Immigration To America

Question:
I am an US citizen residing in the US. I got married last year in Iran and my wife and I have a meeting in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. at the US embassy to come to America. Basically I want to know:

1. What questions do they ask? Do they ask personal questions about your spouse? Can anyone provide the specifics?

2. Can anyone share their similiar experiences with me as to what happens.

3. I understand that a VISA/brown envelope is issued on that same day, is that true?

4. Our flight from Dubai changes planes in the UK to come to the States. Is it possible to get a transit visa on the same day as the interview? The interview is for 8 am.

5. How long does the interview process last?

6. Some of the forms have mistakes that are crossed out and re-written, will that be a problem? How about if the pictures are a little off?

7. If I forget a form, can I fill up one on the spot or do they re-schedule your interview?

8. What information do they REALLY look at? Bank statements? and if so, how many months? Verification of employment?

Answer:
Maylasian Air, last time I checked, has a direct flight from Dubai to Newark Airport in new Jersey a couple of times a week. Why can't your friend and his new wife take that flight, and avoid having to change planes in Britain. I am assuming that you have already faxed a completed appointment form along with a copy of your U. S. passport and her Iranian passport to the U. S. embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE (since you already mentioned that you have an appointment date).

Your Iranian wife needs to get a visa for UAE. U. S. citizens do not need a visa for UK or UAE. Your wife will be coming from Iran to Dubai (Dubai is located about 90 miles north of Abu Dhabi). You can travel from US to UK and from there to Dubai in order to meet her. You can also travel from US to UK and from there to Abu Dhabi. Your wife then needs to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The hotels are much cheaper in Dubai and there are lots of Iranians.

It would cost $1000 for a round trip from US to UAE and about $200 for a round trip ticket from Iran to Dubai. You need to go there two/three days before your appointment date in order to complete the medical exam for her. You can do it in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. I think the cost is about $200 and another ~$350 for the petition. You need to have all the original documentations. They will not accept any copies. If you have been married before, make sure you have your original (or court certified) divorce decree.

You need to look at this web page (http://www.usembabu.gov.ae/consular/index.htm) or call their number about the required documentations (and number of copies). I think you need INS forms I-130, G-325 for yourself & one for your wife, and I-864. You need the original Farsi marriage certificate and its English translation and your wife's Iranian birth certificate (shenasnameh) and its English translation. You need to have your own birth certificate / U.S. passport or U.S. citizenship paper. She needs three pictures showing side of her face and one picture from you. They will stamp (issue visa) her Iranian passport in the same after noon of your appointment date if you have all the documents, forms, medical exam, and fees.

The stamp is same as a "green card", when she enters the United States. She will receive the actual card few months later in the mail. She can get an SSN and work / travel back to Iran with that stamp. You need to show in form I-864 that you can financially support her. They will need the federal tax returns and W-2s for the last three years and a letter for your employer showing that you are working (just look at I-864).

You need to find another person in U.S. that can financially support her in your place if you do not meet the I-864 requirements. I wouldn't worry about what questions they ask. I think it is good to have some pictures showing you together, however I don't think they will ask for them. You are better off if you complete these forms and make the required number of copies before going there. Please email me after your interview and tell me what happened and any other specific information that can help. How many days in advance did you have to ask for you appointment date?