Finally -- THE INTERVIEW

[elgator 0]

Hello all --

I have been reading and appreciating this forum for months, although posting only once previously. But I thought that I would post a report about our interview which at long last occurred yesterday in Caracas, Venezuela. The official journey for Yeli and myself began with the submission of our application in the final days of November, so yesterday we were at the 5 and 1/2 month mark.

What I did not expect was that the interviewer called ME on the phone, I was at my Florida home. He sounded very pleasant and introduced himself (although did not give his name). He then very quickly fired a statement at me in Spanish. I explained to him that while I was able to speak a little basic Spanish, usually well enough to get my point across awkwardly with little regard to grammar -- I did have difficulty understanding when spoken to at a normal rate of speed.

So he asked me how Yeli and I were able to communicate. Well, I thought I just answered that?! I told him that I was able to get my point across reasonably well, and that she was good at speaking slowly and simply to me. Whereupon he asked me to describe IN SPANISH how Yeli and I met. I did so in 3-4 sentences and thought I did an adequate (albeit clumsy) job. He marked on his check list -- "okay your level of Spanish is 2 out of 10." This guy was a tough audience! I would have graded myself a 3 or 4.

Anyway, he then proceeded with a rather negative line of questioning -- all the while coming across in a very cordial, professional, friendly manner. He brought up our significant age difference (58 and 30), the language barrier, the difference in culture, the fact that I have not previously been married, and the possibility of this young woman being a gold digger. I fielded these as best I could, defending my beloved, and expressing optimism regarding our future together.

He asked a few questions about the kids, their names and ages, questions about Yeli's family -- no problems here. As he was wrapping things up, I asked if I could ask a question or two. Sure, he said. I politely commented that several of his questions cast a pessimistic note on our relationship. I asked him if this was an indication that our chances for approval were not good? "Not at all," he said. These were standard questions that are always asked to see my reaction. He also indicated that the next step would be to interview Yeli, but he did say, "so far, so good." Well, okay then!

A couple of hours later I received the giddy phone call from Yeli -- we had passed the interview and would receive the visa in a few days! We laughed, and yelled and shrieked and celebrated!

Thank you all for the encouragement and support this forum provides. I apologize for the length of this post. I offer this experience in the hopes that it contributes to someone else being better prepared if and when they get a phone call on interview day.

God Bless Us All, Eduardo Miguel

[Girona40 0]

I've never heard of this happening before - maybe I just don't read enough interview experience posts.

I am thrilled for you both and would like to wish you much luck in your future together.

Well Done!

G.

[Lace 0]

Congrats!!!!!!!!

[broma25 2]

I have never heard of that either...but hey who care you got your visa!!

Congratulations!!

[MaydayDas 1]

Congratulations

[wpaulino0613 0]

Congrats!!!!

May the real begining of your lifes together be the best!!!!

[Zee Bee 61]

Congratulations!!!

[Raspect 0]

Congrats!!

Felicidades!!! (congrats in spanish)

[GrenadianCrix 1]

Souds like you did a great job, I'm sure Yeli is very proud of you and your limited spanish.

Congrats on the approval, enjoy making your plans to be together.

Sue

[arwensun1965 0]

Congratulations, wow like other people have said I've never heard of this happening either, you did a great job in answering the questions and I wish you two the best of happiness.

[JODO 2]

You did a good job! I am happy for both of you! But I was getting concerned in that third paragaph I am glad it turned out OK!

[trueimage 0]

Congratulations!!!!!

[aj1 1]

That is great!! I am happy for the both of you CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! to you both. WELL DONE!!

AJ1

[rebex05 1]

Sounds like you both handled that quite well. Congratulations on your visa, and best wishes for the future!!!

[bruc 0]

Hello all --

I have been reading and appreciating this forum for months, although posting only once previously. But I thought that I would post a report about our interview which at long last occurred yesterday in Caracas, Venezuela. The official journey for Yeli and myself began with the submission of our application in the final days of November, so yesterday we were at the 5 and 1/2 month mark.

What I did not expect was that the interviewer called ME on the phone, I was at my Florida home. He sounded very pleasant and introduced himself (although did not give his name). He then very quickly fired a statement at me in Spanish. I explained to him that while I was able to speak a little basic Spanish, usually well enough to get my point across awkwardly with little regard to grammar -- I did have difficulty understanding when spoken to at a normal rate of speed.

So he asked me how Yeli and I were able to communicate. Well, I thought I just answered that?! I told him that I was able to get my point across reasonably well, and that she was good at speaking slowly and simply to me. Whereupon he asked me to describe IN SPANISH how Yeli and I met. I did so in 3-4 sentences and thought I did an adequate (albeit clumsy) job. He marked on his check list -- "okay your level of Spanish is 2 out of 10." This guy was a tough audience! I would have graded myself a 3 or 4.

Anyway, he then proceeded with a rather negative line of questioning -- all the while coming across in a very cordial, professional, friendly manner. He brought up our significant age difference (58 and 30), the language barrier, the difference in culture, the fact that I have not previously been married, and the possibility of this young woman being a gold digger. I fielded these as best I could, defending my beloved, and expressing optimism regarding our future together.

He asked a few questions about the kids, their names and ages, questions about Yeli's family -- no problems here. As he was wrapping things up, I asked if I could ask a question or two. Sure, he said. I politely commented that several of his questions cast a pessimistic note on our relationship. I asked him if this was an indication that our chances for approval were not good? "Not at all," he said. These were standard questions that are always asked to see my reaction. He also indicated that the next step would be to interview Yeli, but he did say, "so far, so good." Well, okay then!

A couple of hours later I received the giddy phone call from Yeli -- we had passed the interview and would receive the visa in a few days! We laughed, and yelled and shrieked and celebrated!

Thank you all for the encouragement and support this forum provides. I apologize for the length of this post. I offer this experience in the hopes that it contributes to someone else being better prepared if and when they get a phone call on interview day.

God Bless Us All, Eduardo Miguel

Congrats!

I would be in a LOT of trouble if I had to answer any questions in Russian !

bruc