CASABLANCA

[sarah and hicham 3]

Salaam Everyone:

We are expecting our packet w/interview date within the next 2 weeks. I have a question regarding the USC being present during the interview. I have heard conflicting information in terms of whether or not the USC is allowed inside during the interview at Casa, and the role the USC can play in the entire process. My fiance and his mother swear by Allah that my presence there for the interview will be a positive asset and facilitate the process. They think I will have some sort of USC clout. I, however, have some doubts about that scenario, since I don't think I will be allowed inside anyway. Will my being there in person substantiate the fact that we are in a bona fide relationship and show my support? Perhaps if I am there, then I would be able to take a more proactive role in the event of some unforseen issues. In this case, I would think that being here in the states would be better, so I can have more of a direct communication with the Senators/Congressmen, etc. So before requesting a leave from work and spending a hefty chunk of cheese for peak season airfare (for what would be the 4th trip to Morocco in the past 7 months), I'd savor some words of wisdom from other couples who've gone through Casa. It would also be great to know if any USC's who went to their spouse's or fiance's interview got a chance to ask questions/make a status inquiry in person, after the interview.

Skukron,

iysha

You will not be allowed in the Consulate during the interview. The only time I have heard of the USC being inside is when the CO knew that the USC was outside and requested that she come in, and this was during the second interview after the couple had been denied the first time.

I personally think that only good things can come from being there for the interview. I was in Morocco during my husband's interview and I think not only did it look good to the CO but it helped both of us relax and stay calm before the big day. I would say that if you can be there, then by all means, go. If you have been there several times which it looks like you have then I don't think it will be the end of the world if you can't go. I went 4 times in 8 months and for the interview I went for one week. I sent my then fiance in with my passport to show that I was just outside. I don't know if that helped our case but I know it couldn't hurt!

It's hard to say if the CO's expect or like it when the USC is there... but I figure that it can't look bad. It was worth it to me to get a ticket for one week and it helped me have peace of mind for the interview. It was nice being just outside of the Consulate. My husband and I didn't have a complicated case with red flags, but after hearing so many horror stories I was scared. If you have red flags, then ir might be worth it to go... but you just never know.

[AlHayatZween 2]

i've met quite a few people who's husbands didn't speak english at the time of their interview...... that isn't good enough reason. ugh

You are correct -- it's not a requirement to speak English at the interview.

What IS required is to prove that the petitioner and beneficiary share a common language in which to communicate. For some, it's Arabic, or French, or Italian.... or whatever -- you just have to demonstrate that you both are fluent in the same language.

But for many of the cases that we've seen here in ME/NA on VJ, the petitioner speaks only English with any fluency. That means the beneficiary has to show that he/she can also communicate sufficiently well in English. Having the interview in English is the best way to prove that.

-MK

Sorry, just a little question:

i speak mainly French with my fiance, and some busted-up Derija. He can speak French, but it's not the greatest... His English is okay at best. We are just beginning our paperwork for a K1, but we were hoping he can do his interview in Arabic, mainly so he can understand exactly what's being asked. How do we prove a common fluency in busted-up French and Derija?

[sereia 0]

i've met quite a few people who's husbands didn't speak english at the time of their interview...... that isn't good enough reason. ugh

You are correct -- it's not a requirement to speak English at the interview.

What IS required is to prove that the petitioner and beneficiary share a common language in which to communicate. For some, it's Arabic, or French, or Italian.... or whatever -- you just have to demonstrate that you both are fluent in the same language.

But for many of the cases that we've seen here in ME/NA on VJ, the petitioner speaks only English with any fluency. That means the beneficiary has to show that he/she can also communicate sufficiently well in English. Having the interview in English is the best way to prove that.

-MK

Sorry, just a little question:

i speak mainly French with my fiance, and some busted-up Derija. He can speak French, but it's not the greatest... His English is okay at best. We are just beginning our paperwork for a K1, but we were hoping he can do his interview in Arabic, mainly so he can understand exactly what's being asked. How do we prove a common fluency in busted-up French and Derija?

tell him to brush up on his french, pronto!

[Jenn! 918]

Sorry, just a little question:

i speak mainly French with my fiance, and some busted-up Derija. He can speak French, but it's not the greatest... His English is okay at best. We are just beginning our paperwork for a K1, but we were hoping he can do his interview in Arabic, mainly so he can understand exactly what's being asked. How do we prove a common fluency in busted-up French and Derija?

Do you have difficulty communicating with each other? I guess you're afraid that if you say that you communicate in French and then he has the interview in French, they will doubt you because his French is not very good. A valid concern, for sure. I agree with Jen that he should really do his best to improve his French before the interview. He should also note that you speak some darija during the interview if that is how you guys compensate for his level of French.

My husband had his interview in Arabic, as our common language was only Italian at that time. They didn't ask for any proof that we could communicate. I guess seeing that we had spent a couple years together in Italy was adequate.

[sereia 0]

yah... i agree with jenn too. my fiance's english is OKAY but he's doing his interview in french to prove we speak a common language together. our emails also show we write in french together. if he can speak better french and you can show emails in french i'd say that is a good thing. or... have him improve his english. otherwise i think they may be quite concerned from what i heard on this board.

[sarah and hicham 3]

i've met quite a few people who's husbands didn't speak english at the time of their interview...... that isn't good enough reason. ugh

You are correct -- it's not a requirement to speak English at the interview.

What IS required is to prove that the petitioner and beneficiary share a common language in which to communicate. For some, it's Arabic, or French, or Italian.... or whatever -- you just have to demonstrate that you both are fluent in the same language.

But for many of the cases that we've seen here in ME/NA on VJ, the petitioner speaks only English with any fluency. That means the beneficiary has to show that he/she can also communicate sufficiently well in English. Having the interview in English is the best way to prove that.

-MK

Sorry, just a little question:

i speak mainly French with my fiance, and some busted-up Derija. He can speak French, but it's not the greatest... His English is okay at best. We are just beginning our paperwork for a K1, but we were hoping he can do his interview in Arabic, mainly so he can understand exactly what's being asked. How do we prove a common fluency in busted-up French and Derija?

Find a common language, ASAP.

[morocco4ever 63]

Salaam Everyone:

We are expecting our packet w/interview date within the next 2 weeks. I have a question regarding the USC being present during the interview. I have heard conflicting information in terms of whether or not the USC is allowed inside during the interview at Casa, and the role the USC can play in the entire process. My fiance and his mother swear by Allah that my presence there for the interview will be a positive asset and facilitate the process. They think I will have some sort of USC clout. I, however, have some doubts about that scenario, since I don't think I will be allowed inside anyway. Will my being there in person substantiate the fact that we are in a bona fide relationship and show my support? Perhaps if I am there, then I would be able to take a more proactive role in the event of some unforseen issues. In this case, I would think that being here in the states would be better, so I can have more of a direct communication with the Senators/Congressmen, etc. So before requesting a leave from work and spending a hefty chunk of cheese for peak season airfare (for what would be the 4th trip to Morocco in the past 7 months), I'd savor some words of wisdom from other couples who've gone through Casa. It would also be great to know if any USC's who went to their spouse's or fiance's interview got a chance to ask questions/make a status inquiry in person, after the interview.

Skukron,

iysha

If you have been there several times then I wouldn't stress too much if you aren't there unless you have a lot of red flags. On the other hand, after what I have been through with them it wouldn't matter how many times I had been there, I would go for the interview. I wouldn't want to take any chances! A returned petition is not only time consuming, but heart wrenching. I am sure it has broken up some valid relationships.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

i will be at the next one (whenever)......

[myfellah 0]

You just never know what is going to happen at each interview. In May 2005 when my husband had his interview for the K-1, he used Arabic for his interview yet let them know he could speak English. He just wanted to be very sure he understood everything. All our correspondence online and mail was in English. I only went to Morocco once in 2004 and we had a few red flags but everything went well. I think it's really the luck of the draw, those denied had as valid relationships as many. Now that my husband will be here two years on Sunday, his English is great and he is always afraid he will forget his French as he rarely uses it. All I can suggest after being on VJ for almost 3 years is that you are prepared just in case your case is denied. You need to act quickly, knowing all the steps involved to get your case turned around, you have to stop it before it leaves Morocco.

Doreen

[Philomena 0]

Salaam MENA Family,

Hello to everyone and I hope you all are having a nice evening. I have a couple of questions for those who have gone or will be going soon through the interview in Casablanca. Today I called the Department of State and spoke with a gentleman who was very nice. He informed me that Packet 3 was sent to my fiance in Fes, today. When I asked him about the interview date, he said that it will be scheduled after we return Packet 3 to the Consulate. However, I was under the impression that Casablanca doesn't send a Packet 4, and that the interview date is included in Packet 3.

So will we need to mail back Packet 3 before we get an interview date, or do we have one already since Packet 3 was sent out? I know Driss will need to bring the old and new DS156. Also, did the others who had interviews in June need to bring the Casier Judiciare and the Certificate of not having been married before, which are not listed on the instruction sheet? Skukron for the the help.

Thanks,

iysha

[mybackpages 0]

bump! With Casa reopened, any new updates to this thread?

[sereia 0]

okay i'll chime in. yes iysha, they did bring the two certificates you mentioned. and be sure in the police report that it says "nothing" instead of "------". BT got a 221g because of it. I'd definitely bring the new and old ds156 until they can sort it out there.

and not to arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment , no mobile phones, no bags. security measures are more tight and those are things they request now. i'm sure it must say that in the new packet though. other than that, i can't think of anything new that hasn't already been said in this post. just prepare for all the possible questions he could be asked! my fiance was asked quite a few and asked to see all our photos. good luck everyone!

[Philomena 0]

okay i'll chime in. yes iysha, they did bring the two certificates you mentioned. and be sure in the police report that it says "nothing" instead of "------". BT got a 221g because of it. I'd definitely bring the new and old ds156 until they can sort it out there.

and not to arrive more than 15 minutes before your appointment , no mobile phones, no bags. security measures are more tight and those are things they request now. i'm sure it must say that in the new packet though. other than that, i can't think of anything new that hasn't already been said in this post. just prepare for all the possible questions he could be asked! my fiance was asked quite a few and asked to see all our photos. good luck everyone!

Thanks so much for the information, Jen! Now we have the opportunity to be better prepared. Right now we're still in the interview date void, but as soon as I hear something from the Senator's office, I'll keep you folks updated.

[sereia 0]

So once we're on AP should I just sit and try to wait patiently? Or can I call/email someone to give a quick check? Or is it really a waste of time? I'm dying to know when he's going to get his visaaaaaaaaaa...arghhhhhhhhh!

[mybackpages 0]

So once we're on AP should I just sit and try to wait patiently? Or can I call/email someone to give a quick check? Or is it really a waste of time? I'm dying to know when he's going to get his visaaaaaaaaaa...arghhhhhhhhh!

You can check with the Department of Statre. They won't give you too much info, but can tell you if the checks are still goig on or have been completed. I've read here that they are usually very friendly not like USCIS