O3 Visa (spouse of O2 visa holder)

[sam4991 1]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can relay a similar experience either in London or somewhere else. I had my O3 visa (spouse of a current O2 visa holder) interview 2 days ago and all-in-all it was okay.

It went well in the fact I had all my required documents and nothing tricky to explain was raised. The first officer asked for my DS-160, visa photo and my wife's I-797 form - she put this into a folder and said give this to the next officer. Although not a requirement, she did ask for a copy of my wife's visa which I did not have but she was happy with the I-797.

After a 20 minute wait, I was called to the second officer who asked about my wife's job, how long we had been married (only 10 days) and again, if I had a copy of her visa. I explained I did not but on the I-797 my wife received a recent extension to her visa until 2021. After explaining she did her interview in Australia and that is the only visa verification document I have for her, she seemed happy.

At the end of the interview she said "Well, I think I am good to approve your visa today, but it can take a few days to process through the system, we will be in touch if we need anything" she kept my passport and gave me a slip of paper on how to track the progress and I was on my way.

I came out of the consulate a little confused due to how she said I had been approved - with an element of doubt and a lack of conviction. 

I had a call with my lawyer after the interview to recap how it went, and she was concerned they never asked for my marriage certificate as how would they know I was not just lying? She thinks this will prevent my visa being issued until they see this.

Currently, my visa status is 'administrative processing', and I am wondering how often when an officer says you're approved it turns out that more documentation is required first?

Has anyone experienced something similar?

Thanks in advance!
 

Edited July 26, 2019 by sam4991

[Boiler 43,430]

If there is anything missing they will issue a RFE.

[sam4991 1]

Thanks, Boiler.

 

Is this normal if the officer on the day says they think/are going to approve you?

 

Thanks,

[Boiler 43,430]

Sounds like they have some more checking to do, you would need a database to make any sensible comment as to what is normal, there is not one.

[TBoneTX 43,057]

This sounds routine.  Security checks and administrative steps need to be performed, and approval gained from the Section Chief.  This all takes a few days.  If they still need to see something else, they'll contact you via 221g or phone.

[sam4991 1]

Update: 

 

This afternoon, five days after my appointment, my visa status changed to issued!

 

I wasn't expecting this as my lawyer was adamant that they will not issue the visa unless they see proof of marriage as well as my ties to home country, so I was expecting a RFE. It is pretty amazing to me that neither officer asked to see these documents.

 

Thanks to those that answered my questions.

 

Good luck!

[TBoneTX 43,057]

Thanks for the happy update, and congratulations!

[sam4991 1]

Final update:

 

Visa was delivered this morning - finally can relax.

 

 

Edited July 30, 2019 by sam4991