AOS interview did not go well

[happylove 0]

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

[Saffyre 0]

Did they ask for them?

[happylove 0]

Saffyre: yes, the officer asked about them, but she did not request that we bring them in

Did they ask for them?

[Old Dominion 26]

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

Did you have other documents showing shared expenses, e.g. utility bills, rental agreement, car ownership, etc? Unless the interviewer asked for the bank statements, why would they be needed?

[cdn_in_wa 1]

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

There isn't much point in making an INFOPASS to deliver the bank statements.

Your case has several red flags for the IO.

1. Your marriage was 9 months old and you only shared bank accounts the day before the interview. (It looks to them as though you only did this for the interview and they will be thinking - what took so long to co-mingle finances?)

2. There is a significant age difference between you and your husband. (this is something that makes them look twice, and since there are other issues, it unfortunately, probably had an effect)

3. Your husband misrepresented when he proposed to you when he told the IO it was after he came to the US on a fiance visa. (This is probably the most serious thing that happened at the interview. The IO will be wondering how this happened since he arrived on a fiance visa - was it misrepresentation?)

It's possible the IO will approve your case. It's also possible that they will schedule a 2nd interview or Stokes interview. They may send you an RFE for more information.

I'm afraid you're stuck waiting to hear what they decide to do. In the mean time, as I suggested in your other thread, you should prepare yourselves for the possibility of a second interview and get as much more evidence as you can to establish the bona fide nature of your marriage.

If you look in the guides, there is one on example interview questions. You can also seach on Stokes Interview here on VJ and you will likely get more information about what to expect should you be required to attend a 2nd interview.

Sorry this happened to you and Good Luck.

[happylove 0]

Dear Cdn in wa: Thank you and everyone for your comments.

Cdn, Do you think that we could get flat out denied? Also, if they did deny us, do we have an appeal? I am scared to death that they will just reject us and tell us case closed.

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

There isn't much point in making an INFOPASS to deliver the bank statements.

Your case has several red flags for the IO.

1. Your marriage was 9 months old and you only shared bank accounts the day before the interview. (It looks to them as though you only did this for the interview and they will be thinking - what took so long to co-mingle finances?)

2. There is a significant age difference between you and your husband. (this is something that makes them look twice, and since there are other issues, it unfortunately, probably had an effect)

3. Your husband misrepresented when he proposed to you when he told the IO it was after he came to the US on a fiance visa. (This is probably the most serious thing that happened at the interview. The IO will be wondering how this happened since he arrived on a fiance visa - was it misrepresentation?)

It's possible the IO will approve your case. It's also possible that they will schedule a 2nd interview or Stokes interview. They may send you an RFE for more information.

I'm afraid you're stuck waiting to hear what they decide to do. In the mean time, as I suggested in your other thread, you should prepare yourselves for the possibility of a second interview and get as much more evidence as you can to establish the bona fide nature of your marriage.

If you look in the guides, there is one on example interview questions. You can also seach on Stokes Interview here on VJ and you will likely get more information about what to expect should you be required to attend a 2nd interview.

Sorry this happened to you and Good Luck.

[happylove 0]

Dear Cdn in wa: Thank you and everyone for your comments.

Cdn, Do you think that we could get flat out denied? Also, if they did deny us, do we have an appeal? I am scared to death that they will just reject us and tell us case closed. Also, what wasn't explained well to the officer was, yes my husband proposed to me when he was here in the U.S. However, he proposed to me when I was in his country meeting him. We did not get married legally, but we did have our own private religious ceremony (just the two of us) and that is when he first gave me my wedding ring. Do you think we should make an infopass and clarify this with the officer? Also, we just recently shared bank accounts it is true. We did this because my husband recently started working (about 2 months ago) and also when his money ran out to pay for things, I supported him with my resources, so I did not share my bank account with him yet. We did share right before the interview to show that we share. But we intend to continue to share . . . so . . . do you have any suggestions? Thank you --- your comments are appreciate so much.

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

There isn't much point in making an INFOPASS to deliver the bank statements.

Your case has several red flags for the IO.

1. Your marriage was 9 months old and you only shared bank accounts the day before the interview. (It looks to them as though you only did this for the interview and they will be thinking - what took so long to co-mingle finances?)

2. There is a significant age difference between you and your husband. (this is something that makes them look twice, and since there are other issues, it unfortunately, probably had an effect)

3. Your husband misrepresented when he proposed to you when he told the IO it was after he came to the US on a fiance visa. (This is probably the most serious thing that happened at the interview. The IO will be wondering how this happened since he arrived on a fiance visa - was it misrepresentation?)

It's possible the IO will approve your case. It's also possible that they will schedule a 2nd interview or Stokes interview. They may send you an RFE for more information.

I'm afraid you're stuck waiting to hear what they decide to do. In the mean time, as I suggested in your other thread, you should prepare yourselves for the possibility of a second interview and get as much more evidence as you can to establish the bona fide nature of your marriage.

If you look in the guides, there is one on example interview questions. You can also seach on Stokes Interview here on VJ and you will likely get more information about what to expect should you be required to attend a 2nd interview.

Sorry this happened to you and Good Luck.

[happylove 0]

Old Dominion: We had utility bills, car and health insurance, but no ownership of any kind. We did not show the rental agreement as I am currently receiving housing assistance (although my husband pays his share of the rent).

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

Did you have other documents showing shared expenses, e.g. utility bills, rental agreement, car ownership, etc? Unless the interviewer asked for the bank statements, why would they be needed?

[happylove 0]

q

Dear Cdn in wa: Thank you and everyone for your comments.

Cdn, Do you think that we could get flat out denied? Also, if they did deny us, do we have an appeal? I am scared to death that they will just reject us and tell us case closed.

We are feeling very uncomfortable and worried about the interview in Seattle. We did not have bank statements -- only letters from our banks showing we recently shared our accounts (one bank letter does not give a date, the other one shows it was open the day before the interview). When we get our bank statements in the mail, should we schedule an infopass and bring them in to uscis?

There isn't much point in making an INFOPASS to deliver the bank statements.

Your case has several red flags for the IO.

1. Your marriage was 9 months old and you only shared bank accounts the day before the interview. (It looks to them as though you only did this for the interview and they will be thinking - what took so long to co-mingle finances?)

2. There is a significant age difference between you and your husband. (this is something that makes them look twice, and since there are other issues, it unfortunately, probably had an effect)

3. Your husband misrepresented when he proposed to you when he told the IO it was after he came to the US on a fiance visa. (This is probably the most serious thing that happened at the interview. The IO will be wondering how this happened since he arrived on a fiance visa - was it misrepresentation?)

It's possible the IO will approve your case. It's also possible that they will schedule a 2nd interview or Stokes interview. They may send you an RFE for more information.

I'm afraid you're stuck waiting to hear what they decide to do. In the mean time, as I suggested in your other thread, you should prepare yourselves for the possibility of a second interview and get as much more evidence as you can to establish the bona fide nature of your marriage.

If you look in the guides, there is one on example interview questions. You can also seach on Stokes Interview here on VJ and you will likely get more information about what to expect should you be required to attend a 2nd interview.

Sorry this happened to you and Good Luck.

[unforgettable fire 2]

Sorry to hear about your experience. It is important to be REALLY prepared at the interview and take into consideration EVERYTHING. You never know what they are gonna ask, what documents what pieces of evidence and I believe being prepared is imperative.

However, in the event of you getting a denial I believe you can get a motion to re-open your case, sometimes they might ask for the couple to attend a second interview.

If I was you I would try to collect as much information, documentation, evidence, etc... try to make an infopass also if you don't hear from them in a few days. I wish you all the best of luck! I'm sure everything will be ok.

[cdn_in_wa 1]

Sorry to hear about your experience. It is important to be REALLY prepared at the interview and take into consideration EVERYTHING. You never know what they are gonna ask, what documents what pieces of evidence and I believe being prepared is imperative.

However, in the event of you getting a denial I believe you can get a motion to re-open your case, sometimes they might ask for the couple to attend a second interview.

If I was you I would try to collect as much information, documentation, evidence, etc... try to make an infopass also if you don't hear from them in a few days. I wish you all the best of luck! I'm sure everything will be ok.

The problem with this is that even those people on VJ interviewed in Seattle, in the last 8 days, who were told at the conclusion of their interview they were approved, were been told it will probably be a month to get the GC, so there is no point in an INFOPASS until at least a month has gone by. OP was told a month or two. An INFOPASS will likely result in being told the case is under review and she'll hear or she should contact again in another 30/45/60 days.

I'm not sure what action USCIS will take. I'm sure someone here can help with that information. And I believe you have some sort ability to reopen the case if it is denied.

[happylove 0]

Dear Cdn, thank you for your prompt reply and your caring

Sorry to hear about your experience. It is important to be REALLY prepared at the interview and take into consideration EVERYTHING. You never know what they are gonna ask, what documents what pieces of evidence and I believe being prepared is imperative.

However, in the event of you getting a denial I believe you can get a motion to re-open your case, sometimes they might ask for the couple to attend a second interview.

If I was you I would try to collect as much information, documentation, evidence, etc... try to make an infopass also if you don't hear from them in a few days. I wish you all the best of luck! I'm sure everything will be ok.

The problem with this is that even those people on VJ interviewed in Seattle, in the last 8 days, who were told at the conclusion of their interview they were approved, were been told it will probably be a month to get the GC, so there is no point in an INFOPASS until at least a month has gone by. OP was told a month or two. An INFOPASS will likely result in being told the case is under review and she'll hear or she should contact again in another 30/45/60 days.

I'm not sure what action USCIS will take. I'm sure someone here can help with that information. And I believe you have some sort ability to reopen the case if it is denied.

[happylove 0]

Thank you, Unforgettable fire

Sorry to hear about your experience. It is important to be REALLY prepared at the interview and take into consideration EVERYTHING. You never know what they are gonna ask, what documents what pieces of evidence and I believe being prepared is imperative.

However, in the event of you getting a denial I believe you can get a motion to re-open your case, sometimes they might ask for the couple to attend a second interview.

If I was you I would try to collect as much information, documentation, evidence, etc... try to make an infopass also if you don't hear from them in a few days. I wish you all the best of luck! I'm sure everything will be ok.

Edited October 25, 2008 by LandofTreesWoman

[Old Dominion 26]

Thank you, Unforgettable fire

Sorry to hear about your experience. It is important to be REALLY prepared at the interview and take into consideration EVERYTHING. You never know what they are gonna ask, what documents what pieces of evidence and I believe being prepared is imperative.

However, in the event of you getting a denial I believe you can get a motion to re-open your case, sometimes they might ask for the couple to attend a second interview.

If I was you I would try to collect as much information, documentation, evidence, etc... try to make an infopass also if you don't hear from them in a few days. I wish you all the best of luck! I'm sure everything will be ok.

My guess is that the IO did not immediately approve your application but instead referred your case to a higher-up for review. Who is the sponsor, since your income is low enough to qualify for government rental subsidy? That also may be a factor.

[himher 634]

I only remember that the officer at our interview was interested in (3) essential things, and the entire interview was geared around these basic items

1. Income. I believe from your previous posts that there was an income issue, case denied, etc etc - that you and your husband had to overcome. I realize that the impression that housing assistance might be viewed by some as a right and not a public charge, but housing assistance is actually paid by other taxpayers and as such it likely falls under the category of "public charge". So income might have been a flag - however with (your son?) a sponsor likely that issue can be closed.

2. The relationship, real or not? The IO asked us just a few questions about each other, personal but not intrusive, like birthdays stuff about each other's family, etc - had we not popped out good answers I believe this could have led to other more difficult questions. In probing your relationship, being proposed to after arriving in the US on a K1 visa just doesn't sound right, and there is no doubt that this possibly could have raised a flag about your relationship. There may have been other questions that you don't even realize might have raised flags as well, the IO's are trained on what to ask and listen for.

3. Co-mingled assets. The IO even copied the one credit card that we did not have a statement for, because the CC numbers were identical even though, as I told him, when I added my wife to the account and they issued the card in her name they did not add her name to the account statement and no amount of calling down the wrath of heaven would make them do it, but since the numbers were the same he just took them to the back, copied them both, and returned them, keeping the copies as additional evidence. We were careful to bring a February bank statement (with both names, the month after she arrived) and a current statement (dated a few days before the interview) to show that yeah as soon as my wife arrived she was on the bank statement and by the way here are our debit cards for that bank and hers expires in March meaning it was issued in March blah blah blah. Talking about "his bills" and "my bills" at an AOS interview (might) be interpreted as more of a business arrangement coupled with the statement "we didnt get engaged until I arrived in the US" and "we started a joint bank account yesterday".

You are probably looking at a Stokes interview, and it would be very good if first the two of you really studied the AOS interview process and what they are looking for then studied the Stokes interview process, got everything together, and batten your hatches. The Stokes interviews are set up to be stressful at best and adversarial at worst and they are not looking for reasons to approve, they are looking for reasons to deny.

We studied the USCIS Adjudicator's Field Manual carefully, just to have knowledge of exactly what the expectations are from these interviews and indeed the entire process, and what we would be expected to provide and answer during the AOS/interview process. At least, if you have to go into a second interview or an appeals process, you can do it with your eyes open. The link is:

http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?...8ce159d286150e2

I just copied it from the browser. If it does not open, the Field Manual is available, public record, on USCIS.gov

Best of luck to you and your husband with your case.