If the interview fails...

[Together4ever 1]

My fiancee Mohammed will have his interview at the Cairo Embassy on the 23rd. The nerves we're suffering are crushing. I guess in trying to prepare myself, can anyone tell me what the best recourse is to appeal a denial and how fast I should act should his interview be failed? I want my husband and I'm not prepared to go down without a fight if I have to.

We have a strong case, although an age difference, but that seems to common. I really have no sound reason to be so worked up, but I know all of you understand the white knuckles.

[Dixie_Peach 1]

I have no experience with the interview part yet... but, I wanted to post and say... GOOD LUCK! Wishing you the best!

Blessings,

Lynne

[Together4ever 1]

I have no experience with the interview part yet... but, I wanted to post and say... GOOD LUCK! Wishing you the best!

Blessings,

Lynne

Thank you. It means a lot. I hope there is someone out there that can give a bit of advice. I need to have a plan B in hand so I can move quickly if needed.

[babybunny 2]

chin-up!

think postive. you will do just fine. make sure if there is any papers or anything to send your sweetie do that. everything will be smooth.

if you want to see what the interview is like I have videos on my thread. share these with him.

[honeyblonde 0]

After what has happened lately, If I was waiting for an interview, I would send an e-mail to the consulate about 2 nights before my fiancee's interview. I would tell them that he had an interview at whatever the time and date was, and that if they had any questions or needed additional information I could be reached at... and put all phone numbers or e-mail addresses they could reach me at.

Do I think they would contact me? Heck no! What I think that would do is give them a heads-up that you are watching them, and you take action. This hopefully will keep you from getting a stupid rejection for no reason.

If I did get a rejection, I would contact the consulate the second I knew. I would first send an e-mail asking what happened and what you need to do to fix it. Then, I would contact all of my congresspeople, in person if possible, and have them contact the consulate immediately. I think I would probably also send a fax. The goal is to make sure they realize you aren't going to take things lying down. In fact, after all the ####### lately I might just see if I could get the congresspeople to send a polite fax or e-mail to the consulate before the interview letting them know that one of their constituents has an interview (and giving identifying information) and to please contact them immediately if there are any problems.

The more visible you make yourself, the less chance they will screw you over.

That's just my opinion so please don't take it as the gospel.

Good luck and I really hope you guys get your visa.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Wow another interview date coming up !

It's good to be prepared for the worst, but don't give up on staying positive. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row -- go over the paperwork and evidence again with your fiance. It's a good idea to even "practice" him on some of the common interview questions that may be asked. Tell him to try to relax and not be afraid to greet the consul with a smile.... a sincere smile is worth thousands of words

I'm adding you to the cheerleading thread... wishing you all the best of luck for a short, simple & successful interview experience !

-MK

[Together4ever 1]

chin-up!

think postive. you will do just fine. make sure if there is any papers or anything to send your sweetie do that. everything will be smooth.

if you want to see what the interview is like I have videos on my thread. share these with him.

I'm fairly new to the forum and don't how to find these videos. Can you direct me? Thank you I really appreciate this.

[morocco4ever 63]

I think one of the most important things to tell your SO is to not answer any questions unless he understands it 100%. They try to confuse people. If he doesn't understand then have him request a translator. I haven't heard much about the consulate there, just be grateful you aren't going through Casablanca! Those people are evil, I swear!

As far as the appeal process, well if you have a denial it takes time, so you will have time to research it. But rest assured, what ever happens just come back here and tell us and we will guide you the best we can.

It is possible that he will get the 221g. This form looks pretty scary when you get it. Now it is important that you pay special attention to their notes if he does. If it says that he needs more documentation, you just take it in. If it says that they need to do administrative processing, well thats pretty normal all though you will have to wait a few extra weeks for security checks. But if it says it is being sent back the the CIS for further processing then you will want to act fast. Just keep us informed and we will do our best to guide you.

Good luck!

[jordanianprincess 0]

I asked my lawyer about this today and he said that if we got denied, we could file a motion to to re-open the case OR refile the application again. He said that he could'nt tell which was the better idea until we had all the facts in front of us (reason for denial).

Not very assuring. I know. I was not thrilled when he told me that. He is actually not my lawyer but he is my company's immigration lawyer. Since I opted to fill out the papers for the visa myself (and I got an RFE right away), I went to his office today to talk to him about my case. I wanted to know from him at what point would it be a good idea to retain a lawyer. He said that if my case got denied, he would get involved at that point.

I agree with everyone, stay positive. I'm sure everything will be fine...we will all pray for you!

Jordanian Princess

[Together4ever 1]

chin-up!

think postive. you will do just fine. make sure if there is any papers or anything to send your sweetie do that. everything will be smooth.

if you want to see what the interview is like I have videos on my thread. share these with him.

I'm fairly new to the forum and don't how to find these videos. Can you direct me? Thank you I really appreciate this.

Duh... nevermind. I found them.

[Together4ever 1]

I agree with everyone, stay positive. I'm sure everything will be fine...we will all pray for you!

Jordanian Princess

Remaining positive is the single most difficult thing of this whole journey. The paperwork pales in comparison. I have been meticulous in my research and paperwork. I helped him through each facet of his own. We have moved through this flawlessly without one snag or returned paperwork (so far). We have gone over things almost daily. We have done mock interviews. We have tried to think of every possible thing... which of course probably means we missed something obvious. My head has started its dancing... all the things I felt so confident about have wandered away and I'm left with so much anxiety I can hardly function at home or at work. One week left. So much hanging on this. Time has kind of shoved everything in our lives (and I mean EVERYTHING) all down to this one lousy pinnacle event. We cling to each other like 2 lost children in the dark. This has made the stress on both of us almost unmanageable. We have started to become short-tempered with each other, which I realize is a very human and natural response, but its adding to it all as well. I know we will come out of this stronger for it. We always do. But how do you ladies manage the anxiety? I've tried everything short of prescription drugs... I know all our ducks are in a row. He will go loaded down under a ton of "proof". His record is clean. We have a strong case, or at least I feel so based on all the hours of research. But. But, but, but... In the end, our future all hangs on the mood and judgement of a complete and jaded stranger who sees so many expectant (and not always honest) faces that they are just that. Faces in the moment.

Whew. Well, I guess I vented all those things we don't like to talk or think about, but I really am so grateful for the people here. Really, thank you to all of you who have responded. Did I mention it's difficult to type when your fingers have become fused together in the "crossed" position???

[noura 0]

Hi Just_Waiting...

best of luck to you both... try to pry ur fingers uncrossed! we're here for ur venting, joy, tears, whatever... lay it on us.

Keep trying to stay positive, it does no good to dwell on the negative.

Noura

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Remaining positive is the single most difficult thing of this whole journey. The paperwork pales in comparison. I have been meticulous in my research and paperwork. I helped him through each facet of his own. We have moved through this flawlessly without one snag or returned paperwork (so far). We have gone over things almost daily. We have done mock interviews. We have tried to think of every possible thing... which of course probably means we missed something obvious. My head has started its dancing... all the things I felt so confident about have wandered away and I'm left with so much anxiety I can hardly function at home or at work. One week left. So much hanging on this. Time has kind of shoved everything in our lives (and I mean EVERYTHING) all down to this one lousy pinnacle event. We cling to each other like 2 lost children in the dark. This has made the stress on both of us almost unmanageable. We have started to become short-tempered with each other, which I realize is a very human and natural response, but its adding to it all as well. I know we will come out of this stronger for it. We always do. But how do you ladies manage the anxiety? I've tried everything short of prescription drugs... I know all our ducks are in a row. He will go loaded down under a ton of "proof". His record is clean. We have a strong case, or at least I feel so based on all the hours of research. But. But, but, but... In the end, our future all hangs on the mood and judgement of a complete and jaded stranger who sees so many expectant (and not always honest) faces that they are just that. Faces in the moment.

Whew. Well, I guess I vented all those things we don't like to talk or think about, but I really am so grateful for the people here. Really, thank you to all of you who have responded. Did I mention it's difficult to type when your fingers have become fused together in the "crossed" position???

Well, you've really done all that's humanly possible at this point. It sounds like you've done all your homework, checked your lists twice and more.... you're more than well-prepared. All you can do now is wait for the interview. There's no point in continuing to worry yourself to death. I know it's hard, but try to relax. Your fiance is probably even more worried than you are (hard to believe !) as he's the one who actually has to face the interviewer. So if you try to relax, it will help your fiance relax as well.

If you find your mind keeps dwelling on issues you can't do anything about, then force yourself to think about something else. Repeat as often as necessary. Keep as busy as you can.... with work, with getting your home ready.... don't sit around with nothing to occupy yourself. I made lists of things to do and busied myself completing the tasks, methodically crossing them off each day.

And soon insha'allah you will be past this and worrying about other things... like booking his flight and planning your trip to the airport to welcome him home !

Best of luck for an easy interview.... and please stop biting those nails ... you want them pretty for your fiance !

-MK

[Together4ever 1]

Hi Just_Waiting...

best of luck to you both... try to pry ur fingers uncrossed! we're here for ur venting, joy, tears, whatever... lay it on us.

Keep trying to stay positive, it does no good to dwell on the negative.

Noura

Thank you... I forgot to say one thing... ENSHAA ALLAH. (Bangs her head on the desk)

And soon insha'allah you will be past this and worrying about other things... like booking his flight and planning your trip to the airport to welcome him home !

Best of luck for an easy interview.... and please stop biting those nails ... you want them pretty for your fiance !

-MK

Thank you. I'm sitting here laughing and wiping tears.

Hi Just_Waiting...

best of luck to you both... try to pry ur fingers uncrossed! we're here for ur venting, joy, tears, whatever... lay it on us.

Keep trying to stay positive, it does no good to dwell on the negative.

Noura

Thank you... I forgot to say one thing... ENSHAA ALLAH. (Bangs her head on the desk)

And soon insha'allah you will be past this and worrying about other things... like booking his flight and planning your trip to the airport to welcome him home !

Best of luck for an easy interview.... and please stop biting those nails ... you want them pretty for your fiance !

-MK

Thank you. I'm sitting here laughing and wiping tears.

... And like a dork I responded to the wrong post.

[honeyblonde 0]

I guess I was lucky that I was taking 3 classes last fall and barely had time to think about the outcome of the interview. I think we were less stressed because we had decided in advance that if he got denied, I would just go there. We knew that would be hard, because I'm a homeowner and in school and have a great job here, but we just decided up front we'd plan to do it and figure out the details when the time came.

Thank goodness, the time never came, but we were able to be much calmer I think because we had made that decision.

Don't worry too much. I came up with 3 or 4 things I thought I did wrong in the paperwork, but in the end they didn't even look at what I had sent. I worried about Abdel's English being good enough, but he said he had no problems in the interview. As some have expressed here, sometimes the men think their English is ok and they understand, when really they don't understand, so I was worried about that too, but it all went ok.

About the only thing you can do at this point is stay calm, keep him calm, and get plenty of rest - both of you. He needs to be in a confident happy mood for the interview, so the more supportive and loving you can be right now the better his chances of getting a visa.

One Moroccan man that interviewed posted here for us last fall and his one point that he stressed was the smiling. He said that the smile can help to break the ice with the interviewer and make it a little more personal than "just the next face."

You're only a week away - the time will fly faster than you can imagine and this will be behind you before you know it and you will be trying to find the cheapest flight for him.

Hang in there!