May 2012 Interviews

[nica 5]

I can't believe this process will have taken almost a year by the time he can move here with me. We did everything right... Turned in everything as soon as we were allowed, not a single RFE, no problems with proving financial support, no criminal histories, no previous problems with denied visas, nothing. Our file just got seemingly pushed to the bottom of the pile every time.

I still have days (like today) when I can't seem to get past the unfairness of this whole process. If our file had gotten to some other officer or got stuck in some other pile, my husband might have been here months ago, and I wouldn't have to spend the entire first year of our marriage eating dinner alone every single night.

I should just be happy that we're almost at the interview stage. But instead I feel gnawing jealousy every time I see someone with the dumb luck to have a better timeline.

Edited April 15, 2012 by nica

[diani0626 1]

Yes, that's true. We have known he will (or probably will) get a denial, but an option to file a waiver. He has an arrest history from many years ago, nothing too serious but enough that he will need an I 601. So I have been working on it for months and he was going to have it ready to submit at the interview, subject to denial. I hate that he has to go through all this embarrasment, but its the process and its not in my power to change immigration law, at this moment and time anyway.

mmm I'm not sure if I'm right but I'm pretty sure interview is for them to be sure it is a real relationship, I mean, no fake, in the interview they want to see if there is real love, that't it...any other question they had was asked during the whole process with papers and investigations...

Don't know but I don't think you should change the date...my thought!

[nica 5]

mmm I'm not sure if I'm right but I'm pretty sure interview is for them to be sure it is a real relationship, I mean, no fake, in the interview they want to see if there is real love, that't it...any other question they had was asked during the whole process with papers and investigations...

Don't know but I don't think you should change the date...my thought!

This isn't my impression of what the interview is for. They may ask to see evidence of a bonafide relationship, but considering only one partner is present, all the interviewee can do is hand over photos or letters and try not to be too shifty. From what I've read, they're just as likely to ask for additional tax documentation for the I-864 or original copies of certain documents (marriage certificate, etc) as they are to ask for proof of a real relationship.

It seems like the interview is more like a final check to make sure all necessary documents are together, that the officer has sufficient information to approve the visa, and to make sure you are who you say you are.

[trojam227 18]

I can't believe this process will have taken almost a year by the time he can move here with me. We did everything right... Turned in everything as soon as we were allowed, not a single RFE, no problems with proving financial support, no criminal histories, no previous problems with denied visas, nothing. Our file just got seemingly pushed to the bottom of the pile every time.

I still have days (like today) when I can't seem to get past the unfairness of this whole process. If our file had gotten to some other officer or got stuck in some other pile, my husband might have been here months ago, and I wouldn't have to spend the entire first year of our marriage eating dinner alone every single night.

I should just be happy that we're almost at the interview stage. But instead I feel gnawing jealousy every time I see someone with the dumb luck to have a better timeline.

Nica, just be happy it's almost over for you. Some are better off and some worse off. Most are somewhere in between. We all fell in love and married the person they are today, not 20 years ago and not what they may become 20 years from now. No matter how hard it is, we wait for them...as long as it takes. Hang tight, you're almost done.

[trojam227 18]

mmm I'm not sure if I'm right but I'm pretty sure interview is for them to be sure it is a real relationship, I mean, no fake, in the interview they want to see if there is real love, that't it...any other question they had was asked during the whole process with papers and investigations...

Don't know but I don't think you should change the date...my thought!

Oh, the interview is more than proving real love. Some people go to interview very naive and expecting to walk out with a visa, but that's not always the case. Denials happen more often than are posted on VJ, trust me. I've done my homework..

[Ryan H 3,796]

Oh, the interview is more than proving real love. Some people go to interview very naive and expecting to walk out with a visa, but that's not always the case. Denials happen more often than are posted on VJ, trust me. I've done my homework..

Couldn't have said it better myself, I have even seen posts on VJ from people prior to an interview expecting an "easy approval" only to have the interview result be a denial.

This is the type of process where nothing can be taken for granted.

[nica 5]

Couldn't have said it better myself, I have even seen posts on VJ from people prior to an interview expecting an "easy approval" only to have the interview result be a denial.

This is the type of process where nothing can be taken for granted.

What are the sorts of issues that result in denial, from what you guys have seen?

[trojam227 18]

What are the sorts of issues that result in denial, from what you guys have seen?

Well, travelling on the visa waiver program to visit the US, but really weren't eligible. That can be an automatic denial for mis-rep. Overstaying a visitor's visa is another...

[nica 5]

Well, travelling on the visa waiver program to visit the US, but really weren't eligible. That can be an automatic denial for mis-rep. Overstaying a visitor's visa is another...

Hm... I guess I don't really see why people with those kinds of issues on their records would expect an "easy approval" at the interview.

Edited April 15, 2012 by nica

[trojam227 18]

Hm... I guess I don't really see why people with those kinds of issues on their records would expect an "easy approval" at the interview.

The reality is that questions are geared to each case. If they suspect marriage fraud for whatever reason, they will ask questions related to the marriage. If they did a background check and see that "little johnny" entered the US illegaly as a child, they will question that. If they see that "susie" collected food stamps for her kids 2 years ago, they might question finances. It all comes down to background and the officer's mood I think. I never attended an immigration interview so am basing it on research and friends/relatives experiences. In my husband's case, it will be all about the police certificate. Maybe they'll throw in a few questions about our relationship, or even question why we had an argument on Aug. 19, 2010 at 2:10pm over facebook! LOL.. God only knows...if your husband is absolutely squeeky clean and entered the relationship in good faith, you will probably be fine. Most people are fine, some need a little extra paperwork to get it done.

[dimples 9]

I agree each case is specific and I think you should prepare for the case as if you were in the position of the IO. What particulars of your case do you think looks questionable. For me, my husband has been divorced with two daughters, I am going in there expecting to answer questions about his previous marriage and his kids, whom are now mine as well.

I guess for the most part you should expect to answer questions about anything, you never know. All you can do is be truthful.

[dwheels76 5,463]

Yes, that's true. We have known he will (or probably will) get a denial, but an option to file a waiver. He has an arrest history from many years ago, nothing too serious but enough that he will need an I 601. So I have been working on it for months and he was going to have it ready to submit at the interview, subject to denial. I hate that he has to go through all this embarrasment, but its the process and its not in my power to change immigration law, at this moment and time anyway.

Hello I have a question (no I am not a lucky May interviewer just filed 28 days ago. But saw this thread and it intrigued me).

Anyway you say you need the I-601 waiver and have that already ready. So is it true you can present it right there at the interview? I was told you have to wait and it goes back to USCIS than you file a waiver and it takes like another year to adjudicate. But if one knows they need a waiver like you do. And pay the what $584 fee or whatever it is at interview all the better right.

Just curious we may need one don't know until we interview.

Edited April 16, 2012 by dwheels76

[trojam227 18]

Hello I have a question (no I am not a lucky May interviewer just filed 28 days ago. But saw this thread and it intrigued me).

Anyway you say you need the I-601 waiver and have that already ready. So is it true you can present it right there at the interview? I was told you have to wait and it goes back to USCIS than you file a waiver and it takes like another year to adjudicate. But if one knows they need a waiver like you do. And pay the what $584 fee or whatever it is at interview all the better right.

Just curious we may need one don't know until we interview.

I would recommend joining immigrate2us.net. Someone sent me there a long time ago (thank u whoever u are) and I am thankful they did because I learned a lot about the I 601 there. It is geared mostly for people needing waivers. I only know specifics about london adjudicating waivers, and yes, london allows you to file waiver at time of interview...for now. In a couple of months, USCIS will have a lock-box in the states where ALL I 601 waivers will have to be mailed. Read up about it on the website. The purpose is so processing times are more uniform around the world. They are hoping it speeds up adjudication for some countries, but may slow it down for others.

Edited April 16, 2012 by trojam227

[Divs 35]

I agree each case is specific and I think you should prepare for the case as if you were in the position of the IO. What particulars of your case do you think looks questionable. For me, my husband has been divorced with two daughters, I am going in there expecting to answer questions about his previous marriage and his kids, whom are now mine as well.

I guess for the most part you should expect to answer questions about anything, you never know. All you can do is be truthful.

In my case, my husband has been divorced twice, and both times he'd petitioned for his spouse, with them being USCs today. Of course, that was over 10 years ago, but I definitely am expecting questions about his exes. As for me, I've been divorced once too, so yes, I might have to answer a lot of questions.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Divs

[dimples 9]

In my case, my husband has been divorced twice, and both times he'd petitioned for his spouse, with them being USCs today. Of course, that was over 10 years ago, but I definitely am expecting questions about his exes. As for me, I've been divorced once too, so yes, I might have to answer a lot of questions.

All you can do is prepare as best as you can. The rest will work itself out!!!! As much as you know in your heart that your relationship is real, I am sure these officers see lots of cases where its not. So let's pray for the best and we'll be fine!!!