Kush_Omaded

Unpopular opinion, but I actually found that including an extra little letter about how we met (in addition to other evidence of course) really helped us in the interview. Since I (the petitioner) wrote and signed the letter with a description of the circumstances under which my fiancé and I met, the consular officer actually referred to the letter to corroborate some of the details my fiancé provided. Since I couldn't be present in the interview, it was almost like the letter served as my testimony. Obviously, you'd want to ensure that the letter is totally accurate and that both of your memories match up and that dates and everything are recalled correctly, but if you're coming from a more difficult embassy, a letter may help serve as additional evidence (or if nothing else, an explanation).  My fiancé was only asked a few questions (which the officer seemed to pull directly from the letter), before being given tentative approval (pending AP of course). 

I am civil service and the only thing I had to do was notify my security office and fill out a long form with all my fiancé information on it so they knew I was in the K1 Visa process with someone from another country.  Nothing more I had to do.  Hope your's works out.  Best wishes!

Hey there! Similar situation. I graduated college in August, and am starting a new job just a week before my fiancé goes for his interview. I'm electing to both write a small note describing my circumstance in college, so they consular officer is aware of why those tax returns aren't included, as well as have a cosponsor. It's annoying, but better to be on the safe side, especially as new employees--the consular office typically likes to see sponsors who have worked for a while, so having a joint sponsor whose been working for a few years is the best choice.  While some consulates don't ask for the affidavits, you need to have one just in case. 

Police Certificates aren't required from Pakistan, since every district might keep their own police records and there's not necessarily a national database for sharing those records. However, you will need a police certificate from the UAE, and any other country you've lived in for longer than six months since your 16th birthday. Good luck!

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

Informed Delivery shows something USCIS-y arriving in the mail today. Fingers crossed it's the long-awaited NOA2. I'm an August 31st received btw, so September is rolling around the corner. 

It may not be an issue for every CO, of course. And, I'm speculating of course, but I think it's not strictly the henna that's the problem, it's the cultural significance typically attached to it. As you said, henna is a celebratory thing, and weddings are one of the most major times when it's used. Emphasizing that you received henna from your fiancé's female relatives strictly for an engagement and not a wedding might keep you in the clear. It's frustrating, though, wondering how close to the line you can tiptoe without crossing it and receiving a denial. For the sake of the K-1 process and AOS, we have to put our stock by paperwork, you have to have that marriage license before you're legally married. Period. But I guess the CO's see cases where in other countries legal marriage and cultural marriage (as you said, being able to legally consummate your relationship) might be confused under a country's laws. I mean, even in the U.S., some states do even recognize common law marriages, where if you live together long enough eventually you're considered married in the eyes of the law. So I guess marriage is a fuzzy thing sometimes, and for our process it's a bit nerve-wracking trying to find out what's "too engaged." Best of luck to all my MENA and Southeast Asia lovelies, though. We can do it! Just hang in there

Hey @HarmonyAndYoussef, 
I was reading through your situation on the forum earlier, and I did just want to put in my two-cents, although I'm by no means an expert. While of course I can't speak for anybody else, I don't think anyone here was meaning that they would try to dictate to you how many pictures you should include. 50, 200, 1000--nobody here can stop you from including as many pictures as you'd like, as that's certainly your prerogative for your own case. But the consular officer examining your case is only human too, and while I'm sure 200 pictures may not be the most they've seen, it may be slightly overwhelming, and they may not have time to examine all the evidence. But I'm sure including some photos from a variety of dates and locations is definitely appreciated. Morocco is, of course, a tough embassy; most in the Middle East are, so front-loading your packet (which I'm sure you did) is a plus, and additional evidence is always necessary. But just remember that with more evidence comes the necessity for more discretion, particularly if you have a tough consulate. From what I've read of other filers from the Middle East, too, henna in particular is a huge red flag for the consular officer. Even if you say it was just for your engagement party, I've read of another recent filer (from North Africa too, I believe, but somebody correct me if I'm misremembering?) whose pictures included content from a friends' engagement party or wedding. She had henna visible on her hands in the picture, and was naturally dressed nice, so the CO questioned her about it, thinking it was her wedding. Ultimately she had to provide proof from her friend certifying that the henna was from the friend's wedding and not the beneficiary/petitioner's wedding, and she was told she was lucky not to have been denied for it. Maybe her consular officer was just having a bad day, but still not an ideal situation. Sometimes what you think is extra evidence in your favor is misinterpreted by the CO and it plays against you. While that may absolutely not be the case for you, I would still advise caution. Include any of the pictures you feel are helpful, but do be careful with some of the engagement ones. Even if you never signed any papers, sometimes your CO's understanding (or even misunderstanding) of the situation at hand might cause mishaps. The henna, the beautiful dress (Your dress was absolutely gorgeous, by the way, it looks almost identical to the type worn in Afghanistan for engagements/weddings. I was a lot jealous, I'll admit. Haha! I told my fiancé he's lucky; I'm not gonna bankrupt his family for my million dollar bride-price, my bride-price (welwar for any fellow Pashtuns somewhere out there) is just an Afghan wedding dress )-- sadly, lovely engagement stuff like that might get the CO wondering if you're culturally married, even if not legally. And, while it's unfair, a CO's interpretation that you're married "in the culture" even if not "in the eyes of the law" is still grounds for denial. So ultimately, make your case how you want to, include what you want to, but do be cautious. I think we'd all hate for anyone to have issues with their case, just because a CO misinterpreted something. But the good thing is too, if you have so many pictures, then you have plenty of evidence, so if you decide to exclude the engagement party pictures, you'll still have ample proof.  
Good luck! 

Hey @HarmonyAndYoussef, 
I was reading through your situation on the forum earlier, and I did just want to put in my two-cents, although I'm by no means an expert. While of course I can't speak for anybody else, I don't think anyone here was meaning that they would try to dictate to you how many pictures you should include. 50, 200, 1000--nobody here can stop you from including as many pictures as you'd like, as that's certainly your prerogative for your own case. But the consular officer examining your case is only human too, and while I'm sure 200 pictures may not be the most they've seen, it may be slightly overwhelming, and they may not have time to examine all the evidence. But I'm sure including some photos from a variety of dates and locations is definitely appreciated. Morocco is, of course, a tough embassy; most in the Middle East are, so front-loading your packet (which I'm sure you did) is a plus, and additional evidence is always necessary. But just remember that with more evidence comes the necessity for more discretion, particularly if you have a tough consulate. From what I've read of other filers from the Middle East, too, henna in particular is a huge red flag for the consular officer. Even if you say it was just for your engagement party, I've read of another recent filer (from North Africa too, I believe, but somebody correct me if I'm misremembering?) whose pictures included content from a friends' engagement party or wedding. She had henna visible on her hands in the picture, and was naturally dressed nice, so the CO questioned her about it, thinking it was her wedding. Ultimately she had to provide proof from her friend certifying that the henna was from the friend's wedding and not the beneficiary/petitioner's wedding, and she was told she was lucky not to have been denied for it. Maybe her consular officer was just having a bad day, but still not an ideal situation. Sometimes what you think is extra evidence in your favor is misinterpreted by the CO and it plays against you. While that may absolutely not be the case for you, I would still advise caution. Include any of the pictures you feel are helpful, but do be careful with some of the engagement ones. Even if you never signed any papers, sometimes your CO's understanding (or even misunderstanding) of the situation at hand might cause mishaps. The henna, the beautiful dress (Your dress was absolutely gorgeous, by the way, it looks almost identical to the type worn in Afghanistan for engagements/weddings. I was a lot jealous, I'll admit. Haha! I told my fiancé he's lucky; I'm not gonna bankrupt his family for my million dollar bride-price, my bride-price (welwar for any fellow Pashtuns somewhere out there) is just an Afghan wedding dress )-- sadly, lovely engagement stuff like that might get the CO wondering if you're culturally married, even if not legally. And, while it's unfair, a CO's interpretation that you're married "in the culture" even if not "in the eyes of the law" is still grounds for denial. So ultimately, make your case how you want to, include what you want to, but do be cautious. I think we'd all hate for anyone to have issues with their case, just because a CO misinterpreted something. But the good thing is too, if you have so many pictures, then you have plenty of evidence, so if you decide to exclude the engagement party pictures, you'll still have ample proof.  
Good luck! 

Hey @HarmonyAndYoussef, 
I was reading through your situation on the forum earlier, and I did just want to put in my two-cents, although I'm by no means an expert. While of course I can't speak for anybody else, I don't think anyone here was meaning that they would try to dictate to you how many pictures you should include. 50, 200, 1000--nobody here can stop you from including as many pictures as you'd like, as that's certainly your prerogative for your own case. But the consular officer examining your case is only human too, and while I'm sure 200 pictures may not be the most they've seen, it may be slightly overwhelming, and they may not have time to examine all the evidence. But I'm sure including some photos from a variety of dates and locations is definitely appreciated. Morocco is, of course, a tough embassy; most in the Middle East are, so front-loading your packet (which I'm sure you did) is a plus, and additional evidence is always necessary. But just remember that with more evidence comes the necessity for more discretion, particularly if you have a tough consulate. From what I've read of other filers from the Middle East, too, henna in particular is a huge red flag for the consular officer. Even if you say it was just for your engagement party, I've read of another recent filer (from North Africa too, I believe, but somebody correct me if I'm misremembering?) whose pictures included content from a friends' engagement party or wedding. She had henna visible on her hands in the picture, and was naturally dressed nice, so the CO questioned her about it, thinking it was her wedding. Ultimately she had to provide proof from her friend certifying that the henna was from the friend's wedding and not the beneficiary/petitioner's wedding, and she was told she was lucky not to have been denied for it. Maybe her consular officer was just having a bad day, but still not an ideal situation. Sometimes what you think is extra evidence in your favor is misinterpreted by the CO and it plays against you. While that may absolutely not be the case for you, I would still advise caution. Include any of the pictures you feel are helpful, but do be careful with some of the engagement ones. Even if you never signed any papers, sometimes your CO's understanding (or even misunderstanding) of the situation at hand might cause mishaps. The henna, the beautiful dress (Your dress was absolutely gorgeous, by the way, it looks almost identical to the type worn in Afghanistan for engagements/weddings. I was a lot jealous, I'll admit. Haha! I told my fiancé he's lucky; I'm not gonna bankrupt his family for my million dollar bride-price, my bride-price (welwar for any fellow Pashtuns somewhere out there) is just an Afghan wedding dress )-- sadly, lovely engagement stuff like that might get the CO wondering if you're culturally married, even if not legally. And, while it's unfair, a CO's interpretation that you're married "in the culture" even if not "in the eyes of the law" is still grounds for denial. So ultimately, make your case how you want to, include what you want to, but do be cautious. I think we'd all hate for anyone to have issues with their case, just because a CO misinterpreted something. But the good thing is too, if you have so many pictures, then you have plenty of evidence, so if you decide to exclude the engagement party pictures, you'll still have ample proof.  
Good luck! 

Agreed, as long as you can show you're able to currently provide for your beneficiary, as well as have earned enough in previous years to prove you're above the income threshold, you should have no problem. Every country is different, though, so if you're worried it won't be enough, you could always include a parent as a cosponsor, just to be on the safe side. But I think you shouldn't have a problem.

Every country's consular office in different in their financial requirements. Some consular offices might require these documents, some might recommend them, and some might not need at all. Ultimately, though, the burden of proof is on the petitioner to prove that they (or their cosponsor) will be able to provide for the beneficiary upon arrival to the U.S. So extra proof, even if superfluous, can always be a good thing when it comes to proving your ability to financially support your beneficiary. Contacting your specific consular office is probably the best way to ensure that you have all the necessary financial documents, as well as learn which documents may not be required.

Even if NVC makes a mistake, it's not the end of the world. It will add extra time to your case, potentially, and isn't necessarily a great idea, but you can change the embassy location once it's already been sent off by NVC. I'd spoken previously to consular staff about it, and they'd said it's possible. Tajikistan, where my fiancé is currently residing, doesn't process immigration visas, so he'll be going for his interview in Kazakhstan. However, as an Afghan refugee, he has limited travel privileges, and Kazakhstan has been known to deny refugees entry for visa interviews in the past, even if they have bonafied documents from the American embassy proving their intent for traveling. Anyway, long story short, my case will be sent to Kazakhstan, but the consulate has said it's possible to change the processing location after its already arrived at the embassy, if due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. third party country won't allow entry for an interview.) So, it may be worth consulting with the embassy about your question. Every country has different regulations, of course, but if NVC mistakenly sends it to the wrong country, you may still be able to change it. So no use panicking yet!

For the petitioner, a birth certificate or a passport will suffice. While technically a birth certificate is required for the beneficiary (and possibly adoption paperwork, in your case), sometimes it can get a bit difficult to get the birth certificate, as not every country issues one. Look for your beneficiary's country on the side bar of the below website and click on it. The chart shows which documents the State Department may require for your visa-type and where to obtain them, if you don't already have them. Not every country is Canada or the U.K; sometimes it's simply impossible for you to acquire a document that other countries might easily access. State Department lists which ones they expect you to have, and which ones may be unavailable. Depending on the record-keeping system and criminal justice system in your beneficiary's country, police certificates and birth certificates aren't always readily available, so other alternative documents will sometimes be allowed.  
 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
 
 
 

Not necessarily, country of legal residence can override citizenship when it comes to where you get interviewed. At least that's the case with refugees legally residing in a country other than the one in which they have citizenship. I've heard of it holding true for students and workers too, though. Provided she is living in Argentina legally and has paperwork proving as such, your fiancée should be able to go through the embassy in Argentina without a problem. Just make sure she won't have to return to live in Venezuela during the process, otherwise you may have to change embassies.

I'm with you there, it's a frustrating process. My fiancé can't leave Tajikistan to visit me (currently residing there on a refugee visa, so he can only leave for permanent resettlement or to return to Afghanistan), and I'm undergoing my security clearance for work with a government contractor, so I can't leave the U.S. to visit him. So we're kinda stuck until the K-1 pulls through and brings him here. It's hard, and while it is making us stronger as a couple, I wish we had a way to see each other. But, I do consider us lucky to live in the age of technology. I don't know what I'd do without WhatsApp; daily video calls really do help us feel closer. We'll all be reunited with our sweethearts eventually, though, that's for sure. Optimism is the best approach!

Honestly, pictures are considered secondary evidence: they can be faked and the date can be altered. They're helpful to include, but officials prefer to see passport stamps, receipts, etc. So I'd say include all the pictures you have, but focus primarily on other types of evidence. Pictures are good, but the other types of evidence you previously mentioned having, those are even better. Sure, take some pictures when you visit again, but don't worry about documenting every second. DO keep your boarding passes and receipts, though, those are "hard" evidence which officials like to see. Roughly 12 pictures is the amount I'd recommend including, anyway, provided they're from a range of dates. No need to include fifty or one-hundred photos, as some people on here have done. That gets repetitive and annoying for those reviewing your case. You need ample evidence, yes, but from a wide variety of mediums. And it sounds like you're in good shape with the amount of different types you have.

Honestly, I opt for a more optimistic approach. Most of the world is on the high-fraud list, and while it pays to be well-prepared for the interview, it's no reason to panic unnecessarily. Just be sure you have abundant evidence of in-person meetings and proof of a legitimate relationship. If you guys have lived together for a long amount of time, make sure you have saved boarding passes, receipts, passport stamps, photos--all the evidence you sent along with your original packet. Be sure to have updated evidence, from the time that's elapsed between your initial form submission and the date of your interview. Review sample interview questions with your fiancé; make sure that you don't get in trouble just because there's some silly personal detail you two never reviewed. Review major details of your life together, make sure she has answers to a variety of potential questions. If there's a potential problem you can foresee, try to be prepared for it. If you've been previously divorced, have originals of all the associated documents. Not to rude in the face of previous posters, but being from a high-fraud country is no reason to panic. It just means you have to prepare thoroughly and be extra sure you're prepared for the interview. The interviewer isn't out to "get you," they're just trying to ensure that you and your fiancé have a legitimate relationship. So prepare as much as possible, review all the potential questions you can find, and triple-check everything. You'll be fine; just be thorough.

Honestly, I opt for a more optimistic approach. Most of the world is on the high-fraud list, and while it pays to be well-prepared for the interview, it's no reason to panic unnecessarily. Just be sure you have abundant evidence of in-person meetings and proof of a legitimate relationship. If you guys have lived together for a long amount of time, make sure you have saved boarding passes, receipts, passport stamps, photos--all the evidence you sent along with your original packet. Be sure to have updated evidence, from the time that's elapsed between your initial form submission and the date of your interview. Review sample interview questions with your fiancé; make sure that you don't get in trouble just because there's some silly personal detail you two never reviewed. Review major details of your life together, make sure she has answers to a variety of potential questions. If there's a potential problem you can foresee, try to be prepared for it. If you've been previously divorced, have originals of all the associated documents. Not to rude in the face of previous posters, but being from a high-fraud country is no reason to panic. It just means you have to prepare thoroughly and be extra sure you're prepared for the interview. The interviewer isn't out to "get you," they're just trying to ensure that you and your fiancé have a legitimate relationship. So prepare as much as possible, review all the potential questions you can find, and triple-check everything. You'll be fine; just be thorough.