IR1 interview, does the US citizen needs to be present?

[ChrisAndAnnie 0]

Hello everyone. I am posting for the first time, and let me say that this site is extremely helpful.

My wife is in Quito and I am in New York. I applied using I-130 (R1). I received a letter informing me that the application was formally approved (whatever that means) within 6 months of applying, and have now sent (as requested) the DS-230 and I864 forms recently and we expect to be called for an interview anytime now. My question is that I dont know if only my wife will be requested to go to the interview, or will it be both of us? And if only she is called, should I nevertheless assist? What is the burden of proof in cases where people have married but live in separate countries? Do consular personnel expect couples to proof a married life in such detail as they do if applicants were interviewed in the United States? Or do they demand less proofs?.... In my case, I am sorry to say, although it is a real legitimate marriage, we have not been able to live together much. I have been in Ecuador only 2 times in three years, and have very few pictures. Much of my time is consumed working in NY to send money to pay all her credit card bills!!... I tell you, I need to bring this woman NOW. The point is: it is a real marriage, and however we chose as adults to live our lives is our decision. But I am afraid I would be required to show proof a family life, which after all, how can we have?. Again the question: Is that interview intended for drilling?, or, is the embassy not too demanding and more likely to be familiar with my situation which they have probably seen as part of marrying and living in separate countries?

Thanks a lot

Chris And Annie

[ChrisAndAnnie 0]

Excuse me, I feel I need to be more detailed as to what evidence we have and not: we have very few pictures. Our wedding was almost secretive, as there were 4 people present. She does not use her married name on documents, credit cards, or even university records. And I have been in Ecuador only 2 times in the last 3 years. The one thing I do have is plenty of money wiring receipts and phone calls everyday. And yes, I know all details of her family and definitely ask me any questions about house matters for all this time, and we will agree.

Thanks

Edited February 12, 2010 by ChrisAndAnnie

[sachinky 465]

It is not REQUIRED for the USC petitioner to be there but it is always recommended, if nothing for moral support. I'd ask in the regional forums as I am not to certain about the requirements or how easy/difficult Ecuador is.

Also, just as a FYI: using money/wire transfers as a proof of bonafide relationship/marriage is generally unfavorable.

Do you have phone bills? Chat logs? Emails? Bank account? Support affidavits? Those are other things that can be used for bonafide evidence.

[sachinky 465]

Ok, I just did a little research. Ecuador is one of the hardest consulates to please. Talk to Tbone. Given the lack of evidence and the secrecy of your marriage, I'd definitely urge you to be there at the consulate.

Edited February 12, 2010 by sachinky

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

It is not required for the US spouse to be there other than in rare cases where the consulate will require a second interview with the USC spouse present. However, your case, from what you say here, is quite weak (few visits, few photos etc), so you being present would definitely help, as it;s a difficult consulate to get aproved through.

[VivaBaños 2]

Yes you should be there at the interview given that you don't have a lot of proof of your marriage--which was established several years ago--and because the Ecuadorian Consulate will likely look upon your presence there positively. Plus, your wife is going to be a nervous wreck.

They will likely ask you why you are petitioning now, after living apart for several years. You also said that you know about her family. I hope she knows all of that kind of info about you and yours as well.

You said the wedding was attended by 4 people (you two and I'm assuming the witnesses). Did you take any pictures that day even of the group? The Consulate folks LOVED looking over our pictures from the wedding and in fact made lots of comments about them (in a fun, joking manner).

I wouldn't be concerned with her last names on her documents. Traditionally, women do not change their names after marriage in Ecuador, so the fact that she's using her 2 last names passed on from her mom and dad is quite normal.

I can't remember reading any IR-1 reports from the Consulate (lots of K-1s and a good number of CR-1s as well have reported here), but it'll be worth your time to read the Guayaquil reports. Even for those of us who didn't go through hell with the Consulate we were glad to have read what other people experienced so that we could be very prepared.

Best of luck.

Edited February 12, 2010 by VivaBaños

[ChrisAndAnnie 0]

Wow, I didn't know it was commom for ecuadorian women to keep their maiden name on documents. May explain why she doesn't see that as a big deal and I do. I tell you one thing: we definitely argue like husband and wife. All we have to do is start arguing in front of the consuls, and they will immediately realize we are married for real .

I really need to hear from people who were interviewed. I will appreciate any input on that. As of course, I appreciate any input at all.

Thanks

ChrisAndAnnie

[TBoneTX 46,277]

Amigo: If you are not there, your chance of denial is exactly 100%. From what you say about your weak documentation, I realistically estimate that you're facing at least a 51% chance of denial even if you are there, and likely higher. Arguing in front of the consuls would be insufficient. You need reams and reams of fotos and supporting evidence -- a suitcaseful would not be overdoing it. Do not bother asking the consulate if you ought to attend with your wife; the consulate will evade the question or lie to you.

Go to the "US Embassy and Consulate Discussion" forum here and read the entire thread that's entitled "U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador" (I will find it and bump it forward). Pay acute heed to the worst of the many horror stories, at least one of which involves a CR-1 couple. Then, go to the top of any VJ page, click "Reviews: Embassy" and "Embassy Info," and acutely heed the horror stories on both. Do not presume that you will have a routine or easy time. I know of at least four VJ couples who did not post their embassy reviews; accordingly, the numerical rating of the consulate is skewed far too positively. Coming up on two years from my own trauma, I myself remain too livid to compose a review. In addition, the more recent stories of positive outcomes largely come from couples who heeded the red-alert warnings and managed to avert the disasters that otherwise awaited them.

Consider yourself grabbed by the cyber-lapels and told that you are in deep, deep trouble before you even start. Your primary and only priority right now is to collect evidence upon evidence upon evidence -- collect like a ####### -- and pray hard while confirming with your wife a consistent answer regarding every objective and personal detail about your marriage.

[ChrisAndAnnie 0]

TboneTX... wow...

Question: what's the chance we will be assigned to the Guayaquil consulate? She (we) live in Quito, and the initial application was sent to the Vermont office. Why wouldn't the interview be in Quito? I do notice that our case id number starts with the 3 letters "GYE".

Thanks

ChrisAndAnnie

[sachinky 465]

Only certain consulates process immigrant visas. Although I live in Calcutta, I have to interview in Bombay.

[coraliesolms 47]

As has been stated previously, the US spouse is not required at the interview, it does help. My hubby couldnt make it to ours, and I would really have preferred having him there to hold my hand/ hold my hair while I threw up THE STRESS IS KILLER!!! But you really arent required to be there.

[VivaBaños 2]

As has been stated previously, the US spouse is not required at the interview, it does help. My hubby couldnt make it to ours, and I would really have preferred having him there to hold my hand/ hold my hair while I threw up THE STRESS IS KILLER!!! But you really arent required to be there.

In Ecuador it is important that the spouse is there. As other VJers will attest, in some Consulates the spouse isn't allowed in. However, in Ecuador the spouse needs to be, some say must be, there for the interview. And this has nothing to do with holding hands or holding back hair. Sorry to be so frank, but it's not merely for emotional wellbeing that the spouse attend in Guayaquil.

As to Guayaquil, that is the Consulate for Ecuador. The Guayaquil Consulate processes ALL family-based visas. Quito is the Embassy and none of your documents will pass through the Embassy. Your wife will be interviewed in Guayaquil.

[TBoneTX 46,277]

In Ecuador it is important that the spouse is there. As other VJers will attest, in some Consulates the spouse isn't allowed in. However, in Ecuador the spouse needs to be, some say must be, there for the interview. And this has nothing to do with holding hands or holding back hair. Sorry to be so frank, but it's not merely for emotional wellbeing that the spouse attend in Guayaquil.

As to Guayaquil, that is the Consulate for Ecuador. The Guayaquil Consulate processes ALL family-based visas. Quito is the Embassy and none of your documents will pass through the Embassy. Your wife will be interviewed in Guayaquil.

This is correct. "GYE" is the code for "Guayaquil, Ecuador." And, I wish that non-Ecuador filers would quit supplying information or advice that is flat wrong when it applies to Ecuador, si man.

[minatours 0]

Hello everyone. I am posting for the first time, and let me say that this site is extremely helpful.

My wife is in Quito and I am in New York. I applied using I-130 (R1). I received a letter informing me that the application was formally approved (whatever that means) within 6 months of applying, and have now sent (as requested) the DS-230 and I864 forms recently and we expect to be called for an interview anytime now. My question is that I dont know if only my wife will be requested to go to the interview, or will it be both of us? And if only she is called, should I nevertheless assist? What is the burden of proof in cases where people have married but live in separate countries? Do consular personnel expect couples to proof a married life in such detail as they do if applicants were interviewed in the United States? Or do they demand less proofs?.... In my case, I am sorry to say, although it is a real legitimate marriage, we have not been able to live together much. I have been in Ecuador only 2 times in three years, and have very few pictures. Much of my time is consumed working in NY to send money to pay all her credit card bills!!... I tell you, I need to bring this woman NOW. The point is: it is a real marriage, and however we chose as adults to live our lives is our decision. But I am afraid I would be required to show proof a family life, which after all, how can we have?. Again the question: Is that interview intended for drilling?, or, is the embassy not too demanding and more likely to be familiar with my situation which they have probably seen as part of marrying and living in separate countries?

Thanks a lot

Chris And Annie

the american laws doesnt require from the petitioner to attend the interview only the beneficiary good luck

[ChrisAndAnnie 0]

Let me ask this dumb question: If I was to bring videos to the interview, am I allowed to bring camaras inside the consulate?... I thought that even cell phones had to be left at the door?... maybe I can film a couple of social events at home and show them at the interview...

Thanks

ChrisAndAnnie