"Do not volunteer information or documents"

[mimimimimi 0]

Hi all,

So my interview is tomorrow, I would appreciate if someone could answer me tonight!

Everyone says: "do not volunteer information or documents at the AOS interview - give only what they ask".

But, (volunteering)-giving more proof of bonafide marriage wouldn't make the case stronger?

How does it work? Do they ask you for specific documents, or they just ask you, i.e.: "give me proof that you live together", and you sort out what you want to give them? or "give me proof that you mingled finances" and you also decide what to provide?

PLEASE, answer me if you've been there and know for sure...

Thanks!

[Kez/JWolf 6]

When my late wife and I went for her AOS interview she had a big file full of evidence and supporting info. The interviewing officer started the interview by confirming all the information we had put on the forms when we filed. Then there were the YES/NO questions and then he asked my wife what evidence she had brought with her, she told him the things she had in her folder and he asked to see somethings and not others.

The only items he asked if he could keep for her file were a photo from our wedding and a copy of our flight itinerary from our trip to Scotland.

Just try to relax and dont worry about saying the wrong thing, if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to worry about.

Good Luck

[mimimimimi 0]

Thank you Kez/JWolf. So I guess I am going to state what I have, and let them tell me which documents they want.

I wonder if it is it always like this?

p.s. I am sorry to hear about your late wife.

When my late wife and I went for her AOS interview she had a big file full of evidence and supporting info. The interviewing officer started the interview by confirming all the information we had put on the forms when we filed. Then there were the YES/NO questions and then he asked my wife what evidence she had brought with her, she told him the things she had in her folder and he asked to see somethings and not others.

The only items he asked if he could keep for her file were a photo from our wedding and a copy of our flight itinerary from our trip to Scotland.

Just try to relax and dont worry about saying the wrong thing, if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to worry about.

Good Luck

[Beantownbabe 1]

My interviewer specifically asked for what he needed - a bank statement or something with both our names on. They know exactly what they are looking for and all the other stuff we brought just made us feel more confident but was never so much as looked at. Personally, I don't feel like you need a boatload of things and in our case, as soon as I gave him what he asked for I did not volunteer anything else from the pile. We were approved on the spot! Good luck!

[mimimimimi 0]

Thanks a lot Beantownbabe.

I just thought that maybe, if the decision is not made on the spot, it would be better for them to have MORE evidence while browsing at the case afterwards.

So I guess I will just give them what they specifically ask...

Let me know if anyone thinks differently.

My interviewer specifically asked for what he needed - a bank statement or something with both our names on. They know exactly what they are looking for and all the other stuff we brought just made us feel more confident but was never so much as looked at. Personally, I don't feel like you need a boatload of things and in our case, as soon as I gave him what he asked for I did not volunteer anything else from the pile. We were approved on the spot! Good luck!

Edited March 10, 2009 by mimigrant

[Beantownbabe 1]

Thanks a lot Beantownbabe.

I just thought that maybe, if the decision is not made on the spot, it would be better for them to have MORE evidence while browsing at the case afterwards.

So I guess I will just give them what they specifically ask...

Let me know if anyone thinks differently.

My interviewer specifically asked for what he needed - a bank statement or something with both our names on. They know exactly what they are looking for and all the other stuff we brought just made us feel more confident but was never so much as looked at. Personally, I don't feel like you need a boatload of things and in our case, as soon as I gave him what he asked for I did not volunteer anything else from the pile. We were approved on the spot! Good luck!

I just took it as a good sign that he was asking for so little! I feel like if that was all that was needed, then why bog it down with more! They love the financial side of things, so joint bank account, insurance stuff goes a long way...Good luck tomorrow!

[c_and_a 0]

This is really a tough question to answer and there is no one answer. I can see where volunteering information could be seen as overcompensation, but for my wife and I it might have been the difference between her getting approved or not. The IO was not convinced we lived together, and only barely hinted at it, but since I tend to be able to read people quite well, I offered her our lease to confirm our residency, and she said thank you and only then expressed to us that before, she was not convinced. She was a very passive IO, however, and if you get one that is more of a drill sergeant that might not be the best approach.

[edp333 9]

During our interview the IO asked me if we had met each other's parents. I told him yes, but he did not look convinced. So, I volunteered enthusiastically that we had pictures and asked if he wanted to see them. After seeing several pictures the IO's attitude was very positive.

[clolita 0]

This is really a tough question to answer and there is no one answer. I can see where volunteering information could be seen as overcompensation, but for my wife and I it might have been the difference between her getting approved or not. The IO was not convinced we lived together, and only barely hinted at it, but since I tend to be able to read people quite well, I offered her our lease to confirm our residency, and she said thank you and only then expressed to us that before, she was not convinced. She was a very passive IO, however, and if you get one that is more of a drill sergeant that might not be the best approach.

We had a similar experience, with a passive IO. I think that if you notice that there is not enough feedback about documents or responses - to elaborate upon them and be more conversational. Otherwise, the IO may lack enough evidence because neither of you were actively communicating. This is my regret with my interview. I wouldn't let the "don't volunteer information" get to your head - you are still conducting an interview, not an interrogation.