Kiki ElSharif

Congratulations Kiki, I hope the move goes well and I'm sure you'll have a blissful time in USA

Thanks!! Congrats to you also!!

Congratulations kiki. That is awesome news.

i lived there too and glad i am home. i never really adapted to life there, i did enough to be "ok" but i always felt "out of my skin" there and glad i am home now.

Thank you!!! Yeah i havent totally adapted either ...just as much as i could too. It is good most of the time but there are those times u really wish you were in the US...I hope your husband has a safe flight and congrats on him and you being together!

Congratulations! and good luck in your life with your husband now it is your turn to hold him aas he was do because the places is changed now

Congratulations! again

Thanks so much Emad....i wish you the best also...good luck on your interview...you will do great!

Hello everyone,

I have been following everyone's interview reviews for a while now. My husband will have his interview soon so I like to read everyone's individual comments to see what type of things the interviewers asks for and how the process is being done. Also, if AP is usually given and its lenghts. Everyone thank you for keeping all of us updated. It looks like pretty much everyone gets approved! which is great:) Does anyone know how the most recent interview for Aly174 or A&A went?

We just recieved my husband's visa...i wrote in my timeline and also a description of how the interview went...hope it helps. Congrats on the upcoming interview...good luck and god bless!

Congrats Kiki and thank you for the timeline.

Enjoy the rest of your time in Egypt and God Bless the rest of your lives in USA!

Thanks so much...and hope all goes well for you also

Hey all VJ members!! Well i wanted to share our experince and also tell you guys how thankful we are for this site! It has helped us so much with any questions we ever had during our journey and i'm sure it will in the future also.

I have been living here in Cairo with my husband for over a year now. We were married last year in December and we were some of the lucky ones that got to go the DCF route. Our visa interview was Oct 30th. I wrote a review and our experience under my timeline in case you wanna check that out...hope it is helpful. We were approved at the interview and we were told we should have our visa in a few weeks...which i think they tell everyone pretty much. Since we're from a MENA country my husband was placed in AP i am assuming. We recieved his passport back on Sat...on the visa it says it was issued on Nov 22nd...We are feeling so blessed and happy right now!!! :dance: :dance:

I just wanna say to everybody going through this journey that yeah it is stressful at times and you feel like you've been waiting forever. I felt that too...i have been living in this foriegn country for over a year...missing my family and really missing the US. It is hard at times to live in a country where everything is completely different from what you are used to. But i adapted as much as i could because i knew i was doing this for our life...for us to be together. There are so many things i dislike about this country but also so many things i do like. My husband and i have had so many wonderful times here...and it feels bittersweet to leave. I will miss my family here more than anything...but we know we will be back again soon

So to you who are going through these same things...dont ever give up or lose hope. It will always work out in the end...the way things are meant to be. I pray for everyone who is away from their loved one and hope you will be back together soon. I cant imagine how i would've handled all of this if i hadn't been here living with my husband...you are all strong people and deserve the very best!!

Nice work.Thanks for bringing all this information in one place.I hope people save this or print it.Thanks again.

You're very welcome....somebody once shared it with me so i had to do the same Hope it helps

Posted 26 October 2011 - 02:15 PM

Know your spouse like back of hand!

A. About Beneficiary’s Spouse1. Name/Date of birth/Place of birth. Spell your spouse's name.

2. Immigration status in the US? (Citizen or Permanent Resident) Where did your spouse first live in the US? When and where was his or her naturalization?

3. Where does your spouse live in the US? How long has s/he been at the current address?

4. Contact numbers/ E-mail address?

5. Was your spouse married before? Children?

6. Has your spouse ever been convicted or have a criminal record?

7. Do you know your spouse’s friends?

8. What are your spouse’s hobbies?

9. What does your spouse like/dislike? Foods/movies/books/music/activities/etc.

10. What does your spouse own?

B. Your Relationship/Wedding/Marriage 1. How long have you known each other?

2. Where and how did you meet? Was anyone else around?

3. What did you do on your first meeting? What did you first notice about your future spouse? Do you remember what either of you were wearing?

4. What language do the two of you converse in?

5. When did the relationship turn romantic?

6. Did your spouse meet any of your relatives? If not, why not? Did you meet any of your spouse’s relatives? If not, why not?

7. How much time did you spend together before you decided to get married? Why did you decide to get married? Who proposed to whom? How did the topic come up? Why did you decide to have a long/short engagement? What do your parents/friends think of your decision to marry this person? What do your spouse’s parents/friends think?

8. When and where was your wedding ? Do you have any photos of the ceremony and/or reception? Who from the US came to attend your marriage? (Why did others not come here to attend the marriage?) How many people were at your wedding? Did you have a reception? Describe.

9. Did you go for a honeymoon? If so, when and where?

10. How has your relationship been since you got married?

11. Why do you want to come to the US? What do you like and dislike about moving there?

12. What do you think the biggest problems will be, and have you thought about how you will deal with them?

13. Do you think that your relationship will work?

14. Do you trust your spouse?

15. Did he visit your spouse visit they went back to US?

C. Employment/Education 1. If your spouse is working: What does your spouse do for living?

2. Where does she work?

3. Employer name & location

4. What are his/her job duties/job title?

5. How much does s/he make per hour/annual salary?

6. What is your spouse’s work schedule?

2. Describe your spouse’s education history

D. Spouse’s Living Situation 1. Who does your spouse live with?

2. What kind of place it is? (apartment, condo, house, etc.)

3. How much rent/mortgage?

4. Have you been to where your spouse lives?

E. Finances – show copies of everything 1. Did you file a joint tax return this year? Do you have an International Tax ID number?

2. What is your spouse’s bank in the US? What are the accounts there?

3. Do you share any accounts? Why or why not?

4. Do you own any property together?

5. Do you have an insurance policy listing your spouse as the beneficiary? Does your spouse have insurance policy where you are the beneficiary?

F. Spouse’s relatives

1. Father’s name and where he lives? Where does he work?

2. Mother’s Name and where she lives? Where does she work?

3. Were they born in the US? Where?

4. What is your spouse's mom's parents' [maternal grandparents'] names and information?

5. What is your spouse's Dad's parents' [paternal grandparents'] names and information?

6. How many brother and sisters does your spouse have?

7. Names? Names of their spouses?

8. Names of their kids?

9. Where were they married?

10. Where do they live now?

11. How many maternal and paternal uncles and aunts does your spouse have?

A2. Questions about Beneficiary1. What do you do for a living in your home country?

2. Do you plan to work in the U.S and what position?

3. Have you ever been issued/denied a visa to the US?

4. Have you ever been in the US?

5. Were you married before this marriage?

6. Do you have any children?

7. Have you ever been convicted of any crime?

8. Describe your employment history

9. Describe your education history

10. Do you need a social security number (SSN) when you arrive in the US?

lol, that happens with all the airlines. i spotted a flight on delta for total 5700 pounds something and 2 days later same flight went up to 11,000 something.

i just found a flight through egyptair that goes direct to new york for 3938 pounds which is good but i heard some not good stories about them so i don't know i'm flying with them first time.

I've flown with Egyptair 2 times and both times were perfect.

Ok well we filed here DCF so i'm not sure about your process if your wife filed from the US but from what i read on here on other peoples topics is try to have the most evidence you can get...like chats, pics, her trips here, etc. I have lived here in Cairo for the past year so all i had was just trips and our vacations we took here to Hurghada and Sharm. And, we printed out like 50 pics...lots with me with his family. My husband and i also live with his family. So, what i would do if i were you i would type out a statement saying that your wife lived with you at your family's home have your mom and dad sign it and get it translated at the Ministry of Justice...it is cheap. That is where we had our marriage paper translated. Also do that with the affidavits of your friends for the ones who cannot write in English. I wouldn't worry about the bank account...i never joined on my husband's account. If you have old statements you could include them though and just state the reason why you closed them. We dont even use one here because of all the fees they charge. Just try to have as much evidence as you can. Hope any of this helps you and good luck

Hey guys ,

I'm gathering all the documents needed for applying for IR-1 visa and since i was denied so my case is a little special now and i have 4 Things to ask about .

1- I need to have a proof of residence for everytime my wife was here , I have proof for the first 2 times , The third time she was in my family house , So since they want everything in English , Should i type a letter like the affidavit stating that she was staying here and make my family sign it or what do i need to do exactly ?

2- Should the affidavits from my friends and family be written in English and if one of them doesn't write in English , Can i just type it and print it out then make him sign or how should the affidavit be like exactly because i don't want to make the same mistake like last time .

3- We had a joint account and the bank was making us paying fees when we weren't really using it because the money that comes goes for something as usual so the account was closed and we don't have a joint bank account now , would this be a problem ?

4- MUST i mention dates in the covering letter or mention everything date or its not necessary because my wife old hard drive is screwed and we can't get the chat logs and the other proof from there so it would be better if we just don't mention it ...what do you think ?

Every post will be read well and appreciated ..Thanks in Advance VJ

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Can you tell me whay you were denied the first time and about your case? I'm new here so i'm not fimiliar with it...to help me understand more.

Thanks

I had my daughter listed as a dependent on last years tax return because she lived with me up until July and then moved out. Are they gonna consider her as a dependent when I give a copy of this on my affidavit of support and add her to my list of dependents that I use to determine how much I need to earn based on the 125% Poverty Line?

She no longer lives with me and supports herself now!

You have to list all dependents under the age of 21 that you are responsible for legally...hope that helps with your question

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows of where you can get cheaper flights out of Cairo back to the US...i have been looking online and they're pretty expensive right now. I guess maybe cuz it being last minute..so if anyone knows what websites to check or any agencies here in Cairo i would greatly appreciate it Thanks!!!!

Because they are interviewing at a consulate in a MENA country so it is a heck of a lot different than interviewing in Australia. You really know off the top of your head what you both were wearing the first time you met? Congratulations on your photographic memory but everyone doesn't have that. Oh and by the way they aren't just looking for you to know the answers, but your demeanor and confidence while you are answering. That is why you go over potential questions and scenarios. The interview is a life changing event. There is no reason to not do everything possible to make sure you are successful.

Thanks Casprd You are exactly right!!!!

Thanks a lot. That is really helpful. Another question if you don't mind. Did your husband get the medical examination done before sending the package or after getting the interview letter? The reason I'm asking is the 6 month limitation on the TB test. I'm wondering if I could send the package without the TB and have it with me on the interview day. Thanks again.

You're welcome My husband called for the medical appointment the day he got the letter saying the interview date.The medical exam has to be done within 3 weeks of the interview date. When he called they said he could go in the next day...we were there at 9:30...they say come between 9 and 9:30..there was already some people there so you should be there around that time...he had his physical and they took his blood and he just needed 1 shot. Then they give you a number to call for the xray. He went the next day. They send the xray back to the hospital and he was able to pick it up 2 days later. Thats when they give you the medical report in a sealed envelope which u can not open and you bring that to the embassy with you on the interview date. Hope that helps...let me know if you have any other questions and good luck on your process

I had a similar situation when my husband interviewed- I'd been living with him in Morocco for 6 months at that point. Photos and my passport stamps were enough to prove that. I'm sure you'll be fine Good luck!

Thank You bigdog and squeaky580!!! I am feeling much better and more confident now

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck on your interview and thank you!!

I just got a kick out of answering the questions on the list for my hubby and gave myself a good laugh...

Fave food...mashy

Hobby....traveling, and drinking much coffee...boingggggggggg

LOL...we have some things in common with the traveling, Mahshy and coffee...my husband answers the question about what i like to do he says...she likes going to Starbucks! lol...

Hi Kiki. Good luck on your interview!

What is the date of your interview so I can pray for you? And I can put you on the Cairo interview wait list so others can see how long it takes everyone. Also can you edit your timeline in the profile?

Since you filed in May it must be in November...all of us Egypt folks are well aware of the 6 month wait. lol

Good luck again but I am sure you will do fine.

Hi...yes i will update my profile and timeline soon...i dont wanna do it though until we have done the interview..which is very soon. I didn't apply in in May..i called for the appointment to file the I-130 then...i filed the I-130 in Sept and the appointment is very close. Also i filed DCF...and from my filing of the I-130 it has only been not even 2 months Thanks for replying to my questions!!

If your relationship is legit then why would you have to "study" all of the below things? i can tell you all these things off the top of my head just because he's my husband!

Thank You Om&Abo Malik!! You have made me feel alot better I also did my husband's packet as it would've been a diaster also lol Thanks for sharing your experience with me...i am prayiny and keeping the faith! I am happy for you and your husband and how all is working out for you...hope he will get his visa soon and you can return all together soon!!

Amanda and Josh...i don't believe i ever said i was studying the questions...i said that i quized my husband just to see and of course he got them all right....we're as legit as you can get

Also we sent in tax transcripts.

Thanks for the info Om&Abo Malik!! Yeah we have pics with just us and also many with us and his family and even me alone with his family members. We dont have anything like a joint lease cuz we live with his parents.When we went in Sept to file the I-130 the lady asked us if we had any pics and i said yeah but not with us. I didnt know we needed them and she just said well make sure you bring them when he has his interview. The cosponsor was over like $4000 over the required amount on her most recent tax return and we sent in her tax transcript. Currently when she figured her income she came out only $400 some over the required amount...but hey it's over so it should be ok right? My husband and I are both trying to keep positive but sometimes worry...him more than me. I told him hey GOD did not have us meet and go through all we have been through for nothing. Everything we have done it has worked out thats why i try to remain positive. I just want this to be done..and get back to the US. You living here must know how it is and at times it is hard...and about the interview in Sept..that was for filing the I-130..i called in May and that was the soonest they had. Because i called in May is why i was still able to keep my appointment to file here. Thanks again for the reply and Congratulations on your husband's visa!!!!

I personally think you should be good to go...You personally there is way more proof that any chat logs and emails.. Good luck to you guys

Thank You Emad Desouky for posting all of the possible questions they may ask us. We have gone over them and quized each other many times and we actually know all the answers Thanks for your prayers and i will update after the interview...

J.G.I. ~ We were married in December so when our 6 months were up to file the I-130 it was May. When i called the soonest appointment they had was in the begining of Sept. I was able to still file here because i made the appointment before the Aug cutoff time. So i filed the beg of Sept and we got our package 8 days later...we returned it 18 days later..and we recieved our letter for the interview 6 days later...and actually we checked on the embassy's website and we found our case number and interview date 2 days before we got the letter lol...our interview was scheduled 22 days after we recieved the letter It seems to me things are moving along here in Cairo. I wish you luck in getting your case done quickly also! And, yeah we were thinking that me being here and living with his family for the past year and me being here at the interview were huge...especially during the revolution when alot of people left. So, i guess we will just bring pics and our vacation reciepts. Thanks for replying and Good Luck and God Bless to you and your family!!

Ayomide1 ~ Thanks for answering and wishing us luck!!

Hi VJ's,

I have a few questions and am hoping someone has the answers to them. I filed the I-130 for my husband in Sept at the embassy here in Cairo and it was approved the same day. Everything is complete and we have his interview very soon. I read alot of posts on here where everyone is talking about all of the evidence to bring such as chat logs, emails, phone records, etc. Well, i have been living here in Cairo for the past year so we dont even have that. All of the old ones from before are gone...we no longer have those email addresses and Facebooks, etc. What we do have is pictures from my first visit which i stayed for 2 months. I went back to the US and when i came the 2nd time is when we got married so i have alot of pics from the past year. I dont have pics from our wedding as we were married in a cival ceremony at the Ministry of Justice and anyone else who lives here and was married there...yeah you know what its like We were planning on our honeymoon then the revolution happened...so we went on ours in March...April and July...yeah we had 3 And, of course i included those pics to bring. So i have pics..including his family members since we live with his parents, both of my plane tickets,and our trip reciepts. Should that be enough? We're not worried about the questions because we truely know everything about each other. So, the other thing i am wondering is that my cousin is the cosponsor. She made over the reqired amount on her most recent tax return. Right now her current income is just over the required amount...will that be ok? What do the look at the tax return or the current..or both? And, does the embassy look at the papers we submitted before they gave us the interview date or do they do it on the day of the interview? I am just kinda worried cuz at the begining of the year the cosponsor was making less money because of less hours worked but then the hours went up in the summer to 40 hrs....Thanks in advance for your answers

Thanks for the website and info...do you remember how much that place charged to translate? We had our marriage paper translated at the Ministry of Justice here...can they do the other papers too? it was really cheap lol...

Ok thanks guys!