interview prep

[justin728jn 0]

guys, i am trying to put together all the docs for the interview. How did you organize ur docs? Did you put evrything in a binder? When you were called to the window, did you give the vietnamese staff the whole binder or only pulled out whatever she asked for?

[samir_shannon 0]

I would have everything organized in a binder that way when you get to the window you can easily give them what they ask for.

[dalegg 143]

Is anybody else here freaked out about that cat?

[Mike n Huong 1]

That is freaky!!!

I have been trying to figure out this same issue. I will have one small binder for the documents she will hand in at the first window (Passport, ID card, etz...). Then I will have One binder with evidence of our relationship between us, and one binder of evidence of relationship with my kids, and parents, as well as my relationship with her parents. My question is this: How to organize the evidence inside the binder. I was going to either do it in order of time. Emails and phone records before first visit. Then Travel Documentation with pics from fisrt trip. Then email and phone records between the first and second trip. Then the travel documentation and pictures from second trip. Then emails and phone records froom second trip until now. Then I have all mail receipts, letters, western union receipts, flower receipts, etc... OR should I just put all emails together, all travel documentation together, and so on.

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi Justin & Mike,

For the documents listed in the packet 4 instructions (i.e. MRV receipt, Ho Khau, ID Card, Birth Certificate, etc.) we followed the order of that list exactly and just put one document behind the other document. Smaller items (i.e. ID Card, MRV receipt, etc.) we either paperclipped or stapled to a white sheet of A4 paper so the stack was easy to straighten up. We didn't organize it in any binder or punch holes in it. We grouped it all together and put it in a big plastic envelope type organizer that they have here in VN. Then when she got to the Consulate and her number was called to turn in the packet 4 documents, she just pulled out the whole stack and handed it to the nice VN staff (of course they were all in order according to the list of the packet 4) and that was it.

Oh yeah, the I-134 evidence I used an ACCO binder clip to keep all of that together and then it was put in order with the packet 4 instructions. Listed the I-134 on top, followed by the employment letters (2), the bank letters (2) and then the tax returns and bank statements. I put the tax transcript (i.e. 1722) on top of each tax return (i.e. 2005 transcript with 2005 tax return). Following the tax transcript on each return was the W2 documentation. They returned our 2004 and 2003 tax information.

Regarding the relationship evidence, I separated our pile into originals and photocopies. Then I checked the photocopies against the originals to make sure we had everything there. After this all of the information was organized chronologically. Everything was grouped together. So emails were one piece of evidence, cell phone bills were another piece, etc. I organized it chronologically by category, not chronologically by total composition. Then we just prioritized our evidence and put our strongest on the top and went down from there. After this I double checked the originals against the photocopies again to make sure they were both in the same new prioritized order. We left this loose just like the packet 4 documents I described above and put the original relationship evidence in one big plastic envelope and the photocopied relationship evidence in another. She gave originals to the consular officer to view. They didn't keep anything.

Emails were arranged with the most recent on top and going back in order of time to the beginning. Same with the other evidence - most recent on top and going back in time from there.

Justin,

My fiancee pulled out the entire stack of original relationship evidence and then started to hand the officer things piece-by-piece. The officer then further directed to my fiancee the type of evidence that she wanted to see next (i.e. requested "relationship evidence" and my fiancee gave her cards, emails and then photos).

Hope this helps you both out!

STL_HCMC

[Mike n Huong 1]

Hi Justin & Mike,

For the documents listed in the packet 4 instructions (i.e. MRV receipt, Ho Khau, ID Card, Birth Certificate, etc.) we followed the order of that list exactly and just put one document behind the other document. Smaller items (i.e. ID Card, MRV receipt, etc.) we either paperclipped or stapled to a white sheet of A4 paper so the stack was easy to straighten up. We didn't organize it in any binder or punch holes in it. We grouped it all together and put it in a big plastic envelope type organizer that they have here in VN. Then when she got to the Consulate and her number was called to turn in the packet 4 documents, she just pulled out the whole stack and handed it to the nice VN staff (of course they were all in order according to the list of the packet 4) and that was it.

Oh yeah, the I-134 evidence I used an ACCO binder clip to keep all of that together and then it was put in order with the packet 4 instructions. Listed the I-134 on top, followed by the employment letters (2), the bank letters (2) and then the tax returns and bank statements. I put the tax transcript (i.e. 1722) on top of each tax return (i.e. 2005 transcript with 2005 tax return). Following the tax transcript on each return was the W2 documentation. They returned our 2004 and 2003 tax information.

Regarding the relationship evidence, I separated our pile into originals and photocopies. Then I checked the photocopies against the originals to make sure we had everything there. After this all of the information was organized chronologically. Everything was grouped together. So emails were one piece of evidence, cell phone bills were another piece, etc. I organized it chronologically by category, not chronologically by total composition. Then we just prioritized our evidence and put our strongest on the top and went down from there. After this I double checked the originals against the photocopies again to make sure they were both in the same new prioritized order. We left this loose just like the packet 4 documents I described above and put the original relationship evidence in one big plastic envelope and the photocopied relationship evidence in another. She gave originals to the consular officer to view. They didn't keep anything.

Emails were arranged with the most recent on top and going back in order of time to the beginning. Same with the other evidence - most recent on top and going back in time from there.

Justin,

My fiancee pulled out the entire stack of original relationship evidence and then started to hand the officer things piece-by-piece. The officer then further directed to my fiancee the type of evidence that she wanted to see next (i.e. requested "relationship evidence" and my fiancee gave her cards, emails and then photos).

Hope this helps you both out!

STL_HCMC

Thanks so much, you are always so much help. I just have a few questions. I thought we just needed the W-2's and the tax transcript ordered from the IRS? Also did you include a letter of intent to marry, or did you just feel the one in the original filing was good enough?

I have decided a few hours ago to prioritize the evidence by importance. Can you tell me how much she took. In all, I have about 8 inches worth of total paper work, this includes the binders. Here is some of the evidence I am providing, besides the papers she will hand in first. Travel documentation, including boarding passes, intineary, hotel receipts, bank withdrawals while there, and pictures (2 trips), Engagement proof, Receipts from flowers I sent her, mail receipts, handwritten letters and cards, phone records, emails, chats, and then letters and emails as proof of relationship with my kids and parents.

Thanks Again

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi Mike,

Perhaps the W2 and tax transcript is sufficient - I'm not certain reagarding this. However, I included the tax transcripts (i.e. 1722), W2's and tax returns all together. I had all of them, so it made sense to do so. I would double check this with the Consulate by email (then you have a written confirmation) and others on here to see if the tax transcript can indeed be used in lieu of the actual tax return.

I did print another set of updated "intent to marry" statements. I used the same example doc provided here on VisaJourney that I used for the I-129F, and just provided some additional wording (I can't remember exactly the words used) to indicate that we were both stating again that we are still legally able and willing to marry, and intend to do so within 90 days of her arrival into the US using the K-1 visa. However, these documents were left in our "just in case" evidence pile and weren't requested, nor given.

I can't remember exact numbers on the count of emails that she took, but it was a thick stack, perhaps 2-3 inches when all grouped together. In there were emails between her and my family, she and I and also emails between my family and I discussing her and our relationship. We took a sample of "prioritized" emails out of that 2-3 inch stack and included that in our "primary" stack of evidence. The rest of the emails were located in the "just in case" evidence if they requested more. We also included postal cards, travel documentation (i.e. tickets, boarding passes, credit card receipts showing purchase, etc.), resort receipts, etc.

Obviously our evidence will be different because of the fact that I've lived here the whole time. We didn't have elaborate phone records, email between us, etc.

Your evidence sounds good. my thoughts to you is this: include everything, but prioritize it how you would want to give it to the consular officer, or what you would want the consular officer to see if the whole stack was given. Like I said in my earlier post, my fiancee started handing piece-by-piece, and the consular officer then further directed her on what she would like to see. They know what they are looking for. However, her words to my fiancee were, "show me what you can show."

As long as it is all there, and your fiancee knows where everything is, you'll be fine!

STL_HCMC

Thanks so much, you are always so much help. I just have a few questions. I thought we just needed the W-2's and the tax transcript ordered from the IRS? Also did you include a letter of intent to marry, or did you just feel the one in the original filing was good enough?

I have decided a few hours ago to prioritize the evidence by importance. Can you tell me how much she took. In all, I have about 8 inches worth of total paper work, this includes the binders. Here is some of the evidence I am providing, besides the papers she will hand in first. Travel documentation, including boarding passes, intineary, hotel receipts, bank withdrawals while there, and pictures (2 trips), Engagement proof, Receipts from flowers I sent her, mail receipts, handwritten letters and cards, phone records, emails, chats, and then letters and emails as proof of relationship with my kids and parents.

Thanks Again

[Mike n Huong 1]

Hi Mike,

Perhaps the W2 and tax transcript is sufficient - I'm not certain reagarding this. However, I included the tax transcripts (i.e. 1722), W2's and tax returns all together. I had all of them, so it made sense to do so. I would double check this with the Consulate by email (then you have a written confirmation) and others on here to see if the tax transcript can indeed be used in lieu of the actual tax return.

STL_HCMC

Sorry to be such a pain, but what is the difference? I thought the order papers from IRS would be sufficient. I did not know there was a difference between the return and the transcript. Can you explain the transcript and the return?

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi Mike,

The "tax return" that I was talking about is the actual form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ that you file with the IRS each year. I file electronically and print the form out to keep in my financial records (i.e. link: what financial records to keep, how long to keep them).

The "tax transcript" that I was talking about is the "Form 1722" that was discussed at length on here a couple of months ago. According to the IRS.gov website, "a tax transcript shows most line items from your tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes you, your representative or the IRS made after the return was filed. In many cases, a return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions such as those offering mortgages and for applying for student loans."

The reason I submitted both the tax return and the tax transcript is because I had both. I also wasn't sure if the tax transcript alone was enough. Like chuckandkim told me, "during the interview you cannot give them what you don't have."

So I included the original 2005 tax transcript on top of the photocopied 2005 W2, which was on top of the photocopied 2005 form 1040 tax return with its accompanying forms and schedules. This same sequence was repeated for years 2004 and 2003. However, as I said in my post about the interview, 2004 and 2003 were both returned back to my fiancee. But to be safe, include all three years!

I hope this helps. I don't have a definitive answer whether the tax transcript alone is enough to give during the interview. That may be a question to post to the US Consulate by email.

Keep the questions coming when you've got them!

STL_HCMC

Sorry to be such a pain, but what is the difference? I thought the order papers from IRS would be sufficient. I did not know there was a difference between the return and the transcript. Can you explain the transcript and the return?

[justin728jn 0]

thanks STL_HCMC, eventually i will figure out how to put these thing together neatly, i hope

did any1 ever wrote an explaination letter for ur fiancee to bring to the CO during her interview, if so, how long was the letter and did the CO even read it? thanks.....

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi justin728jn,

No problem at all. Keep asking questions until your confident that you don't have anymore!

Below is a link to a topic started by songsparrow regarding an "explanation letter" like you referenced in this post. There was some good discussion on his post about the pros and cons.

Link: Anyone write a summary of their relationship for interview?

Best of luck!

STL_HCMC

thanks STL_HCMC, eventually i will figure out how to put these thing together neatly, i hope

did any1 ever wrote an explaination letter for ur fiancee to bring to the CO during her interview, if so, how long was the letter and did the CO even read it? thanks.....

[chuckandkim 0]

:dance:

I agree with everything STL_HCMC said!!!

Justin and Mike, you are getting awesome first hand advice for STL_HCMC.

Edited July 24, 2006 by chuckandkim

[justin728jn 0]

this regional is extremely helpful, especially STL_HCMC, his responses are very meticulous.

[Mike n Huong 1]

I would agree with you Justin. This region is very helpful and our fellow HCMC members are also very easy going. StLouey and Chuck and Kim are some of the nicest people I have never met, and have much respect for.

I am following your great advice, but there is just so much evidence, I guess it is a good thing. As for the tax return and transcript, I order the regular transcript and then after hearing about the I1722, I also ordered that. It looks a little different, but no stamp or anything. I went onto there website and the trascript that is available is a Tax Return Transcript.

Thanks so much for all your help we greatly appreciate it.

Mike & Huong

[STL_HCMC 0]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the kind comments. I'm glad your benefiting form our experience and the advice we're giving back to the source (VisaJourney) that helped us tremendously throughout the process.

I would agree with you Justin. This region is very helpful and our fellow HCMC members are also very easy going. StLouey and Chuck and Kim are some of the nicest people I have never met, and have much respect for.

We had a lot of evidence to. Just remember: chronological sorting, samples of large representation and prioritizing. It really will all come together - that is the wild part about it!

I am following your great advice, but there is just so much evidence, I guess it is a good thing. As for the tax return and transcript, I order the regular transcript and then after hearing about the I1722, I also ordered that. It looks a little different, but no stamp or anything. I went onto there website and the trascript that is available is a Tax Return Transcript.

Thanks so much for all your help we greatly appreciate it.

Mike & Huong

Keep the positive thinking and diligent planning going. This is excellent that your utilizing this downtime from the IMBRA process to shape and polish your interview evidence. This will benefit you in the end. I was still sorting, sampling and prioritizing the night before the interview.

Looking forward to watching your progress once your cleared and sent back to HCMC!

Everything happens for a reason!

STL_HCMC

this regional is extremely helpful, especially STL_HCMC, his responses are very meticulous.

Thanks justin728jn!

Like I told Mike, I'm just glad we're in a position to give back to the source that helped us so much. We're glad your benefiting and look forward to seeing a PINK result on August 16th!

Best of luck to you both!

STL_HCMC

Edited July 25, 2006 by STL_HCMC