Every aspect of the I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance, is reviewed in exhaustive detail, confirming that every requirement of the immigration law is addressed and every condition is satisfied. Evidence of the petitioner and beneficiary is provided in bulk, proving genuine intentions. Detailed affidavits are drafted and re-drafted until the content expresses the true affection the parties have for each other. While the petition is pending with the USCIS, everyone involved compulsively checks the status of the petition online. Following six months of waiting, the petition is approved by the USCIS and sent to the National Visa Center where a security check is commenced on the beneficiary and Department of State case file is opened. After processing at the National Visa Center, the United States Consulate having jurisdiction finally receives the petition. The beneficiary calls the Consulate and requests that the Consulate instructions be sent. After weeks, and sometimes months of waiting for the instructions, they finally arrive. They require more forms and original documents and photographs. This is the last step after a long journey. The process began seven to nine months ago. All that the beneficiary must do is fill out the same tedious forms, obtain the same documentation that was already submitted to the USCIS for submission to the Consulate Officer, and answer a few easy, routine questions, before receiving the visa to enter the United States. The hard part is over. WRONG!

My experience in the K1 visa and K3 visa process confirms that the interview is the most challenging aspect of the entire journey. Despite a strong petition, many beneficiaries are not approved because the interview is a disaster. The questions are not answered correctly, concerns regarding the petitioner's financial status are not addressed, or any other weakness in the case is not addressed. Anything can happen at the interview if the beneficiary is not prepared.

What does this all mean?

Preparation is vital to the success of any fiance visa interview. A thorough understanding of the Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual, Policy Guidance and Cables, as well as the specific policies and directives of the visa unit provide a starting point in preparing for the interview. The beneficiary must also be knowledgeable on the petitioner's background, as well as their relationship. Finally, the beneficiary must also provide answers to any weaknesses in the petition.

At the outset, it is imperative to identify any potential issues and resolve them before filing the petition with the USCIS. If those issues cannot be fixed, then a strategy must be formulated to address them. Furthermore, an in depth interview preparation session must also be conducted with the beneficiary.