I am Back!!!! Interview = Unsureness

Constance_13 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 09:10 PM

I had my immigration interview – It was….hmmmmm…..how to describe it…..”ODD” is the only word that comes to mind. It truly was nothing like I was expecting but I think I had gotten my self so worked up that I was expecting it to be horrible. Here is what happened:

Arrived at the US consulate in Montréal at 8am. The security ppl were not very friendly but I had read all the instructions about what was allowed inside and what was not. I only had my immigration binder with all my documents and required items for my interview. My grandma-in-law was with me as my husband was not able to come (she is an American). We passed through security with no issues and the guard seemed to lighten up a bit once he knew we had both followed the instructions to a tee. We were then sent to the elevator to head to the 19th floor and had to check in with window #14 and was assigned my #(I was nice an early and received one of the first numbers….which I have to say was great).

I only waited 20-30min and my number was called. I had to go to a specific window and talk to an “intake” officer. She was really really nice. My G-MIL was able to come up with me and was not sent away. The officer took all the required documents: Passport, Express Post Envelope, Sealed Medical Records, and then she made sure that both my husbands and my addresses were correct, she checked a few other points on the application to make sure it was accurate. Then she opened the medical records and through out everything she was checking things off in my file and stamping and singing different things. She then asked for 2 photo’s….I showed her 3 different ones and told her I wanted to make sure I had one that was exactly what they required as the lady that did my pic’s had not seen this specific criteria before. She actually was impressed and picked the one she wanted. Then she sent me back to the waiting area and told me she would call me back to take my finger prints. About 10min later I was called back and she took my finger prints and then I had to go wait again for the interview office to call me.

I was called into a small room and he sat up higher then I was and behind glass. Again my G-MIL came in the room with me and the interviewer said “I know who you are but who are you?” (He pointed to her). We explained that my husband was not able to attend and that she came in his place. He said ok and then made us both swore an oath. He only really asked me two questions with some others as stem off questions:

1. How did you meet your husband? I told him we met on line playing WOW and started talking and developed a relationship.

A. When did you meet in person? September 2, 2005

*He made a comment about us not knowing each other very long and a comment about me being pregnant but did not ask anything directly. He barley looked at me and kept typing or writing in my file.

2. I see you had some trouble at the boarder, tell me what happened? I said Yes, this was the SECOND (I made sure I emphasized this word) worst day of my life. I used poor judgment and lied to the crossing guard about my employment status and my intentions. I was terrified at the time that I was not going to be allowed back into the US to see my husband and doing this made those fears a reality. I am extremely sorry I did this and I wish more then anything I could go back and redo that moment in time.

B. Have you ever been arrested? No

He than asked for my removal papers and I slide them through to him. He took a few moments and read through them then said he would be right back he wanted to make copies. When he returned he said “Well someone there obviously liked you as you were not charged with misrepresentation and are very lucky you only got a 5 year ban!!!” He gave me my papers back and than asked:

3. What was the “FIRST” worst day of your life? (I was hoping and ½ knew he would catch that wording in my last answer) I told him that was Oct. 10th of last year when my husband of 25 years old was rushed to the hospital due to having a stoke. I said it was the scariest most helpless I have ever felt not being able to go and be with him to help him through this. I also stated that the doctors could not find a reason that it had happened other then the stress he has been under due to our separation. ( I got through it with out crying but barley – my voice was extremely shaky)

He was a bit shocked and said he was sorry to hear that, then asked if he was ok now, after that he left it at lone. He really did not leave anything open to add to or to try and have a conversation about. He was very cold and I really could not read him.

He then said that as it stands my application was being denied to due my ban, he made sure I understood the charges and then asked if I had a waiver to present at this time. I told him I did and he got a slip out and advised me to take my waiver and payment to the cashier. I told him I had 2 money orders as I had two waivers and did I need both? (He has only checked off one box). I showed him my waivers and his eyes almost popped out of his head…..that made me laugh inside…..as its over 200 pages. He left the room again and then said I was right I do need both so he checked the other box on my slip. He gave me the paper that stated why my visa was being denied at that moment and another paper that had instructions on how to contact them to follow up on my waiver. He told me that the waivers get processed in Virginia and it would take anywhere from 12-18 months from now to receive an answer. Then he told me once I have paid my fee’s to go back to the intake officer and she would take my receipt of payment and my two waivers. I asked if I had to wait in the waiting area and he had to leave the room again….when he came back he told me no just head to her window she is expecting me. I think he was new to be honest….he seem to be confused on some of the steps.

I went and paid for both waivers then went to the intake officer. She took my waiver and receipts and then went through my waiver to make sure nothing was missing. She told us that when a lawyer drafts them they tend to look great and have lots of detail BUT they often forget one of the forms and then there is a HUGE delay with getting word to us that it is needed and then sending the document in and such. But I had everything….THANK GOODNESS!!!! She then asked if I understood what the process was….I told her I think I did but could she explain it one more time. She said they do not process the waivers in Montreal and due to the type of waiver it is NOT a priority so it can take anywhere from 2 to 18 months. I was like….some process in 2 months and she said yes and other take extremely long….there is no set time. HOWEVER my case was pretty simple with a minor infraction and she does not see it taking extra long for it to be adjudicated. She then said “OFF the records!!!!! If I were you I would contact your senator’s office and your congressman and see if they will help you!!” She told us at this point they are the ONLY ones that can speed anything up. She let us know that there have been cases where they wanted to try and help and added a cover page to the waiver before it got sent off but all the ppl in Virginia do is remove it and toss it out as it means nothing to them, so unfortunately there was nothing they could do to help us at this point. She wished me all the best and made it sound like it was going to go through but it was just going to be a matter of when not if.

It’s so crazy how you can get such different answers from two ppl in the same office. She made me feel so much better though as I was almost in tears thinking it was for sure going to be a minimum of 12 months. BUT it also shows that no one really knows…..that’s the crazy part. It comes down to luck of the draw I guess and also what the charge is by the sound of it.

My hubby has been playing phone tag with his contact at the senator’s office. The good thing is she called him back right away so I am hoping they are going to help (he missed the call…..they seem to do this every time…..very frustrating). They told us I needed to have my interview first and then to call and they would see what they could do so that is where we are at. We are hoping to know by the end of next week if they are going to help us or not……if sooo…..WOOOO HOOOOOO…..if not…we will contact our congressman. I have a feeling they will help though….just from how they have been talking with my husband and then asking us to call back once we completed the interview step. I know we do not have a lot of time and the chances are low I will be home to have our baby in the US but I have to keep some hope and pray lots that it will materialize.

I was done by10am……so all and all not a bad day. I truly think it help to be extremely organized (I had a binder with pic’s of my husband and I on the outside and everything I could every need inside in plastic sleeves) and to have an American family member with me. I am still feeling odd about the whole thing but it’s completely done now……so….I guess the wait is on!!!

ONEMORETIME · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 05:45 AM

Wow that is quite a process. I am praying everything goes through smoothly and quickly.

Mommie2Ava&Presley · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 06:24 AM

Amazing! I could really get off on a rant here, being that I live in Texas and probably 50 % of the immigrants in our area are illegal and most aren't even being sought for deportment. So your situation infuriates me. Many of them come over illegally just to have a baby here and get to stay, even though they (the hospital officials) know they are illegal. I'll just leave it at that and say that I think your case should be approved and I am praying that it gets the stamp of approval before time for the baby and you get to come on over here soon.

Loopy Lou · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 07:59 AM

Oh i am so with Shannon on this one....I have been dealing with INS for 10 yrs and i have to say it is infuriating to see "others" going the illegal route and i and many others taking the proper route....I can't tell you how many times i cried, but i should be very grateful as i did have DH with me, and as i now know your story so well, i cannot begin to imagine how it is for you right now. I really do hope you get to be down here to have Mackenzie Elizabeth (love the name btw) as i do not want you to have to go through all the INS bull with her again here, although of course it will be much much easier, i just want this over for you guys.

Oh and yes the officers sounded just as they are in Tampa, although 10 yrs ago it was worse you never actually got given an appointment time it was 1st come 1st served...So we had to be there by 5am to be even near the front of the line, and they dont let you in until 7am...It was just awful and right next to the airport to, i always swore i'd be deported....It is better now, but still nerve racking...Oh and wait until you get your interview, i feel like they are all trained in some old school principle camp, and just when you think the officer can't be anymore inhuman, they smile and shake your hand and give you this wonderful to know spiel....it's nuts i tell ya...But yes you do find some of them more than happy to advise you.....I do hope it all goes through fast and that your Senator moves this along, i am not familiar with Virginia, but i do know Texas, had to send my papers last month on to Vermont and then Chicago to speed up the process as they have been overwhelmed, so i am thrilled yours is going to Virginia as i have not heard of issues there.....GL Girlie, remember it will happen!!!! You were so well prepared, I remember my visits, huge file binder, it contained our whole lives, pictures, references, photo copies of everything but our butts, i would much rather be over prepared for them than under....Oh and just for future reference my ppl had no idea about the photo's either but an officer was kind enough to point out they are in fact exactly the same as passport photo's, i know it looks more complicated on the sheet, but for the last 10 yrs i have always told them passport pictures and they have been just right....Good luck and please take care of yourself, like i said it WILL happen!!

xxxx

nessak · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 02:59 PM

I agree that is just crazy, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope everything works out for you and dh so you can be together so for arrival of your baby girl.
**Positive thoughts**

Celi · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 03:56 PM

Wow Amanda it's really frustrating not knowing when you will get an answer

As I think told before we are from Brazil, but in our case everything was really easy since my husband's employer relocated us from Brazil, they took care of everything, and since my husband has a master degree things gets faster, once the lawyers entered with the process we got to go to the interview in two months and then received our Permanent Resident cards within more 3 months!
I will be praying for you as always, and hope you get to wait just the 2 months and get to have Mackenzie with you husband!