Interview question

[sarahandjason 0]

I am new to starting the whole process. My boyfriend is Canadian and I am American. I am wondering about the interview process (once we get there of course). He lives in Winnipeg so I believe his interview would be in Montreal? Is he the only one that goes to the interview or is it both of us? Please don't judge, but I have to wait another two years to have my criminal record (a dui 5 years ago) cleared for good in Canada so I wouldn't be able to go for an interview there unless I am granted a waiver. That is why I am asking.

If anyone has any advice as to the best way to go about this, whether it be K-1 or getting married and then filing one of the other visas. It would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

He is the only one required at the interview.

The petitioners are allowed in, but if you are unable to make it, that's fine. It wont hurt anything at the interview.

[coraliesolms 47]

Dont be embarrassed about the DUI, my hubby had the same problem, and I went to my interview alone. In fact, the majority of people there were there by themselves

Good luck with the process, make sure all your T's are crossed and I's dotted and you will be fine.

[HeatDeath 430]

I'm from Winnipeg. If you get a K-1 the interview will be in Vancouver. If you get married first and go for a CR-1 the interview will be in Montreal. There should be no problem with him going to the interview alone. Some consulates, particularly in "high fraud" countries make a big deal of it, but we are very fortunate to be in Canada where it's not a big deal. I was alone at my interview. It's very common in Canada, and not a problem at all.

Your main choice, as I said above, is between a K-1 and a CR-1 visa. With a CR-1 you get married first. (For you this would probably happen in the US, because of the travel concerns you note above.) You would then return to Canada while the visa processes. After the interview and approval, you would travel to the US, and receive a green card in a few weeks. This approach is cheaper, and normally about the same length of time (perhaps 1-2 months longer.) The major downside is that you face a significant period of separation after the marriage. Also, Montreal has been significantly backlogged of late, so it may take a couple of extra months to get an interview, delaying the process.

With the K-1, your American initiates the process of petitioning for you. Eventually the petition is approved, and you get a packet from the Vancouver consulate. When you fax them everything they want, they schedule you for an interview. If all goes well you get the visa and can travel to the US. Once in the US, you have 90 days in which to marry. You cannot leave the US (for ANY reason, period full-stop) until after you marry and file your Adjustment of Status, receiving your AP document, usually 2-3 months after arrival. K-1 is more expensive (the AOS process is an extra thousand dollars) and you have that awkward 2-3 months in legal limbo after arrival, but it will be somewhat faster (particularly because of Montreal's backlog, which doesn't affect Vancouver), and you have the advantage of no separation after the wedding.

[Carlawarla 1]

Your interview will be in Vancouver...lucky for you. The time from NOA2 to interview is probably only a couple of months. Best of luck! It's nice for some to have their partner there for the interview for moral support, but it isn't something that they have to attend. I attended in Vancouver on my own and I was in and out in a 1/2 hour. I spent 5 vacation days in Vancouver and had a lovely mini-vacation!

Edited February 10, 2010 by Carlawarla

[Amanda2020 1]

He doesn't have to come in. My Interview is in April, mine is coming with me, but don't worry he does not have to it wont change or effect the visa in anyway your getting the visa not him.

[trailmix 77]

Hi and welcome

Edited February 10, 2010 by trailmix

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Hi Sarah! (I'm guessing you are Sarah from the user name )

Usually when the USC attends the interview it is just for moral support. The interview is for the Canadian, not for the American. My husband came with me but he definitely didn't need to be there... except to hold my hand while I was freaking out

You're definitely not the first person to be affected by a DUI, no need to be embarrassed. We all make mistakes.

[bowflex 0]

I went with my wife to her interview but they really didn't want to hear anything from me at all Welcome to VJ and good luck!!

[TimandJoyce 1]

welcome to VJ! Glad you're here and that you're asking questions. This whole process can be stressful, and frustrating!! To be sure. However, you'll get lots of support here. The average time for a K-1 is about 6 months. Some can be much quicker, and some longer. Read the guides at the top to know the difference between that and CR-1 and ask us anything.