1. Prepare your documents before the actual day.
- List of documents needed here
For students an additional document is the I-20 form. Ensure that all sections are signed (for mine there was a section for myself - the student and a section for a parent/guardian).
"Once your visa appointment is over, make sure you photocopy every important piece of paper, or scan and save all of your forms to a hard drive.
Losing any piece of visa paperwork can land you in a mess, but the process of fixing that problem will be made marginally easier if you have at least one backup copy of all of your required forms. Keep everything together in a big folder, save copies on a hard drive and, of course, try not to lose any of the originals." (source)
2. Find out the address of the USA embassy in Malaysia - if you are not familiar already KL roads can be very congested during rush hour. Try to leave as early as possible if you are travelling from outside KL town.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d3983.771245030069!2d101.72250000000001!3d3.1549220000000004!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31cc37ccb3d75de5%3A0x35ef9bae897fc68d!2sUS+Commercial+Service%2C+US+Embassy!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1417143417545&w=400&h=300]
+60 3-2168 5000
3. Be prepared to wait - or not to. Every applicant has to go through a different waiting time. If you're easily restless - don't forget to bring some form of entertainment, puzzles, crosswords etc. because you will not be allowed to bring a mobile device into the premises.
My interview day:
My interview day:
So I was instructed to arrive only 10 minutes earlier than the time stated (0850 hrs). However, when I arrived people were already queuing up so the guard informed me that those with the 0850 appointment can line up already.
1. Handed in my appointment confirmation paper & my IC in exchange for a green visa pass.
2. We had to go through a security check point. Handphones are to be left at this check point. The guard will ask you to write down your details and give you a Number Card so don't worry about bringing a hand phone. You can collect it after your interview at the EXIT counter. If you're really paranoid you should just leave it behind.
3. Inside, a guard will give you a waiting number (this is given according to your category - student VISA is categorised A) and a green sheet of paper to inform you what documents you need to submit. You are given time - a short waiting period to prepare the following documents for submission:
- appointment confirmation letter
- DS-160 confirmation page
- current passport
- the green sheet of paper
- VISA 2x2 photo (white background)
The process includes 3 steps:
- Documentation
- Biometrics
- Interview
Documentation: Your number will be called and someone will check and receive your documents at the counter. (You go back and wait again for your number to be called)
Biometrics: Again, your number will be called. This time you will be scanning your finger prints. First - four fingers (excluding thumb) left hand. Then, right hand also four fingers. Finally both thumbs together. They will check your prints immediately - if it is fine you may leave. (You go back and wait again for your number to be called)
Interview:
So I got interviewed by a really nice lady. Our conversation went somewhat like this:
Me: Good morning.
Lady: Hi morning, so why are you going to the USA?
Me: I'm going there to study.
Lady: What was your last school/college?
*Hands in Foundation certificate, IELTS results, Shell sponsor letter (with financial statement), and OU offer
Me: I finished my foundation last December, I took a gap year.
*Lady looks away from computer, looks at me.
Lady: Oh really? Why did you take a gap year?
Me: I was applying for a scholarship - I am sponsored by Shell Malaysia *points to Shell letter
Lady: Oh really?? (At this point she was so excited) That's so cool, so how much are they paying? Are they covering all your fees?
Me: Yeah, they are please look at the last page, all the financial details are there.
Lady: Wow, that is so cool. Was it hard?? To get the scholarship? What did you have to do?
Me: Yea it wasn't easy. We had to go through three stages (and I talked a little bit, I don't know why I was feeling nervous but I didn't say much lol)
Lady: Cool, so you are studying Petroleum Engineering. How many ladies are in this field?
Me: Uhmm, I'm not very sure, but if I'm not mistaken there are three of us going overseas.
Lady: Oh, I see, cause you don't find a lot of ladies doing this nowadays. Do you have any family members or relatives in the US?
Me: Yeah, I have a brother in Arizona State University.
Lady: And is he sponsored like you too?
Me: Nah, my Dad is sponsoring him.
Lady: So your Dad must be really happy you're getting this huh? Well all the best and congratulations you've passed the interview. Your visa will be sent to your address within two working days.
Me: Alright, thank you! Have a nice day!
Lady: You too!
So the lady was really really nice. She's probably only 20 something. Anyways, this happened on a Friday. The next week on Tuesday I received my passport from Aramex. The courier they use. So everything was settled in three working days.
Thats it for now! Wrote this post way on Friday itself but I couldn't find time to post it till now lol. Ok. Till then!
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