After my last attempt in London two years ago I bit the bullet and tried again for my B2 Visa and was granted.

I must admit the new online application process and booking system for the US Embassy/Consulate is speedier and cheaper than going though the old 09 £1.20 pm number.

Applied for my visa at the US Consulate in Belfast very nice building bit tricky to find but head towards the Ulster Bank offices and their is the security office.

Appointment was at 11.45am but arrived at 11.30am security is friendly and you can leave your mobile phone with them which is a bonus as their are no public payphones near the Consulate. After being searched I walked up the grounds past the Consular Genrals office (He was in and wavied when he saw someone walking up the path who was a visitor). You go right to the back of the building into a small office with three counters and an Interview Booth. There is a vending machine for drinks.

Passed all my documents over

1) DS-160 Confirmation Page
2) Interview Confirmation Page (Printed of the new website)
3) Old Passport
4) ACPO Certificate
5) VCU01 Form
6) 2" x 2" Photo

Was asked to sit down and wait was 10 other people in the room.

Was called up to the desk again arround 40 minutes later and they took my fingerprints and handed me back my photo.

about 20 minutes later I was called into the Interview Booth and was greeted by a nice friendely American Lady.

She asked me:-
1) Why I wanted the visa?
2) What I was going to do in the States?
3) How long was I with my Partner?
4) Explain to me what happened regarding your convition etc. I was very trutful and told her about my volunteering etc to keep payng back to the community

She typed away at her screen. Thanked me for being so upfront and honnest and she said it's my decision (dramatic pause and stern look on her face) to grant you your visa for 10 years. (Big gay moment I cried and full of thanks). Now just waiting for the passport to come back.

Total Time at the Consulate 1hour 20 minutes

Just be truthful, honest and dress smart.

Just remember to take all your information with you and be honest!

Post Edited (yklad81) : 29/06/2014 13:40:46 (GMT+2)