(Personal) Application for a US Visa – How long??
Discussion
A mate of mine (who doesn’t post here) needs to take his daughter to the US Embassy tomorrow, so she can attend an “appointment” to hopefully get a US Visa to work there during her Gap Year
Uncle Sam’s security regulations at the Embassy mean that he virtually has to dump her there and wait somewhere, whilst she is processed. He is not allowed inside, nor is she allowed to take any electronics in with her (see below).
Whilst the two of them are astute enough to find a mutually convenient coffee shop, the issue for him is does he get a quick coffee or go for a 4-hour stroll somewhere?
Anybody got any idea how long personal applications typically take?
TIA
Uncle Sam’s security regulations at the Embassy mean that he virtually has to dump her there and wait somewhere, whilst she is processed. He is not allowed inside, nor is she allowed to take any electronics in with her (see below).
Whilst the two of them are astute enough to find a mutually convenient coffee shop, the issue for him is does he get a quick coffee or go for a 4-hour stroll somewhere?
Anybody got any idea how long personal applications typically take?
TIA
The Website of Uncle Sam's Fort in Grosvenor Square said:
Large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages are not allowed within the Embassy grounds. Click on the following PDF file for a list of Left Luggage storage facilities. Please also do not bring mobile phones or any other electronic devices, such as Blackberries, iPods, PDAs or remote-entry automobile key "fobs" to the interview as they are not allowed within the Embassy. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the cancellation of your appointment.
Applicants are required to queue outside even in inclement weather. Please, therefore, do not arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time.
Only applicants with appointments will be admitted into the Embassy. Exceptions will be made only if the applicant is under 18, if the applicant requires an interpreter or if the applicant is disabled and requires assistance. The parent or guardian, interpreter or carer’s name must be on the appointment list. Local authorities will not permit anyone to wait outside the Embassy, so please do not bring anyone else with you.
Applicants are required to queue outside even in inclement weather. Please, therefore, do not arrive at the Embassy more than 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time.
Only applicants with appointments will be admitted into the Embassy. Exceptions will be made only if the applicant is under 18, if the applicant requires an interpreter or if the applicant is disabled and requires assistance. The parent or guardian, interpreter or carer’s name must be on the appointment list. Local authorities will not permit anyone to wait outside the Embassy, so please do not bring anyone else with you.
Edited by Bowler on Thursday 5th March 16:31
When we did ours it was about 1 hour between going in the gates and coming out. Caveat was we were very well prepared and all documentation was correctly completed with supporting originals as necessary. The actual "interview" was about 45 seconds.
It is a bit of a gamble sometimes as some folk are there hours and hours
Sorry can't be more accurate but this will be a good welcome to US bureaucracy for her !
Chris
It is a bit of a gamble sometimes as some folk are there hours and hours
Sorry can't be more accurate but this will be a good welcome to US bureaucracy for her !
Chris
The appointment is at 8.30 in the morning and my buddy has volunteered to drive her down from Birmingham, so pubs/drinkies are a bit of a non-starter..
The thing that he has found amazing is the whole "no-phones" situation, as this means that he can't even bugger off somewhere and wait for her call.
Thanks anyway guys.
More views if poss...
When I went there to get my Visa working in a summer camp it took me about an hour, the year before I waited outside for my girlfriend for well over 4 hours. It will depend on what time her appointment is, as the later ones tend to have a longer backlog, though mainly it will come down to luck. I seem to remember leaving my fone with security so she should be able to call him when she gets back out. I would recomend they both bring a lot of reading material and he finds a decent cafe somewhere nearby.
smartie said:
So you can't take a car key fob in? What are you supposed to do if you've driven down alone?
Bit over paranoid to say the least!!
Here's the link to where they suggest you leave your stuffBit over paranoid to say the least!!
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/forms/Left_Lu...
Obviously, someone there has got a sense of humour..
If the payphone does not exist or does not work or is encrusted with feces, she merely has to ask anyone passing by if she could use their phone to make one quick call, and offer to pay for the call. Most people would be very helpful, and would also refuse to accept payment. At least, that has been my experience in the UK.
With an 8.30am appt, she will be done in an hour. It is about 5 mins to interview and 15 mins to process the paperwork. If her stuff is not in order, it doesn't take any longer. They merely tell you to get whatever else they need, and then schedule another appt.
Appointments scheduled for later in the day take longer because things get backed up. Even those should not take more than 2 hours these days.
Appointments scheduled for later in the day take longer because things get backed up. Even those should not take more than 2 hours these days.
Edited by just me on Thursday 5th March 20:30
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