Inital Interview?

[phenixdragon]

My wife and I just got a letter in the mail yesterday for the initial interview. We are in the process of her status changing from J-1 to a Perm Resident. I am worried about it but I always worry. It's like when I go to court of stupid speeding tickets I always get very nervous in front of a judge. So I am wondering, what do they normally do in the inital interview? What just makes me worry is they have all this power even though we have a real legit marraige.

[trinity16]

If you have a legit marriage, then no need to worry. Also, you can look around this website for interview questions for the Initial Interview.

Good Luck!

[superTD]

Originally Posted by phenixdragon

My wife and I just got a letter in the mail yesterday for the initial interview. We are in the process of her status changing from J-1 to a Perm Resident.

A lot of people posted their interview experiences in the forum, just go through some of them; you will find out how most interviews work. Many of them are very similar. For your wife’s case, since she entered US with J-1 visa, I’m sure they will ask her to show the proof that she is not subject to 2 year home residency requirements. Just be ready for that, you should either have a waiver or a letter from department of state.

Be Faithful!

[phenixdragon]

She doesn't have the 2 year requirement which is part of a previous form. I just always worry myself because I mean they can send her home. It's like I said, even when I get speeding ticket I get nervous in front of the judge and will even studder. Happens every time.

I am wondering though, is the Inital Interview the same as a final interview? Or are we looking at another interview 9 months from now?

[woodenshoe101]

Under normal circumstances, it will be your initial and final interview. And as long as you marriage is legit and you have ample evidence of the same, you will be fine. IOs know that people get nervous, even when they have nothing to hide.

If they for some reason they have doubts about your marriage, they will schedule a 2nd interview (for that one, you and your wife will be interviewed separately).

[phenixdragon]

Wow, that is pretty awsome then if it only is going to take us a few months for everything to be done with. We just filed 7 weeks ago. I know once she has her green card it will help with school tuition since she we won't have to be paying for her as an international student, which is more then even an out of state student.

[beemer8]

phenixdragon,
Being too nervous is ok as long as you have enough evidence to prove that your indeed married and living together. When you take the oath look into the eye of the Officer and say "yes" don't look away and stay calm..good luck!

[smilegirl]

Originally Posted by phenixdragon

Wow, that is pretty awsome then if it only is going to take us a few months for everything to be done with. We just filed 7 weeks ago. I know once she has her green card it will help with school tuition since she we won't have to be paying for her as an international student, which is more then even an out of state student.

Don`t stress yourself!!!! It`s going to be all right! Just get all your documents ready and well organized. Think about it as a chance to tell about your great realationship you have with you wife!!!! Let the officer see who you are as a couple and how much you guys love each other And remember-> everyone gets nervous about the interview but the good thing is that you are there with your partner. She will be your support! :-) This is how I take it and honestly, I can`t wait for it to come! So head up !!!!

[diavon]

How is an "initial" interview different from a regular interview. What other kinds of interviews are there?

[Triple Citizen]

For most couples, the initial interview also ends up being the final interview.
For some couples, the initial interview leads up to a stokes interview.

Originally Posted by diavon

How is an "initial" interview different from a regular interview. What other kinds of interviews are there?

[diavon]

Is a "stokes" interview one where they interview the husband and wife seperately?

[Triple Citizen]

That is the one.

Originally Posted by diavon

Is a "stokes" interview one where they interview the husband and wife seperately?

[ilovethe80s]

Originally Posted by smilegirl

Don`t stress yourself!!!! It`s going to be all right! Just get all your documents ready and well organized. Think about it as a chance to tell about your great realationship you have with you wife!!!! Let the officer see who you are as a couple and how much you guys love each other And remember-> everyone gets nervous about the interview but the good thing is that you are there with your partner. She will be your support! :-) This is how I take it and honestly, I can`t wait for it to come! So head up !!!!

Hello smilegirl -- I never thought of it that way before. Thanks! I, like phenixdragon, is a nervous wreck. And I'm also the type of person who can't stop talking when nervous! I hate uncomfortable silences and I compensate by NOT shutting up. I should really get a hold of myself when husband and I are interviewed (no Interview Letter yet, but I'm already dreading the day). So thanks for what you said (a chance to show the officer about our wonderful relationship) -- I love it. It makes me feel less frazzled Rest assured I will keep that in mind during the interview, and I will think of you

[beemer8]

Originally Posted by smilegirl

Don`t stress yourself!!!! It`s going to be all right! Just get all your documents ready and well organized. Think about it as a chance to tell about your great realationship you have with you wife!!!! Let the officer see who you are as a couple and how much you guys love each other And remember-> everyone gets nervous about the interview but the good thing is that you are there with your partner. She will be your support! :-) This is how I take it and honestly, I can`t wait for it to come! So head up !!!!

Smilygirl, I got separated from my wife for the first interview so, i would not bet on that too much.

[smilegirl]

Originally Posted by ilovethe80s

Hello smilegirl -- I never thought of it that way before. Thanks! I, like phenixdragon, is a nervous wreck. And I'm also the type of person who can't stop talking when nervous! I hate uncomfortable silences and I compensate by NOT shutting up. I should really get a hold of myself when husband and I are interviewed (no Interview Letter yet, but I'm already dreading the day). So thanks for what you said (a chance to show the officer about our wonderful relationship) -- I love it. It makes me feel less frazzled Rest assured I will keep that in mind during the interview, and I will think of you

I know how bad this all process can get to us, but I always say that it will all be our past soon! Evertime you feel bad , think about the good moments you had with people you love. Don`t focus on stressful moments!!! Let them be for a while and let it go... only this way you can get stronger!!!

Funny you said you talk a lot when you are nervous! I don`t have to be nervous to talk! heheheh I`m like an energizer bunny if it comes to that! And yet, my husband still likes me Hope IO will do too!
(PS. I know when to keep quiet though...I admit, it`s challenging for me but I`m getting there! hehe )

Oh! also, just came to my mind... when you will have your interview make sure you guys are not much different from what you are, when you are alone! I mean, if you usually show your affection towards each other (sitting close to each other, holding hands or "sweet" eye contact now and then)-don`t stop it! Make sure the IO sees why you both are together Just don`t go to far so IO won`t get jealous there! hehehe

Originally Posted by beemer8

Smilygirl, I got separated from my wife for the first interview so, i would not bet on that too much.

Sorry to hear that! I thought only "stokes" interview are done this way I`m sure it must have been hard for you. If I would be in your situation, I would just keep the best moments in my head and try to share them with the IO. It would be a little tough not having my hubby with me, but the thought of us being together after that, would be my strenght!
And yes, I talk a lot so probably would make the IO tired guite fast!

I hope you did well, even though, you were separated from your second half at the time of your interview!

[beemer8]

Smilygirl,
I did get my conditional GC! thanks for your concern, all i wanted you guys to know is expect the worst and not let your guard down any time. Good Luck!

[Hummus]

OK I got Interviewed twice and 1st one I went with my wife and lawyer and I never took any notices or any +ve answers from neither my lawyer nor the IO except that the lawyer told me 30 to 60 days and you going to have every thing settled "yeah sure" and also an fee of $800.00. 1 year after no progress and no GC. 2 weeks ago I went for to the USCIS office in LA with an INFO-PASS and I got referred to higher level of authorities to tell me the status of my case, IO saw me with my big file in front of him and told me to come in 3 days with my wife and 8 months and all the supporting documents and he will squeeze me in for an early interview 7:30 am in 3 days and signed and stamped the referral paper work that I got before went to see him. Interview was with a very kind IO which was mentioned on other people experience thread. My question is that he didn't straight up say you are approved neither do gave me a welcome letter but he gave me a paper work said my case will continue in progress and If I didn't here in 30 days get back to him Personally. So I'm worried cuz the Internet case status is still on the same progress page since 2006 and I dion't know how would that welcome letter be or what's next however my wife has asked him is he going to get the CG in this 30 days you are talking about he said you will hear from us within 30 days by mailing the GC or if any more action needs to be taken? any advice guys Im lossing hope and patience Thanks in advance