5 Myths About Consular Process Interviews (Ciudad Juárez and Worldwide):
- Alena Ray Conrad
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
What really happens and how to prepare
Preparing for your consular interview can feel overwhelming. Many applicants have heard rumors—10-year bans, automatic denials, or officers rejecting cases over tattoos. The truth is far less scary, and with the right guidance, most applicants complete the process successfully.
Every case is different, but here are the five most common myths we hear—and the facts behind them.
Myth 1: “If I leave the U.S. for my interview, I’ll get a 10-year bar.”
This is usually not true. The 10-year wait applies to people who have the permanent bar. which happens in very specific situations, for example:
Having 1+ year of unlawful presence after April 1, 1997 AND then re-entry without documents, or
A deportation order followed by re-entry without documents.
Not all border stops count as deportations—many were simply voluntary returns. If you’re unsure what happened in your past entries, a lawyer must review your record.
How long are people actually outside the U.S.?
The consular trip typically lasts 2–3 weeks, not years. During that time, they attend a medical exam, biometrics (fingerprints), and the interview, then wait for their passport with the approved visa.
Myth 2: “The wait for the interview is endless.”
There is a delay, but it’s not as extreme as many people think. For Ciudad Juárez, the current wait time between confirmation that everything is in order and receiving the interview appointment is about 1.5 years. Ciudad Juárez has the longest wait time in the world for family-based immigrant visa interviews, which is why applicants from Mexico often experience significant delays.
However, other countries generally move much faster. Many consulates schedule interviews in a matter of months once everything is in order. The exact timeline depends on the specific embassy or consulate handling your case. An experienced attorney can help you check current timelines and plan accordingly so your case stays on track.
Myth 3: “I’ll be denied if I have a tattoo.”
Not necessarily. A tattoo is only a problem if the consulate believes it is gang-related. Officers use a reference guide of symbols, words, and images associated with gang activity.
If your tattoo is unrelated to gang activity, your attorney can prepare a written explanation of its meaning to avoid confusion.
Myth 4: “The waiver is just a fee—if I pay, I’m approved.”
A waiver approval is not automatic. For an unlawful presence waiver, you must prove that your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent would suffer extreme hardship if you were not allowed to return. This requires solid evidence, such as:
Financial strain
Medical or psychological impact
Educational or caregiving responsibilities
Reasons your relative cannot relocate abroad
Weak or incomplete evidence can cause delays or denials.
Additional waivers may be required: For example, if you helped your undocumented child enter the U.S., you may need a smuggling waiver. Certain criminal records also require special waivers. Some waivers can only be submitted in one's country of citizenship if they are consular processing so be sure to check with an attorney on whether any other waiver is needed. Read more about waivers here.
Myth 5: “Everything depends on the interview.”
The interview matters, but most of the decision is based on your already approved waiver before you even walk into the consulate.
By the time you attend the consular interview:
Your family petition is already approved ✅
Your waiver (if required) is already approved ✅
Your fingerprints and background checks are reviewed ✅
The officer will compare your answers with the information already in the system and review your background again. If everything matches and your documentation is consistent, the chances of approval are high.
The Bottom Line
We know this process can be stressful, especially if you haven’t returned to your home country in 10, 15, or even 20 years. But with preparation, guidance, and strong documentation, most family cases are approved.
If you’ve heard a myth you want us to explain, leave it in the comments or message us privately. And if you need step-by-step support for your consular case, our office is here to help.
📞 Schedule your discovery call for personalized attention to questions about working with us. (This is not a consultation and legal advice will not be given). Our bilingual team is here to help you navigate your immigration journey with confidence.
This is for general information purposes only. For advice about your specific situation, contact an experienced immigration attorney.
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