Reviewed NOA2 for I-130 met only once ... Problem?

[farzram 11]

So my brother just got his noa2 July 8th 2016 for his I-130. He sent in plenty of photos from his wedding with his wife with the petition.

They met only once, fell in love in a short amount of time and got married and he went back to the US because he needed to get back to his businesses and hasn't been back yet. Will that be a problem at the interview? Do you all suggest another short visit before the interview ? He has plenty of proof to show they speak every day (screenshots of viber and skype) to add and bring to interview.

Some background info- mailed in I-130 mid November, his wife lives in Afghanistan interview will be in Kabul.

Any suggestions and opinions will be much appreciated. Thank you.

[Penguin_ie 5,984]

It is definitely a red flag, but that doesn't mean he will get denied for sure. If he can, a second visit either before or for the interview would help,

[mallafri76 1,012]

I agree with penguin, I'd definitely try and get another visit in.

[farzram 11]

Thanks for your suggestions it's so hard for him to travel due to the distance and his business. I really hope he can make it but if he can't do you guys think it will come up in the interview? If she responds his job can't allow him to visit and the distance is so far is that a valid enough answer.... He's come this far doesn't want any problems

[Penguin_ie 5,984]

The argument against "he didn't have time" then is that if he really loved you/ wanted to be with you, he would make the time, and also that maybe if he didn't have time, you should wait some, meet more often and get to know eachother in person before moving in together.

No one can tell you if it will be enough; there have been plenty of people approved with only one meeting, but also plenty denied. It depends on what other evidence you have, how long the relationship has been, the cultural norms in your country, how much other stuff you know about eachother and yes, also a bit on the mood of the CO at the time.

[NikLR 13,220]

Lots of people visit when the distance is far and take unpaid time off to see their loved ones. If you love someone, you move mountains.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

Thanks for your suggestions it's so hard for him to travel due to the distance and his business. I really hope he can make it but if he can't do you guys think it will come up in the interview? If she responds his job can't allow him to visit and the distance is so far is that a valid enough answer.... He's come this far doesn't want any problems

This is only once in a lifetime (if he doesnt divorce her and file again) that he will need to sacrifice. If he really wants to show but not only that he should miss her and want to see her... But anyway its the time now vs regret later.

They may be approved you may be denied it depends on the evidence he submitted and on the CO...

Good luck

Edited July 11, 2016 by Anitafeliz

[sunnysoshi123 0]

Hi there! I had a family friend who was in a very similar situation, it was an arranged marriage and the man was from America while his wife was in Afghanistan and they only met for about one month when he travelled to do the wedding and he didn't see her till she came to America due to work, money, etc. Because this is common practice in our culture, the embassy understands that so only meeting once before marriage really isn't a red flag for Afghans because it's part of the custom. As long as they have enough evidence of their relationship continuing from then and photos from their wedding and meetings you should be fine. If he can visit then that's even better but of course with the situation in Afghanistan and how expensive it is to travel there, it really is difficult to see loved ones there and the embassy knows it. So I would tell your brother not to worry, many people have had very similar cases and they've been approved. Good luck and I hope that inshallah his wife comes soon!

[farzram 11]

Hi there! I had a family friend who was in a very similar situation, it was an arranged marriage and the man was from America while his wife was in Afghanistan and they only met for about one month when he travelled to do the wedding and he didn't see her till she came to America due to work, money, etc. Because this is common practice in our culture, the embassy understands that so only meeting once before marriage really isn't a red flag for Afghans because it's part of the custom. As long as they have enough evidence of their relationship continuing from then and photos from their wedding and meetings you should be fine. If he can visit then that's even better but of course with the situation in Afghanistan and how expensive it is to travel there, it really is difficult to see loved ones there and the embassy knows it. So I would tell your brother not to worry, many people have had very similar cases and they've been approved. Good luck and I hope that inshallah his wife comes soon!

Hey!!! Thanks so much for the reply! You really just made us feel a lot better lol. I was hoping someone coming from experience with the afghan embassy and Afghanistan would reply but there aren't many active members from that country.

You are right- it is the cultural norm and I'm sure they will understand. Thanks so much for your help and helping us feel a lot better about the situation because honestly it's not that he doesn't want to visit- it's nearly impossible with how far it is and his job just makes is nearly impossible! Thanks again

[NikLR 13,220]

What are they going to fire him for taking time off saying he wants to visit his wife? Really? I doubt that.

[farzram 11]

What are they going to fire him for taking time off saying he wants to visit his wife? Really? I doubt that.

he operates and runs over 25 stores lol.... All hell breaks lose when he's gone for a day- last time he was gone for a few weeks it was pure chaos. Very very hard- plus situation in Afghanistan and traveling for him isn't the best option and his wife understands that. Sunnysoshi seems to have experience with other people in same situation in country and we hope we get understood just like them. Thank you.

Btw- why are you rude on like every single post you comment on? Lighten up a bit

[NikLR 13,220]

Im not being rude. I just have a very hard time believing any one person is that important to a job or that a job is that unforgiving. It's that incredible to me. Rather like asking me to believe in Santa Claus again.

I'll push the "I believe button" and wish your family the best in your future endeavors.

[farzram 11]

Im not being rude. I just have a very hard time believing any one person is that important to a job or that a job is that unforgiving. It's that incredible to me. Rather like asking me to believe in Santa Claus again.

I'll push the "I believe button" and wish your family the best in your future endeavors.

Thanks for your well wishes, as for his job he runs 25 franchises all over the state and works day till night so it is indeed pretty impossible.

[YYAI 0]

NLR is right! NLR and most of us on this side, we just try to help each other and tell what is should and guide us to a safe side. The decision is ourself. Good luck!

[farzram 11]

NLR is right! NLR and most of us on this side, we just try to help each other and tell what is should and guide us to a safe side. The decision is ourself. Good luck!

Yeah totally get where you guys are coming from and I understand it's weird to grasp the concept of not being able to leave your job but it really is sooooooooo hard and nearly impossible. But like sunnysoshi said and other advice from people in Afghanistan it's a cultural norm and the traveling to Afghanistan is not the most ideal or safest. Thanks for your replies !