Super Uber

On 5/13/2019 at 11:06 AM, db2016 said:

Hi all,

 

My husband had his CR-1 interview in March, which I attended with him. He was approved the day of and was told/given a paper stating he would receive his visa in 2 weeks. It has now been almost 2 months with no visa, passport is with the US embassy as it was taken the day of. Also, the status on CEAC never changed. It remained "Ready" even after the interview, until yesterday when it turned to AP. This is the first time the status changed, the dates have changed and there has been some movement, but the status has remained the same as "Ready".

 

Does anyone know what this means? Is it possible his visa will go to issued soon? or did they just remember to change the status?

Hey,

It has been a couple of days since you posted this, has he received the visa yet?

44 minutes ago, Ayman taha said:

!!!!!!!!! 

So what now? You will just reapply? Was not there another workaround? Like not telling them or something and just travel and marry a civil marriage there in the states?!

well thank you, maybe we should just set the new limit of AP to two years

Our marriage is already registered in Egypt. We did that a few months ago.

It surely is a crime under U.S. laws called material misrepresentation, and jail and/or paying fines is the punishment.

Also, any paperwork resulting from me immigrating can be taken away - i.e: greencard or citizenship - and the punishment can be even more severe.

ما بني على باطل فهو باطل

The delay was their fault not ours, so we didn't care about their negligence and moved on with our lives.

Alhamdullilah for everything.

Hey everyone,

Congrats ya @Ayman taha.

I've also been called to send in my passport and other documents and get my visa. I responded with withdrawing the case because we're married after their over 2 years of Administrative Processing.

Ridiculous, I know!

But technically I got my visa, yay!

Thanks for your support everyone.

24 minutes ago, Chels2401 said:

Hello all,

I'm writing for some advice because I am in k1 visa process and our packet has arrived at the embassy in Cairo.  I've been following this thread trying to find out exactly what to expect from Egypt since it appears more difficult than other countries. I am so scared hearing about the engagement parties because we had one and we had sent pictures in with our i129f. We had used an immigration lawyer and he thought it was great in proving the legitimatcy of our relationship. I wasn't wearing a dress or anything too fancy but he had relatives come over and I got to meet a lot of people and we have pictures with rings.  Now I feel like this is going to be a red flag, but I don't know what we can do at this point. Any advice?

Hey Chels,

Red flags are things that don't right in case "facts". I think having relatives and showing rings and all that stuff is a big plus and shows that your relationship is in the open and serious. I hardly think it'll be anything near a red flag.

Another big plus is being present together at the interview, nothing less nothing more.

3 minutes ago, Khallaf said:

it has been known to happen since the visa says CR1 that some at point of entry says that is how they have to label it, we will make sure when his green card arrives that it is for 10 year if not we just have to send in the form to get it fixed.

 

I just can't go through ROC its taking almost 2 years it seems lately.

It'll all make sense soon enough, and your patience will, in shaa Allah, be rewarded.

39 minutes ago, Khallaf said:

https://www.***removed***/immigrant-visa/steps-after-immigrant-visa-interview.html

 

 

look where it says marriage based green cards.

 

"make sure to point to the immigration officer at the port of entry so that he/she stamps your passport for permanent, not conditional, residence."

Very good information, I hope it's still valid. Thank you.

1 minute ago, Khallaf said:

I know his visa was issued under CR1, but it all depends on when the entry stamp is also for the USA, if he enters after our 2 year he will get a 10 year green card and not have to deal with ROC.

The link below says it depends on the type of visa issued, I saw nothing regarding the date of entry. Can you tell me how do you know this for sure?

http://www.visajourney.com/cr1-ir1-spousal-visa/

15 hours ago, Khallaf said:

My husbands medical was in Aug, when his visa was issued it had an expiration date 6 months from the date of his medical. we got married Jan 31, 2017 so if he comes into USA 2 years after he will get an 10 year green card so even though we applied for CR1 visa it all depends on the time he arrives in USA if he gets a 10 year green card. if his visa were to expire before our 2 year and he was forced into USA before he would only hold a 2 year conditional green card and we would have to pay ROC removing of conditions so he could get the 10 year green card. His visa does not expire until Feb 7, 2019....so he will enter into USA on Feb 1st 2019 this will give him a 10 year green card and then after being in USA for 3 years we can file for his citizenship.

 

All visas have an expiration date of 6 months from the date of the medical, if the visa is issued after 5 months of the medical that would explain a 1 month until expiration date.

Interesting points, but if the visa is issued already, then I think it won't matter when you enter the U.S. because of the fact that the visa was issued under CR1 category, right? Have you looked at the category printed on your visa? I think it's under "IV Category" label, to the right.

21 hours ago, Khallaf said:

my husband will not be coming into USA until after our 2 year anniversary so we don't have to deal with ROC, this process was bad enough

Can you clarify? I know that a visa issued in the IR1 category has an expiration of 1 month; that is, you must travel to the U.S within one month of its issuance. I'm not sure about CR1, but I think that's your case's category, so what's the validity of the visa here?

Also, what is an ROC?

2 minutes ago, Ayman taha said:

Yeah 22 months

thank you

again I pray for all of us ... all the time

Now that I'm thinking about it, I think it's more like 24 months for me.

In shaa Allah khair!

59 minutes ago, Ayman taha said:

Hello everyone and salam

as some of you may know, I am married to an American citizen, applied in Feb. 2016 and it was smooth until I got my interview scheduled in Jan. 2017 then I have been on AP since then

I got a call from the embassy about a month and a half ago asking me to send them new medical exam, new police certificate, my passport and resubmit the ds-260 online after they reopened it for me

i did that then once they received it they sent an email asking me to schedule an email, it was confusing because it was one of their molded emails like the thing u wud get from NVC so I emailed them and they said it is for retaking the oath (I guess it is since I resubmitted the ds-260) I scheduled it and attended last Sunday and the African American small cheerful man told me congratulations and that I will have my passport via aramex in two weeks after making me swear that the data is correct

got one update that day and another yesterday but nothing serious  

 i hope this gives you some hope  prayers for everyone including myself

hang on there

 

That is some good news, Ayman!

In shaa Allah, you'll get through this very soon. Looks like you have been on AP for a very long time, almost 2 years now.

6 hours ago, chasity017 said:

I thought maybe the problem in our case is that my husband is not an Egyptian citizen but has lived in Egypt since he was a boy through the UN. He was born in Iraq though. So this adds another layer to our case so maybe this is the reason it is taking so long but I do not know 

Oh btw, believe it or don't, if your husband was still in/applied from Iraq he would have been in the U.S. by now.

Based on several trusted sources, and anecdotal reports, the approval rate in the U.S. embassy in Iraq is high, and their backlogs are the lowest. And that's Iraq we're talking about, which is supposed to be a warzone of sorts.

And the in Egypt and Jordan, where peace mostly dominates, is one of the lowest approval rates ... Go figure

17 minutes ago, chasity017 said:

 So if the cases are already decided before he interview as you said then my question is what is taking them so long to either approve or deny your case?

It's true, I wasn't approved, nor denied. My case has been in AP for almost 2 years now.

However, there are many factors that contribute to the decision making process, consider the following:

-The Embassy is totally understaffed and this was reported times and times again, so that slows down the processing of applications.

-The interview is not the decision making factor, but paper work is: relationship evidence (of photos and communication), background checks, and possibilities of fraud (implied by the existence of red flags in the case).

-This makes the interview a mere formality in which they can collect information from you to build a "case" against you on file, and support whatever decision they've already made (to make it look good on paper, legally speaking).

-In cases where a decision cannot be made to approve or deny (the officer is hesitant for whatever reason), the case goes to another officer for additional review, adding to the already huge backlog for that officer, and the especially massive backlog, if it's a senior officer.

-They're (or were) required to process 20% or less of backlog cases each year. REMEMBER: backlog cases have the lowest priority.

-Given the current immigration-related political issues involved in decision making, and the possibility that there were changes in back scenes, that we are not aware of, it is most likely that immigration backlogs will triple (or more) in size, which causes it to go even slower than ever.

A simple search for recent news about family immigration approval rates, especially K1 visa, will tell you straight away that it has gone really really low, while a lot of people are suffering from this.

So, even though all my friends and a lot of other people have been approved, you and I are not alone in this at all. There are so many others like us that we just don't know about going through the same issues, unfortunately.

On 9/27/2018 at 6:34 PM, Batool said:

Did the co after the interview gave you paper with your rights in USA ??

I think everyone gets a flyer of sorts about "Domestic Violence" and your rights as a spouse in the U.S., BEFORE the interview. Or did you mean something else?

25 minutes ago, db2016 said:

do you guys recommend the US spouse attend the interview with the Egyptian spouse? Were there any benefits or cons to doing so vs. not doing so?

Of course, it has pros and cons.

Pros would be like the fact @Ayman taha mentioned, which is to show the seriousness of the relationship, especially if you've made several trips before. BUT know this, almost all cases are decided prior to their interview, they just make it official by trapping you somehow during the interview.

Hence, the cons of it. You can get cross-examined by the interviewer to verify your authenticity and genuineness.

In any case, if the trapping was intended, and your case was heading off a cliff, cross examination almost always occur, and you're most likely going to say something that, although said in good faith and honest, will get you in trouble.

Also, if you're only traveling to attend the interview and not to remain for a while with your spouse (say a little before the interview), you might be asked about "Why are you not getting married in Egypt?" or "Why are you not staying together in Egypt?", so be prepared for with clear cut answers that leave no room for interpretations. Also, you might be asked "Where are you staying together? Why not just live there since you can still stay together?". Questions along these lines can tell you where the direction of the interview is heading and what the interviewer really wants out of you.

However, if trapping is not intended, or the case is already going to be approved and they just want to pass the formality, expect this: you'll be asked general questions about the relationship, and sometimes they just talk directly to the U.S. spouse and tell them what they need to do (like if there're documents missing), without even looking at the Egyptian partner.

OK, so how do I know this and what makes it true? Experience. I've had several people attend interviews with all the good and bad stuff happening to them as I narrated.

Advice: attend the interview with your spouse, especially if you can afford it. At least, you will not regret not being there.

Also, don't let the interviewer ridicule you or talk down to you, if it happens. As a U.S citizen (or not), you sure have the right to ask for his supervisor (the chief counsel) and report him for his/her behavior. Do this regardless of the outcome of the case, and don't be afraid of retaliation against your case, because this will go on an official record, and they usually fear the U.S citizen suing them for it (for acting in bad faith against your case, in a case of conflict of interest, sorry some legal stuff here  ).

Hope this helps.

37 minutes ago, chasity017 said:

Yeah we haven’t had any updates either.

Nothing on my side either.

I had a friend who's case has been moved forward recently, after over 2 years of waiting. But that's a different story altogether.

Have you recently checked the news? trump wants to increase the poverty guidelines for immigrants, making it much harder for any, but mostly some, of us. Long story short, when you apply for anything immigration-wise and you need sponsorship, they'll be more inclined to approved the wealthier.

So, for those like me expecting to get on a K1 visa then apply for AOS later, this may come into play as a determining factor for the application.

It's only being discussed now, so let's hope it'll never come to pass.

12 minutes ago, db2016 said:

he is going to sign it and mail it to me to be on the safe side. I dont want to risk signing on his behalf.

 

With regards to the passport, I was told by another member that at the NVC stage we can update his passport. Anyone who went through the NVC stage of CR-1 know if there is an option to put new passport info?

Nothing is going to go wrong with the signature, I was just telling you the easy way to do it. I've seen countless people do it, and they're all fine. You can also have him sign it, scan it, then email it and you can just print it out. black ink is fine for signatures. Really, it's just that easy and simple.

That is unless you want to pay hefty costs for sending a couple of form documents.

I don't know about the NVC part of this, but you can look it up on the forums and see. But the information I gave is also correct and accurate.

2 hours ago, db2016 said:

Hi All,

 

It has been a while since i have been on here. I just received an RFE today regarding my husband's i-130a. We did submit this with the application. Everything was filled out correctly. The only thing I can think may be the issue is that he did not sign it, but the form does say if he lives outside of the US he does not need to sign. So not sure if I should have him sign it, send it to me and then send it to them again?

 

Also, i mistakenly included a copy of his old passport, should I include the new one when I send the RFE or not? They did not ask for it. But I was thinking of sending it as a precautionary measure.

 

Thanks so much!

Hi there,

I remember you, I think you withdrew your K1 and reapplying for I-130 right?

Anyway, if your spouse is not in the U.S, then sign it on his behalf, for all I care you can just write his name in place of signature, or even imitate it, as long as you have his/her consent.

Note: you should ALWAYS sign all documents sent.

Also, the RFE will tell you exactly what the issue is or what is needed. You didn't make that clear.

If the RFE just said "Form I-130a" or something like that, then it may have not been sent to begin with, or may have been lost. Just comply with the RFE, it's not a bad sign to have an RFE. Your case is just moving forward.

With regards to the old passport copy, send them the new passport copy and include a cover letter and highlight this exact issue, especially if both passport numbers are a mismatch .. and if it doesn't work, you can always bring it to the officer's attention during your interview, nothing is wrong with either cases, but better in the U.S. now, than later.

All case paperwork depend on the validity and correctness of your documents, especially a passport.

Additionally, I think they'd only tell you if the passport has a problem if it has expired, other than that they won't know anything until you tell them specifically what the issue is.

In shaa Allah Khair for both of you.

4 hours ago, mosha1972 said:

100% Truth here... Same boat 27 months in AP with his passport  held at Embassey only to be sent back to US for what  they say was because it stayed in AP for too long.  So now it requires them to reaffirm it.. looking at another 8 months at best... if we're lucky.. total nightmare!

Have you attempted to reapply and restart the process again? Sometimes this is the best route, especially when they say "Expired" or whatever.

I don't know what exactly happened with you, but if you can summarize everything from beginning to end, perhaps I can shed some light.

5 hours ago, Khallaf said:

I do not believe that at all, I believe there have been policy changes, however I do believe there are certain duches at the embassy that also feel need to speculate on a theory with no proof.

I don't know which part you don't believe, but believe whatever you want, really, anything goes. The entire process is vague and ambiguous at best (not always though). So, whether you agree with me or not, what you said doesn't necessarily contradict it.

However, what I said stems from consistent anecdotal reports as well as an insider view.

Also, consider all news reports about immigration reports since trump took office, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

Another issue is that the administration in the immigration unit has been changed twice at least in the past year, in Cairo's Embassy, which caused extra confusion and mishap.

I have my proofs, and I always support my theories and opinions with strong evidence.

1 hour ago, Khallaf said:

So it happened to me, my husband went to his interview on Sunday I made the decision to not join him as I wanted us to fly home together to have a celebration with the family for departure to start our new life. His CO was a male. After all questions and we had plenty of evidence, I have been to Egypt 5 times, we have plenty of pictures, I have an apartment lease in both names, water bills in both names, electric in both names, renters insurance in both names, he has a credit card under my account as a user, filed ITIN number for him, did our taxes joint and married. Sent in affidavits from friends and family, sent in text message history over 2 years of phone calls, turned in family registration certification.

yet was handed back his passport and a piece of paper putting us into administrative processing, no reason was given my husband asked if we were missing other papers, the CO told him no. My husband answered all questions with truth and honesty.

 

I have been married twice before my previous husband was from Morocco.

 

when asked if I had children my husband answer no, it is almost impossible for me to have children unless there is medical intervention. 

 

not sure how long this will remain in Administrative processing, but I guess since they gave him back his passport that this can't be a good sign.  

 

I sent an email to Cairo embassy asking for clarification, and telling them if we need another interview I will return for this. do not know if that is going to hurt us and push him further into this process or not, I would think they would have just denied him if they didn't believe our marriage was real, but really I am at a loss now, heart broken and sad.

Hey Everyone,

I hope you all had a good Eid!

Let me tell you the summarization of this entire AP story:

Trump took office > initiated several attacks on legal immigration > resulted in departmental confusion and additional delays in ALL immigration departments, this includes the following: USCIS, NVC, and DHS.

Check recent news; if he's causing further delay (of several additional months) for citizenship applicants, what do you think will happen with immigrants abroad?

We're essentially the least of priorities for these immigration authorities. We are at the very bottom of the backlogs.

Look, this isn't meant to upset you or make you miserable .. this is meant as an eye opener because this is the new reality, unfortunately.

All couples here must quickly adjust to this new reality: live together and ignore the immigration process altogether, until AP is uplifted.

I know it'll be hard for some, and impossible for others, but it's the only option ahead.

This is all coming from someone who has faced the hardest of choices and the worst of consequences due to AP process, literally.

I will reveal certain things in the right time, but for now, I just gave you the best advice there is.

In shaa Allah khair for everyone.

5 hours ago, Andygkrbfhd said:

My case creation date changed 7/8/18 and my status date too it said application received and to wait for two business days I checked it this morning 9/8/18 and it has went back to administrative process it as also change from immigrant to non immigrant visa can any one tell me what this means please 

From observations of my own and others', I can tell you it could be many things. It could mean your case got approved and your visa will be issued, or could mean you'll be thrown into an abyss of endless torment.

Which is next, only Allah knows.

Monitor your status everyday and keep us updated if anything changes.

We'll be very happy to hear any good news.

On 7/3/2018 at 10:20 AM, Ayman taha said:

Anyone has got any updates? 

Zero. Alhamdulillah.

16 hours ago, Ayman taha said:

Ramadan Mubarak for everyone 

any updates? 

@Super Uber

@mosha1972

@sandiego2013

 

 

Nothing new, Ayman.

I'll let you guys know as soon as I get one, in shaa Allah.

2 hours ago, Look-Beyond said:

If one chooses to start a lawsuit does the Attorney ask for all the money upfront? Will they take payments or.......???

A lawsuit is built up in 3 different stages:

Complaint.

Court.

Further litigation needed (or end result).

Essentially, you may only need to file a complaint without having to go to court (read my previous posts about this). So, you can arrange it with your attorney to pay a certain amount for every stage: the higher the stage, the more money you'll have to pay - this will greatly decrease the financial burden on you. So, say 5000$ for complaint, and 10,000$, IF it goes to court.

(Showing that you understand the process with the attorney will greatly help you, because lawyers want all the money they can get from their clients, win or lose that is. So, paying the entire amount, even in payments, is ridiculous, especially if it doesn't go to court at all).

Also, each payment can be split and made in smaller payments, say you can arrange to pay 5000$ in 6 months (works for most people, and attorneys).

Complaint and court work are sooooo different, speaking in terms of work load of course.

A complaint can be prepared within 3~5 days, but court may require a lot more than that for sure.

Don't forget to discuss hidden fees: some attorneys will bill you for mailing or printing fees, that are sometimes ridiculously overpriced.

In shaa Allah Khair!

17 hours ago, MrAhmed said:

The age difference between me and my wife is 20 years. Is this a reason for rejection?

The consul in the interview did not talk about age ...

After the interview, the consul told me when we call you send your passport
I'm still in AP 7 month next month i will be 8 month 

any one have any news

A reason for rejection? No.

But it's a red flag, and a good reason (in their view) to put you on AP, for whatever reason that is: revise your submitted evidence, and try to prove your relationship to be fake.

Just like most of us here on AP, so no surprise there.

Look, they're not good people, and they surely are not your friends. They do NOT care about how bad you need it.

For all I know, they could have orders not to process as many cases as possible and create the biggest backlog as possible (to decrease the amount of immigrants entering the U.S = A.K.A Trump's policy).

Soooo, your best solution is to either ignore the entire case and move on without it,

OR File a lawsuit.

Let us know how it goes, and in sha' Allah khair.