True or False: Cases are decided before the interviews

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

Please chime in folks.

I've read posts in the past about this but I'm sort of uncertain. Anyway, parts of me thinks that cases are decided before the interview.

Why? The (type of) paper they hand the interviewee is already there in the folder (though, I can't be certain that the pink option is not hidden in the stack somewhere).

At least if not all cases are no pre-decided, I think a good number are this way. Otherwise, why do some interviews take a long time while others only take a few minutes and then the paper is issued -whatever color?

If all cases are treated as equal until the interview is completed, then the time of the interview should be exactly the same. Furthermore, people should not see the pink slip on their stack before the interview. People have reported this numerable times in this forum.

My problem, if this is true, is that our democratic process is skewed, at least when it comes to immigration interviews (at HCMC) and who is allowed to get a visa or not.

[BinhJerome 14]

Please chime in folks.

I've read posts in the past about this but I'm sort of uncertain. Anyway, parts of me thinks that cases are decided before the interview.

Why? The (type of) paper they hand the interviewee is already there in the folder (though, I can't be certain that the pink option is not hidden in the stack somewhere).

At least if not all cases are no pre-decided, I think a good number are this way. Otherwise, why do some interviews take a long time while others only take a few minutes and then the paper is issued -whatever color?

If all cases are treated as equal until the interview is completed, then the time of the interview should be exactly the same. Furthermore, people should not see the pink slip on their stack before the interview. People have reported this numerable times in this forum.

My problem, if this is true, is that our democratic process is skewed, at least when it comes to immigration interviews (at HCMC) and who is allowed to get a visa or not.

This is a double edged sword that you are asking about. Ultimately the interview actually decides the case. But to answer your question as best as I can is by using our experience. When Binh went in for her interview she saw the pink visa approval letter, not a pink paper with notes, she actually saw her name and some of the printed type on it saying we were approved. When her interview went on it was going great until the CO asked about my ex wife, and where she was (prison) and what she did to get put there, when Binh answered him his entire look changed, he got up left, and came back with a blue slip and the pink was gone. So it is my opinion that the Interview is the make or break part, but for the most part the visa is already predecided before the interview, and the interview either reiffirms or changes the outcome, but if it was blue before the interview, I feel there is nothing during the interview that will change it. Just my view Jerome

[Anh map 2,098]

The CO reviews the file prior to the interview. At that time they make a judgement from what has been presented. (Here is where the debate about frontloading occurs) They prepare for the likely outcomes ahead of time and have the sheets prepared.

If the don't see any issues, the the pink is handed over and the person leaves happy. If there are questions that could be answered in the interview they will have pink and blue prepped and make their judgement. If they feel it's a weak case then they have the white slip on hand as well. That's the only way that they can handle the time demands for all types of visa interviews.

[Bernie C 24]

It would appear that this is true to some extent. Doan did see a pink paper and ended up getting it, however I agree that we do not know if there might have been a blue underneath that pink and which one is handed off is based in the interview. We only know what we ex[eroenced and have been told by others and it seems to be that there is quite the variety of stories and results.

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

Since I've been on here, the two themes have been these: quick interviews with a few simple questions tend to result in a pink. Long interviews tend to result in a blue -or white.

I don't know what that means, but I think there's more to it than just the interview as the decider of the case. I'm speculating but I bet before the interview they look for any red flags in their eyes and then they try to see if those issues can be resolved during the interview (I bet most people don't resolve the red flags). If not, blue or white is handed out.

[BurningFinger 5]

This is a good question. I have been thinking about this same issue since I got my NOA2 for my I-130 petition. I suppose we will never really know the answer to this. I put a lot of evidence of a bonafide marriage with my I-130 with the assumption that my case will be decided before the interview. I think the only thing you really can do is to prepare your petition as well as you possibly can and also prepare for the interview as well as possible. After that, just hope for the best.

[besaangel 18]

Please chime in folks.

I've read posts in the past about this but I'm sort of uncertain. Anyway, parts of me thinks that cases are decided before the interview.

Why? The (type of) paper they hand the interviewee is already there in the folder (though, I can't be certain that the pink option is not hidden in the stack somewhere).

At least if not all cases are no pre-decided, I think a good number are this way. Otherwise, why do some interviews take a long time while others only take a few minutes and then the paper is issued -whatever color?

If all cases are treated as equal until the interview is completed, then the time of the interview should be exactly the same. Furthermore, people should not see the pink slip on their stack before the interview. People have reported this numerable times in this forum.

My problem, if this is true, is that our democratic process is skewed, at least when it comes to immigration interviews (at HCMC) and who is allowed to get a visa or not.

Very Interesting point-of-view... I too feel in some way that they "assume" what your results will be BEFORE the interview, but ultimately, the interview CAN change the intial assumption.

Great observation guys