amrssnowangel

Just my experience:

When I emailed Cairo, I asked SPECIFIC questions. I'd email and let them know DOS has stated the security checks were completed then ask them if the visa has been cleared for issuance. DOS has to look on a seperate screen for this information. SO when asking DOS...ASK them to check to see if the visa has been "cleared for issuance". That is what you want to hear. When ours was sent back to Cairo it was sent by DOS as "cleared for issuance". At that point it went into Officers Final review. I was blessed that Cairo answered my emails, but I was very specific and didnt take and vague answers...I'd email back to clarify what exactly they meant. NI at the embassy will give more in depth answers than NA or NM or any others (whoever they are...just the initials used on the emails) I'd say once you are told its been printed you should have it within 10 days from that date, so Cheryl, I'd keep on top of this and email Cairo to find out if its in Officers final review, mailed out or what. Ours took 7 days from the date it was cleared for issuance. Just be specific and dont be afraid to email right back and ask them to clarify the status of your process. It worked for us. Good luck...for you both.

Faith

Tasha,

Congratulations!!! Im soo happy for you.

Let me share a few things that we found:

1. Having my SO travel was stressful on us both. One thing we did was I bought a sim card (cingular go phone) and he was able to use it in his unlocked phone. (I fed ex'ed it to him). He was able to call me as soon as he landed, call his mom to let her know he was ok and call me as soon as he was out of immigration. We found it invaluable that we knew we could call each other once he landed. Made him feel better to know I was just on the other end if he felt lost.

2. If you dont have a bidet...baby wipes (wet them down more). We found the "paper" here to harsh on him.

3. Be prepared for lots of phone calls home.

4. If he is under 30, dont forget the military permission (we got ours same day)

5. JFK took 15 minutes to get through immigration, he was welcomed and found them polite and pleasant. Nothing to worry about..no one was in immigration that day.

6. Call the airline directly to find out their policy on one way tickets on K1. Each airline has different policy according to Cairo Airport.

7. If he has a transfer, dont forget to find out if he needs transit visa to continue on flights

8. Remind him to travel with his passport close by and pen. He will need it on flight for I94 and customs forms.

9. If he's never flown before, we found it helpful for me to explain the process and sounds he would hear. Keeps the nerves down a bit when those bumping sounds occur and that turbulance doesn't mean you are crashing.

10. I drew a map and found pics of the immigration area of JFK He said it made it soo easy to get around...he felt he had already been there...was familar to him this way.

11. We are now considering a vonage phone line for his parents. Just sent them the phone equipment. IF they have dsl, they just hook up to it. If you use vonage and they do to...all calls are free. May run you 50-75 dollars a month to do this...but it's saving us around $250. Well worth it.

12. My SO was shocked at our road rules...couldnt understand why I stopped at red light even with no traffic...I'd explain a bit about this...and what he may see when he first comes...

13. Social Security cards only need his passport and I94 to apply for...HOWEVER...we were told it takes about 10 days for their names to update from homeland security. Therefore, they recommend waiting a minimum of 10 days to apply for the SS card. (we just got lucky and filed on the 10th day...it could be ok to do so a few days before, but was recommended to wait at least the 10 days to be sure).

14. I found small things for him to be responsible for as soon as he got here: taking out trash, showing him how to do laundry, cleaning out the car, and other small things for him to feel he is contributing.

15. Expect the first week for him to be exhausted. The change and jet lag really got to mine.

Over all our transition has been smooth. We have no adjustments to each other (but after 4 years together...we knew each other very well). The biggest adjustment has been just missing Egypt and home. Overall, he's adjusting to the american life and ways.

I wish you luck and much happiness together...may God bless you as you reunite with your love...

Faith

Im in the process of teaching mine to drive. So far so good. I taught all 3 kids.....It does help to tell him what Im doing and why. I have to share this....as soon as we got in the car at the airport...when we got to the FIRST red light..he said..go go go...why are you waiting??? LOL...ummm because I have a red light honey... he couldn't understand why we have to stop at a red light if no cars are coming...I had to explain. Hmmm... he's getting it now...but is amazed at all the "wasted time" at a stoplight and in traffic. LOL...not cairo traffic...welcome to America. Anyways..we are in the parking lot mode and he is learning the brakes (yes they do work...so no need to hit them to the floor) and he's getting the accelerator. Last night...after reading the manual...while we were driving..he kept telling me what all the road signs mean, and the road markings...fast learner.

Anyways...I'd say if you are nervous about teaching...pay to have a professional. Its not for everyone.

Good luck.

Faith

Hang in there...ours took 8 days from issuance till we recieved it. That makes it around the start of this coming week for you...I think you will be fine, in shaa Allah. Keep the faith girl...it will come together for you. Im sorry for your delays, but looks like he will be home to you soon and thats more important than the date. We look forward to a wedding obviously...but once he's here, you will just be happy he is here. Good luck....

According to the administrative offices at Cairo Airport:

1. Each airline is responsible for the return of any non immigrant or immigrant that is turned away at the POE....So, its standard proceedure to have the non immigrant purchase a round trip ticket. It is up to each airline however if somone comes with a one way ticket as to weather they will allow that person to proceed.

that may well be because they have one last hurdle to jump - the poe - where they can be refused entry by cbp.

Exactly...I figured thats why the round trip ticket...but didnt realize it was the AIRLINES responsibility to make sure they get back if denied...so each airline is different..so cairo airport says the blanket operating proceedure is to have round trip...for any visas. Im sure the ONLY reason for POE denial would be for fraud or something HUGE. But the responsibility is intially put on the airlines to be SURE the immigrant has all the proper and supporting documentation needed. POE is a mini interview. They review the papers (which are ALL the formal forms signed and used in the initial immigration petition and from the embassy including medical report), and if they also have quesitons, they will ask...even then..IF they dont believe the validity of anything the immigrant CAN be turned back....its the final process to overcome and until our loved ones are standing in front of us...there are NO guarantees..... But Thank God its very rare for someone to be turned back...to much happens before that point to ensure they ARE eligible and valid....

According to the administrative offices at Cairo Airport:

1. Each airline is responsible for the return of any non immigrant or immigrant that is turned away at the POE....So, its standard proceedure to have the non immigrant purchase a round trip ticket. It is up to each airline however if somone comes with a one way ticket as to weather they will allow that person to proceed.

2. No vaccination records were requested at the airport for my SO. He only took his military permission letter, passport, eticket papers showing round trip (he flew egypt air and was required to purchase this).

3. He had no trouble with passport control in Cairo in any way. Was very easy and fast.

Some suggestions:

Since we wanted Egypt Air he had to fly into JFK. Some things we did to make the trip comfy and easier:

1. He has unlocked cell, so I purchased a cigular go card (no phone needed if u buy 25 dollar card with number) and sent to him in advance. When he lands in usa, he can now call me from plane...and as soon as he exits the immigration area, just as back up...(standing there 2 hours would be a bit hard..this frees you up to a bit and no worries of having to look for each other) I used it first in my phone to ring and sms him to ensure it worked then saved numbers he will need AS it is dialed from HERE on the SIM card.

Dont forget, its different to call your cell/home from the usa..and it may be a bit confusing at first to try to figure it out...I also programed his HOME phone as I dial it from here...so he can call home immediately and not have to ask me for help in any way...Just a suggestion.

2. I packed a new shirt, underwear, undershirt and toiletries since we will stay in Newark overnight and drive back to virginia...this was less he had to take onboard...

3. He minimized his carry on baggage to help him get to immigration a bit faster...just making it easier to move around.

4. We booked his seat in front part of plane...earlier off, faster to line...faster into my arms...

5. I bought 2 red balloons...(back up, back up, back up) this way he can find me to.

6. Do a search online for flight trackers, there are several you can use to track the flight via a satellite system and u can watch the progress of the flight online..sort of cool..but only works when they get closer to the USA boarders...still cool....

Just some suggestions...things we did to make us both a bit more comfy and stay in touch...

Good luck...

If you use Yahoo.. you can go to archive and just expand the window.. this will show dates and who was talking.. it doesnt however show details!... thats what Im gonna do.

I dont know if the other msgr's have that option, good luck!

Lisa

This is true

it will show both your id names and the dates and all your chats can be kept private.

Hi there, i have tried printing what u said, but it seemed not working. It kept me printing the one date of conversation.. I cant figure how to print only the list in the message archive..

We only printed the first page of each days chat...yes we did one page for each date. AND they DID look at our evidence. If you have red flags, best to go prepared...why take a chance...

To print this...click on the days chat...right click and select print...a box will come up and will automatically have "print all" selected..change this to the one that says "print - to -" and type in the number 1. It will then ONLY print the first page of your chat. Its a pain to do this for every day...but it was worth it for us. Because of our red flags I printed out EVERYTHING...since we filed...ALL phone records, ALL sms records...ALL cell phone and email records...I printed the summary pages from our emails (after creating a folder for only OUR emails). We found that when they DID ask for the evidence (please never assume cause others weren't asked u wont be...I was floored they even ASKED) they were impressed with the volume of it...and got to see a "sample" from each section of the binders. Im sooo glad i didnt take just a sample....and sooo glad we went armed and ready...if we had not....maybe he'd not be arriving today....who knows...wasn't worth the smallest of risk to NOT go with it all...

My SO went and got his permission to travel letter. However is there a STAMP that he is to get in his passport as well for this permision on a k1? He has been delayed for military at this time. Im so cofused. Im not sure he got any stamp in passport for this. Please, anyone who has had their SO come on K1 that is under 30, please help me. He is due to travel this sunday..and we need to be sure his papers are right before going to airport. Any help is appreciated. Thanks,

Faith

hi everyone.. well habibi booked his flight already... i didn't even know until i talked to him this morning.. oh well.. he will be here on april 8th to jfk... then to me... yaaaaaaaaaayyyy.. do you guys know that the people at egyptair told him he has to have vacinnations... i don't get it .. they said he couldn't leave until he got them.. but i thought when he did the medical check this was done... also he said that the people at cairo airport are very mean and try to cause problems... anybody that recently received your visa had that problem.. also was told that someone booked a one way ticket and was told they couldn't enter the u s at their destination... i was like omg... i think that stinks to high heaven.. so guys what is really going on ... give me your experiences.. he's never flown before and i want his experience to be an enjoyable one.. thanks people.... oneder

Since he is technically a non-immigrant visa with a 90 day expiration, he needs a round trip ticket. He does need vaccinations..but would have had them at the medical. I've spoken to only nice people in the airport and only ever had good experiences as had my SO. Just make sure he has everything in hand. His passport, tickets, military permission to travel (if under 30) and his medical records and the copy of his vaccination record, just in case. My SO is flying this Sunday...I'll let you know how it goes...Congratulations...

But the vaccination records are in the sealed envelope that does not get opened until you hit the USA, so how would he be able to show them to the people at the Cairo airport?

A copy is given at the medical. My SO recieved one and last time i flew home through jfk...i saw many with the same paper in their hands in addition to the sealed envelope. Its a form that can be given so it can be reviewed by a medical person here in the usa...and certified so he doesn't have to redo medical with AOS.

hi everyone.. well habibi booked his flight already... i didn't even know until i talked to him this morning.. oh well.. he will be here on april 8th to jfk... then to me... yaaaaaaaaaayyyy.. do you guys know that the people at egyptair told him he has to have vacinnations... i don't get it .. they said he couldn't leave until he got them.. but i thought when he did the medical check this was done... also he said that the people at cairo airport are very mean and try to cause problems... anybody that recently received your visa had that problem.. also was told that someone booked a one way ticket and was told they couldn't enter the u s at their destination... i was like omg... i think that stinks to high heaven.. so guys what is really going on ... give me your experiences.. he's never flown before and i want his experience to be an enjoyable one.. thanks people.... oneder

Since he is technically a non-immigrant visa with a 90 day expiration, he needs a round trip ticket. He does need vaccinations..but would have had them at the medical. I've spoken to only nice people in the airport and only ever had good experiences as had my SO. Just make sure he has everything in hand. His passport, tickets, military permission to travel (if under 30) and his medical records and the copy of his vaccination record, just in case. My SO is flying this Sunday...I'll let you know how it goes...Congratulations...

Bumping....

So has ANYONE whose SO's has traveled from egypt to usa have ANY information on the military permission letter? Can anyone tell me what the REASON was for travel on the letter???? We are VERY worried about the difference on ours...please any help or suggestions is appreciated...could he be delayed for this???

prays 5 times, lowers gaze, dresses modest, no smoking, no drinking, but is very quiet about his religion..not pushy or controlling with it. Fasts frequently and at Ramadan, reads quran and listens...will take it on plane to listen to...loves Allah with all his heart and soul and tries hard to live right. I was raised Christian..with similar morals and values...now converted...we share the same belief system that God is first and the center of our relationship. I feel blessed to have found my other half.

Keep your faith strong. You and he chose to marry each other. When we get worried or scared and the pressure is tremendous, we take time to remind each other and ourselves that we do believe that God has already set our futures in motion. I dont know your personal beliefs..but we do believe that our futures are set. God already knows the outcome, its already preordained. So nothing we can do will change waht God has set forth in our lives. Yes we have free wills.....but God already knows...God already has directed our paths. So trust in God. "Lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and HE will direct your path". Put Satans temptations of bad thoughts out of your mind. What is meant to be...will be. Doesn't mean we should be blind....but God will put signs before us...bold ones to. Not just words uttered or bad connections...but bold signs. Have no fear. Have no worry.

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet God feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[a]? 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and God knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Keep your eyes on Him. Stay focused....

Keep your faith strong. You and he chose to marry each other. When we get worried or scared and the pressure is tremendous, we take time to remind each other and ourselves that we do believe that God has already set our futures in motion. I dont know your personal beliefs..but we do believe that our futures are set. God already knows the outcome, its already preordained. So nothing we can do will change waht God has set forth in our lives. Yes we have free wills.....but God already knows...God already has directed our paths. So trust in God. "Lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and HE will direct your path". Put Satans temptations of bad thoughts out of your mind. What is meant to be...will be. Doesn't mean we should be blind....but God will put signs before us...bold ones to. Not just words uttered or bad connections...but bold signs. Have no fear. Have no worry.

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet God feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[a]? 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and God knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Keep your eyes on Him. Stay focused....

This is the first time anyone's brought this up so it's interesting. Because my husband is the only son I'm assuming he doesnt' have to worry BUT how do the people at the airport know this?

He should have recieved a letter or papers stating he's EXEMPT. He will need to show that or a letter from military stating it. This Im not 100% sure about...Cairo airport seems to know alot about this in the business office. He will need to show something.

Hey Faith...

Thanks for the information...sounds like if the male is 30 he doesn't need it? Thanks again.... Melinda

I do think its up to 30...Once 30....they are relieved of any military requirements. So long as he registered or served...before 30. I'd check on that...because they may still want to know he fulfilled the requirements...he's 30...jsut means the military wont take him now..but doesn't mean he filled the requirements...I'd ask. I'd wonder if he still needed permission letter so they know he registered and/or served. See what i mean? Some dont register and if they didnt, they still can't leave the country...so I'd call the airport and ask waht he will need. I wouldnt take a chance..

congratulation faith I'm so happy for ya cause finally you will be with your love

don't worry it wont be a problem at all at Cairo airport .

once he said I'm going to USA for work they supposed to ask him for the work contract so while they did not ask him for that so everything is OK .

all they care about is the military permission letter and the military permission on his passport

i think ss918 says the woman at the JFK airport was kinda mean to her fiancé but i hope they will not to your love and everything will be OK inshallah

i have a question for ya

will your love travel to USA on one way ticket or round trip ?

What military permission on passport?? He only has the visa and the military permission Letter...is there sth for passport to??

MILITARY PERMISSION LETTER it is for who didnot go to milatary yet and they are over 21 years may cause they were at college studying for postponded for any reason else.

but i wonder is this MILITARY PERMISSION LETTER required for all ????

i have my miltary certificate say they i am not wnated at all by them

should i have that MILITARY PERMISSION LETTER to travel?

Yes you MUST have it...wait till you get the visa to go get it...We got ours same day...but can take up to 3 days.

Every male till age 30 is required to serve in the Military. UNLESS they are exempt (such as an only or oldest son), or delayed. A man may be delayed because the egyptian military did not need him at this time. Its like a lottery in a way. Each year the military decides their needs. If the man has no college education, he HAS to serve. If he is college educated, who they take is determined by what classes of workers they need to fill and other criteria. The man files, then goes for the physical and to register. He then goes back to find out if he was selected to serve at that time or delayed. If delayed, he must re register every 3 years until the age of 30. (this can be done from the us embassy here, when he moves). There is ALWAYS a chance he can be selected in this time. However, as I have been advised...once you are delayed, chances of serving are minimal. They will always select from the new guys (those newly 18 or those newly out of university) before going to the ones in delay. Thats just my understanding.

If a man under the age of 30 wants to travel outside of Egypt, he MUST go to the military office and request a LETTER OF PERMISSION to travel. This letter states that he is not currently needed, has fulfilled his registration obligation and is free to travel. He MUST have this in order to leave Egypt at any time till he's 30. Its required. Ours took only a few hours to get. Some take up to 3 days I've heard. Mine went and sat to wait and they gave him his that day.

This we already knew...but, when he read the letter to me and I noticed it said Purpose fro travel was WORK. I got worried. Because his visa is NOT a work visa but K1 visa. He said they only gave him two options...work or tourist. When I called Cairo Airport I was told not to worry....they just want to know he has permission...but they CAN turn him down...scareyyyyyyyyyy thought. They wont give new permission letter but after 3 months. And...if that letter expires and he returns, he MUST get a new permission letter to leave again. So does ANYONE know...

1. will the reason for travel being work and visa being k1 cause an issue at passport clearance?

2. If this one expires while he is away, will they be so willing to let him leave again...because of marriage?

3. What are the chances he could really still be called to serve while delayed, living in america and married to american?

Thank you for the well wishes...we are soo excited and nervous....

Anyone had a BAD experience at JFK POE??? Were they nice? Did they ask alot of questions? I feel like a teenaged school girl...wow...he is really coming...lol....

Good luck to those waiting....I pray Cairo is speedy in their decisions and visa issuance.

Faith

My SO is coming March 30th.... Yeahhhhhhhhh. He decided to have me wait here and I will meet him at JFK.

Concerning MILITARY PERMISSION LETTER. Does anyone have any experience in this? When he went to get his permission letter they only gave him two choices for travel...work or tourist. Since we will marry and he plans to work and will request EAD, he selected work. So his letter is done and he is ready to go. HOWEVER, the reason on the letter for travel says work..BUT his VISA is k1. Will this cause issues at Cairo Airport? We were told no issues by someone in Cairo Airport businss offices. But we are nervous about this. Has anyone here had their SO go through Cairo Airport with this difference? Any experience out there to share on it???

Faith

Well, we will know Sunday for sure..but looks like he will fly into JFK on March 30. I was going to fly over to get him, but he decided he needed to do this alone. I will drive up to meet him and drive him home. YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....

Thank you all for the well wishes and congrats...Im sure we will be hearing more good MENA news in the next few weeks as well...

took DOS 3 days to complete their part, then 4 days for cairo to finish up, stamp passport and mail it. Including weekend days off a total of 11 days.

i have a question for you

did your fiancé travel to USA on way ticket or round trip ticket ?

thank you much

Yes I'd like to know that to. My SO is scheduling for march 30. Was it one way or round trip ticket?

Congratulations! When is he coming?

We are looking at April 2....in shaa Allah.