preparing for the interview

[toby]

I am Canadian, living with my Chinese wife in ... China.

We are at the beginning of the process to apply for her residency in Canada.

In case we are called to an interview, does anyone have access to sample questions? An immigration consultant who is trying to convince me to sign on with her says that she has a list of questions to help us prepare for the interview. I'd like to se sample questions, but not sign on with her.

Also, does anyone know whether immigration consultants get to talk to Immigration Officers and Visa Officers, to get a better feel for how to best answer the questions in the forms?  Some questions seem to allow for quite a bit of interpretation of what is being asked for. For example, one form asks for "details of" the first meeting. Many questions ask for "details". But what constitutes a detail?  Do only verifiable facts qualify (like we stayed at the Holiday Inn for three nights; see recipts), or could a detail be opinions and emotions  (like "we really got along well, and decided to het married right then")?

Thanks for any help.

 

Toby

[wilson]

Hi,

According to my understanding no agents can convince the IOs or VOs at the embassy to make your application process faster or easier. They are only a mediators acting as representative to their clients. They are not dealing the case  exactly like a lawer in the Court of Law.

If you search this forum you can find several postings related to Interviews. You will get an idea from there.

Please note that all the applicants are not called for interviews. It is up to the discretion of the IO.

[toby]

Thanks.  I will search.

My question, whether immigration consultants have "inside information" about what immigration officers want in the answers, arose because when I "interviewed" several consultants, deciding whether to hire one or not, each seemed to have a different idea of what type of "detail" to put into the ansswer.

It makes me wonder whether hiring a consultant would really help.

[mitamata]

Most applicants aren't called for an interview - it's only needed when there are doubts about the relationship, which is usually the result of lacking proof of relationship or cultural norms of the applicant's home (sometimes for example they wonder about the relationship if a very religious person skips the religious ceremony and does a civil wedding instead).

There are some basic questions that she could be asked to prove that she does in fact know you well. Here's some in another thread:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t12122.0.html;msg46158

And of course, depending on the reason why they asked for the interview, she would probably also be asked questions specific to your case.

And no, immigration consultants don't usually get to talk to immigration officers. At least not profesionally. They have experience with filling out the forms, so I guess that's where their knowledge of how to answer things comes from.

As for your "details" question... answer everything truthfuly. Don't neglect to mention something just because you can't prove it. Try not to give EVERY single detail, just to keep the amount of information managable - so for example, you wouldn't have to explain what the weather was like every day of your honeymoon or every single thing you ever did together. But try to include the details that do matter.
Most couples don't need a consultant to handle the forms for them. The questions are not that difficult, especially if you give yourself enough time to properly think them over. And when you're done, go over the application again and ask yourself if you have successfully represented your relationship and it's development. If not, you still have the option to put more on a separate sheet and explain anything else you think you couldn't cover in the forms.

[toby]

Thanks.  I appreciate your help. I  notice that you got your visa in what seems like record time.  Congratulations.  I am told to expect 8-12 months for a Chinese wife.

Toby

[Boncuk]

There have been some faster appications .. and once again they (consultants) dont have inside information so to speak.. anyone can find out the exact same information with a little research on their own online and also by joining our lovely forum here and learning from others. I do wish you and your wife a speedy process.