Is an interview the last step of the process?

[nncs]

Hello,

Does anyone know if the interview is usually the last step of the entire process? Does the visa office normally wait until background checks are cleared and all other information is in/verified before asking the applicant to attend an interview?

Thank you

 

[lands]

In most cases the answer will be yes, however if there are still missing information or things that might warrant further investigation as a result of the interview you might be asked for more documents or called in for another interview...

 

[bobshynoswife]

Depends on the visa office. From what I have seen, background checks are usually done after the interview in London. It's a shame, really, as you spend all that time in queue and they aren't doing anything with your application in the meantime.

 

[nncs]

That's what I was afraid of. However, I have seen a couple of people who have waited for an interview to be scheduled for 6, 7, and 8 months but were approved and IO told them that their background checks were all done and issued them a visa shortly after -- I'm praying my husband will be one of those people!!

Is there any way for me to find out if my husband's background checks are completed and in? do CAIPS notes show that information?

 

[IrishApplicant]

i'm a little confused here - several posters have stated that an interview is only asked for if there is insufficient evidence for the relationship, or that there are discrepencies/issues.

also, in the CIC OP2 Manual it states on page 40: "Officers should interview applicants and their family members only when it is essential to asses an application. Waive interviews whnever possible".

This suggests that the onus of proof is squarely on the applicant, and if they provide decent and consistent info then an interview should NOT be necessary.

IA

 

[bobshynoswife]

IA - I wish the IOs would read that manual!

Some places, like Accra, interview EVERYONE. We sent in a pretty stellar application (in my opinion, anyways) and still we have the interview.

nncs - I hope that is your case as well!

 

[canadianwoman]

i'm a little confused here - several posters have stated that an interview is only asked for if there is insufficient evidence for the relationship, or that there are discrepencies/issues.

also, in the CIC OP2 Manual it states on page 40: "Officers should interview applicants and their family members only when it is essential to asses an application. Waive interviews whnever possible".

This suggests that the onus of proof is squarely on the applicant, and if they provide decent and consistent info then an interview should NOT be necessary.

Ideally if you send in a good application with a lot of evidence of your relationship, they won't require an interview. However, there may be 'issues' that are not under the applicant and sponsor's control. Compatibility issues are one potential problem - if you and your partner are similar in age, and of the same race, ethnic background, religion and marital background, then the visa officer will be more likely to waive an interview; if the wife is older, there is a large age gap, the two are of different races or religion, one was married before and the other wasn't, or if one or both have children from a previous relationship, there will probably be an interview.

 

[nncs]

Well, London pretty much interviews anyone that is not a citizen of the countries they take care of.

My husband and I have 4 years difference (he's older), same religion, same ethnic background, in fact, related distantly, good family friends, and our application had TONS of proofs and pictures. However, I'm still not surprised that they asked to interview him since he's of a Middle Eastern background.

Just praying the background checks are DONE by the time of the interview. Is there anyway to find out?