The Interview...Russian Or English??

[KGSodie 0]

I don't want to start a new topic. Let me just tell you what the situation is. My Masha needs to go back to Petersburg after visa interview so, if the appointment is at 8am, what is the longest the interview process may take? Thank you.

Natasha's appointment was also at 8, and she was done around 10:30. Just our experience, though!

[Bobalouie 0]

I don't want to start a new topic. Let me just tell you what the situation is. My Masha needs to go back to Petersburg after visa interview so, if the appointment is at 8am, what is the longest the interview process may take? Thank you.

Natasha's appointment was also at 8, and she was done around 10:30. Just our experience, though!

Our experience was the same as KGSodie's.

[visaveteran 1]

If you read my interview post, you know my wife arrived late for her appointment. Her interview time was 8 am (like everyone's). She got to the interview area of the embassy at 10:30 am and there were still a few people waiting.

So...I'd say the latest interviews might go to 11:30 am or so. Remember, some interviews last 5 minutes and some up to an hour (though this would be rare).

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

My Alla was in the same boat. Done around 10.30.

I don't want to start a new topic. Let me just tell you what the situation is. My Masha needs to go back to Petersburg after visa interview so, if the appointment is at 8am, what is the longest the interview process may take? Thank you.

Natasha's appointment was also at 8, and she was done around 10:30. Just our experience, though!

[Kotenochek 0]

when they saw my english was good,he seemed relieved and happy..so i think knowing english helps..but i also saw many people here passing interview without speaking much english..should be ok as long as you can prove you can comunicate with each other...

[Turboguy 6]

My first fiancee had the interview from h*ll and was told the interview could be in Russian or English but if she elected Russian she would be refused the visa. This was unusual and that CO is long gone as far as I know but I will mention this in passing.

My two cents worth on this is that if she only speaks Russian during the interview it "can" raise the question of if the two of you have the ability to communicate well enough to have a real relationship. How much of a factor this can be depends on the C.O. you draw. I have heard of women grilled pretty intensively about how they commuicate but I have also heard of gals flying right through without knowing a word of English. My suggestion is that if the fiancee knows any English throwing out a few words can do more good than harm.

Both my first fiancee's and my wife's interview in Moscow finished up about 10:30. There were gals left in there both times but I think you can be fairly safe with the thought she will be done in the morning, maybe 11:30 for the latest.

[MarkandLada 0]

Sorry to hear that she had that bad experience. Maybe that CO woke up on the wrong side of somebody else's bed. If they are gone, then that is a good thing. These ladies do not need any more undue stress! Anyway, after sending my SO these responses and also getting a call from our attorney (and this is one of the very reasons I hired one...fiancee support!), she feels she is confident and ready. Her and her daughter have been practicing the questions/responses in English. She is going to start in English and only switch to Russian if an answer needs clarification. She is going to be great! It is next week!! OMG, it has been a long time coming! (well..it felt like it anyway )

[aspettando 0]

Thank you for the answers and support!

[groovlstk 0]

If they are gone, then that is a good thing. These ladies do not need any more undue stress!

Considering the number of failures I'd say that the COs should be more inquisitive - they'd save time, money, and heartache for many involved in this pursuit who choose to marry virtual strangers after a few days of face time together.

[MarkandLada 0]

While I agree with that statement, I was simply referring to unnecessary abusive, condescending, or general poor treatment. I would think that the obvious non-legit applicants tend to stand out.

[slim 1,525]

If they are gone, then that is a good thing. These ladies do not need any more undue stress!

Considering the number of failures I'd say that the COs should be more inquisitive - they'd save time, money, and heartache for many involved in this pursuit who choose to marry virtual strangers after a few days of face time together.

I disagree. The C/O's main purpose is to ascertain if the petitioner and beneficiary are complying with the law in terms of getting the visa applied for. They're not there to be the "marriage police" or screen for possible marital problems down the road.

And truthfully, if they were, then none of us would've gotten a visa because marrying someone from a foreign country that you barely know has all the makings of disaster. So does marrying someone from right next door. Over half the marriages in the U.S. end in divorce so strictly speaking, they could deny everyone!

All they need to do is simply check the appropriate box - "Beneficiary and Petitioner are in compliance with the laws" _____ YES ______ NO

[groovlstk 0]

While I agree with that statement, I was simply referring to unnecessary abusive, condescending, or general poor treatment. I would think that the obvious non-legit applicants tend to stand out.

Funny enough, my wife had nothing but praise for the American employees at the Moscow embassy, particularly her CO. It was the Russian employees who checked to make sure all the applicants had their docs in order prior to their interviews who treated everyone shabbily.

[groovlstk 0]

I disagree. The C/O's main purpose is to ascertain if the petitioner and beneficiary are complying with the law in terms of getting the visa applied for. They're not there to be the "marriage police" or screen for possible marital problems down the road.

Then why do the COs ask questions like "what is your husband's profession?" or "what is your fiance's father's name?" when all that proof is documented within the petition that sits on his desk during the interview? It seems they do have a role - albeit very limited - in determining that there is a basis for a relationship beyond vacation photos together, emails, and copies of boarding passes. Or am I incorrect?

And truthfully, if they were, then none of us would've gotten a visa because marrying someone from a foreign country that you barely know has all the makings of disaster. So does marrying someone from right next door. Over half the marriages in the U.S. end in divorce so strictly speaking, they could deny everyone!

There's a difference between marrying someone you've never spent more than two weeks at a time with and marrying a complete stranger. I know guys who've used marriage agencies and caved under pressure from the agency owner who insisted that it's perfectly appropriate - indeed expected - for an American to propose to one of his girls after spending 3-4 days together, despite the fact that she can't speak a word of English I'd be willing to bet that the standard 50% divorce rate nearly doubles under such circumstances.

[Chuckles 0]

I agree with slim, to a point.

They need to ask questions to find out if 2 people actually know each other, simply because scammers (i.e. people who are planning to break the law) would be less concerned about this.

I do not think the CO should give 2 rat's a$$'s about love, because love doesn't have to have anything to do with marriage. At least as far as the law is concerned. Some do, as was the case at the time my wife interviewed. She was asked lots of questions pertaining to 'love', as were the other girls interviewed around that time frame.

You never know what you are going to get really. Your best information source when preparing for an upcoming interview is someone who very recently had the interview.

[BTalley 0]

Svetlana is an English teacher and knows the language very well.

But I suggested to her that she first show the interviewer how well she can communicate in English . . . but then insist that the interview be done in Russian. This is the most important interview of her life, and there can be zero margin of error for a simple misunderstanding or a slight hesitation in answering a question. Her answers should be quick and confident, and the best way to ensure this is to have it done in Russian.