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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
Timeline

Hey guys!

I am an active VJ member but have problem updating my Timeline.

Here is my story, my fiancé attended his interview on May 21,2015 at the consulate in Nigeria. He said he answered every question that was asked correctly, then the consulate officer asked to see our pictures which he did, then she asked for more pictures and my fiancé told her that's all we have. The officer excused herself to the back room and came back with a picture of our traditional introduction from our Facebook account and said if you guys are married what is this? My fiancé explain that was the introduction he told her about. We didn't include the pictures at first because we did want the officer to misinterpret the pictures for a traditional marriage.Then the consulate officer said she was not convinced and gave my fiancé a white paper 221(g) that states that we should send an email with a date that we will like to return with more evidence of relationship and a picture of my fiancé and I and my parents on the introduction day. The Consulate replied our email and accepted a date of June 5, 2015 for my fiancé to bring the pictures. On the email they used the word interview. Does it mean he will be interviewed again? Has anyone experience this and what are the chances of approval? They kept our documents but did keep his passport.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

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So, what do they have an issue with? They believe you are married when you are not or they doubt your relationship?

I am sorry you have to go through this, I have heard Lagos is a notoriously difficult consulate. Give it all you have! Do you have an option to be there with him for the interview.

K1 time line

 


I-129F sent: 12/23/2014
NOA-1: 12/29/2014
NOA-2: 06/05/2015 (158 days)
NOA-2 hardcopy: 06/11/2015 (6 days post NOA-2, 164 days total)
Sent to NVC: 06/16/2015 (11 days post NOA-2, 169 days total)
NVC receive: 06/25/2015 (20 days post NOA-2, 178 days total)
NVC case no: 06/30/2015 (25 days post NOA-2, 183 days total)
NVC left: 07/02/2015 (27 days post NOA-2, 185 days total)
Case Ready: 07/07/2015 (32 days post NOA-2, 190 days total)
submitted DS-160, paid visa fee.: 07/21/2015 (46 days post NOA-2, 204 days total)
Packet 3 sent: 07/25/2015 (50 days post NOA-2, 209 days total)
Pack 4 received: 07/30/2015 (55 days post NOA-2, 214 days total)
Medical: 09/17/2015 Interview: 09/23/2015 (108 days post NOA-2, 268 days total)
Interview Result: Approved Administrative Processing: 09/23/2015
CEAC Status Issued: 09/24/2015
Visa in hand: 09/28/2015
POE: 12/29/2015 Wedding: 01/11/2016


AOS Time Line

 

AOS package mailed: 01/13/2016
AOS package received: 01/20/2016 (day 1)
AOS NOA-1 text/email: 01/23/2016 (day 3), actual NOA-1 date 01/22/2016 (day 2)
AOS Fingerprint fee received: 01/22/2016 (day 2)
AOS check cashed: 01-25-2016 (day 5) Got 6 month NJ driver's license: 01-25-2016
3x NOA-1 hardcopies: 02/03/2016 (day 14)

Biometrics letter: 02/05/2016 (day 16) Biometrics appt (Elizabeth, NJ): 02/17/2016 (day 28)

EAD and AP approved email/txt: 03/29/2016 (day 67)

GC approval email/text: 04/04/2016 (day 74)

I-797 for I-765/I-131 in mail: 04/04/2016 (day 74)

EAD/AP delivered: 04/05/216 (day 75)

GC card being mailed status update: 04/07/16 (day 77)

GC received: 04/11/16 (day 84 post AOS NOA-1)

DONE WITH USCIS FOR 21 MONTHS!

ROC Window opens: 01/04/2018

 

ROC Time Line
ROC package mailed to Vermont 01/04/2018
ROC package received at Vermont 01/08/2018 (day 0)
Check cashed: 01/16/2018 (day 8 )
NOA-1 date: 01/09/2018 (day 1)
NOA-1 received: 01/16/2018 (day 8 )
Biometrics notice received: 02/09/2018 (day 32)
Biometrics appointment: 02/23/2018 (day 46)
Received 18-month extension letter: 08/13/2018 (day 209)
ROC Approved: 03/09/2019 (day 425)
Card Received: 03/16/2019  (day 432)
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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
Timeline

Yes, I think so but once my fiancé explained that it was an introduction then she insisted for him to return with the pictures and including the once with my parents, which we have. I am just so worried.

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

What is an introduction, was a bride price involved.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Filed: Country: United Kingdom
Timeline

Don't be worried, you know how that embassies can be in Nigeria, I would advise that he go gather all they ask for and go back and when they ask him to explain once again patiently and clearly. Explaining the wedding process in Nigerian culture.

12/24/2014.................forms i130, i485, i765, i131 mailed via usps12/26/2014.................forms delivered01/05/2015.................NOA1 for all forms wth 26th dec as priority date01/24/2015.................bio apt received for 02/0601/26/2015................. walk in bio failed, supervisor said that the office is way to busy to come back closer to my apt date02/06/2015................. completed biometrics02/11/2015.................Aos status update 'case is ready to be scheduled for an interview'<p>02/24/2015................EAD updated to 'card in production' AP updated to case approved

09/17/2015....... interview scheduled for OCT 21st.

10/21/2015....... attended interview, approved on the spot, also received updates on case status.

10/23/2015...... green card mailed

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

The Consulate are aware of local practice's.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Filed: Country: United Kingdom
Timeline

Yeah, I am sure of that, but why leave anything to chance, Its just for them to explain and get the truth across so they don't assume anything.

12/24/2014.................forms i130, i485, i765, i131 mailed via usps12/26/2014.................forms delivered01/05/2015.................NOA1 for all forms wth 26th dec as priority date01/24/2015.................bio apt received for 02/0601/26/2015................. walk in bio failed, supervisor said that the office is way to busy to come back closer to my apt date02/06/2015................. completed biometrics02/11/2015.................Aos status update 'case is ready to be scheduled for an interview'<p>02/24/2015................EAD updated to 'card in production' AP updated to case approved

09/17/2015....... interview scheduled for OCT 21st.

10/21/2015....... attended interview, approved on the spot, also received updates on case status.

10/23/2015...... green card mailed

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
Timeline

Yes he will be interviewed again. They want to make sure you guys are not married (I'm guessing you applied for a k-1 visa). Make sure to bring all those pictures from the traditional introduction because clearly they did a thorough investigation. They do know the Nigerian customs but you can explain it to them again that is just a traditional introduction.

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Cyprus
Timeline

Yes, you will have a second interview. What a bunch of crazyness, sorry they are putting you through the wringer.

If they really knew the local customs, then they would be able to tell the difference between a traditional wedding and an introduction.

Geez Lagos ! Happens too often. It's ridiculous. You may want to get a certificate of bachelor from the registry that says he is not married

to "convince" them.

Spoiler

 

I-129F Sent : 3-31-2014, NOA2: 4-6-2014

NVC Received : some dinkelsberry yehoo in the house of clingons send our petition to the wrong consulate.

Consulate Received : July 30,2014 Transfer to right embassy complete.

Interview Date : Oct 22, 2014

Interview Result : AP , requesting another PC (not expired) and certified divorce decree (was submitted)Stokes interview via phone for petitioner 4 hrs after interview.

Oct 23 email notification visa approved.
Visa Received : Nov. 3 , 2014 VISA IN HAND.

US Entry : Nov. 21, 2014

Marriage : Dec 27, 2014

AOS send : May 12, 2015, received May 14, 2015 USPS priority

Email &text : May 18, 2015, check cashed May 19,2015, return receipt May 21, 2015 stamped USCIS Lockbox, NOA1 (3x) May 22,2015

Biometrics : June 1, 2015 letter received for appointment June 8, 2015, successful walk-in June 1, 2015

RFE : June 12, 2015 for income not meeting guideline. Income does ( ! ) exceed guideline.

RFE response : June 26, 2015 returned with a boat load full of financial evidence.

UPDATE: July 5, 2015 updated on all 3 cases, RFE received June 30, 2015.

Service request : Aug 12, 2015, letter received that it will be processed within 90 days from receipt of RFE.

UPDATE: Aug 24, 2015, EAD card being produced/ordered. ( 102 days from AOS receipt day and 55 days from RFE response received.) Thank you Jesus !

Emails : Aug 24, 2015, EAD approved, EAD card ordered.

I-797 EAD/AP approval notice received : Aug 27, 2015

EAD/AP combo card mailed : Aug 27, 2015, EAD/AP combo card received: Aug 31, 2015

Renewal application send for EAD/AP : May 31,2016 (AOS pending over 1 year). Received June 2, 2016,Notice date June7, 2016, emails,texts, NOA1 hard copy

Service request for pending AOS April 21, 2016, case not assigned yet.
Service request for pending AOS June 14, 2016, tier 2 said performing background checks.
Expedite request for EAD/AP Aug 3, 2016, Aug10 notification >request was received, assigned, completed. RFE letter requesting evidence for expedite, docs faxed Aug18

*Service request for I-485 Aug 3, 2016, Aug11 notification> request was assigned. Service request Dec 2, 2016.
AOS Interview letter received Aug 12, 2016

AOS Interview September 21, 2016.

Second Biometrics appointment letters received for EAD and AOS on Aug 15, 2016 for Aug 17 ( 2 day notice).

Second Biometrics completed Aug 17, 2016

Third Biometrics appointment letter received Aug 19, 2016 for Sept. 1, 2016. WTH ?!

EAD/AP (renewal) approval Aug 22, 2016, NOA2 received Aug 25, 2016

Renewal EAD in production notification text and online, expedite successful 4 days after RFE request response was faxed, Aug25mailed,Aug29received.

Sept. 21 Interview, 2 hour interview, we were separated and asked about 50 questions each for an hour each. IO was firm but professional, some smiles.
Several service requests made, contacted Senator and Ombudsman. Background checks still pending.
July 21, 2017 HOME VISIT.  Went well. Topic thread in AOS forum.
Waiting to skip ROC and get 10 yr GC due to over 2 year while pending AOS
AOS APPROVED Oct. 4, 2017 * Green card in hand Oct 13, 2017 !!!!!

First K1 denied after 16 month of AP. Refiled. We are a couple since 2009. Not a sprint but a matter of endurance.

 

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
Timeline

I guess just explaining to them that it's an introduction is all my fiancé can do when he goes back for the interview.

Right now our status says Administrative Processing.

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First, you guys look cute together...

OK, I'd urge caution and careful preparation. Your aim is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, per your local custom, your "introduction" does not constitute a marriage. Otherwise, you risk a denial of your K-1 application, as that is just for unmarried couples.

First, if you haven't already done so, read through the comments on a local blog by the US consulate office on this matter. There was a big debate about marriage customs in February. It goes on for a few pages, so follow the VisaOfficer comments closely, starting around 1:00pm on Feb 24. They are particularly sensitive about a bride price suggesting marriage.

http://www.nairaland.com/1792591/u.s-immigration-questions-ask-u.s/106

How do you prove your introduction is not a marriage? Some suggestions:

- Take written material with you that describes your local marriage customs, if available. A published book, a Wikipedia entry, etc

- Get written affidavits from leaders of your community that attest to your marriage customs. Effective affidavits will 1) describe the entire marriage process, and 2) state categorically that what you've done does not constitute a marriage.

- Bring the requested pictures of your introduction. I would not include any pictures that show a bride price being paid (for example, envelopes changing hands, etc)

- In your interview, NEVER describe your fiance as your wife. You'd be surprised how easily people slip :oops:

Hope that helps. Good luck!

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They asked your fiance a question and then went to the back room and came back with a picture from facebook which you guys had not provided voluntarily, I'm assuming? How did they find your facebook profiles? Am I understanding this correctly?

IR-1/CR-1

NOA-1 December 16, 2014

REF- June 24, 2015 ---------------190 days since NOA 1

RFE Respond- July 5, 2015 ----

NOA- 2 July 24, 2015 ------------- 220 days since NOA 1

NVC Sent- August 04, 2015 ----- 11 days since NOA 2

NVC Rcvd- August 18, 2015 ---- 14 days later
Case ID & IIN obtained- August 21, 2015 (over phone)

DS 261 completed- August 25, 2015

AOS Paid- August 25, 2015

Documents Sent- September 28

IV Paid- September 28, 2015

Document Scan- October 2, 2015

DS 260 Completed- October 5, 2015

Case Complete- October 29, 2015 --------- 27 days since Case Complete

Interview Scheduled- November 14, 2015 (Interview date- December 15, 2015)

Medical Done- November 23, 2015

Interview- December 15, 2015

Result- Need joint sponsor. Liquid assets not accepted.

... Looking for joint sponsor now.

Visa In Hand- .....

POE- .....

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Nigeria
Timeline

First, you guys look cute together...

OK, I'd urge caution and careful preparation. Your aim is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, per your local custom, your "introduction" does not constitute a marriage. Otherwise, you risk a denial of your K-1 application, as that is just for unmarried couples.

First, if you haven't already done so, read through the comments on a local blog by the US consulate office on this matter. There was a big debate about marriage customs in February. It goes on for a few pages, so follow the VisaOfficer comments closely, starting around 1:00pm on Feb 24. They are particularly sensitive about a bride price suggesting marriage.

http://www.nairaland.com/1792591/u.s-immigration-questions-ask-u.s/106

How do you prove your introduction is not a marriage? Some suggestions:

- Take written material with you that describes your local marriage customs, if available. A published book, a Wikipedia entry, etc

- Get written affidavits from leaders of your community that attest to your marriage customs. Effective affidavits will 1) describe the entire marriage process, and 2) state categorically that what you've done does not constitute a marriage.

- Bring the requested pictures of your introduction. I would not include any pictures that show a bride price being paid (for example, envelopes changing hands, etc)

- In your interview, NEVER describe your fiance as your wife. You'd be surprised how easily people slip :oops:

Hope that helps. Good luck!

Thank you so much this really help..

They asked your fiance a question and then went to the back room and came back with a picture from facebook which you guys had not provided voluntarily, I'm assuming? How did they find your facebook profiles? Am I understanding this correctly?

Yes, and asked him to return with the pictures from the introduction.
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