Farrell
14th Feb 2005, 15:13
Well folks, have just arrived back from the embassy in Paris where I went for my M1 visa.
Got up at 04h00 this morning to catch the 05h30 TGV which was due to arrive into Paris at 07h30. My interview was at 09h30 but I wanted to make sure that there was no problems with delayed trains.
Sure enough, snow on the tracks, so delayed for an hour but still time to have a coffee.
I brought bundles of forms with me, letters of money in my account, letter from the boss, I-20, photos etc.
Arrived at the embassy at 09h25 as instructed (they tell you to arrive 5 minutes before), and went through the security at the gate. Standard stuff. You are not allowed to bring your mobile phone inside - they also took my calculator and I was studying on the train so the aircraft manuals got a going through when they searched my bag.
By the way, the guy at the gate outside checks to see that you have paid the SEVIS fee and that you have the correct photo (5cm x 5cm) - if you don't have the fee, you can't get in, but there is a photo machine there (just don't rely on it to be working!)
Everything is incredibly well organised. You start by meeting a guy at the first desk and he checks your forms quickly, and then you go to another desk where you are issued with a number and they take your I-20 and passport. It doesn't matter whether you have a French passport or not - they can process your visa if you have what they require of you.
Then after a little wait, you go to a new desk and they take a scan of your fingerprints. Left and right index fingers (if you have them!)
Then, after another few minutes, you get called to another booth and this is where the immigration inspector is. He was very polite. Asked questions that were no different than what I have been asked by inspectors of other countries in the past. Gave him a letter from my boss to say that I was coming back to work, copies of my flights and itinerary and a photocopy of my credit card and bank balance. I also gave him a DHL type envelope (Chronopost in France). He then looked at his screen, smiled and said "The visa is granted!" and wished me a pleasant journey!
My passport, complete with my M-1 visa inside, will be sent to me in two days!
Your little ticket tells to what your estimated waiting time will be. It said 1 hour and 29 mins.......I was out in 1 hour and 20!
All in all; a nice experience.
:ok:
Got up at 04h00 this morning to catch the 05h30 TGV which was due to arrive into Paris at 07h30. My interview was at 09h30 but I wanted to make sure that there was no problems with delayed trains.
Sure enough, snow on the tracks, so delayed for an hour but still time to have a coffee.
I brought bundles of forms with me, letters of money in my account, letter from the boss, I-20, photos etc.
Arrived at the embassy at 09h25 as instructed (they tell you to arrive 5 minutes before), and went through the security at the gate. Standard stuff. You are not allowed to bring your mobile phone inside - they also took my calculator and I was studying on the train so the aircraft manuals got a going through when they searched my bag.
By the way, the guy at the gate outside checks to see that you have paid the SEVIS fee and that you have the correct photo (5cm x 5cm) - if you don't have the fee, you can't get in, but there is a photo machine there (just don't rely on it to be working!)
Everything is incredibly well organised. You start by meeting a guy at the first desk and he checks your forms quickly, and then you go to another desk where you are issued with a number and they take your I-20 and passport. It doesn't matter whether you have a French passport or not - they can process your visa if you have what they require of you.
Then after a little wait, you go to a new desk and they take a scan of your fingerprints. Left and right index fingers (if you have them!)
Then, after another few minutes, you get called to another booth and this is where the immigration inspector is. He was very polite. Asked questions that were no different than what I have been asked by inspectors of other countries in the past. Gave him a letter from my boss to say that I was coming back to work, copies of my flights and itinerary and a photocopy of my credit card and bank balance. I also gave him a DHL type envelope (Chronopost in France). He then looked at his screen, smiled and said "The visa is granted!" and wished me a pleasant journey!
My passport, complete with my M-1 visa inside, will be sent to me in two days!
Your little ticket tells to what your estimated waiting time will be. It said 1 hour and 29 mins.......I was out in 1 hour and 20!
All in all; a nice experience.
:ok: