Stepchildren Interview-Cairo

[barbashraf 0]

Hello,

We are petitioning to bring my minor stepdaughters to live in the states. We just found out today they have their interview scheduled for December.

Does anyone have any experience with interviews for children at the Cairo embassy? They are 3 girls who are very shy.

And experience as to what kind of questions they may be asked?

Also, any idea how long after the interview their visa MAY be issured?

Do minor females get put on the dreaded A.P.?

Thanks to anyone who can offer any advice.

[Nothing1234 2]

I just wanted to say Best of luck!

I have not had any experience with this and I'm not sure of anyone here presently that has...hopefully someone will come along for you!

[barbashraf 0]

Thank you. I knew getting some information on this might be a longshot, as I tried to do my research before posting.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of information regarding children.

Hoping all will go smooth for them.

Thanks again.

[i miss my son 0]

Hi! my son will have his interview on December too. He is 8 yrs old and a shy boy. Do you have any idea what kind of question they will ask? I gave a special power of attorney to my dad to assist my son on the interview, i dont know if are they going to ask my dad or my son, but i dont petition my dad yet, its only my son who have the interview so i guess they will ask my son? Do you have any idea hows the interview for a minor goes? i hope you gave me some information, it will be greatly appreciated..Thanks

[NArocks 13]

Barb and i miss are you or your spouse going to attend the interview with the children? Make usre they have the basically same proof of your relationship with your spouse you used for the AOS and or petition from the get go. I know most likley Cairo is a differnt monkey but he is a brief summary of the interview for the boys.

I ( USC ) petitioned them they interviewed on 2/08. I was unable to attend however their father did make it to the interview as he had already gotten his GC. the main question where asked only to my Husband and now what so ever to the boys. I had made a trip to Colombia in January so we also had pictures as a family. The whole thing last not more than 3 hours in and out.

I had emailed the embassy and they expalined to bring proof of the step parent relationship.

I hope this helps, if you have any other questions please let me know

[barbashraf 0]

Hi,

Thank you for the continuing information- everything helps.

The girls will be having their interview on December 13.

My husband is going to travel back to Cairo for the interview. We just were able to confirm everything last week (time off from work, confirmed airline tickets). He has his green card as well.

We have been trying to figure out what additional "proof" he should bring if any.

I always want to be over prepared- if they ask for something we'll have it, if they don't ask for anything no harm done.

We have been married for 6 years. He has always supported the girls, and I was thinking of having him get a record from Western Union showing money sent every month for them. He will also have his passport showing that he has returned to Egypt every year to visit them.

We did send in our joint tax returns from the last 3 years with the application. Not sure if we need to send copies of bank statements, insurance policies, etc.. showing both our names.

Do you have any other suggestions as to what he should bring?

Again, all of us appreciate everyone's help.

[NArocks 13]

I would bring the bank statements and Pictures together which is good showing you in those also, have you met the girls? The main and only questions were about the realtionship between me ( the USC ) and the father, you should be good to go, let us know how it goes please. He brought a book of stuff the only thing the guy behind the window looked at was the picture of me and the boys in Colombia

[barbashraf 0]

We have pictures he will bring. I will also get the bank statements etc. together to send.

We also plan on sending pictures of their bedrooms here- so they will see they will each have their own room.

My husband and I don't have any children together (I don't have any children either), but they know all about our dogs, my sister, brother-in-law, my niece and nephew.

We talk by Skype, and by video camera as well.

They were nervous about going for the interview, but are feeling much better that their dad will be coming back to go with them.

I will keep everyone posted.

Thank you again, so much.

[barbashraf 0]

Just wanted to update, for anyone who may be looking for information in the future.

The girls had their interview Dec. 13, 2009. My husband went back so he could attend with them. They actually did ask the girls questions. They kept the girls together, but wanted to speak to them away from their dad. They did great, most of the questions were directed to the oldest. They came away from the interview with needing 2 things- the oldest turned 16 between the time we filed and when the interview occured, so she needed a police clearance (not sure what it's called), and for some reason, they also wanted to see my husband's original divorce certificate, not sure why.

Anyway- they were quick fixes. The oldest went and got fingerprinted and filled out the paperwork needed. I was hesitant to send the divorce papers with the Christmas holiday mail, afraid of it getting lost/misdirected through customs and whatnot. We sent it via DHL early Jan., and it was signed for and received at the embassy on Jan. 10.

Today (Feb. 1, 2010) we got a phone call from the girls- they received their passports with visa issured!!

It shows they issued the visa on January 28, 2010.

All in all compared to others we had a very easy journey.

I am sure it is because we petitioned children, as well as they were girls (no AP I'm assuming).

We still have a bit of a wait before the girls come to us. We have all decided it would be best/easiest for them to stay in Cairo until the end of the school year. They will come to us hopefully in early June, so they will have the summer to get a taste of their new life in the states, and have some free time before having to start school.

I can not thank all of you enough who offered support, and guidance throughout this process, through varios postings. Many times I didn't even need to post my question as there was excellant advice, and experience from someone who walked before me.

If ever I can help anyone else to make their journey any easier, please feel free to email me.

Thank you so much again. And good luck to all of those on this long journey. Never stop believing there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.

[Aymsgirl 0]

Thank you very much for updating us on how the interview went. I like you am a stepmother of three beautiful step sons and one day in the future we are hoping they will make the choice to come stay with us. I had no idea the children had to go through an interview as well. Again, thank you for the update.

[barbashraf 0]

You are more than welcome. It's always fun to update with good news!

If/When the time comes for you to bring the boys here, and you need ANY help at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. There isn't a lot of info. regarding bringing kids over on these boards, but what is, is right on.

Dealing with the Embassy in Cairo is sometimes a different ballgame as I'm sure you know. So, if I can offer an assistance, guidance,or support no matter when that time may be, please let me know.

[Aymsgirl 0]

You are more than welcome. It's always fun to update with good news!

If/When the time comes for you to bring the boys here, and you need ANY help at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. There isn't a lot of info. regarding bringing kids over on these boards, but what is, is right on.

Dealing with the Embassy in Cairo is sometimes a different ballgame as I'm sure you know. So, if I can offer an assistance, guidance,or support no matter when that time may be, please let me know.

Thank you so much. I will add you to my friends list for future reference.

[R and F 34]

We have pictures he will bring. I will also get the bank statements etc. together to send.

We also plan on sending pictures of their bedrooms here- so they will see they will each have their own room.

My husband and I don't have any children together (I don't have any children either), but they know all about our dogs, my sister, brother-in-law, my niece and nephew.

We talk by Skype, and by video camera as well.

They were nervous about going for the interview, but are feeling much better that their dad will be coming back to go with them.

I will keep everyone posted.

Thank you again, so much.

WOHOO CONGRATS TO ALL YOUR FAMILY.

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

Just wanted to update, for anyone who may be looking for information in the future.

The girls had their interview Dec. 13, 2009. My husband went back so he could attend with them. They actually did ask the girls questions. They kept the girls together, but wanted to speak to them away from their dad. They did great, most of the questions were directed to the oldest. They came away from the interview with needing 2 things- the oldest turned 16 between the time we filed and when the interview occured, so she needed a police clearance (not sure what it's called), and for some reason, they also wanted to see my husband's original divorce certificate, not sure why.

Anyway- they were quick fixes. The oldest went and got fingerprinted and filled out the paperwork needed. I was hesitant to send the divorce papers with the Christmas holiday mail, afraid of it getting lost/misdirected through customs and whatnot. We sent it via DHL early Jan., and it was signed for and received at the embassy on Jan. 10.

Today (Feb. 1, 2010) we got a phone call from the girls- they received their passports with visa issured!!

It shows they issued the visa on January 28, 2010.

All in all compared to others we had a very easy journey.

I am sure it is because we petitioned children, as well as they were girls (no AP I'm assuming).

We still have a bit of a wait before the girls come to us. We have all decided it would be best/easiest for them to stay in Cairo until the end of the school year. They will come to us hopefully in early June, so they will have the summer to get a taste of their new life in the states, and have some free time before having to start school.

I can not thank all of you enough who offered support, and guidance throughout this process, through varios postings. Many times I didn't even need to post my question as there was excellant advice, and experience from someone who walked before me.

If ever I can help anyone else to make their journey any easier, please feel free to email me.

Thank you so much again. And good luck to all of those on this long journey. Never stop believing there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.

How exciting for you? You will have so much fun with them and they will love the USA.. Good luck and congratulations