Applying for a partner visa? As you may have heard, Visa Processing Officers may call you unexpectedly for a phone interview. Don't underestimate these calls, but don't let them petrify you either! Yes, they could make a lot of difference between a grant and a refusal, but you have our principal migration agent on your side.
During his time as a Departmental officer, Tony often conducted these interviews himself. Here are his key bits of advice.
Why are they interviewing me?
The purpose of these calls is typically to help them ascertain the ‘genuineness’ of your relationship.
What do I need to watch out for?
Providing inconsistent information. A common example is where couples give different dates for relationship milestones (time first met, proposal, etc.).
Inconsistencies between the sponsor's and the applicant's answers, or inconsistencies between the interview answers and what was in the application, can be used as grounds for refusal or cancellation.
What should I do if I'm not ready?
Our suggestion to all of our clients is to tell the officer that it is an inconvenient time to speak and prepare before you do the interview.
If you have a migration agent, we would recommend you have them help you prepare for the interview. If you don't have professional representation, ask the officer to leave you their name and phone number so you can call them back. Before speaking with them, make sure that you:
Look over your application again with your partner
Make a note of all the key pieces of information
Have all application details in front of you when you call
Give information consistent with what's on the application
Good luck with it! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to book in a free consultation with Tony today!