For many couples, the wedding visa process is just a mountain of paperwork—until the interview. Suddenly, the process becomes personal. You are no longer dealing with forms; you are sitting across from an immigration officer whose sole job is to determine if your relationship is genuine or a “sham.”
While not every applicant is called for an interview (depending on the country and visa type), being summoned can be nerve-wracking. The stakes are high: a bad interview can lead to an immediate refusal, even if your paperwork was perfect. This guide covers what to expect and how to prepare for the final hurdle.
Why Are You Being Interviewed?
First, do not panic. Being called for an interview does not automatically mean they suspect you of fraud. It often just means:
- Random Selection: Some consulates interview a percentage of applicants at random to maintain quality control.
- Information Gaps: There might be a small discrepancy in your paperwork (e.g., mismatched dates) that they want to clarify verbally.
- Red Flags: There may be specific “risk factors” in your application, such as a large age gap, a very short courtship, or a lack of shared language, which require further investigation.
The “Stokes” Interview (Separated Couples)
In the UK and US, if the officer has serious doubts, they may conduct a “Stokes” interview (named after a US court case). This is where the couple is separated and asked the exact same set of granular questions. Their answers are then compared. If the husband says the curtains are blue and the wife says they are red, it raises suspicion.
Top Common Interview Questions
You cannot script your answers, but you should review your relationship history together so your memories are fresh.
1. The Origin Story
- “How and where did you meet?”
- “Who messaged who first?”
- “What did you do on your first date?”
- Tip: Be specific. Don’t just say “at a cafe.” Say, “We met at Starbucks on Main Street, and he spilled his coffee.” Specificity implies truth.
2. The Proposal
- “When did you decide to get married?”
- “Who proposed and how?”
- “Did you buy a ring? Can I see the receipt?”
- Tip: If you didn’t have a formal proposal (common in many cultures), explain that clearly. “We discussed it over time” is a valid answer if it’s the truth.
3. Family and Social Life
- “Have you met each other’s parents?”
- “What do your parents think of the engagement?”
- “What are the names of your partner’s siblings?”
- Tip: If family disapproves, admit it. Hiding family conflict often looks more suspicious than admitting it.
4. The Logistics (The “Trick” Questions)
- “What side of the bed does your partner sleep on?”
- “What color is your partner’s toothbrush?”
- “What is your partner’s favorite food?”
- “How does your partner get to work?”
- Tip: These are designed to catch people who don’t actually live together (for Spouse Visas) or know each other deeply. It’s okay to say “I don’t know” rather than guessing.
Do’s and Don’ts of the Interview
DO: Bring Updated Evidence Between the time you applied and the time of the interview, months may have passed. Bring a “refresh pack” of recent chat logs, new photos, or recent phone bills to show the relationship has continued during the wait.
DON’T: Memorize Scripts Officers are trained to spot rehearsed answers. If you sound like you are reciting a Wikipedia page about your husband, you will fail. Speak naturally. If you need to think about an answer, take a moment.
DO: Dress Respectfully You don’t need a tuxedo, but business casual attire shows you take the process seriously. It creates a subconscious impression of responsibility and credibility.
DON’T: Argue with the Officer If the officer asks a question you find offensive or repetitive, answer it calmly. getting aggressive or defensive is often interpreted as a sign of guilt.
DO: Know Your Paperwork Review the application form you submitted months ago. If you wrote on the form that you entered the country in 2018, but in the interview you say 2019, that contradiction is a problem. Ensure your verbal testimony matches your written testimony.
Conclusion
The wedding visa interview is not an interrogation; it is an opportunity. It is your chance to show the human side of the relationship that a stack of papers cannot convey. Look the officer in the eye, tell your truth, and remember: if your relationship is real, you have nothing to hide.