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Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 13:13:28 -0400 (EDT)
Dear all-
I wish to "share" my experience with swiss-listers that may be
anxious (as I was) about the renewal process of a J-1 visa at
the US embassy in Bern.
First of all: no worry! I was amazed how smooth things went.
As you all now know, we need to have an appointment at the embassy,
which is done with the 0900... number in Switzerland. Ask a friend/
family member to do it for you from CH. Phone rather soon, since
the delay between the phone and the actual "interview" is long,
about 1.5 months in my case.
After preparing all your docs (DS 2019, DS-156, DS-157 if you're male,
DS-158, 2 pics with 5cmx5cm, do not attach or glue one picture on
the DS-156 form, they do it for you and prefer to send you to a
photomaton at the Bern station if your photos are not as required)
and your pass. I did not need to give anything more.
Arriving at the US embassy: join the line! It took me 1 hour to be
inspected by the Securitas guard. I heard more for some friends...
After the securitas entry point (where docs and pics are checked),
you will get a number and a folder filled with the docs and pass
you brought. Wait again to enter the embassy.
In the embassy, wait again (1 hr for me, 2hrs for others)...
First screening (~1min) with a clerk; quick questions about what
you do and where you've been, clarify some points if necessary.
Then sit again.
Last screening with a consular officar (1mn) who decides if the
application seems OK. Say if you want to pick up the pass/visa in
the afternoon or give an enveloppe with stamp.
Come back in the afternoon after 4pm (try around 3:30pm if you're
busy, maybe they have it already).
And that's it.
So, in brief, be patient, you will have to wait quite a bit.
>From 2hrs to even more depending on your luck. But in general,
the process is without too much of a hassle.
Of course, the above applied to me and your experience may/will
differ. I cannot be held responsible for that. You may be required
to take additional forms/docs with you. Check with the embassy's
website to make sure.
Marc
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Received on Wed Jul 09 2003 - 12:38:34 PDT
