AOS Interview Coming up

[JillianShea 0]

My husband's AOS interview is coming up in about a month! (July 22) And I have some questions that I would like to ask to those of you who are "veterans" to this process and have "been there done that"

1) So what should we wear... Sunday clothes (like skirt, blouse and him dress pants, button up) or bussiness wear (suits) ormore casual than that?

2) How close do my husband and I get to sit in the interview.. is it like separated or chairs side by side?

3) What impresses the IOs the most?

4) We are young.. (he's 19, i'll be 4 days shy of 19 at the interview) what is their view on this?

5) Do we offer information about or wait to be asked.. like could I be like.. "here are our vacation pictures from a few weeks ago.." and "here is our college mail that shows we get mail at the same place.."

6)He was out after curfew when he was like 15, 16 and his parents had to pick him up... they said it would go off his record when he turns 18... should this be something we bring up lol??? Would it still show up on his background check?

7) When we graduated high school, he and I both got a scholarship for our academic achievement for tuition to a local community college where he goes now... will they look bad upon this since he overstayed a visa... he did NOT misrep to the college though

8) lastly.. we got married in court (seeing we're college students with little extra cash lol) and we live with my parents... we didn't really have a honeymoon... seeeing we're gonna have a wedding maybe next summer when my husband will graduate.. will they question our court only marriage and no honeymoon...?

THANKS EVERYONE... WE LOVE YA'LL

[pegbert64 0]

I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll give you my thoughts based on our interview earlier this week :

1) So what should we wear... Sunday clothes (like skirt, blouse and him dress pants, button up) or bussiness wear (suits) ormore casual than that?

I wore a pair of black dress slacks with a short-sleeved sweater top; small hoop earring, a bracelet, and a small cross pendant (which I always wear!) My husband wore Dockers and a button-down dress shirt (no tie) and dress shoes. We based it on this info that I found on another website:

"You should dress professionally, and even conservatively. The non-verbal mode of communication will tell a lot about who you are. Avoid shirts or jewelry with slogans or symbols that might make the officer wonder about your lifestyle or morals. Some of the officers might be traditional and very conservative in the way they think. If you are a young lady, avoid revealing tops and piercings, as the officer might cast doubt on your role as a responsible wife. In so many words, we suggest that you dress as if you were going to an important job interview and that your career depends on its success."

My personal opinion on this is that you don't want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself.... you want them to approve your case, not your outfit! I've also seen it suggested to NOT wear heavy perfume or cologne, lest the officer be allergic - again, it would distract from the reason you are there.

2) How close do my husband and I get to sit in the interview.. is it like separated or chairs side by side?

We were side by side in chairs, across the desk from the officer.

3) What impresses the IOs the most?

I had read over and over before the interview, and I agree: BE PREPARED!!! Have all your documents photocopied and filed in a binder or accordian file. If you have the time to make a scrapbook of your photos/cards/emails, etc, then do that, rather than just tossing everything into a box. It shows that you actually care about the memories of your courtship and life together. I also suggest going over the contents of your files/albums with your spouse, so that you both know where all the documents and evidences are. Our officer was very thankful that we had been so organized.... she said it made her job easier

4) We are young.. (he's 19, i'll be 4 days shy of 19 at the interview) what is their view on this?

We are ........ errrr...... "not so young" , so I can't answer this one.

5) Do we offer information about or wait to be asked.. like could I be like.. "here are our vacation pictures from a few weeks ago.." and "here is our college mail that shows we get mail at the same place.."

Our attorney told us do NOT offer information unless asked for. Also, answer questions without elaborating: if you are asked "Where did you meet your spouse", say "I met him/her in Timbucktoo." rather than "I met him/her in Timbucktoo when I was there visitng my brother's friend's sister who was having a baby and she was feeling pretty sick so I wanted to......." etc. You get the idea! Once you get to the point where the officer is looking at albums, then you have more opportunity to chitty-chat, but even then be careful about sticking to the point. If the officer asks "Did you enjoy that concert?" I think it's fine to say "Oh yes, it was awesome! We had a great time!".... but leave out the bit about the drunken tailgaiting and the subsequent hang-overs

6)He was out after curfew when he was like 15, 16 and his parents had to pick him up... they said it would go off his record when he turns 18... should this be something we bring up lol??? Would it still show up on his background check?

I don't know

7) When we graduated high school, he and I both got a scholarship for our academic achievement for tuition to a local community college where he goes now... will they look bad upon this since he overstayed a visa... he did NOT misrep to the college though

I don't know

8) lastly.. we got married in court (seeing we're college students with little extra cash lol) and we live with my parents... we didn't really have a honeymoon... seeeing we're gonna have a wedding maybe next summer when my husband will graduate.. will they question our court only marriage and no honeymoon...?

I don't think it would be an issue. We got married in Las Vegas, and she asked if it was just us. We said yes - just us, the pastor, the photographer, and the thousands of onlookers cheering us on! We did mention that since we are older, and not a first marriage, we felt that a private ceremony was more appropriate, though we were able to share our ceremony DVD with our families after the fact. The officer nodded in agreement and said "Of course." I think the explanation you gave above is a good thing to say, if asked.

I hope that you find some of this info helpful!!

L

[Beachmouse 0]

1. We didn't wear anything special just a nice Shirt and Pants for him and skirt for me.

2. We were sitting next to each other on chairs and the interviewer was sitting behind her desk.

3. I don't really now what impresses them the most. Just be honest and have all your papers in a good order so you know where your paper is when they ask for it. (I thought I had my papers in a good order but I was so nervous and my hands were shaking so bad that I couldn't find my papers quick)

4. I don't know if age matters maybe somebody else can help better with this one.

5. Wait to be asked about it I would say.

6. I would not mention it and just explain it in case it comes up.

7. They could asked why he overstayed his visa but I don't think the scholarship matters at all.

8. It always depends on the interviewer but I think they understand that you are young and a lot of people just get a Court marriage. So I don't think that should be a problem.

I hope I could help you a little.

Good luck on your interview.

Sabrina

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

1) So what should we wear... Sunday clothes (like skirt, blouse and him dress pants, button up) or bussiness wear (suits) ormore casual than that?

There has been people that go as they have pleased but we dressed business casual (khaki and polo shirt) and my wife just a regular sunday dress.

2) How close do my husband and I get to sit in the interview.. is it like separated or chairs side by side?

We were sat next to each other, in a business like environment, the surrounding is really comfortable, I felt as if I was applying for a loan in a bank or something

3) What impresses the IOs the most?

I would go ahead and say honesty and coolness (abscence of nerviousness) we were pretty calm but I've read stories about people trying to be more comfortable than needed (making jokes) and the IO not taking it very well. So, be calm, answer everything w/the truth and remember that your relationship is true

4) We are young.. (he's 19, i'll be 4 days shy of 19 at the interview) what is their view on this?

Depending on how old you are, if there is not a big difference (like you 50 and him 19), I would say there is no problem. Love have no limits hehe, they shouldn't discriminate based on age, race, religion etc my wife is white, I'm mexicanito and didnt have any problems at all.

5) Do we offer information about or wait to be asked.. like could I be like.. "here are our vacation pictures from a few weeks ago.." and "here is our college mail that shows we get mail at the same place.."

They ask you everything, remember they are the interviewers. For example, he never asked us for photographs when we got interviewed nor asked us to explain why we love each other, but remember each IO is different.

6)He was out after curfew when he was like 15, 16 and his parents had to pick him up... they said it would go off his record when he turns 18... should this be something we bring up lol??? Would it still show up on his background check?

No, remember do not bring anything up if not asked. What is the point to add wood to the fire if there is no need? That's not a serious offense, you will be alright, relax

7) When we graduated high school, he and I both got a scholarship for our academic achievement for tuition to a local community college where he goes now... will they look bad upon this since he overstayed a visa... he did NOT misrep to the college though

If someone marries a US Citizens, bets are that this will be dismissed since he came with the intention to study not marry and well, if he is getting scholarships for academic achievements I guess his goals are well set. I graduated from an american university w/2 degrees and my wife (the US citizen) is also a college graduate, I really don't know if this fact helped but our interview was a piece of cake.

8) lastly.. we got married in court (seeing we're college students with little extra cash lol) and we live with my parents... we didn't really have a honeymoon... seeeing we're gonna have a wedding maybe next summer when my husband will graduate.. will they question our court only marriage and no honeymoon...?

Nope, we got married 4 months before our religious ceremony and never asked anything about having a honeymoon or not.

Hope this helps, and good luck paisano!

Edited June 20, 2008 by GueraYTavo

[JillianShea 0]

THANKS EVERYONE!!!! My husband and I really appreciate your time and effort in your replies! You have all made us feel a little better!!! (= Now just 32 days to go waiting lol..for one of the most important interviews of our lives (until we have our interviews for being a nurse when we graduate! Yay (= )

MUCHAS GRACIAS A TODOS... (i figure i would throw in a little espanol lol... my hubby is latino, i've learned a lot in two and a half years)

[truffles 2]

Looks like you have some really good advice here....Good Luck with your Interview...

[Heliosphan 1]

VERY INFORMATIVE THREAD! Actually makes me more relaxed than anything.

Remember they're not exactly "out to get you", just want to verify what's going on.

Good luck! Some of those responses were hilarious though

BTW age doesn't matter. My best friend and his spouse were 19/20 when they got married and 5 years later they're still happily together after the interview (they had their interview at a home visit though since they were too young to really have any documents establishing an ongoing bona fide marriage and she was on a B2 visa).

[JillianShea 0]

Hey Heliosphan... how did they schedule a home visit interview? What is that and how did that come about?

[proud_armywife24 0]

CONGRATS n good luck on ur interview Jillianshea......

I also have an interview coming up July 29th and i was wondering if anyone can here can answer this concern/question that I have

My husband is in the Military(army) and I was wondering if it's ok if he wear is uniform to the interview.....??

[Hydey 0]

Hey Heliosphan... how did they schedule a home visit interview? What is that and how did that come about?

Just been browsing and came accross this, i am 19 and my Wife is 21. I have to ask, how did they manage to schedule a home visit, really?

[Heliosphan 1]

Hey Heliosphan... how did they schedule a home visit interview? What is that and how did that come about?

Just been browsing and came accross this, i am 19 and my Wife is 21. I have to ask, how did they manage to schedule a home visit, really?

You're in my state

They let you know ahead of time when they're scheduling a home visit, like with the initial interviews. It's very rare that it happens but they decided to get married so abruptly that they had basically nothing to show on the AOS.