chicagorj

We have plenty of evidence that has already been submitted so that is not an issue. I have been 3 times now. Once in August of 2012 for our official engagement, I stayed for 3 weeks, Then March of 2013 for our wedding, I stayed 12 days, and my last trip was March of 2014 for our first wedding anniversary, I stayed 7 days that time.

Oh oh oh how lovely.

I'd be tempted to wait for interview knowing how many times you've been over there.

@Nola. It seems you do not understand my post very well. She wants us to file together but she said I won't get nothing from it as she already have dependent. My question is if I file separately or decide to file jointly with her which is my best bet. If I file separately will I get anything back since if I file jointly with her I won't get nothing from her according to her. My other question was that if we file jointly will that help in my ROC? Things has not been working well with us in the marriage and we really do not know where we heading right now. She is always threatening to pull her application even though I am still waiting for my conditional green card. I just want to make sure I put all my ducks in a row. So I will appreciate your response to this.

@Teddy B. Thank you for the additional information. Very helpful.

You've been in the USA since April and no Permanent Residency card???? Seriously??? Something not right here.

As to you "getting" from your wife's refund, if you've only been working for 3 months and today is February 12th, 2015 that means you've been working since November? Why would you expect anything? Wasn't your entire visa journey financed by your wife?

Get a second job, please. ..... as soon as possible. Man up!

You have a lifetime of anniversaries together but only one interview !

Go to the interview. You have to wait outside but have your husband hand over your passport to the CO and say you are waiting outside and

are available should there be any questions. Then celebrate your anniversary doing something special together while you are there.

Priority should be on being there and getting approved.

I couldn't disagree more with Ebunoluwa. Yes the priority is getting approved but you being outside matters not. "Say you are waiting outside" and "available .......questions"; completely ridiculous.

I checked your timeline, luvmytater. Have you visited your hubby since your wedding in March 2013?

-chicagorj

It's your finances thus it's your choice.

To answer your question if you should travel now OR later, what USCIS is looking at in all the information us applicants gather and submit is evidence of a bonafide consistent REAL relationship. If you can only afford one trip, my advice is go now and be with hubby on your anniversary. Take pics, keep plane ticket, hotel receipts, have a great time, etc. for additional proof in the event it's needed later.

Besides applicants are never ever ever allowed in at interview (@ Lagos).

At my husband's first interview, he was denied. I was not there and it was an absolutely wretched time for us. We perservered on the journey! I traveled to Nigeria 3x - once in 2010; twice in 2012. My last trip there was when hubby had 2nd interview. Honestly I didn't want to spend the money (5k every trip inc airfare) but Hubby wanted us to be together when he came out those doors regardless of the Embassy's decision. If you're waiting for interview time because you and your husband think it'll help, you are mistaken. If you're waiting simply to be together at climax point of your journey regardless of outcome, I still must advise, go for anniversary. History of the two of you together is critical.

In my humble opinion,

chicagorj

I checked your profile and saw your 2nd interview scheduled sometime this month, December 2014. I can't help but wonder (even more) why you ask about whether or not one should use the petitioner's address on marriage certificate. Something very sketchy here. I pray USCIS rules nail you to wall.

Well she will definitely use her US address when filing the petition. I just don't know why it would be required to use a US address on the marriage certificate. I not saying we will, but what if the petitioner previously lived in Nigeria and we married before she relocated to the US. After all, she has dual citizenship.

Bayo2k

You posted the question. If you don't like the answers posted, just go on your way....... :wacko:

I don't know about Ikoyi being the only registry recognized by U.S. however what I can say is that I married my husband in Sapele. The validity of our marriage certificate never came into question during the immigration process. If you choose to lie on any form, regardless of the intention, it will BITE you. I'm still scratching my head at the thought that someone who wishes to become an immigrant of the U.S. is considering using a Nigerian address for his fiance, a U.S. citizen.

Is your fiance an U.S. citizen? If so, then isn't the logical answer your fiance's address in the U.S.A., the country you wish to emigrate to?

In my opinion, researching this site and others like it will provide the answer. My husband's (aka CR1) filing was approved @ Lagos. Each case is different and each individual filing for immigration can only be one type.

Research, research, research.

Tell them the truth. Using someone else's answer creates a web of lies.

It will be an unforgettable adventure.

As previous members stated, rely on your man to protect you. My man came to the airport with a close friend and his brother luckily had a car and drove us to our hotel.

Don't carry cash (as others stated) - HOW RIDICULOUS! Of course you'll have cash on you. You're going to a third world country! I did not take any debit or credit cards. There is no way I would do any business with any bank in Nigeria.

I carried cash and passport in a small discreet travel pouch under my clothes and close to my body. I also hid extra numerous $100 bills in books; journal; backpack along with photocopy of my passport and travel itinerary. You will likely stop to trade out dollars for nairas shortly after exiting the airport building. Hopefully your man is street smart. Check currency exchange sites before leaving USA so you know what to expect and not get cheated by the muslims. They basically control all money exchange. Nigeria is known as the scam country of the globe for a reason.

Pharmecutical malaria drugs have soooooo many side effects and are very very harsh to the human body and incredibly expensive @ over $200.00. I used Wormroot Combination herbal supplement - 2 capsules before EVERY meal. I did not experience any problems. ONLY drink bottled water and ice made with bottled water (as previously advised). And once again hopefully your man is familiar with the 'bad' water bottling companies to avoid. Yes there are bad ones. Don't worry though as long as you take the wormroot with every meal any parasites don't stand a chance. We live a very homogenized lifestyle here in the USA so if you experience a 'clean-out' on the toilet; don't freak. Just take the wormroot and you'll be fine. The food in Nigeria is the 'cleanest' food I've ever eaten; not the processed ####### found in our grocery stores. My man now my husband and his family and close friends took very good care of me during my visits in Lagos and Sapele (Delta State). I was never left alone.

If your man hasn't told you, something that is expected by Nigerians meaning friends (and they don't have to be close friends) and family members of your man will expect a gift from you. It doesn't matter how young or old they are - they'll expect a gift. It doesn't have to be expensive.

It'll be hot hot hot and humid humid humid. You will sweat ALL the time.

Electricity? Ha! ......Well I guess it depends on how financially secure your man is. If you're staying in a hotel, there's a better chance there'll be electricity. Take an adapter for your hair dryer and such. Otherwise it'll be au natural hair for the most part. When bathing, keep your mouth closed. Seriously! When brushing your teeth, use only bottled water. It'll be unusual but if this is the first time seeing your man...............it'll be fine. Just be smart, cautious and you'll be fine.

I'll write more if I think of anything. Don't forget the trinkets.

The Childrens clinic.

Let's lay the blame where it belongs. The DOS does not set the pricing. The doctors do. The DOS contracts with the clinics. The contract is binding on both ends. When the contract expires, DOS changes clinics. How about some individual moral responsiblity on the part of the clinics?

And if chest x-ray shows the slightest cloudiness, the kind doctor with the hidden smile will require you to take a sputum test. The cost? Double the sum above or $640USD and tack on 60 days to wait for the results.

Ha I wish it only cost $160USD. Double the figure and cross your fingers.

I should explained better.

I'll be returning to the US next week. Hubby will be traveling to US alone and I'll meet him at POE (likely Atlanta, GA). We're not in the position to pay $2K for his flight. His travel date will be at the end of November or sometime in December at the earliest. I'm wondering how other VJers deal with the issue of presenting credit card at time of checking-in. The card will be with me here in the US.

My hubby's 2nd interview is this Wednesday Nov 7th. We remain positive visa will be issued and I'm looking ahead about available options booking his travel to US. Purchasing ticket with credit card is preferred but I'm hitting obstacles at travel websites like cheapair.com. Because of 9/11, as you all probably know, traveler must show credit card at the airport. This will not be possible. Can anyone tell me about their experience? Is it required to purchase the ticket in Nigeria, meaning cash only please? Grrrr. Is it required to purchase a one-way ticket or can we buy a round trip ticket since those are usually cheaper?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond.

-chicagorj

Leaving tomorrow to be with hubby - together supporting each other - standing as one - standing strong....

Lje,

If you haven't been back to Nigeria to see your wife since your marriage, state the truth. Did you and your wife get together somewhere else perhaps? If so, provide travel itinerary, copies of plane tickets, any and all receipts from those visits - in order to PROVE it. If not, print off phone, email, and/or chat records which proves ongoing sincere relationship.

Always stay with the truth because I believe lies are written all over the face.

Good luck,

-chicagorj

Went to the Interio ministry today for my police clearance today and was issued,i was involved in a fight with someone and was reported to police and then the case was droped and i paid fine.now i asked the police man today how i can get court record for the case and he said i will be fine with the police clearance i was issued that it means i have no charges or criminal record;that if i have any problems that they would not issue me one.

The police clearance states: This is to certify,that no previous criminal conviction has been reported against the above mentioned individual.

My question is should i answer yes question 41 Ds230 ? the police said am fine and from the above statement i seem to be ok too....just confused.

Thanks

Very understandable that you feel hmmm nervous when you know about an incident yet it apparently does not appear in police records. The police certificate states you have NO charges or criminal records so leave it be. This journey is arduous, daunting and stressful enough. Breathe easier for today for one doesn't know what's around the corner.

Good luck, stay strong,

-chicagorj

Hi everyone,we recieved our case number and invoice id number but my (principal applicant adress) is nigeria but am living and working here in qatar we (me and my wife) are here together and on I 130 we listed qatar as embassy....should we email or call them to change the adress ? or is it fine ?

If you and your wife are temporarily in Qatar there is no need to inform USCIS or NVC of address change. However Qatar is your home for the next 3 mos, 6 mos or longer, then ABSOLUTELY contact USCIS and NVC providing current accurate address, phone #s, and email addresses.

How did you receive your NOA and NVC case number? Mail, phone, email?

General Guide for Immigrating Siblings to the US.

General Guide for Immigrating Children to the US.

USCIS FAQ Guide for bringing foreign relatives to the US: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/A1.pdf

The USCIS FAQ link doesn't work - can someone please correct? I'm searching site for information about how to purchase plane ticket for spouse upon receiving CR-1/IR-1 visa.

For those of you who flew to meet your fiance for the visa interview and came back together, is there any advice you would give in terms of booking the flights? Did you just estimate your return date or did you book one way flights? Etc. We havent even received our NOA2 yet but Im saving my pennies to be there for his interview and hopefully fly back together. Thanks in advance for any advice

GSummit - We are further along in our visa journey meaning my husband's interview is scheduled - YAY! I am in the midst of looking at the options of me flying to Lagos because I so want to be there for my husband's interview; be side-by-side supporting each other, however the cost for my airfare is $2K USD plus how do I choose the return date so that we fly back together when dealing with Lagos embassy. Then there's booking my husband's flight. Same issue of not knowing if he's approved how long until visa is available and one-way ticket costs as much as RT but the biggest difficulty is finding the $$ to pay for everything.

Is that 160.00 USD for exam plus vaccinations or is it more for vaccinations? Also do you have to wait until the case is sent to Nigeria to schedule the appointment since they send the forms to the Embassy? It was my understanding that my husband had to bring his medical forms to the interview. Is it possible to get a copy of the exam just incase it gets lost? I know a lot of questions, sorry. We received our NOA2 and are trying to get our stuff in order. Oh yeah when exactly did yoor husband get his police cert? Was it once you received the NOA2? Because it is my understanding they only last for three months, so if the interview is scheduled later then three months from when he receives the cert he has to get another one? I pray God's blessings over both of you's interview. God is able. I know you can't wait to bring your fiance/husband home. God bless and thanks for considering answering my questions

Our visa journey is a IR1/CR1 since we are married already. After rec'g the NOA2 (notice date - 10/26/2010), it was a few weeks until finally rec'g an envelope from the NVC offices. Immediately, I paid the AOS fee online, filed the Choice of Agent form and signed up for email notification. Then it was time for my husband, the benficiary, to fill out the DS-230. My husband travelled to Lagos for the police certificate in December while I paid the IV fee online. He fedexed the DS-230 around Dec. 20 arriving at Portsmouth by Dec 24. My recollection is the police certificate is good for longer than 3 mos. Gosh I hope so. My experience with the NVC offices is that they are very thorough and if there was an issue about the police certificate, it would be have been listed as one of the documents to bring to the interview.

Unfortunately, there was some back and forth about the Affidavit of Support with the NVC offices which caused delay in processing our case resulting in bringing proof of my filing 2010 taxes to the interview. All is in order and we are READY!

From reading other posts, I think it would be advantageous for me to be in Lagos with my husband for his interview even though I know I'll be sitting in the hall close by during the interview, I really want to be there to support him, support each other's nerves. Ideally, I would love to fly back to the U.S. with him next to me although I don't know how long after the interview his visa is made available for pickup. And then there's the lingering possibility some 221g is laid on us. Then what? Round trip airfare is not cheap esp. if booked on short notice and then there's the one-way ticket for my sweet man. Ah but it's all okay, we'll get through it - no matter what.

I hope I answered some of your questions. This whole process is daunting but move forward a step at time confidently and steadily towards the goal.

-chicagorj

Thanks for the info JoyJoy. Wow i'm kinda surprised to hear it took so long to complete the exam etc. I hope it didn't cause you to postpone the interview. According to the immigrantvisas.state.gov site link to Lagos exam information, it says 2 visits required but only 2-3 to complete AND no appointment needed. How nice it would be to have accurate information posted on these sites. Gosh with his interview on June 3rd, we better plan on him going next week.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

-chicagorj

And GOOD LUCK at the interview!

Fellow visa petitioners & beneficiaries (Nigeria - specifically) How much will it cost for med exam/x-rays/immunizations in Lagos? From start to finish - how long did it take to have the 'sealed' envelopes in your hand?

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

-chicagorj

Internet & cable went down last night. Today, a new day, internet is up and and and received email from NVC. Interview is scheduled June 3rd. Now on to the medical exam. Fellow Nigerian Beneficiaries - can you tell me how much it will cost? Approximately? Did anyone choose to get the necessary immunizations in their local towns in case there is some recovery needed after getting Td, MMR & Varicellus shots?

To responders - thanks for taking the time. I truly appreciate it.

-chicagorj