Getting a visa - my experience

[jockdog]

Hi,

I've just gone through the process of getting a US Visa - I thought I would post my experience.

I got into the queue outside the US Embassy at 8:30am, and I left the Embassy at 10:15am.

My advice to make the process as easy as possible is to:

- Take your appointment letter and proof of payment.
- Make sure you complete all necessary forms as completely as possible (DS0156, DS0157, VCU001). Check and double-check.
- Get a photo. This is not the same size as our passport photo - I got mine from SnappySnaps.
- Get a Police certificate (if necessary.)
- Take passport (plus old passport if this has an old visa in it.)
- Don't turn up with an electronic device (no mobile phone, iPod, laptop, car key fob, etc.)
- Try and avoid taking a large bag or backpack.
- I also took bank statements, payslips, etc. But I was not asked for these.
- Your passport is returned by courier, so take cash, credit card or debit card. Standard rate is £14.50

If you have any questions, ask away.

Alan

 

[Goofyish]

Thanks for the information on your experience Alan

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks for posting, Alan, This will be very useful for others having to go through the process, I'm sure.

 

[Beep]

My DF got a visa 4 years ago and we were amazed at how quick the process was.

What absolutely astounded me was that he applied for the visa in London on the Thursday and came out at around lunch time. At 0830 on the Friday morning there was a knock at the door (we live in the Midlands) and a private courier was there with the passport and visa. Awesome!

 

[Funky_dino]

I got my Visa a few months ago. It was quite a quick process once I got there, I must have been there 3 hours at the most. The worst thing about it except having to wait outside in the rain hehe, Is all the forms and things leading up to it. It can seem quite daunting at first as there are so many, I remember checking them over and over again for weeks!
Also anyone who has been to the embassy, did the tv screen setup remind you of being in Argos waiting for your item to appear lol.

 

[cowza]

Also anyone who has been to the embassy, did the tv screen setup remind you of being in Argos waiting for your item to appear lol.

It is a little bit isn't it? Haha. It has quite a unique smell though... I likened it to a doctors surgery waiting room (but bigger obviously) haha.

Getting a visa is a pretty quick process when you get there... it's all the paperwork you have to do beforehand that is time consuming.

 

[Funky_dino]

Do you get asked any extra questions about the Visa when you go through customs?
or is it just the usual business or pleasure, finger prints and eye scan?

 

[Funky_dino]

Do you get asked any extra questions about the Visa when you go through customs?
or is it just the usual business or pleasure, finger prints and eye scan?

 

[Beep]

Do you get asked any extra questions about the Visa when you go through customs?
or is it just the usual business or pleasure, finger prints and eye scan?

The first time my DF went through with the visa he was asked (very politely) what it was for. Once he told them he was told not to renew it when it was due as he didn't need one. We asked why it said on the website that he did and she said it was a money-making thing for London.

The next time we went through it wasn't even mentioned.

 

[cowza]

The only time I have been asked about my visa is when I've left America. They just asked when it was I had entered on the visa. If anything there usually just interested to know where you worked.