Hi @canadianlovee
If you mean that the immigration officer having doubts about the relationship being genuine doesn't mean it's a bad thing, then I guess you are right and it doesn't mean a bad thing. Unfortunately, obviously it does mean it's a bad thing. People don't get called to interviews just because, nor to simply clarify things in person. This is a very serious matter and the OP should address it like that.
If your relationship is truly genuine, why would you worry? You can prove that in person as well - is what I am assuming.... maybe others who have experience can chime in...
The reasons for an interview can vary. Generally it is because they don't believe your relationship is genuine, or have concerns about it. The interview will be your opportunity to change the immigration officer's mind. An interview is generally a bad thing, it slows down your process a lot, and if you don't pass it, you're almost guaranteed to be refused. You have to take this very seriously and prepare as much as you can for it. It will be up to you to prove that your relationship is genuine. When is the interview? You may have enough time to order your GCMS notes and know what their concerns are in time.
Unfortunately that is not the case. It's not enough to just have a genuine relationship. You have to prove it. Some people get nervous in the interviews, or get asked bullshit questions that not even genuine couples would know the answers to them. Sometimes the immigration officer simply does not believe what you tell them, even though you tell them the truth. The whole process of the interview can take up to more than 3 hours, in my case it was 3 hours. Most people get asked a lot of questions. They are instructed to request interviews only if it's absolutely necessary. They are not scheduling interviews to just ask 5 questions, unless they are for quality purposes, but those interviews are very rare.
Oh god. That sounds awful
I’m sorry you went through that.
Wow your interview was 3 hours? What could they possibly grill you about for 3 hours. The only thing my partner has going for him is he doesn't get phased too badly. He took his IELTS twice, so at least he had some good training not to crack under pressure! Bad thing is there is so much stuff that they can ask my partner! Better start preparing!
Our GCMS notes were useless in pinpointing their concerns, none were listed, but we pretty much know our red flags as should most people who get called for an interview.
One hour and a half of actual questions, the rest was just waiting between sessions of questions and just waiting more.
I don’t think a 10 year gap is a huge deal..
Interviews are mainly called for when IRCC suspects a Marriage of Convenience; there are a ton of different things that could lead a VO to suspect MOC, such as different language/culture/religion/education levels, marriage on the first visit, no time spent together in person, age differences etc. For obvious reasons, people from countries that are equally as developed as Canada, such as NZ, are not MOC risks.
