dwheels76

I would like to take the time to post a little something.......I think no one ever knows for sure if things are going to work out in a long distence relationship such as ours until our husband or wife gets here to the states.......Yes there are plenty of warning signs before it gets that far....However let me say there are also signs to let you know this could be for real......in my case the signs that I looked at was how he treated me when I was there....did I have his attention? did he enjoy being with me? was he embarresed of me? Yes I am a plus size.....well let me tell you this ......The moment I got off the plan really told me a lot and is something I will never forget......Once I got within his reach....He grabbbed me and pulled me close and gave me such a kiss that would have even embarresed me here in the states......He would not let go of me from the airport all the way home......we did get married there and afterward we stayed with his family......while there he washed my clothes and took care of my ever need.....I got seprated from my clothes that I had brought with me so him and his family bought me traditonal clothes......when we went out to walk around he always went with me holding my hand and even holding my dress up so I would not fall.....He kept reminding me I was in Nigeria........there was a couple of times I had decided to talk a walk with his aunt....I was maybe out the door for five min......he came looking for me.....said he could not sleep knowing that I was not there with him.....next time I went out was to go visit a women that had just had a baby and due to rain we got stuck there for over an hour till the rain stopped.....when I arrived back to the house I found him sleeping with pictures of our wedding laying all around him as he slept......I asked him what he was doing......He said he just wanted to feel close to me even though I was not there.......those were the moments that let me know that this was for real.....words can not express how this man has taken care of me since he has been here......we have gone through a lot and he has been right there by my side.....we have lost 3 preg. and now losing a foster child that we had taken in trying to help the grandmother of this little girl.....He has and is right there by my side through it all......I Thank Jehovah every day that I married this man....I also Thank him for not letting me fall into the wrong hands which I could have done so very easily.....Always depending on Jehovah and trusting him 100% is the key....

Thank you for posting something so uplifting and positive. I swear your husband and mine are cut out the same blessed fabric. It's so good to see such a love story unfolding to give the world the good side of romance. Of course there are red flags everywhere for every nationality. My husband was reading some of these threads and had to just walk away shake his head and say you should respond with red flag if he's tall, short, fat, skinny, cute, ugly, poor, rich, black, white. I feel when you seek God and get his stamp of approval he will make it all good and well.

Really happy for you and pray for a house full of babies and love forever. Bless you.

Hey dont really think u need to stress yourself, the documents i submitted when i filed for my hubby are Form 1-130 with my biography form and that of my hubby,my proof of citizenship,our marriage certificate,our son birth certificate,transfer from my hubby account to my account showing transfer and western union transfer showing co-mingling of finance.we got approved in 4months. save your breath for the notorious u.s consulate in naija.Also,check www.uscis.gov and click on FAMILY OF U.S.CITIZENS read and follow d instructions which are very simple.

Application Process: Green Card (Permanent Residence)

To petition for a family member to receive a green card (permanent residence), you must submit the following:

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

Proof of your U.S. citizenship

Evidence of the qualifying relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)

Proof of any legal name change for you or the beneficiary

ALSO,PM ME SO I CAN GIVE U SOME CLUES TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE FOR INTERVIEW.

GOOD LUCK

t\hank you FunkyBabe I certainly will PM you. And thak you. I think like the more I hear from people its either I have too much or not enough and have to realize people have different levels of proof they need. I have an advantage I have been residing here in Nigeria since March 18th in his moms house so alot of proof. just need to now finish the paperwork for the bank accounts. unfortunately here I have to be a permanent resident to be able to be even added to his accounts. Thanks

You can set up an invesment checking account at Charles Schwab and then send him the Bank Card. He can use this to withdraw money from just about any ATM and there are no transaction fees. Easier and safer than a CC and less expensive than Western Union. We did this for my wife and it worked great. You just need to let the bank know that the card will be used in your spouse's country

For evidence, you also want to include an Evolution of Relationship letter and be ready to provide an updated letter for the interview. If either of you have been divorced then you need to include your divorce papers and I would also include a letter explaining the divorce. These and constant ongoing communications are the key. They want to see that you share a common language and communicate regularly.

Well I have my ETRADE so thats cool. But thanks ya'll for the guidance. Think I will look into Charles Schwab also. No divorce.

It's funny we taled mostly on Facebook and IN on yahoo. I copied and pasted the emails and got 704 pages. 2799 emails between us. of course I will just bring out the best. and just submit a log of dates. But its like what do they want to really read. The I miss you, i love you. Regular conversation, disagreements (now that rally shows a real relationship. lol:whistle: . The IM's will just show a screen pic of the log of when we chatted. It's still alot of info. It's like how much to submit and how much to hold back and wait for interview. wOW thanks

1)CC issue . IM a USC and Got a CC for my Wife in Colombia W.out her having a SS# the CC has her name on it However is the same account # as My . THE SS# should not and is not and ISSUE to get a CC for our Spouses IM the One responsible for the account.Her name is in it as more proof and to ensure the CO that our relationship is real.

2)A letter of hardship?In the US that is done if a USC has Financial Problems . Im Not Expert however as you work on this process and go to the NVC Step wend the AOS is needed to be fill out and you must meet P Guidelines if that Letter shows up it may be alot of trouble .

Because the pettitioner is already notifying the USG that the financial situation is bad .

Good Luck

Im Not Expert however as you work on this process and go to the NVC Step wend the AOS is needed to be fill out and you must meet P Guidelines if that Letter shows up it may be alot of trouble .

Because the pettitioner is already notifying the USG that the financial situation is bad .

Good point. I wasn't thinking hardship financial. More a I'm on bended knee and you guys not allowing my husband to come over would be a hardship. More a love hardship. And a what he means to me love letter that's all. It's in the how we meet and what we mean to each other.

But thanks for the input. I did have financial things listed as a this is what would happen to my 401k, social security if I had to leave and live in Nigeria. Better take out any inkling of financial distress would be eminent.

Hello and Greetings Everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone with the help and kind words. So glad to get good sound advice from people who know and living this journey.

I have my list complied and whittled it down to what I will present that I have. I guess my noodle head was thinking that I had to have everything on the list in the I-130 packet. I actually have 38 items to present, 8 of which I will send with application. Figure for now the wedding pics, emails, IM's phone records will be fine (wish I could have a log of text messages. Those were massive) and affidavits should keep them mighty busy.

When that interview comes around me and my husband will be a mighty fortress and knock them out with evidence. One thing at least is a plus about the long process is time to build a bigger stronger case. Even have a kickass letter from mum-in-law talking of how she came around to accept and love me and the age difference is an non-issue to her now. That was big.

Anyway wanted to just say its very appreciated and you calm me down and now it's print print print.

Letter of intent and letter of hardship...i didn't think they are important...my case we didn't submit any lease or whatever, or anything that have to do with account mingling...since you are not leaving together though married...USCIS understand those areas...but try to get to letters notarized...what helped my case was that my wife mom....sworn an affidavit that mentioned that our relationship was unconditional and she had watched the relationship grew for 2 years...such letters are moving...i may send a copy of that letter because it is touching and if you can get both parents to sworn an affidavit about your relationship...you have a great bonafide relationship...wish ya the best

Cool would love to read it. A friend who is in the same boat suggested a letter from mum in law that she approves the age difference and swears this is real and how she came around from disapproval to accepting and loving our union.

Now you are the only one who has said get affidavits notarized. I have 4 ready to sign. You really think that's necessary?

And really the letters are just our letters of telling how we meet, how we evolved in the relationship and what we mean to each other. Pretty moving stuff.

thank you, any samples would be great.

I am just getting my I130 packet together now also. And founf the below things useful. See whatelse you can use.

But unfortunately in this day and age with cell phones there's no records to get unless I guess you get a court order to pull them. I used phone cards to call so no record. Except for using my Western Union calling card where they keep a log and all I do is sign into my account and pull the record. That and my Pennywise calling card actually keeps your phone records.

Here's a list of what I have been told on other threads and posting.

• Include phone records, chat messages, email, snail mail etc.
  
• Be careful of the emails/letters that you submit, and only use those that show you guys in the best light (Do not submit documents with the information blacked out (unless it is a social security number).
  
• Anything that shows you are a normal loving couple, that you discuss the things that most couples discuss (i.e. work, family, future plans, etc.) is good to submit. If you've been corresponding with his family, and they've been corresponding with other members of your family, submit this as well. You want to show depth and real family ties.
  
• You have to go into this thinking that they think your marriage is a fraud, unless you prove them otherwise.
  
• If you can get a letter from his family stating that they are aware of the age difference and give their approval this will be a big help as well.
  
• Financial support: If money is being sent keep track of it - be it western union, paypal world debit, credit card with the spouses name on it (you do not need a social security card to add a spouse to your credit card and get them a card).
  
• Ongoing Communication - Talking on the internet every day? Make sure you are logging it.. Telephone bills, etc..
  
• Personal Meetings - Make sure these are documented, photos, passport stamps, hotel bills, etc.
  
• I would organize your information with a timeline of your relationships and then bullet those three items..
  
• Page one is a cover sheet describing the relationship and the evidence, then the timeline of the relationship, then the evidence as laid out in the cover sheet.
  
• Each piece of evidence I have also explains what it covers with a small header.. For example I organize internet chats by month –
  
• I only show the log that shows that we talked/chatted each day (a screenshot) and above have one paragraph explaining why we talked more or less that month and general things we talked about (ie: we did not talk June 24-28th because her internet was down, the heavy usage days the first week were because we were planning my upcoming trip, the heavy Wed and Fri days are because we go over new English word from her class, etc)...
  
• If you do it month to month the time it takes is not great and shows an ongoing relationship evolving over time..
  

and this is another list from a lawyer;

What documents are necessary to determine a bona fide marriage?

1.Photographs that show both spouses together and with family and friends. These photographs can be taken at the wedding, at other functions or events, and throughout their relationship.

2.Letters between the couple before the marriage, with their postmarked envelope.

3.Evidence of trips the couple has taken together, including bills and receipts reflecting hotel stays, car rental, plane tickets, postcards sent to family members while on the trip.

4.Birth certificates of children of the marriage.

5.Copies of joint income tax returns.

6.Evidence of joint checking or savings accounts.

7.Photo ID cards of both spouses with a new card for the wife showing her married name.

8.Driver's licenses, credit cards, check cashing cards, employment ID cards, video club memberships, etc. for both parties.

9.Real property deeds showing joint tenancy.

10.Apartment lease or a letter from the landlord indicating that both spouses live at the apartment or copies of rent receipts showing both parties' names.

11.Letter from an employer showing a change in records to reflect the spouses' new marital status.

12.Letter from an employer showing designation of the spouse as the person to be notified in event of accident, sickness, or other emergency.

13.Evidence of life insurance policies where the spouse is named as beneficiary.

14.Evidence of medical or health insurance plans, which name the spouse as a member or beneficiary.

15.Evidence of correspondence between parties, including letters, birthday and holiday cards, telephone calls, and other correspondence addressed to the parties.

16.Religious marriage certificates if the couple had a church wedding.

17.Copies of gas, electric, telephone and other utility bills.

18.Evidence of joint ownership of an automobile.

19.Evidence of all major purchases made together, such as stereo, television, refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.

20.Pictures of spouse and family.

This list above some things like name change I wouldn't have thought of as evidence to present but makes sense that you are moving forward and this is real. Bottom Line is it's about proving to them that his is love a real marriage. Most of us living apart from our spouses have the disadvantage. It's hard to show love and content with just pics and documentation.

It also is all about your country and the embassy. Us going to Lagos, Nigeria the fraud rate is high and they are very suspicious already. So with me and my husband me being older and we meet online we really have to show evidence. But I am with him now in Nigeria been here since March 18th and we got married. But still being here showing evidence well we are happy. Anyway hope this all helps.

I don't think you need to print all your emails and chat sessions.. I try for one page per type of communication per month (so say one for chat, one for emails, one for phone, etc).

For example my chat sessions for April:

Yep thats what I been doing since I posted this. I have a folder in my hotmail with all his email, Facebook email from the first Hi to when I arrived. Oh Lord if I printed all these emails they would come slap me. I never realized how much we talked each day wow. The chats will be massie. but I figure they see the title/subject the date that's enough.

I'll highlight the "this is out=r first I love uo", "here's where we got in engage".

Okay feel much better now. Thanks everyone for your insight and help. Anything else comes to your mind just holla let me know.

You need a social security number for *your* card.. Once you have one you can add authorized chargers to the card.. There are two different choices when you are adding another person - one uses a social security number (good for building credit) the other does not. You simply add his name to your account, they send you a card with his name on it, and he can charge to your account.

This works for credit cards only... If you need a debit card without a social security number you can get one through PayPal - assuming you have an account. This is what I use for transferring funds to my wife - it works on most ATMs and is much cheaper than Western Union and she doesn't have to make a special request to get money and I don't have to fill out the stupid forms and see how much they are charging me.. Everybody is happy.

I do have a Paypal account with the card also. Thats a good idea once I leave here to use that cuz Western Union is a hassle. Good to know thanks

Go to your credit card company's web site, and it will take about one minute to get him a card--no muss, no fuss, and NO SS# !!

That's what I'm asking. I ave been to many credit card websites and have not found one that you can apply without a ss#. so if you know of a card where one isn't needed please let e know.

Hey there.. The pics are good, the affidavits are good.. The letters of intent/hardship should be trashed.

I would concentrate your evidence on three things:

Financial support: If money is being sent keep track of it - be it western union, papyal world debit, credit card with he spouses name on it (you do not need a social security card to add a spouse to your credit card and get them a card).

Ongoing Communication - Talking on the internet every day? Make sure you are logging it.. Telephone bills, etc..

Personal Meetings - Make sure these are documented, photos, passport stamps, hotel bills, etc.

I would organize your information with a timeline of your relationships and then bullet those three items.. Page one is a cover sheet describing the relationship and the evidence, then the timeline of the relationship, then the evidence as laid out in the cover sheet.. Each piece of evidence I have also explains what it covers with a small header.. For example I organize internet chats by month - I only show the log that shows that we talked/chatted each day (a screenshot) and above have one paragraph explaining why we talked more or less that month and general things we talked about (ie: we did not talk June 24-28th because her internet was down, the heavy usage days the first week were because we were planning my upcoming trip, the heavy Wed and Fri days are because we go over new English word from her class, etc)... If you do it month to month the time it takes is not great and shows an ongoing relationship evolving over time..

WOW thank you so much that gives me a real clear good picture. Was wondering what to do with all that IM, email and stuff.

The letter of intent probably worded wrong got from someone who is filing a K1 but I told him I should not have to show internet since we married. I have written up the cover letter, and our separate letters of how we meet and what we mean to each other and why we should be together in America is all.

Wasn't sure what to do about the money sent receipts that's good to know I guess it does show support doesn't it.

Lastly where in the world can I get a credit card for him with no social security number that would be great. Show we are moving forward. Also should I draft up a letter for him mom to sign saying we live here with her and pay her rent. I have been here since March 3. He moved back home when we decided he needs to come to America to save on his rent so there wasn't two households to support.

Thanks for the info. So much printing. When is enough enough to print we emailed and IM'd daily for two years. we still do and we are together.

Sorry so many questions.

Getting my I130 packet together. This is what I got.

I-130 (Petition for spouse)

G325A His (Biography)

G325A-Mine (Biography)

G-1145 (Email notification permission)

Copy of Marriage certificate

Copy of my Birth certificate

Copy of my passport

Passport pics from both of us

Now here's to me where they try and get you, because they know most of us are not living in the same place as our spouse. And you have to show evidence of a Bona Fide marriage.Since adding to my bank accounts I can't do yet without social security number. We live currently with his Mom and aunt in Nigeria no lease to put our names.

I have so far come up with these few things. Can anyone going through this tell me what you submitted with no issues.

Pictures of wedding

pics of us together with friends and family

affidavits from 3 family members and a friend who know and seen us both

Letter of intent from him

Letter of hardship from me

My ticket to visit him

Tell me what else can I try and do besides that? Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks.

This is a trip to read....Ive sent gift to my friends there in 9ja even cell phones and all have gotten my gifts...funny that a simple card wouldnt make it thru. btw i send 1st class registered mail.

Yo are so right it is s trip. I too have sent cellphones, laptops, and other gifts no problem. But cards and letters wow. Now mine eventually got to their destination after about 6 to 8 months. But coming to me nothing from 3 different people in 3 different cities in Nigeria.

Oh well.

Good idea. Yes mail, packages are gone threw like crazy. Well soon as I get home I will do that. Thanks

Thank you Zee Bee love the profile pic. And congratulations. yes these timelines are a big help. I love to get the big picture and have all the facts before I begin. But after talking to so many people from all over the earth (I swear I think I have talked to someone who has filed in every embassy on earth).

I can see that first get all your documentation together, get your payments in ASAP, stay on top of it get help when needed including congressional if need be, and pray and have faith all will be well.

Thanks though I think I have asked so many questions since I found VISAJOURNEY I am happy and content all is well and it will be fine. And yes I do wish I could file DCF.

Take care and thanks, Love happy endings, dwheels76

Hello dwheels!

Unfortunately I have no clue on filing while living in Nigeria. I'm sure somone on the site can help you! Anybody!!

No no. I am filing In US in two weeks. I was asking (here it is again.) Would like to hear folks timelines out there. Thanks

Have read alot and thank you for information. But I would like to hear from people who filed in the United States from start of I-130 to Interview ti approved. I have heard so many time,lines. But one thing I hear is US takes extra long and I should prepare for 10 to 12 months.

Why does it take so long? I am currently in Nigeria with my husband But I have to leave and won;t be able to come back for 6 months. I am not a permanent resident and do not qualify to file paperwork at embassy here which I hear goes very fast.

So anybody have timelines and even know why it takes so long for a US filing?

Also just wondering is it better to have all information sent to the US citizen and you send to spouse/fiance' or have the USCIS send directly to them? Nigerian mail is the worst at least postal service. We have letters and cards we sent to each other when we first dated that never have arrived. I had cards once that arrived 6 months later. So much for that proof. And Wondering how far in advance he should order his police records?

Sorry to butt in and add my question but since most here are dealing with Nigeria's and Nigerian things I thoughtI would inquire.

Have read alot and thank you for information. But I would like to hear from people who filed in the United States from start of I-130 to Interview ti approved. I have heard so many time,lines. But one thing I hear is US takes extra long and I should prepare for 10 to 12 months.

Why does it take so long? I am currently in Nigeria with my husband But I have to leave and won;t be able to come back for 6 months. I am not a permanent resident and do not qualify to file paperwork at embassy here which I hear goes very fast.

So anybody have timelines and even know why it takes so long for a US filing?

Also just wondering is it better to have all information sent to the US citizen and you send to spouse/fiance' or have the USCIS send directly to them? Nigerian mail is the worst at least postal service. We have letters and cards we sent to each other when we first dated that never have arrived. I had cards once that arrived 6 months later. So much for that proof. And Wondering how far in advance he should order his police records?

Yes I have followed the guides so helpful. Just had saw that I-169 and saw IV BIll and well just wanted to make sure about things. And thanks about the post for specifics on the site. Didn't know that. And the email thing thank you thank you. See learn something new.

I see so when its time for the DS-230 and AOS thats the IV Bill and such. I got the $325 off the I-169 Instructions for Immigrant Visa application.It's the checklist you send in with the DS-230 when you get all your required information and you send in to get your interview appointment. I assume that's part of the packet you get back form the NVC.

Is this an old form? There's so many out there now I just want to make sure. I guess once you send in your I-130 packet of stuff you just follow along what the USCIS and NVC send to you.

Also just wondering is it better to have all information sent to the US citizen and you send to spouse/fiance' or have the USCIS send directly to them? Nigerian mail is the worst at least postal service. We have letters ad cards we sent to each other when we first dated that never have arrived. I had cards once that arrived 6 months later. So much for that proof. (srry I digress . Thanks for the info. Sorry to be such a chatty Kathy but so thrilled to be with people who know the way and willing to help. I am so grateful.

Okay so it goes like this right.

IV Bill=$404

I-864=$88

So added to

DS-230=$325

I-130=$420

Yikes $1267, Not to mention the medical which I can only imagine how much with all those test, xrays and such. Biometrics shouldn't be too much. Wondering how far in advance he should order his police records. hmmmm.

So would you suggest a united front and we both go to interview? I am the American and I am the older woman. I feel me being there will dispel any preconceived opinions of a older woman younger man. Once they see us together they will see its real. However most couples 10 years married don't know the ancient history of their spouse.Lord How do I cram all those years in his head .

Well keep us posted on your progress. All the best.

Okay just trying to get all this so I know what to expect and prepare for fee's and all that.Okay you all seen the CR timeline list. I have seen some people's timeline when sending their I-130 they post check cashed.I know you have to file I-130 with the $420 fee correct?

Now what is the I-86 Bill and the IV Bill? I have gone over all the forms and on form DS-230 it has $325 fee. Is that the IV Bill they speak of? Just don't want to forget anything in my initial packet. So far I see $775 in fees from I-130 through interview is that right. Please advise thanks.

I-130 Sent :

I-130 NOA1 :

I-130 RFE :

I-130 RFE Sent :

I-130 Approved :

NVC Received :

Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :

Pay I-864 Bill

Receive I-864 Package :

Return Completed I-864 :

Return Completed DS-3032 :

Receive IV Bill :

Pay IV Bill :

Receive Instruction Package :

Case Completed at NVC :

NVC Left :

Consulate Received :

Packet 3 Received :

Packet 3 Sent :

Packet 4 Received :

Interview Date :

Interview Result :

Second Interview

(If Required):

Second Interview Result:

Visa Received :

US Entry :

what is the "list of 26"? I am getting ready to file I-130 in US I am the citizen he is Nigerian.

DCF is not an option. For Nigeria at least you have to be a permanent resident and have lived here 6 months from the start of the permanent resident status.

Well I am tenacious on things and pray things move faster. Seems things work faster for other countries so I pray I will get a fast moving clerk. that will gt things done.

But WOW 1 year? and not even an interview. More than likely I will be back to stay in a few months have to go back to states get some things done and get another VISA and wait and wait for the interview process. Thanks all for your input.

I don't see your age (8 years) an issue. I am the woman and the petitioner and I am 21 years older than my husband. We dated 21 months before marrying. Yes it was long distance online dating before we meet but we have much documented proofs and affidavits from friends and family to show this is real relationship. I am currently with him in his country and getting ready to start my filing process. We were just married May 3rd.

One thing I know is this interviewers are trained and know all the red flags of a "mail order bride/groom" marriage. I am not sweating it at all. Heck my husband is 1 year younger than my own daughter. But no worries. Stay tuned for good happy news as this journey of the immigration filing unfolds. Best to you and your wife.