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Hi all
Yesterday I had my interview and Medical experience in London at the US Embassy and Knightsbridge doctors (Basil Street)
I travelled down to the London the night before, and stayed in a hotel so I could be up early and raring to go
I didn't get much sleep as I was really nervous about the day coming up, but had my fiance on the laptop with me all night to keep me sane, and she's my alarm clock too, so woke me up right on time.
I got up to find I had forgotten my hairdryer, disaster, as the hotel didn't have one, which meant I couldn't wash my hair (its quite long) so that left me feeling a little unorganized for the day... but nevertheless, I left the hotel....
Getting to the embassy was reasonably easy, considering how busy the tubes were in the morning, I arrived approx 1 hour before my 10am appointment, and spoke to the gentlemen by the information stand outside the embassy who directed me toward Gould Pharmacy, where I could store all my electronic items. It was only 2 mins walk (if that) from the front of the embassy.
I had my laptop, mp3 player, phone etc... they charged me £3 for the electronic items, and a further £3 for the bag. Strange cos I'd heard they charge £10 ? Must have been brought down. The guys inside were very good at making sure you didnt have anything left on you that wasn't allowed by the embassy, and made you feel safe your items would be well looked after. They have a tabled section in the pharmacy where they have information on what the service offers, and they sit down with you there and talk through it all with you, it's more than just giving it to them over the counter and they hand you back a ticket, I was quite impressed.
Anyways... off to the embassy I go, cigarette shakingly in hand ! lol
There is a queue, but it's very short, firstly I was asked at the very front of the embassy to show my passport and appointment letter, then asked to transfer any jewelry, change and belts into my bag that I had with me (if you dont have a bag they provide you with a clear plastic bag), I was then asked if I had any electronic items, which I didnt)
You then move up to the next part of the entrance, where someone checks your passport again, and your appointment letter, then directs you through the small booth outside the embassy where I went through a security check (very much like airport security, put all ur stuff in a tray, then walk through a metal detector)
Once through security, you walk around the side of the embassy following the signs for 'Visas' , I passed a small smoking shelter on the way round so stopped off for another quick one, knowing I wouldn't get any nicotine for a while...
Once inside the visa department, I queued at a welcome desk where an embassy employee checked my passport and appointment letter, printed my 'number' sticker and attached it to my letter. They then ask you to go take a seat upstairs and wait for your number to be called.
When you get into the waiting room, it's bustling with people, and the noise only dampens to hear the automated announcements of numbers and window allocations. (" I567 to Window 8 please " ) etc...
Note: At this point you realise that theres a two letter system, Nxxx and Ixxx, my number was I868. The N numbers move faster as I presume they are for non immigrant visas, and the I numbers for immigrant visas (not much sense needed to figure that one out lol... )
As I was saying, my number was I868, as I sat down, they called I859, so I felt good there wasn't too many ahead of me.
So I sat......... and sat............. and sat some more............. and then sat some more................ (about 2 hours all in all waiting) and finally, I was called to window 13 (EEEK UNLUCKY NUMBER! WHY ME!) Where a young british chap was waiting, he asked me about the type of visa I was applying for, gave me a payment form and then asked me to go to window 12 to make payment for it and come straight back to window 13...
several $'s later...
The guy then asked me had I had the medical, to which I replied, I have it booked for this afternoon, which he said was fine and asked for the following:
For the affidavit of support, we used a joint sponsor.
The documents I submitted for the Affidavit of support are as follows
So I was then told that I had the required documents, but I had to go through an interview with a consular officer (which I knew was going to happen, but I didn't want to play the know it all, so I listened VERY intently to any instructions I was given)
I had to go sit back in the waiting room, and wait for my number to be called again...
So I sat...........and I sat.......... oh you know where this going...
Almost 2 hours later, I was called back up to window 15, where a very pleasant US lady was waiting for me, I greeted her with a smile but she could tell I was nervous, but I guess thats what they expect...
I was asked a number of questions about my application, and my relationship...
A good tip is to keep a copy of your original application to UCSIS and remember every peice of information you wrote on it, as you will be asked about it at the embassy, I nearly struggled remembering the month I met my fiance lol....
From what I can remember, I was asked at least the following
After answering that barrage of questions, some of which I wasn't prepared for but just told the truth and kept my answers short and simple, the lady said as I haven't had the medical yet, they will hold on to my passport until they get the results, and courier the passport with the visa in it, and a big brown envelope full of my application documents that must remain sealed and present it to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry in the united states.
APPROVED !!
A sigh of relief ran through my body, and I could only have been happier if my fiance was sat next to me... throughout the whole embassy experience, even if you KNOW for a fact that you have all the requirements, you still get extremely nervous, but it all works out
Part II
Medical Examination
I had my medical as basil street in London, not the knightsbridge practice
I found the building ok, no problem there, is down the side of harrods, and then along the road a little bit
I was greeted by a cheerful secretary who took my passport photocopy, my vaccination records, and then my medical questionnaire
I was then told to wait in the waiting room. A short while after the secretary brought me a questionnaire to fill in which I returned to her having filled it out.
I was then taken through to have my chest xray, a very scary lady who was very demanding of me took it, I had to take my shirt off and put on one of those hospital gowns.
After the xray, I was shown to another waiting room where I waited around an hour to be told I needed two vaccinations... well, the NHS are going to give me them for free so I didn't bother paying for them... i was told confirmation from my GP was enough for the adjustment of status process.
So I went in to see the doctor, Dr Sayeed, a very pleasant young lady who made the medical experience a little more relaxing.
I was asked questions about my medical history such as, had I ever been hospitalized etc...
Then I took an eye chart exam (reading the big to small letters)
Then I had my blood pressure taken
Then a throat and ear examination, followed by checking I was a guy (yup, the only way how) and then I had my blood taken.
That was it, that was all I had to do for the medical, I paid £190 and was sent on my way knowing the results will be with the embassy by tuesday next week
So All in all, a good experience, but it was a nerve wrecking one all the same... But nothing to worry about.
The coolest part of my trip (apart from getting the approval) was seeing the armed gaurds with MP5s outside the embassy (sorry, I'm a guy... lol)
If anyone has any questions please post up, otherwise I hope you have enjoyed reading, and I hope this helps a few of you prepare for your interview and medical experience.
Woodger
Yesterday I had my interview and Medical experience in London at the US Embassy and Knightsbridge doctors (Basil Street)
I travelled down to the London the night before, and stayed in a hotel so I could be up early and raring to go
I didn't get much sleep as I was really nervous about the day coming up, but had my fiance on the laptop with me all night to keep me sane, and she's my alarm clock too, so woke me up right on time.
I got up to find I had forgotten my hairdryer, disaster, as the hotel didn't have one, which meant I couldn't wash my hair (its quite long) so that left me feeling a little unorganized for the day... but nevertheless, I left the hotel....
Getting to the embassy was reasonably easy, considering how busy the tubes were in the morning, I arrived approx 1 hour before my 10am appointment, and spoke to the gentlemen by the information stand outside the embassy who directed me toward Gould Pharmacy, where I could store all my electronic items. It was only 2 mins walk (if that) from the front of the embassy.
I had my laptop, mp3 player, phone etc... they charged me £3 for the electronic items, and a further £3 for the bag. Strange cos I'd heard they charge £10 ? Must have been brought down. The guys inside were very good at making sure you didnt have anything left on you that wasn't allowed by the embassy, and made you feel safe your items would be well looked after. They have a tabled section in the pharmacy where they have information on what the service offers, and they sit down with you there and talk through it all with you, it's more than just giving it to them over the counter and they hand you back a ticket, I was quite impressed.
Anyways... off to the embassy I go, cigarette shakingly in hand ! lol
There is a queue, but it's very short, firstly I was asked at the very front of the embassy to show my passport and appointment letter, then asked to transfer any jewelry, change and belts into my bag that I had with me (if you dont have a bag they provide you with a clear plastic bag), I was then asked if I had any electronic items, which I didnt)
You then move up to the next part of the entrance, where someone checks your passport again, and your appointment letter, then directs you through the small booth outside the embassy where I went through a security check (very much like airport security, put all ur stuff in a tray, then walk through a metal detector)
Once through security, you walk around the side of the embassy following the signs for 'Visas' , I passed a small smoking shelter on the way round so stopped off for another quick one, knowing I wouldn't get any nicotine for a while...
Once inside the visa department, I queued at a welcome desk where an embassy employee checked my passport and appointment letter, printed my 'number' sticker and attached it to my letter. They then ask you to go take a seat upstairs and wait for your number to be called.
When you get into the waiting room, it's bustling with people, and the noise only dampens to hear the automated announcements of numbers and window allocations. (" I567 to Window 8 please " ) etc...
Note: At this point you realise that theres a two letter system, Nxxx and Ixxx, my number was I868. The N numbers move faster as I presume they are for non immigrant visas, and the I numbers for immigrant visas (not much sense needed to figure that one out lol... )
As I was saying, my number was I868, as I sat down, they called I859, so I felt good there wasn't too many ahead of me.
So I sat......... and sat............. and sat some more............. and then sat some more................ (about 2 hours all in all waiting) and finally, I was called to window 13 (EEEK UNLUCKY NUMBER! WHY ME!) Where a young british chap was waiting, he asked me about the type of visa I was applying for, gave me a payment form and then asked me to go to window 12 to make payment for it and come straight back to window 13...
several $'s later...
The guy then asked me had I had the medical, to which I replied, I have it booked for this afternoon, which he said was fine and asked for the following:
- Passport
- My Birth Certificate & Copy
- Police Certificate & Copy
- Visa Photos
- Affidavit of Support & Evidence
For the affidavit of support, we used a joint sponsor.
The documents I submitted for the Affidavit of support are as follows
- i134 from fiance
- fiances letter of employment
- fiances bank statement
- i134 from co sponsor (not a family member, and does not live in same state)
- letter of employment from co sponsor
- letter from bank from co sponsor
So I was then told that I had the required documents, but I had to go through an interview with a consular officer (which I knew was going to happen, but I didn't want to play the know it all, so I listened VERY intently to any instructions I was given)
I had to go sit back in the waiting room, and wait for my number to be called again...
So I sat...........and I sat.......... oh you know where this going...
Almost 2 hours later, I was called back up to window 15, where a very pleasant US lady was waiting for me, I greeted her with a smile but she could tell I was nervous, but I guess thats what they expect...
I was asked a number of questions about my application, and my relationship...
A good tip is to keep a copy of your original application to UCSIS and remember every peice of information you wrote on it, as you will be asked about it at the embassy, I nearly struggled remembering the month I met my fiance lol....
From what I can remember, I was asked at least the following
- How did you and your fiance meet?
- When did you meet in person for the first time?
- What happened with your relationship after you met in person for the first time?
- How much time have you been spending in the US this year ?
- Did you propose to your fiance?
- Did you get her a ring?
- Has your fiance ever been to the UK to visit you?
- When are you traveling to the US ?
- When is the wedding?
- Where is the wedding ?
- Where do you plan to live ?
- What does fiance do for work ?
- What do you do for work ?
- Have you handed your notice in at work?
- Have either of you been married before ?
- Do you either of you have any children ?
After answering that barrage of questions, some of which I wasn't prepared for but just told the truth and kept my answers short and simple, the lady said as I haven't had the medical yet, they will hold on to my passport until they get the results, and courier the passport with the visa in it, and a big brown envelope full of my application documents that must remain sealed and present it to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry in the united states.
APPROVED !!
A sigh of relief ran through my body, and I could only have been happier if my fiance was sat next to me... throughout the whole embassy experience, even if you KNOW for a fact that you have all the requirements, you still get extremely nervous, but it all works out
Part II
Medical Examination
I had my medical as basil street in London, not the knightsbridge practice
I found the building ok, no problem there, is down the side of harrods, and then along the road a little bit
I was greeted by a cheerful secretary who took my passport photocopy, my vaccination records, and then my medical questionnaire
I was then told to wait in the waiting room. A short while after the secretary brought me a questionnaire to fill in which I returned to her having filled it out.
I was then taken through to have my chest xray, a very scary lady who was very demanding of me took it, I had to take my shirt off and put on one of those hospital gowns.
After the xray, I was shown to another waiting room where I waited around an hour to be told I needed two vaccinations... well, the NHS are going to give me them for free so I didn't bother paying for them... i was told confirmation from my GP was enough for the adjustment of status process.
So I went in to see the doctor, Dr Sayeed, a very pleasant young lady who made the medical experience a little more relaxing.
I was asked questions about my medical history such as, had I ever been hospitalized etc...
Then I took an eye chart exam (reading the big to small letters)
Then I had my blood pressure taken
Then a throat and ear examination, followed by checking I was a guy (yup, the only way how) and then I had my blood taken.
That was it, that was all I had to do for the medical, I paid £190 and was sent on my way knowing the results will be with the embassy by tuesday next week
So All in all, a good experience, but it was a nerve wrecking one all the same...
But nothing to worry about.The coolest part of my trip (apart from getting the approval) was seeing the armed gaurds with MP5s outside the embassy
(sorry, I'm a guy... lol)If anyone has any questions please post up, otherwise I hope you have enjoyed reading, and I hope this helps a few of you prepare for your interview and medical experience.
Woodger
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