Likelihood of Stokes Interview for 1st AOS interview?

[Bjh 39]

My wife and I have our interview for her green card this coming Monday. I've told her for months, even years, that they may separate and interview us separately, and compare our answers to certain questions to see if there are inconsistencies suggestive of a fraudulent marriage. My wife is well aware of this and I recently sent her a list of possible questions that we have to have matching answers to in the event we do encounter a Stokes interview.

 

How likely is this to happen? We do speak different primary languages and her English isn't great, but we've never received any requests for evidence during any part of the process. We also know an interpreter who will help my wife over the phone (can't be there in person due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Is it just random and it's best to be as prepared as possible?

 

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

[JonSeattle 202]

According to this page, a Stokes interview is a rare occurrence for the the initial interview: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/fiance-marriage-visa-book/chapter13-17.html

Usually they occur on a second interview. Stokes interviews in general are apparently rare unless there are red flags, such as not living together and not co-mingling bank accounts, etc.

 

[SalishSea 17,818]

I think it’s pretty rare, and I’m sure there are some specific criteria in the initial evaluation of the application which would trigger a Stokes.

 

I didn’t think we would get one, but all the same, I did coach my husband a bit.   Yes, we have a legitimate marriage, and no, he didn’t use me for a green card......but even on a good day,  he would have no idea what I had for breakfast, or even what color our duvet cover is 😅.

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

4 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

I think it’s pretty rare, and I’m sure there are some specific criteria in the initial evaluation of the application which would trigger a Stokes.

 

I didn’t think we would get one, but all the same, I did coach my husband a bit.   Yes, we have a legitimate marriage, and no, he didn’t use me for a green card......but even on a good day,  he would have no idea what I had for breakfast, or even what color our duvet cover is 😅.

Same but it would have never occurred to me to do that 😂 

 

If there are no red flags to start with and both of you know your address and something about each other there's no reason to practice and remember stuff for a stokes AOS interview. OP stop driving your wife crazy. She probably remembers the last time you did the dishes or the laundry better than you 😉

Edited March 10, 2021 by Letspaintcookies

[payxibka 10,045]

6 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

I think it’s pretty rare, and I’m sure there are some specific criteria in the initial evaluation of the application which would trigger a Stokes.

 

I didn’t think we would get one, but all the same, I did coach my husband a bit.   Yes, we have a legitimate marriage, and no, he didn’t use me for a green card......but even on a good day,  he would have no idea what I had for breakfast, or even what color our duvet cover is 😅.

What's a duvet?

[SalishSea 17,818]

1 hour ago, payxibka said:

What's a duvet?

Down comforter.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,432]

23 hours ago, Bjh said:

My wife is well aware of this and I recently sent her a list of possible questions that we have to have matching answers to in the event we do encounter a Stokes interview.

"Sent" her a list?

 

Do you and your wife live separately?  If so, that will be asked about at the interview.

 

Most couples don't initially consider that they may get a stokes interview.  Is there anything unusual with your marriage that you are concerned about?

[Bjh 39]

2 minutes ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

"Sent" her a list?

 

Do you and your wife live separately?  If so, that will be asked about at the interview.

 

Most couples don't initially consider that they may get a stokes interview.  Is there anything unusual with your marriage that you are concerned about?

"Sent" as in emailed to her, so she has it handy. No, we live together, and have since she arrived. I guess that we don't speak the same mother tongue although her English has improved. I am just being paranoid because I don't really know what they consider "red flags" because that could extend past the typical ones (age gap, living separately, country of origin of beneficiary), and they wouldn't let those red flags become public knowledge because then the people they are targeting would become aware of them and know what to prepare to avoid being "caught."

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

6 hours ago, Bjh said:

"Sent" as in emailed to her, so she has it handy. No, we live together, and have since she arrived. I guess that we don't speak the same mother tongue although her English has improved. I am just being paranoid because I don't really know what they consider "red flags" because that could extend past the typical ones (age gap, living separately, country of origin of beneficiary), and they wouldn't let those red flags become public knowledge because then the people they are targeting would become aware of them and know what to prepare to avoid being "caught."

In terms of mother tongue there are not too many countries that have English as their first language. If that would be a red flag then many would be in trouble. I totally understand that you're nervous, the interview is an important step but there is nothing to be afraid of if your relationship is genuine. 

[JVG 31]

Our interview is this Monday as well in Cincinnati. She is from the Philippines and speaks/understands English very well but at times she does not understand some of our lingo. Everything will be fine. We are trying just to relax and be our natural selves. Good Luck on Monday.

[Bjh 39]

On 3/9/2021 at 3:58 PM, JonSeattle said:

According to this page, a Stokes interview is a rare occurrence for the the initial interview: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/fiance-marriage-visa-book/chapter13-17.html

Usually they occur on a second interview. Stokes interviews in general are apparently rare unless there are red flags, such as not living together and not co-mingling bank accounts, etc.

 

 

On 3/9/2021 at 5:18 PM, Jorgedig said:

I think it’s pretty rare, and I’m sure there are some specific criteria in the initial evaluation of the application which would trigger a Stokes.

 

I didn’t think we would get one, but all the same, I did coach my husband a bit.   Yes, we have a legitimate marriage, and no, he didn’t use me for a green card......but even on a good day,  he would have no idea what I had for breakfast, or even what color our duvet cover is 😅.

 

On 3/9/2021 at 9:41 PM, Letspaintcookies said:

Same but it would have never occurred to me to do that 😂 

 

If there are no red flags to start with and both of you know your address and something about each other there's no reason to practice and remember stuff for a stokes AOS interview. OP stop driving your wife crazy. She probably remembers the last time you did the dishes or the laundry better than you 😉

 

On 3/10/2021 at 10:08 PM, Letspaintcookies said:

In terms of mother tongue there are not too many countries that have English as their first language. If that would be a red flag then many would be in trouble. I totally understand that you're nervous, the interview is an important step but there is nothing to be afraid of if your relationship is genuine. 

 

On 3/11/2021 at 8:40 PM, JVG said:

Our interview is this Monday as well in Cincinnati. She is from the Philippines and speaks/understands English very well but at times she does not understand some of our lingo. Everything will be fine. We are trying just to relax and be our natural selves. Good Luck on Monday.

Just an update for everyone...we were just approved for my wife's green card after our short and easy interview today! We had no separation and no Stokes interview. We actually didn't even need an interpreter. And thankfully, my wife didn't go into labor throughout our entire trip!

Edited March 15, 2021 by Bjh