B2 Visa for the US

I'm hoping somebody on this fab site might be able to answer this question:

I have applied online to the US Embassy for a B2 Visa, I have had confirmation of my application but that was over 6 weeks ago. Does anyone know how long before I will get my interview?

Thanks

S ?|

[Darren Wheeler]

I thought the US Embassy in London was running a reduced visa service for the duration of the Olympics?

http://london.usembassy.gov/visanews014.html

I assume that you've filled in the DS-160 form online - you need to make sure you have a copy of the confirmation as that is one of the forms you need to be allowed inside the embassy. You will also need to phone up the embassy to book an interview. Be aware though that the phone call will cost you at least £10 minimum.

http://london.usembassy.gov/visa_contac ... ation.html

Thanks Tinks for the information - yes I have the DS-160 confirmation but thought the appointment for the interview would automatically follow! I will call the premium rate number, but don't expect to gain my interview with any urgency - as Darren quite rightly pointed out - the visa service unit is reduced during August. n( S

current wait times are here:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4788.html?post=London&x=49&y=20

46 days. I'd give them a call on their lovely premium rate help line

you have to book via the phone weekdays. just a hint, there is a whole list of dos and donts when you do visit, tops of which are no phones,electronic devices of ANY KIND,key fobs,ak47s and nukes.....there is a place just up the street Goulds Pharmacy where you can leave all the above (except the last 2 ) for a small fee

The funny thing is that if you go to the other side of the embassy for a US passport you can take whatever you want in. They are a funny lot our cousins !

Thanks Flabound for your reply - I have already got my interview appointment within 4 weeks - I was offered one within 7 days which suprised me, but unable to accept due to other commitments

Yes the do's and don't - the phone bit will be great to be 'unavailable' for a day, lol. However, when they say 'keyfobs' does this include my car key? Looking on the website it shows a car key?? (Not sure I'll be able to drive up without the car key, lol)!

By your Vflyer name you obviously spend a lot of time in Florida and I presume you have a home there - How often are you there or are you a resident alien? I'm on the space coast, where are you located?

Any further info you have regarding the Visa interview etc would be gratefully received y)

Suzy

I think you really need to read the requirements a little more thoroughly as they do not mess about at the US Embassy:

"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."

From here: http://london.usembassy.gov/visas_security.html

However on the US Passport issuing side of the Embassy you could take anything in more's the pity.

The worst part is that they don't even have one of those locker facilities for you to store your things in. To avoid stress, I would go there by taxi with nothing else on me but my wallet, passport and visa form or maybe try out that store that someone spoke about earlier.

[Darren Wheeler]

Or just take a family member/friend and treat them to lunch as payment?

Colleague of mine had to get a visa (not sure which kind) as he was a guest on an Indian reservation. He said he spent about 10 mins with the officials doing the official bit, and then about an hour more, as they were fascinated by what he was doing! He'd applied for a 6 month visa, so sat and waited as directed. They came out shortly afterwards and had given him a 10 year one!

Sorry, just an anecdote there....

Much appreciate your comments!

I have encountered the american do's and don'ts as have quite a few dealings in the states and understand their strange ways but I just can't get my head round the car key bit ?| ! Nevertheless, I will change my travel there and let the train take the strain! y)

Much appreciate your comments!

I have encountered the american do's and don'ts as have quite a few dealings in the states and understand their strange ways but I just can't get my head round the car key bit ?| ! Nevertheless, I will change my travel there and let the train take the strain! y)

Just don't take anything into the embassy other than your passport, paperwork and a credit card to pay for the courier delivery back to you (they do not take cash). There's a small cafe at the end of the waiting room so you can get a drink and a snack whilst you wait.

I left everything I had at home including keys as I could get these from a neighbour to get back into the house - I did this as I refuse to pay to leave my belongings with a stranger in a chemist down the street. The person in front of me was turned away at the security point as they had kept their iPod headphones in their pocket which also were not allowed.

Get there as early as possible - I was there half an hour before my appointment at 8am and I was about 100th in line. The line does move quickly though once they open. They will ask to see your DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter and payment letter before they let you proceed to security.

I cannot help you with what to expect from your interview questions as no two interviews will be the same. They certainly won't ask you the same questions they asked me.

It all sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. I wonder what the procedure is to get into the UK?

Suzy to answer your questions -we live out here full time on a work visa. we are in Rotonda which is approx 90 miles south of tampa. we are 10 mins from Boca Grande and the ocean

regarding your visa, the B2 is the '6 month a year' tourist/no work one. without wishing to go into your circumstances here please be aware they dont dish these out easily. The usual recipient is the older/retired person ,in fact they tend to sway againts younger people who just 'fancy' 6 months touring the States (they suspect you intend working). SOOOO if you are in that category you may want to rethink as a refusal has to be declared on an Esta and can lead to that being turned down which in turn = no USA
the other reason people use the B2 is having a criminal conviction (which includes D&D) obvioulsy if thats your case you wont want that discussed too much here !

as for the interview, prepare to be bored silly. as stated you CANNOT take anything like key fobs, PDAs ,phones cameras etc etc in. 100% use Goulds, they have set up a nice littel business there and for 3 or 4 quid safely secure your goods all day if needed. (in fact its such a nice little earner I sat there waiting for my interview going ' 2-300 people a day x£3 times 5 days a week x 52 weeks a year= a tidy profit !!)

you will be given an interview time, its an arrival time not when you will be seen. get there at least 30-40 mins before as you will have to queue (its just like Disney) OUTSIDE in the rain (be prepared ) before going through checkpoint charlie.
once inside you get a number. you then go upsatirs and wait till you are called (this is the quick part) they take all your papers, finger print you then sit you back down.

then you wait...and wait...and wait until you are called for your interview. if succesful they take your passport ,give you a receipt which you then take to the in-house courier who you have to pay by Credit card (no cash). then you leave

i would advise taking the following

Cash ( a tenner in coins for vending machines OR new photos plus some paper stuff too)
a book (no kindles !!)
credit card
ALL your paperwork relating to the visa (you can never take too much but can take too little)
passport
patience


good luck

It all sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. I wonder what the procedure is to get into the UK?

"where you from "
" erm Poland"
" do you intend working here "
" oh no absolutely not"
"whats in your bag"
"erm a shovel"
"oh ok Welcome to England Mr Bin Laden"

The US Embassy have made some videos which show the process of getting into the embassy etc and put them on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzZOvF1EEXE

It all sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. I wonder what the procedure is to get into the UK?

"where you from "
" erm Poland"
" do you intend working here "
" oh no absolutely not"
"whats in your bag"
"erm a shovel"
"oh ok Welcome to England Mr Bin Laden"

Exactly. Both ends of the same spectrum. Both without any real common sense... !

"where you from "
" erm Poland"
" do you intend working here "
" oh no absolutely not"
"whats in your bag"
"erm a shovel"
"oh ok Welcome to England"

Hi Flabound
I had a feeling you were in the states on a more permanent basis! We are applying for the B2 as suggested by immigration officer the last time we arrived in the US - we have a home there (a retreat from the UK weather!) and intend to take time out for ourselves now that the family have all left home - fast approaching the twilight years!!!

Also, we have previously had a B2 prior to 9/11, (although it says 'indefinite' it was withdrawn when rules and regs. changed because of 9/11), so hopefully this will be a plus to a successful application.

We have spent many memorable years over on the Gulf coast but in recent years have located to the Space coast as we have many friends here and being nearer to MCO, there are more offers of picking up/drop offs as we no longer have car rental but our own vehicles. Saying that, we are taking a week over on 'your' side on our next trip - it will be nice to have the calmer water rather than the rough Atlantic!

Cheers for the additional info on the procedure at the embassy, plenty to bear in mind - a couple of years ago my friends got an E2 visa and had horrendous times getting theirs sorted, I hope our's will be smoother!

Suzy