Void

Thank You very much for sharing your experience at Lagos Consulate. That is where me and my husband will go. After a denial of our I129 I am awaiting a date for interview for I130 now. The first interview/medical exam was so stressful to him, my Husband is a humble man. Now I'm without a doubt going to be there, no matter the costs, I wanted to that first time but I was honestly shocked by our denial as was everyone else involved.

Now that a potential spouse interview is coming up I'm just unsure what to expect. Like my husband speaks good English but there are nuances that are difficult to him. We prayed before we've done everything. I just feel like if we 'fail' this interview, so to speak, that he will never be with me and I have been making all possible efforts to move to him with serious stumbles on my end with medical things. I just want to be with him.

I was naive enough for the first interview to think that our love and genuness would just show through, now 5 years together and married for 2 and I wonder what to expect more that can go wrong. I say this sadly because I'm not a pessimist. I'm trying to prepare myself feeling like a duck out of water.

I'm terrified of the interview, even job interviews make me so nervous. I do not know what to do in the interview or what to expect. When I tell regular people what we have to do to be approved they seem baffled because we are married already. I often wonder if this approach has enabled the US to keep fraud out of the country - because it's put this horrible thing on legally entering immigrants and the process so expensive and stressful that people don't bother and work to enter illegally to the country.

It's so sad. But please if you can tell me how to prepare for the interview, I just feel like they would see how we're real, but now I don't trust that so much anymore and I wonder if there are more politics at play then visible to the eye. i also wonder at the costs of your wife's medical exam.

Any thoughts are really appreciated!

FOR DEEBIE RESPONDS to Afrilaskan Queen AS FOLLOWS:

Thanks for the opportunity to respond to your question. Quite frankly, I don't know the whole details of your plight and the circumstance(s) surrounding their refusal to grant your husband visa for the 129 f. Having said that, it is imperative to understand that they still have that information in their database and your husband should be prepared to present a "better answer" should that same issue comes up on the I-130 interview.

We all know that each case is different and the CO is trained to look for a reason to deny applications and not the other way round (They are not looking for a way to approve your visa). There are fundamental issues to know before the interview, like if you have filed for bankruptcy, you should have the financial document ready during the interview (Yes someone here was delayed in Lagos because of that). What I'm saying is that they actually run extensive background check on petitioners since that is about the reliable info they can get. Good luck with running background checks on Nigerians in Nigeria.

Now to the actual interview, the burden of proof is always on the interviewee (you and your husband). Your husband is expected to know virtually everything about you. It is not enough to show how in love you are though it helps. Have you considered going through line by line on the interview questions provided here:

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...rview_Questions

The answers to these questions MUST match the one already provided on the DS 230, I-130 and I-864. You are aware that theya have these information before them during the interview and want to make sure you are answering the same thing. It is not a matter of speaking good English of course. It is sincerity and may honesty, but if there were sweet lies, then they must be maintained. Be consistent and do not change your information from what they already have please.

You noticed I traveled to help finalize my wife preparation for the interview. There must be pictures before, during and after wedding and your husband should be able to explain those pictures. E-mails all compiled (the more the better) and phone log. Now we know calling Nigeria from the US from your home phone cost arm and leg and the embassy do not accept calling cards as proof of communication. Some people use skype etc. In my case, I had used text messages and used Motorola Phone Tools Software to upload all incoming and outgoing messages and able to print them (He did not ask my wife for that). Someone had mentioned how keen the CO appeared while going through phone log and had actually asked if the SO knew any of the other numbers on the log. I had also subscribed to Voipraider (10cents/minute to Nigeria) and was able to print call history for several months. (Again she was not asked) My wife had mentioned that when the CO requested for proof of communication, and she brought out a bundle, he was overwhelmed and just gave her back without actually going through them.

It is not too late, but you should actually prepare for this interview just like your husband should and by the time you do 3-4 mock interviews together and build up confidence, your nervousness will be a thing of the past. The fear of failure is the greatest obstacle to success. Yes a duck can go inside the water and come out and walk the ground...That I would expect from you. Please get ready and tell your husband "Yes we can" (Obama, 2008).

Feel free to PM or contact me through here if you need more info from me and my good wishes to you and your husband always.

Hi Guys,

Did any of you have a consul looking for more documents other than what are listed on the interview letter? I just want to come prepared with everything.

I am going to bring the original copies of the evidences of relationship that we sent with the application, I just wonder if there are other things I should bring aside from those listed and those, which copies, we sent with the N400. Those documents I'm talking about are the ff: marriage cert, birth certs, passport, greencard and ITRs for the last 3 years.

Should I bring some latest bill statements under my name and my husband's, or maybe a car registration or latest bank statements?

Thanks.

From personal experience, you need to bring all proof of genuine marriage that you presented during your AOS interview. In my case that delayed my citizenship for additional 3 months. It depends on your interviewer, but I was told that they have the right to check on your bona-fide marriage.

Phone bills, auto and health insurance, lease agreement and any other document(s) that has both your name on it.

Just focus on getting the civic questions right and good luck

Congrats!!!! I just two questions, Why didnt you inside the embassy with her? My husbands interview is next month in Italy and I want to go with him, as americans are we allowed inside the embassy with them?

thanks...

Thanks for your question(s). The link below explains everything about US embassy in Naples, Italy and how to contact them. That I hope will help you know whether you will be allowed inside or not. In my my case for Nigeria, I got an auto response reply to my e-mail with FAQ explaining that due to limited space, I will be not be allowed inside the interview area.

However, as an American citizen, I can go in to another section of the embassy, but the purpose of visiting will be defeated, since I would not see my wife when she comes out and neither can she come in the that section to call me.

Here is the link and please scroll to the end of that page. Good luck

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...&cty=Naples

I decided from the get-go that I would be traveling to be with my wife during the interview in Lagos. I have always had the belief that psychological benefits is very possible despite what anybody might think to the contrary. Her interview was on March 6, 2009.

I traveled to Lagos on the 4th and met my wife at the airport. We decided to check into a hotel closer to the embassy and beat the Lagos morning traffic and meet our 7am appointment. We chartered a taxi and scouted for a hotel/motel allover Victoria Island (VI) and also considered Lekki as a second option. I was surprised with the high price of hotel accommodation in Victoria Island Lagos. Moderate hotel here in the US (Motel 6, Motel 8, Best Western) cost between $40-60/room/night. These hotels in VI Lagos with very small space, smaller bed and not-very good restrooms cost $150-200/room/night. After several hours of wasting time and getting frustrated, we ended at one called Tropicana at Waziri Ibrahim Street, VI. Not the best by any means and not recommended to anyone.

Unpacked and settled in for the night as it was already late. We knew, we had a lot work ahead especially on thorough mock interview. The next morning, we reviewed all the documents I brought with me and the copies of the ILLUSTRATED pictures that were already sent to Lagos via NVC. Earlier before my arrival, I asked my wife to review the “interview questions” and answers I sent to her several weeks.

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...rview_Questions

We sorted all the pictures in the order of “before marriage”, “during marriage” and “after marriage”. It became obvious that we needed more pictures and with her digital camera, we started marathon picture taking with different clothes. We were able to print those impromptu pictures nearby. As stated earlier, I sent some illustrated pictures to NVC with DS 230. We went through those pictures and making sure my wife knows who and all about the illustration.

I bought a compartmentalized small folder box while traveling (from Wal-Mart, Target. Office Deport). We labeled each compartment for easy location. I asked my wife to review forms I-130 which include G325A for me and her, Form DS-230. After 2-3 hours of review it was my turn to drill her with probing questions. I was not impressed by her response especially on dates. We went through these forms together twice and by late in the evening, we had another mock interview and she was a lot better. I told her to be ready to answer or ask me any question even in the middle of her dinner/sleep etc. Our document box was now very organized and she was able to pick up any document asked of her with ease. At that point, we knew we were ready even to move in to the white house. So my “first lady” went to the interview with confidence and that was important to me.

We arrived at the embassy an hour early (see my post on sub-Sahara forum regarding USC visiting Lagos for spousal interview). I waited for her outside of the embassy

According my wife (whom I intend to live happily ever after with), she was called up around 10:12am to I think window 11. A young man interviewing for immigrant visa was her interviewer. The following conversation ensued between my wife and the consular officer (CO).

CO: How are you?

Wife: I’m fine, thank you

CO: Are you okay, you look nervous. I want you to appear calm

Wife: I’m okay.

CO: When did you see your husband last?

Wife: This morning

CO: How come?

Wife: He is here waiting for me outside

CO: Why did he come?

Wife: To cheer me up

CO: When is he leaving?

Wife: Tomorrow

CO: Huh, that’s quick.

Wife: He is so busy and he came because this is so important to him.

CO: Tell me about your marriage. Actually when did you get married?

Wife: We got married on 11/30/07 in the court and traditional marriage on 12/01/07

CO: Was there an introduction?

Wife: No.

CO: I know what I’m talking about, because in Nigeria, there is introduction before the traditional marriage

Wife: Well because of his residence/distance, the introduction was done simultaneously with the traditional marriage.

CO: How many people attended your wedding?

Wife: I don’t know the number, but a lot of people were there.

CO: Did all members of your family attended?

Wife: No

CO: Why?

Wife: One passed away

CO: Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.

CO: Back to your husband, when was the last time he visited before this time

Wife: We met in 2005, he visited and we got married in 2007 and he is here now.

CO: I see.

CO: Do you have any pictures of both of you before the marriage:

Yes: Here they are

CO: What about during the wedding

Wife: Here, I also have for after the wedding

CO: Please give me everything them.

CO: That is quite a lot of pictures.

CO: What is your husband doing for a living

CO: What do you plan to do when you get to the US?

CO: Okay, go and finish your medical exam and come back with the result Monday thru Thursday between 7am to 1pm. Remember we have to verify your response to my questions.

Wife: Okay, but are you going to issue me a visa when I come back?

CO: (Smile). Go and complete your medical first and then come back okay. Here are your originals.

At the end of the interview, the CO gave my wife a pink form and checked the box for medical exam required only. My went back to Kamoras Clinic to complete her medical as scheduled on March 10 and revisited the embassy with the result on March 11. She was told to pick up her visa on March 18.

I hope this review helps someone here. If your case is genuine, confidence, matters. There are several reports, publications, and stories about marriage fraud and the Lagos embassy are using the best available tool to detect and reduce fraudsters getting through. Unfortunately, the Innocent suffer sometimes.

The major problem I have right now is how many times people have to visit Lagos to obtain a Visa. The most frustrating aspect is being allowing just one clinic in the whole of Nigeria with a population of about 250 million to conduct medical exams. The time between first and second medical exam at the moment is resulting to people travelling back to the Clinic after their interview. If you are a Nigerian, this is our copy of tea. They can do better. Either the clinic hires more hands to complete the exams in a timely manner, or establish more branches to ease peoples’ hardship. Alternatively, there are several other well equipped clinics that can conduct these exams like in the US. There are some West African countries with population just as that of Lagos and it should not be one country one clinic. Why risking lives to and fro either by road or by air when these exams can be done regionally. East, West (Lagos), North and South. I will write a letter to the Ambassador of the US to Nigeria, the office of the Secretary of State for African affairs and whoever I find out can do something. You will be invited to vet, edit and also mail a final copy. If no response or action, after six months, I will start calling/emailing them in Abuja/Lagos and Washington. This is our call to assist our people who cannot help the situation. Doing nothing is not an option (Obama, 2009). Just because you crossed the bridge, does not mean the bridge should collapse.

One more thing: Good luck to all of you through this journey and feel free to PM me if you need to ask or clarify anything aforementioned. I will always give my best opinion.

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait . She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

According to the auto response e-mail I received from the US embassy in Lagos, the FAQ section shows that petitioners (US citizens) generally are not allowed inside the interview area of the embassy due to limited spaces.

As I plan to travel to be with my wife during her interview on March 6, where can I stay to wait for her outside of the embassy (which may be for several hours). I'm pretty sure, somebody here may have had an experience about this.

I read about recent arrests regarding loitering on the embassy premises. Sure, I don't want to spend time in jail in Nigeria.

I only wish I can develop wings and fly around until she's done.

Any suggestions please? pretty please.

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait . She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

Why not provide both addresses to the CO and explain the circumstance. People move all the time and there is nothing wrong with telling the truth. Good luck

Hi! I have question regarding on what to say when the Consul asked for the Address of the Petitioner. My husband just moved to a new house last January 31, 2008. What am i supposed to tell the Consul? The old address that was written in the DS230 form or the new address of my husband? I'm just so confused...

According to the auto response e-mail I received from the US embassy in Lagos, the FAQ section shows that petitioners (US citizens) generally are not allowed inside the interview area of the embassy due to limited spaces.

As I plan to travel to be with my wife during her interview on March 6, where can I stay to wait for her outside of the embassy (which may be for several hours). I'm pretty sure, somebody here may have had an experience about this.

I read about recent arrests regarding loitering on the embassy premises. Sure, I don't want to spend time in jail in Nigeria.

I only wish I can develop wings and fly around until she's done.

Any suggestions please? pretty please.

Has any body recently experienced a scheduled medical exam after interview in Lagos Nigeria for immigrant Visa?. My wife went to Kamorass Clinic Lagos for her medical exam today (after I scanned the the appointment letter that was mailed on Feb 17 to me). Her interview is on March 6. She was told that the next available date for second medical is on March 10.

Despite all pleadings and explanations, she was told that the Lagos embassy would grant her interview, but would not issue visa until she completes the medical. Is that true? anybody?

I called the Clinic from the US and was told the same thing. My wife went to the information booth at the Embassy and was told same.

Does anybody know anything about this new trend. Kamorass claim that they are swamped by number of people they attend to daily. Nigeria population is about 200 million and one clinic in Lagos is attending to Medical exams for immigrant applicants.

Hi CJ,

I will definitely fill in my time line, as you can see i am new to all this and i must say I feel a measure of sanity returning

After totally scouring the forums I have gathered it is best to pursue the I-130 as it is the one that best helps with life after the visa approval , ie work permit, ssn etc.

Now my question is will pursuing both I-129f and the CR-1 applications sort of slow each other down or is best to temporarily abandon the I-129f?

I need to know as i do not wish to spend anytime longer than I already have away from my wife.

The I-129F will continue with no more input from petitioner or beneficiary until the Consulate contacts the beneficiary.

Thanks to all the the members for your useful, helpful inputs. I was just wondering what happens if the I-130 or 129f (which ever comes first) interview yields negative result ( Nobody hopes for that anyway). Can he still pursue the other. Just curious and a way of having eggs in different baskets.

The information you were given by the Department of Home Land Security is based on what thecustomer agent thinks and not necessarily to confuse you. In Lagos Nigeria embassy, I-134 is used for K1 (I-129f) visa, that is when it is fiance. When you file for K3 (I-129f), filed when you are married with I-130, you will use I-864. The major difference is that with I-134, you have to make sure you are making 125% above poverty guideline (about $17000 for one income). You cannot use joint sponsor for this form. The I-864 is the one that allows you to use joint sponsor if you do not have enough. Since you have already file for K-1, you have to use I-134. Hope this helps

I hope I am doing this posting correctly- if not please forgive me.

I got NOA 1 and in anticipation and to stay ahead of the game, I want to prepare the Affidavit of Suppport and other documents to send to my finance'. I called the Department of Home Land Security to ask questions about the form and was told that I should be using the I-864 instead of the I-134. Can anyone help because this wonderful website says use the I-134 and I am not so sure I have gotten relaible information.

Second question is that I have other non-taxable income and I want to report that as well. I can clearing document the income and supply verification for the agency in which i recieve it from. How should I do this?

Help!!!

Cynthia

If it is a finacee visa (K-1, I-129f) the correct affadavit is the I-134.

If your verifiable annual income (current gross) exceeds the guidelines you do no thave to report anything else. If you want to include it, then include it in your total annual income with verification and letter explaining why it is not reported on your tax return from last year.

Congratulations again. Looking through your timeline, your I-129f was approved in 150 days from date it was mailed. What about me?. It is now more than 150 days since my NOA 1. Is okay to start freaking out and calling the angels for help?

Well... I mailed our K3 Packet off today so here we go

This is an addendum to the earlier piece of information I put forward. Further research from the Bureau for Consular Affairs Website shows the following information: This instruction was addressed to the Consular Officers (Not sure if your interviewer would listen).

"(B) If the Affidavit of Support or tax return reflects income

below the poverty guidelines for the year the Form I-864 was

submitted, you should request additional evidence of current

employment or self-employment, such as: recent pay statements, a

letter from the employer on business letterhead - showing dates

of employment, wages paid, and type of work performed - or other

financial data. If the sponsor with income below the poverty

guidelines is unemployed or retired, you should request evidence

of ongoing income from other means, such as retirement benefits,

other household members' income, or other significant assets."

I have also included the source (the entire information) website. Please find review and ANYBODY feel free to add something please

http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegram...grams_2863.html

Seems you and I have similar issues. It's always better to be safe than sorry. From what I understand here for my case, try harder to have a co-sponsor even if it means begging and or going above and beyond. My hope is for mine co-sponsor not to have a change of mind at the last minute.

CO sometimes may not want to see any other explanation or reasons for your prior financial status. Remember, you are not the one going in for the interview and cannot not argue your case unless after the fact.

So please talk to your boss, anybody (Citizen or Permanent resident can be a co-sponsor) you know and start NOW. I'm working on mine after posting this question here. Goodluck

Hi all. I appreciate all of you in VJ.

Let me cut to the chase here. I applied for the K3 Visa for my wife. Sent the I-130 and I-129F. Got the NOA1 on both and am just waiting for the next steps to come. With the financial support stuff, I have a 2007 tax return, but it is short of the poverty line. I have a letter prepared for my employer to put on company letter head, already talked with her about it, and she will do a good job of it. My pay last year was not good because of some breaks in employment. But now I have a solid job and my base income IS above poverty line this year. In addition, I work a lot of overtime, which almost doubles my income now, and in my letter she will also note that.

My question is, even though the tax return from last year was below poverty line, will my income this year and letter from employer stating it is well above poverty, and my pay stubs I submit as proof be sufficient to override the poor tax return of 2007? I am anticipating wife being approved to come here possibly before I get a tax return for 2008. I just have been worried sick that since last year was insufficient income, that they will only really look at the tax return, and not even consider what I am now earning for this current year. I cant do a joint sponsor... dont have anyone who I can ask that of. Am just hoping that they will see that even though last year was low income, that this current year I am going to have a tax return that will be sufficient.

Thanks for your help.

Seems you and I have similar issues. It's always better to be safe than sorry. From what I understand here for my case, try harder to have a co-sponsor even if it means begging and or going above and beyond. My hope is for mine co-sponsor not to have a change of mind at the last minute.

CO sometimes may not want to see any other explanation or reasons for your prior financial status. Remember, you are not the one going in for the interview and cannot not argue your case unless after the fact.

So please talk to your boss, anybody (Citizen or Permanent resident can be a co-sponsor) you know and start NOW. I'm working on mine after posting this question here. Goodluck

Hi all. I appreciate all of you in VJ.

Let me cut to the chase here. I applied for the K3 Visa for my wife. Sent the I-130 and I-129F. Got the NOA1 on both and am just waiting for the next steps to come. With the financial support stuff, I have a 2007 tax return, but it is short of the poverty line. I have a letter prepared for my employer to put on company letter head, already talked with her about it, and she will do a good job of it. My pay last year was not good because of some breaks in employment. But now I have a solid job and my base income IS above poverty line this year. In addition, I work a lot of overtime, which almost doubles my income now, and in my letter she will also note that.

My question is, even though the tax return from last year was below poverty line, will my income this year and letter from employer stating it is well above poverty, and my pay stubs I submit as proof be sufficient to override the poor tax return of 2007? I am anticipating wife being approved to come here possibly before I get a tax return for 2008. I just have been worried sick that since last year was insufficient income, that they will only really look at the tax return, and not even consider what I am now earning for this current year. I cant do a joint sponsor... dont have anyone who I can ask that of. Am just hoping that they will see that even though last year was low income, that this current year I am going to have a tax return that will be sufficient.

Thanks for your help.

Thank you for your input ZeeNusah. No, I have not been approved yet. It will not hurt to have every thing ready knowing that approval is not the issue but the interview.

If I know now that I need a co-sponsor and I start to "beg" and look for help, why not, instead of last minute rush and tears. By the way, the processing time for K3 for Nigeria as of July 28 is January 08. (Their website shows currently processing those filed January 2008). Digging deep, that is just a guide. They are about to finish February and are approving both K3 and I-130 simutaneusly. How do I know? Visit this link below from just one of the VJ members who cared to update their timeline.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1418186

I sent him an e-mail and he confirmed this approval/timeline

Again thanks for your time, input and willingness of the mind to help.

1. Have you been approved yet? Your timeline says your are still waiting for NOA2. According to the list I have been keeping here Nigeria is currently scheduling K3 interviews for early November.

2. How long have you been at your jobs? If it has not been long, even if you meet the poverty guidelines, expect the CO to ask for a cosponsor. You need to show some kind of history of having employment which meets the guidelines. Showing work for a few months may not cut it with the CO.

My 200t tax return is not even up to $5000.00. ( I was a full time student up to September 2007). If my current pay stub and letter(s) will do . Then I'm ok, except that sometimes CO(s) may not want to hear your own side or read anything else if the mind is already made up.

Show current paystubs if you will not be showing your 2008 tax returns.. and then an employment letter stating your current salary. You then can even show your 2007 tax return to prove you made the minimum requiremnet. As long as you meet the poverty income requirment of 125% you are not even entitled to have a co-sponsorship. So if you made more than $17000 for the past year alone, and you plan to support you and your spouse, you will not be granted to get a co-sponsorship as you dont need one. You dont even need to show other monetary assets like bank accounts, 401K, life insurance value, property owned if you meet the 125% poverty line.

Sorry, I mean *2007 income tax* not even up to $5000.00

My 200t tax return is not even up to $5000.00. ( I was a full time student up to September 2007). If my current pay stub and letter(s) will do . Then I'm ok, except that sometimes CO(s) may not want to hear your own side or read anything else if the mind is already made up.

Show current paystubs if you will not be showing your 2008 tax returns.. and then an employment letter stating your current salary. You then can even show your 2007 tax return to prove you made the minimum requiremnet. As long as you meet the poverty income requirment of 125% you are not even entitled to have a co-sponsorship. So if you made more than $17000 for the past year alone, and you plan to support you and your spouse, you will not be granted to get a co-sponsorship as you dont need one. You dont even need to show other monetary assets like bank accounts, 401K, life insurance value, property owned if you meet the 125% poverty line.

My 2008 incame tax will not be ready before the interview. Most likely the interview comes up before December 2008 based on similar timelines

The income requirement depends on the number of dependents, $ 24,000 is more than enough for you and your wife and you won't need

a co sponsor.

You will need the 2008 tax return.

I have past 5 years income tax transcripts handy (up to 2007). The issue is that I have been in schools (Yes, schools) for those years, so the income was close to nothing (but I filed though).

Currently I have jobs and earned well above poverty guideline (up to $24000.00 so far). Actually don't have up to that in my savings . I had wanted to use a co-sponsor who lately is developing a cold feet and I don't trust he will do it anymore.

I wonder if my current jobs and earnings will hold up to what is required for I-864 in Lagos Nigeria. Please let me know your suggestions preferably from actual experiences or reading such issue had been handled before.

I returned from Dakar yesterday.

We were denied and handed a paper stating he is ineligible due to an alleged ' misrepresentation ' on a B2 ( tourist visa ) he filed

2 years ago to come visit me.

He filed the electronic form for the B2 online ,which was very unfamiliar to him and he submitted it in a hurry.

He stated his name as SteVen instead of StePHen and made a typo about his birth year, date and month was correct. Sometimes friends address him as Steve or Steven and so have I in the past.

He was accused of falsifying his identity.

When he asked me, I even told him not to worry about entering yes to the question if he ever used another name before because I felt the V versus the PH was just a slight varience and a non issue. How wrong I was !

He truthfully stated that YES he applied for a visa before ( B2 ) on the K1 forms.

He truthfully stated his passport was lost / stolen on the K1 forms.

He brought his passport and birth certificate for the B2 interview along............so if he was falsifying his identity he certainly would not have done that, nor would he have admitted he filed before.

The CO didn't like the following facts :

Passport lost / stolen.

V versus PH in his name Stephen, year of birth typo in B2 application.

Delayed birth certificate.

Delayed death certificate of his late wife.

( Sierra Leonean priority was not exactly running to register births and death during the 10 year brutal war but how to stay alive !

As recently as 2 years ago, teachers were send out to peoples homes to encourage them to register their children's birth again and obtain the birth certificates. )

They questioned his conversion from muslim to christian, he was raised as a nonpracticing muslim by a nonpracticing muslim father who married a Christian woman.

Lo and behold here is the clincher. As he entered to the window I was also called up and she went through all " hiccups ' with us.

Her folder on our case was about 3 inches thick.

She thumbed through it and then we almost fainted as we saw copies of our pics from our traditional religious ceremony.

The only way they could have obtained them would have been through our email accounts.

I quickly recovered and said yes we did have a religious ceremony and NOTHING was signed, certified or registered.

She said : I don't believe it but okay I would be willing to let that go..........but you have too many other things in the case

and though none in itself is grounds for denial the fact remains we are looking at the whole picture and with all these issues we have to deny the visa.

On the paper the following was marked :

On **** 2006, you submitted a visa application to a consular officer that listed your name as Stephen and your date of birth as ******** On ****2006 you submitted a visa application at the US Embassy in Conakry, stating that your name was Steven

and date of birth ******** ( 3 years off / typo ). Since you submitted a false identity when you applied for a visa and your identity is material to your eligibility for a visa , you are ineligible under INA section 212(a)(6)©(1) for misrepresentation of a material fact. She held the application info up for us to see but I was too shocked to read all.

My knees got weak and I almost fainted and Stephen sobbed. I asked to speak with the Chief CO and was refused. Somehow we made it outside.

Immediatley outside I had to focus on getting our friend out of trouble who innocently took pics of the embassy and the guards with his new cam phone while he waited outside for us.

The guard was beside himself and yelled at him and asked me : do you know this man and when Stephen tried to help and said the pics can just be erased, the guard became hysterical and I had to tell Stephen to be quiet that I am handling this. The guard told both to be quiet and that they were not allowed to say anything or they will go to the police station.......the guard rudely challenged Stephen to dare to erase the pics himself......he was just itching to drag him off to jail.

It was an aweful scene. I then intervened and said our friend was just excited about taking pics with his new phone and didn't realize it was against the law to do so and to please let him go and forgive the mistake and that I as a USC was fully aware of that fact.

They talked respectfully to me only and yelled loud at both of them and said they have no rights here at the embassy and to shut up.

I was able to convince them to not take the friend to jail.

We went home and Stephen had a very severe melt down.

I was just numb and channeling my focus on comforting him. Days later I crashed. Then 4 days later I got mad and said we are going back to the embassy. Once there I demanded to see the Chief CO and they said come back 3 hours later, at 2pm. We did but the guards said we go in only at precisely 2pm and not sooner. The searching and processing us through security took about 10 min. We waited and waited and I again said we want to see the CO but was told he looked for us at 2pm and we were not there

( oh yes we were and had another security guard vouch for us, call the phone and tell them so ! ) and that he was in a meeting now and didn't know when or if he would return.

I said I won't leave until I speak with him even if it would be 12 midnight , that I am a USC and demand to speak to him.

Around 4pm he came to the window. I was surprised that he was speaking kindly to us as I expected a green eyed monster by that time.

I said we were not given enough time to explain ourselves and wanted the chance to do so. He said he could not make an exception for us but would look at through our case and to submit to him a written letter and return the following day. We talked about 10 min. and he said if he would make an exception for us soon his entire waiting area would be full with everybody else.

He said if he deems that his subordinates denied the case in error he can overturn it.

I held up my bag of about 20# of evidence I dragged along in my carry on , listed all I had and said this was never even looked at.

The denial letter was already signed before our interview by him.

We typed a letter throughout the night on a borrowed laptop, put it on a memory stick and he went to a cafe to print it out.

Neither one of us was able to get into our mailboxes in 2 different cafe's.

Then the lights went out and we continued with a flash light until the wee hours, slept 3 hours and went back to the embassy.

Fully expecting to be personally handing the letter to the Chief we were told he is not available and she would take our letter but didn't think he would overturn it and that he looked at our case.

I said I was leaving Dakar tomorrow and Stephen the following day. She said she doesn't know when he would read the letter.

Nothing...no call came.

I went home a total basket case.

Then Stephen went to the airport but was told no flights go out on Thursdays even though the Slok airline confirmed the flight the day before. Also when he booked the ticket for Dakar the travel agency didn't forward the money to Slok and he was unable to

pick me up from the airport and had to depart 2 days later, so the first 2 days I was by myself. But thanks to Taurean and her husbands family and friends I was very well taken care of and the friend declared he would be my body guard.........he was, in the thickest traffic he would stop the cars like a cop so I could cross the street.

The dance of weaving in and out of traffic was as usual nerve wrecking but a well orchestrated symphony to all Nationals.

Thanks Taurean and Moussa for a place to stay and taking care that we had food the entire stay. I deeply appreciate you both.

Thank you Heather, Nagishkaw and LovinLiberia and Taurean for calling me during some of my darkest days there and encouraging me and holding me together.

It was all very devastating and our tension and stress unbelievably high.

Today I woke up to an earth quake here in Illinois, 5.2 richter scale and I was still disoriented and thinking I was in Africa. I thought I was losing my mind and thank God people started calling me confirming the quake and I realized I was not going crazy.

Stuff fell off my table.

At noon today my 3. grandchild was born. Welcome little Bennett.

I went back to work answering the "how did the interview go " questions from everyone. I wanted to just vomit.

Now what ?

Well I am retaining legal counsel, spoke with attorney Mark Ellis and contacted Laurrel Scott who specializes in

waivers and we will keep fighting and hoping until all avenues are exhausted. It won't be easy. It won't be cheap. It will be

very difficult to overcome this.

When I arrived home a mail from the Chief CO said : I am sorry to say your letter was not convincing enough to overturn the decision and as discussed to go ahead and file the waiver. He would try to expedite it and sorry that Stephen already left Dakar and yes he would have to file it in person there along with bringing $ 545 in cash. I responded by saying I will retain legal counsel as I am not familiar enough with the process of the waiver and that I hope for his positive recommendation for a good outcome. The waiver will go from the embassy to the USCIS who then will adjudicate it and grant it or don't grant it. The CO can make a positive or negative recommendation. From there our last shot would be to appeal to a judge.

Folks watch your email accounts, things are going on I would never have believed if it wouldn't have happend to us and I can't say anymore as this is a puplic board and easily accessable by anyone.........get my drift.

We are law abiding , honest people who made a mistake, were perhaps careless 2 years ago with the B2 application but

we are not criminals and we did not commit fraud. We were never in trouble with the law excpet for my few speeding tickets.

The CO said they believe our relationship is genuine and don't doubt it but the focus is the alleged misrepresentation.

I am so stressed that I approached a man at the airport who was sitting there , thinking it was my ex and said what are you doing here ? Of course he looked at me a little strange and then I walked off realizing it was not him. Maybe it was due to the malaria meds and maybe I am just losing it.........but anyway, we will remain standing and hoping and praying for God to intervene.

We are not ready to say a permanent farewell to each other .... we will never be ready for that. How would one do that ?!

We are taking one day at a time.

Sorry for the lengthy post and I feel like crawling under a rock to lick my wounds but our experience may help someone else.

I sincerely congratulate everyone who was part of the wonderful wave of approvals this month.

God bless.

Omoba,

Last night I read with keen interest your detailed agonizing experience toward your effort to secure a visa for you significant other. All day, I kept thinking about your story and several thoughts kept creeping in.

I wondered out widely on how come in this whole wild world would they print your pictures from your e-mail accounts. I anonymously made inquiries even form the angels and most of the answers I got was tending to the fact that your fiancee may have submitted those pictures without your knowledge and this has nothing to do with trust, as a lot of people including me would turn in stuff not required of us to convince the 'gods' at the embassy. Another possibility could be that those pictures may have been in more than one hand and their simple inquires would lead them to a relative that has those pictures. Further inquiry revealed that, that there must be a probable course for a court to grant a warrant to electronically siff through your e-mail. Visa application is not enough and in this case has nothing to do with National Security or Patriot Act.

It is my opinion that once a decision is reached by an agent, it is very difficult to overturn that decision without loosing all the upper teeth and even some of the lower ones. It is good to retain an attorney, but in most cases, it does not help more than several letters and phone calls to your Senator, Congressman/woman would have helped. As an American, they owe us that duty and they take that inquiry serious. Your fiancee has not committed any crime from my judgement, although their discretion would make you wonder sometimes the IQ level of those COs. Remember, the training they have is to find a way to deny visa and not to find a way to grant visa application and so their mind is focused on fault finding and sometimes they get it all wrong. But again, because we are all human and our frailities are real, they make mistakes and they find it hard to admit those mistakes. Today somebody mentioned to me that they had asked his friend whose wife is in Africa to provide his and the wife's DNA because they look alike. Experience has shown that people travel and "marry" their sisters in the name of bringing them over here and we that have good and genuine intentions suffer. I hope no body plays with me when it comes to my wife attending interview and I plan to travel and be there live even if I have to develop horns.

Have you considered planning to actually wed your fiancee legally and file for I-130 and possible K3. This gives you three choices. Waiting for a waiver/appeal that takes for ever from your your denied K1, waiting for another six months for either k3 and or I-130 whichever comes first. It might be expensive, but K3 is free while I-130 is less than $400.00

Whatever your decision, I wish you well and I wait my own faith to reunite with my wife. I will post this in the forum aswell and please do not take it personal if you find any of my suggestion offensive. I wish I can help you and who knows the grand baby can bring good news towards this.

Good luck

Hello all,

Well the time has finally arrived for Marilyn's last step. I am gathering the paperwork (again) for the N-400 submission in early January. Can anyone post a sample cover letter if used, I always like to compare what I come up with against others who's packet has been received and accepted.

Thanks, Marilyn and Peter.

Your Address

Date

USINS ......... Service Center

Attention N–400 Unit

P. O. Box.....

Re: N–400 Application for Naturalization.

Applicant:

Filling Fee:

Enclosed herewith, please find the following:

1. Completed N– 400 Application for Naturalization.

2. A photocopy of both sides of Permanent Resident Card

3. Two (2) color photograph with name and “A” number written on the back with a pencil

4. Two checks in the amount of $ and $ for application fee and fingerprint fee respectively. “A” number written at the back of the checks

5. Copy of proof that first marriage ended (if any)

6. A copy of status letter from Selective Service.

Please process and acknowledge receipt

Thank you,

(Your Name and Signature)

My fiance is really nervous. We have been trying to think of sample interview questions that will be asked at the interview.

I compiled these questions below from different sources but think it might be helpful. Call your fiance and go over these questions together. Be sure to say exactly what you filled in the forms ( G325 and I-129F). No question is a stupid question. You can be asked what they already know to test your honesty and consistency. This soon shall pass. Wish him good luck

Where did you meet? Or Where did you meet the first time?

How did you meet?

Has she been to (Your country)

Have you ever lived in the USA?

Where does he work and what position does he hold? OR

What does he do for a living?

How long have you known each other? OR How long do you know your wife/husband/fiance

What do you do for a living?

Does he have children and if yes have you met them?

When is the last time you have seen your ........

When will you leave for the US?

When and how did your ........propose?

What is your ....... 's birthday?

What is your birthday?

Does your....... 's have any brothers and sisters?

Do you have any brothers and sisters?

Where do your ....... 's parents live?

Where does your husband live?

Where was he born

What do you love about your husband

Have you ever applied for a traveling visa?

Where did my ....... visit when he was here?

Ugh, still so confusing.... So to be safe I should just file the I-130 only (send to Chi lockbox) and wait for NOA1 to file I-129F(to VSC) if we want to go the K-3 route? And here I just wrote a lovely description of our love story for question #18 on the I-129F where I also addressed our age difference and quick marriage... I guess it will be good to have it ready when the time comes.

Its a judgment call all the way but if you decide you really want the K3 instead of CR1, and you're afraid to file them together, I would only wait until I could print a copy of the front and back of the cancelled check and then use that for evidence of filing. The NOA1's for I-130's are taking a long time now.

My exact reason for wanting to file both together. As you may recall I had intially thought we would definitely go for the CR-1 but seeing how long it is taking I-130s to go through even to NOA1 now I am actually thinking of K-3 if it would mean there is a chance Govinda might get his interview in the summer when I can be there with him and he would be here by Thanksgiving.

Yes, you ought to be confused when we all have constructive ideas and suggestions that seems conflicting. Interestingly because I will be filing mine next week. My understanding is that I-130 and I129F are to be sent to different addresses and not just for evidence of filing I-130 forst. So why will they be sent in the same envelope as some one has suggested here for you.

Please on Monday try and call USCIS and pose this question to them. They are friendly.

Call back and talk to second person to make sure you are getting the same answer. Please let us know. it is most cases better to be late than sorry.

I'm wonderng why you are sending both forms together. I thought you will send in the I-130 first and wait for NOA from USCIS before you send in the I-129F. Because you are not suppose to file 1-129F without the NOA letter. That what makes "I-130 standalone". Others, please let me know if I'm right.

I visited and got married to my wife in Nigeria last November. Ready to file I-30 and subsequent 129F. Have the following questions please:

1) Is she required to get a new passport with her new last name (my last name) on it. Her current passport expires in 2009 with her maiden name on it. We went to that Nigeria immigration and they were giving conflicting info on that.

2) I have a post office Box address that I use more than my residence address for mails, Is ok to use that on my cover letters, since no option for mailing address on I-130 and I-129F or will that create a confusion?

3) I read that effective December 3 2007 from USCIS site (under immigration forms) that I-130 should be mailed to Chicago Lock box to avoid delays and will be routed back to the service center. Is this information correct ?

4) Where should I send I-129F eventually when ready..........Vermont or my service center (Texas).

Any other helpful hint will be very well appreciated no matter how small. Thank you for your time and your honest help.