Hi Guys,

Just thought I'd let you all know how it all worked for me last Wednesday.

I got to the Embassy at around 9.20am (My interview was scheduled for 10.30am...I know I was early, but I got to London earlier than expected, and there is only so long I could sit is Starbucks for!) There was not that many in the queue outside, which was nice to see. There were 3 lines. I queued up first to have my documents checked by a lady on a little podium, and again she re-iterated about making sure you have nothing electrical with you (including key fobs). I then joined another adjacent queue, to wait to have my documents checked again, by a chap that lets you into the hut where the metal detector and x-ray machine is.

From queing up outside to getting into the embassy for me was approximately 20 mins, which I thought was good.

Upon entering the embassy, I proceeded to a lady behind a reception desk, who again checked my documentation (mainly the MRV Receipt and appointment time). She then gave me a number (1000's for non-imigrant). I then went upstairs, and sat opposite the LCD screens. The numbers are called out constantly, as well as being displayed on the screens.

At this stage, the numbers are called in order, and when yours is called, you proceed to the relevant window (between 1-11 for the first part of the process). I was called at around 10.00am, and the lady that I saw was not in the best of moods!!! I'm pleased I got to her at 10am, rather than the end of her shift! She asked for my documents, I finally worked out that she just needed the I-797, the MRV Receipt, and Appointment time, my visa application, and my passport. Please have this ready to put through the gap! She then took my fingerprints. I was given a blue form to fill in for the SMS Courier Service, and told to take another seat.

This was the long wait. The numbers are called in no particular order for the interview process, so you don't really know when you are likely to be called. I sat, and read my book for the best part of 2 hours.

My number was eventually called, and for the interview you will be called to windows 12-25.

I spoke with a very nice American Consule lady, who verified my finger prints, and then asked me 3 questions.
1. What does my company do?
2. How Long have I worked for them?
3. Where will I be based?

After typing a couple of lines, she told me my visa was approved, and to take my blue form to the courier desk to get my documents returned to me.

The interview lasted less than 2 minutes.

It cost £14.50 for the service, and then I paid an additional £21.00 for the before 8am delivery.

I recieved a text message on Friday, telling me that my documents would be back today 3/11, and I recieved my passport and I-797 back this morning at 7.55am.

I have booked my flight, and leave on Saturday!!! Just hope that it stays fairly mild now, as I am taking my cat, and my airline wont take pets if the temperature drops below 7 degrees c!!!! Oh, I can't wait to get there now!

I hope some of you find this useful, and USA here I come.

Cheers

Rach

Let me be the first to congratulate you, the interview process is not that painful if you are well prepared and are patient while waiting..
Next thing is the POE which is very simple, just remember to fill out the white immigration form not a green one like before, have all your L1 documents with you in case the immigration officer wants to see them.
Again congrats

Thanks Vimto,

Yea, I have absolutely everything with me, just to be safe!

Let the countdown commence.