My interview is next Friday...

[Rlelle09 28]

And I am absolutely scared to death. I don't know why. I think I'm just afraid of the possibility of being denied.

The interview is for IR1 and IR2. My son is 12 does anyone know what type of questions they'll ask him? He has never had contact with his biological father (never seen him) and acknolwdges my husband as "dad". I'm afraid the CO is going to ask him about his father and he's going to be confused and think they are referring to my husband.

[Boiler 45,940]

From reading others posts seems very unusual for a child to be part of the interview.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

My then 15 yr old daughter came to our interview (as was required for all children over a certain age) - the interviewer didn't say much to her, perhaps a 'wow, are you excited to be moving' kind of question and that's about it. They aren't expecting your child to know the ins and outs of your case or the details of anything you put on your forms. If its very clear on the information that you've filled out that your husband is not his bio dad, I wouldn't worry about them asking him odd questions. They could ask how long he's known your husband or something like that.

I would definitely chat with your son before the interview so he at least knows they may ask him a random question.

[Rlelle09 28]

From reading others posts seems very unusual for a child to be part of the interview.

I'm not quite sure what to say. We both got the P4 letter from NVC and we have different case numbers.

[Rlelle09 28]

My then 15 yr old daughter came to our interview (as was required for all children over a certain age) - the interviewer didn't say much to her, perhaps a 'wow, are you excited to be moving' kind of question and that's about it. They aren't expecting your child to know the ins and outs of your case or the details of anything you put on your forms. If its very clear on the information that you've filled out that your husband is not his bio dad, I wouldn't worry about them asking him odd questions. They could ask how long he's known your husband or something like that.

I would definitely chat with your son before the interview so he at least knows they may ask him a random question.

Thanks Udella & Wiz! I am definitely trying to have that talk with him. His biological father, to me, is a very sensitive subject and I'm hoping they do not bring him up. If you don't mind me asking, did you have permission from the other parent? Or did you have a custody order?

[Jawaree 718]

^{Don't confuse the kid and act fearful, It will be like a normal conversation}

^{They will not interview him but may just make small talk with one or 2 joking comments}

^{They would not ask him such questions}

^{Its good he knows or think your husband is his dad , this prove the family unit is real}

[Exocet 88]

Remember that you can ask the person interviewing you for clarification, too. They're really nice and friendly in Montreal.. I don't think you need to worry!

Of course, I was full of anxiety and dread about the interview too.. and of course I wouldn't listen to anyone about relaxing.. But yeah.. wish I had! It was the easiest part of the process.

[Rlelle09 28]

^{Don't confuse the kid and act fearful, It will be like a normal conversation}

^{They will not interview him but may just make small talk with one or 2 joking comments}

^{They would not ask him such questions}

^{Its good he knows or think your husband is his dad , this prove the family unit is real}

The family unit is as real as it gets! My husband and I have two children together and he has been a father figure to my don since he was 3 1/2 and we also live together here I n Canada. My husband will not be coming to the interview as he will be home with our two younger children. They would destroy the consulate lol. Any who, thanks for your calming words .

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Thanks Udella & Wiz! I am definitely trying to have that talk with him. His biological father, to me, is a very sensitive subject and I'm hoping they do not bring him up. If you don't mind me asking, did you have permission from the other parent? Or did you have a custody order?

Full custody order. My situation was unique since my daughter's father had not been in her life since she was 3. I had a sole custody order which included travel and moving without his permission drawn up when she was 5 - the lawyer made best efforts to contact him at his last known address and that satisfied the ON court at that time. When we started the Visa process some 10 yrs later, I went back to the lawyer who had a renewal appended to the original order indicating that the father had not seen or contacted my daughter in the last 10 yrs since the original order and he again made best efforts to contact him at his last known address.

Literally the only thing I presented relating to her custody was those documents for the Visa interview. Montreal took copies and never blinked an eye.

[Rlelle09 28]

Remember that you can ask the person interviewing you for clarification, too. They're really nice and friendly in Montreal.. I don't think you need to worry!

Of course, I was full of anxiety and dread about the interview too.. and of course I wouldn't listen to anyone about relaxing.. But yeah.. wish I had! It was the easiest part of the process.

I was thinking that maybe they would not like it if I interfered in their questioning, but I did let my son know to ask for clarication if he doesn't understand.

[Rlelle09 28]

Full custody order. My situation was unique since my daughter's father had not been in her life since she was 3. I had a sole custody order which included travel and moving without his permission drawn up when she was 5 - the lawyer made best efforts to contact him at his last known address and that satisfied the ON court at that time. When we started the Visa process some 10 yrs later, I went back to the lawyer who had a renewal appended to the original order indicating that the father had not seen or contacted my daughter in the last 10 yrs since the original order and he again made best efforts to contact him at his last known address.

Literally the only thing I presented relating to her custody was those documents for the Visa interview. Montreal took copies and never blinked an eye.

I have such a fear of this. I have a sole custody order from 2004, I went to court three times and he has never shown up. The court order also states that I must be paid the minimum amount of child support, because he never showed up to confirm his income. The good thing is, my son has visited the US with me several times with no problems. I have not had contact with my sons father since he was 2 months old.

[ChristinaG 91]

And I am absolutely scared to death. I don't know why. I think I'm just afraid of the possibility of being denied.

The interview is for IR1 and IR2. My son is 12 does anyone know what type of questions they'll ask him? He has never had contact with his biological father (never seen him) and acknolwdges my husband as "dad". I'm afraid the CO is going to ask him about his father and he's going to be confused and think they are referring to my husband.

If you could, please update this thread too after your interview.... I have two daughters (age 9 & 6), and while their father is still in their lives (and has agreed to give me a notarized letter giving his permission) the thought of waiting for 2+ hours for the interview and not being able to bring anything is about the only thing that worries me about this whole process! LOL! I am interested to see what they do for our wee ones....

Best wishes!!!!!

Edited January 13, 2015 by ChristinaG

[Rlelle09 28]

Both visas approved!! Ceac says issued!! My son and I are dying to go home to our family( my husband and our 2 children)!!!!

Also, ChristinaG they have those toys that look like rollercoasters with the little balls for the children to play with and vending machines for snacks and coffee etc.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Good news, congratulations - how did it work out with whatever custody papers you had?

[Rlelle09 28]

Good news, congratulations - how did it work out with whatever custody papers you had?

Hi Udell&Wiz!! I had gone to see a lawyer and obtained a statutory declaration stating that the order had not changed and no access was sought. Paid $141 for it. The CO wouldn't even take it. He didn't pay much attention to the custody order either. I told him about the documents I had and he looked at my sons birth certificate and said I don't even need the custody docs, because the father is not listed on the birth certificate. Twas a Great day. Oh, and they only asked my son two questions -"how old are you?" And "what grade are you in?".

Also, he said he doesn't need the custody docs, but I will need it when crossing the border.