Traveling with your Fiance

[PurpleSky 19]

Hi everyone!!

I'm just about to get this whole process started. I don't think my situation is so unique (although it sure does feel like it). I have a quick question...did any of you fly here with your fiance after the visa was granted (Or do you plan to, once it's granted)? Why or why not?

I know this is thinking a little far ahead but I am trying to get as many things thought through as possible, considering it may not be such an easy process (future hubby is Nigerian but has been living in The Gambia for the past 3.5 years).

I have been mulling around in my head whether it would be better from him to leave from Nigeria to come here (this way he could be with his family just before he leaves) especially since he will be traveling back and forth to Nigeria getting his birth certificate, passport change (has a different last name), criminal record, etc for his interview in Dakar (since he now lives in The Gambia). Meeting him in Nigeria to fly back with him would also give me the opportunity to meet his dad and sisters (his oldest brother has been married to my cousin for the past 8 years) and also allow me to hold his hand (he's a bit fearful of flying such a long way...ssshhhh don't tell him I told you ) on the plane. Plus, going to Nigeria is so much cheaper than The Gambia.

Any and all thoughts welcome.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Hi everyone!!

I'm just about to get this whole process started. I don't think my situation is so unique (although it sure does feel like it). I have a quick question...did any of you fly here with your fiance after the visa was granted (Or do you plan to, once it's granted)? Why or why not?

I know this is thinking a little far ahead but I am trying to get as many things thought through as possible, considering it may not be such an easy process (future hubby is Nigerian but has been living in The Gambia for the past 3.5 years).

I have been mulling around in my head whether it would be better from him to leave from Nigeria to come here (this way he could be with his family just before he leaves) especially since he will be traveling back and forth to Nigeria getting his birth certificate, passport change (has a different last name), criminal record, etc for his interview in Dakar (since he now lives in The Gambia). Meeting him in Nigeria to fly back with him

would also give me the opportunity to meet his dad and sisters (his oldest brother has been married to my cousin for the past 8 years

) and also allow me to hold his hand (he's a bit fearful of flying such a long way...ssshhhh don't tell him I told you ) on the plane. Plus, going to Nigeria is so much cheaper than The Gambia.

Any and all thoughts welcome.

Those two points that have been higlighted above will probably cause you'll some concern at the embassy. If I were you I would read up on the interviews that have been conducted at the Nigeria and Gambia embass. Then I would suggest that you'll make sure you'll are prepare for all questions that the OP will be asking.

READ..... READ.... the Africia/Sahara forum very carefully.

Good luck and Congratulations

[PurpleSky 19]

Those two points that have been higlighted above will probably cause you'll some concern at the embassy. If I were you I would read up on the interviews that have been conducted at the Nigeria and Gambia embass. Then I would suggest that you'll make sure you'll are prepare for all questions that the OP will be asking.

READ..... READ.... the Africia/Sahara forum very carefully.

Good luck and Congratulations

Thank you for replying! Hmmm have I got it wrong? I was under the impression based on the research that I've done (both on VJ and other resources) that he would be interviewing in Dakar Senegal because he lives in The Gambia (although he is Nigerian). Have I been looking at this incorrectly? If I have, that's a close call because I have to make sure I have put the correct information on the I-129F.

Also, do you think it will still cause concern given that I can provide proof that I have spoken to his father many times, even by webcam? I just have not had the opportunity to meet him in person. I realize that I have to prove that future hubby and I have a bona fide relationship. I didn't realize that meant proving family ties as well since he is not in contact with his family so much himself.

I considered my cousin and his brother's marriage as a potential stumbling block because they could think that this is something that has been arranged. But I don't want to leave out that they are married either because once found out, I am sure they would think that I was being dishonest. So I would rather include a brief statement of how we met and front load everything I can think of to show that this is real. I even have a statement from the Reverend who is doing our premarital counseling.

Just to put ya'll a little more at ease, my cousin in law (future hubby's brother) has been here long enough to file for his brother ( and other siblings--2 other brothers and 4 sisters) himself if he wanted him (FH) in the US. He (CIL) wouldn't need me to marry him (FH)in order for him (FH) to be allowed entrance here.

I am reading this forum very thoroughly, but there doesn't seem to be so much about those that are in The Gambia but there is good information nonetheless.

Thanks again!!

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

You may be correct as to where he may be interviewing, so don't let me confuse you on that part. But what I have seen and read from alots of the post from that part of the community is that meeting the family plays a big part in the relationship and interview process. It is good that you are reading up on the interviews that have already taken place at those embassies.

Edited April 20, 2010 by LIFE'SJOURNEY

[SweetBliss 0]

Hi Purple Sky,

Just wanted to say my ex-husband and I went through the process much like you will be...My ex is a Nigerian that was living in the Gambia. We thought up to the last minute he would be interviewing in Dakar just as you have researched, which your right. But actually he ended up interviewing in Gambia Embassy, and we were very happy cause he didnt have to go to Dakar. His interview went well, and I totally agree with you to be very upfront with all your dealings with immigration, because if they suspect any bit of dishonesty they will right away think the 5 letter word "Fraud"

Good luck with your journey...

God Bless.

[PurpleSky 19]

Thank you both!! I'm really excited and don't worry, I'll be sure to keep ya'll abreast of everything. YAY!!!

K&L was there a special circumstance that caused the last minute change to Gambia's Consulate?

[SweetBliss 0]

hey purple sky,

thanks for keeping us in the know. if you have any questions dont be afraid to ask, so many people know in this forum:)

as for the gambian embassy , no we were shocked really cause we had never seen any other one in VJ that went there, we were sure God intervened:)

it was very quick and clean interview, she did ask many questions though. now you see 2 and 3 interviews coming otta dakar....good luck!!

[a&o 4]

I was living in Ghana through the whole application process for my husband. It was fun to fly back together, and made it much easier on him. Everyone else in the immigration line seemed so nervous and freaked out by the forms and such. But, if I had not been there, he would have had a lot of company with all the other immigrant visa arrivals. It was just nice, I guess, to share such a momentous experience with him. So if you have the means and the time, I would do it! The only trouble would be planning for it, since you can't count on when the visa is actually issued.