Now I attended my Medical, the only thing I had to wait for was my interview date (exciting!).
I was sure to check I had collated all the necessary documents (this checklist is awesome: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/interview/interview-prepare/required-documents.html). I also had to make sure I registered for the courier delivery service. In the UK, your passport will be returned to you after the interview via DX courier. You can opt to get the passport delivered to a DX depot or (for an extra fee), to have it delivered to your home address. I opted to have it delivered to a depot since there is one not far from where I live. Once the registration was complete, I was sure to print out the confirmation page. The day before my interview, like (somewhat anxious) Santa at Christmas, I checked my document checklist twice (or maybe three times, who knows?!) and put all the docs into a folder. Since I don't live in London, I stayed with my friend in Tottenham the night before my interview. Thankfully, public transport worked just fine on the day and I got to Vauxhall with no issues whatsoever. The embassy is a 10-15 min walk from Vauxhall tube station. The walk is nice if you take exit 1 and walk along the Thames. You can also take exit 2 and take the bus or walk along the carriageway. The embassy is well signposted and visible so I found it easily. I arrived 35 min before my allocated interview slot (08:55 to be precise). I checked in with a lady at the front desk outside the consular services entrance. She ticked my name off the list and invited me to go through an airport style security gate. Security was quick and well organised, but be sure you do not bring big bags or laptops - you will not be allowed in and there are no lockers available at the embassy to leave your stuff. I only had a small handbag, my phone and my documents - I was admitted with no issues. Once through security, I followed clear signage to the inside of the embassy building. The queue inside the building was quite long and so I asked a member of staff if I needed to wait in the long queue. It transpired that, since I was an Immigrant Visa Applicant, I was able to skip the queue and go straight to the desk where a very helpful lady checked me in and gave me a slip of paper with a number on it. She then asked me to go to Floor 1 using the lift and turn left and follow the signs to Immigrant Visa section (windows 20-22). I was ready and waiting in the waiting area by 09:10am. I only managed to sit down for a minute or so when my number got called up to the first window. At the window, I was met by a very professional and kind lady who asked me to confirm some basic personal details and collected my documents (passport, 2 photos, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate from previous marriage and police certificates). She also asked for T's W2 to confirm the financials. She explained that she scanned the documents and that the originals will be returned to me after my interview. She asked how soon after the interview I wanted to travel and then took my fingerprints and asked me to go back to the waiting area and wait to be called forward for my interview. I waited about an hour for my ticket number to be called forward for the actual interview. I was asked to go to a window next to the window I submitted all my docs, and was met by an American gentleman who was very nice and professional. He placed me under oath and asked me a few questions. He asked when/where T and I met, when we got married, what T did for a job and what I wanted to do once I am over in the US. He was thoroughly professional, and put me at ease so the entire experience was very pleasant and I realised I did not need to feel anxious at all. After I answered all his questions, the Immigration Officer told me that I was approved and explained that the Embassy will hold my passport so that a visa can be placed in it and that it will be couriered back to me within 7-10 days. That's it! I was so very happy! The very words I have been waiting to hear all that time! Approved! :) I rang T right away, even though it was 3am in LA - he was wide awake waiting to hear the good news. We were ecstatic and finally able to make plans for my move over to the US! Whoop whoop!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
About this Blog...I decided to write this blog to capture memories of my immigration journey and perhaps to give other Brits an insight into what they might expect if they find themselves in a similar position. ArchivesCategories |