I Need Hope

[Amachuma 17]

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.

[TabeaK 517]

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.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Yes, he will have a second interview. If I understood it correctly they suspect that you guys are already married?

[Amachuma 17]

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.

[Boiler 45,664]

What is an introduction, was a bride price involved.

[Amachuma 17]

What is an introduction, was a bride price involved.

No.Bride price was not paid. Is like an engagement party but in a traditional form.

[mayfield 23]

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.

[Boiler 45,664]

The Consulate are aware of local practice's.

[mayfield 23]

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.

[Marvo 9]

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.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

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.

[Amachuma 17]

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.

[afrocraft 313]

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

Hope that helps. Good luck!

[El_killer47 22]

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?

[Amachuma 17]

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

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.