I-130 Petition American Embassy Seoul Part 2

I made my way to the third floor and sat down and tried to figure out what I needed to do. I had an appointment at 10, but there was also a machine that allowed you to take a number. There were a few windows that were open, but most of them were closed. It seemed that there were not that many people working on a Thursday morning. I waited for a few minutes trying to read the announcement on the LED screen that was scrolling through super fast. I read a notice that said that VISA interviews were usually completed in 2 hours. I finally realized that I was in the wrong area. The room was basically divided in two and I should have been in the section on the left hand side of the room. There was nobody waiting in that section and in fact there were no windows even open. I sat down for about 1 minute and the shade pulled up and they were open for business. I went to the window and explained that I had an appointment for 10, but I had arrived super early. The embassy official didn't mind that I was early and let me give him all of my paper work. I really wish that I would have gotten this gentleman's name. He was very courteous and as helpful as he could have been. I had way more documentation than they needed, but will still have to go back on Tuesday for one more visit. Here is what they took from me.

I-130
both photos
both G325A forms
Copy of my work contract
Copy of my birth certificate
Copy of our marriage certificate
Copy of my passport
Copy of my ARC
All of JJ's certified documents Family, Marriage, and Basic

He instructed me that JJ may need the rest of the information for when she has her interview, but that they will call me if they need any evidence of a true marriage. He also asked me where she was?????? I didn't know that she had to attend and they had a form that she needed to fill out. The form allows the embassy to email her the packet of instructions for her VISA interview instead of mailing it....DOH!!!!! If I would have known that I would need her, I would have not let her sleep in. It probably would have been nice to have someone to talk to on the way to Seoul as well. The embassy official told me to have her sign it and then bring it back as soon as possible. I think I spent about 10 minutes or so asking him different questions about the visa process. He took the time to explain everything and was very helpful.


In Summary:
1. The embassy website needs to be updated.

2. There are required forms that you do not know are needed until you book your appointment time.

3. Both petitioner and beneficiary must attend, so that the beneficiary may fill out the notification form.

4. The customer service I received was excellent and I hope that everyone is as friendly throughout the process.




This week will not be as stressful as last and I will wake up early again and run to Seoul on Tuesday and drop off the form very quickly. Hopefully, JJ will be approved and we can start working on her interview materials and documentation.

Visa Part 1