AOS interview

[J & T 23]

Hi, everyone!

 

I would like a little feedback on our next steps. 

 

- We met online in July 2016 
- I traveled to Nigeria in October of 2016.
I stayed for two weeks met his family and got engaged.
- November 2016 filed I-129F
- I-129F approved in February
- April 2017 my fiance traveled to the US
- May 2017 we were married
-July 2017 we filed for AOS
- AOS interview June 2018 (new office in Nashville, TN)

 

At the interview, the CO didn't ask us for anything but our tax return. Of course, I gave her everything I could. She requested we complete a new medical even though our documents were still valid. He was given a letter permitting him to return the verification the same day. 

We returned the medical the following week but hadn't heard anything. A few weeks later my husband had an info pass appointment. He was told they are still processing but the CO did receive the new medical. 

I contacted my congressmen in August. He reached out and was given the same answer, to give it time.

On yesterday we received a letter from our congressmen stating our case is pending review. However, he also included an email from the Nashville USCIS representative. The subject line states: "Fraud_Case under Review-Possible Fraud."

 

The email includes her name and telephone number. Should I contact her? Should we hire an attorney?

 

I have included a screenshot of the letter from the representative. 

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Edited October 20, 2018 by Penguin_ie
attachment removed for privacy reasons

[debbiedoo 2,339]

What kind of evidence did you submit to prove a bonafide marriage?

[J & T 23]

Hello, 

 

Our joint tax return, checking and savings account, health insurance documents, utilities, and life insurance beneficiary documents.

[Crazy Cat 39,226]

17 minutes ago, J & T said:

The email includes her name and telephone number. Should I contact her? Should we hire an attorney?

1.  I would call and ask if she can give you more information

2.  I would start looking for an experienced attorney, although hiring one now would be premature in my opinion.  If and when I received the denial letter, I would certainly hire someone....

To be honest, something sounds amiss here.  For what you posted, you seem to have a simple case.

[J & T 23]

8 minutes ago, missileman said:

1.  I would call and ask if she can give you more information

2.  I would start looking for an experienced attorney, although hiring one now would be premature in my opinion.  If and when I received the denial letter, I would certainly hire someone....

To be honest, something sounds amiss here.  For what you posted, you seem to have a simple case.

I agree. We wondered if the CO was new. She initially told us we needed the I-693 and to return it the same day. I returned to the office to let her know that the exam has two parts and I could return it next week. I was unable to see her because I didn't have an appointment. The security guard relayed the message. He came back and told me she said, "Oh, I may not need it after all." 🤤 Then why did you give me a letter requesting the information???

 

My only other thought was is it because he is from Nigeria? 

[Crazy Cat 39,226]

9 minutes ago, J & T said:

My only other thought was is it because he is from Nigeria? 

That, in itself, would have no influence.  Please keep us updated.  Your experience will be valuable to others....good luck....

[J & T 23]

Will do. Thank you.

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

They may be doing an additional security check as the name popped up  similar to one on a watch list 

happens when these countries use and reuse a name

 

[kid1412 62]

Could be just additional background checks like others have pointed out. If they really suspect marriage fraud then they probably call for a second “Stokes” interview where each of you will be separated into different rooms and asked a set of questions to see if your answers match. 

 

Anyway, right now your status is “under review” so you need to wait what’s their next step is. If it’s anything other than an approval then it’s time to consult an immigration attorney.

 

[J & T 23]

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the feedback.

[naija_glam 119]

9 hours ago, J & T said:

Hi, everyone!

 

I would like a little feedback on our next steps. 

 

- We met online in July 2016 
- I traveled to Nigeria in October of 2016.
I stayed for two weeks met his family and got engaged.
- November 2016 filed I-129F
- I-129F approved in February
- April 2017 my fiance traveled to the US
- May 2017 we were married
-July 2017 we filed for AOS
- AOS interview June 2018 (new office in Nashville, TN)

 

At the interview, the CO didn't ask us for anything but our tax return. Of course, I gave her everything I could. She requested we complete a new medical even though our documents were still valid. He was given a letter permitting him to return the verification the same day. 

We returned the medical the following week but hadn't heard anything. A few weeks later my husband had an info pass appointment. He was told they are still processing but the CO did receive the new medical. 

I contacted my congressmen in August. He reached out and was given the same answer, to give it time.

On yesterday we received a letter from our congressmen stating our case is pending review. However, he also included an email from the Nashville USCIS representative. The subject line states: "Fraud_Case under Review-Possible Fraud."

 

The email includes her name and telephone number. Should I contact her? Should we hire an attorney?

 

I have included a screenshot of the letter from the representative. 

 

Thanks for your help.

 

I agree with the previous advice given. You should contact the Nashville USCIS rep first, but still look for an experienced immigration attorney in case he does not get an approval. My husband was approved after his AOS interview a week ago and has received his GC. My husband is Nigerian, so I do not think being from Nigeria is the problem. We provided all the same docs you did, except for joint returns since it is too early for him to have a return. From what you have discussed about your case, things should have moved easily. Prior to this, have you had any issues in this process? It seems very odd that this far into the process that the marriage could be considered fraudulent marriage. Cases are reviewed heavily for fraud at the embassy prior to and at the K1 interview.

 

Hopefully you'll get more information after you call the rep. I would ask her directly if your case was under suspicion for fraud, and mention what you saw in the subject line. Good luck.

Edited October 20, 2018 by naija_glam

[Milyta 14]

HI,

I had my interview the last september 19th. The interview was good. The man didnt ask me for a lot of evidences. In the end he answered me for my médical exam and I gave him the last one I had in Peru, but my lawyer told me, it is not necessary to have another médical, even though it is expirated. The guy Never said I will have the green card, but he told me some documents are in another building so he needs to continue review my case and in 15 days i Will have a mail es the answer. 

All this interview was in Denver, so right now it is 1 month after that, My lawyer told me I need to write a mail, and she wants to change me money for it. My question is , where can I do it for myself?

 

thanks! 

[WPS 0]

Hello J & T,

In answer to your question re: Attorney Retainer ?

I certainly would from what you've posted.  In particular , I would NOT reach out to them (USCIS) until there is something more definitive re: Fraud.  I would be preparing for a "RFE" /or a "NTA".  The latter being a possibility of "Removal Proceedings" being initiated.  See: USCIS's New Policy Memorandum of 06/28/2018 with an Implementation date of 10/01/2018 re: same.  In short, the new policy is the precursor for initiating removal proceedings.  I would only go to a "Notice to Appear" with counsel by my side.  ICE has been using this meeting as the jump off for Removal Proceedings & has held applicants at these meetings.  I would be prepared just in case.  Best of Luck.

WPS ~

[geowrian 22,335]

4 hours ago, WPS said:

In short, the new policy is the precursor for initiating removal proceedings.  I would only go to a "Notice to Appear" with counsel by my side.  ICE has been using this meeting as the jump off for Removal Proceedings & has held applicants at these meetings.

An NTA starts removal proceedings, it is not a precursor to it. The NTA is to appear in front of an immigration judge, not USCIS.

[Crazy Cat 39,226]

4 hours ago, WPS said:

ICE has been using this meeting as the jump off for Removal Proceedings & has held applicants at these meetings. 

The only cases of this I have seen were people who all had previous Removal Orders.