At the US Embassy

In reference to my previous blog, this is the reason that I cannot disclose before because I wanted to make sure that my Visa gets approved first before telling the whole world about it.

I woke up at 4:00AM. My interview schedule is at 7:00AM. I arrived at the US Embassy around 5:30AM. They started letting people in at around 6:00AM. We were instructed to go to the baggage screening area. Cellphones are prohibited inside so you have to leave them at the counter. A valid ID must be presented to claim them back after the interview. I was instructed to get a number at Window 1 (or Window A). I presented my passport and other documents. The officer checked the completeness of my answers in the application form. After checking, the officer gave me a number. I went to the Pavillion area to wait for my number to be called. When my number was called, I was instructed to go to the Interview area to wait yet again. After waiting yet again, my number was called yet again for fingerprint scanning. I stated my name and birthdate before the fingerprint scanning process. The officer is a bit strict about the entire fingerprint scanning thing. I remember the officer telling the other applicants "Press harder, press harder, like this oh. Mmm, like this". She did not complain however when it's my turn to scan my fingerprints. I did press harder, that's why. So anyways, after fingerprint scanning, I went back to where I was seated at the interview area and waited yet again for my number to be called. I was there early so we were the first batch to be interviewed. Once the clock hits 8AM, the Visa officers will immediately start the interviewing. When I was called, here's the dialogue between me and the Visa officer (VO) as far as I can remember them:

VO: Good Morning, How are you?
Me: Fine, how about you?
VO: So-so (smiling).
VO: May I see your documents?
Me: Sure, do you want all of them?
VO: Go ahead.
Me: (slipped all the documents under the window)
Me: Oh by the way, my employer wants me to give you this as well (handed over the sealed short brown envelope)
VO: Thanks. (browsed the documents). So your company name is xXx?
Me: Yes, that's correct.
VO: Isn't it xXx has some other offices aside from its location in
xXx?
Me: I'm not sure about that. What I do know is that their main office is in xXx.
VO: Okay. (browsed the documents again, then asked...) What's your position there and what will you be doing?
Me: (explained everything)
VO: Okay.

Yada, yada, yada.

After answering her questions, she opened the sealed envelope. Browsed the documents found inside the envelope, then uttered the words, "Okay, that does it." (then handed me the yellow slip)

VO: Go back to the pavillion and present this slip to arrange for your passport delivery. Have a nice day."
Me: You too. Thanks.

Voila! Visa Approved!