My Visa Interview - London.
Aug 1st 2007, 2:54 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Location: Johns Creek, GA
Posts: 630
My Visa Interview - London.
HI All,
Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar interview.
Interview time was 10am. Got to the end of the queue at about 10:15 and the guy checked we had our paperwork. Then we went through the metal detector and they took our car keys off us, put them in a pigeon hole and gave us a tag with a number on to get them back later.
Then we walked into the Embassy where we had to show our appointment letters and DS-156's to the woman at reception. She gave us a ticket and told us to take a seat and wait for our number to be called.
We waited for a while - wasent too long, perhaps 30-45 mins and our number was called. We went up to the booth we were called to and handed over the I-797 Notice of Action, both DS-156's, my DS-157 and out passports. They scanned our finger prints and then we were told to take a seat until our number was called.
So we sat down and waited again for about another 30-45 mins and we were called to the next set of booths.
They scanned our finger prints again and asked me 3 questions:
1) What does the company do that you work for?
2) What will you be doing out there
3) Is it a promotion or a lateral move?
They didnt ask my wife (L2 visa applicant) any questions.
She then told us our visa's had been approved and handed me a form to take to the casheer booth to the pay the $105 L2 issuance fee.
Paid the fee and give the woman the receipt to show that it had been paid.
Queued up at SMS counter to pay for return postage.
Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get in the US
Total visit time: 2 hours.
By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly nice looking at all...
Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar interview.
Interview time was 10am. Got to the end of the queue at about 10:15 and the guy checked we had our paperwork. Then we went through the metal detector and they took our car keys off us, put them in a pigeon hole and gave us a tag with a number on to get them back later.
Then we walked into the Embassy where we had to show our appointment letters and DS-156's to the woman at reception. She gave us a ticket and told us to take a seat and wait for our number to be called.
We waited for a while - wasent too long, perhaps 30-45 mins and our number was called. We went up to the booth we were called to and handed over the I-797 Notice of Action, both DS-156's, my DS-157 and out passports. They scanned our finger prints and then we were told to take a seat until our number was called.
So we sat down and waited again for about another 30-45 mins and we were called to the next set of booths.
They scanned our finger prints again and asked me 3 questions:
1) What does the company do that you work for?
2) What will you be doing out there
3) Is it a promotion or a lateral move?
They didnt ask my wife (L2 visa applicant) any questions.
She then told us our visa's had been approved and handed me a form to take to the casheer booth to the pay the $105 L2 issuance fee.
Paid the fee and give the woman the receipt to show that it had been paid.
Queued up at SMS counter to pay for return postage.
Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get in the US
Total visit time: 2 hours.
By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly nice looking at all...
Aug 1st 2007, 5:37 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
dh010447 wrote:
[ ... ]
> By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it
> was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks
> like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly
> nice looking at all...
>
Close. It was built in 1960
[ ... ]
> By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it
> was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks
> like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly
> nice looking at all...
>
Close. It was built in 1960
Aug 1st 2007, 7:24 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
In article <[email protected]> , dh010447
<[email protected]> wrote:
> HI All,
>
> Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would
> post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar
> interview.
>
> By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it
> was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks
> like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly
> nice looking at all...
They put all of their building money in Iraq Embassy.
(sardonically)
another bob
<[email protected]> wrote:
> HI All,
>
> Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would
> post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar
> interview.
>
> By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it
> was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks
> like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly
> nice looking at all...
They put all of their building money in Iraq Embassy.
(sardonically)
another bob
Aug 1st 2007, 9:07 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
On Aug 1, 3:54 pm, dh010447 <[email protected]>
wrote:
> HI All,
>
> Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would
> post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar
> interview.
>
> Interview time was 10am. Got to the end of the queue at about 10:15 and
> the guy checked we had our paperwork. Then we went through the metal
> detector and they took our car keys off us, put them in a pigeon hole
> and gave us a tag with a number on to get them back later.
>
> Then we walked into the Embassy where we had to show our appointment
> letters and DS-156's to the woman at reception. She gave us a ticket and
> told us to take a seat and wait for our number to be called.
>
> We waited for a while - wasent too long, perhaps 30-45 mins and our
> number was called. We went up to the booth we were called to and handed
> over the I-797 Notice of Action, both DS-156's, my DS-157 and out
> passports. They scanned our finger prints and then we were told to take
> a seat until our number was called.
>
> So we sat down and waited again for about another 30-45 mins and we were
> called to the next set of booths.
>
> They scanned our finger prints again and asked me 3 questions:
> 1) What does the company do that you work for?
> 2) What will you be doing out there
> 3) Is it a promotion or a lateral move?
>
> They didnt ask my wife (L2 visa applicant) any questions.
>
> She then told us our visa's had been approved and handed me a form to
> take to the casheer booth to the pay the $105 L2 issuance fee.
>
> Paid the fee and give the woman the receipt to show that it had
> been paid.
>
> Queued up at SMS counter to pay for return postage.
>
> Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get
> in the US
>
> Total visit time: 2 hours.
>
> By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it
> was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks
> like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly
> nice looking at all...
>
> --
> Posted viahttp://britishexpats.com
You got lucky. I went there for an L1 last week and was there for 5
hours on the 23rd of July. I'm still waiting for my passport...
wrote:
> HI All,
>
> Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would
> post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar
> interview.
>
> Interview time was 10am. Got to the end of the queue at about 10:15 and
> the guy checked we had our paperwork. Then we went through the metal
> detector and they took our car keys off us, put them in a pigeon hole
> and gave us a tag with a number on to get them back later.
>
> Then we walked into the Embassy where we had to show our appointment
> letters and DS-156's to the woman at reception. She gave us a ticket and
> told us to take a seat and wait for our number to be called.
>
> We waited for a while - wasent too long, perhaps 30-45 mins and our
> number was called. We went up to the booth we were called to and handed
> over the I-797 Notice of Action, both DS-156's, my DS-157 and out
> passports. They scanned our finger prints and then we were told to take
> a seat until our number was called.
>
> So we sat down and waited again for about another 30-45 mins and we were
> called to the next set of booths.
>
> They scanned our finger prints again and asked me 3 questions:
> 1) What does the company do that you work for?
> 2) What will you be doing out there
> 3) Is it a promotion or a lateral move?
>
> They didnt ask my wife (L2 visa applicant) any questions.
>
> She then told us our visa's had been approved and handed me a form to
> take to the casheer booth to the pay the $105 L2 issuance fee.
>
> Paid the fee and give the woman the receipt to show that it had
> been paid.
>
> Queued up at SMS counter to pay for return postage.
>
> Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get
> in the US
>
> Total visit time: 2 hours.
>
> By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it
> was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks
> like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly
> nice looking at all...
>
> --
> Posted viahttp://britishexpats.com
You got lucky. I went there for an L1 last week and was there for 5
hours on the 23rd of July. I'm still waiting for my passport...
Aug 2nd 2007, 10:01 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:54:43 +0000, dh010447 wrote:
> Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get
> in the US
Congrats, and thanks for posting that.
I had my medical the other day - just waiting on the police check to come
back now and then I can send in my request for an interview (K1).
cheers
Jules
> Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get
> in the US
Congrats, and thanks for posting that.
I had my medical the other day - just waiting on the police check to come
back now and then I can send in my request for an interview (K1).
cheers
Jules
Aug 2nd 2007, 10:14 pm
#6
now I know my J,C,B's
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 2,215
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
sounds similar to our H1B/H4 experience 2 years back. We got lucky though they let us in early and we were in there for just over an hour tops
Aug 3rd 2007, 8:23 pm
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 20
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
HI All,
Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar interview.
Interview time was 10am. Got to the end of the queue at about 10:15 and the guy checked we had our paperwork. Then we went through the metal detector and they took our car keys off us, put them in a pigeon hole and gave us a tag with a number on to get them back later.
Then we walked into the Embassy where we had to show our appointment letters and DS-156's to the woman at reception. She gave us a ticket and told us to take a seat and wait for our number to be called.
We waited for a while - wasent too long, perhaps 30-45 mins and our number was called. We went up to the booth we were called to and handed over the I-797 Notice of Action, both DS-156's, my DS-157 and out passports. They scanned our finger prints and then we were told to take a seat until our number was called.
So we sat down and waited again for about another 30-45 mins and we were called to the next set of booths.
They scanned our finger prints again and asked me 3 questions:
1) What does the company do that you work for?
2) What will you be doing out there
3) Is it a promotion or a lateral move?
They didnt ask my wife (L2 visa applicant) any questions.
She then told us our visa's had been approved and handed me a form to take to the casheer booth to the pay the $105 L2 issuance fee.
Paid the fee and give the woman the receipt to show that it had been paid.
Queued up at SMS counter to pay for return postage.
Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get in the US
Total visit time: 2 hours.
By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly nice looking at all...
Had my L1 / L2 visa interview today in London, so I just thought I would post how it went for anyone else who is going there for a similar interview.
Interview time was 10am. Got to the end of the queue at about 10:15 and the guy checked we had our paperwork. Then we went through the metal detector and they took our car keys off us, put them in a pigeon hole and gave us a tag with a number on to get them back later.
Then we walked into the Embassy where we had to show our appointment letters and DS-156's to the woman at reception. She gave us a ticket and told us to take a seat and wait for our number to be called.
We waited for a while - wasent too long, perhaps 30-45 mins and our number was called. We went up to the booth we were called to and handed over the I-797 Notice of Action, both DS-156's, my DS-157 and out passports. They scanned our finger prints and then we were told to take a seat until our number was called.
So we sat down and waited again for about another 30-45 mins and we were called to the next set of booths.
They scanned our finger prints again and asked me 3 questions:
1) What does the company do that you work for?
2) What will you be doing out there
3) Is it a promotion or a lateral move?
They didnt ask my wife (L2 visa applicant) any questions.
She then told us our visa's had been approved and handed me a form to take to the casheer booth to the pay the $105 L2 issuance fee.
Paid the fee and give the woman the receipt to show that it had been paid.
Queued up at SMS counter to pay for return postage.
Skipped out the Embassy while planning what kind of car I should get in the US
Total visit time: 2 hours.
By the way, the Embassy building is a bit naff looking... I thought it was going to be a grand building with flags allover... But no, looks like something build in the 70's made of concrete and not particularly nice looking at all...
I have quick question to you, this is regarding to the interview,as im going to apply B2 Visa and my appointment will be this coming August 16,2007 at 11:30am
Do i have to come 30 mins b4 my interview time? Or is it okay earlier than that time?
And do u think we have to pay for the issuance fee? im aware that it could take up to 5 working days to process B2 visa. ayyy realy can't wait....as if so i only have 3 weeks time to book my flights.
Thanks again and congrats!
Aug 4th 2007, 7:51 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Location: Johns Creek, GA
Posts: 630
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
Hello there,
I have quick question to you, this is regarding to the interview,as im going to apply B2 Visa and my appointment will be this coming August 16,2007 at 11:30am
Do i have to come 30 mins b4 my interview time? Or is it okay earlier than that time?
And do u think we have to pay for the issuance fee? im aware that it could take up to 5 working days to process B2 visa. ayyy realy can't wait....as if so i only have 3 weeks time to book my flights.
Thanks again and congrats!
I have quick question to you, this is regarding to the interview,as im going to apply B2 Visa and my appointment will be this coming August 16,2007 at 11:30am
Do i have to come 30 mins b4 my interview time? Or is it okay earlier than that time?
And do u think we have to pay for the issuance fee? im aware that it could take up to 5 working days to process B2 visa. ayyy realy can't wait....as if so i only have 3 weeks time to book my flights.
Thanks again and congrats!
I arrived at the embassy later than my appointment and they just let me in. I think what happens is they have appointment slots and you wait outside until your appointment slot time arrives. I wouldn't get there early because you will have to wait longer - I would aim to get there slap bang on time. However, if you do want to get there early, there is a small park just across the road fro m it where you could chill out if the weather is nice.
As for issuance fee - I think the only visa's that have a fee are the L2 and E2. Have a look here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/recipro...ed_Kingdom.htm
Oh - and for length of time... I got my passport back yesterday (Friday - 2 days after my interview) with the visa in
Aug 4th 2007, 4:02 pm
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 20
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
Hi there,
I arrived at the embassy later than my appointment and they just let me in. I think what happens is they have appointment slots and you wait outside until your appointment slot time arrives. I wouldn't get there early because you will have to wait longer - I would aim to get there slap bang on time. However, if you do want to get there early, there is a small park just across the road fro m it where you could chill out if the weather is nice.
As for issuance fee - I think the only visa's that have a fee are the L2 and E2. Have a look here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/recipro...ed_Kingdom.htm
Oh - and for length of time... I got my passport back yesterday (Friday - 2 days after my interview) with the visa in
I arrived at the embassy later than my appointment and they just let me in. I think what happens is they have appointment slots and you wait outside until your appointment slot time arrives. I wouldn't get there early because you will have to wait longer - I would aim to get there slap bang on time. However, if you do want to get there early, there is a small park just across the road fro m it where you could chill out if the weather is nice.
As for issuance fee - I think the only visa's that have a fee are the L2 and E2. Have a look here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/recipro...ed_Kingdom.htm
Oh - and for length of time... I got my passport back yesterday (Friday - 2 days after my interview) with the visa in
The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months, wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
From us embassy in london website said:
Issuance fees
Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved visa to be issued. No fee is charged for the issuance of an B visa to a British citizen passport holder
Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved visa to be issued. No fee is charged for the issuance of an B visa to a British citizen passport holder
Right, i'll take your advice, so will be there 30mins b4 my interview time hope it won't take long to process...
wish me luck, can't wait for it.
cheers amigo
Last edited by aberdonian; Aug 4th 2007 at 5:02 pm.
Aug 4th 2007, 4:52 pm
#10
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Location: Johns Creek, GA
Posts: 630
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
Thanks for clearing that up DH!
The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months, wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
From us embassy in london website said:
I'm not a british yet im still holding my 2 extension visa which is FLR(m) so meaning i will have to pay for it. Any ideas how much? so i can take cash with me...
Right, i'll take your advice, so will be there 30mins b4 my interview time hope it won't take long to process...
wish me luck, can't for it.
cheers amigo
The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months, wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
From us embassy in london website said:
I'm not a british yet im still holding my 2 extension visa which is FLR(m) so meaning i will have to pay for it. Any ideas how much? so i can take cash with me...
Right, i'll take your advice, so will be there 30mins b4 my interview time hope it won't take long to process...
wish me luck, can't for it.
cheers amigo
We paid the $105 with a credit card. I am not sure if they accept money - and if they do, I am not sure if they accept GBP's - might have tp pay in USD.
Aug 4th 2007, 5:01 pm
#11
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 20
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
Choose your country from the drop down list at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/re...city_3272.html for the charges.
We paid the $105 with a credit card. I am not sure if they accept money - and if they do, I am not sure if they accept GBP's - might have tp pay in USD.
We paid the $105 with a credit card. I am not sure if they accept money - and if they do, I am not sure if they accept GBP's - might have tp pay in USD.
What Are Issuance Fees?
Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved visa to be issued. Fees are based on reciprocity and reflect the charges levied by the applicant's government to a U.S. citizen for a similar service.
How do I pay?
Applicants applying in person through a scheduled interview will be advised whether or not an issuance fee is required. Issuance fees are paid to the Embassy cashier. Fees may be paid in cash - sterling or dollar equivalent, or by Credit Card - Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express. The Embassy does not accept any other credit or debit cards, or personal checks.
You can find them here http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new...v/issfees.html
cool, i don't need to pay the issuance based on that web u posts!
Cheers.
Aug 4th 2007, 11:31 pm
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
On Aug 4, 5:02 pm, aberdonian <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
> The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months,
> wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
B-2 visas are usually valid for 10 years. Don't confuse that with how
long you are allowed to be in the USA on each visit; that's a
different matter and is unrelated to how long the visa is valid.
wrote:
>
> The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months,
> wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
B-2 visas are usually valid for 10 years. Don't confuse that with how
long you are allowed to be in the USA on each visit; that's a
different matter and is unrelated to how long the visa is valid.
Aug 5th 2007, 7:15 am
#13
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 20
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
On Aug 4, 5:02 pm, aberdonian <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
> The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months,
> wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
B-2 visas are usually valid for 10 years. Don't confuse that with how
long you are allowed to be in the USA on each visit; that's a
different matter and is unrelated to how long the visa is valid.
wrote:
>
> The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is 120months,
> wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
B-2 visas are usually valid for 10 years. Don't confuse that with how
long you are allowed to be in the USA on each visit; that's a
different matter and is unrelated to how long the visa is valid.
As far as i know if you have a 10yrs validity of B2 visa, its a multiple and you can stay up2 6 months then after that you should go back to your country, so anytime u wanted to go for a holiday or family visit you can freely go.....
Cheers!
Aug 5th 2007, 9:40 pm
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My Visa Interview - London.
On Aug 5, 8:15 am, aberdonian <[email protected]>
wrote:
> > On Aug 4, 5:02 pm, aberdonian <[email protected]>
> > wrote:
>
> > > The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is
> > > 120months,
> > > wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
>
> > B-2 visas are usually valid for 10 years. Don't confuse that with how
> > long you are allowed to be in the USA on each visit; that's a
> > different matter and is unrelated to how long the visa is valid.
>
> Hello JJ,
>
> As far as i know if you have a 10yrs validity of B2 visa, its a multiple
> and you can stay up2 6 months then after that you should go back to your
> country, so anytime u wanted to go for a holiday or family visit you can
> freely go.....
More or less
. You can be admitted for up to 12 months on a B-2, and
can apply to extend the stay while in the USA. Admissions for 6 months
are more usual. What a '10 year visa' does NOT allow you to do is
enter the USA for 10 years, which some other people have thought in
the past.
wrote:
> > On Aug 4, 5:02 pm, aberdonian <[email protected]>
> > wrote:
>
> > > The link you gave to me says that b2 visa validity period is
> > > 120months,
> > > wow that's cool if they will give me good for 10years! hahahahhahaha
>
> > B-2 visas are usually valid for 10 years. Don't confuse that with how
> > long you are allowed to be in the USA on each visit; that's a
> > different matter and is unrelated to how long the visa is valid.
>
> Hello JJ,
>
> As far as i know if you have a 10yrs validity of B2 visa, its a multiple
> and you can stay up2 6 months then after that you should go back to your
> country, so anytime u wanted to go for a holiday or family visit you can
> freely go.....
More or less
. You can be admitted for up to 12 months on a B-2, andcan apply to extend the stay while in the USA. Admissions for 6 months
are more usual. What a '10 year visa' does NOT allow you to do is
enter the USA for 10 years, which some other people have thought in
the past.
