CR1/IR1 (Mumbai) - Experience (Start to Finish)
Hello All – wanted to put together a post with our entire experience from start finish in case it could help someone in the same boat. We heavily relied on so many people’s experiences to successfully complete our journey and hope to do the same for someone reading this post.
I am a US citizen wife filing for my husband who is a UAE resident, but an Indian Citizen. I should preface by saying we were both previously married and divorced. Neither one of us knew each other prior to our divorces and did not contribute to the divorce. We also had an amazing legal team that helped do all our paperwork (highly recommended if you have any complicated situations).
1. We filed our I-130 in June 2024, got approved in August 2025.
2. We then got our welcome letter from NVC within 5 days.
3. Prior to paying any fees or uploading information, we requested to change his interview location from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai (as he holds an Indian Passport). NVC made the change in a 1 week.
4. Took us about a month to put together our DS-260 but we got the DQ email within 1 week. We DQ’d in Oct 2025.
5. Now this was the most frustrating part – our Interview Letter only came in March, 2026 (almost 5 months from DQ) with an Interview date of May 12, 2026. Mumbai used to be a lot faster (2-3 months from other people’s history), but I guess they must be getting a lot more cases to process through now.
6. We were able to schedule our medical and biometrics pretty instantly, though some people report waiting for slots but it does become available. We scheduled medical on April 21^(st) (with ample time before the interview) and biometrics was scheduled on April 23^(rd).
a. A small note, when creating a profile on the USAvisascheduling website, we had to change our location again from UAE to India. We had to message the website HelpDesk through the portal. They resolved it in two days. The website is not very user-friendly, but their support team does respond and fix pretty promptly.
7. By this point, our visa type flipped from CR1 to IR1 although that never updated on CEAC portal.
8. My husband attended his medical in Mumbai at Rele Clinic on April 20 at 8 am. Whole process is straightforward and took about 2 hours. The clinic is very responsive and accommodative through Whatsapp. They will send detailed instructions on what is required from you for the appointment. Our legal team told us to do the medical at least 3 weeks before interview.
9. Biometrics appointment was on April 22^(nd) at 2:30 pm. Took less than 15 minutes. Also a very straightforward process. Be sure to bring all the required documents. You will receive detailed instructions through the USAvisascheduling portal once you book your appointment.
10. We received a pre-interview checklist email from Mumbai embassy about a month before the interview. They let us know which documents are okay and which needed some more information. Super helpful! Be on the lookout for this. I (petitioner) received this email.
11. Now for the final step: INTERVIEW DAY –
a. My husband stayed at Trident right across from the embassy. This hotel is walking distance and very convenient for those attending the interview early morning. It’s a little expensive, but worth it.
b. His appt was for 7:15 am and he arrived there around 6:40 am. There already was a line, but they only allow entry based on interview time. He waited about 20 minutes and was able to get in.
c. He went through security and received a token number (roughly took another 20 minutes). You can only carry documents inside. No electronics. I believe there is a locker service for a fee, but he did not use it as he left his phone in the hotel.
d. He was first called before an Indian Officer and asked the following:
· What is your full name?
· What is your date of birth?
· Who is calling you?
· When did you get married?
· Please give me the birth certificate, police clearance, court decree of name change approval, marriage certificate, divorce decree, tax documents and old passports that has US visa (he had a B1/B2 visa).
e.. Indian officer kept all these documents and my husband took a seat and waited to be called by the American officer about 40 minutes later.
f. American officer was polite and very straightforward. After exchanging basic pleasantries, this is the order of events with this officer:
· Take oath
· What is your full name?
· When did you get married?
· Was it love or arranged marriage?
· How did you meet your wife?
· Where is she now (state only – but recommended to learn full address)?
· Where does she work?
· Were you previously married?
· When did you get divorced?
· Was your wife previously married?
· When did she get divorced?
· Have you stayed in any country for more than six years? If yes, how long were you there?
· Do you have the police clearance from all countries where you stayed more than 6 months?
· How long have you been in UAE?
The interviewer was typing all the responses as they were talking. Then he said the most anticipated phrase “Congratulations, your visa is approved!”. He kept the passport and gave back all other documents. The whole process took about 2 hours, though this can take up to 4 hours per previous reddit posts.
12. We opted for Passport pick up. It was ready 2 days after interview. This can vary by a few days. Check USAvisascheduling for passport status updates. Once you receive the passport, be careful and check all the printed information carefully before leaving the building. A government issued ID is required for pick up.
Final thoughts - Just make sure all your documents are in order and you must carry ALL ORIGINALS AND COPIES OF SAME for the interview. As long as your marriage is real and your documents are good, you will be just fine. Be confident. Be polite to the officers. Dress well. Be mindful of proper hygiene. Say hello, good morning, thank you, etc. and do not argue with them under any circumstance. Hope this is helpful for everyone going through this process. Your time will come before you know it. Sending you all best wishes and prayers. Grateful to God for bringing us through. Good luck! 😊