Need a vocational certificate for interview??

[aroosah110 0]

My fiance was sent an e-mail listing all the things he needs for his interview at the embassy in Damascus. Among the paperwork the Syrian embassy requested was bank statements or a vocational certificate. My fiance has neither. Has anyone else been asked for these documents? Is there any way around it? My fiance is prepared to get a vocational certificate but honestly he really does not have the time nor the money to obtain one. Plus, it might delay our case. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you!

[Alcheringa 39]

No one is touching this topic because it involves a worst-case scenario. This by no means incriminates your fiancé, but it just so happens he is from Iraq, a country the U.S. is currently engaged in a war with, and is apparently residing in Syria, a country allegedly known to foster Islamic extremists whose goal it is to subvert the U.S. gov't and its interests.

The U.S. Consulate there is by all means going to be interested in his background, what the source of his income is and/or where it has come from in the past, as well as what his intentions are. Really, you couldn't expect any less under the circumstances.

My advice is to cease looking for shortcuts, and follow through with the consulate's requests to the letter. And then some.

It's a stressful process even when it involves a low-profile region, so I can imagine your position. Having worked in Iraq in a security capacity for 4+ years, and been along the Syrian border more times than I care to admit, I'll be the first to say your case presents unique difficulties.

I have to simply prove I've met my fiancée once in the last two years, that we have a bona fide relationship, and that I can support her. You, on the other hand, may have to go one step further and establish that he is not a person of interest, or under the influence of an individual or group hostile to the U.S.

It's curious that they are requesting bank statements from an Iraqi (has he always lived in Syria? or moved there recently?), as it is common to keep ones cash in safekeeping at home. As for the vocational certificate, if it can be produced by all means do so.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep us informed of how it unfurls -- it's definitely interesting.

[belinda63 3,038]

I you don't have them, you don't have them and explain this when you send in the packet or have the interview. But honey, expect a wait on the visa. Being from Iraq is not so good, I understand he was probably (I am kind of guessing here) displaced by the war and I understand this, that country is torn up right now. But why, oh why did he have to go to Syria (a big T country).

Anyways, again not to scare you, you should expect AP (for background checks) and some of the things they MAY check is banking records to see if he has provided support to terrorist or terrorist affiliated groups and also certain jobs/training require additional background checks.

There are several persons on this board with spouses from Iraq, some of who were displaced, and you may want to check in the MENA regional board for support and more specific information.