Hello,

I am writing because I want to know if there are extra hurdles or delays people from middle eastern countries face when being processed for immigrant visas?

My husband is from Iran and currently there. We're being processed for a CR-1 visa and just sent in our DS-230.
Our case is to be processed in Abu Dhabi.

We've been seperate all year with the exception of a few weeks in May. Can't imagine staying apart after December. There are good days and bad days in this waiting, but everyday is a lesson in patience.

Thanks

Well just by searching the timelines for Iran it looks like you either go through the uae or turkey and both don't really look too too bad compared to Egypt. Looks like Iran is a LOT quicker than Egypt actually. I wonder why that is...

Yes, my husband is going through UAE (Abu Dhabi) Consulate. Because there are no diplomatic ties between iran and USA, the closest Consulates for Iranian are in the neighboring countries. But this requires taking time off, commuting by plane and staying in hotel.

But what I wanted to know really, was what extra procedures do people (muslim men in particular) have to undergo?

Hi- Theres not a lot of Iran representation here, but you can still find lots of good information. The only member I can think of that posted much dealing with IRan was joyann some time ago. I don't remember her having problems getting her husband here. Look her up and see if she posted her timeline.
As far as extra procedures go....I would encourage you to not worry about that. Sometimes there are no additionl checks or delays, sometimes there are some really long delays, but theres little if anything (besides filing out the forms correctly) you can do to prevent these delays, if that is imposed on you guys, you can't speed it up....so cross that bridge when you get to it. Where are you at in this?
I 'm not suprised at the diff timelines between Iran and Egypt...You already mentioned what an expensive inconvenience this is for your husband. Theres like 20 million people within walking distance of Cairo, so I'm sure theres a serious volume difference
Anyway, Welcome!

We all fill out the same forms. There are no "special" forms for the men in the middle east. They all get processed the same. Just hope that your petition doesnt get stuck in "administrative processing" it could cause a HUGE delay in your process. Hopefully, the embassy you will be dealing with is not backed up and you have a good turn around. Is there an interview scheduled yet? have you filed for a K3 as well? or just the CR-1? Good Luck

I will look up Joyann's timeline to see if I can get a sense of it.

One of the reason's I was worried is because my husband is coming from Iran and these are tense times between the US and that country. Secondly, and it doesn't help really, my husband is a chemical engineer.

Don't sweat that. Most of the in-coming husbands I am aware of have had technical backgrounds and I don't know of anyone that got held up for that. Actually, I can't at the moment think of anyone's husband that came over that wasn't a scientist, engineer or doctor. Of course I don't know everybody.

Well, there is one other aspect I neglected to mention.....

All Iranians are supposed to do some sort of military or police service in their lives. It helps later when you apply for work to have this experience on your resume. So my husband was a lieutenent in the Army and he listed his department as "anti-chemical/anti-biological" defense. What he actually did was teach new recruits how to put on masks when being attacked and nothing more really. (basic training is what it is called in US)

But I fear this army description along with his profession and nationality will cause delay.

I was worried about this, but firmly believed the consulate and immigration people would know my husband's english is not good and that this may just be a poor translation (which is what it is) of what should be know as "basic training."

Well, there is one other aspect I neglected to mention.....

All Iranians are supposed to do some sort of military or police service in their lives. It helps later when you apply for work to have this experience on your resume. So my husband was a lieutenent in the Army and he listed his department as "anti-chemical/anti-biological" defense. What he actually did was teach new recruits how to put on masks when being attacked and nothing more really. (basic training is what it is called in US)

But I fear this army description along with his profession and nationality will cause delay.

I was worried about this, but firmly believed the consulate and immigration people would know my husband's english is not good and that this may just be a poor translation (which is what it is) of what should be know as "basic training."

Ohhhhhh, then they won't ever let him in...... is that what people are telling you?
you can stress about it if you want to, but the embassies are familiar with the military requirement (its not just in Iran) and he won't be the first to handle a gas mask. try to relax, theres plenty of time to worry in this process.

Actually men from the middle east do fill out an extra paper it's the DS-56 (I believe). Men from 14 Middle Eastern countries between 16 and 65 have to additionally fill this out for any visas into the United States. Sorry to nit pack - to the OP I think you'll be ok. US and UAE have good ties and I think that as long as you have a strong case you shouldn't have any longer delay than anyone else!

Thank you for letting me know about the 156 Form. (My husband is Iranian not from UAE. Iranians must be processed in UAE)



Thank you for your advice not to worry too much about the military thing...

My best advice is sit back, have a cup of coffee, some chocolate (or whatever sweets you may lean towards as comfort food), get ur fuzzy slippers and robe on, settle in here at VJ and get comfy. Its gonna be one heck of a ride. You will find a great support system in this forum for whatever kinds of questions you may have. I wouldn't start worrying just yet. Take 1 day at a time and 1 paper at a time. Eventually it will all work itself out. As the others have said, most of the cases go through the same procedures and it is the AP/AR that can put a hold on things. I wish you much luck on your journey.

(oh and welcome)

amal

Thank you for letting me know about the 156 Form. (My husband is Iranian not from UAE. Iranians must be processed in UAE)

I was refering to the UAE because of the location, meaning that it shouldn't take too long in processing and they might not be as scrupulous going over his application.