Visa in hand today

[Nosotros 0]

I would like to thank the VJ community for all the support it provided to us throughout this process. I would also like to apologize for the length of this post, as it is a couple of things in one.

I am happy to announce that after a successful interview on Friday, we just picked up our visa today from DHL. My fiancee already has a flight scheduled for June 1st, so she will be with me in less than a week I am so excited, but I have also begun to calm down tremendously. One could never predict the emotional roller coaster that accompanies this process. It is so, unpredictable, and actaully hazardous to one's mental and physical being, I think. I am much calmer than I have been in a long long time, and just looking forward to the start of our new life together.

Now as for the interview, it was hilarious and humbling.

Our interview was at 8:15AM on Friday, May 23rd. We got into line at 7:30, and were inside by 7:50am. In the line, a woman was walking around, marking a number on the appointment letters. We were given number 8, although, it seems we were couple/family number 5 going into the interview room. We Have no idea where or what the 8 was for.

We were called up to the first window within 20 minutes, where the clerk asked for photos!! We were like, which photos? Then my fiancee explained that she had form DS-156 with 5cm by 5cm photos pasted on them; to which the clerk said, yes, give me that, and the other copy and passport as well. I have no idea what she would have wanted to do with 5cm by 5cm photos by themselves; we had planned to be asked for the forms first, then the photos, so it seemed a bit strange and confusing to be asked for photos as the very first thing.

We go sit and wait for probably an hour. Then we are called up to the same window again. This time, she wants the DS-156K, and the affidavit of support. Then she asked my fiancee her name. She asked her how is it possible that we know each other, then asked, given that she doesn't speak english, how do we communicate, to which I answered in castellano. She asked me where I learned castellano (in Peru). Then she told us to wait to be called to room 15.

We sat back down. We chit chatted, we held hands, we were nervous, palms sweating, at some point I thought my fiancee was holding my hand too much, or being too lovey dovey, and that made me even more nervous, but then I realized she was probably more nervous than me, e.t.c, e.t.c, e.t.c. It was so nerv-wracking, not knowing how to be, what to do or what not to do. In the end, you realize you just be, and let things take their course. So then I relaxed, and then I felt my fiancee relax as well.

It seemed as if the moment we started relaxing more is when we got called to room15. This was about an hour and a half after the last call. We went into room 15, greeted the cconsular officer (a lady in her late 30's or mid 40's) and sat down.

- Are you the petitioner? 'Yes I am'

- May I see your passport? (handed over passport)

- It looks like you traveled to Chile and Ecuador alot? (in Spanish; I have more Peruvian stamps though) 'I needed to, in order to renew my visa in Peru' (I responded in Spanish)

- You know that we can speak in English, right? 'Yes, but you asked me a question in Spanish'.

- Have you ever been married? Do you have any children? 'No' (in English)

- How do you know each other? (To fiancee, in spanish)

- Have you ever been married? Do you have any children? (To fiancee, in spanish. Types something into the computer)

- (Turns to me, still typing) So this IS your first marriage then? 'Yes. ' I realized what was happening, and a couple of seconds later, I added 'It WILL be'

The last two answers I gave might have made the difference between denial and approval, I don't know, and will never know. It was a trick question. It made me sick to my stomach to realize that. She stopped typing, and said; I ask married couples that question, and sometimes I forget that I am interviewing a K-1 visa couple. She then said, "YOU ARE APPROVED, good luck and have a nice life in America"

They didn't ask for emails, phone records, photos of us together, letters, nothing. It seemed in our case, what they had on file was enough. My fiancee was asked the 3 questions, and that was it. I was asked more questions, than her.

We were in that room maybe 7 minutes. The entire time we were asked questions, the consular officer was leafing through our I129F package, which had a big red stamp at the upper right corner saying "APPROVED" on it from USCIS.

So, when you go as the USC, make sure you don't fall for the trick questions and jeopardize the interview for your SO!

[mamajo 1]

Seems nerve-wrecking! Thanks for the info. This will certainly help us prepare when the time comes for my fiance's interview.

[LuciansGirl 0]

I totally agree, we are all on a very emotional, roller-coaster journey. It is very unpredictable.

Great job though....CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[Mina76 0]

Congratulations on getting your visa!!!

Best Wishes to you both and a Happy reunion in June!

[Brian&Mel 0]

:dance: Congrats!!! :dance:

[~*Dorothy*~ 2]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

[Arequipa4us 0]

Thanks for the review of your interview. I am wondering about this interview since my wife will be attending it by her self. I have full confidence in her, it is just the CO that I worry about.

In Any event...CONGRATS!!!!

[Muuuuah 0]

Congratulations

[flomagy 0]

Congratulations!!! im sweating already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

be sure to post your review in the embassy review section.....congrats again!!!!!

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Congratulations!

I know the feeling! And it's indescribable. My fiancée received hers today too!

[KC♥MP 0]

Congratulations!!!

[warriorprincess 0]

What a story. At least you made it through. Happy reunion in June!

[o0pink0o 3]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! and thanks for sharing your interview experience

PiNk

[felnfrank 1]

congrats!

[TBoneTX 45,291]

Congratulations! Si, man. Thanks for posting such a detailed, meaningful review -- any insights into the process are valuable for all. Also, thank you for being so refreshingly LITERATE, which can be rare to find on VJ.