The conditional residence visa (CR1 visa) is given to the foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen and is valid for two years. At the end of the CR1 visa application process, both spouse members must complete a CR1 visa interview with a U.S. consular assigned to the visa application. This review discusses some of the topics and questions you can expect during the CR1 visa interview.
What Types Of Questions Are Asked During A CR1 Visa Interview?
The questions you (and your spouse) receive during a CR1 visa interview may vary based upon the specifics of your case. However, there are some more common questions that you can expect to be asked, and it is important to prepare for them before your interview. Keep in mind, however, that these are example questions intended to provide a general idea of the topics you should prepare for, and your questions during your interview may be different.
What Does Your Spouse Do For A Living?
A commonly reported question that married couples are asked about during a CR1 visa interview is in regard to what their spouse does for a living. As mentioned, the question you receive may look different. For example, rather than being asked about your spouse’s profession, you may be asked about their hobbies or interests.
It is important to understand your spouse very well personally before your interview. Of course, as a method of cross-checking the validity of your and your spouse’s answer, you can also expect to be asked about your career, hobbies, and interests.
What Are The Names Of Your Spouse’s Parents?
Questions about your in-laws are common during CR1 visa interviews. This could be as simple as asking the names of your spouse’s parents and siblings, or they may ask about more specific details such as what they do for a living, where they live, etc. If your spouse has any children from a previous relationship, then they may ask about their names as well.
How (and Where) Did You Meet Your Spouse?
It is also common for applicants to be asked about how they met their spouse and other questions in regard to the origin of their relationship. A common question is how and where the two of you met, and needless to say, it is important for you both to provide the same answer. They may also ask about what precisely attracted you to your spouse and other slightly more personal questions in regard to the origin of your relationship.
Where Did You And Your Spouse Get Married?
Questions about your wedding are very common as well. The consular may ask about where exactly you and your spouse got married. They may also ask who was at the wedding, whether or not photos were taken, etc. It can help to review all details about your wedding (and the details surrounding your wedding) before your CR1 visa interview.
What Is Your Spouse’s Religious Background?
This may seem like an unusual question, but it is more common than many anticipate and can catch an interviewee off guard if they are not prepared. It is important to understand your spouse’s religious views and how you feel about your spouse’s religious views relative to your own.
When Do You Plan On Entering The United States?
The consular may also use the interview to learn more about your plans for entering and living in the U.S. Specifically, they may ask about when you plan to enter the United States. They may also ask about your plans once you arrive (i.e., where you will live) and what your long-term plans are. Keep in mind, the CR1 visa is a temporary and conditional visa, so a long-term plan should include applying for an IR1 visa.
How Much Time Do You Spend With Your Spouse?
You can also expect to answer questions about how much time you spend with your spouse and some of the things that you and your spouse do together. The questions may also be more specific than this, such as asking about the color of your spouse’s eyes. Often, the goal here is to simply ensure the couple genuinely enjoys each other and has legitimate purposes for their marriage.
Why Do You Intend To Live In The United States Rather Than Your Native Country?
Last but not least, you can expect to be asked about why you and your spouse chose to live in America on a permanent basis rather than your country of origin. This can seem like a tricky question, but it is best to be honest and state clearly what you find desirable about the United States. In other instances, it may be as simple as stating that your spouse does not wish to leave their job.
Contact Pride Immigration Today For Legal Assistance Through The CR1 Process
The immigration attorneys at Pride Immigration have experience and expertise with marriage visa processes, including the CR1 visa program. To learn more during a consultation, contact us today by phone at (571) 520-6116 or message to schedule a consultation time that works for you.
