London Interview Experience :)
#61
Re: London Interview Experience :)
They do deliver on Saturdays. My fiancees interview was on Thursday and he got a text on Friday asking if he would like Saturday delivery and to call if he did. We didn't call but the courier came to deliver it anyway. We weren't at the house so we called and said we never asked for a delievry Saturdaybut apparently if the courier is in the area they will try and deliver anyway. They didn't give him any special request options but it can't hurt to ask!You have to be home to sign for it by the way.
#62
Just Joined
Joined: May 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida & Bicester, England
Posts: 27
Re: London Interview Experience :)
They do deliver on Saturdays. My fiancees interview was on Thursday and he got a text on Friday asking if he would like Saturday delivery and to call if he did. We didn't call but the courier came to deliver it anyway. We weren't at the house so we called and said we never asked for a delievry Saturdaybut apparently if the courier is in the area they will try and deliver anyway. They didn't give him any special request options but it can't hurt to ask!You have to be home to sign for it by the way.
I know they say that you shouldn't take your mobile etc.. but i really don't think i can avoid it. I need to arrange a lift home and obviously you can't tell when untill you're out of the embassy. Where do they put/take your mobile at the embassy if i take it with me?
#63
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,259
Re: London Interview Experience :)
They give you a clear plastic bag for your electronic items, you hand them in at security and they give you a collection tag/number to pick it up on your way out.
If all you're handing in is a phone you'll be in the majority.
If all you're handing in is a phone you'll be in the majority.
#64
Re: London Interview Experience :)
My fiancees inteiew was on Thursday. He got approved right away. On Friday afternnoon he got a text saying that his visa would be delivered on Monday between 9-5.It ws delivered at 1. AsI mentioned they said if we wanted to upgrade to a Saturday delivery to call but we were busy that day so we never called for an upgrade. They never gave him a time frame. As I mentioned the courier service told us both on the phone and in person when they delivered that if they will b e in the area they will try anddeliver even though we were not supposed to get the visa untill Monday.They do text you with the delivery date. My fiancee left his phone with me ut you can check it at the embassy. Don't bring any large bags with you. He had quitea few documents but he brought them in a messenger style bag and that was no problem. My fiancee was at the embassy for 3 1/2 hrs. Most of it was waiting!
#65
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 31
Re: London Interview Experience :)
re: POE - I had a great experience at Minneapolis St Paul.
Walked up to a separate lane designated "New Immigrants" with no line,while all the visitors queued and spoke to an extremely friendly officer who checked my paperwork, didn't need to see my chest x-ray and then took my fingerprints and had me sign the form that the fingerprints were on (proper ink, not electronic).
He then endorsed my visa, clearly stated when I would need to apply to have the conditions removed and then said "you're all set- Welcome to America".
Didn't have to go to a secondary area or anything, total time taken was less than 5 minutes. To cap it all off, my bags were 2nd out of the baggage claim too :P
Wonderful experience all in all and save for a 1 hour delay on my final flight to Montana, everything went swimmingly!
Now coming up to 1 week in, loving life immensely and thrilled to be back with my amazing wife!
oh and re: what to wear to the interview, I went with a full suit, tie, the works- might have been over the top (very few were formally dressed) but given my positive experience I'd recommend it to any and all who asked!
And finally - Circus Guy, your advice was appreciated - sorry for failing to remember your username earlier!
Walked up to a separate lane designated "New Immigrants" with no line,while all the visitors queued and spoke to an extremely friendly officer who checked my paperwork, didn't need to see my chest x-ray and then took my fingerprints and had me sign the form that the fingerprints were on (proper ink, not electronic).
He then endorsed my visa, clearly stated when I would need to apply to have the conditions removed and then said "you're all set- Welcome to America".
Didn't have to go to a secondary area or anything, total time taken was less than 5 minutes. To cap it all off, my bags were 2nd out of the baggage claim too :P
Wonderful experience all in all and save for a 1 hour delay on my final flight to Montana, everything went swimmingly!
Now coming up to 1 week in, loving life immensely and thrilled to be back with my amazing wife!
oh and re: what to wear to the interview, I went with a full suit, tie, the works- might have been over the top (very few were formally dressed) but given my positive experience I'd recommend it to any and all who asked!
And finally - Circus Guy, your advice was appreciated - sorry for failing to remember your username earlier!
#66
Re: London Interview Experience :)
re: POE - I had a great experience at Minneapolis St Paul.
Walked up to a separate lane designated "New Immigrants" with no line,while all the visitors queued and spoke to an extremely friendly officer who checked my paperwork, didn't need to see my chest x-ray and then took my fingerprints and had me sign the form that the fingerprints were on (proper ink, not electronic).
He then endorsed my visa, clearly stated when I would need to apply to have the conditions removed and then said "you're all set- Welcome to America".
Didn't have to go to a secondary area or anything, total time taken was less than 5 minutes. To cap it all off, my bags were 2nd out of the baggage claim too :P
Wonderful experience all in all and save for a 1 hour delay on my final flight to Montana, everything went swimmingly!
Now coming up to 1 week in, loving life immensely and thrilled to be back with my amazing wife!
oh and re: what to wear to the interview, I went with a full suit, tie, the works- might have been over the top (very few were formally dressed) but given my positive experience I'd recommend it to any and all who asked!
And finally - Circus Guy, your advice was appreciated - sorry for failing to remember your username earlier!
Walked up to a separate lane designated "New Immigrants" with no line,while all the visitors queued and spoke to an extremely friendly officer who checked my paperwork, didn't need to see my chest x-ray and then took my fingerprints and had me sign the form that the fingerprints were on (proper ink, not electronic).
He then endorsed my visa, clearly stated when I would need to apply to have the conditions removed and then said "you're all set- Welcome to America".
Didn't have to go to a secondary area or anything, total time taken was less than 5 minutes. To cap it all off, my bags were 2nd out of the baggage claim too :P
Wonderful experience all in all and save for a 1 hour delay on my final flight to Montana, everything went swimmingly!
Now coming up to 1 week in, loving life immensely and thrilled to be back with my amazing wife!
oh and re: what to wear to the interview, I went with a full suit, tie, the works- might have been over the top (very few were formally dressed) but given my positive experience I'd recommend it to any and all who asked!
And finally - Circus Guy, your advice was appreciated - sorry for failing to remember your username earlier!
#67
Just Joined
Joined: May 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida & Bicester, England
Posts: 27
Re: London Interview Experience :)
Congrats! I hope my fiancees goes as smooth at JFK. He wore a shirt,tie and dress trousers to the interview. I was surprised when I saw so many people lined up outside the embassy in London dressed in jeans and t shirts. I just think if you dress that way it gives the impression you don't really care.
#68
Re: London Interview Experience :)
The instructions are to carry your xray in your hand luggage. All of us dutifully comply. None of us has been asked to present it at entry. (you would hand it in to Immigration, not Customs).
-You need your passport with visa in it.
-You need an I-94 card (you fill it in on the flight & hand it over). Make sure you get 2 years endorsed on the I-94.
-You need your Mysterious Brown Envelope--sealed. It has every paper you've submitted and a few extras. Give it over to the officer at admission.
Happy travels!
#69
Re: London Interview Experience :)
Hi and Congrats! My fiancee was told to take the xray with his hand luggage! Did they send you text saying when your visa will be delivered! Please make sure you are home to sign for it! Could you please post some details of your interview for others ? It always helps to read about everyones experiences!
#70
Re: London Interview Experience :)
Wahooo---congratulations!
The instructions are to carry your xray in your hand luggage. All of us dutifully comply. None of us has been asked to present it at entry. (you would hand it in to Immigration, not Customs).
-You need your passport with visa in it.
-You need an I-94 card (you fill it in on the flight & hand it over). Make sure you get 2 years endorsed on the I-94.
-You need your Mysterious Brown Envelope--sealed. It has every paper you've submitted and a few extras. Give it over to the officer at admission.
Happy travels!
The instructions are to carry your xray in your hand luggage. All of us dutifully comply. None of us has been asked to present it at entry. (you would hand it in to Immigration, not Customs).
-You need your passport with visa in it.
-You need an I-94 card (you fill it in on the flight & hand it over). Make sure you get 2 years endorsed on the I-94.
-You need your Mysterious Brown Envelope--sealed. It has every paper you've submitted and a few extras. Give it over to the officer at admission.
Happy travels!
#71
Re: London Interview Experience :)
You "should" have your own shadow copy of the entire file.
At the final interview, for N-400, we got eyeballs on all those old applications and petitions. There was one I was missing in my home file, so I sent a note in with DH asking to get a copy of it. The officer laughed, but obliged.
#72
Re: London Interview Experience :)
They keep them, and send them to storage. Then every time the beneficiary files for a new benefit, the records are accessed and used.
You "should" have your own shadow copy of the entire file.
At the final interview, for N-400, we got eyeballs on all those old applications and petitions. There was one I was missing in my home file, so I sent a note in with DH asking to get a copy of it. The officer laughed, but obliged.
You "should" have your own shadow copy of the entire file.
At the final interview, for N-400, we got eyeballs on all those old applications and petitions. There was one I was missing in my home file, so I sent a note in with DH asking to get a copy of it. The officer laughed, but obliged.
#73
Just Joined
Joined: May 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida & Bicester, England
Posts: 27
Re: London Interview Experience :)
Well, my interview was for 9.00am at the American Embassy in London. I arrived at the embassy at about 8.20 and joined the fairly long queue outside. I had all my documents with me and well organised, including photos and evidence to support just about anything. I made it to the front of the line at approx 8.50. I had prepared everything and then as i stepped out the car, i grabbed my handbag (as usual without even thinking) and so had then brought me with my keys and phone etc without needing to. You have to pay 10 pounds to leave your phone at the pharmacy across the street, there are no storage facilities on the premises, the pharmacy also takes visa photos for the embassy if you don’t have them. I rushed back over the line where somebody thankfully let me in rather than having to queue up again!
A man then called me over to see my passport and appointment letter, he checks you off on a list. (they couldn't find me immediately which had me worried!). I went through the security checkpoint where the guard commented on my "Dodge" key rings on my keys before letting me through. You then walk around the side of the building and queue again (not quite as long) to get through the doors to reception. Two ladies at the reception desk look at your appointment letter and issue several stickers with your number on (Immigrant Visa Numbers are in the 5000s).
I entered the large waiting area and took a seat. There are screens everywhere showing the windows for different numbers and visa types. They are constantly calling the numbers in the 1000s (those are the non-immigrant visas). There are only a couple of windows dealing with K visas - Immigrant visas. I was called up after about 25 minutes or so, i approached the lady at window 1 who took my passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate, i-134 for my husband and our co-sponsor (father in law). I then signed the DS-156 and DS-230 form. (Might have been one more). Everybody is really friendly and talkative - the lady at the first window was talking to me about Bicester Village shopping centre (near to where I live) the whole time she was processing, so they are very efficient but make you feel relaxed also. She asked me to go to the cashier’s window to pay and bring her back to the receipt - so I did; $131.00 for the processing. The cashiers’ window is around the other side past the waiting area. I returned to the 1st window and presented her with the receipt. I stood there a few more minutes while she processed things and went through a checklist of documents that I had to provide. She asked me about A-Levels and did I want to study anymore when I got over there, etc. She asked me what my current employment was. It wasn’t too bad though because she was really only making conversation and not officially interviewing. She gave me back my x-ray and I took my documents (she kept all of the originals). I was then advised that I should fill out the pink delivery form while I wait for my interview in the same waiting are. The lady told me it wouldn't be too long, but on the pink form it explains that you should allow an hour to 2 hours until you are called for the interview! (Which i thought was a little strange) I was called within about 15 – 20 minutes. The pink delivery form asks for address, name, service etc… It’s not a big deal.
So, they called my number and asked me to go to window 15 (the interview rooms are number 12-20 I think) and are located around the corner with the cashiers desk away from the 1st processing windows. I walked up to the window very very nervous (everybody that's there for fiancée and spouse visas are equally as nervous and organised, they're also the ones that are dressed very smartly). The lady asked how I was and smiled nicely. She asked how long we had been married and saw one of my wedding photos through the clear plastic envelope I had brought the documents in and commented on the "beautiful wedding photo". She then explained that they were satisfied with out financial situation and did not require the employment documentation that I had secured along with the two avidafits of support. She was very very friendly the whole time, and she didn't try to intimidate me at all, just talked to me like she was a friend or something (which was great, but that doesn’t mean you're not nervous). She asked how and when we had met for the first time, I explained in detail and she followed on with "How often have you been able to see each other?" I explained that usually we could visit for about 2 weeks every 6 -8 weeks, she joking replied that she would love a 6 week break from her husband! And said that everything looked great. They took my fingerprints (all of them) and i was told that i was approved and as long as the fingerprint tests came back ok she would issue my visa!!
I was so happy! It was such a relief; she congratulated the both of us and wished me the best of luck for the future. I thanked her (probably about 5 times!) and walked away smiling. I then joined the queue for the delivery of my new visa, paid for a before 10.00am delivery as soon as it's ready and walked out to call my husband. We were both very happy, I’m just now waiting for a text to tell me when it will be delivered, then i can be back with my husband finally, who i miss terribly. It's been a long journey, but with the best possible ending, and I’ll never forget what we've had to go through to be together. But it's worth every last thing.
A man then called me over to see my passport and appointment letter, he checks you off on a list. (they couldn't find me immediately which had me worried!). I went through the security checkpoint where the guard commented on my "Dodge" key rings on my keys before letting me through. You then walk around the side of the building and queue again (not quite as long) to get through the doors to reception. Two ladies at the reception desk look at your appointment letter and issue several stickers with your number on (Immigrant Visa Numbers are in the 5000s).
I entered the large waiting area and took a seat. There are screens everywhere showing the windows for different numbers and visa types. They are constantly calling the numbers in the 1000s (those are the non-immigrant visas). There are only a couple of windows dealing with K visas - Immigrant visas. I was called up after about 25 minutes or so, i approached the lady at window 1 who took my passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate, i-134 for my husband and our co-sponsor (father in law). I then signed the DS-156 and DS-230 form. (Might have been one more). Everybody is really friendly and talkative - the lady at the first window was talking to me about Bicester Village shopping centre (near to where I live) the whole time she was processing, so they are very efficient but make you feel relaxed also. She asked me to go to the cashier’s window to pay and bring her back to the receipt - so I did; $131.00 for the processing. The cashiers’ window is around the other side past the waiting area. I returned to the 1st window and presented her with the receipt. I stood there a few more minutes while she processed things and went through a checklist of documents that I had to provide. She asked me about A-Levels and did I want to study anymore when I got over there, etc. She asked me what my current employment was. It wasn’t too bad though because she was really only making conversation and not officially interviewing. She gave me back my x-ray and I took my documents (she kept all of the originals). I was then advised that I should fill out the pink delivery form while I wait for my interview in the same waiting are. The lady told me it wouldn't be too long, but on the pink form it explains that you should allow an hour to 2 hours until you are called for the interview! (Which i thought was a little strange) I was called within about 15 – 20 minutes. The pink delivery form asks for address, name, service etc… It’s not a big deal.
So, they called my number and asked me to go to window 15 (the interview rooms are number 12-20 I think) and are located around the corner with the cashiers desk away from the 1st processing windows. I walked up to the window very very nervous (everybody that's there for fiancée and spouse visas are equally as nervous and organised, they're also the ones that are dressed very smartly). The lady asked how I was and smiled nicely. She asked how long we had been married and saw one of my wedding photos through the clear plastic envelope I had brought the documents in and commented on the "beautiful wedding photo". She then explained that they were satisfied with out financial situation and did not require the employment documentation that I had secured along with the two avidafits of support. She was very very friendly the whole time, and she didn't try to intimidate me at all, just talked to me like she was a friend or something (which was great, but that doesn’t mean you're not nervous). She asked how and when we had met for the first time, I explained in detail and she followed on with "How often have you been able to see each other?" I explained that usually we could visit for about 2 weeks every 6 -8 weeks, she joking replied that she would love a 6 week break from her husband! And said that everything looked great. They took my fingerprints (all of them) and i was told that i was approved and as long as the fingerprint tests came back ok she would issue my visa!!
I was so happy! It was such a relief; she congratulated the both of us and wished me the best of luck for the future. I thanked her (probably about 5 times!) and walked away smiling. I then joined the queue for the delivery of my new visa, paid for a before 10.00am delivery as soon as it's ready and walked out to call my husband. We were both very happy, I’m just now waiting for a text to tell me when it will be delivered, then i can be back with my husband finally, who i miss terribly. It's been a long journey, but with the best possible ending, and I’ll never forget what we've had to go through to be together. But it's worth every last thing.
#74
Re: London Interview Experience :)
Well, my interview was for 9.00am at the American Embassy in London. I arrived at the embassy at about 8.20 and joined the fairly long queue outside. I had all my documents with me and well organised, including photos and evidence to support just about anything. I made it to the front of the line at approx 8.50. I had prepared everything and then as i stepped out the car, i grabbed my handbag (as usual without even thinking) and so had then brought me with my keys and phone etc without needing to. You have to pay 10 pounds to leave your phone at the pharmacy across the street, there are no storage facilities on the premises, the pharmacy also takes visa photos for the embassy if you don’t have them. I rushed back over the line where somebody thankfully let me in rather than having to queue up again!
A man then called me over to see my passport and appointment letter, he checks you off on a list. (they couldn't find me immediately which had me worried!). I went through the security checkpoint where the guard commented on my "Dodge" key rings on my keys before letting me through. You then walk around the side of the building and queue again (not quite as long) to get through the doors to reception. Two ladies at the reception desk look at your appointment letter and issue several stickers with your number on (Immigrant Visa Numbers are in the 5000s).
I entered the large waiting area and took a seat. There are screens everywhere showing the windows for different numbers and visa types. They are constantly calling the numbers in the 1000s (those are the non-immigrant visas). There are only a couple of windows dealing with K visas - Immigrant visas. I was called up after about 25 minutes or so, i approached the lady at window 1 who took my passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate, i-134 for my husband and our co-sponsor (father in law). I then signed the DS-156 and DS-230 form. (Might have been one more). Everybody is really friendly and talkative - the lady at the first window was talking to me about Bicester Village shopping centre (near to where I live) the whole time she was processing, so they are very efficient but make you feel relaxed also. She asked me to go to the cashier’s window to pay and bring her back to the receipt - so I did; $131.00 for the processing. The cashiers’ window is around the other side past the waiting area. I returned to the 1st window and presented her with the receipt. I stood there a few more minutes while she processed things and went through a checklist of documents that I had to provide. She asked me about A-Levels and did I want to study anymore when I got over there, etc. She asked me what my current employment was. It wasn’t too bad though because she was really only making conversation and not officially interviewing. She gave me back my x-ray and I took my documents (she kept all of the originals). I was then advised that I should fill out the pink delivery form while I wait for my interview in the same waiting are. The lady told me it wouldn't be too long, but on the pink form it explains that you should allow an hour to 2 hours until you are called for the interview! (Which i thought was a little strange) I was called within about 15 – 20 minutes. The pink delivery form asks for address, name, service etc… It’s not a big deal.
So, they called my number and asked me to go to window 15 (the interview rooms are number 12-20 I think) and are located around the corner with the cashiers desk away from the 1st processing windows. I walked up to the window very very nervous (everybody that's there for fiancée and spouse visas are equally as nervous and organised, they're also the ones that are dressed very smartly). The lady asked how I was and smiled nicely. She asked how long we had been married and saw one of my wedding photos through the clear plastic envelope I had brought the documents in and commented on the "beautiful wedding photo". She then explained that they were satisfied with out financial situation and did not require the employment documentation that I had secured along with the two avidafits of support. She was very very friendly the whole time, and she didn't try to intimidate me at all, just talked to me like she was a friend or something (which was great, but that doesn’t mean you're not nervous). She asked how and when we had met for the first time, I explained in detail and she followed on with "How often have you been able to see each other?" I explained that usually we could visit for about 2 weeks every 6 -8 weeks, she joking replied that she would love a 6 week break from her husband! And said that everything looked great. They took my fingerprints (all of them) and i was told that i was approved and as long as the fingerprint tests came back ok she would issue my visa!!
I was so happy! It was such a relief; she congratulated the both of us and wished me the best of luck for the future. I thanked her (probably about 5 times!) and walked away smiling. I then joined the queue for the delivery of my new visa, paid for a before 10.00am delivery as soon as it's ready and walked out to call my husband. We were both very happy, I’m just now waiting for a text to tell me when it will be delivered, then i can be back with my husband finally, who i miss terribly. It's been a long journey, but with the best possible ending, and I’ll never forget what we've had to go through to be together. But it's worth every last thing.
A man then called me over to see my passport and appointment letter, he checks you off on a list. (they couldn't find me immediately which had me worried!). I went through the security checkpoint where the guard commented on my "Dodge" key rings on my keys before letting me through. You then walk around the side of the building and queue again (not quite as long) to get through the doors to reception. Two ladies at the reception desk look at your appointment letter and issue several stickers with your number on (Immigrant Visa Numbers are in the 5000s).
I entered the large waiting area and took a seat. There are screens everywhere showing the windows for different numbers and visa types. They are constantly calling the numbers in the 1000s (those are the non-immigrant visas). There are only a couple of windows dealing with K visas - Immigrant visas. I was called up after about 25 minutes or so, i approached the lady at window 1 who took my passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate, i-134 for my husband and our co-sponsor (father in law). I then signed the DS-156 and DS-230 form. (Might have been one more). Everybody is really friendly and talkative - the lady at the first window was talking to me about Bicester Village shopping centre (near to where I live) the whole time she was processing, so they are very efficient but make you feel relaxed also. She asked me to go to the cashier’s window to pay and bring her back to the receipt - so I did; $131.00 for the processing. The cashiers’ window is around the other side past the waiting area. I returned to the 1st window and presented her with the receipt. I stood there a few more minutes while she processed things and went through a checklist of documents that I had to provide. She asked me about A-Levels and did I want to study anymore when I got over there, etc. She asked me what my current employment was. It wasn’t too bad though because she was really only making conversation and not officially interviewing. She gave me back my x-ray and I took my documents (she kept all of the originals). I was then advised that I should fill out the pink delivery form while I wait for my interview in the same waiting are. The lady told me it wouldn't be too long, but on the pink form it explains that you should allow an hour to 2 hours until you are called for the interview! (Which i thought was a little strange) I was called within about 15 – 20 minutes. The pink delivery form asks for address, name, service etc… It’s not a big deal.
So, they called my number and asked me to go to window 15 (the interview rooms are number 12-20 I think) and are located around the corner with the cashiers desk away from the 1st processing windows. I walked up to the window very very nervous (everybody that's there for fiancée and spouse visas are equally as nervous and organised, they're also the ones that are dressed very smartly). The lady asked how I was and smiled nicely. She asked how long we had been married and saw one of my wedding photos through the clear plastic envelope I had brought the documents in and commented on the "beautiful wedding photo". She then explained that they were satisfied with out financial situation and did not require the employment documentation that I had secured along with the two avidafits of support. She was very very friendly the whole time, and she didn't try to intimidate me at all, just talked to me like she was a friend or something (which was great, but that doesn’t mean you're not nervous). She asked how and when we had met for the first time, I explained in detail and she followed on with "How often have you been able to see each other?" I explained that usually we could visit for about 2 weeks every 6 -8 weeks, she joking replied that she would love a 6 week break from her husband! And said that everything looked great. They took my fingerprints (all of them) and i was told that i was approved and as long as the fingerprint tests came back ok she would issue my visa!!
I was so happy! It was such a relief; she congratulated the both of us and wished me the best of luck for the future. I thanked her (probably about 5 times!) and walked away smiling. I then joined the queue for the delivery of my new visa, paid for a before 10.00am delivery as soon as it's ready and walked out to call my husband. We were both very happy, I’m just now waiting for a text to tell me when it will be delivered, then i can be back with my husband finally, who i miss terribly. It's been a long journey, but with the best possible ending, and I’ll never forget what we've had to go through to be together. But it's worth every last thing.
#75
Just Joined
Joined: May 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida & Bicester, England
Posts: 27
Re: London Interview Experience :)
Does anybody know the latest i can expect a text from the couriers to say that it will be delivered the following day? I'm being very obsessive over my phone at the moment, checking it all the time lol. Can somebody tell me when i should give up for the day??