Lotte-Sara in San Diego

Yesterday I went to the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam to apply for my visa. I was a little bit stressed because I did not have the right passport photo for the U.S. archive. I was too late with reading about the requirements to make new passport photos. I decided to just try and see if they would accept the Dutch passport photo I already had.
When I arrived at the Consulate they searched my bags at the front of the building and again inside the building. I had to wait in line to drop off all the paperwork I had with me. I asked a few people what kind of photo they had with them. They all had the right kind of photo so I got even more stressed. When it was my turn, the man at the desk told me that they indeed do not accept that kind of passport photo, so I had to go and take the right one at a photo shop in the neighborhood. It seemed not te be a problem at all to come back when I had the right photo.
When I arrived at the photo shop there were a lot more people who where sent by the Consulate, so I was not the only one.
Back at the Consulate I had to wait in line again to get in, but once I was inside I could just go to the same desk and this time give the complete set of paperwork. Next thing to do was to wait until my name was called to talk to the consul. It took a little time, but when it was my turn they asked a few questions about what I was going to do in the U.S. and where I was going to and that was it. They told me my passport and my visa would be sent back to me and arrive next tuesday.

So now I’ll just wait and see if my visa will arive in time. In the meanwhile I will spend my time at What The Hack in Boxtel where I will be until Monday.

This afternoon I had an appointment with Gitta from Europracticum to pick up the delivered package of paperwork for me. The package also contained my DS-2019 document which is very important for my visa application. I have to take this form to the consulate next thursday together with my passport. The Consulate will return the form, my passport and my J-1 visa by mail. This will take two or three days.

Today my collegue called me to make an appointment with the consulate. You have to do this by calling a special number and directly paying €15,- with your credit card, so I’m glad my collegue did this for me.
The first possible date for an appointment was the 28th of July……..that’s a long time from now!!!! )-:
My collegue will call every day to see if there is anyone who cancelled so I can take that place. Otherwise it won’t be earlier than the 2nd of August for me to leave.

I’ll keep you all informed about the exact date.