K-1 VISA "APPROVED" AFTER FRAUD INTERVIEW BUT VERY UPSET WITH CO

[Nix and Poppy 0]

I don't know if this is the right place to rant and express how upset i am.

I'm a Filipino girl, 21 years old from a political clan in pampanga. My loving fiance is an american, 22 years old, from stockton. We met in the states 3 years ago in a coffee shop in bay area where he worked at as a waiter, became friends and fell in love. I was 18 that time and in spite of his small disability (his left eye is smaller than the right one) and status in life, i knew he was my prince charming and the only guy i'd like to spend my whole life with. I always visit him in the states as i have the means to do so. If it's his birthday, i buy him a ticket so we could celebrate his day here in the philippines. My father didn't like him at first but things get better between them on his second and third visits. We're always happy and in love.

December 2008, i received a call from an unknown number and figured out that it was my fiance asking me to pick him up at the the local airport! I couldn't be happier when i saw him waiting for me and i was so touched when he said he's been saving up for his little surprise. We spent the holiday together and he proposed to me which i gladly accepted. We decided to apply for a k1 visa because we were told that that's the fastest way we can get married and settle down in the states. My fiance went home with all the necessary papers and started processing my visa right away. We're lucky because his parents are very supportive and they helped him since day 1. Everything went well due to my fiance's hardwork. I received the packet in the mail on october 2009 and was schedule for an interview on the 12th of november. Of course my guy wanted to come with me to show his support so i bought him a ticket and came here 1 week before my interview.

Ok. November 12th, 2009. The pre-screening was perfect minus that fat lady. I smiled with all my heart, gave the papers she needed and answered her questions. She then looked at me for few seconds which i found very awkward and i slightly got shy or intimidated or whatever so i asked why she was looking at me that way. She didn't answer, as if she didn't hear what i said but at least she was waken up and asked me to sit down for a moment. Well, i didn't have a clue why she was staring at me that way until a tall guy who looks asian but not filipino approached us and directed me to the CO.

This middle-age american CO, who looks like jack nicholson's skinny version with a half-blonde/half-gray hair, started it by alternately reading the documents n his hand and looking at me. He was in that position for a minute and yes i finally had a clue and felt something is not right. But i stayed cool and smiled at him like we know each other personally. He turned to his computer and started to type something. He's still typing when we proceed to the actual interview. Ok. I'm not exaggerating things here but 90% of his questions are weird, funny and pointless. His first set of questions consisted of my fiance's age, birthday, zodiac sign, school, previous relationship, siblings, pets, house, body tattoo. He stopped typing then proceed to the second set of questions. I noticed he started to speak slowly and changed tone and looked real serious and that made him look like he was confronting me for some kind of crime. Well, we eventually had a small confrontation when he asked (in a very sarcastic tone) if i am aware of my fiance's eye problem, his failure to reach the required salary in his affidavit of support, how low his average salary could be for being a college drop-out, living in stockton all his life which according to him is the worst city in america in terms of government, poverty and crime, and few more stupid questions that made me feel upset and mad i raised my voice to defend my fiance the best way i could. The old skinny man tried to calm me down and called another american grandpa who immediately came inside the room and started to type something in the computer. Well i don't really mind seeing two or twenty american grandpaps in corporate suit around during my interview so i asked the CO if there's anything else he needs to know about me and my fiance. He didn't say a word and requested if i could bring my fiance inside the room so i stood up and went out i'm not sure if the he was still saying something and then i saw my blonde guy at the same spot i was sitting at earlier. I dragged him and while heading back to the room i told him i was sorry it's not our lucky day.

This time it looks like the second grandpap was finished typing because he's already standing at the back of the CO and they were both looking at my fiance. I can't explain that kind of look i can't say if they wanted to cry or laugh or pass out or if they just happened to be gifted that kind of face. I felt my fiance was embarrassed (he's a very very shy guy) so still with a pissed tone i interrupted and introduced him to them. The CO asked him simple questions like some info about his family and their background. Meanwhile i caught the second grandpap looking at me every once in a while like he was checking out my expression and it got me irritated so i returned the favor and stared at him and his bald head until the CO is done with my fiance. He asked my guy to excuse us and when he's out, the CO turned to me compiled some papers and said this.

"Are you sure you're marrying that guy? I'm sorry young lady i'm afraid i can't give you a visa. We'll send you a letter.....".

I got so pissed and told him to stop under estimating my fiance's capacity i know him more than anyone else his eye problem is a result of a bike accident when he was a kid but if it's that big of a deal then i'll bring him to the best eye surgeon then bring him back to that embassy with or without their k1 and that my fiance's not a lazy drop-out he just had to quit college and get a job instead to support himself and if i would have to transfer everything i inherited under his name then i would be willing to do that within 24 hours no questions asked just for that embassy to stop humiliating my guy! Of course they tried to calm me down but i was too carried away to listen i knew it was the end of it and i may be banned from entering the states for the rest of my life and just when i was about to leave the CO suddenly said "Ok young lady i think the US changed his mind and approved your visa. Congratulations." Well, i was still pissed but i felt happy inside when i heard him say that. I thought they were just playing games on us but the CO looks serious. I didn't see them smiling or any sing that they were just joking and pretended that my visa is denied. He attached a form stamped on some papers and place them to my folder before handing it to me. The second grandpap said "You two will be monitored until you get married." I just threw them a look and left.

People, i swear it didn't intend to make a scene but no way i could let anyone humiliate my fiance like that. In the first place, my fiance had no business in that room. Of course we rushed to a legal consultant and he said that it could be a fraud interview. He verified my papers and confirmed that everything looks normal. The visa will be mailed and we can leave after that. Until now we're clueless if the second grandpap was serious when he said our marriage will be "monitored". And that's exactly what I'm worried about. What are they going to do? Why do we appear fraudulent even if our engagement is genuine (God knows it is) genuine and we love each other)? What made them think we're fraudulent? Why did the CO treat my fiance like that they're both american in the first place? Will the state police chase us even if i have a K1? What can we expect upon arrival in the US with a K1? What will the Immigration people do to us? Should I bring a lawyer? Is there anyone we can contact if something goes wrong on our arrival? Like an immigration lawyer a consultant or a specialist i don't mind whoever he is i'm willing to pay for the help..

Right now, my fiance is worried yes we're both worried but pretends he's not and that the wedding will be okay. He doesn't want me to tell my family about it as it could just delay our wedding and i completely understand what he feels. We just want to go and get married and establish a family. I don't mind living in his city even if it's the worst place in the planet. So I decided to do some research on my own before making a decision whether or not it's still okay to go to the states.

Thank you for reading i feel better now.

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Wow!!! I can't believe that they would be like that! I'm sorry for your experience. I am betting they expected you to be a "submissive" filipina. I dont know if they would have done the same thing if your fiance wouldnt have been there.

There is nothing that they can do to "monitor" you once you get into the US. I highly doubt you will be followed. There are bigger problems than having to check up on a suspected fraud case. If they really thought it was fraud, they wouldnt have approved your visa. Just the fact that your fiance showed up for the interview should have been proof enough that the relationship wasnt a sham. Just enjoy your time together with your soon to be husband. You guys will be happy together.

Did you get those guy's names? Maybe try to report them for harassment. Your fiance was there during part of the interview, so he can vouch for that.

[pushbrk 12,286]

Congratulations on the visa. The inteview was a tough one but it seems as though you handled yourself well. If I were you, I would make certain the AOS gets filed within 90 days of your US arrival, just as insurance.

[TBoneTX 43,536]

he said our marriage will be "monitored". And that's exactly what I'm worried about. What are they going to do?

No idea. Embassies can revoke issued visas before the recipient makes it into the U.S., but this is rare. If you make it into the U.S., be sure to marry within the 90 days and (optimally) also submit the AOS/EAD/AP packages within that time. Be sure to have the $1,010 combined fee saved and reserved solely for that purpose.

Why do we appear fraudulent even if our engagement is genuine and we love each other)? What made them think we're fraudulent?

It could have been anything in your paperwork, anything that they heard or perceived in the interview, both, or for reasons without explanation.

Why did the CO treat my fiance like that they're both american in the first place?

Sweetie, I know that it was upsetting to you, but you ain't seen nuthin' as far as being treated like a criminal at a consulate for no reason except abuse of power.

Will the state police chase us even if i have a K1?

If you mean within the U.S., most certainly not. Just remain within lawful status at all times, and carry all copies of your most recent paperwork with you at all times whenever you leave the house (good advice for everybody).

What can we expect upon arrival in the US with a K1? What will the Immigration people do to us?

The CBP agents at POE can ask you absolutely anything that you were asked at the embassy. Happily, though, they rarely do, because they figure that the K-1 entrant has already been put through the wringer at the embassy.

Should I bring a lawyer?

To where? Unless you know of a U.S. lawyer in your country whom you would have fly with you to the U.S., it wouldn't help... and it wouldn't help anyway, because CBP is solely authorized to admit or deny entrance to anyone at a POE.

Is there anyone we can contact if something goes wrong on our arrival? Like an immigration lawyer a consultant or a specialist i don't mind whoever he is i'm willing to pay for the help.

See previous answer. In addition, it wouldn't do a lick of good to have a U.S. lawyer waiting for you on the "U.S. side" of POE if you're not going to be allowed in by CBP.

So I decided to do some research on my own before making a decision whether or not it's still okay to go to the states.

And what exactly does THIS mean?

[STEPHnRIA 2]

monitored?! for what? whatever!!! They are just scaring you. In the first place, they should be happy that you will be helping their sinking economy! Don't worry, I had a horrible interview too. I have moved on since they gave me the visa but I will never forget...

[MsSheka 0]

First let me start by saying CONGRATS!!! ...now you should always stand by your man and what you did saved you both from a ton load of heart ache..sometimes the CO will say things to see how you react and they try to play on emotions to see if you really love and care for the individual or if you just wanted the visa..as far as them monitoring you they can only check to see if you do get married and if you do so within the required timeframe apart from that they will not bother you and you won't have to deal with them again until he goes back for AOS/USC CONGRATS DEAR BTW AND I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME

[Nix and Poppy 0]

OMG thank you very much! We feel better now. We just got scared because we thought we will be monitored. I will follow all your advice. We were just scared because we don't know what will happen to us during our arrival. We promise we will be a good couple. Thank you once again!

[pseith 0]

Congratulations! They can monitor you all they like when you are here in California, but your relationship is legitimate, so they will find nothing wrong. They should not be bad mouthing Stockton, though. Like everywhere, it has its good points and bad points. It's a nice river port city in sunny California! I hope you make it there soon.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Congratulations! Rio Linda is worse than Stockton, don't worry.

[luv2uallday 1]

I don't know if this is the right place to rant and express how upset i am.

I'm a Filipino girl, 21 years old from a political clan in pampanga. My loving fiance is an american, 22 years old, from stockton. We met in the states 3 years ago in a coffee shop in bay area where he worked at as a waiter, became friends and fell in love. I was 18 that time and in spite of his small disability (his left eye is smaller than the right one) and status in life, i knew he was my prince charming and the only guy i'd like to spend my whole life with. I always visit him in the states as i have the means to do so. If it's his birthday, i buy him a ticket so we could celebrate his day here in the philippines. My father didn't like him at first but things get better between them on his second and third visits. We're always happy and in love.

December 2008, i received a call from an unknown number and figured out that it was my fiance asking me to pick him up at the the local airport! I couldn't be happier when i saw him waiting for me and i was so touched when he said he's been saving up for his little surprise. We spent the holiday together and he proposed to me which i gladly accepted. We decided to apply for a k1 visa because we were told that that's the fastest way we can get married and settle down in the states. My fiance went home with all the necessary papers and started processing my visa right away. We're lucky because his parents are very supportive and they helped him since day 1. Everything went well due to my fiance's hardwork. I received the packet in the mail on october 2009 and was schedule for an interview on the 12th of november. Of course my guy wanted to come with me to show his support so i bought him a ticket and came here 1 week before my interview.

Ok. November 12th, 2009. The pre-screening was perfect minus that fat lady. I smiled with all my heart, gave the papers she needed and answered her questions. She then looked at me for few seconds which i found very awkward and i slightly got shy or intimidated or whatever so i asked why she was looking at me that way. She didn't answer, as if she didn't hear what i said but at least she was waken up and asked me to sit down for a moment. Well, i didn't have a clue why she was staring at me that way until a tall guy who looks asian but not filipino approached us and directed me to the CO.

This middle-age american CO, who looks like jack nicholson's skinny version with a half-blonde/half-gray hair, started it by alternately reading the documents n his hand and looking at me. He was in that position for a minute and yes i finally had a clue and felt something is not right. But i stayed cool and smiled at him like we know each other personally. He turned to his computer and started to type something. He's still typing when we proceed to the actual interview. Ok. I'm not exaggerating things here but 90% of his questions are weird, funny and pointless. His first set of questions consisted of my fiance's age, birthday, zodiac sign, school, previous relationship, siblings, pets, house, body tattoo. He stopped typing then proceed to the second set of questions. I noticed he started to speak slowly and changed tone and looked real serious and that made him look like he was confronting me for some kind of crime. Well, we eventually had a small confrontation when he asked (in a very sarcastic tone) if i am aware of my fiance's eye problem, his failure to reach the required salary in his affidavit of support, how low his average salary could be for being a college drop-out, living in stockton all his life which according to him is the worst city in america in terms of government, poverty and crime, and few more stupid questions that made me feel upset and mad i raised my voice to defend my fiance the best way i could. The old skinny man tried to calm me down and called another american grandpa who immediately came inside the room and started to type something in the computer. Well i don't really mind seeing two or twenty american grandpaps in corporate suit around during my interview so i asked the CO if there's anything else he needs to know about me and my fiance. He didn't say a word and requested if i could bring my fiance inside the room so i stood up and went out i'm not sure if the he was still saying something and then i saw my blonde guy at the same spot i was sitting at earlier. I dragged him and while heading back to the room i told him i was sorry it's not our lucky day.

This time it looks like the second grandpap was finished typing because he's already standing at the back of the CO and they were both looking at my fiance. I can't explain that kind of look i can't say if they wanted to cry or laugh or pass out or if they just happened to be gifted that kind of face. I felt my fiance was embarrassed (he's a very very shy guy) so still with a pissed tone i interrupted and introduced him to them. The CO asked him simple questions like some info about his family and their background. Meanwhile i caught the second grandpap looking at me every once in a while like he was checking out my expression and it got me irritated so i returned the favor and stared at him and his bald head until the CO is done with my fiance. He asked my guy to excuse us and when he's out, the CO turned to me compiled some papers and said this.

"Are you sure you're marrying that guy? I'm sorry young lady i'm afraid i can't give you a visa. We'll send you a letter.....".

I got so pissed and told him to stop under estimating my fiance's capacity i know him more than anyone else his eye problem is a result of a bike accident when he was a kid but if it's that big of a deal then i'll bring him to the best eye surgeon then bring him back to that embassy with or without their k1 and that my fiance's not a lazy drop-out he just had to quit college and get a job instead to support himself and if i would have to transfer everything i inherited under his name then i would be willing to do that within 24 hours no questions asked just for that embassy to stop humiliating my guy! Of course they tried to calm me down but i was too carried away to listen i knew it was the end of it and i may be banned from entering the states for the rest of my life and just when i was about to leave the CO suddenly said "Ok young lady i think the US changed his mind and approved your visa. Congratulations." Well, i was still pissed but i felt happy inside when i heard him say that. I thought they were just playing games on us but the CO looks serious. I didn't see them smiling or any sing that they were just joking and pretended that my visa is denied. He attached a form stamped on some papers and place them to my folder before handing it to me. The second grandpap said "You two will be monitored until you get married." I just threw them a look and left.

People, i swear it didn't intend to make a scene but no way i could let anyone humiliate my fiance like that. In the first place, my fiance had no business in that room. Of course we rushed to a legal consultant and he said that it could be a fraud interview. He verified my papers and confirmed that everything looks normal. The visa will be mailed and we can leave after that. Until now we're clueless if the second grandpap was serious when he said our marriage will be "monitored". And that's exactly what I'm worried about. What are they going to do? Why do we appear fraudulent even if our engagement is genuine (God knows it is) genuine and we love each other)? What made them think we're fraudulent? Why did the CO treat my fiance like that they're both american in the first place? Will the state police chase us even if i have a K1? What can we expect upon arrival in the US with a K1? What will the Immigration people do to us? Should I bring a lawyer? Is there anyone we can contact if something goes wrong on our arrival? Like an immigration lawyer a consultant or a specialist i don't mind whoever he is i'm willing to pay for the help..

Right now, my fiance is worried yes we're both worried but pretends he's not and that the wedding will be okay. He doesn't want me to tell my family about it as it could just delay our wedding and i completely understand what he feels. We just want to go and get married and establish a family. I don't mind living in his city even if it's the worst place in the planet. So I decided to do some research on my own before making a decision whether or not it's still okay to go to the states.

Thank you for reading i feel better now.

to me it sounds like the CO had some minor doubts on your case, maybe the facts of the case had some red flags, He wanted to measure your responce when he told you he was going to deny you. When he saw your sincerity that gave him enough proof to convince him. You may not of liked it but he was just trying to test you. I went through this too somewhat in Texas office. A tactic used to measure true sincerity.. Remember you know how much you love him but you must prove that or (convince the CO) of that. Good luck now it will be easier path fron now on

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

There are far worse places in California than Stockton. The economy is bad - unemployment of 15%, and the 4th highest foreclosure rate in the US. On the upside, there's no shortage of cheap homes available!

Sounds like you had a Stokes interview. From what you describe, it sounds like there was something they found suspicious about your case from the beginning, even before the interview (hence the "fat lady" staring at you). The questions they ask are intentionally designed to get you worked up in the hope that you'll slip up and admit something which they believe you're hiding. It sounds like you handled yourself well. Congrats on the visa!

[Old Dominion 26]

Did the fact that you come from a "political clan" in the Phils have any bearing on this event? For example, did you talk down in any way to the interviewers because of your status in the Phils, or did someone well-connected try to influence the consulate on your behalf? Just a hunch that the chemistry might not have been neutral enough to have a business-like interview.

[SuperDuper! 230]

There are far worse places in California than Stockton. The economy is bad - unemployment of 15%, and the 4th highest foreclosure rate in the US. On the upside, there's no shortage of cheap homes available!

Let's just be clear if this is a good thing in terms of owning real estate. You've heard of "Location, Location, Location." Also, bear in mind the old adage" "I would rather have a bad house in a good neighborhood, than have a good house in a bad neighborhood."

Letz just hope the Bloods and Crips don't make it their hangout.

Also, you don't want to be in a neighborhood that has a lot of foreclosures. Yes, the properties are cheap for a reason: The neighborhoods hit hardest by foreclosures are typically the last to recover in terms of price. Stockton is not as bad as you make it out to be. Any area in the country can be nice. Life is what YOU make it.

Peace and good luck.

Edited November 13, 2009 by Hopp

[Nix and Poppy 0]

Did the fact that you come from a "political clan" in the Phils have any bearing on this event? For example, did you talk down in any way to the interviewers because of your status in the Phils, or did someone well-connected try to influence the consulate on your behalf? Just a hunch that the chemistry might not have been neutral enough to have a business-like interview.

No, sir, i was very friendly to all the people there i treated them like my real friends. I didn't talk down or show any disrespect i don't do that even to strangers. Nobody influenced the CO or anyone in the embassy and it couldn't be anyone in my family because we worked on the visa procedures by ourselves since day 1 and we didn't seek help from my parents.

The only thing that i can think of is when my father ran for mayor for the first time and he was dragged into a drug scandal by some people but those allegations were never proven it didn't even become a big news on tv i don't know if that has something to do with my interview.

I also want to add that the CO asked my fiance if he's got any other police record filed aside from his shoplifting case and of course my fiance was shocked we didn't know what the CO was talking about so my fiance denied it and clarified that he was not involved to any criminal activity whatsoever. My fiance never had any police record yes he was a college drop-out but he has 2 jobs now and lives on his own from the time he quit college. But as we read the posts above we figured out that the CO was just testing us.

But we're happy that we're leaving soon and getting married.

[Starlight95 1]

There are far worse places in California than Stockton. The economy is bad - unemployment of 15%, and the 4th highest foreclosure rate in the US. On the upside, there's no shortage of cheap homes available!

Sounds like you had a Stokes interview. From what you describe, it sounds like there was something they found suspicious about your case from the beginning, even before the interview (hence the "fat lady" staring at you). The questions they ask are intentionally designed to get you worked up in the hope that you'll slip up and admit something which they believe you're hiding. It sounds like you handled yourself well. Congrats on the visa!

Yes, there are much more worst cities in Caifornia. Congrats on the interview!

Edited November 13, 2009 by Starlight95