt, Germany
Review Topic: K1 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
July 28, 2009 |
| Embassy Review : |
I have got so much information and help from this forum that it is only right to give my review of the Frankfurt Embassy. I had a great experience, and now that my passport is back in under a week, I am super happy! 
Here it goes, I received an appointment date of 22 Jun and medical was scheduled after the interview. As I didn't want to wait for the medical after the visa appointment, I called them up and asked them if I could just go ahead and get my medical done in Munich, closer to where I live. I was given a clear green and I scheduled my medical, got it done and in a week when I called back the embassy, they had my medical with them which was a relief. So, all I had to worry was only the visa appointment.
I have to say, Frankfurt embassy is the friendliest set of people I have conversed with. They really pick up the telephones, give you advice, and are really nice about it. They make it super helpful! I was so used to call them, that any teeny question, I was ready to pick that phone  - they take fiance/k1 questions on Tues and Thurs between 2-4 pm.
On the day of the interview, I went really early all prepared. I was in the line first at 6am and made a new friend who came right after me, for another K1. We talked and talked, there is really not much to do, as the embassy only starts opening around 7am. We had some security guards coming to make it light and easy, DO NOT TAKE ANY ELECTRONIC ITEMS, MP3 or IPOD or anything. Last minute, you are just running around. Thankfully, I didn't have anything, however I had a hand sanitizer and hand cream which he scared me about but am sure was ok - -I chucked it in the bin even before I went into security check.
At the security check, they found my teeny perfume, and umbrella and gave me a card so I could pick them up later! With all the care I took, somehow this perfume went in, duh! My advice, just take documents, and money and anything crucial, leave everything else behind! They say, there is a kiosk close to the street where you can leave stuff for some money, am sure its expensive. However, the sad part is, if they find something, you get checked out, and go find a place to put that stuff, come back and rejoin the line in the end.. it's awful amount of wasted time!
Anyway, I was W500 and my friend was W501. At window 23, she didn't like my picture and I had to do it again. See, NO EARRING allowed in photo! They sent me a german document about photo, I just checked the dimensions and thought I was ok, but wasn't. Had to redo the picture, didn't understand the stupid machine, lost 5€ to the crazy machine  - - all this just added to the anxiety! Oh another thing, that photo machine takes only 10s or 5s... and I ran around asking people for 'klein geld' - crazy last minute scare! READ ALL DOCUMENTS, WEBSITE, THIS FORUM, ALL FINE PRINT, so you avoid these craziness.
Another thing, basically, don't listen to people. My new friend mentioned that after window 23, we had to pay 400$ for which I almost fainted. I had read this forum ten thousand times, and I knew by heart the process. But it scared me so much. I was so nervous. But the lady in Window took my passport, the photo, and visa payment receipt. Thats it! Phew! Some times, being quiet helps.
I was called Window 18, explained the process. I had taken the 4,25€ stamps and was given a envelope. I did everything, and showed my documents. All simple and straight forward, as listed on usembassy website and here, no trick questions! They are super friendly to talk to, and you can ask them questions. After that, I was called to window 16, where the officer asked me questions, however he had read my case, he knew where we met and all those, so, he just smiled and asked what I want to work as etc. Again, no problem. Very helpful. Soon, I was given the clearance, he mentioned my medicals are ok, I am ok... and I should receive the passport in a week.
All in all, I think it took about an hr or more. I was out by 9 and didn't know what to do since my train was in evening 
I wanted to give 4 or so rating , because of the photo machine - but really it was my fault, and people at Frankfurt have been helpful and nice. They deserve a super 5! Good luck to everyone. Feel free to ask me questions, if I can help, I will be happy to!  |
| Rating : |
Very Good |
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