Mrs_Mouse

I am not sure that K1 filers will have to refile. There is someone here who obtained in writing that they wont have to refile and I called USCIS and was told that even if it does expire, once it has been reviewed and requests for evidence has been approved, another approval letter will be issued with a new expiration date. I do not have that in writing, however, I am working on getting that.

God willing! My prayers are with you.

These things happen. He probably assumed he would be ok, and that because he'd been honest with the process. Unfortunately the people who do things the honest way aren't always favored. For now stay strong and hope the year goes fast. I wish you the best of luck.

P.S. Ignore the trolls and the haters, you know your husband and that's all that matters.

I could just kiss your face! Hhhhh. Thank you. Just.... thank you.

OK We get it, good people who are healthy and have jobs smoke pot! So he doesn't take aspirin he doesn't need to, he is soothing his headache with smoking POT. He should have just stayed sober for awhile knowing he might have to take a drug test. I think you got your answer already on this post and should now let it go. If you write about drugs of course everyone is going to comment, if you don't want comments don't post questions.

Hhhhhh. No, Silly. I am actually saying he is not a smoker. A person who made a mistake... sure. In wrong place... most definintely. But no, I was not implying any of those things you said. My, you've got an imagination! And of course, he would take something like an Tylenol for his toothache or his recent ACL tear. I was making a point.

People do dumb things all the time, I also think in a country like Morocco the drug laws are not as dumb as they are in the use. In most countries it is no big deal to smoke a joint. There is one question I have for myself. Would he have to go to the civil surgeon to get drug tested every 3 months, this could become costly.

Yes, he must return there, to the same civil surgeon... and the cost is unbelievable. Especially if you look at the money value of a nation like Morocco. I consider us very fortunate considering what could have happened.

OK We get it, good people who are healthy and have jobs smoke pot! So he doesn't take aspirin he doesn't need to, he is soothing his headache with smoking POT. He should have just stayed sober for awhile knowing he might have to take a drug test. I think you got your answer already on this post and should now let it go. If you write about drugs of course everyone is going to comment, if you don't want comments don't post questions.

Boy, did you lose the plot on that one. Cheers!

To everyone that took the time to reply or a word of support... I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You were just a huge help in sorting this out. There are far too numerous wonderful posts to thank everyone individually but please know that I appreciate all of your help.

For everyone else, Well, "Open Mic Night" seems appropriate. Tonight at 8:30pm. Drinks and appetizers will be served and your wonderful, witty participation is encouraged. You've been a blast!

All my best,

Kim

You should really stop making excuses for your husband and just accept the fact that he is a marijuana user. I work in a detox center and I no that if it was in his urine that he used within 3 days of testing.

As per the norm with a few others you seem to miss the point of the post. "What is the process or procedure to go on from here."

This is the last and only time I will even address such a silly statement. This has always been a place of help and support for people on their "VisaJourney," not a place for abuse, judgement, or ridicule. And thankfully there are still some wonderful people on this site that make it so. And I am ever thankful to them for all their time in helping me, showing genuine concern, and effort they have put into just saying hello, being supportive, or even the littlest of things. But I will indeed this last time... otherwise I would suggest you find a hobby or something else to pass the time if you find it necessary to troll. As a matter of fact, as you stated you worked in a detox cetner, surely you would see the pathology in what you are doing? I would hope. There are actually studies done on people that "troll." There are some fabulous medical journal articles that you might find interesting on the subject.

To address your statement: You are so right. I hope that everyone is fortunate enough to have a husband like mine and be in denial like you say I am. What a beautiful life and blessing. If a person who runs 5 miles a day, coaches little league for free, is an ex-semi pro player who takes care of his body, cares for his whole family and wife, who prays daily, does not drink, won't even take an aspirin (parecetemol for you non-westerners LOL), eats healthy, says please and thank you, and is a humble and beautiful person who would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger............... is what you say! Then sure, ok. I am in denial. Definintely. One mis-step or mistake does not necessarily define a person.

P. S. By the way, my mother who did not "work" in a detox center but actually founded and started them seems to disagree with you on your diagnosis, doctor. And if you were to read the original post you will see there was never any question as to whether there was a positive urine test. Your broad sweeping opinion and outright disrespect would indicate if you were indeed a counselor or work in a detox center, you are certainly not following the norm. First step in being a good counselor, Listen. Don't be quick to judge his needs ... Putting a client at ease requires an empathetic spirit and supportive approach. A rehabilitation counselor ... should be organized and professional in all your dealings, and work well with others in a team-approach strategy to help the patient.

And a few wise words from others, to pass the time:

___________________________________________________________

“It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

“To err is human, to forgive, divine.”

― Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism

“We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.”

― L.M. Montgomery

“Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.”

― Salvador Dalí

“We learn from failure, not from success!”

― Bram Stoker, Dracula

“If people refuse to look at you in a new light and they can only see you for what you were, only see you for the mistakes you've made, if they don't realize that you are not your mistakes, then they have to go.”

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

“I'm afraid that we all make mistakes. One of the things that defines our character is how we handle mistakes. If we lie about having made a mistake, then it can't be corrected and it festers. On the other hand, if we give up just because we made a mistake, even a big mistake, none of us would get far in life.”

― Terry Goodkind, Confessor

“We are all mistaken sometimes; sometimes we do wrong things, things that have bad consequences. But it does not mean we are evil, or that we cannot be trusted ever afterward.”

― Alison Croggon

Just one more thing to mention - the I-601 process has in no way been "stopped", I'm not sure what you read but that would be a massive issue. It has recently undergone a major change, though, and all I-601 waivers are being filed through a centralized lockbox in the US rather than at individual consulates abroad. However, there is no way to waive the drug ban if indeed that's why the visa was denied. You really need to get a denial form that states the reason, by the way, before you make any further assumptions. The ban lasts for a year and can't be waived during that time. Proof of rehabilitation will be necessary at the end of the year, so that's why they mention the periodic drug tests, although I would take it a step further and try to enroll in a substance abuse program just to avoid any extra complications at the end of the 1 year. It's unfortunate that your husband wasn't able to understand the vast gravity of this immigration appointment, but what's done is done. From here, all you can do is move forward. Make absolutely sure he stays clean this year and can prove it when you re-apply next year. The same I-130 should remain valid and active at the consulate, so just be sure to contact them a about 6-8 weeks before the ban is up to try to re-schedule an interview and get the process underway to seek the visa again. You'll need to update the I-864 and DS-230 at that point, and probably get more updated civil documents, but from there it should be possible to get the visa.

GlobeHopperMama,

Thank you so much for mentioning that about the I-601 process. I was perplexed when I read the memorandum that the government issued. I am sure a lot of people will be relieved to see all that you wrote about that. Thankfully it seems there was no ban nor denial at this point. I was dreading that and unsure of where we stood. I think that was the toughest part - just not knowing. And you were right... before I make any more assumptions I do need to see if there was a denial. From the way it looks and what others are saying it looks like we were quite fortunate that there was no "outright denial" and at the end of this 1 yr. of testing he will have his additional interview. They were very kind at the consulate and just basically said we will call you as soon as this is done (the testing) and then you will be approved. However, everything I am reading says to the contrary. Also, until i have something in writing I am of course in limbo. But I guess in this case, no answer is a "good" thing.

So it looks like from here we do like you mentioned - move forward. And the same I-130 that was approved will remain valid and active at the consulate. And what a relief that was to hear!!! I could not handle starting from zero again. What a huge relief and weight off my shoulders just to know that. Phewwwww. Thank you, thank you, thank you. What a wealth of information you are!

Wishing you all my best with your case as well. Hopefully, the globe hopping can come to an end.

I'm with newlyweds2010. He didn't say anything wrong. He even mentioned you guys might have some real problems ahead. Then you were all rude.

If you're gonna post spotty, cryptic, posts about your fiancé, and his drug usage, or non-drug usage, or whether he smoked as a teen, and/or smoked on a guys trip...... you should expect comments like his, and mine.

I realize that the whole story is a precursor to your actual question, but I'm sure we could have done with out all the personal info on your hubby. TMI. Then you'd receive less trolling comments.

P.s. This isn't a therapy website, but I hope you get the help you're looking for in regards to your actually question. As I can offer no assistance in that. As for your hubby.... Tell him to drink plenty of water with lemon. Should help clean him out days before the big test, just incase he goes on another guys trip. Good luck!!

I would receive less trolling comments? I wish that were the case. I think the this type of question is a balance between how much should I say to afford the proper information - so that I may get the appropriate answer/help from others and how much to "withhold" for respect of others (and to avoid the trolls). However, I really do beieve if you clearly followed the post that I made originally, I do believe that you would find "exactly" what I am saying with no problem. As for being cyptic? I don't think so. I was very clear. You say TMI (too much information) and others understand and are addressing it as I would expect with the appropriate advice. So I suppose there is no middle ground here.

The great side of this is that there are actually many good and wonderful people have taken the time to look into this for me and to talk to me and walk me through this. And it is more conforting to hear it from people who have gone through this than any lawyer in my opinion. But know that I do appreciate and thank you for taking the time to respond.

P.S. Remember the old saying that "It's not always what you say, but "how" you say it. That could be where Newlywed and I got off of the wrong foot. But I do believe that he/she missed some of what was written. That might be the case entirely. No one is perfect... I'm not. And be assured... if I did need thereapy, this would not be the place I would go. It was only an attempt at humor that seemed to bomb as I read what you wrote.

Kim

Taal,

Thank you for the kind words. You and others have helped me "sort" through some of this and really look at it differently. You are absolutely right - he was not outright denied. And I was quite confused about that since neither of us received a letter of denial. And I really do appreciate what you said about "judging others"... it's a tough situation without having any additional stress thrown on top of it. We have all had different experiences with our "VisaJourney" but I don't think even the easiest case would have that person say this is something they would like to go through again! LOL

I hope that you also get some good news that will bring you two together again as well. You sound like you are in a good place and your positivity is very admirable. It's actually quite a joy. It comes across in your writing

Best regards,

Kim

Life'sJourney,

Thanks for taking the time to sort through this messy topic and post. All of this information is invaluable. The "one year" kept coming up in everything I was reading. I wasn't sure if it was the approved I-130 that would expire or this was in regards to the Visa itself. I was hoping for the best - pee and wait for the re-interview. Thanks again for your time and help.

All my best,

Kim

ca_babe,

Thank you for taking the time to look into this so thoroughly. These are exactly the things that have been making me wonder - exactly the inadmissability of 'those' in circumstances such as these, what do the laws specifically state, how does it apply to "this" situation. And Your links are invaluable. Up until now, all the laws, statutes, etc. had me buried up to my ears. It was just too much to go through. I just kept getting deeper into it as I became more frustrated. Thank you so much for you help!

Sincerely,

Kim

Hi Kim,

I am so sorry that this happened. I don't have any advice to offer about your situation other than to say you can get through this. My husband and I have been trying to get his visa for the past 3 years. We are under a great deal of stress but we love each other and our marriage is stronger than ever. Hang in there.

Thank you for your thoughtful post. The waiting does indeed get to you! Three years, wow. My hats off to you. And good luck with your wait as well. Glad to hear there is another happy couple out there. My thoughts are with you as well

First let me thank everyone here for all their help along the way while filing my CR-1 and getting me through this process. It has been one heck of a roller coaster ride. And truly the help here has been invaluable. I don't believe I could have done it without you.

CR-1 Peitition was approved! Medical done! Consulate interview fantastic! BUT we have a snag in the process now. The medical test became a problem. My husband admitted to trying marijuana in the past as a teen. We have been honest in this process and did not want any problems with not being 100% upfront with anyone. Of course, that seems to have opened a whole new bucket of worms. The urine test was positive.

So I guess the going away party the night before was a bit premature. My athlete, health conscious, non-drinking husband who won't even take an aspirin apparently did something? I won't go into it. It is baffling to me at this point. That's the best I can do to assume what happened. No drug test will show a positive result from him sitting in a car full of men smoking on a trip back from training camp. Which did happen that week...

He was told that he would have to undergo testing quarterly for a year. The consulate employee told him that upon completion of this his visa would be approved. I have not received a notice or denial. When I spoke to them on the phone at the consulate I was told he would undergo 1 year of testing and not given any more information. It was like pulling teeth to find out where we go next. Basically, the answer was after he tests negative for a year we will talk.

My question is now what do I expect? Do waivers need to be filed for? The I-601 process has been stopped according to a memo I saw online at USCIS. Will his papers or original submissions expire? The CR-1 petition was approved. Where do I go from here? We are trying to get an idea of what to do next before I start packing my bags to move to Morocco and wait out this fiasco.

Please no bashing. I've already done enough of the "I can't believe this...," and "how could you..." . Yes, there are some people 'that' naive. They exist. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And as always, thank you for listening!!! This is cheaper than therapy. ;-)

Best regards, Kim

Please let me apologize if this has been asked and answered before. However, I would like to clarify to make sure I am understanding this correctly.

In a forum response a gentleman answered a member's question regarding the deadline for an RFE with the answer that "...USCIS has to receive the response to the RFE within 3 days of the deadline or the petition will be denied. "

Is this saying that in fact they will process an RFE if they receive it in the mail up to 3 days after the deadline date?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Kim

You misunderstand the process. At the moment a USCIS adjudicator decides to send an RFE, if no need for an RFE, there would be an approval. RFE's come next to the end of the process, not in the middle. It's important to understand that almost all of the petition adjudication process happens within the last few days. The rest of the time between NOA1 and RFE or approval nothing at all is happening. The file is just sitting waiting it turn to be dealt with.

You just brightened my day Pushbrk, you said an RFE is "next to the end of the process."

Ahhh, Those are the sweetest words I have heard in a long time. Happy dance!

Pushbrk,

Yes, I thought that would be a relatively simple fix for this as well. I did try that route and got shot down on that as well. It looks like I will just have to rely on the hope that I get an understanding immigration agent and that I document it properly. It looks like from my other post that this isn't a totally unusual situation. Thank you for your suggestions.

The parent affidavits in the RFE's I've seen only ask when they became aware of the relationship and that they ARE aware of the marriage took place. If that's all that's in the affidavit (You can write it.) perhaps your mother will sign it.

I have a similar situation to yours..I too had issue with the parent affidavits although my RFE ...

Wow. Reading your post was like looking at my own life word for word - with the exception that it is Parkinson's for my father now. Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing this with me. I can breathe a little easier knowing I'm not alone on this one and that the government was accepting of the situation after you documented it. A few more days until I mail my RFE packet to immigration and I can relax a little.

Could you write a letter stating that your mother is estranged from your family and you do not have contact with her? Then you and your father both sign it ? Not sure if thats an option just an idea?

Actually I had thought of doing something like that, but I think your idea of having my father sign it is the "perfect touch." Thank you so much....

What a horrible thing to have to deal with. Ugh. As if the process isn't hard enough - let's add some family dysfunction to the mix!

got the same rfe and your right im exhausted too:)..but hopefully it will be over soon for us and all this proof will help you and will help me at the interview stage of my process..

Wait a minute. You mean we aren't done yet? LOL

This may seem an odd question but I had to ask this of the other members here on VisaJourney.com I am sure I can't be the first to have this problem, but has anyone else had the problem that one of their parents would not sign an affidavit for their RFE?

Since my marriage, my mother and others in my family seem to have fallen into the wind. I've heard a few remarks about religion off hand. A few remarks here and there about where my husband is from... but when I approached my mother to write and sign an affidavit I was smacked in the face with a remark somewhat similar to "I don't know anything about your marriage." Now given that this is a true marriage in every way that a marriage is... it blew me away. I can't even understand where some of this comes from, but I must live my life and not dwell on these things. So I move on to the next thing on my list.

So now the problem is that my RFE specified that I must include an affidavit from both of my parents. Since my parents are divorced - my father is here by my side and eager to help. Now I must think of a way to address the fact that I will not have one from my mother.

Has anyone else had this same problem? Any parents not on board or helpful? Any problems from it? I'm praying it will be nothing of consequence. I'm sure there are other dysfunctional families out there like mine. LOL

Did you send anything with your application showing a bonafide marriage? There is a list of acceptable items to show proof of the relationship on the application. Some have been mentioned. I would review the information provided on the application for the I-130 and use those as a guide.

Unfortunately, I did not submit all with the initial submission for the I-130. Everything seemed to point that the government was leaning towards limiting the evidence only the named items I found in the directions. Yes, I thought about throwing in all the additional proof to save time but thought it might just complicate things. I pretty much stuck to the basics, the biographical info, marriage certificate, photos, phone call logs, etc. It's now that I am getting into the nitty gritty with the affidavits and proof of ticket purchase,....

Fingers crossed, this will be the end of this and we can move forward. I'm exhausted.

How do you communicate? Phone? IM? Emails? These are all evidence. You mention 600 pages of chat. No you don't need to send all of that, but enough samples to show ongoing communications (We sent one day of chat from each week) What about photos from your time together? Flight receipts, passport stamps etc. Did you submit any of this type of information? The bank statements from the joint account can be used also. How the money is spent isn't so important so long as you are both on the account and there is a paper trail showing where you have deposited money. Bank statements showing withdrawls that you have givine to his family is secondary evidence also. e-cards, actual letters, post cards. Receipts from your trip. even if it is just credit card statements showing you spent money there. Morocco is a high fraud country so it will be an uphill battle

AS for the request for documentation from schools is not that unusual. It is a little ridiculous, but they want some bona fide proof that you speak a common language. Certificates or diplomas with transcripts showing the courses taken and details of the english classes, assuming he speaks english. If you speak his native tongue then you will need the same information for your schooling.

What evidence did you send?

Thank you for your suggestion on how to trim down the chat and e-mail logs. I think the stress of it all and the months apart are making me batty. LOL It has just been a difficult battle with all the tedium. I find myself up against bank staff that will not provide copies of my monthly statements - as their is a problem with postal theft with kids in the neighborhood. But alas, I've been given the typical answer for so many of these things that I find odd... it is Morocco. I've started to get used to it. I fought it thinking there is no way on earth that customer service could be so bad, especially with a French bank for example. But yes indeed it has been.

I seem to have assembled everything they have asked for that is relevant, considering we are separated at the moment by 6000 miles. I'm just up to my ears in affidavits and am trying to get everything notarized, getting translations, and assembling my package now. I'm in the homestretch I hope! Fingers crossed and thank you to everyone of you for your kind and helpful words!

P.S. By the way, does anyone send regular traditional cards anymore? I thought I was the last of a dying breed.