KingAbu

First, thanks for the replies. About the financial situation, cant he just stay with me during this study here in the States? I mean I can take care of his financial needs. Furthermore, he wants to work, if legally possible, part/full time job on campus or away from the collage/uni. Btw, how is someone who lives in Somalia meant to bring a bank statement? They don't even have one.

I have a cousin who lives in Africa (Somalia) and currently is attending Cisco Network Academy (http://www.cisco.com/en/US/hmpgs/index.html). He already has his Certificate of Course Completion. He is still in that program and we wanted to know before I waste money and time, would it actually even be a possibility for one living in Somali (he can move to Kenya, as other family members live there as well) to get a F-1 visa and study here in the States? Can you please direct me to the appropriate agent, organization, or person to contact and help me with this process.

Thanks a bunch. Happy New Year everyone.

KING ABU

Hello VJers!

Is there anyone we can contact during this painful and dragging security clearance process? I called the Consular and a lady told me that it could up to three months, and if nothing happens during that time frame, it could take up to a year. Is that true? And BTW, every time I ask them whether they background check is on me or my wife, they keep telling me something different. So do you guys know who to call, if there is anyone for help? Or do you just have to wait and let time takes its course? Our interview was on the 15th of April, since then we have been dragging back and forth. One time is DNA and that came out good, as if I would ever sleep with my sister, God forbid. Then it is the order of a travel document since my wife did not have a passport. Then now, it is security clearance or background check. I am wondering about one thing: My wife lived in Somalia for all her life save one year, last year in which she lived in Kenya. So what can they possibly find out about her? She is not even in any system. There is no government in Somalia, only war after war and a bunch of retards trying to rule a land, morons that can not even rule their filthy souls. She lived in Kenya since last January and is not a citizen of the place. As for me, I am a proud law-abiding American-Muslim citizen. I am clean. So why clearance thing takes this long man? Why should they punish us for being Muslims? I never bombed no where man. lol

I swear I am just tired. I am even ready to pay money just my wife is granted her visa since our she was approved on the 15th of June, exactly two months later after her interview back in April. Anyway, sorry for my lengthy and bla bla bla post, but I really hope, I get back some useful replies. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx and take care and peace everyone.

Hello VJers! I hope you are all doing well. Just quick few questions about security clearance:

1) What is it?

2) Why the need?

3) Who is it for - the petitioner. or the beneficiary?

4) What exactly do they look for or check?

5) How long does it take (even an estimate)?

6) Any member from here had one in the past? Please let me know how that goes.

thank you and take care all. peace

Just a quick follow up. Is this "security clearance" the last thing before you are given your visa?

Hello VJers! I hope you are all doing well. Just quick few questions about security clearance:

1) What is it?

2) Why the need?

3) Who is it for - the petitioner. or the beneficiary?

4) What exactly do they look for or check?

5) How long does it take (even an estimate)?

6) Any member from here had one in the past? Please let me know how that goes.

thank you and take care all. peace

Ok I have talked to the people who told me this info and it was explained to me that the paper is called "The Seven Days" and it is a paper that requires anyone living in Kenya without being an alien or a citizen and is intending to migrate elsewhere and open departure time, must have such a paper. But not necessarily immidiately upon receiving the visa. You have six months to leave before your visa expires, however, you must have that seven days paper in order to leave the country within seven days whenever you decide to leave the country and migrate to your final destination, eg. America. I hope that was clear to understand. Now, any final inputs? Would really appreciate it. And btw, please keep us in your prayers as Tuesday is nearing. We are hoping for approval of visa.

Take care and peace.

Thank you guys. I did not think it was right either but I just wanted to confirm and since I have much faith and trust in this place along with the members, I came here to double check. Some people here in Mombasa told me that. I was suprised. Btw, I will post about our interview experience very soon Insha Allah (Allah-willing). Please keep us in your prayers. We are going to the Embassy on Tuesday to see if our visa will be approved. Wish us luck!

take care and God bless you all.

Hello,

Just a quick question. Have you heard anything about a paper (no clue what is called) whereby upon approval of your visa in Nairobi, Kenya (CR1), a paper that you have to have that states you have within 7 days to leave the country? I hope that makes sense becuase I was informed that I will need such a document/paper that once my wife's visa is approved, she will need that paper so she can leave the country without any hassles. Please let me know if you know anything or have heard anything about it.

Thank you and hope to hear from you soon!

Congratulations brother. Give our regards to your wife and may you live a happy life the rest of the way and have a safe journey bringing her home.

Hello VJers!

I have a bit of a dilemma. My wife's interview date is the 15th of April. And I am debating whether I should go or not. The reason for my dilemma is that I have read on the Nairobi threat that if the USC spouse is a male and a Muslim, they could extend the background check which could possibly take from weeks to months. And I also heard that it will be especially true for Somalis because they are known for their lies, unfortunately. It is always few that ruin for all. How unfair! On the other side, I took into considerations from other threat about this same exact topic of how to be there for your spouse and how much it will mean to the spouse and how it will make your bond look that much legit and strong. If memory serves me well, I remember also reading that sometimes they could ask for the USC spouse. I just don't want to book a ticket and the period of my stay to extend more than the time I had booked for the ticket because of visa not being issued just yet.

What do you advice I should do? I think I have made a premature decision to book a ticket already for me. My ticket is booked from the 7th till the 24th of April. But now I am considering changing it to a later time and pay the fee instead of having to go there and, GOD FORBID, come back with nothing. So should I just take the loss of paying the fee of a result of premature and haste decision, or should I go head and just wish for the best.

Hoping to hear from you soon. Please give me advices, especially those of you who are experienced and how you dealt with such situations and circumstances.

Take care and peace.

What I'm about to write may come out wrong, but I mean well.

Think of interview as a Sales pitch.

Embassy is the customer, and you and your wife is Salesman.

Salemans is likely to be turned down a sale on the phone, but go to the door, harder to turn down.

What Im saying, it looks more bona fide if both are at interview. I truly wish you the best of luck.

Interesting yet creative analogy. I like it. lol

Thank you bro. Appreciate it.

Close ur eyes and listen to ur heart...Simply listen to what it says...

Well, no one here can give a garuantee to u for the issuance of ur spouse's visa. About going for the interview, it is always better if u somewhere near to ur spouse (even if the embassy/consulate don't allow u right at interview window). It is considered as the eagerness of the petitioner to have his/her spouse by her/his side as soon as possible-a way of proving bonafide marriage. And I am really not sure about what u r saying "USC spouse is a male and a Muslim, they could extend the background check"- as far as I understand, the back ground check after interview is mostly on the beneficiary. As USC, DOS and FBI knows everything about u, these checks are mostly done when the case is under USCIS and NVC..But I am unsure of this issue though...

My husband is coming too for my interview...Although we know I may not get visa right after my interview...But giving the best try for it, so that we don't regret later.

Good Luck

Sonia

Thank you so much sisters. Somewhat reassured. About the background check, here is what I am talking bout.

Usually 2 days for a "mandatory security check" but if you tell them your fiance is from a different country If your fiance is Muslim and male, the security check can take much longer. Be prepared, so you won't be disappointed, and don't buy the plane ticket quite yet.

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...airobi,%20Kenya

Yea so that made me a bit apprehensive. Still am but feel a bit better and "relaxed". I hope I am making the right decision. I am a huge fan of listening to your heart and blocking out everything else. But I was/am really confused about this situation. That's why I sought your help. But thanx sis. Much appreciated.

Take care and peace.

There you go bro. Congratulations. Give our regards to your wife as well. Take care and bring her home safe and sound.

Wonderful news bro. I am happy for you and your wife. May you live in peace, harmony, love and mercy throughout your marital life. Congratulations.

Hello VJers!

I have a bit of a dilemma. My wife's interview date is the 15th of April. And I am debating whether I should go or not. The reason for my dilemma is that I have read on the Nairobi threat that if the USC spouse is a male and a Muslim, they could extend the background check which could possibly take from weeks to months. And I also heard that it will be especially true for Somalis because they are known for their lies, unfortunately. It is always few that ruin for all. How unfair! On the other side, I took into considerations from other threat about this same exact topic of how to be there for your spouse and how much it will mean to the spouse and how it will make your bond look that much legit and strong. If memory serves me well, I remember also reading that sometimes they could ask for the USC spouse. I just don't want to book a ticket and the period of my stay to extend more than the time I had booked for the ticket because of visa not being issued just yet.

What do you advice I should do? I think I have made a premature decision to book a ticket already for me. My ticket is booked from the 7th till the 24th of April. But now I am considering changing it to a later time and pay the fee instead of having to go there and, GOD FORBID, come back with nothing. So should I just take the loss of paying the fee of a result of premature and haste decision, or should I go head and just wish for the best.

Hoping to hear from you soon. Please give me advices, especially those of you who are experienced and how you dealt with such situations and circumstances.

Take care and peace.

You will not be able to go out and see Amsterdam with your wife since she is not yet a US Citizen. She just have a US entry VISA at this time. However, the agent should have told you that there is no problem for you & wife to stay at the airport for the connecting flight.

However I do hear that some transit countries are demanding Transit VISA to be issued from originating countries to cross-check all credentials and I guess to be extra careful. You need to find out if that is the case with Amsterdam and you country. I think it is UK that is a problem mostly, but you should be fine here.

When you said that she does not have a passport, I am assuming that you are talking about US Passport. Right!. In that case, I hope my answer is clear. She either sits in the airport waiting for the connecting flight or simply gets a transit VISA from her country.

Remember, in both case and more important in the case that she does NOT have a Transit VISA - the final destination cannot be Amsterdam. Your ticket should have a connecting flight departing from Amsterdam.

Good luck and enjoy the trip.

KingAbu,

Use KLM through Armsterdam, she'll just stay at the airport until her next flight, no need for a transit visa because she will not go passed the immigration, UK is a BIG NO NO.

Actually she doesn't have both US passport or any other passports for that matter. (Long story. I explained it before her VJ ). But thank you anyway. And the agent did not tell me anything about that. But we booked through Emirates. Thanx anyway though.

May the Mercy of God soothe your hearts. Good luck to you and to your wife. Allah willing you will be fine.

As crazy as it may sound, but about two years ago, my mother proposed the idea that I marry my cousin (my Queen and Love now). I instantly refused. That was 2006. She kept on asking me and kept on saying on stuff like I will get her blessings, etc. In our religion (Islam), the mother is only next online to Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, the Ahlulbayt (the Prophet's Household. Then fourth in line, comes the parents - particularly the mother. So I was beginning to feel guilty and thought maybe it is not going to be that bad and give it a chance.

So anyway, I agreed this past year and what a decision I made!!! So why do I love her? She has been everything a man can ever ask for in a wife. I find in her peace of mind, tranquility and great amount of joy (for a lack of a more accurate disruptive word). The whole purpose of marriage is the following:

And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them, and He put between you love and compassion; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect.

(Holy Quran Chapter 30; verse 21).

I am so much in love with my wife, and being the poet I am, I composed a whole album (10 songs) for her of our love, vows, and what we mean to each other, etc. Man I can not wait till our Album is released already. We sent it to two (male and female) of the most well known Somali singers. Sorry I can't sing. lol

So therefore, to me, she is a living exemplary wife of that verse for me. She completes me and she is definitely my better half.

That's why I love my wife whom I will be seeing in about twelve days Allah willing.

Take care and peace.

I'm the male half of the relationship, so i guess i can't reply to this thread (it's a guy thing)...but your stories sound soooo sweet....actually if i knew she would read this, i would say something reeeeeaaaaal NICE....LOL

What is? Not to show your feelings, love and emotions for your wife?

BTW, I think you should still say it. You never know when she might read it. Could surprise you.

now i hope my wife NEVER reads this thread...LOL... THANKS King Abu, you really raised the bar here...

Lol .... If I Knew her I would tell her to read this thread. lol jk.

As crazy as it may sound, but about two years ago, my mother proposed the idea that I marry my cousin (my Queen and Love now). I instantly refused. That was 2006. She kept on asking me and kept on saying on stuff like I will get her blessings, etc. In our religion (Islam), the mother is only next online to Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, the Ahlulbayt (the Prophet's Household. Then fourth in line, comes the parents - particularly the mother. So I was beginning to feel guilty and thought maybe it is not going to be that bad and give it a chance.

So anyway, I agreed this past year and what a decision I made!!! So why do I love her? She has been everything a man can ever ask for in a wife. I find in her peace of mind, tranquility and great amount of joy (for a lack of a more accurate disruptive word). The whole purpose of marriage is the following:

And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them, and He put between you love and compassion; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect.

I am so much in love with my wife, and being the poet I am, I composed a whole album (10 songs) for her of our love, vows, and what we mean to each other, etc. Man I can not wait till our Album is released already. We sent it to two (male and female) of the most well known Somali singers. Sorry I can't sing. lol

So therefore, to me, she is a living exemplary wife of that verse for me. She completes me and she is definitely my better half.

That's why I love my wife whom I will be seeing in about twelve days Allah willing.

Take care and peace.

I'm the male half of the relationship, so i guess i can't reply to this thread (it's a guy thing)...but your stories sound soooo sweet....actually if i knew she would read this, i would say something reeeeeaaaaal NICE....LOL

What is? Not to show your feelings, love and emotions for your wife?

BTW, I think you should still say it. You never know when she might read it. Could surprise you.

I'm not sure, won't she have an american visa?

Yes but will that suffice?

Maybe look into getting a transit visa for the Netherlands assuming that the KLM flight will be connecting through Amsterdam.

Excuse my ignorance but what is a transit visa? And how do you obtain one?

Hello VJers! It is been a while since I have not posted anything here.

My wife just completed her meds yesterday in Nairobi and I was getting ready to book in a ticket until the agent (the guy who is booking the ticket for me) told me that my wife will not be allowed to be a transit in Europe. She can only enter places like Dubai, Turkey, etc. Is this true? The reason I want to know is well you see, I have two options, I can either take KLM for 1050.00 USD or Emirates for 1480.00 USD. Obviously anywise man would take the cheaper airline and they are both good. I flew with Emirates before for my wedding and my siblings flew with KLM before and they said nothing but good stuff. So no worries there. But is it true then that my wife will not be allowed to enter Europe because she is not a resident or a citizen of the US? And remember she doesn't have a passport either. So anyone know anything bout this? Please let me know before I book a ticket. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Peace and take care.

Thank you. I guess I will just keep it just in case they ask, will not offer.

Hello VJers!

Just a quick question. For the past nine months, when I sent my wife money, it was not through western union cause it is expensive. All the Somalis I know use other forms of money transfer such as companies called "Mustaqbal" or "Dahib Shiil". Now will this form of transferring money be acceptable during the interview when they ask for some proofs of on-going relationship? They faxed me the receipts but it doesn't look professional at all. Any of you with experience want to share some words of wisdom?

Thank you in advance.

Take care and peace

Congratulations and now it is your turn to pray for the rest of us.

Thank you bro/sis. I guess the price is about right then. So Insha Allah she will go there as early as possible. Please keep us in your prayers as we will return the favor.

Take care and peace:)

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I finally got hold of the embassy yesterday and transferred me to the Visa Dept. and I asked if my wife could pick up the packet (before I called them, I sent them an email and to my surprise and there was already an answer this morning. That was quick!) and if she needed an appointment, the lady who was kind and nice said no and that I could come pick any M-TR at 8:00am. Then I called Dr. Asuga again to see if Monday was still available. She told me that she had already put me down for Monday @1pm. So I asked what my wife needed to bring with us and she told me that she can provide me with the medical forms for the doc to fill out. She said that she had copies of the med forms. But I still should go to the Consulate right and pick up my packet 3? That's what I am planing to do. My wife goes leaves Mombasa on Sunday and arrives Monday morning and then goes to the Embassy, picks up the packet 3 and then goes to her med exam appointment. Sounds like a plan, right?

Btw, the price is way different than what I had read on the Nairobi threat.

The exam is around $105 but the cost for vaccinations depends on how many he/she needs. $245 is the estimated cost for all, but most pay around $100-$150. It's recommended that you get as many vaccinations before-hand since the Nairobi doctors can be expensive. Also, a chest x-ray is required.

She told me the total price was 400.00 USD. I was shocked because I was under the impression of the above quote. Anyway, no complains as my Queen is worth every penny, but I was just surprised.

Anyway, thank you bro/sis. God bless you and your family.

take care and peace