Contradiction!? How does the CO make up their mind??

[macekid421 0]

Apparently I'm missing something major because there seems to be a contradiction afoot. The USCIS forwards exact ZERO of your bonafide marriage evidence to the NVC but I've heard that the consulate officer makes up their mind before you even walk in the door. How can they do this if they don't even see your pictures, chat logs, etc until you arrive for the interview??? What exactly does the CO see before you arrive for the interview? Sorry if this is in the wrong subforum. First time posting here. Thanks for your advice.

[Penguin_ie 5,986]

USCIS forwards everything, that is why many here recommend front loading.

[B&Z 201]

Where did you hear that USCIS doesn't forward the additional relationship evidence? It ends up at the consulate with the rest of the entire case file.

[macekid421 0]

I asked the NVC customer service people on several occasions and they said they don't. It sounded too ridiculous to believe, but they assured me I had to come up with another bonafide marriage evidence packet and bring it to the interview. Furthermore I've read stories (maybe this is just for Vietnam?) of people going to the interview and dropping off their evidence, then waiting for several hours to be called up.

Edited July 30, 2016 by macekid421

[Penguin_ie 5,986]

the callcenter isn't called the missinformation line for nothing...

All the info you send goes with the case. You SHOULD however bring more info- ie continued relationship evidence from when you field to interview, perhaps more photos as you don;t want to send a ton with the initial petition etc.

[macekid421 0]

the callcenter isn't called the missinformation line for nothing...

All the info you send goes with the case. You SHOULD however bring more info- ie continued relationship evidence from when you field to interview, perhaps more photos as you don;t want to send a ton with the initial petition etc.

Wow that's pretty scary that they could be so ignorant about such a key aspect of the process. We front-loaded pretty hard but there are a few things we've since learned we should have sent (like a relationship timeline, not only a summary). I'll call the NVC once more to see if I can't talk to a supervisor or something. Thanks a lot for the advice.

Edited July 30, 2016 by macekid421

[JFH 12,189]

One thing they were right about - the CO has more or less made up their mind before the applicant gets to the embassy. Pretty much like a job interview.

[macekid421 0]

One thing they were right about - the CO has more or less made up their mind before the applicant gets to the embassy. Pretty much like a job interview.

So anything extra we turn in at the interview will be more or less pointless?

[JFH 12,189]

So anything extra we turn in at the interview will be more or less pointless?

I don't know how it is at your embassy, maybe read the reviews from others here who have gone through the same embassy? But in London the interviews are a few minutes long and despite taking armfuls of documents and evidence, applicants are almost never given the opportunity to show anything they have brought with them.

[macekid421 0]

I don't know how it is at your embassy, maybe read the reviews from others here who have gone through the same embassy? But in London the interviews are a few minutes long and despite taking armfuls of documents and evidence, applicants are almost never given the opportunity to show anything they have brought with them.

Yeah I'll definitely do that. I guess the point of this thread was more about that misinformation I got from the call center. Thanks all for the help.

[WandY 430]

I can answer you based on my recent experience at the consulate in HCMC. You can read about the entire ordeal on this site. In any case, our CO had definitely not made up his mind - at least, that's what he told us. I didn't "front-load" my 129 because I think it's a waste of your money, time, and effort. Just do what they ask - nothing more. I think there is some confusion about what the NVC is telling you.

There are some new documents that you will bring to the interview in HCMC. We brought her residency (Hộ khẩu), police check, and proof of her being single/unmarried. I brought some additional tax and business records. The interview with her (which I was not allowed to be present) took about 10 minutes. Then they interviewed me. Our CO asked a few questions about some photos, how we met, and our future plans (we have a 21-year age difference, which also generated a few questions).

After interviewing me, the CO said he appreciated that I was there to answer questions and provide more info. He actually told us that he was initially skeptical, but that we had satisfied his questions and the visa was approved. Front-loading does nothing but confuse people. I initially provided tons of tax documents (I owned a business and was a government employee at the same time - very confusing!) When I went to the interview, I provided about 10 pages of tax returns provided by my CPA. The CO said "thank you" for providing the clarity.

The experience at the consulate in HCMC is interesting - don't let it scare you. Take what you need. Don't listen to NVC. Be honest, and most of all - be prepared.

If you need additional help, feel free to send me a message.

Good luck!!!!

[macekid421 0]

Wow, thanks a lot for that truly helpful insight! I really appreciate it and will message you when it gets closer to the interview date. I take it you passed. Congrats!

Edited July 30, 2016 by macekid421

[pushbrk 12,115]

I can answer you based on my recent experience at the consulate in HCMC. You can read about the entire ordeal on this site. In any case, our CO had definitely not made up his mind - at least, that's what he told us. I didn't "front-load" my 129 because I think it's a waste of your money, time, and effort. Just do what they ask - nothing more. I think there is some confusion about what the NVC is telling you.

There are some new documents that you will bring to the interview in HCMC. We brought her residency (Hộ khẩu), police check, and proof of her being single/unmarried. I brought some additional tax and business records. The interview with her (which I was not allowed to be present) took about 10 minutes. Then they interviewed me. Our CO asked a few questions about some photos, how we met, and our future plans (we have a 21-year age difference, which also generated a few questions).

After interviewing me, the CO said he appreciated that I was there to answer questions and provide more info. He actually told us that he was initially skeptical, but that we had satisfied his questions and the visa was approved. Front-loading does nothing but confuse people. I initially provided tons of tax documents (I owned a business and was a government employee at the same time - very confusing!) When I went to the interview, I provided about 10 pages of tax returns provided by my CPA. The CO said "thank you" for providing the clarity.

The experience at the consulate in HCMC is interesting - don't let it scare you. Take what you need. Don't listen to NVC. Be honest, and most of all - be prepared.

If you need additional help, feel free to send me a message.

Good luck!!!!

Unfortunately, based on my experience with hundreds of cases and nearly 11 years of reading here on VJ, I think the above has about as much misinformation as it does good information.

Don't listen to NVC, but I would ALMOST ALWAYS front load for HCMC and many other consulates. That said, not all front loading is equal or helpful. When a married couple has a lot of time together in person, front loading beyond the evidence from passport or passport stamps, may well be a waist of time. Time together always trumps everything else.

One key thing to remember is that while it is true in the case above that the decision was made during the interview, it is also true that the decision was mostly made before the interview. Interviews usually confirm the leanings of the CO after reading the file.

All evidence sent to NVC, is sent to the Consulate, unless there's an unreasonable quantity. Even if an unreasonable quantity is sent, the CO may not read it. Concentrate on providing meaningful evidence in a concise way, such as examples of how and how frequently you communicate, not a ream of chat text.

Even if NVC sends the side load additional evidence, the CO, is not required to consider or even look at it. They must look at the required documents brought to the interview but are not required to consider any extra evidence, unless they specifically ask for it. They MAY consider ANYTHING.

[WandY 430]

Unfortunately, based on my experience with hundreds of cases and nearly 11 years of reading here on VJ, I think the above has about as much misinformation as it does good information.

Your experience on hundreds of cases and reading a blog? I was giving advice based on actual events. My experience was seven months ago - NOT IN CHINA - but in Vietnam. Where is the "misinformation" that you are alleging? I am relating my experience with the process, including my time at the window with a CO in HCMC. It's hard to beat that kind of personal experience and advice - so don't try.

The so-called "front-loading" is a waste of time. My opinion based on logic and experience. I didn't front-load and we received a visa on the first try, in only a few months. Ditto that for many others I've talked to and with VN college students that I assist through various visa issues (including CR-1, K-1, etc.). And I know people that front-load and get denied and/or RFE's. So, anything concerning front-loading is nothing more than anecdotal evidence. Same goes for hiring visa services and lawyers - sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Anecdotal, not scientific.

Follow the directions. It doesn't hurt to take a few extra photos, but 100 is overkill. Use common sense. Talk to people that have been successful IN YOUR COUNTRY. What works in Vietnam will usually work in Vietnam. I've worked in China and SE Asia - a lot of the gears are greased the same. But there are vast differences between them, too.

Keep the faith!

w

[san diego 407]

I can only say about our k1 visa. Decision was already made before the interview. I was there to help her pack and move. My wife went to the window. Officer asked her one question: how was it like to live in Mexico (we lived in Mexico together while her case was processed and commuted to work across the boarder). She said ok. Then he said visa is granted. Clearly, decision was made ahead if time.