Hello dear ones,
On May 12th, I had my appointment at the US Consulate in Munich. The appointment was at 7:45 am and I was there at 7:15 am. Best decision! I was already done by 8:00 am. What tips can I give? Follow the guidelines! Ideally, don't bring your mobile phone. You are not allowed to enter the building with a laptop. The photo must comply with the official specifications regarding size and background color. Does it all sound logical? Not really. In the three-quarters of an hour, I saw so many people doing something wrong and thus slowing down the process... so definitely make an appointment in the morning and enter the building either as the 1st or 5th, then it's the fastest. Before entering, your passport will be checked to see if you have an appointment at all. In the first room, you will be screened. So take off your jacket, belt, and so on and go through the gate. I even had to give up my car key. In the second room, a nice elderly lady checks your DS-160 application, your passport, and your student form, which is issued by the university in the USA (what's the stupid thing called again...). And it will be checked if the photo meets the mentioned requirements. Then it's time to take your fingerprints. If you can read, you have an advantage and save time: first the left hand (4 fingers), then the right one, and then both thumbs. Apparently, many people find it difficult... unbelievable but true. Then you have to wait until you are called to the interview counter. I was asked 2-3 questions there (what are you studying at Ole Miss, why Ole Miss,...) the fingerprints are compared and that's it. No one wanted the other documents and the passport photo. Now I just have to wait for my passport to be returned. Oh, and when you leave, don't forget the key :)
All in all, pretty easy. Almost everyone speaks German (although with an accent, but that is forgiven). Only the 'interview' was in English. Listen and that's it - oh yes, the elderly lady tells you to check your address. This means the shipping address for the passport that is stated on the DS-160. Make sure you are listed on the doorbell so that the passport comes back to you in a timely manner.
That's it!
Many greetings
Your Franz
Quick update: Visa arrived with me one day later :)
