Our successful IR1 interview experience

[JaKa]

First, some of the info about our story:
-Married for 5 years
-One Child and a second one is on the way
-Hubby has lived with me in China and Japan over the course of our marriage
-We are not DCF cuz we were residing in Japan at the time, then we returned to China to get all the necessary documents for the interview.

Documents we prepared:
-Passport
-The Updated AOS package(with 2013 tax returns) we sent to NVC: including Sponsor and Joint Sponsor's I864 and required ID proofs and other evidence(Like w2s, bank statements, etc.)
-IV package: All notarized copies of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, and non criminal record, plus my Japanese Police clearance.
-2 Visa photos
-Sealed yellow envelope of medical report

The following docs have NOT been accepted or even looked at( Just to give you an idea):
-Hubby's Domicile proof: Job offers, school application and acceptance letter, possible health care for application once we land, research of maternity hospital/OBGYN near where we are going to stay, etc..
-More relationship evidence: A copy of my ITIN from IRS, matching visa stamps, First-born's CBRA, Japanese residence cards, pics over these years, plane tickets travelled together, etc..
-Resumes both in English and Chinese

On the day of Interview, 5/27/2014:

Appointment was at 8:15am, we got to the consulate at 7:40 and there were A LOT of people there already! After pass the guards in the front, I lined up in the line for immigration visa. Wait, then went thru security check. Then into the next building.

Step one: Get a number
This was the longest wait actually. You only line up and wait for your turn to the window. Nothing difficult.
Then wait in the A Zone. The big screen will show the number and which window to go to. Very straightforward, no mystery here.

Step Two: Documents hand-in
When my number showed, I went to the window. The staff behind the window was polite, patient, and thorough. I submitted each document as he asked. And he asked if I have brought money to pay for the IV. I answered him I ve paid all the fees when at NVC, and I have brought both payment receipts ( AOS and DS260). He said in his system it doesn't show, but later on, he said it cleared. He asked me two questions: who is petitioning for you? Have you lived in another country than Japan?
Then I was sent to B Zone to wait again.

Step Three: Interview
Just after I sat down, for like not even 2 minutes, my number showed up on the big screen again. I walked to the window, having no idea this was the actual interview. I thought they must have some other questions about the docs, because it was so quick. And For this whole time, I was picturing a room with tables and stuff like that. Till the American Consular Officer took my fingerprints and asked me to swear all these documents and answers are true, I then realized "Crap, this is it!"

So he was just looking thru all my documents, with a stern face. Didn't say a word. He literally had NO facial expression whatsoever. He DIDNOT ask me wether I wanted to conduct the interview in English or Chinese, but spoke Chinese the whole time. His Chinese was very good. So I switched to Chinese too. He asked questions:
1. Where are you from? Which city?
3. How many children do you guys have?
4. Have you been to the US?
5. Have you joined the Party?

Then he said, your visa has been approved! He gave me a white A4 paper with instructions on it. I COULDN'T believe that was it! I was like"So what do I do now? Do I just leave?" He was like "Yeah!" So I thanked him with gratitude and left! Then I read on the white A4 paper, the first line was "Congratulation! Your visa has been approved!" Then I believed it! So, don't expect a pink slip! The white one does it too as long as it says "your visa has been approved!"

That was a short and pleasant experience. I was nervously calm. I had confidence when I went in. So I think if your marriage is legit, and you have the correct documents and they are not expired, you have nothing to worry about.

Tips:
1. Organize all your papers into different folders with description penned on the covers. They don't take your folders, so they won't read it. Organize them by yourself, so you clearly know where what paper is! And even if you are freaked out a bit at the window, you can still find your papers by reading the covers.

2. Don't panic! I heard people ask the most stupid and brain dead questions! It's not necessary that you let the nerves get the best of you! You are not committing a crime here, but you just want to reunite with your spouse or family! Nothing shameful!

3. The CGI Stanley staff in red tshirts don't have the greatest manner or attitude when it comes to overly nervous people asking stupid questions. One staff kept telling people to sit down, like preschool teachers, seriously, and "look up at the screen"! To me, she was pretty rude. But it might be the best way to get thru to those nervous folks. They can tell you where the bathroom is, but beyond that, they won't be helpful about any specific documents.

4. Get fully prepared, don't forget anything! You are not allowed to go outside if you have come in to the building. Someone left some paper outside and wanted to go out and get it, but was told by CGI Stanley staff that once she gets out that door, she will have to make another appointment to have the interview. There is no coming in and going out once you are in.


A day after the interview, on 5/28, our CEAC status changed from "Administrative Processing" to "ISSUED"!!!

Now waiting for CITI bank to call me for picking up my passport!

[Randy W]

 

. . .

 

A day after the interview, on 5/28, our CEAC status changed from "Administrative Processing" to "ISSUED"!!! We didn't consider the possibility of picking up the passport at the consulate at all, otherwise, I would have my passport and visa in hand already! So, before you make travel plans, you can consider this possibility if you are confident in your case and you have the time to spare in GUZ. BUT, anything could happen. We all have to just make our best guesses!

 

Now waiting for CITI bank to call me for picking up my passport!

 

 

Are you saying here that one option now is to pick up the passport with visa the same or next day at the consulate?

 

Excellent work, and thank you very much for the VERY detailed write-up - and Congratulations! Well deserved!

[JaKa]

 

. . .

A day after the interview, on 5/28, our CEAC status changed from "Administrative Processing" to "ISSUED"!!! We didn't consider the possibility of picking up the passport at the consulate at all, otherwise, I would have my passport and visa in hand already! So, before you make travel plans, you can consider this possibility if you are confident in your case and you have the time to spare in GUZ. BUT, anything could happen. We all have to just make our best guesses!

Now waiting for CITI bank to call me for picking up my passport!

 

 

Are you saying here that one option now is to pick up the passport with visa the same or next day at the consulate?

 

Excellent work, and thank you very much for the VERY detailed write-up - and Congratulations! Well deserved!

Oh, I'm sorry! I thought there was such an option. On my CEAC status, below "ISSUED", it reads "Your visa has been printed. Depending on local procedures at the location where you were interviewed, your visa will be mailed or available for pickup soon. If there are further questions, or if we need updated contact information, you will be contacted."

 

So I assumed we could have picked it up if we had chosen it on ustraveldoc. I ll edit it then!

[tsap seui]

NIce write up JaKa. Really happy to see your success.

 

Good luck starting this next chapter of your life.

 

tsap seui

[JaKa]

NIce write up JaKa. Really happy to see your success.

 

Good luck starting this next chapter of your life.

 

tsap seui

Thank you!

Even tho my CEAC has been "Issued", my ustraveldoc dashboard still says "your passport is still at the consulate" for 3 days. I might have to wait a little longer considering the 4 day weekend this week. Argh... why can't they just send it out?!!!

[tsap seui]

They are just building up to a "suspenseful moment" for you. Like in the movies.

 

We got our IR-1 visa on a Sunday....couldn't wait to get out of Guangzhou.

[JaKa]

Update:

Finally, after 6 days since "ISSUED" (including a 3-day weekend) my passport status changed to "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery".

 

I m hoping for a "Origination Scan" this pm.

Ah...the more you want it, the harder it seems!

[jonathantwu]

Congrats, please let us in on how long it takes to have your visa in hand. My wife is making travel plan too.

[tsap seui]

Update:

Finally, after 6 days since "ISSUED" (including a 3-day weekend) my passport status changed to "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery".

 

I m hoping for a "Origination Scan" this pm.

Ah...the more you want it, the harder it seems!

Good news, soon you'll be taking a long plane ride.

 

tsap seui

[JaKa]

 

Update:

Finally, after 6 days since "ISSUED" (including a 3-day weekend) my passport status changed to "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery".

I m hoping for a "Origination Scan" this pm.

Ah...the more you want it, the harder it seems!

 

Good news, soon you'll be taking a long plane ride.

 

tsap seui

Can't wait for that!

BTWNothing has changed since yesterday.

[JaKa]

Update:

My husband just got a call from Citic Bank!!! I get to go and pick up my passport this PM!!!! Yay!!!!!

But my passport status online has not changed at all...hmmm...

Anyways, I am happy! Hope I don't have a ripped package or anything like that!

I'm DONE with all the drama!!!!!!

[tsap seui]

Ahh, the sweet feel of success as your hands clutch that package for the first time.....to be done with the DOS, to leave Guangzhou...how well I remember that glorious feeling. Although...I despised the State Department so eternally, and the mere thought of ridding ourselves of that.....GD Guangzhou....to tell you the truth, I can't remember which of three gave me the most satisfaction. .

 

 

Good luck with your future, may happiness be yours.

 

tsap seui

[JaKa]

Ahh, the sweet feel of success as your hands clutch that package for the first time.....to be done with the DOS, to leave Guangzhou...how well I remember that glorious feeling. Although...I despised the State Department so eternally, and the mere thought of ridding ourselves of that.....GD Guangzhou....to tell you the truth, I can't remember which of three gave me the most satisfaction. .

 

 

Good luck with your future, may happiness be yours.

 

tsap seui

Yep yep yep! That sweet feeling and the thrill of "i can't believe I m done with all this"!!!!

I can't believe I don't need to check CEAC status anymore or ustraveldoc! I can close those tabs!!!!

We are soo happy and it's solid. Such a relief!

Funny my passport status hasn't changed a bit!

Booked our tickets for next month. As soon as hubby finishes his contract, we are outta here the next day! Ha!

[HongKong2LA]

Congratulations! :happy2:

[tsap seui]

 

Ahh, the sweet feel of success as your hands clutch that package for the first time.....to be done with the DOS, to leave Guangzhou...how well I remember that glorious feeling. Although...I despised the State Department so eternally, and the mere thought of ridding ourselves of that.....GD Guangzhou....to tell you the truth, I can't remember which of three gave me the most satisfaction. .

 

 

Good luck with your future, may happiness be yours.

 

tsap seui

Yep yep yep! That sweet feeling and the thrill of "i can't believe I m done with all this"!!!!

I can't believe I don't need to check CEAC status anymore or ustraveldoc! I can close those tabs!!!!

We are soo happy and it's solid. Such a relief!

Funny my passport status hasn't changed a bit!

Booked our tickets for next month. As soon as hubby finishes his contract, we are outta here the next day! Ha!

 

I love to see folks write of their success. It's great to see it from your perspective.

 

Good luck in America, here's to a very happy life.

 

tsap seui