Lizz&Mohamed

To ALL my VJ family members -

Thank you sooo much for your wonderful comments and well wishes. I truly appreciate them. I know that your well wishes/comments are honest because you know my struggle, having endured the long journey yourselves. Through this long process, I found myself to the point of giving up because of the 13 months USCIS took to re-affirm our petition. But then, there were those moments where I would stop and think about how as an American, a U.S. Cititzen, I had the right to immigrate my husband, the man I love and that as long as everything was in order with his paperwork, they could not stop me from exercising that right!!! This is what gave me the strength and determination to see this to thee very end. I have read cases where other couples gave in to the pressure, due to the long wait and/or delays and simply gave up with the process, thus giving up on their marriage, on themselves and I could not and would not give anyone the satisfaction of a defeat! So, I fought hard, got my Congresswoman involved and was so thankful her office, her Congressional Aide, was sympathetic to our family dilemma, and made every effort to remain as actively involved as possible with USCIS, until it finally paid off! I don't know if I mentioned this or not in a previous thread but when the Homeland Security Agents interviewed me they made a reference to seeing documentation in my file from my Congresswoman's office and asked me why I involved her...I answered honestly and told them it was due to USCIS sitting on my case for a full year with no action, that I had grown tired of always calling them for an update and receiving the same answer time and time again: "give us 6 more months for processing, before calling back again. that there was no true time limit on returned cases for "further review". I also told them that as an American Citizen, I knew what my rights were and decided to exercise them. What I also wanted to add to this response was how my endless persistence with my Congresswoman worked because here they were! But I didn't because my main objective was to get them to push my case forward and avoid any further delays. At this point, one of the Agents apologized for the delay from USCIS and informed me that their office had just been given my case 2 days prior, that they were to here to interview me and that as soon as the interview concluded, their intent was to get my file off their desk by typing up the report as soon as they got back to their office. Now, I see that the delay was truly with USCIS because the Agents turned their report over to USCIS in a few days as promised and shortly after that, USCIS re-affirmed our petition and now here we are.

Thank you again for your support and kind words / well wishes. It is my hope that all of you "Keep Hope Alive and Do Not Give Up!!! Exercise your rights as U.S. Citizens, so that you can be reunited with your loved one.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Mohamed

I fly back to usa in July also But of course sad without my husband but we are happy you and your husband finally together after so long time <3

I know how difficult it must be for you...hang in there. I know it's a lot easier said than done but all good things come to those who wait. While this was such an emotional and stressful ordeal, I have no regrets and am glad we stuck it out. I know that the Consulate is only doing their job when they deny a visa due to the validity of a marriage and/or relationship, but I just wish they would be learn to be a bit more understanding and be open to receive more supporting evidence, or opened to rescheduling a 2nd interview before they kick cases back to the U.S... It was not only an emotional ordeal for me but my children as well. My children bonded with my husband right away and to be made to wait 2years for the visa...well, lets just say that it was an ordel that I wanted to spare my children. Keeping families apart for this length of time is just cruel and inconsiderate. They truly tested our marriage that's for sure but I am proud to say we showed them!!!

I can't wait to see my habibi, my hayati, my albi!!!

Lizz&Mohamed

Congratulations!!

Thank you for your comment. Best of luck to you...

Congrats 2 YEARS long time but I know For Love It's Worth It And much more.We are so happy for you and your husband ...And the children Best wishes for your life together

Thank you - Ayman_Rina, for your nice comment! My kids were so excited this morning after I shared the news with them. They are anxiously awaiting for us to travel back to Egypt, spend some time by the Red Sea with our extended family and friends and to finally bring Mohamed home with us. =)

Lizz&Mohamed

hELLO LIz! Mabrook to you and your husband!! u both deserve to be together...my flight to US will be on june 30th also..egypt air from kuwait....

Shokran faraway!

Mabroook to you as well. Our flight back will be in JULY 30th, Insha Allah...So, it is our hope Mohamed will have his first Ramadan in America starting the next day.

I will travel by the end of the month maybe the 28,29, or the 30th, one of these days, can't wait to get my passport back so i can go book the ticket

Can't wait to see, touch, ...... etc, my wife lol

Ya Sam - Mabrook!

They just approved my husband's visa on the 21st and the man told him it should arrive within 14days. Please keep up posted and let us know how long your visa took to arrive meshi? Shokran.

Salaam,

Lizz&Mohamed

So if the visa is issued before July 14 you will get CR1, but if your POE is AFTER July 14, you can point it out to the officer at POE that the marriage is now over 2 years and then he'll get the 10yr green card instead of the conditional 2yr card.

Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the info Mrs. O!!!

I have been keeping that in mind...and our return date back to the states will be July 30th. I didn't know that I could mention it to the officer at the POE. Can they change the visa at this point or is it something I have to follow-up with USCIS after our return?

Thanking you in advance for your help.

Lizz&Mohamed

Hi Darnell!!!

Yes - 2 years of marriage will be in July 14, 2009. Our Immigration Journey began in August 2009. We filed for the CR1 Visa.

Lizz&Mohamed

Thank you sooo much Lisa Marie for your nice comment.

It means a lot.

Lizz&Mohamed

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to let anyone with a "Returned back to USCIS for further Review" case, that USCIS Re-Affirmed our case after 13 LONG months. This was all possible because of our constant effort to remain very actively involved by bringing attention to our case and by getting my Congresswoman involved.

Our case was returned back to Cairo in mid-May and two Consulate employees contacted my husband letting him know that some docs needed to be updated and sent to them via DHL. Once they received the documents (6/19) they called him back to report on the 21st of this month, at 9am, to sign the DS-230 in front of a Consular Officer. When he attempted to ask them if he was being scheduled for an interview, they would not answer the question and simply told him to report on that day to sign the form. Well, needless to say, my husband went prepapred only with the first evidence we submitted when our case was first filed(pictures, emails, chat logs, phone records) and his passport. He said that as soon as he checked in, within 3minutes, his name was called. A CO Officer and a translator met with him. The CO officer made a comment about how old our case was: (Priority date of August 2009), how he noticed after his denial of the visa during his first interview - my children and I still traveled back to Egypt, acknowledged my interview here in California by 2 Homeland Security agents & their report of their investigation, and reviewed about 20 family pictures of my last trip to Egypt, that included my husband's immediate family, aunts and cousins, along with my children and I. After reviewing the pictures with my husband and asking him a few questions about who the people in the pictures were, my husband said that the CO took his pen and wrote "APPROVED" on the file and informed him his visa will arrive in about 14 days in the mail!!!! That if they needed something else from him or if something was missing from the file, they will inform him or otherwise his visa should arrive in the mail within 14 days. He also told my husband, that after having endured the process for 2 long years and all the work I put into our case, that he should sherish me and take care of me and the children. Told him "mabrook" and the interview was finished at this time. Though my husband did not give me the exact duration of this last minute interview, he sounded as if the entire process was handled pretty quickly.

During the time that the Consulate contacted my husband via phone, I emailed the Consulate twice, letting them know that I was still very much involved in the case and requested that they inform me of their intent with our case. I received one response that was pretty simple, stating that once my husband sent them all the documentation via DHL, the Consulate will move forward in the processing of his visa petition.

Now, I only hope they honor their CO's decision to issue my husband his visa and that it in fact arrives within the 14 days or sooner!...Insha Allah. My husband and I are still pretty much in a state of shock because of the long wait we have endured...As soon as his visa arrives in the mail, I will make my reservations and the kids and I will visit with the family for a few weeks and we'll all return back home with my husband! Alhamdilullah!!!

Anyone that maybe in this part of the process...please hang in there. Keep hope alive, fight the fight and all will end well.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Mohamed

iwuvcheshert -

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WELL WISHES...IT TRULY HELPS ME BECAUSE I HAD LOST HOPE.

LIZZ&MOHAMED

Hello VJ family,

It has been awhile since I last posted but here is an update on my case and hope it sheds some light and hope to anyone that is in the same situation.

Our case was returned back to USCIS not based on our age difference at least that is what the CO said but more due to 3questions (so she alleged) that my husband answered wrong. But let me tell you that my husband & I's age difference is 14yrs. Of course, I will tell you that I don't look it but I am sure we all say that. Anyway, I made a BIG mistake and that was by not going back to Egypt to be with my husband for his interview. I was later told by Homeland Security that this was my mistake. But never having gone thru an immigration process at all and by reading on the website that it was not mandatory for me to do so, I simply rested on the most important fact that we "truly loved each other" and that alone would suffice. Boy was I wrong. My husband's visa was denied because according to the CO, he did not know enough about me, we met online and married on my first trip to Egypt. The case was returned back to USCIS, where it stayed here for 13months to be exact. In the 13months, you better believe I was on that phone bi-weekly, then monthly and got my Congresswoman involved in which her office if not monthly on a bi-monthly basis was in contact with USCIS. At around the 11month(MARCH 2011), Homeland Security showed up at my place of employment and caught me by surprise. There were 2male agents and they interviewed me for about 35minutes, both taking turns. One was more easy going and the other was very stone face, very serious minded. I answered all their questions truthfully and offered them more updated evidence: pics, chat and call logs that I happened to have at work but they refused, smiled and tapped on the already thick case file they had in front of them and said that what they had was sufficient. They also said they were there to investigate the validity of our marriage and to report the facts back to USCIS. They asked me to submit the financial part of my trips to Egypt and said once they received it, their report will be typed and given to USCIS for their processing. I asked him for his honest opinion on our case and this is when he told me that my mistake, was not being there at the interview with my husband. That when they see this, they look at the relationship as not being a strong one and that this hurt our case. He then proceeded to tell me that I MUST attend the next one if granted and this is when I asked him what his report would recommend. He said that their report makes no VISA recommendations. That their sole function is to investigate fraudulent marriages and report back the facts. He told me not to worry that I came across very honest and forthcoming about my feelings and marriage and that we have established a strong and bonafide marriage/relationship. That our case will most likely be "re-affirmed" by USCIS and returned back to the Embassy/Consulate in Cairo but again, reminded me to be there for the next interview. The next morning, 7am to be exact, the agent called me and asked me if he could have to docs and I told him, he would get them as soon as I got in to my office that morning. Once in, I sent it to him, he thanked me and said he will be giving his report to USCIS asap.

Now, in APRIL 2011, USCIS sends me a notice of action and informed me that they had "RE-AFFIRMED" our petition and that it was being sent back to NVC and to communicate with them from now on, when I needed a status on our case. I called NVC on April 28th, they still had no record of our case being logged in their system and reminded me that sometimes it can take up to 90days for them to receive a case from USCIS and for it to be recorded in their system. So, I decided to wait before contacting them again. Then in the 3rd week in MAY 2011, I get a called from my husband and he tells me that he had just gotten off the phone with a Consular Officer from Cairo and that they had informed him that they were in receipt of our case and that he needed to update his medical, police report and I-230 and to have me update my I-864 and send all the docs to them via DHL and for him to call them back when he has done so. This past Friday, I sent my husband my updated I-864 via Express Mail and once he gets it, he plans to travel to Cairo to send all the docs via DHL.

With all of this great news, I am afraid to re-joice and allow myself to get so happy and my hopes up again because as we all know, that even with all of this - the CO that will interview my husband again, can deny his visa yet again. So, for now, I will pray and ask GOD/ALLAH to help us in our endeavor and that he shine his light on our case onto these people, who hold our fate in their hands...God Willing = Insha Allah, it will have a happy ending.

This has been an extremely emotional, difficult situation for all of our families. My children, while they communicate with my husband daily via chat/webcam and telephone, still feel the stress over this diffcult ordeal. My children love my husband and I am so blessed to have found a man and his family, who love and accept my children as his own but again, while our love story is like one of a fairytale, it has been mostly a stressful and trying time for all of us. But we are still very much in love and involved in each others lives after 3 long years...I have been told by others, that the Embassy/Consulate looks at this and how we have not given up on our relationship as so many others do. This is one way, that they will maybe see/believe if our marriage is more legitimate/believeable...So for now, I will continue to pray and keep my fingers crossed and hope our journey will come to an end soon. Insha Allah = God willing. I want to add, that I am still able to have children and my husband very much wants to have children with me...something I hope we can start on at least 1 year after living together and getting him settled in to his new life here in the USA. Insha Allah.

Sorry for the long post and again, I hope - it offers anyone else in our same situation some hope.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Mohamed

Mexico & Egypt!

JUST CORRECTED THE MATH IN OUR AGE DIFFERENCE...14 YEARS AGE DIFFERENCE.

My husband also is very eager to start having children as do I and Insha Allah - we can begin this soon.

Lizz&Mohamed

Hello VJ family,

It has been awhile since I last posted but here is an update on my case and hope it sheds some light and hope to anyone that is in the same situation.

Our case was returned back to USCIS not based on our age difference at least that is what the CO said but more due to 3questions (so she alleged) that my husband answered wrong. But let me tell you that my husband & I's age difference is 14yrs. Of course, I will tell you that I don't look it but I am sure we all say that. Anyway, I made a BIG mistake and that was by not going back to Egypt to be with my husband for his interview. I was later told by Homeland Security that this was my mistake. But never having gone thru an immigration process at all and by reading on the website that it was not mandatory for me to do so, I simply rested on the most important fact that we "truly loved each other" and that alone would suffice. Boy was I wrong. My husband's visa was denied because according to the CO, he did not know enough about me, we met online and married on my first trip to Egypt. The case was returned back to USCIS, where it stayed here for 13months to be exact. In the 13months, you better believe I was on that phone bi-weekly, then monthly and got my Congresswoman involved in which her office if not monthly on a bi-monthly basis was in contact with USCIS. At around the 11month(MARCH 2011), Homeland Security showed up at my place of employment and caught me by surprise. There were 2male agents and they interviewed me for about 35minutes, both taking turns. One was more easy going and the other was very stone face, very serious minded. I answered all their questions truthfully and offered them more updated evidence: pics, chat and call logs that I happened to have at work but they refused, smiled and tapped on the already thick case file they had in front of them and said that what they had was sufficient. They also said they were there to investigate the validity of our marriage and to report the facts back to USCIS. They asked me to submit the financial part of my trips to Egypt and said once they received it, their report will be typed and given to USCIS for their processing. I asked him for his honest opinion on our case and this is when he told me that my mistake, was not being there at the interview with my husband. That when they see this, they look at the relationship as not being a strong one and that this hurt our case. He then proceeded to tell me that I MUST attend the next one if granted and this is when I asked him what his report would recommend. He said that their report makes no VISA recommendations. That their sole function is to investigate fraudulent marriages and report back the facts. He told me not to worry that I came across very honest and forthcoming about my feelings and marriage and that we have established a strong and bonafide marriage/relationship. That our case will most likely be "re-affirmed" by USCIS and returned back to the Embassy/Consulate in Cairo but again, reminded me to be there for the next interview. The next morning, 7am to be exact, the agent called me and asked me if he could have to docs and I told him, he would get them as soon as I got in to my office that morning. Once in, I sent it to him, he thanked me and said he will be giving his report to USCIS asap.

Now, in APRIL 2011, USCIS sends me a notice of action and informed me that they had "RE-AFFIRMED" our petition and that it was being sent back to NVC and to communicate with them from now on, when I needed a status on our case. I called NVC on April 28th, they still had no record of our case being logged in their system and reminded me that sometimes it can take up to 90days for them to receive a case from USCIS and for it to be recorded in their system. So, I decided to wait before contacting them again. Then in the 3rd week in MAY 2011, I get a called from my husband and he tells me that he had just gotten off the phone with a Consular Officer from Cairo and that they had informed him that they were in receipt of our case and that he needed to update his medical, police report and I-230 and to have me update my I-864 and send all the docs to them via DHL and for him to call them back when he has done so. This past Friday, I sent my husband my updated I-864 via Express Mail and once he gets it, he plans to travel to Cairo to send all the docs via DHL.

With all of this great news, I am afraid to re-joice and allow myself to get so happy and my hopes up again because as we all know, that even with all of this - the CO that will interview my husband again, can deny his visa yet again. So, for now, I will pray and ask GOD/ALLAH to help us in our endeavor and that he shine his light on our case onto these people, who hold our fate in their hands...God Willing = Insha Allah, it will have a happy ending.

This has been an extremely emotional, difficult situation for all of our families. My children, while they communicate with my husband daily via chat/webcam and telephone, still feel the stress over this diffcult ordeal. My children love my husband and I am so blessed to have found a man and his family, who love and accept my children as his own but again, while our love story is like one of a fairytale, it has been mostly a stressful and trying time for all of us. But we are still very much in love and involved in each others lives after 3 long years...I have been told by others, that the Embassy/Consulate looks at this and how we have not given up on our relationship as so many others do. This is one way, that they will maybe see/believe if our marriage is more legitimate/believeable...So for now, I will continue to pray and keep my fingers crossed and hope our journey will come to an end soon. Insha Allah = God willing. I want to add, that I am still able to have children and my husband very much wants to have children with me...something I hope we can start on at least 1 year after living together and getting him settled in to his new life here in the USA. Insha Allah.

Sorry for the long post and again, I hope - it offers anyone else in our same situation some hope.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Mohamed

Mexico & Egypt!

JUST CORRECTED THE MATH IN OUR AGE DIFFERENCE...14 YEARS AGE DIFFERENCE.

My husband also is very eager to start having children as do I and Insha Allah - we can begin this soon.

Lizz&Mohamed

Hello VJ family,

It has been awhile since I last posted but here is an update on my case and hope it sheds some light and hope to anyone that is in the same situation.

Our case was returned back to USCIS not based on our age difference at least that is what the CO said but more due to 3questions (so she alleged) that my husband answered wrong. But let me tell you that my husband & I's age difference is 15yrs. Of course, I will tell you that I don't look it but I am sure we all say that. Anyway, I made a BIG mistake and that was by not going back to Egypt to be with my husband for his interview. I was later told by Homeland Security that this was my mistake. But never having gone thru an immigration process at all and by reading on the website that it was not mandatory for me to do so, I simply rested on the most important fact that we "truly loved each other" and that alone would suffice. Boy was I wrong. My husband's visa was denied because according to the CO, he did not know enough about me, we met online and married on my first trip to Egypt. The case was returned back to USCIS, where it stayed here for 13months to be exact. In the 13months, you better believe I was on that phone bi-weekly, then monthly and got my Congresswoman involved in which her office if not monthly on a bi-monthly basis was in contact with USCIS. At around the 11month(MARCH 2011), Homeland Security showed up at my place of employment and caught me by surprise. There were 2male agents and they interviewed me for about 35minutes, both taking turns. One was more easy going and the other was very stone face, very serious minded. I answered all their questions truthfully and offered them more updated evidence: pics, chat and call logs that I happened to have at work but they refused, smiled and tapped on the already thick case file they had in front of them and said that what they had was sufficient. They also said they were there to investigate the validity of our marriage and to report the facts back to USCIS. They asked me to submit the financial part of my trips to Egypt and said once they received it, their report will be typed and given to USCIS for their processing. I asked him for his honest opinion on our case and this is when he told me that my mistake, was not being there at the interview with my husband. That when they see this, they look at the relationship as not being a strong one and that this hurt our case. He then proceeded to tell me that I MUST attend the next one if granted and this is when I asked him what his report would recommend. He said that their report makes no VISA recommendations. That their sole function is to investigate fraudulent marriages and report back the facts. He told me not to worry that I came across very honest and forthcoming about my feelings and marriage and that we have established a strong and bonafide marriage/relationship. That our case will most likely be "re-affirmed" by USCIS and returned back to the Embassy/Consulate in Cairo but again, reminded me to be there for the next interview. The next morning, 7am to be exact, the agent called me and asked me if he could have to docs and I told him, he would get them as soon as I got in to my office that morning. Once in, I sent it to him, he thanked me and said he will be giving his report to USCIS asap.

Now, in APRIL 2011, USCIS sends me a notice of action and informed me that they had "RE-AFFIRMED" our petition and that it was being sent back to NVC and to communicate with them from now on, when I needed a status on our case. I called NVC on April 28th, they still had no record of our case being logged in their system and reminded me that sometimes it can take up to 90days for them to receive a case from USCIS and for it to be recorded in their system. So, I decided to wait before contacting them again. Then in the 3rd week in MAY 2011, I get a called from my husband and he tells me that he had just gotten off the phone with a Consular Officer from Cairo and that they had informed him that they were in receipt of our case and that he needed to update his medical, police report and I-230 and to have me update my I-864 and send all the docs to them via DHL and for him to call them back when he has done so. This past Friday, I sent my husband my updated I-864 via Express Mail and once he gets it, he plans to travel to Cairo to send all the docs via DHL.

With all of this great news, I am afraid to re-joice and allow myself to get so happy and my hopes up again because as we all know, that even with all of this - the CO that will interview my husband again, can deny his visa yet again. So, for now, I will pray and ask GOD/ALLAH to help us in our endeavor and that he shine his light on our case onto these people, who hold our fate in their hands...God Willing = Insha Allah, it will have a happy ending.

This has been an extremely emotional, difficult situation for all of our families. My children, while they communicate with my husband daily via chat/webcam and telephone, still feel the stress over this diffcult ordeal. My children love my husband and I am so blessed to have found a man and his family, who love and accept my children as his own but again, while our love story is like one of a fairytale, it has been mostly a stressful and trying time for all of us. But we are still very much in love and involved in each others lives after 3 long years...I have been told by others, that the Embassy/Consulate looks at this and how we have not given up on our relationship as so many others do. This is one way, that they will maybe see/believe if our marriage is more legitimate/believeable...So for now, I will continue to pray and keep my fingers crossed and hope our journey will come to an end soon. Insha Allah = God willing.

Sorry for the long post and again, I hope - it offers anyone else in our same situation some hope.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Mohamed

Mexico & Egypt!

Hamdilullah!

1Year and 7days USCIS, California Service Center "Re-Affirms" our CR1 case, only after Homeland Security interviewed me (March 2011) and submitted their report findings to USCIS! This has been the most exausting both physically and emotionally experience I've had to face. This year certainly tested our marriage/commitment/love for one another because for most of the year, USCIS did nothing to process our case. Only with endless calls to both USCIS and my Congresswoman's office, who began to apply a more firm tone with USCIS on the status of my case, did I begin to see action. Homeland Security interviewed me in March 2011 and on April 21, 2011, USCIS contacted me with their decision to "re-affirm" and push forward our case.

I know the battle has not been won yet but I have been revived some for the next hurdle in the process! My case is now being returned back to NVC, so that they can log in our case and forward it back the Embassy in Cairo, for the scheduling of a 2nd interview. It is my hope that with my pressence in the 2nd interview (BIG mistake on my part, not being there with my husband during his 1st interview-told to me by Homeland Security), it is my hope during 2nd interview the CO, can see the legitimacy of our marriage and commitment/love for one another.

My concern now will also be with the Embassy in Cairo and given what has happened in Egypt with the overthrow of Mubarak, when the U.S. Embassy in Cairo begin to conduct Visas again???

I hope my story gives anyone who finds themselves in the same situation - HOPE and the will to carry on.

Thank you for reading my update.

Lizz&Mohamed

We do have an age difference and because the Consular Officer alleged that he answered 3 questions wrong about me...so she returned the case back to USCIS (to the states) for further review. I think, she just assumed our marriage maybe fradulent. His English is limited and I think, she used this to ask him the questions so fast and with words that maybe he did not understand. I know how what they do to try to confused the person being interviewed. I was not with him in the first interview and the Homeland Security Officers told me, I should be with him next time. Insha Allah - it will be soon.

Lizz&Mohamed

My husband flat out denied that the Consular Officer asked him one of the questions she is saying he got wrong and she alleged that he did not even know my birthday - which is a lie!!! He did give it to her in the Egyptian format but so what?! If you ask me, I just think she did not want to approve his visa that day. My husband told me there were couples there, who he said their wives look so old and they got their visas approved that same day.

Inshallah they will open the embassy soon but after all the evidence that you sent they still interviewed you in the US which does not happen usually and want your husband i assume to have another interview in Cairo, what's all that for ?

We do have an age difference and because the Consular Officer alleged that he answered 3 questions wrong about me...so she returned the case back to USCIS (to the states) for further review. I think, she just assumed our marriage maybe fradulent. His English is limited and I think, she used this to ask him the questions so fast and with words that maybe he did not understand. I know how what they do to try to confused the person being interviewed. I was not with him in the first interview and the Homeland Security Officers told me, I should be with him next time. Insha Allah - it will be soon.

Lizz&Mohamed

Wow, i am wondering what do they mean by ( what we have on you was plenty of evidence ), do they mean evidence that you sent them or evidence to make them investigate your case more thoroughly

LOL....I know what you mean. What they had was all the evidence I had submitted on 2 seperate times. They included chat logs, cell/mobile logs, pics, proof of gifts we sent each other, etc.

My worry now is how much more time before USCIS lets us know anything and of course when the Cairo Embassy will open and start processing visas again. Ya Rab! Hopefully not much longer. Insha Allah.

Lizz&Mohamed

Hello everyone,

Thought I'd update you all on our returned CR1 from Cairo Embassy. USCIS - California Service Center has been in receipt of our case for almost 1year and just this past Thursday, 2 Homeland Officers came to my place of employment and interviewed me for about 35minutes.

First and foremost, they alleged our case was just assigned to them 2days prior by USCIS and were asked to investigate the legitimacy of our marriage. They began by stating that their sole function is to protect the American Citizen as well as the country. Like I said the interview was about 35 minutes. They asked me how my trips to Egypt were funded and asked me to submit proof that I in fact was the one to pay for both trips to Egypt. I did that Friday but before emailing the documentation, 1 of the officers called me early that morning to ask me to submit the documentation so that he could type his report right away. I asked him his opinion and what his report will entail and his reponse was that they only report facts. Homeland Security does not recommend or deny visas but I asked him for his opinion and he responded that my husband and I show a strong relationship/marriage and that most likely our case will be returned to the Embassy for a possible 2nd Interview and/or my husband's Visa. I asked him if our case is returned back to the Embassy will it have to go thru NVC again? He responded by stating that he was not 100% certain but assumes that it would have to go thru NVC so that they can log our case, in order to track it but said he will confirm that for me and get back to me. He also stated that once his report is typed, he will turn it over to USCIS for their processing. USCIS, will then send me correspondence either letting me know that they are "re-affirming" our petition or "intent to revoke", at which point - I will be given about 30days to submit new evidence to challenge their decision. I will add, that during their interview, they had a thick file on our case and I also told them that I was in possession at work of a wire basket full of updated evidence that I would love to hand over to them & they laughed a little and said that was not necessary because what they had on us (and they tapped on our thick file) was plenty of evidence. =)

I feel the interview went very well due to my being forthcoming/honest about everything they asked me and "Insha Allah" (God willing), we will hear from USCIS. The only thing I fear, that because USCIS has either been so backed up and slow in processing cases that it will not be another 6months (pushing our case to a year and a half) before we get any news from them. The officers did tell me tha they noticed that my Congresswoman's office was involved in our case and asked me why. I was honest with them & told them that I only did so when I was not being given any info on our case and the horrible delay from USCIS. And it could be because the last contact my Congresswoman made to USCIS was at the beginning of this month, asking them why my case has not been touched/processed in almost a year. =) So, if USCIS delays it any further, I will make sure I contact my Congresswoman's office again.

I hope this offers anyone in the same situation as mine some hope. The officers were nice throughout the interview and never try to intimidate me.

Lizz&Mohamed

I want to thank you all very much for your kind words of support. It means a lot to me to hear that others that have been in the same type of situation had positive results in the end. I have often been told not to worry so much, that as long as my husband nor I lied in our paperwork and that all that is in question is the CO's personal opinion...that our case will be "re-affirmed" by USCIS & sent back to the Cairo Embassy for a second interview. But when I've called USCIS & they started telling you how the FBI is running background checks...well it is somewhat intimidating to hear.

Thank you again & for those who are out there with the same situation - lets all hang in there...

Lizz&Mohamed

IM SORRY - I FORGET TO TELL YOU NO THEY DID NOT MAKE A VISIT TO HIS FAMILY TO ASK THEM ANYTHING. THEY ASKED HIM HOW HIS FAMILY FEEL ABOUT HIM MARRYING A CHRISTIAN AND BECAUSE HE IS LITTLE YOUNGER THAN ME. HE TOLD THEM, THEY HAD NO PROBLEM AND HAVE ACCEPTED ME AND MY CHILDREN INTO THEIR HOME AND PART OF THEIR FAMILY NOW.

Asalamu Aleykum - a loves a,

I visit Egypt 1 time every year because of how expensive it is to fly and because my kids have traveled with me to Egypt - it can be so expensive. The test questions that the White American CO says he got wrong are:

That he did not know my birthdate - which is a lie because this is first thing we learned about each other is our age! My husband did give it to them in Egyptian way with the day first and then the month but the Embassy should know this way so good. The second question she say he did not know was how long I lived in my flat/apartment, which my husband told me "Wallahi" this woman NEVER asked me this question, what she asked me is if you own or rent your flat and the third question was that yes, he did not know if I had a job in another state that I lived for only 8months but anybody can get this wrong if I did not tell him this information. Even if I married American husband, it does not mean my american husband will know everything there is to know about me!!! My big mistake, I did not travel to Egypt to be with thim in the interview and he was alone. This woman was really hard with him. But Wallahi if they give us a second interview (Insha Allah), I will be right there with him in this second interview.

I hope this helps you. Thank you for answering me.

Lizz&Mohamed

did they make a home visit for him or ask his dad or mam any kind of quiz

we are at the same boat also , egypt is very hard dont know why realy they do us like this , like you see we was k1 and they send it back and we get married and will file the cr1 i hope soon but you make me worry now

god help us

how many times you come to visit him , and what quiz he cant answer ? , did you you was with him at interview ???

Hello VJ family members,

Just wondering if anyone had their CR1 petition returned back to USCIS for Review? Cairo Embassy returned it due to the CO's opinion that my husband did not not enough about me by not answering 3 questions correctly during the interview. One question was never asked & the other 2 can be explained. I will not go into the extensive background on our case because for one it is rather long but mostly because I mainly want feedback from any other CR1 filers in a similar situation. The case was returned back to USCIS for "further review".

USCIS has been in receipt of our petition since April 13, 2010. Their 180days(6months) processing time for my type of review. My Congresswoman is very much involved and when the first 180days expired they told her that we are under "extensive review" and that we needed to give them an additional 180days. Are they kidding?! I guess not but my God, my husband & I have done everything by the book. Why is this happening to us? I met my husband June 2008 and since then, we have been as patient and supportive of one another during this most difficult and stressful time.

ANY CR1 FILERS IN THE SIMILAR SITUATION? IF SO, HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE USCIS HAS BEEN IN RECEIPT OF YOUR CASE OR HOW SOON WAS IS RESOLVED?

Thanking you in advance for your response. I didn't realize how difficult this process was going to be. I figured if we met all their conditions/requirements, then as easy as 1,2,3 - Visa will be approved for a spouse. "Insha Allah" all this wait, will bring positive results for all of us in this most difficult and trying situation.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Mohamed

STILL WAITING!!!

Our CR1 case/petition was returned back to USCIS under 221g ~ CO (Cario Embassy) letter to my Congresswoman, stated it was due to my husband not knowing enough about me & listed 3 questions that according to her, he didn't answer correctly! Anyway! USCIS has been in receipt of our case since April 13, 2010 & their initial 180 (6months), has long expired. My Congresswoman made a formal inquiry as to what the delay is & they emailed her telling her that our case in under "Extensive Review" & for us to give them an additional 180days(6months)!!! My Congresswoman stated, she will give them 3months & will make a more urgent formal inquiry.

I am going crazy!! There are days, I swear I feel im gonna lose it or that I want to throw in the towel ~ only due to the stress this immigration process is adding to my family. My husband & I love each other very much but we are now, more afraid that in the end they will revoke the petition. I have read many blogs & even docs with the State Gov. where they touch on returned petitions & know that my husband & I do a legitimate case! We did not lie on our paperwork and cleared all background checks (Egypt Police Report). How can any CO based on a hunch and not actual hard data/documentation just return a petition without giving us the opportunity to submit new evidence or consider a 2nd interview, where I could have possibly flown to Egypt to be with my husband?! I am outragged at how our lives are in the CO's hands!!!

If anyone, can offer me any kind of hope ~ I could truly use it right about now. I so need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel here...

Thanks for listening...

Lizz&Moh

Hello everyone,

I know that it has been a long time since I have posted.

First, I want to address my original posting ~ there was an GREAT, BIG, ERROR!! Oh my, I can't believe I put down that my husband & I have a 15 year difference. What I meant to say, is it's not like we have a 15year age difference. We actually have a 10year difference. So, with that being cleared up...let me give you all a status update on our CR1 case.

After it was returned back to the states/USCIS for "Further Review", USCIS send me the generic letter of waiting the 180days(6months), processing time before asking for any updates. Well, of course I was not going to listen to that & kept in touch with USCIS on a monthly basis, making my inquiries. Well, 6months came and went and no status update from USCIS. I then, phoned my Congresswoman and gave her the update. Her office made a formal inquiry as to the status and USCIS is now stating that our case is under "Extensive Review/Background Check" & to give them an additional 6months before making another inquiry. My Congresswoman communicated with me and informed me that she will give them 3months & make a more formal inquiry as to our case at that time (January 2011). I asked my Congresswoman what does an "Extensive Review / Background Check" means? And she stated that this is a generic wording they use when a case is simply being reviewed a 2nd time by USCIS. For me not to worry that simply now the FBI is running a background check on our case & that if my husband & I were both hones & forthcoming with all our documents that we should not have anything to worry about, except time.

So, there it is VJ Family. Our patience is being tried by USCIS/Immigration...It is my feeling that they too are dragging this out to see if maybe either my husband or myself will give up on the process and let our Petition go. "FAT CHANCE!". They have another thing coming! While my husband & I have experience some tension and difficult times in our marriage due to this drawn out immigration process, we are still very much committed to being together, a family. We will not give up and endure USCIS process but "Insha Allah", "God Willing", it will all come to an end soon.

I hope this offers anyone in our position some hope and consolation. Don't give up the fight, if you truly love your spouse. While it is a stressful and trying process, in the end I do believe it will all be worth it. Love will prevail.

Sincerely,

Lizz&Moh