Prepping for eventual Casa interview

[Vanessa1 7]

So I've been reading a lot here on the struggles people are having gaining visa approval through Casa. I do note that many of the struggles are with the K1 and not as many with the CR1, but they happen too. I have filed for the CR1 for my husband and I am worried about the interview and want to be prepared so we don't have issues that cause a lengthy delay. I am prepared that we will have AP, that is a given it seems. But I don't want to see our application get sent back to the US and it seems that Casa is doing that a lot lately. Currently we have the NOA1 and it's been about 2 months since then. I know with the holidays and all it will be a little longer before the NOA2 arrives.

Here are my questions:

1) We did not file a lot of initial proof with the I-130 application. I did send in two affidavits, as per the I-130 instructions. One was from a friend who had knowledge of our relationship as it grew and developed from the beginning and the other was from his brother since his mother cannot read or write. I note that a lot of people are saying that the interviewer isn't looking at proof brought to the interview so can I send that in when the application goes forward to the NVC? It seems they look at it if it is there ahead of time, but not when the beneficiary actually gets to the embassy.

2) Is there any sort of benefit to having an attorney present at the interview? I have an attorney who looked over our application before sending it in and he said we did not need to hire him fully at this time but when we went to remove conditions we would need him at that interview. I'm just wondering if it would help for this one (although the expense of that makes my head spin!). I am meeting with him again after the holidays.

3) If I cannot go see my husband any time soon, how much does that hurt our application? It's not that we haven't wanted to be together but financial circumstances have gotten in the way. I spent 8 weeks there this summer and really do intend on getting back there before next summer but his work schedule may prevent it. I kind of feel like we're darned if you do, darned if you don't here. But we have to live and survive while we wait.

Ok, that's it. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and respond!

[Vanessa1 7]

Oops, I forgot to note that my husband and I have known each other for 3 years but the 8 weeks this summer is the only time we have been physically together. That, I thought, was important to note.

[New Beginnings 32]

So I've been reading a lot here on the struggles people are having gaining visa approval through Casa. I do note that many of the struggles are with the K1 and not as many with the CR1, but they happen too. I have filed for the CR1 for my husband and I am worried about the interview and want to be prepared so we don't have issues that cause a lengthy delay. I am prepared that we will have AP, that is a given it seems. But I don't want to see our application get sent back to the US and it seems that Casa is doing that a lot lately. Currently we have the NOA1 and it's been about 2 months since then. I know with the holidays and all it will be a little longer before the NOA2 arrives.

Here are my questions:

1) We did not file a lot of initial proof with the I-130 application. I did send in two affidavits, as per the I-130 instructions. One was from a friend who had knowledge of our relationship as it grew and developed from the beginning and the other was from his brother since his mother cannot read or write. I note that a lot of people are saying that the interviewer isn't looking at proof brought to the interview so can I send that in when the application goes forward to the NVC? It seems they look at it if it is there ahead of time, but not when the beneficiary actually gets to the embassy.

Do not send information into the NVC unless it's requested by an RFE. If you receive an RFE, you could certainly send in the document requested along with additional documents with an explannation of what they are.

2) Is there any sort of benefit to having an attorney present at the interview? I have an attorney who looked over our application before sending it in and he said we did not need to hire him fully at this time but when we went to remove conditions we would need him at that interview. I'm just wondering if it would help for this one (although the expense of that makes my head spin!). I am meeting with him again after the holidays.

There should be no need for that unless the lawyer has expressed some concern over aspects of your case. Most people with standard, non complicated cases, do not hire lawyers.

3) If I cannot go see my husband any time soon, how much does that hurt our application? It's not that we haven't wanted to be together but financial circumstances have gotten in the way. I spent 8 weeks there this summer and really do intend on getting back there before next summer but his work schedule may prevent it. I kind of feel like we're darned if you do, darned if you don't here. But we have to live and survive while we wait.

Try and get back if you can, the more trips the better. I would save the money by not having the lawyer go and definitely go again. Make the time!

Ok, that's it. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and respond!

[moroccogirlny 100]

So I've been reading a lot here on the struggles people are having gaining visa approval through Casa. I do note that many of the struggles are with the K1 and not as many with the CR1, but they happen too. I have filed for the CR1 for my husband and I am worried about the interview and want to be prepared so we don't have issues that cause a lengthy delay. I am prepared that we will have AP, that is a given it seems. But I don't want to see our application get sent back to the US and it seems that Casa is doing that a lot lately. Currently we have the NOA1 and it's been about 2 months since then. I know with the holidays and all it will be a little longer before the NOA2 arrives.

Here are my questions:

1) We did not file a lot of initial proof with the I-130 application. I did send in two affidavits, as per the I-130 instructions. One was from a friend who had knowledge of our relationship as it grew and developed from the beginning and the other was from his brother since his mother cannot read or write. I note that a lot of people are saying that the interviewer isn't looking at proof brought to the interview so can I send that in when the application goes forward to the NVC? It seems they look at it if it is there ahead of time, but not when the beneficiary actually gets to the embassy.

Do not send them any additional items unless they request it. Start gathering as much as possible for the interview, even though the officer may not look at the proof, he/she will see that you took the time and effort to do it.

2) Is there any sort of benefit to having an attorney present at the interview? I have an attorney who looked over our application before sending it in and he said we did not need to hire him fully at this time but when we went to remove conditions we would need him at that interview. I'm just wondering if it would help for this one (although the expense of that makes my head spin!). I am meeting with him again after the holidays.

You already filed the petition, that's all a lawyer can do for you if you hired one. No one else can be at the interview except your husband. Save your money for visiting him.

3) If I cannot go see my husband any time soon, how much does that hurt our application? It's not that we haven't wanted to be together but financial circumstances have gotten in the way. I spent 8 weeks there this summer and really do intend on getting back there before next summer but his work schedule may prevent it. I kind of feel like we're darned if you do, darned if you don't here. But we have to live and survive while we wait.

Try to visit him at the interview time, even though you can't enter with him your husband can let the officer know that you are with him in Morocco. I have heard from a few that the officer actually asked their spouse to enter the consulate. Plus being there at that time will be less nerve racking for your husband. Prepare a mock interview with him. He has to show confidence with his answers.

Ok, that's it. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and respond!

[Vanessa1 7]

Yes, I do plan to be there at the time of the interview. I have already talked to my boss about it so that if it isn't during a school break he knows I will be taking the time off and getting a sub. I just don't know if I can get there before then.