Hello Again!
In today's post I thought I would discuss the process of attending my J-1 Visa appointment at the London Embassy as part of my Camp America experience. I know I was almost more nervous about this appointment than I was about the recruitment fair, and I can't be the only one feeling this way! Hopefully this will put some of your minds at ease.
After receiving my visa documents from CA, I filled in the various forms and documents then got my visa appointment. I was to attend the embassy in March for an interview. The word interview always makes me sweat a little, but this was one of the most efficient interviews I have ever carried out. If you're anything like me, you will be scouring the internet looking for what to take, what isn't allowed into the embassy and anything that may catch you out. Simply follow the directions camp america have sent you and you will be absolutely fine! For reference, here is a list of things I needed to take/ chose to take into the embassy with me (please refer to the embassy website/CA information as things change all the time!):
- Paperwork - you need your passport, a copy of your appointment confirmation, a print out of your DS-160 form, spare visa photos, copy of fee payment receipt, DS-2019 form, SEVIS fee receipt, Camp America support letter, proof of student status/work status/reason to return to the UK. In terms of paper work, my CA support letter and student status information was never looked at, but each case is different so keep this in mind.
- Bags - no large bags/luggage are allowed into the embassy and every bag will be checked airport security style. I took a small handbag in with me containing my phone, kindle, bank card, some cash and carried my documents in a clear plastic wallet.
- Electronics - phones, tablets and e-readers are now allowed into the embassy, but laptops are not. Please keep this in mind.
I arrived at the embassy about and hour and a half too early due to my train times. I decided to go and report to the Camp America staff anyway to confirm that I had attended my appointment and so they could check my documents to keep my mind at ease. I was told they were already letting people in so I joined my first queue of the day. Embassy staff separated and checked my paper work whilst in the queue. At the front of the queue, a lady double checked this, checked I didn't have anything I shouldn't have on me and sent me to join the queue for security. This all happens outside so please be prepared for bad weather - there are places outside to store umbrellas once through security. Security is airport style, I got asked to show that my kindle was working, by bag was sent through a scanner and I walked through a body scanner just like in the airport. Once this was completed, you walk into the embassy. When inside, my documents were scanned and I was given a number. I then sat in a large waiting room and waited for my number to be called. Once called, you are told to go to a specific window, where embassy staff will check your documents again, ask a few questions and take all 10 fingerprints.
Following this, it was time for interview. I joined another queue where a member of staff was directing people to available windows, just like before. The consulor officer will ask a few questions about why you're going to America and what you will do upon your return. Then, my visa was granted! The officer keeps your passport and DS-2019 which will be returned to you by courier once the visa has been processed.
All in all, I was in the embassy for around 20 minutes - it was quick, easy and the staff were super lovely! I had no reason to be as terrified as I was.
As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Lucy
