mrkobain

Yes, they will put those in a locker and give you the key, you collect on the way out

Former Lancastrian

They might also be asking you for the passwords of the iPad and phone to see what you have on them. Heres a tip remove anything you don't want them looking at before arriving.

KTG

Thanks for the advice!!

KTG

Just had my appointment and was in and out within 1 hour.

Started queuing at 7.35am for 8am appointment. 20 people ahead of me. I was allowed my phone and free wifi inside.

Given appointment number V103. Soon realised that the V prefix related to those with conviction as all dealt with at the same interview window.

Ticket V100 called bang on 8am with mine being called at 8.20. Checked all my documents and took finger prints then asked to be seated and wait for my interview.

Again realised that the V codes were all being interviewed by one person. Called for my main interview at 8.45am and was in there for max of 5 mins. Only asked how much me and my husband earned. Did not even ask me for any evidence (I brought loads).

I have a conviction for possesion of class A & B from 15 years ago. Recommend for a 5 year visa. 😀. Not booking anything yet until in my hands! Just going to forget about it now and then see.

After years of deliberation I am so pleased I took the step and came here today.

My advice would be get an 8am appointment and be at the front of the queue.

Thanks to all the contributors to this thread. Without this I would never had the confidence to try.

Will post back again if do get it!

mrkobain

Glad to hear it went ok, sounds like the process has changed since I was there in december, wasn't given any ticket and just everyone que in the same line...just out of interest, did you ask were they recommending you for a visa or did he/she just tell you? I wasn't told on both occasions I went for interview (received 1 year waiver on first occasion), waiting on decision of 2nd application...he just said, "you know the drill" on second occasion 😊

KTG

Thanks!

To be honest before he had even asked me any questions, I could see the paper on his side already ticked for rejection and a circle round the section recommending a waiver. He had had a good read of everything before I even got to him. I think seeing me face to face was the final formality.

He said "I am going to recommend you for a 60 month visa and it should take about 6 months".😀

Another query regarding pre-clearance at Dublin....

I will be coming from Newcastle with aer linguas with a connection time of 1hr 10mins. I know in usual connecting flights your baggage gets transferred to the next flight but if I go pre-clearance, do they take my bags off so I can identify them and they be checked again. I am a bit confused still!

Thanks

scottyvisa

In Dublin pre-clearance, assuming your flight is booked all the way through, you won't have to recheck your bags, instead while in pre-clearance they show you a photo of them and ask them to confirm they are yours and if necessary what's inside it etc.

That is a very very short connection time for a long haul flight, let alone with pre-clearance.

KTG

I did email them questioning the transfer time but they said you just get off your first plane and go straight to pre-clearance in a matter of minutes. Makes me nervous though!

dixiedec

Hello All,

Just looking for a bit of advice.
Had 2 convictions for possession in 1991, and 1996.
Have had 2 visas since in 2001, and 2005 through the interview and waiver process.
It took a few weeks to come through, both times.
So when I applied in December I thought I was in loads of time for my holiday to Florida at the end of this month, with my kids, now I've grown up!!
They told me then it would take 4-6 months. Well I am 3 months in and my holiday is in 3 weeks.
I have been approved and sent to DHS, which was on 11th January.

Three questions for anyone with experience.
Does it take the full 6 months?
Is there any point in contacting them?
Should I bite the bullet and book another holiday with my kids?

We are all so upset. They were so looking forward to meeting Goofy!!

ireallywannago

There's no way of knowing how long it takes, but I would always say that they come back around 6-8 months. Sorry to say.

westwise

Unfortunately you won't be travelling to Florida in 3 weeks, I think 18-20 weeks from interview would be the fastest result you could expect, but no guarantees it won't be longer. I think it's time to bite the bullet, can you pay extra to change the holiday with the travel agent ?

materialcontroller

Try to rearrange the holiday for a later date. The waiver process takes much longer now than it used to and you will not have a visa in time to travel to the USA as you had planned. There is no point contacting the consulate either.

In future, don't make plans until after you've received the visa. It will save an awful lot of stress, disappointment and extra expense.

dixiedec

Thank you Material controller.
My own fault, but I just remembered the few weeks it took in 2001 and 2005.
Can't believe it now takes 6 months.
Oh well, I've told my kids already, and a trip to Thailand instead awaits.

materialcontroller

You can always take them to Florida at a later date. Most visas given to waiver of ineligibility applicants are now valid for 5 years.

Good luck and well done on making the best out of a bad situation.

scottyvisa

You'll probably have to visit secondary though, but hopefully will be fine. When I did it there was no line in pre-clearance or secondary, so I probably got through in about 20 minutes, although can't remember exactly. You could always fly into Dublin a day early though, it's a great city!