Is Attorney Representation Allowed at AOS Initial Interivew?

[Anonymous NY 1]

Is it common to have an attorney to represent us at the AOS initial interview? Are we allowed to bring one? There are a few factors that could potentially make our interview more challenging that others':

1. My husband and I have a big age gap.

2. My husband filed two fiance petition before. Both were successful. He married his first fiance but divorced then filed another petition for another alien. She made it here but things did not work out and they parted. Never followed up further on any immigration procedure. He has no knowledge of whether she ended up leaving the country either.

3. I had been travelling back and forth at least 3 to 4 times every year here to see him. I always leave before the I-94 expired though. There was one time the Airport staff did not take my I-94 card. Not sure if this would be a problem.

4. I lost my previous passport where my old US visa was on there. POE staff always took me to the "questioning" room to clear background check.

5. My husband also has very bad memories. He does not even remember how many sugar I put on my coffee when I asked him last night! Although we agreed we will have a few "mock interviews" at home in advance (our interview in late March), I am not too confident about that. He never rememebrs my parents' name either! It is just his nature. Well, one of the reasons why we are married totally a complementary thing.

What do you all think?

Edited February 24, 2009 by Anonymous NY

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

Is it common to have an attorney to represent us at the AOS initial interview? Are we allowed to bring one? There are a few factors that could potentially make our interview more challenging that others':

1. My husband and I have a big age gap.

2. My husband filed two fiance petition before. Both were successful. He married his first fiance but divorced then filed another petition for another alien. She made it here but things did not work out and they parted. Never followed up further on any immigration procedure. He has no knowledge of whether she ended up leaving the country either.

3. I had been travelling back and forth at least 3 to 4 times every year here to see him. I always leave before the I-94 expired though. There was one time the Airport staff did not take my I-94 card. Not sure if this would be a problem.

4. I lost my previous passport where my old US visa was on there. POE staff always took me to the "questioning" room to clear background check.

5. My husband also has very bad memories. He does not even remember how many sugar I put on my coffee when I asked him last night! Although we agreed we will have a few "mock interviews" at home in advance (our interview in late March), I am not too confident about that. He never rememebrs my parents' name either! It is just his nature. Well, one of the reasons why we are married totally a complementary thing.

What do you all think?

Yes you are allowed to bring an attorney to the interview

[Anonymous NY 1]

Thanks, do you think I should?

There is another incident that I just recalled - I am adjusting from a B2 though we had no intention to marry when I came visit at all. However, when I was asked to present a copy of my return ticket at POE, I failed to do so. This is only because I was never never asked for that and thought I did not need it. In fact, some POE recognized me as I did travel so frequently to the US and just let me pass. Do you think they put in the system I could not produce evidence to leave the country?

This may also complicate the case?

[alexpapa 4]

yes you can have your attorney present

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

It's your decision,

The only thing that I can tell you is that the age difference plus the fact that he had applied for another 2 fiances visas for another 2 women may raise some red flags.

Answer to your question, if you didn't intend to get married you are fine it's not considered visa fraud. If they didn't ask for it, they didn't need it therefore it's not relevant.

Edited February 24, 2009 by TävôLuDô

[Anonymous NY 1]

Thanks, TävôLuDô! Yeah, I hear you on the red flags!!!

We did not intend to get married. It was kind of convenient to just travel back and forth (for me) but haha, my husband thought I was crazy and it was indeed not realistic! Anyways, the POE was susupicious apparently. He wanted to see if I had an engagement ring on my hand (of course I did not) and asked about the return ticket which I did not bring a copy and I was never asked for! I am just concerned if he took notes on my record regarding these details.

We will speak to a few attorneys and decide. Thanks again!