Thank you all for your congratulations. Actually I should've been thanking you for your endless efforts of using this forum to bring informtion on our finger tips. You are all winners!
Let me attempt to give a rundown of the interview in Frankfurt, Germany:
My wife came down from London and we drove down to Frankfurt on that faithful 13th of Nov. for the interview. I am the principal applicant. We got to the consulate at about 7AM. It was very cold outside, maybe 4°C. We got on a line outside the gate at about 7.30 and passed through the check point at about 7.50. Our number was called at about 8.10 to pay a total of €1,120 (=$1,500). We were given a big envelope and asked to paste a stamp of €4.25 on it. Just before I was done our number was called again to submit our documents. We submitted the documents and the admin. officers said all looked good and gave us basic imigration instructions. He told us he will take the file to the consular officer who will then call us later for a short interview. We sat down again. At about 9.15 we were called for the interview. We did the finger print and the officer said we should sign the DSP230 form. After the siging the officer asked which language we prefer and I said since my wife doesnt speak German we should do it in english. The guy made some jokes with my wife and then turned to me:
Officer: When did you become a German Citizen?
Me: over 5 years ago
Officer: Why do you want to go to the states?
Me: Its all about more opportunities. I believe I will have many more career opportunities in the states
Officer: Ok I want you to do something for me. I want you to go get an employment letter in the states, send it to me and then I will issue you a visa.
Me: I do have a job presently which I like and I will not relocate to the states until I get something better there. Besides I have provided you with an affidavit of support which should take care of our expenses should my wife and I be there in the states without a job.
Officer: Where is the affidavit of support?
Me: Check the file for it sir. I submitted it with my other documents.
He went through his file and saw the affidavit. My sponsor makes more than $120,000 a year and has property is valued at about $800,000. My personal income is morethan 4 times poverty level but I don't have any savings.
Officer: Well it looks very good for your man but I would like to see your own funds. You always have your vacation in the states so just go out there and get an employment letter, send it to me and I will issue you a visa immediately.
Me: I am disappointed by that. When I get home today I will get into the internet and look for Job at Mcdonalds in Alaska.
Consular officer started laughing...
Me: I will fax the letter to you. But do you beleive I will leave my good job in Germany to go and work for Mcdonalds in Alaska
Officer: No
Me: ...so I will take my time and look for a good job. I won't leave Germany to the States just for another job. I will look for a very good Job and I will send the employment letter to you.
The officer looked intensively into my eyes and said:
Officer: I will issue you the visa and you'll get your passports in about a week's time. You go get that very good Job and send the employment letter to me.
Me: You bet I will keep my promise
Thant was it.
Today 15th Nov., I received a big postal package form the consulate containing:
2 sealed envelopes
2 passports with Immigrant Visas valid for 6 months or 1 year uppon endorsement
I hope nobody will use this as a standard interview question catalogue.
My case was very strong; I have a B1/B2 visa that was still more than 9yrs valid, I have 2 Masters degree in Engineering and business admin, I have more than 5 years working experience with an American company in Germany, I travel atleast 2-4 times a year to the states for work or pleasure...
The message here is very clear; get "clean" documents and always be yourself. Don't try to play with words. Defend yourself and present your case to the best of your knowledge. Don't forget that we are all humans and even the consular officers may overlook a document or information.
I WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS. YOU ARE WINNERS.
also thanks for being smart enough to Edith your Signature that shows that you have actually explored the pages.