Why would uscis ask for a second interview? 1st one went well.

[miner89r 0]

We sent our AOS package in December 2012 . We got an interview waiver letter in August informing of a six month delay and stating that we may not be required to do an interview. Finally nine months later they scheduled our interview in May 2014. Everything went well and it seemed like the interviewing officer was ready to issue my wife's greencard but she told us that since it had taken them more than one year to get to our case my the medical exam papers had expired and we would have to have a new one done. She also asked us for papers showing that I had added my wife to my employers health insurance since the insurance cards only show my name. We did this and sent everything in (delivery confirmed) one week later. Now finally after four months they send us a letter that informs us a second interview has been scheduled September 23. Why would they be asking for a second interview when the first one seemed to go so well. We sent everything they asked for.

Also I really need to reschedule this second interview as it lands right in the middle of a two week business trip for me. I could reschedule my trip but we already bought tickets for my wife to go back and visit her family while I am away. The letter does not include any instructions to reschedule and I have read on these forums that doing so might delay our case for months.

Does anybody else have a similar experience? Any advice?

[Hypnos 6,578]

A second interview is a strong indicator that things did not go as well as you thought they did in the first interview. It's possible they have some concerns over your relationship, and you may even have a Stokes interview whereby they separate you, ask a list of identical questions and then compare the answers.

You may wish to consider retaining a lawyer to attend this second interview with you.

[miner89r 0]

So you think they suspect some kind of fraud? I can't understand what they would suspect. It's a first (and only) marriage for both of us. No kids. We are the same age. My parents and aunt even came with me to China to meet her family after our marriage and we provided plenty of documentation. I'm well off financially as documented on my W-2's. Nothing questionable came up in the first interview. The only thing is that I work as a contract engineer so I have to travel a lot for work. Since my wife is in college she can't come with me. We are separated quite a bit but after waiting thru the K1 process we are used to it. We always stay in touch via Skype and IM while I'm away. Most of my co-workers spend allot of time away from their wives and kids also so it doesn't seem unusual to me but maybe from their perspective it is suspicious? Is it naive to think that as long as we are always honest then we have nothing to fear from USCIS?

[Hypnos 6,578]

I have no idea what they suspect, but it certainly appears they suspect something. If you have a genuine relationship and would be able to easily pass a Stokes (most normal couples would) then you would probably be ok. That being said, I wouldn't go to a second interview without an attorney present to ensure it's all above board, and that USCIS aren't trying to pull any shenanigans.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Hypnos

[CowBoE 429]

So you think they suspect some kind of fraud? I can't understand what they would suspect. It's a first (and only) marriage for both of us. No kids. We are the same age. My parents and aunt even came with me to China to meet her family after our marriage and we provided plenty of documentation. I'm well off financially as documented on my W-2's. Nothing questionable came up in the first interview. The only thing is that I work as a contract engineer so I have to travel a lot for work. Since my wife is in college she can't come with me. We are separated quite a bit but after waiting thru the K1 process we are used to it. We always stay in touch via Skype and IM while I'm away. Most of my co-workers spend allot of time away from their wives and kids also so it doesn't seem unusual to me but maybe from their perspective it is suspicious? Is it naive to think that as long as we are always honest then we have nothing to fear from USCIS?

I'm no immigration expert, but after reading perhaps thousands of posting here, your marriage is as solid as any in my opinion.

First time marriage, no kids, same age, good education, good career, a good career/income to self sponsor,

caring family that makes expensive trip to China to meet her, etc.

I don't exactly see a major red flag, and this is not a typical profile for immigration fraud in my opinion.

I'm in the high tech field, and I used to travel all over the country and world myself, and there are many professions like this.

I don't think you need to fear but since you are being interviewed again, perhaps you should shouldn't take it lightly either,

and prepare as much solid evidences as you can. I know you mentioned about proving inclusion of your wife in your

health insurance, but there are other evidences that you can also consider...and in this case, I think more is better.

1) If you have life insurance, is she the primary beneficiary?

2) In your IRA/401K, is she the primary beneficiary?

3) Do you have joint bank checking/savings accounts?

4) Do you have joint credit/debit card accounts?

5) Is the mortgage or rent agreement on both names?

6) In other RFE related postings, I've seen them ask for joint name on mobile phone accounts,

resident utility bills, etc. as well.

7) Notarized affidavit letter from you closest relatives and friends.

8) Proof of you parents and aunt visiting China to meet her.

9) Evidences of your engagement/wedding...rings, receipts, pictures, etc.

10) Letter from your employer regarding your travel demands of your job.

We don't know exactly why they wanted a second interview, but ultimately, we all know that they want to make sure that

you guys have a bona fide marriage relationship. You may have some explanations to do regarding your travels,

but I think your marriage is really solid.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ajhigh 2]

As to rescheduling, there is a useful thread over in the 'AOS from work/tourist' forum with some recent rescheduling experiences. I rescheduled successfully due to an international business trip, I couldn't say whether it makes a difference that it was overseas c/f domestic trip.

[Darnell 8,479]

you scheduled for the office in Irving? IMO, they (collectively, yes) are a bunch of goons.

[miner89r 0]

yeah we are dealing with the Irving office. Actually after our interview the female officer told us in no uncertain terms that as soon as she received the new medical forms and the insurance stuff she would be mailing out our greencard. She even offered to call us to let us know as soon as it was in the mail since we had mentioned we would be leaving for a vacation soon and would have to have a neighbor checking our mailbox. I don't know if she had a change of heart or just decided to let our case sit for 3 more months and now another officer who knows nothing about it is taking over.

[Hypnos 6,578]

The Dallas / Irving office added about nine months to my case when they screwed it up; so I can believe it.

Only the intervention of the DHS Ombudsman managed to get things straightened out for me.

Edited September 4, 2014 by Hypnos

[miner89r 0]

We rescheduled the interview and went in last week. It turns out they had no idea why we were scheduled for a second interview either. The officer looked at our file and said he couldn't figure out why we were there. He said our application should have been approved 4 months ago. Morons. I'm just thankful we didn't pay a lawyer to go in with us for that.

Next problem is that the greencard they sent us shows an expiration date one week from tomorrow?!! I started a separate thread to ask about that.

[Darnell 8,479]

final comment -

Irving office is full of morons. One of them put in the date range on her green card, erroneously, on a computer screen.