Help me settle a petty argument about visa interviews.

[N400NYC 380]

On 2/21/2020 at 11:17 AM, missileman said:

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1
    Slightly faster arrival in the US    
    More expensive than CR-1    
    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)    
    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 5-6 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 5-6 months)    
    Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period    
    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.

  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US 

    Less expensive than K-1    
    No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    
    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    
    Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    
    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US    
    Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.

    Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.
  �

 

This is a great summary, thank you!

[N400NYC 380]

Immigration interviews are not typical  social conversations.  While there may be an initial chit chat in the first minute, that it is where it ends. The goal is to do everything correctly and get out as quickly as possible! Answer only that which is asked. It is not the time or place to be asking various questions about the process as all of that information is standard and publicly available. It’s also not a place to be trying to convince someone how great we are (they gave no interest in that and it’s not their job to assess that). They just need to establish if you meet the criteria for the visa and that’s it. They are super busy and don’t need interviewees dragging things out with unnecessary questions or information. Sorry, but your partner isn’t understanding things. He needs to take a more serious interest in this process as it’s equally on him as it is you. 

[PeachesMagee 62]

I filled out all my own paperwork, with the help of an immigration lawyer, and set up my own appointment for the medical, and such. My wife has little to do with my CR1 process, other than being my USC spouse LOL

I also went to the Montreal Consulate (all Canadians have to go there)....and by noon, my IO seemed like he'd talked to 5000 people, and wanted little to no "chit chat".

I do not suggest you go in with the mindset that this is like a job interview. Think of it as you being asked questions and you answer "yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir", or ma'am (if your IO is female).

They see SO many people....and hear the same stuff day in and day out. I'm sure they just hope that things will go quickly, and smoothly, like we do when we stand in front of their little window.