i130 Why would an I130 application be forwarded to a local office when the beneficiary is not in the USA?

[millefleur 5,046]

3 hours ago, s007rrt said:

The letter does reference his A number as he was already known to immigration.

This is indeed a strange request. You mentioned he has an A number already, that's curious. How did he get the A number? I'm pretty sure those are not given out for tourist visas.

[Ate 180]

2 hours ago, s007rrt said:

Yes, I can share. Spouse had a tourist visa to enter USA and that visa was revoked.

 

2 hours ago, s007rrt said:

I honestly didn't 100% quite understand it based on our discussion and the paperwork. It had something to do with funds (not enough to support) and a flight ticket. I don't think it was misrepresentation.

 

I suggest talking to your spouse again and making sure you understand 100% the reason why his tourist visa was revoked.  You need to be fully aware of any immigration-related issues in your spouse's past that could derail the immigration process that you are in now.

 

I don't know if the notice you received was because of the issue with his revoked tourist visa.  Even if it's not, that issue will surely be brought up sooner or later.  Better to be prepared.

 

[s007rrt 7]

1 hour ago, millefleur said:

This is indeed a strange request. You mentioned he has an A number already, that's curious. How did he get the A number? I'm pretty sure those are not given out for tourist visas.

Gotcha! There were/are some assumptions made on my part. Thank you

[NikLR 13,227]

It's not common but it does happen.  In 2012 and 2013 it was common practice for local offices to adjudicate I-130s.  Many petitioners were called in for interviews snd approved on the spot.  The local offices often have outdated manuals and do things differently than a service center.  I suggest not jumping to any conclusions and just attend the interview to see what's up. 

[s007rrt 7]

11 minutes ago, NikLR said:

It's not common but it does happen.  In 2012 and 2013 it was common practice for local offices to adjudicate I-130s.  Many petitioners were called in for interviews snd approved on the spot.  The local offices often have outdated manuals and do things differently than a service center.  I suggest not jumping to any conclusions and just attend the interview to see what's up. 

I DEFINITELY appreciate your chill response because I have been on edge since day 1 and it has been increasing as this situation seems to deviate what "everyone else" case is doing.

[nastra30 2,287]

https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/AFM/HTML/AFM/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-1067/0-0-0-1302.html

It's definitely an interview of you (the petitioner) with a USCIS officer. 

The specific reasons vary but more generally it's because they more evidence from the petitioner. It's not always more evidence is requested with an RFE. In some cases, an interview is requested. In other cases both RFE and interview are requested.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/AFM/HTML/AFM/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-1067/0-0-0-1318.html

(3)       Options in Cases Where Insufficient Evidence Is Submitted. Whenever a case is received with all required initial evidence and the adjudicator cannot decide the case based on the information submitted, there are five options. Each option requires varying degrees of USCIS resources. Thus, adjudicators should carefully evaluate each option. The available options are:  

*Perform research using such internal sources as those described in   Chapter 14   of this manual;

*Request that the applicant or petitioner submit additional documentary evidence;    

*Interview the petitioner, beneficiary, applicant, or other witnesses;    

*Conduct – if local office policy allows a field examination (see     Chapter 17     ); and

*Execute an investigation.

[carmel34 3,633]

4 hours ago, millefleur said:

This is indeed a strange request. You mentioned he has an A number already, that's curious. How did he get the A number? I'm pretty sure those are not given out for tourist visas.

This could be the reason for the interview, as your relationship evidence seems to be solid.  You seem to not be 100% sure about what has happened in the past of the beneficiary regarding revoked tourist visas or past immigration petitions.  Probably a good thing to have a heart-to-heart talk between the two of you and find out everything.  It's full disclosure time.  Something strange about this request for an interview and I don't think it is for relationship evidence.  Good luck, and please report back with an update after your interview!

[s007rrt 7]

Okay so you guys are confirming that the interview clearly speaks to me. Now I'm still concerned about the why behind it and acquiring his original passport and birth certificate for this appointment by the 25th. I have a photocopy of beneficiary birth certificate   that I submitted with the application even though it wasn't required.

[s007rrt 7]

7 minutes ago, carmel34 said:

This could be the reason for the interview, as your relationship evidence seems to be solid.  You seem to not be 100% sure about what has happened in the past of the beneficiary regarding revoked tourist visas or past immigration petitions.  Probably a good thing to have a heart-to-heart talk between the two of you and find out everything.  It's full disclosure time.  Something strange about this request for an interview and I don't think it is for relationship evidence.  Good luck, and please report back with an update after your interview!

That is heavy on my heart as well. I figured I asked all the "right" questions during this courtship from day 1. Ignorance shouldn't be an excuse on my part, especially this late in the game. Yes, I definitely will follow up.

[AM268 23]

In addition to all the good advice you have gotten thus far I would say to pay close attention to the questions you will be asked during the interview and the way that you answer them. I imagine when your spouse gets interviewed the interviewer will be paying attention that his answers match yours

[dwheels76 5,468]

This happens when they suspect fraud or something doesn't add up. They want to see the petitioner face to face.

Nothing to worry about he has to get an interview why not you.

Take your evidence and be ready for anything.

The tourist visa he applied for I would ask him everything about it.  Who was he to visit? Did he claim he was single, married?  You need to know everything now.

[s007rrt 7]

4 minutes ago, dwheels76 said:

This happens when they suspect fraud or something doesn't add up. They want to see the petitioner face to face.

Nothing to worry about he has to get an interview why not you.

Take your evidence and be ready for anything.

The tourist visa he applied for I would ask him everything about it.  Who was he to visit? Did he claim he was single, married?  You need to know everything now.

Well noted! Thank you for your input. My mind is racing....

[Ann&James 179]

13 minutes ago, s007rrt said:

Well noted! Thank you for your input. My mind is racing....

I am quite curious to know the outcome of this interview. Good luck and keep us posted with any updates.

[s007rrt 7]

Just now, Ann&James said:

I am quite curious to know the outcome of this interview. Good luck and keep us posted with any updates.

I will update hopefully this interview/reasons does not break my spirit.

[Bayman 65]

Being call for interview as a petitioner is not part of the usual application process. It means that your application has been single out because it contain something inconsistences. 1. you should find out from your beneficiary what exactly was in  the previous tourist application made sometimes ago before the interview. a hard-nosed uscis  officer will engaged in a harsher tactics to find out everything so beware of that. Be honest about everything you will say and things will go well on your side. wish you all the best with much support from VJ.