When you arrive at the U.S. Embassy in London for your K-1 visa appointment, you can expect the process to be well-organized and streamlined, even if it may involve a fair bit of waiting. Here’s what to expect!

Arrival, Security & Initial Check-In

Most applicants arrive at the embassy 10-15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time, but don’t arrive too early; there are no prizes for arriving an hour before you need to. The embassy is located near Nine Elms (33 Nine Elms Lane, Nine Elms, London SW11 7US), about a 10-minute walk from Vauxhall tube station, and is easy to find.

Queueing outside the U.S. Embassy

Upon arrival, you’ll likely see a queue forming outside. Wait in the ‘visas’ queue outside and hand over your DS-160 and passport; Embassy staff stationed at the lectern will check everything is in order and place a handwritten sticker on your passport. You’ll generally then be able to skip the line and go through security.

What you can and can’t bring into the Embassy

Be aware of what you can and cannot bring into the Embassy! If you need to leave baggage somewhere, we would recommend a place like Bounce.

Note: You can bring drinks inside, but be prepared to take a sip in front of the security officers if asked.

Going through security

Security is ‘airport-style’. Once through security, you’ll cross a courtyard to the main building where the receptionist will again check your documents, before replacing the handwritten sticker with a printed one bearing your ticket number. You’ll then be directed to take a lift to the first floor.

Waiting and Document Collection

Once on the first floor, just follow the instructions round to the area designated for immigrant visa processing. This space is separate from the non-immigrant visa section, with a central waiting area surrounded by booths. Display screens show ticket numbers as they are called.

The first window (document verification)

You’ll wait here until your ticket number is displayed, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. When called, you’ll proceed to a booth where a consular officer will request your documents. Typically, you’ll be asked to provide the following (but please follow your lawyer’s advice and/or do your own research about what to take with you on the day):

• Passport
• One U.S.-sized (2×2 inch) passport photo
• Birth certificate
• ACRO Certificate
• Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
• Supporting financial documents (e.g., tax returns, letters from your fiancé’s employer, or bank statements)
• Other relevant documents (e.g., divorce certificates, if applicable)

In some cases, the officer might not need all the supporting financial documents you’ve prepared, so don’t be surprised if they only request a few key items. Fingerprints will be scanned, and you’ll be handed a letter explaining your legal rights once you arrive in the U.S. This part of the process generally takes less than 10 minutes.

The second window (the interview!)

After your documents are collected and verified, you’ll be asked to return to the waiting area until your number is called again for the interview. This wait can be longer – sometimes up to 30 minutes. When called, you’ll meet with another consular officer for the interview, which is generally brief and straightforward.

Follow the officer’s instructions. Do not thrust a bunch of documentation into their hands as soon as you go up to the window; they will not appreciate it. Generally, they will ask you a few simple questions. Common questions include:

• How did you and your fiancé(e) meet?
• How and when did you first meet in person?
• How many times have you visited each other?
• When did you last see each other in person?
• Who proposed, and how did the proposal happen?
• What are your wedding plans?

The officer may also ask about your fiancé(e)’s job and other details about your relationship. The interview is typically (but not always) friendly, with the officer making an effort to put you at ease.

Approval and Next Steps

If everything is in order, the officer will likely approve your visa on the spot, pending any additional required documents (such as medical results). You’ll be informed that your visa should be ready within 1-2 weeks, and that you’ll receive an email notification when your passport and visa package are ready for collection from the courier center.

The entire process from arrival to departure may take about an hour or even two, with most of the time spent waiting. The actual interaction with the consular officers is relatively brief and focused. Prepare thoroughly for your interview, but also to remain calm and confident. If your relationship is genuine and you’ve provided all the necessary documentation, there’s not much reason to be worried!

Many applicants report feeling nervous beforehand, but find the embassy staff to be professional and supportive, often congratulating them on their upcoming wedding. By the end of the process, you should feel a sense of relief and excitement, knowing you’re one step closer to starting your life together in the United States. Hooray!

Further resources:

The US Embassy in London posted this rather useful video about attending your (non-immigrant) visa interview, which is worth a watch: