Frustrated with NYC and civil partnership visa

As I wrote in my my introduction I've run into some problems with the NYC Consulate.  My partner and I were under the assumption that they would have settled my visa application on the same day or next day.  My partner is also wondering what their possible motives are for the delay - it wouldn't be the first time we've been discrimiated against, although it would be the first in the US.

Anyways, what sort of questions should I expect from this interviewer on Thursday? I'm prepared to answer everything, of course, but my curiousity is driving me crazy here.  I also want to know if they're going to ask something I can't answer - It would be helpful to make some alternate plans.

Check out these threads, I think they have some people's experiences with interviews:

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=22633.0

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=21749.msg266565#msg266565

Perfect! That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

Had my interview...
they asked the same basic questions: do I have family in the US and UK, when did we meet, how did we meet, when did we meet in person, how long have we lived together, how did I support myself.

Then the specific questions came:
do we have any assets?
is the landlord happy with me staying there after the civil partnership?
how many passports do I have and do I have my last one?
They kept repeating some questions, mainly: How long do I intend to stay in the UK and how will I support myself before the civil partnership.


At the end they were 10 minutes late and the interview lasted 22 minutes.  I did not get a decision (suprise!) because they were not satisfied with the bank statement I submitted last week which showed we were £400 into the overdraft. I will submit an updated one since my fiancée's former boss paid her the severance pay and we now have a significantly higher balance.  I will also give them my old passport (since the ECO didn't ask for it last week! I guess they don't bother to read the applications).

I should expect to hear a decision by the end of this week (e.g., tomorrow).  So much for being in bed tomorrow by noon BST! 

All in all I was very dissatisifed with the process.  The person I spoke to seemed like a brick wall: interested in asking questions but not interested in listening to what I had to say.

I just got done with my civil partnership visa.  Took like 5 minutes in the Chicago office.  I really don't think it is a problem because of gender/etc.  I would suspect if anything they are overly sensative about it, since it is clearly British law now.

Anyways, I suspect they have questions for another reason, like money most likely.  My partner is fully employed and we both make a very good wage.  If they are uncertain about that, that is more likely why the hauled you in for an interview.

Thanks,
Kit

Heard today... application denied.  :'( My fiancée and I are devastated.  We're going to appeal, but it's likely that the appeal will be denied because of finances, despite the fact that she has a £30k/yr job and £1400 in the bank.

This completely messes up my world, she and I have no idea what to do while we wait.

Oh wow... I am so sorry!  That's horrible!  That would totally screw up my world too.  I will hope that your appeal goes so much better!  I hope that they see it differently on the appeal!  I'm sending positive vibes your way! 

That is so sad...hang in there.  Maybe hunt around and make sure you have every type of evidence possible for your appeal.  Or hire an immigration lawyer/advisor if finance allow and you haven't already?

I'm really sorry.

Definitely get an immigration advisor...I have a friend who had her visa denial (not CP/fiancee, tho...an ancestry visa) overturned on appeal and is now happily living in Liverpool, so it is possible.  Hang in there!

Thanks for the kind words everyone.  We're not going to take this laying down.

Is there a list of immigration advisors somewhere? Preferably around York area?

Thanks for the kind words everyone.  We're not going to take this laying down.

Is there a list of immigration advisors somewhere? Preferably around York area?

There's a bunch of advisers in Yorkshire for sure, most of them dealing with asylum, refugees, and so forth.  If brum is not too far, I would suggest the Rights Partnership - specifically Sarah Woodhouse reception@trpsolicitors.co.uk

The advisor finder pages are at http://www.oisc.gov.uk, but I don't think you'll find appeal support for a failed CP to have much depth in the York area.  But that's an opinion only.

Most importantly:  Before launching an appeal, have somebody check your NOID to see if it's more expedient to resubmit your app instead.  You have 28 days - and that has a way of running rather quickly in these things.

There's a bunch of advisers in Yorkshire for sure, most of them dealing with asylum, refugees, and so forth.  If brum is not too far, I would suggest the Rights Partnership - specifically Sarah Woodhouse reception@trpsolicitors.co.uk

The advisor finder pages are at http://www.oisc.gov.uk, but I don't think you'll find appeal support for a failed CP to have much depth in the York area.  But that's an opinion only.

Most importantly:  Before launching an appeal, have somebody check your NOID to see if it's more expedient to resubmit your app instead.  You have 28 days - and that has a way of running rather quickly in these things.

What is NOID ?

I will pass your info on to my partner who will be appealing on my behalf.

Hi

I am sorry to hear about the refusal.

If you want any help you can PM me...my company are listed with the OISC as well.

Victoria

You've got a PM VictoriaS. Thanks...