My journey is just beginning!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

In getting a visa there are a lot of red flags that it may not be a real relationship some of the big ones

Different race

Age gap of more than 10 years especially if the woman is older

Woman is divorced/ has children from previous relaitonships

Different religions

Large difference in incomes/education

Getting married on the first visit to each other, higher if the first visit is less than a month.

USC has had a prior immigrant spouse.

Woman is past child bearing age

If you have more than 2 of these red flags you probably don't want to marry on a first trip.

[LoveNigarmostyle 164]

Hello my name is Shawnda and I am new and I am trying to get as much information as possible in a row before I even marry my fiance lol!...We have been together for 7 months and I am planning to go to Nigeria to marry him in May 2012. So my first step is trying to decided on a K3 or CR1 route to take...and I have decided based on this site to go the CR1 route. I tell you this journey is not for the light hearted at all but I love my fiance so much he is my very best friend... I know it will all be worth it in the end....so my question is this...

After we get married in May 2012 and I come back to the US and start the CR1 process can I go back to Nigeria to visit him while it is processing? I won't even ask if he can come here I'm sure he could but...it's hard to get a visa in Nigeria....we know he tried to get a B1 visa and was denied just 11/28/11 and he had all that he needed... but that is okay we are still on to plan B as we trust God to see us through!

Well that's it for now....I know I will have MANY more questions! I am so thankful for this sight! I have no one to ask for help!

Shawnda!

I love NIGERIA!

Good luck with your journey. Patience is something required in this VJ. Pray, read and be prepared, this will help you immensely.

[olumides_wife 17]

All the best. Are you a US Citizen? Have you fully researched between K-1 or the Spouse visa? Try not to make an emotional decision due to embassy denial of 11/28 or any other pressured actions.. both of you need to research and think through so you avoid as much red flags as possible. I think either visa could get you ready by May 2012 unless you are not a US citizen.

Goodluck and pray through.

Yes I am a US citizen and also yes I have fully researched between the K-1 and the Spouse visa and from what I have seen from this site alone they both are about the same amount of time with the spouse visa being a little longer perhaps but less expensive in the end due to having to AOS afte the K3 visa and with the CR1 he can come here with green card in hand to work. We have discussed both of these and I think the CR1 is the route for us but not for all, anything worth having is worth waiting for!

God bless you and thank you!

[olumides_wife 17]

Welcome to VJ!

It is very important for you to spend alot of time with him after getting married. Since he was denied for B1/B2 Visa in Nov, 2011, then his next attempt for CR-1 is in May, 2012, has a red flag. ( esp Nigeria has high red flag ).

Make frequent visit, and spend alot of time while his CR-1 is under process. It will make the case stronger.

Thank you very much! I didn't realize that would be a "red flag" for us to get married and then file for the CR1, maybe we could get married and then wait to file for the CR1 a few months later? like in August? I don't mind visiting him but it does cost and so that is why we wanted to go ahead and get married in May when I went to visit for 3 weeks and then go from there!

Thank you!

[olumides_wife 17]

Well suggested...His having a CR-I on file few months after he was denied a B1/B2 visa raises red flag cos it insinuates that his november 2100 application had some underlying immigrant intent afterall

Unless th CR1 is filed several months later( but then who am I to know how your plan will turn out? hey U never know!)

So go back again and read various forums on the fiancee visa and the CR I....all the best best and yes you can visit as many times as you want (strengthens your case later) just keep all your flight itineray, call logs to each other, skype emails take lots of pics while together; solo and with friends and family.

Hmmmm...I hear you loud and clear so thanks! I didn't think of it "looking" that way (geeze..thank you)......I just that they would see it as he tried to visit me and it failed and so I went to him and in turn we got married...and then filed the CR1...wow! I am so thankful for all the advice here...I think we will still file the CR1...but maybe wait several months before doing so...yes I learned (also from the site) a paper trail is crucial so I am on that as well! I have phone records, emails etc... and we plan to take a TON! of pictures when i am there we have pics of each other now!...even my mom and daughter are going with me in May so they will be in the pics too! Thank you!

[olumides_wife 17]

Shawnda just make sure that you take lots of pictures with family and friends. Also, start a paper trial of phone records, and emails very important. Make sure your husband is well prepared that is the key, and have lot and lots of proof! Your husband should get through it with know problems. One more thing, when you get married make sure you marry at a Federal registry.

Best wishes!

Thank you! Yes we are going to wed at the court house there in Ibadan, Nigeria and take tons of pics! We are going to have it video taped and have witnesses his family and my mom and daughter as well!