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| Egypt |  Review on November 20, 2012: |
Heba&Mando
Rating:  | Review Topic: K3 Visa
Our Interview day started early in the morning, arriving at the embassy an hour early before the 7:30 a.m. time. My husband dressed so nice, and our newborn daughter and I anxiously waited for the line to start forming. Finally at about 7 they had people form two lines. One side was for non-immigrant visas, the other was for immigrants. Awhile after the lines were formed, a man came out and checked everyone's name and interview appointment letter. We found out that my daughter and I could not go inside the embassy with my husband, as they have changed the rules and only allow beneficiaries inside. This was not expected, and was a little frustrating as we had traveled a long way to be there. SO, my daughter and I found a safe place in a nearby hotel lobby and waited the long grueling FIVE hours until the interview was done.
When my husband went inside the door, he went through the security check and then was taken to a waiting area where he got a number (number 619) and began the long wait. He waited for close to 2 hours and then they called his number. A lady holding a yellow folder was at the window with all the documents but looked a little confused, and was trying to find papers. She asked him for the original marriage documents, and she said she needed copies of the military service certificate. He was confused as we had submitted everything already...so he asked her to look again...and she found everything and apologized. Then she started asking some questions like: When did he we get married? When did he get divorced from his previous wife? Has he been to the states before? What kind of visa was it? How long did he stay in the states? Where did he and I meet, in Egypt or in the states? Then she gave him a ticket to pay DHL. He went and paid the DHL fee and had another seat. He again waited for another two hours.
Finally his number was called again, and he went to window 14. Standing there was a male consular who looked like he was in his early 40's. The first thing he did was take his fingerprints. Then he had him sign the DS230 form. Then he started working on the computer for nearly 5 minutes without saying anything, and my husband standing there patiently. He then started asking questions:
How did we know each other?
Asked how we met online?
When did you get married to your first wife?
When did you leave to study in the states?
When did you marry your current wife?
When did you get divorced from your first wife?
Did your first wife remarry?
Do you think she was dating someone while you were gone studying in the states?
Were you upset that your ex-wife got remarried right away after your divorce?
How many kids does your current wife have?
What are their names and ages?
What do the kids like?
What don't they like?
Do you communicate with the kids a lot?
Have you met them in person before?
Tell me something specific about each of the kids.
What are the kids birthdays?
How old was the youngest child when you met your wife?
Do you know that it is a big responsibility taking care of those kids as well?
Why did you divorce your first wife again?
How did you meet your ex wife?
Why did you marry her (his ex wife)?
Why did you divorce her (his ex wife)?
Where is your current wife now?
What is your babies date of birth?
She was born here in Egypt? Your wife came to Egypt to have the baby?
In the middle of all these crazy questions, the consular stopped and looked at each of the 20 pictures we had sent in with detailed descriptions on the back. He spent forever carefully looking at each one and reading every word of the descriptions on the back.
He then handed my husband all his original documents and asked if he planned to travel soon. My husband said no, so the CO said he would keep his passport. He put the passport inside the yellow folder again. He then handed him a white piece of paper with our case number on it and said that there needed to be more administrative review. He said that it may take only 2 days, 2 weeks, or a month maximum. Then my husband asked what is the longest time we will have to wait, and he said he didn't know. After that, my husband stood up and was free to go.
Overall, the experience was NOT what we had prepared for or expected, as he really probed in questions we didn't think he would care about. The consular was very straight faced and really tried to frustrate my husband by asking condescending questions that indicated he felt bad for his ex wife and my kids. I was so proud that my husband stayed positive, calm, and just kept answering his questions with a smile the whole time.
So now....we are just waiting....praying...and hoping that our administrative review does not take a long time. Our advice to anyone who is getting ready for their interview...think of any questions they could ask that are outside the box, and answer everything honestly and completely. GOOD luck!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10908