Embassy wants Petitioner at next CR-1 interview. Any advice?

[Svadharma 11]

My husband and I have been married since May of last year. I was traveling with the intention of going into the Peace Corps, until we met and fell in love. I stayed in El Salvador with him until we were very low on money and then I came back so that I could get a job in order to support us.

We were approved by USCIS and the NVC. He had all of his medical stuff done and then went to his first interview on June 29. (El Salvador requires two interviews... one for documentation and the other for the interview, fingerprints, etc.)

At the first interview, they told him that we need a Joint Sponsor. I couldn't understand because I make well over the amount required. My congressman did write to the embassy and found out that it was because my taxes show that I didn't make very much last year.

My grandma did fill out the documents and mailed them the very next day, but they had to get to El Salvador... and it was the 4th of July weekend. My husband didn't have the originals for his interview, but did have a scanned copy and the tracking number.

They said he needs a third interview, which I expected, to bring the documents... but they also want me to go.

The letter the embassy wrote the congressman's office said this is "in order to better ascertain the bona fides of the applicant's case." So, is my showing up enough? Or should I bring more proof? We have submitted emails, a dozen photos, some cards, proof of a joint bank account, an affidavit that someone wrote regarding the validity of our relationship, and proof that he is on one of my credit cards...

I'm guessing I should gather more evidence, just in case... more emails, more photos, proof that I have submitted to add him to my work's dental insurance, chat logs....

What do you think? Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

[TBoneTX 45,562]

If they're "assessing the bona fides of the relationship," they're questioning its legitimacy. Oh, brother... but at least El Salvador is tipping you off about it, unlike how Ecuador does it.

Fully expect to be put through a Stokes interview, where you are separated, questioned separately about many details of your relationship, and judged on whether (and how well) your answers match.

Bring EVERY SCRAP OF EVIDENCE that you have, from Day One of your relationship. Also, and this is crucial: Collect signed, one-page letters from your people and his, in which the writers attest to the authenticity of the relationship and provide details about it. Each letter should state who the writer is, how he/she knows you, and COMPLETE contact information of the writer.

For our Stokes interrogation in Ecuador, we produced 13 letters from my people and 3 letters from hers. (Fewer letters from the foreigner are better, because too many may raise questions in the minds of the CO regarding whether those writers later hope to piggyback to the U.S. with help from the foreigner.)

Start collecting these letters NOW! Simply ensure that each writer knows when you met, knows the correct spelling of your SO's name, and will include accurate details in his/her own words, attesting to the authenticity of the relationship. Again, SIGNED hard copies are best; scanned SIGNED copies are OK; e-mail messages will do. The letters need not be notarized.

Finally, when your third interview is scheduled, go to El Salvador several days early and take a minimum of a zillion pictures of yourselves together, in different venues & clothing. Print these, and bring them -- with receipts from (say) a hotel where you stayed together -- to hand to the CO.

At least you have a chance not to be blindsided. Good luck, and let us know the results.

Edited July 12, 2009 by TBoneTX

[Svadharma 11]

Thanks SO much! We lived together for 8 months and traveled to Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua together, so I can bring a bunch more pictures. I just called him and he will get three letters. I should be able to get at least six, maybe more. I will also print out more emails and chat logs.....

It is interesting. I was so frustrated and sad about this before... and this still seems a bit crazy, but I am handling it so well right now. Maybe I've just gone past anger and sadness into acceptance.

I'll bring everything I can.......

(I only got notified because I had my congressman write to the embassy for me... but I was guessing they didn't want me there "just for fun.")

Edited July 12, 2009 by Svadharma

[TBoneTX 45,562]

Good for you! Let us know what results.

[Svadharma 11]

TBone, I cannot thank you enough. We went to our interview on the 22nd and the first thing they asked my husband for, before they even closed the door was proof of our relationship. Thank goodness I had followed your advice. I was able to just hand over an envelope that had emails, chat logs, photos, a photo book with pictures of our wedding that I made for his mom, 6 letters from my friends/family, proof that I had made him my beneficiary on my retirement account and proof that I had added him to my insurance.

He was in the room for over an hour and a half. Eventually only the guard, the janitors and I were left in this large room. Then I was brought in for about an hour... and then him again. Then they told us to wait and that we would be called to a window.

About 10 minutes later we were called to the window and we were told he was approved! Then we paid to have the documents sent to him and they already arrived on Friday. Of course, until he actually arrives in the country I am still a little nervous, but things seem to be working out.

Thank you again, so much!

[thepizzadude 26]

TBone, I cannot thank you enough. We went to our interview on the 22nd and the first thing they asked my husband for, before they even closed the door was proof of our relationship. Thank goodness I had followed your advice. I was able to just hand over an envelope that had emails, chat logs, photos, a photo book with pictures of our wedding that I made for his mom, 6 letters from my friends/family, proof that I had made him my beneficiary on my retirement account and proof that I had added him to my insurance.

He was in the room for over an hour and a half. Eventually only the guard, the janitors and I were left in this large room. Then I was brought in for about an hour... and then him again. Then they told us to wait and that we would be called to a window.

About 10 minutes later we were called to the window and we were told he was approved! Then we paid to have the documents sent to him and they already arrived on Friday. Of course, until he actually arrives in the country I am still a little nervous, but things seem to be working out.

Thank you again, so much!

:dance: Congratulations :dance: Don't be nervous he has the visa woooohoooooo!!!

[TBoneTX 45,562]

we were told he was approved!

I'm thrilled for you, si man! Your experience serves as an example to others that the consular interview CANNOT be taken for granted. The outcome is a blessing, and I'm extremely gladdened by it.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Congrats on the interview

[raymaga 25]

Congrats on the successful interview.

Best wishes for a smooth move to the U.S. and with your new lives together!!

[VivaBaños 2]

Congratulations!

It seems with anything visa-related, it is best to be very prepared even over-prepared some would say. Give them no room to doubt you or your relationship.

Felicidades y que disfruten la vida juntitos.

[Svadharma 11]

Thank you so much to everyone! Muchisimas gracias!

It's a little hard to believe it is real.

[Cuchita 1]

Very nice! I am soooo happy for you!!!

[David & Hristina 2]

Way to go!

Everything turned out right because you took the time to ask for help, VJers helped out, and you went in prepared and ready for the "surprise"

I love happy endings and the good work VJers do!

Congrats!!!!

[furiousng 2]

About 10 minutes later we were called to the window and we were told he was approved!

Congrats on your approval!!!!!!!!!!

[chili74 0]

Great info and congrats on the outcome!!!