IR-1 Visa Interview Just Formality?

[Roserick 0]

My co-worker's brother is a Consul in China..

He had told me that IR-1 Interview is just formality? Is this true?

Means there is less chances of failing or getting denied..

He told me, the only reason you would fail if you don't know your husband's name or date of birth, or your date of marriage which is impossible in my opinion going to an interview without these knowledge..

What are your opinions about this?

[RandyandRina 2]

I am not sure about how the process works in China, but I found an information for some key pointers for Manila, Philippines.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1301825

[Chris Parker 11]

My co-worker's brother is a Consul in China..

He had told me that IR-1 Interview is just formality? Is this true?

Means there is less chances of failing or getting denied..

He told me, the only reason you would fail if you don't know your husband's name or date of birth, or your date of marriage which is impossible in my opinion going to an interview without these knowledge..

What are your opinions about this?

It is true that immigrant visa applications are decided as entitlements and the consular officers have very little discretion in making the decision. If the applicant is found to be eligible for the visa, the applicant must receive the visa.

On the hand, if the applicant is found to not be eligible, specific grounds of inadmissibility or ineligibility must be stated and the applicant generally has a right of rebuttal.

In that respect, you might be able to say the interview (technically, the "examination") is a formality if you are in fact eligible.

[LadyJane 1]

I wouldn't advise anyone to regard the interview as *just* a formality. Take the interview seriously, respect the CO and be polite and anticipate what they'll ask you. Bring evidence of a bona fide relationship, including joint bank accounts and some photos. Some consulates like Montreal are asking for updated financial information, even if your I-864 has been accepted by the NVC without a problem. Even if the odds are high that you'll be given a CR1/IR1 visa, I think that the interview process should not be taken for granted.

[RandyandRina 2]

Good point

I wouldn't advise anyone to regard the interview as *just* a formality. Take the interview seriously, respect the CO and be polite and anticipate what they'll ask you. Bring evidence of a bona fide relationship, including joint bank accounts and some photos. Some consulates like Montreal are asking for updated financial information, even if your I-864 has been accepted by the NVC without a problem. Even if the odds are high that you'll be given a CR1/IR1 visa, I think that the interview process should not be taken for granted.

[chakaas 0]

I agree with LadyJane. I know someone who just this month was denied a Visa because they did not bring updated finanical information to their interview.

[Roserick 0]

I have been on an interview with the Consul.. When I was getting my daughter her US passport @ the US Embassy..

The Consul was just looking at my papers and asking me questions about what I answered on my papers... Like for example "CO: So you live in NY? How long have you lived there?" Stuff like that.. Common sense questions that you can answer if your really telling the truth and really married to your partner..

Sometimes they even doubt you if you bring too much evidence.. Like they ask themselves something is not right.. Why are they bringing all these stuff..

So I suggest to be natural.. Like what I did.. I didn't know I had to bring photos.. Lucky that I had photos on my wallet. That right there shows that I'm not hiding anything cause I was unprepared.

But don't take my advice about being unprepared.. That's just me to be natural.. Don't exaggerate..

[RandyandRina 2]

Getting a passport for your child who is legally a US citizen born abroad is different from your wife under petition for a spousal visa. There are requirements needed to show that your relatonship is a bona fide marriage. Everyone has to go through the same thing, but knowing Philippines as having be known to be one who has stricter policy in obtaining visa, you can't risk and be too sure about anything.

Just my 2 cents.

Edited November 9, 2007 by RandyandRina

[Roserick 0]

Getting a passport for your child who is legally a US citizen born abroad is different from your wife under petition for a spousal visa. There are requirements needed to show that your relatonship is a bona fide marriage. Everyone has to go through the same thing, but knowing Philippines as having be known to be one who has stricter policy in obtaining visa, you can't risk and be too sure about anything.

Just my 2 cents.

Well I have seen people getting denied for getting their kids US passport.. I have no idea why.. Even if their documents are complete.. Some consuls even wanted to send clients for DNA testings..

[pushbrk 12,876]

My co-worker's brother is a Consul in China..

He had told me that IR-1 Interview is just formality? Is this true?

Means there is less chances of failing or getting denied..

He told me, the only reason you would fail if you don't know your husband's name or date of birth, or your date of marriage which is impossible in my opinion going to an interview without these knowledge..

What are your opinions about this?

IR-1 is for marriages of two years or more. If the relationship is bona fide and you otherwise qualify, then I suppose there is little chance of failure but I would prepare to show ample evidence of bona fides and be prepared with an updated I-864.

As for "otherwise qualify", membership in the Chinese Communist Party would be a problem as would working in certain sensitive occupations.

Edited November 9, 2007 by pushbrk