Well I am glad you asked...hahaha My husband did not want to come here. He wanted me to live with him there. He has been here for years now and I feel guilty keeping him away from his family and home. He really has no one here. Just me. Getting here was hard. Long and unknown process....but made us appreciate the visa that allowed him to come here, more. Adjusting to life here had its stumbling blocks. There is getting a drivers lic. finding a job. growing and finding a better job. And finding an even better job. Adjusting to the different attitudes people have here. He was always crushed by  clients/customers mean ways...and I had to always tell him not to take it so personal. People around here are rougher and it is just work. Being here without his friends  or common company is the hardest part for him. And Nothing I can do to replace this. We bought Tajines.. Fresh mint for his teas. He learnt to bake his own bread. He makes the best cous cous by now. Where he never cooked back home. Staying in touch with his friends via internet is just not the same as going out on the boat and fishing with them for the day, or playing bochi ball into the night. Or sitting and grabbing a coffee. But he still stays.  and we work our way through it...But I am telling ya, soon I will be posting from Morocco and posting pics too. We lived by the sea.

I had not anticipated the "empty" I cannot fulfill for him.  He has been back a few times. But by the 2 week mark like with vacations he is ready to return home

....so maybe more visits is the answer? I D K.

We ladies went through so much together on here....what is happening with everyone? Some of whom I stayed in touch with are divorced...not naming names. And myself we have had our ups and downs like every married couple. Still..... worth working on to stay together . My husband has grown so much living here in the US. I too have seen many things through his eyes....that I would not have noticed if it weren't for his perspective.

One thing that has been a sore spot for him is that where we live there are not many Moroccans Ok one but he is 2 cities away. I noticed B I G communities in Virginia, Orlando and Boston but here in So Cal we are still searching. We even spoke of possibly relocating in the U.S. to be closer to other Moroccan brothers in these communities. But now I say if that is what will make him happy lets just go back to Maroc and enjoy the family and friends there. The life there is simpler and I miss hearing the Adhan 5 x a day.

Would enjoy to hear anyone's story of how things are going after the visa and life in the U.S. with your Moroccan husband. Or Jordanian, Or Egyptian.Or MENA.

Lorimedo

I would suggest for the USC to come here on VJ and study the past experiences others had with the K1 in MENA.

I have never roasted caterpillars

jenafid

you posted Saturday...I hope you have filed for a replacement card by now. Yes he needs his card even after the "citizenship interview"

If approved he will be instructed to still carry it around until the official citizenship swear in. I am assuming a receipt would be sufficient to show the interviewing officer.

I dont have an answer for your second question about travel but would not make a move until you call USCIS at

1800375283 and ask them.

In my husbands case...it took about 6 months from application to interview so dont make travel plans without keeping your pending interview date in mind. We book his travels back in June and a few days later...received his interview date which conflicted.

Good Luck

17 hours ago, Jenny D. said:

Kind of heartbreaking even to think about.  Would it help me to get an immigration attorney?

NO.

hi welcome to VJ. Make sure you take pics of your visits together. Great evidence. Save all the travel tickets for the planes, trains etc... I even submitted our grocery receipts since I lived there for a few months each visit.  We had a harder hill to climb than what you have wrote about your situation....many red flags. If you two are very sure about your relationship, why not get married there in Maroc? Its a wonderful experience and very festive compared to here. I loved the experience. If you're organized enough ahead of time with everything it only took us 2 weeks for all the paperwork and running around to complete. Good Luck with everything.

Coming from Morocco...one can have a "high school" diploma then ontop of that his Baccalaureate degree, Most likely your SO speaks a few languages too....... be prepared .... He still might find it hard in the beginning finding employment.

What we did is enroll in Commmunity College to improve his English (ended up he tested on the highest level ...So was it necessary?) Yes, Productively it  was for contacts, a daily schedule and easy paced opportunities for him to acclimate into life over here.

He would take the bus, learn the city on his commute. Meet wonderful educators and ended up with a great recommendation from one of his teachers which he placed on his resume. Having never work in the U.S. it gave a little substance on paper.

Still it was a struggle to get that first chance. Finally it was a landscaping company that gave him his first .job.

I have so much more found respect to how hard landscapers work.

Uggh. He would come home Spent. Dirty. Tired. Sore but very happy to finally work. They loved his dedication to the job and That lead to advancement to foreman with very good health insurance. Over the years,He learned Alot but physically it was too much. Then, he applied for a plumbers apprentice. They trained while you worked on the lowest rung of the ladder. Basically Snaking other peoples CLOGGED drains with heavy machines.  Again it was a hard, dirty job but he was training with other advanced plumbers and on some jobs  learning pipe welding, water heater installation etc...Basically doing his time while getting health ins and a paycheck.  The jobs were very dirty and very physical, But in the meantime he saved to by his first car, then traded in for a truck while building credit.

So I guess my point is, be patient in your search. Take opportunities that you get and make them work.

ALSO>>>>People have different ways in Morocco. My husband took a lot personally in the beginning where I would have just brushed it off because I grew up here. We had many evening conversations about "that's just how people are"....and "that's how people handle business here". "Dont let it get to you. Its just that way here.." Kinda a growing and hardening phase. I admit, I am pushy compared to his ways. But I always called it assertive

Now he has the best job so far. It is not Physically burdening, has nothing to do with Sh%T and he seems very content with goals of saving for his own business one day.

After the VISA journey is over your SO will have big adjustments and the next journey starts over here.....

Welcome to VJ.  Stick around the MENA forum and learn more. You did yourself well joining.

Good Luck with your relationship and please let us know how your journey continues.

I have never thought of going to CUBA until now.

Welcome to VJ

I would also add that it would beneficial for your fiancee to join us on here to gather as much info she can as a the USC filing.

I have never tweeted.

I play scrabble online daily. Addicted.

while on the subject...I have a question please.

Transcripts are the same as a copy of the tax return front page?

though I cant recall the people anywhere in Morocco being unfriendly towards me as a visitor...I can say I found Casablanca a little dirty as a city. But it might be an unfair comparison to my husbands hometown.

One incident was very unpleasant that could be termed "unfriendly" was at the police station and had to do with the mans EGO more than anything else.

Morocco has very nice and welcoming people.

Its their process that is "expectedly" different from ours.... that was the slow down for us.

On 2/27/2017 at 6:06 PM, Mostafa+Tracey said:

we got married in morocco in 2015 and it took about 2.5 weeks to complete. the reason why we went that route is because an immigration attorney convinced me that the Visa Center takes marriages more seriously than engagements. we did get married then applied for the K1, it only got denied because I didn't check a box on the form I sent which slowed down the process. when the I-130 is sent it automatically starts processing for a spouse visa. because i slowed down the K1 with my error, the 1-130 voided out the K1. It is possible to marry and start the paperwork for the K1. Just make sure you check it very thoroughly before you send out. If you make any mistake....it will cost you 6 months of time or longer to be away from your loved one..i went back to him to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  our long wait on NVC was also delayed because of the holiday season. november and december are slow months at NVC for getting work done at a reasonable time.

Hi Mostofa & Tracey

It seems like it still is a steady 2 1sh weeks to get married in Morocco, if all goes smoothly....which is how it was back when we did it.....BUT

For New Members to VJ your post might be more confusing than helpful....

You married then applied for k1?

Where is this Visa Center that takes marriages more seriously? The Consulate? CASA?

BTW profile states you filed for the K3.

Just making things little clear for Newer members seeking correct info.

We made it in 2 weeks. Had everything prepared.

This is where Adil And Jeanne can help you if they see your post.

2 hours ago, SaRy said:

Also, regarding your questions about the reasons leading to the AP, I think the interview questions you mentioned in your other thread might have some answers. Just make sure that your fiancé tries to recall everything that was said during the interview, either by him or by the officer. This might be useful for your case in the future.

You're very correct.....It is very useful for OP to know these things. 

On 2/12/2017 at 7:32 AM, adil-rafa said:

just go and marry, more than likely they did not think the relationship was real, so marry and prove it is

good luck

you need about a month to do all the paperwork and interviews to marry in morocco / if you need the process, write to me personal

i can send the instructions on what documents you need to take and what to do

BTW I went up to embassy window when  my husband came out and asked to talk to someone as other embassies allow

the man said out case had already been sent back / this was about 10 minutes after the interview and denial

some at embassy don't exactly tell the truth

you have to fight for a visa approval in morocco /we did / we are now together in US and married 7 years

We are very aware of your long struggle in finally obtaining your spousal visa and AGAIN congratulations... but You should not tell OP to just go and get married to prove their relationship is real.

AS far as they have posted here...it looks like they are in AP.

23 hours ago, Ebunoluwa said:

In Morocco they do not check the 221 paper saying why denied

and check out this case

And yes CASA did hand out 221g WIth a reason checked at least when I filed that was their practice.

*****SORRY EBUNOLUWA **** It was Adil/Jeanne That I was quoting.

There is too much incorrect misleading opinions that are coming forth and unfortunately people whom are still awaiting for approval might believe ANYTHING.

OP So yes you did not receive the actual 221g where they mark what is next for your case.

Again talk with your fiance and find out in details what was said so you can somehow figure out what is it that the CO did not believe was correct in your case to move along.....if/when you might have to file the spousal visa for your future.

Enjoy the upcoming visit with your SO.

Agree....Morocco. Very friendly colorful country. Has Mountains with snow, deserts and Alot of beautiful Coastline!!! The Train system is good and can take you through many of the cities that are a must see.

Casablanca, Marrakesh, Rabat ...

Twenty something minute Ferry to Spain from the North of Maroc.

OP, on your other post..... You were asked what the 221g said. What was marked on your other post regarding your situation.

You were also given good, sound advice of what to do by a few people, including people that have been in your situation at one time in CASA.

Why dont you find out what was marked on your white 221g paper? This way people on VJ can try to help you with more detail.

2 hours ago, adil-rafa said:

Documents needed:

criminal background check (mine was from county clerk office)

birth certificate IRS transcript showing income or letter from employer with income and dates of employment or W 2's showing income any former marriage need divorce papers or death notice of former spouse

birth certificates of children

passport

other photo ID

medical exam will be done in Morocco

1 after geftting the paper from US emabassy , take it to Rabat to Office of Foreign Minister

2 back to his home town for m6edical exam 

3 all documents must be translated into Arabic (6 copies) plus 6 of his ( he needs paper to say he is muslim)

4 interview with police

5 take all to judge for interview for marriage license (when he asked if you slept together, please say no)

6 wait for approval of marriage license 

7 marriage in family court at clerk office where you will be asked how much dowery man is giving the woman

good luck

all will be ok

incha allah

Jeanne

 

Number 5? What are you saying? They dont ask this

and...... how could you advise what to say for OP???

On 2/3/2017 at 7:26 AM, EandH0904 said:

My fiancé has his interview this morning in Casablanca and was out in AP. They did not want to see any information, the interview lasted about 5 minutes and was mostly focused on why we didn't get married in Morocco, why he was looking for a girl online (he wasn't, we met on a website for language instruction) and why he would want to marry a woman 17 years older than him, they said it wasn't "normal" for a man in Morocco to marry a woman so much older. 

 

Is there a way we can appeal this AP as soon as possible? I will be in Morocco the 11th-20th and would want to go to the Embassy with him if possible. My concern is if we let the case come to the US it will sit indefinitely and die here. I know it's not a no but it feels like one. They did not keep his passport and he said the guy kept asking questions and did not let him answer them. 

 

What is our next step? Can I do anything in country? Please give me hope! 

 

Did he receive a 221g  paper? If so what was marked?

I know you are very emotional with this news but you must keep your head.

When you go to Maroc you can go up to the window at the Embassy and wait in line on the street. But they do not let you in to plead your case. So this idea might be a waste of your time.

Like all have advised no Appeals for AP...

I am not familiar with your story, but the facts are you stated you are 17 years older then your fiance, and did meet online. Just those two are solid Red Flags for CASA.

How long did you know each other? How long did you spend together and how soon after did you file? How did he answer his questions? Was he overtly nervous? Do  you share religious beliefs? Many other things could have added to their suspicion that he is just looking for an American Wife.

If it was me (and guess what? it was once)...I would really talk with the fiance and HEAR what went on in the interview in as much detail he can give now that the shock is over, find out if there was a 221g

And...... Take the time on this trip to be with him MORE. Face to Face. Enjoy his family. Go places together in this beautiful Country. Keep your documents and take great pics with everyone. Its for your benefit to know his intentions better too.

You might have to abandon this K1

and pursue the Spousal Visa. If it is love and meant to be...this is what we do to be together.

in case there is doubt....we were all teed off when the lady named fatima joined in and posted...

in VJ search type in

Geez Louise