K-1 Visa Denied after Interview in Algeria

[AmyM97 0]

So, last December we applied for a K1 Visa, and we got approved like 2.5 months (really quickly) by the USCIS, and then they passed our case on to the American Embassy in Algers, Algeria. He had his interview last Monday. They told him that we didn't have enough evidence of a bona fide relationship and that I don't earn enough money or at least haven't been earning it for long enough.

I just barely graduated college this past May. But meanwhile last October, I got a job while I was still in school and I make $28,000. I know it's not a ton, but we're not going to starve. Plus my fiance has a degree in Civil Engineering and I just graduated with a degree in Public Relations. It's not like we're not educated. It's going to be a little difficult when he can't work for the first part but we'll make do fine. The interview guy said that yes, I made enough to be considered above the poverty line, but I haven't been earning enough money for long enough.

We thought we had enough evidence. There is nothing suspicious about either of us. Neither of us have broken the law (In algeria or in the US). We're around the same age (Me, 23 Him, 24). We submitted our lease from when we lived together for 2 years, photos of us together, references for them to call, a lot of our conversations on facebook, and phone records.

They said we don't call enough but it's like .32 a minute and the time difference makes it difficult. When he's done with work, I'm at work and we can't skype often because the internet in Algeria is beyond crappy. We spend half the time trying to get the internet to cooperate. He said our lease didn't prove anything else either because it was a 2 bedroom place. We chose the place because the location was great and the apartment complex only offered 2 bedroom locations.

And then originally, the interview guy said that my fiancee could bring back more evidence and they'd consider offering him another interview. So I called a lawyer, who said she'd help me put together more evidence. We we're going to submit affadavidts from friends, more photos, and all the wedding planning stuff we've already purchased (a down payment on a location, the dress, an actual wedding planner service).

So yesterday, I have my fiance call the embassy again, to confirm the status of our case and they say our case had been denied! But the interview guy said we could resubmit evidence to the embassy and they'd consider offering him another interview!

I don't know what to do at this point. I'm so frustrated. I haven't seen my fiance since last May of 2013 and we've been planning this big wedding for August.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

So, last December we applied for a K1 Visa, and we got approved like 2.5 months (really quickly) by the USCIS, and then they passed our case on to the American Embassy in Algers, Algeria. He had his interview last Monday. They told him that we didn't have enough evidence of a bona fide relationship and that I don't earn enough money or at least haven't been earning it for long enough.

I just barely graduated college this past May. But meanwhile last October, I got a job while I was still in school and I make $28,000. I know it's not a ton, but we're not going to starve. Plus my fiance has a degree in Civil Engineering and I just graduated with a degree in Public Relations. It's not like we're not educated. It's going to be a little difficult when he can't work for the first part but we'll make do fine. The interview guy said that yes, I made enough to be considered above the poverty line, but I haven't been earning enough money for long enough.

We thought we had enough evidence. There is nothing suspicious about either of us. Neither of us have broken the law (In algeria or in the US). We're around the same age (Me, 23 Him, 24). We submitted our lease from when we lived together for 2 years, photos of us together, references for them to call, a lot of our conversations on facebook, and phone records.

They said we don't call enough but it's like .32 a minute and the time difference makes it difficult. When he's done with work, I'm at work and we can't skype often because the internet in Algeria is beyond crappy. We spend half the time trying to get the internet to cooperate. He said our lease didn't prove anything else either because it was a 2 bedroom place. We chose the place because the location was great and the apartment complex only offered 2 bedroom locations.

And then originally, the interview guy said that my fiancee could bring back more evidence and they'd consider offering him another interview. So I called a lawyer, who said she'd help me put together more evidence. We we're going to submit affadavidts from friends, more photos, and all the wedding planning stuff we've already purchased (a down payment on a location, the dress, an actual wedding planner service).

So yesterday, I have my fiance call the embassy again, to confirm the status of our case and they say our case had been denied! But the interview guy said we could resubmit evidence to the embassy and they'd consider offering him another interview!

I don't know what to do at this point. I'm so frustrated. I haven't seen my fiance since last May of 2013 and we've been planning this big wedding for August.

I am sorry to hear that. What was your fiance's status on CEAC website? Administrative Processing or Denied?

[AmyM97 0]

I just checked it and it's acting like we need to schedule an interview. Here is a picture of what it says: http://imgur.com/6ea2gtd

And if you look at the bottom it says it was updated June 16th (Monday) and that's when his interview was, but when we called yesterday they said it was denied. And when he talked to the interview guy he said we could resubmit to the embassy. I'm soooo confused!

[ashleyphilly 70]

Can you go to Algeria and see him, and even try to go to the interview with him. This is the biggest evidence you can present.

[AmyM97 0]

Can you go to Algeria and see him, and even try to go to the interview with him. This is the biggest evidence you can present.

I would love to go! But the tickets are around $1,400 - $1,600. We had to save for quite a while just to get his ticket for him to eventaully to come here.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

I just checked it and it's acting like we need to schedule an interview. Here is a picture of what it says: http://imgur.com/6ea2gtd

And if you look at the bottom it says it was updated June 16th (Monday) and that's when his interview was, but when we called yesterday they said it was denied. And when he talked to the interview guy he said we could resubmit to the embassy. I'm soooo confused!

There is a chance that he might be not denied. I read on VJ before the consular officer ask the beneficiary to bring his petitioner in order to come to second interview (stokes interview). She then finally came and last time I heard that they were approved. It might be saved up money not to come but highly slim chance he gets the approval. Better to take a risk rather than to start over again or choose the other path of immigration journey.

[Super King 26]

There is a chance that he might be not denied. I read on VJ before the consular officer ask the beneficiary to bring his petitioner in order to come to second interview (stokes interview). She then finally came and last time I heard that they were approved. It might be saved up money not to come but highly slim chance he gets the approval. Better to take a risk rather than to start over again or choose the other path of immigration journey.

I believe Stokes interview is only for Marriage based adjustment of status, I have never heard of or read about stokes interview for K-1 visas. I might be wrong though.

To the op, I'm sorry that you are going through this, but if your fiancée will be called for 2nd interview, your presence will certainly help. Good luck.

[jameswhunt 12]

Very sorry to hear this. As far as you flying there... I know that it is a lot of money but this might be your only chance. If I were in your shoes I would sign up for a credit card and purchase a plane ticket. Some times the obvious answer sucks, but it's the long run that matters.

[Cathi 5,899]

There is a chance that he might be not denied. I read on VJ before the consular officer ask the beneficiary to bring his petitioner in order to come to second interview (stokes interview). She then finally came and last time I heard that they were approved. It might be saved up money not to come but highly slim chance he gets the approval. Better to take a risk rather than to start over again or choose the other path of immigration journey.

stokes interview is only done in the case of married couples

I believe Stokes interview is only for Marriage based adjustment of status, I have never heard of or read about stokes interview for K-1 visas. I might be wrong though.

To the op, I'm sorry that you are going through this, but if your fiancée will be called for 2nd interview, your presence will certainly help. Good luck

A stokes interview can be done for any marriage based visa, not just adjustment of status

http://immigrationroad.com/green-card/stokes-interview-marriage-based-immigration.php

[TBoneTX 49,698]

1. I believe Stokes interview is only for Marriage based adjustment of status, I have never heard of or read about stokes interview for K-1 visas. I might be wrong though.

2. To the op, I'm sorry that you are going through this, but if your fiancée will be called for 2nd interview, your presence will certainly help. Good luck.

1. This is very wrong, as those of us who went through the hellhole Guayaquil consulate can attest.

2. This is very true. Research plane tickets for yourself. Get through to the embassy on the phone and insist on talking with an American, preferably the Section Chief of the Immigrant Visa Unit. Explain your financial circumstances, and insist on a firm date within your "cheap" travel period when you and the CO can meet, face-to-face. Say that you will not accept being put through a Stokes interview, but you will meet with the CO and answer all questions very frankly.

1. stokes interview is only done in the case of married couples

2. A stokes interview can be done for any marriage based visa, not just adjustment of status

http://immigrationroad.com/green-card/stokes-interview-marriage-based-immigration.php

1. And K-1, too, most definitely.

2. True.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

stokes interview is only done in the case of married couples

A stokes interview can be done for any marriage based visa, not just adjustment of status

http://immigrationroad.com/green-card/stokes-interview-marriage-based-immigration.php

That was I thought. But if I am not mistakenly remember there was a member here from Nigeria mentioned about that. The consular officer asked the beneficiary to bring his fiancée to the interview. They then had been interviewed in separate rooms. Last time I heard they were approved. I was trying to find the post but came no avail.

[TBoneTX 49,698]

To re-emphasize: K-1 petitioners can be (and have been) ordered to appear at the consulate and be put through a Stokes interview.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/110313-us-consulate-in-guayaquil-ecuador/

The OP had best grab the bull by the horns, set an appointment on her terms and at her timing, and beg or borrow the funds to travel to the embassy. We all had to do it (at great personal expense and sacrifice), and trying any other method will take many months and very well might prove fruitless.

[Ebunoluwa 6,141]

Take a letter from your employer that states the job is long term and they have no intention to let you go as you are an asset to the company. Borrow the money, fly over and take all the extra evidence and hand it over in person.

[TBoneTX 49,698]

Take a letter from your employer that states the job is long term and they have no intention to let you go as you are an asset to the company. Borrow the money, fly over and take all the extra evidence and hand it over in person.

...hand it over in person -- to an American.

[Super King 26]

Thanks for the correction guys.