IV post-interview FAQs
IV post-interview FAQs
1. Why is my administrative processing taking so long?
3. My flight to the U.S. leaves the day after the interview. How quickly can I get my visa?
5. Can I talk to the interviewing officer? If not, why?
7. What is a waiver, why do I need one, and how do I apply for one?
8. I am the principal visa applicant. Can my family members travel to the U.S. before me?
9. I opened my visa packet. What should I do?
10. What happens if I cannot travel within the validity of my visa?
11. What should I do if I notice that my visa has an error or incorrect information on it?
12. What should I do if my visa was lost or stolen?
13. For how long is a police certificate valid?
14. What are my rights and responsibilities as a green card holder?
1. Why is my administrative processing taking so long?
Many applicants need administrative processing before a visa can be processed to conclusion. The process is usually quick, but at times may take months. We cannot expedite this process, nor can we advise how long it will take. As soon as the process is completed, your case number will be announced on http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html
2. At my diversity visa interview, I was told my application was denied. How do I appeal that decision or have it reconsidered?
You are welcome to provide the documents to overcome your refusal up until the end of fiscal year for which you won the lottery. If your situation has not changed since your interview, the decision should remain the same.
3. My flight to the U.S. leaves the day after the interview. How quickly can I get my visa?
The Consular Section strongly encourages you Not to buy your tickets or make travel arrangements until after your visa is approved. The Consular Section cannot guarantee that your visa will be approved and cannot be responsible for the consequences of your decision to buy a non-refundable plane ticket.
4. My case is pending because the consular officer asked for more documents. When and where can I submit these documents? If I cannot come personally, is it possible for my relative or someone else to submit documents on my behalf?
If your case is pending because the Consular Officer requested that you provide further information/documents, you should follow the instructions on the blue refusal sheet given to you after the interview and provide your documents as indicated on that refusal sheet.
Please note that the instructions on the blue sheets are the only method by which the Consular Section can accept further documentation. The Consular Section cannot accept documents provided by other means and can only accept documents from a person listed on the petition. In addition, the Consular Section does not accept immigrant visa documents at the American Citizen Services (ACS) office.
5. Can I talk to the interviewing officer? If not, why?
Aside from the original interview, interviewing officers are not available to talk to applicants or petitioners about individual cases.
6. I was told that I have“Public Charge” ineligibility, but my petitioner/cosponsor’s income is above the level specified in the poverty guidelines. Why am I ineligible?
Consular officers are mandated by law to consider the totality of circumstances when determining whether an applicant has a public charge ineligibility (click on this link for more information). Income is one of the many criteria that officers must review; others include the applicant’s health, age, education level, work experience, language ability, and family situation. It is not uncommon for applicants to be found ineligible even when their petitioner’s income is above the level specified in the poverty guidelines. To overcome this ineligibility, applicants must either find a credible cosponsor with sufficient additional income and assets, or prove that their financial situation has changed since the interview.
7. What is a waiver, why do I need one, and how do I apply for one?
A waiver is a special authorization granted under U.S. law by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (click on the link to access their site) to waive an ineligibility that would otherwise prevent a beneficiary from immigrating to the United States. If you have an ineligibility, the Consular Section will let you know whether a waiver is available. If so, you will be told how to apply.
8. I am the principal visa applicant. Can my family members travel to the U.S. before me?
No. Your derivative family members can only travel to the U.S. with you or after you.
9. I opened my visa packet. What should I do?
Contact us through our online system http://www.abudhabiivo.net/ivocontactus0.aspx
10. What happens if I cannot travel within the validity of my visa?
Immigrant and fiancé visas cannot be extended. If the visa is not used within its period of validity, you must bring your passport and the visa packet to our office for cancellation, along with a statement explaining the reasons why the visa was not used. A new visa thereafter is possible, though not certain. Payment of additional fees may be required.
11. What should I do if I notice that my visa has an error or incorrect information on it?
Please contact us as soon as possible and request an appointment to bring your visa packet and passport (with the visa in it) back to our office. http://www.abudhabiivo.net/ivocontactus0.aspx
12. What should I do if my visa was lost or stolen?
Please contact us as soon as possible. Please provide information describing when and where your visa was lost or stolen. Be prepared to provide us a police report from local authorities regarding the matter. You will be contacted after your information has been reviewed. http://www.abudhabiivo.net/ivocontactus0.aspx
13. For how long is a police certificate valid?
For your country of residence, a police certificate is considered valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Police certificates obtained from other countries where you previously resided are valid indefinitely, provided that you do not return to the country and reside for six months or more.
14. What are my rights and responsibilities as a green card holder?
Please click here to learn about your rights and responsibilities as a green card holder.