MY INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
My interview at the embassy was successful and it took a record 28mins. I was even surprised that the interview had ended soo fast.
I got to the embassy at 0552 hours, found 10 people outside. Btw two drivers were fined at the gate for making a U-turn was told the fine was Ksh.5000 so those being dropped warn your drivers.
Stage 1: First Security Check (Just outside the gate)
At 0605 we were told to get into separate lines for males and females. Priority is given to pregnant mothers and those with kids below 10 years. Here you we were told to have our passports and appointment letter in our hands. We were frisked and proceeded. The female queue seemed to move slower coz of the mothers and kids, kinda felt irritated cz for every 3 men frisked 1 woman was frisked but I had to be patient.
Stage 2; Name Confirmation
After security, I proceeded ahead about 10m (well my estimation is poor) where a receptionist confirmed if my name was on the appointment list. After confirmation I queued awaiting the next stage. Thank God the first 8 in the queue get to sit as they await the next stage, was told to switch off my phone.
Stage 3; Second Security Check
Here you enter in a batch of 4 people at a time. It’s a thorough security check where I was asked to remove my wallet, coins, earphones, xray dvd. My phone and xray dvd was kept and I was given that ka-thing you are given when you put your luggage in a supermarket. Please keep it safely. I proceeded about 10m to the interviewing lobby. The place looks like a banking hall so expect nothing spectacular J
Stage 4; Token
I entered the interviewing hall where a lady re-checked my second notification letter and passport and gave me a token number. Went outside to sit at the waiting lobby as I IMPATIENTLY waited for my token to be called. Its an open place so you gotta keep yourself warm + you can also buy breakfast there to release tension.
Stage 5; Submission of Documents and payment
After like 15 mins, I was finally called inside the interviewing hall to a window. Here I saw my Knec certificate on my file. The lady asked me for my certificate of good conduct, original birth certificate and its photocopy, original KCSE certificate & its photocopy and 2 passport pics. In return she gave me the photos I had sent to Kentucky together with the 1st notification letter.
After the submission she directed me to the cashier where I paid Ksh.29,700 (330$) and I returned the receipt to her. Went outside to the waiting bay.
Stage 6; Finger prints
After another 12mins, I was called inside to have my fingerprints checked. Its digital so you just put your fingerprints on the fingerprints scanner. The officer also asked me to confirm my full names. Went back to the waiting bay.
Stage 7; Interview (Finally!! J)
Was called inside to have my interview, I actually didn’t know it was the final stage.
CO; Raise your hand and swear that all the information you have submitted is true. She gave me form Ds 230 I had sent earlier to sign.
Have you ever been married?
Do you have children?
Where will you go to live in US?
What did you do after high school?
All these questions I was asked very fast and in less than 20 seconds I had answered all of them.
She afterwards told me my visa had been granted and asked to register for dhl. That was it at 0850hrs. Came out happy and passed by the exit to collect my phone and xray dvd. I thank God for this blessing and am sure all of you remaining will have a similar experience. Chicago here I come baby!!
What I learnt
If you are a lady and you will probably be picked after the interview, avoid carrying unnecessary things on your handbag. If possible only carry your documents and wallet on a folder.
Confirm that you have all your documents before leaving the embassy.
Sorry the post was a lil bit long but I just wanted the back benchers to have a clear view of what goes on in the embassy. And as my profile pic is, thats how I have been dancing the whole day
