What advice can be given?

[MouadsWife 161]

I have been reading alot of misc posts and I wish we could lump all our advice in one post. For all the people who will be going through interviews soo, what is some advice that our members can offer who have been through the process. Things you think would help, things you wish you would have known from the start, and things you wished you had done. I just read a really great advice on "New Updated Numbers for Morocco" thread and thought about starting this one... We have our interview in December and we're really very nervous. Wellll.... he is... lol.. I only get nervous when he gets nervous! Thanks ahead of time everyone for your helpful hints!

Edited October 11, 2009 by MouadsWife

[brnidokiegurl 0]

There are a million of these already in the MENA section of suggestions , the best advice,

always tell the truth, be prepared, take EVERYTHING you can possibly think of as evidence, look the interviewer direct, no joking, if you do not understand the english ask for interputation, do not mention gf as wife, if they ask a question say about how do you talk, say we talk much chat here do you can see our logs (as you present this to them) or yes we talk alot on the phone here you can see our phone bills (as you hand them the bills). If ask about visits, give answer as ask and say yes here you can see our pictures. You have to take the agression step here sometimes they wont look at anything. Remember they have your application in front of them during the questioning so be sure you know what all information it contains BEING PREPARED IS THE KEY, when in the waiting room do not fumble thru your papers just sit confident and wait your turn

[Nothing1234 2]

There are a million of these already in the MENA section of suggestions , the best advice,

always tell the truth, be prepared, take EVERYTHING you can possibly think of as evidence, look the interviewer direct, no joking, if you do not understand the english ask for interputation, do not mention gf as wife, if they ask a question say about how do you talk, say we talk much chat here do you can see our logs (as you present this to them) or yes we talk alot on the phone here you can see our phone bills (as you hand them the bills). If ask about visits, give answer as ask and say yes here you can see our pictures. You have to take the agression step here sometimes they wont look at anything. Remember they have your application in front of them during the questioning so be sure you know what all information it contains BEING PREPARED IS THE KEY, when in the waiting room do not fumble thru your papers just sit confident and wait your turn

Great advice...use the Forum Search feature (top right area near My Controls)...TONS of advice here already. Best of luck everyone!

[AlHayatZween 2]

There are a million of these already in the MENA section of suggestions , the best advice,

always tell the truth, be prepared, take EVERYTHING you can possibly think of as evidence, look the interviewer direct, no joking, if you do not understand the english ask for interputation, do not mention gf as wife, if they ask a question say about how do you talk, say we talk much chat here do you can see our logs (as you present this to them) or yes we talk alot on the phone here you can see our phone bills (as you hand them the bills). If ask about visits, give answer as ask and say yes here you can see our pictures. You have to take the agression step here sometimes they wont look at anything. Remember they have your application in front of them during the questioning so be sure you know what all information it contains BEING PREPARED IS THE KEY, when in the waiting room do not fumble thru your papers just sit confident and wait your turn

[christeen 966]

The one piece of advice I have seen too many people unfortunatly caught on is that if in your past you have EVER tried ANY drugs, regardless if it was experimental or otherwise, you should be aware of the consequences of a positive answer!!!

I cannot advocate lying to the medical staff, however an edited omission of incriminating past discresions might be something you can consider... Especially as the US Govt does not fool around and you will be banned for YEARS!!!

[Jamaican JNR 2]

I have been reading alot of misc posts and I wish we could lump all our advice in one post. For all the people who will be going through interviews soo, what is some advice that our members can offer who have been through the process. Things you think would help, things you wish you would have known from the start, and things you wished you had done. I just read a really great advice on "New Updated Numbers for Morocco" thread and thought about starting this one... We have our interview in December and we're really very nervous. Wellll.... he is... lol.. I only get nervous when he gets nervous! Thanks ahead of time everyone for your helpful hints!

Take what you have already, it should bind both of you as one e.g. photos, bills, contracts, insurance docs, etc.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

look at your case as if you were the CO. If you have any "red flags", prepare your SO to answer those hard questions with conviction.

the obvious one:

If you are significantly older than your SO(especially for women marrying mena men), since thats pretty much out of the cultural norm....prepare him to answer confidently why he wants to marry/married you.

basically, anything that is out of the cultural norm for your SO may be a possible red flag to the CO at the interview when they are reviewing your case.

Practice with your SO and ask hard questions so he/she is prepared to answer without hesitation from nervousness or whatever.

I think thats the best advise I can give besides to be well prepared with proof of bonofides and triple check all of your DS forms.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Also they may ask the same question but in different ways, remember this is Morocco, unlike most any other embassy, not to scare but you must study and be prepared. Try not to mention any money that has been sent, its like if not asked dont say. Stick to the question given no more no less and try not to hesitate in answering like your trying to (think) up the correct answer. The lady Ahmed had the first time was awful in her attitude, the second time the lady was very nice and actually had a short conversation about the music they both liked and and was very friendly but this is not always the case. Be prepared for the age question if that is a problem, be prepared to answer if kids are in the future plans, what work do you plan to do once here, how does your family feel about you marrying, they can and do ask all kids of things

[MouadsWife 161]

Also they may ask the same question but in different ways, remember this is Morocco, unlike most any other embassy, not to scare but you must study and be prepared. Try not to mention any money that has been sent, its like if not asked dont say. Stick to the question given no more no less and try not to hesitate in answering like your trying to (think) up the correct answer. The lady Ahmed had the first time was awful in her attitude, the second time the lady was very nice and actually had a short conversation about the music they both liked and and was very friendly but this is not always the case. Be prepared for the age question if that is a problem, be prepared to answer if kids are in the future plans, what work do you plan to do once here, how does your family feel about you marrying, they can and do ask all kids of things

So about the money issue... on form DS-156 question 28 asks... "Who willPay for your trip" (to usa)... I typed an answer of "Fiance (meaning me), or Uncle. I have not sent the form off yet. Was that a good or bad answer?

[Y's_habibitk 2]

Also they may ask the same question but in different ways, remember this is Morocco, unlike most any other embassy, not to scare but you must study and be prepared. Try not to mention any money that has been sent, its like if not asked dont say. Stick to the question given no more no less and try not to hesitate in answering like your trying to (think) up the correct answer. The lady Ahmed had the first time was awful in her attitude, the second time the lady was very nice and actually had a short conversation about the music they both liked and and was very friendly but this is not always the case. Be prepared for the age question if that is a problem, be prepared to answer if kids are in the future plans, what work do you plan to do once here, how does your family feel about you marrying, they can and do ask all kids of things

So about the money issue... on form DS-156 question 28 asks... "Who willPay for your trip" (to usa)... I typed an answer of "Fiance (meaning me), or Uncle. I have not sent the form off yet. Was that a good or bad answer?

if thats true, its the right answer dont lie on ANY forms. the truth is the good answer... she's talking more about sending your SO money IE western union or something. which is a very good point btw, thats very out of the cultural norm. unless its him sending you money then send that as proof!

[MouadsWife 161]

Also they may ask the same question but in different ways, remember this is Morocco, unlike most any other embassy, not to scare but you must study and be prepared. Try not to mention any money that has been sent, its like if not asked dont say. Stick to the question given no more no less and try not to hesitate in answering like your trying to (think) up the correct answer. The lady Ahmed had the first time was awful in her attitude, the second time the lady was very nice and actually had a short conversation about the music they both liked and and was very friendly but this is not always the case. Be prepared for the age question if that is a problem, be prepared to answer if kids are in the future plans, what work do you plan to do once here, how does your family feel about you marrying, they can and do ask all kids of things

So about the money issue... on form DS-156 question 28 asks... "Who willPay for your trip" (to usa)... I typed an answer of "Fiance (meaning me), or Uncle. I have not sent the form off yet. Was that a good or bad answer?

if thats true, its the right answer dont lie on ANY forms. the truth is the good answer... she's talking more about sending your SO money IE western union or something. which is a very good point btw, thats very out of the cultural norm. unless its him sending you money then send that as proof!

Well I willbe sending him money by western union to help with costs of medical and things he has to get done for interview. Can that be traced? I mean could they find that out?

Edited October 12, 2009 by MouadsWife

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Unless they ask, don't mention money, you sending it to him, or him sending it to you. They can conclude that him sending money to you is a pay off for a fraudulant arrangement. Besides, they probably already know because, under the Patriot Act, money transfers to MENA countries must be reported to Homeland Security.

This information is posted on a blog I have on another site:

Information regarding interview techniques

The family visa interview is an integral and important investigative tool employed in determining the validity of the relationship between applicant and petitioner. Consular officers are trained in behavioral analysis; the observation and evaluation of verbal and body language cues that may indicate deception.

Behavioral analysis in interviewing is a technique that uses a structured set of behavior provoking questions designed to determine truth or deception. When a person makes a conscious effort to conceal information or wrong doing, they often experience internal conflicts that create increased tension and anxiety. By identifying when such verbal and non-verbal signs of deception are present, consular officers are able to recognize deception with a high level of accuracy. This type of interviewing technique is particularly useful when determining if a person is editing information or fabricating responses.

80% of all human communication is non-verbal and trained investigators understand the importance of analyzing body language in context. One of the most common errors in analyzing body language is taking one action, such as loss of eye contact, as deception. What a well-trained interviewer looks for is clusters of body language. If the spoken word is inconsistent with your body language at the time of the response or immediately after then this is significant.

Examples of verbal and behavioral responses that may arouse suspicion; what NOT to do:

Applicant should not take a long time to start answering questions

Applicant should not answer too quickly or answer before a question is completed

Applicant should not repeatedly asking the interviewer to repeat the question or repeating it themselves

Applicant should not be overly polite or apologetic

Applicant should not complain persistently

Applicant should not offer an unnatural silence before answering

Applicant should not exhibit increased discomfort and anxiety

Applicant should not exhibit hostility or anger toward the interviewer

Applicant should not persist in evading answering questions

Applicant should not express resistance to the interview process

Applicant should not exhibit early signs of extremely rigid posture followed by alternating stiffness and relaxation

Applicant should not pose hands, legs, objects in front of body in a way that forms a barrier between the applicant and the interviewer (i.e. folding arms over chest, crossing legs, etc.)

Applicant should not exhibit a feigned lack of interest in the interview

Applicant should not change posture when the topic changes during the interview

Applicant should not be uncomfortable facing the interviewer and should not hesitate to make eye contact

Applicant should not attempt to expand the distance between him/herself and the interviewer by moving their seat away from or leaning away from the interviewer

Applicant should not rub their forehead near the temple region

Applicant should not employ nervous tics, such as squeezing their face, rubbing their neck, or stroking the back of their head with their hand.

Applicant should not use fewer hand movements to illustrate their actions than normal, nor be over animated

Applicant should not lip licking and hard swallowing

Applicant should not wring their hands or bounce or shake their legs.

Applicant should not avert or hide their eyes or look down at their laps for prolonged periods when answering questions

Applicant should not stare down the interviewer to show control. A truthful person stares only half the time on average

Applicant should avoid going pale (indicates fear) or flush (indicates anger or shame)

Eye-Accessing Cues

The field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) they use the phenomenon of eye-accessing cues to help recognize patterns of thinking. By the direction of where the person’s eyes are looking, you can determine whether they are using vision, sound or kinesthetic (feeling) to trigger their thinking.

If this represents a person facing you then when they look up and to the left (your upper right) they’ll be accessing a visual memory. Up and to the right (again, your upper left) means that they’re visually constructing (imagining) something. To your right, they’re remembering a sound, to your left, they’re creating a sound. Down right, the person is accessing a bodily feeling or emotion. Down left (your down right), they are accessing inner dialog (talking to themselves).

If, for example, you were asking your child where they got the candy bar, and they look to their ‘constructing’ side, then you can be sure they’re fabricating the story.

Keep in mind that this is reversed for left-dominant people (left handers). So before you can use this, be aware of which sides is your dominant one.

Clearly the most difficult to master, however if you do, this can give you a 90% success rate at avoiding being perceived as deceptive.

Edited for brevity and clarity from http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/how...detect-lies.htm

Interview Tips

As soon as you get your interview date, set aside time daily to review the information in your petition papers. This is the primary source of what they know about you and your relationship, and the primary source of the questions you will be asked. Since the information came from you and your SO; it should be common knowledge for you.

Practice answering questions as if in a mock interview and until you become very familiar with what they expect you to know. It is a responsibilty of the examiner to verify the information in your paperwork. See the interview questions in the earlier blog post.

If the interview is in another city than the one you live in, arrive a day or two early to complete biometrics and get the results of your medical exam. Being in the same city ahead of time will also allow you to learn your way around and what you need to do to be on time, relaxed and composed prior to your appointment.

Dress and behave respectfully, you are entering a place of business and meeting a person whose judgment of your case is essential to your progress. But do not overdress; a modicum of ease is essential to feeling relaxed. Think business casual.

Arrive early to the consulate, but also be prepared to wait for a time past your scheduled interview appointment time. Be careful of thieves around the consulate if you have to carry cash. Bring ID; you cannot enter without it. Do not bring briefcases or large, bulky items; you will not be allowed to take them to the interview with you. Be prepared to surrender your cell phone at the door.

Upon meeting with your examiner, introduce yourself politely and ask for their name for future reference. Write it down.

Be ready to LISTEN to what is being said to you instead of concentrating on how you will answer. Speak audibly; it’s not to your benefit to be asked to repeat your answers.

It is critical to offer a calm, composed, and friendly demeanor from the time you leave to travel to interview until you exit the building. Consular officers are trained to observe body language and consider nervousness to be a possible sign of deception, raising suspicions that work decidedly against you. You never know who may see you along the way.

A focused, concise presentation is pleasing to a harried bureaucrat, and shows respect for their time. It cannot count against you to be well-prepared, direct, and organized so that you can retrieve your evidence easily and quickly.

Sound sure and confident when you speak. Do not stretch out and pollute your answers with “fillers”, such as “you know”, “like”, “I think”, “ahhh”, “umm”. Hesitation and fillers are indications that you are not sure of yourself, and need time to come up with the “right” answer.

During the interview, do not talk too much. Do not volunteer information, do not argue, ask unnecessary questions, nor elaborate unnecessarily when responding to the examiner. Short, direct answers avoid the possibility of confusion and limit the ability to confuse or raise doubts in the mind of the examiner. It also allows for a shorter, less complex interview session. If they ask for your name, for example, simply say your name, then wait for the next question.

DO NOT LIE. This cannot be emphasized strongly enough. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so.

DO not be afraid to politely ask the examiner to repeat a or rephrase a question that you don't understand.

Whenever possible, don’t state, demonstrate. If you can respond to a question by offering a photograph or documents, be prepared to do so. If you are asked, “Who attended your wedding?”, show your wedding pics to the officer, pointing out major players, parents, siblings, for example, to show that they approved and participated in the event. Do the same with documents to show that you have traveled together, correspond regularly, have common interests, etc.

Use American answers for dates and times. Ex: 12/24/07, not 24/12/07. 3:00 pm, not 1500 hours.

At the conclusion of the interview is over, request the results. "What should I now tell my SO about my visa status after our interview?" Have them explain any paper(s) they give to you and/or any further processing that is required to complete your case.

If you are successful, and a visa is being approved for you, be prepared to return for it. It is unlikely that you will receive it the same day.

Possible Interview Questions

I've made a list of what I've seen other people say their SOs were asked at consulates. Duplications exist because questions may be asked more than once in a different way during the interview to see if the same answer is given.

What's your SO’s full name?

Has s/he used any other names?

How many times have you met?

When and how did you meet?

When was the last time you were together?

How long have you known each other?

How long were you together the last time?

How long were you together any other time(s)?

What are the dates of the visits?

What have you done when your SO came?

Where did you go?

Where does your SO live? Which city and state?

What does your SO do for a living?

Where does your SO work?

What is your SO’s home/work/cell phone number? Do you know how long your SO has had this job?

Did you have an engagement/a wedding ceremony?

Please describe your engagment/wedding ceremony. (opportunity to show pics)

Are you planning to have a wedding at any time in the future?

Questions about the pictures; when, where and who.

Where will you live?

Have you met your SO’s family?

Where do your SO’s parents live?

How do you communicate with your SO?

How do you keep in touch with your SO?

What language do you use to communicate with your SO?

How many times do you and your SO talk on the phone each month?

Why did you want to marry your SO?

Why would you choose to marry someone much older/younger than you?

Do you want children?

What do your parents think about your marriage?

Do you love your SO?

What do you love about your SO?

Does your SO own or rent their home?

How much does your SO earn?

Write your SO’s full name.

Have you ever been to the US? When, for how long, and where did you live?

Do you have any relatives/friends in the US?

Where do they live?

Has your SO met them?

Does your SO know them?

What are your SO's parents' names? Does your SO have any brothers or sisters? What are their names?

What are your SO's hobbies and interests?

What are your hobbies and interests?

What do you have in common?

Do you know if your SO was married before? How many times?

When did your SO divorce?

Does your SO have any children?

What are his/her exes’ names?

How do you get along with your SO’s child(ren)?

Were you married before?

What is your SO’s religious background?

Does your SO speak and understand your language?

Why do you want to come to the United States?

Do you have children?

How old is your SO?

What is your SO’s birth date?

Where was your SO born?

Do you speak and understand your SO’s native language?

Where and when were you engaged?

What do you do for a living?

Where do you work?

What do you plan to do once you are in the US?

Do you plan to work in the US?

Do you plan to study in the US?

What company does your SO’s work for and what is their title?

What is your SO’s favorite food?

Where did your SO work in the past and for how long?

What color are your SO's eyes?

What color is your SO's hair?

Did you prepare the forms yourself?

Which university did your SO graduate from?

Which subjects has your SO studied?

Have you ever been in the military?

Talk about your experience in the military.

Who is the petitioner?

Please tell me more about your SO.

Do you plan to stay in the U.S. forever?

How did you meet your SO?

When did you meet your SO?

When did you become engaged/married?

What made you decide to use the internet to find a SO?

How long was your SO married before?

Does s/he have children? How many?

What are their names?

When was your SO born?

How long has your SO been working for XYZ?

Have you met her parents?

Have you talked to them on the phone?

Do they approve of your relationship?

Does your family approve of your relationship?

When was your engagement/marriage party?

Who was there?

Was any of his/her family there?

Why weren't they there?

Where did you have your wedding?

What religion is your SO?

What is your religion?

When did your SO visit you?

How long did your SO stay each visit?

What do you do for work?

How many times a day do you talk to your SO on the phone?

Where is your SO from?

What does your SO do?

When is your SO’s birthday?

What did you send your SO?

When was your SO here?

Where do your SO parents live?

Where do your SO’s siblings live?

What does your SO do?

What is your SO parents address?

What does your SO do?

What do you do?

Who are the people in the pictures?

What did you send to your SO?

What did your SO send to you?

How many times was your SO married?

What are the names of your SO’s exes?

When was your SO’s last divorce?

When did you meet your SO?

When were you engaged/married?

What were the exact dates of your SO’s visit?

Does your SO have children? How many and what are their names?

Where do your SO’s parents live?

What did you do when your SO was in your country?

Where was the wedding?

Do you talk to wo/men online?

How to you talk to your SO?

When did you meet your SO?

Were you talking to a lot of wo/men on the Internet?

What do you and your SO talk about on the phone?

Do you have family in the US?

Who has custody of the children?

Where do your SO’s exes live?

Will you be a good parent to your SO’s children?

I hope this helps.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Applicant should not employ nervous tics, such as squeezing their face,

[Y's_habibitk 2]

Applicant should not employ nervous tics, such as squeezing their face,

what,you dont sqeeze your face when you're nervous?!

Moude's wife,

If they ask about it.. he needs to tell the truth but he doesnt have to volunteer the info.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Applicant should not employ nervous tics, such as squeezing their face,

what,you dont sqeeze your face when you're nervous?!

I usually puke

VW --- you should ask that list of behaviors and whatnot to be pinned somewhere --- pretty extensive