How to pass I-130 embassy interview with previous visa denial

[Tarantay 0]

I'm a naturalized US citizen living and working in the US. I met my girlfriend here two years ago when she was on a short J-1 visit. Last year she applied for J-1 again and got denied. Allegedly, the info on the application and officer's own research didn't match up. We never learned whether this turn down was just a wrist slap or a full blown life ban for misrepresentation. She was neither informed about consequences, nor told to withdraw her application. All she got then was a boiler plate letter with no specifics, no section codes. The mismatch is arguably really a "material fact" but it did occur. Recently we got married in our home country, and I'm about to file I-130 on her behalf from the US. Is there a way to learn whether she became inadmissible? Given that rejection, how do you think will her interview go, if I-130 is approved? Is there a need for a lawyer yet? Thanks everybody for your input!

[Hypnos 6,578]

What was the exact nature of this "mismatch"?

It's possible she was found guilty of misrepresentation, which would cause serious problems for any future applications she would be a beneficiary of, including the I-130 you have filed for her.

I would certainly speak to an AILA immigration attorney about it.

[Mithmeoi 29]

What didn't match up? Did she omit or lie about something that would cause a denial? If she lied there will be repercussions for that and you will most likely need a lawyer.