Divorce certificate

[JamalNTam 1]

Ok - so now I'm waiting for my divorce certificate in the post. As I've said before, when I was 18 (I am the fiancee alien) I stupidly got married to my 1st love in Tanzania. Basically only 5 months later I discovered that he was using me to try and get into the UK and I broke it off with him and have not seen him since. As I was young, I just ignored the fact that I had got married in Tanzania - always used my maiden name (I never really considered myself married as it was such a short time) and did not let anyone know about my marriage. Since I've been with Jamal and having to concider apply for the K1 visa so I can be with him foreva (currently in the UK on Active Duty but moving back to the states next month) I started to investigate the marriage that I had and obviously, not wanting to be rejected or have anything in my way, contacted my "husband". He has been dealing with the courts in Tanzania and filled for divorce under the grounds of not seeing each other for 5 years. This was approved on the 4th Sept and I have to wait for the 23rd Oct for the court to officially produce the English version of the divorce certificate. We will be applying for the K1 Visa about 1 month later. I have 2 questions - 1st is that I will have to types of divorce certificate - one in Swahili and one in English - should I submit both or just the English one? 2nd is that I'm worried that the immigration officers will look at this application and think that I'm just trying to get to the states as it's been such a short time since my divorce date (it would be officially 4th Sept) and the fact that I got married in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We have sufficient evidence to prove that the relationship is legit (lived together for a year and been together since her arrived in England - have photos, documents to show this etc) but I'm so scared that the whole marriage thing will bring suspision and that it will make the processing time longer. Sorry if I went on a bit in this post but it's really palying on my mind!

[TucsonBill 0]

..snip.. He has been dealing with the courts in Tanzania and filled for divorce under the grounds of not seeing each other for 5 years. ..snip..

I have a similar situation, my ex and I were seperated for over 8 years and our divorce was just final in March of 06. I just explained this in a letter I included with my application. If you belive this might be an issue, you should get a copy of the divorce petition translated so that USCIS can see the 'grounds'.

However, I do not believe it will be an issue. I believe all you have to do is show you are single, I don't believe it matters how long you have been single and including such information would most likely be superfluous.

I just included the information sort as a 'side note' in my letter of intent to marry, explaining that I'd been seperated and living alone, rasing my children by myself for over 8 years.

Bill

[mozplay 28]

We were in the same boat too and got approved, don't worry too much. (Separated longer than we were married, but just did not file for divorce until this year with it being finalized in June - then the K1 was submitted in August).

This is fairly common apparently - made me realized I was not the only lazy ####### out there.

You definitely need a translation and yes, I would submit both. Only a copy of the original is actually the divorce decree and only the translation will let anyone else know what it is, lol.

If it makes you feel better you can write a note saying that you had been separated for 5 years, but really, your grounds for divorce states that and all USCIS really cares about in this case is that you are legally able to marry.

Good luck!

Mo

[JamalNTam 1]

The trouble is that I'm not even sure it does state the grounds for divorce in Tanzania on the certificate. Will this make a huge difference? It was all very rushed, and I dont know the ins and outs of Tanzanian law but I knwo that my ex 'husband' had to bride a few people to get it done because as soon as they found out I was from the UK even the local magistrate saw a chance for a few quick $'s!!!

[MariaEric 0]

It is the same for us, me met in 2004 when he (petitioner and USC) was already separated but divorce was final in june,and we submitted our petition in september. i thought this would be an issue but he said the USCIS probably doesnt care as long as both petioner and beneficiary are single.

Petition was sent less than two weeks ago, and we still did not get NOA2 but i want to think there wont be any problem

~maria

[mozplay 28]

The trouble is that I'm not even sure it does state the grounds for divorce in Tanzania on the certificate. Will this make a huge difference?

I don't believe mine stated a reason either. Really, I would not worry.

However that being said - I will point your attention to my disclaimer.

[JamalNTam 1]

The trouble is that I'm not even sure it does state the grounds for divorce in Tanzania on the certificate. Will this make a huge difference?

I don't believe mine stated a reason either. Really, I would not worry.

However that being said - I will point your attention to my disclaimer.

Thanks - it seems that you got approved lightning fast!!! Can you advise me exactly what you did for the disclaimer? Was i under a sub heading? How did you fit it in to the whole letter? Many thanks!

[mozplay 28]

I don't believe mine stated a reason either. Really, I would not worry.

However that being said - I will point your attention to my disclaimer.

Thanks - it seems that you got approved lightning fast!!! Can you advise me exactly what you did for the disclaimer? Was i under a sub heading? How did you fit it in to the whole letter? Many thanks!

I got approved lightning fast because I applied through VSC - really that's the only reason. I filed at the right time in the right place.

As for a my disclaimer... lol.. Tamzyn ... I mean my little disclaimer in my signature below saying that this is only my opinion

I did not submit any special note with the petition in regards to my divorce. It stood alone.

Mo

[JamalNTam 1]

Man I feel dumb! lol

[mozplay 28]

Don't feel dumb. You just have tunnel vision right now .. and trust me, I know I can be vague at times.

Relax! It will all work out.

Mo