update on interview letter

[Collie 122]

I posted last week about being told that we had been selected for an interview according to USCIS. As we still had not received a letter, I called today and was transferred from an agent to an immigration officer for more details. He was very nice and explained that due to fraudulent cases of marriage years ago, there were now many people being called for a second interview due to new USCIS findings, especially if they were still married and not going through divorce proceedings. This seems contradictory to me as I think it should be the other way around, but I guess thats the way that the cookie crumbles. He specifically said that during these type of interviews, the couple would be interviewed separately on their personal and financial aspects of life to prove that they were co-mingled. He also stated that having a baby together was great proof...

He told me that my letter did not state a date but that it would say that the case was awaiting an appointment date at a local district office. I wonder how long that will take?...

It really bugs me now that I have been thinking about it...we have a perfectly legitimate marriage and love each other. We sent a ton of evidence to them with financial info galore and I truly believe that we were selected because we don't yet have a baby together. We are at the time now where we are trying, but we both didn't want to rush in earlier and have a baby without being able to support that child and without feeling that it wasn't the right time. is that so wrong?

Anyhow thats the latest scoop.

[ShallowShrek 0]

I posted last week about being told that we had been selected for an interview according to USCIS. As we still had not received a letter, I called today and was transferred from an agent to an immigration officer for more details. He was very nice and explained that due to fraudulent cases of marriage years ago, there were now many people being called for a second interview due to new USCIS findings, especially if they were still married and not going through divorce proceedings. This seems contradictory to me as I think it should be the other way around, but I guess thats the way that the cookie crumbles. He specifically said that during these type of interviews, the couple would be interviewed separately on their personal and financial aspects of life to prove that they were co-mingled. He also stated that having a baby together was great proof...

He told me that my letter did not state a date but that it would say that the case was awaiting an appointment date at a local district office. I wonder how long that will take?...

It really bugs me now that I have been thinking about it...we have a perfectly legitimate marriage and love each other. We sent a ton of evidence to them with financial info galore and I truly believe that we were selected because we don't yet have a baby together. We are at the time now where we are trying, but we both didn't want to rush in earlier and have a baby without being able to support that child and without feeling that it wasn't the right time. is that so wrong?

Anyhow thats the latest scoop.

stuff like this happen. dont feel bad.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

That sucks, Collie - and like you,I also think that doesn't sound like it rings true. I wonder if he was just talking about 2nd interviews in general rather than in specific. 2nd interviews are often called 'Stokes Interviews" where they do separate you, but that is usually when they have suspicions that there is something 'not right'. It sounds like you are just scheduled for a 'first interview' - whenever that happens to be, not a 2nd interview. I think the agent you spoke to got confused or didn't understand what you were asking. I think it is more likely your file was randomly selected rather than there is anything there to create suspicions and the interview will be pretty straight-forward when it comes. I hope you get the appointment letter soon - at least if you're getting interviewed you should get some benefit like being processed faster!

Edited August 26, 2008 by Kathryn41

[AussieDude 0]

I believe seeing in the USCIS manual somewhere about the percentages of people selected for interviews. I'm sure everyone has heard about this before, but they assign one of three fraud levels, C for obvious fraud, B for there is evidence but possibly not enough, and A for most likely not fraud.

I believe they randomly select a certain percentage from groups A and B for interview.

From some examples I've seen, most couples are interviewed together I believe, and the one Kathryn mentions is probably like she said, a 2nd interview if they're still suspicious.

I saw some example questions posted somewhere a long time ago, might post them if I find them, but I did get a little concerned when I saw them, things like 'What kind of toothpaste does your partner prefer?', 'What color are the curtains in the living room?' etc etc. Once you're in the situation though, I'm sure legitimate couples will be ok. I'd heard that they actually get more suspicious if your answers are too perfect. I, for example, have no idea what color the curtains are