Really anxious because of consular officer's comments at interview. Need some advice

[StephLightner 0]

I recently had my interview at the Manila US Embassy this October 28. I brought everything that was in the checklist that was sent to me by the NVC, including an update I-864 form that they requested. I get there and the data screener asks if I have a Certificate of No Marriage. I said I do but I left it at home and that it was the one I got from before me and my husband got married in 2013. (So even if I brought it with me, it won't be valid)

I asked why they needed it since I already have the marriage certificate. I wouldn't have been able to marry my husband either if I didnt have a CENOMAR. So the data screener says "The consular officer MIGHT ask for it."

I then go to the consular officer and he asks for the same thing. So I just say okay. I'm already dying inside with this but I try my best to hide my anxiety. He asks the same question as the data screener about how me and my husband met. I answer as eloquently and as confidently as I can. Then he asks where my husband's state is and I say Colorado. The conversation went like this.

Officer: Does your husband smoke a lot of marijuana?

Me: He does MEDICALLY because of depression.

Officer: Sure. Everyone does. What about you? Do you smoke?

Me: No. I dont.

Officer: Not yet.

This got me really upset, but again I just smile and act normal. I don't know if it was the officer just being chatty or being condescending. I felt offended and completely taken by surprise. It was like he assumed that just because I was going to Colorado that I would automatically smoke marijuana. I have never abused any drug, not even alcohol and I dont smoke cigarettes. I got so hung up on the moment, I didn't ask a question of why they arent asking for the update I-864 when the NVC asked me to bring it.

I go to the releasing section and the person there tells me I have to go to the National Statistics Office to pay for the Cenomar and they will go pick it up and will update me through email. They did not return my passport.

I go to the NSO and they say the Cenomar will be picked up by the embassy the next Friday because the embassy only makes pick ups once a week and they do it early. So ultimately, any decisions on my approval will be delayed.

I'm really anxious about this and I kick myself for not asking a question about the updated I-864 scared that they might have actually need it and that I'd have to go back. The releasing officer said that I didn't have to go back, but the counsular officer's marijuana comment and the Cenomar has me scared that I will not be approved.

I'm upset by the whole interview. The CENOMAR was not listed in the check list. If it was that important I wish they would have listed it. My husband and I have talked about it and he is equally upset. However, we did some research and have lessened the anxiety a bit. He says the fact that they didnt return my passport was a good thing and that if I was denied they should have told me right there. If anything, the consular officer's "not yet" comment was a sign that they will approve me.

My husband encouraged me to post here and share our story. We greatly appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you very much!

Edited October 30, 2016 by StephLightner

[tomatoboy 33]

They wanted a CENOMAR, not a CEMAR? I've heard of them asking for them before, on occasion, but I'm not really sure the point.

Try hard to ignore the pot comments.

[JFH 12,190]

*~*~*moved from "CR-1 spouse visa process and procedures" to consular discussion as question relates to questions asked at the interview*~*~*

[robbie5958 1]

They wanted a CENOMAR, not a CEMAR? I've heard of them asking for them before, on occasion, but I'm not really sure the point.

Try hard to ignore the pot comments.

It is my understanding that Dept of Homeland wants the CEMAR which is the Certificate of Marriages. The CENOMAR is the Certificate of No Marriages. NSO does not list the CEMAR but once you explain to them that you are already married and filing for your immigration papers they will issue you a CEMAR. Why the Embassy calls it a CENOMAR I can not explain. If they kept your passport then I feel very strongly that you will be approved once the get the CEMAR from NSO. The pot thing dont worry about maybe the CO is jealous.

[Shauneg 762]

I've seen them ask for cenomar many many times for married folks.....it would simply just come back with a hit saying you're married. Shows it was registered in the pi and any other previous marriages.

Edited October 30, 2016 by Shauneg

[StephLightner 0]

They wanted a CENOMAR, not a CEMAR? I've heard of them asking for them before, on occasion, but I'm not really sure the point.

Try hard to ignore the pot comments.

It is my understanding that Dept of Homeland wants the CEMAR which is the Certificate of Marriages. The CENOMAR is the Certificate of No Marriages. NSO does not list the CEMAR but once you explain to them that you are already married and filing for your immigration papers they will issue you a CEMAR. Why the Embassy calls it a CENOMAR I can not explain. If they kept your passport then I feel very strongly that you will be approved once the get the CEMAR from NSO. The pot thing dont worry about maybe the CO is jealous.

They specifically asked for a CENOMAR. I find it really strange too. I did give them our marriage certificate so I found it strange that they would ask for it. They didnt give me a clear reason as to why except just to make sure I had no other marriages. Like i said though I wouldnt have been able to marry my husband in 2013 if I was married to another person.

I just really want to get it off my head too that the pot comments wont affect the approval ;/

*~*~*moved from "CR-1 spouse visa process and procedures" to consular discussion as question relates to questions asked at the interview*~*~*

thank you : )

[Shauneg 762]

I think people are confusing what is going on, first you have your marriage certificate. The other thing would be called a cenmar/cenomar. The later is one and the same just depending on if you've ever been married before or not and you even use the same form at NSO to order it. The will either issue a certificate of no marriages or certifitcate of marriages depending on what's in their system......

[StephLightner 0]

I think people are confusing what is going on, first you have your marriage certificate. The other thing would be called a cenmar/cenomar. The later is one and the same just depending on if you've ever been married before or not and you even use the same form at NSO to order it. The will either issue a certificate of no marriages or certifitcate of marriages depending on what's in their system......

oh okay. So it is needed. How come though that they didnt list it in the checklist. It's my biggest gripe over it. I dont understand either why they didnt ask for the updated I-864 when NVC told me to bring it. I'm kicking myself for not asking about that one at the interview. I hope that does not affect it either.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

oh okay. So it is needed. How come though that they didnt list it in the checklist. It's my biggest gripe over it. I dont understand either why they didnt ask for the updated I-864 when NVC told me to bring it. I'm kicking myself for not asking about that one at the interview. I hope that does not affect it either.

There are docs required at uscis stage, some at nvc and some at consular stage.

No sence questioning the 5 W's just get it done or your visa will be held up until you comply.

Edited October 30, 2016 by Anitafeliz

[StephLightner 0]

There are docs required at uscis stage, some at nvc and some at consular stage.

No sence questioning the 5 W's just get it done or your visa will be held up until you comply.

like I said though in my description. I brought in everything the NVC required me to bring that was in their checklist. The CENMAR/CENOMAR was not listed in the checklist they sent me.

I am just asking why it was not listed. If I knew it was important, I would have brought it with me and I wouldnt be making this post.

I already paid for it at the NSO and I did what I was told, but because of the way they collect documents from the NSO, finding out if I have been approved or not will be delayed and will take longer, at least 2 weeks or more instead of 5-10 days.

If the CENOMAR was listed in the checklist, I would have brought it in and wouldn't have cost me to be delayed.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

like I said though in my description. I brought in everything the NVC required me to bring that was in their checklist. The CENMAR/CENOMAR was not listed in the checklist they sent me.

I am just asking why it was not listed. If I knew it was important, I would have brought it with me and I wouldnt be making this post.

I already paid for it at the NSO and I did what I was told, but because of the way they collect documents from the NSO, finding out if I have been approved or not will be delayed and will take longer, at least 2 weeks or more instead of 5-10 days.

If the CENOMAR was listed in the checklist, I would have brought it in and wouldn't have cost me to be delayed.

Because its needed for your case to be completed.

[StephLightner 0]

Because its needed for your case to be completed.

It's needed for my case to be completed but they did not list it in the checklist of items to bring. They told me I needed it when I was already at the interview.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

I was asked for docs at interview already submitted. They needed the original.

Your original post you stated the screener warned you it would be asked for. Must be a protocal or they doubt validity of documents submitted.

Are you unable to supply it???

[StephLightner 0]

I was asked for docs at interview already submitted. They needed the original.

Your original post you stated the screener warned you it would be asked for. Must be a protocal or they doubt validity of documents submitted.

Are you unable to supply it???

Data screener was at a counter right before the consular officer counter. Since the data screener said "MIGHT", I thought there would be chance the consular officer would not ask for it. Like I said tho, if they needed it, I wished they would have put it in the checklist so I was able to procure it before my interview and there would be no problems.

It's not difficult to get a CENOMAR. You just pay for it and if it checks out all is good. BUT, because they didn't tell me I would need it, I did not get it and was only told at the interview itself. I am able to supply the CENOMAR, but because the embassy picks up documents from the NSO once a week only, it will delay their review on my case.

edit: i think you are confused thinking this is on separate days. It all happened in one day.

Edited October 30, 2016 by StephLightner

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

https://ph.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/82/2016/08/IV-Applicant-Interview-Preparation-Instructions-08112016-English-365KB.pdf

I got ghis online on the manila usa embassy and it lists a break out of all you need....

It lists the CENOMAR/CENMAR

You should have done your homework now you need to provide to them and case is delayed.

Not NVC fault or CO