Potential Red Flags to MENA

[Nefertiti 0]

Hi VJers,

I'm brand new to VJ. I've been lurking a little bit since my honey and I have not filed yet and I wanted to see what might be in store for us. We are actually still getting to know each other and trying to make some decisions about our future. One thing I've noticed about the MENA forum members is that you seem to love giving advice...and you're good at it! I've enjoyed the support I've seen you give each other and I figured this was a good place to come now that its my turn to seek some advice. Thank you in advance!

First off - we just discovered that he has chronic Hepatitis C. This is not the sexually transmitted variety. Lots of Egyptians have it because of a government program in the 70s where vaccines were given for bilharzia (I've done a bunch of research on this). I'm concerned that Habibi will get turned down on the medical for this. I think the medical looks for Hep A & B, TB and HIV, but I'm wondering about Hep C. Has anyone else in MENA run into this problem?

Second issue - this is a biggie. We're both in our 40s. We're not kids just starting out. We didn't meet on-line. I met him when I vacationed in Egypt and I pursued him. Poor man was just living his own life and minding his own business when I started talking to him. Turns out that Habibi isn't officially divorced. The dowry pay-off is pretty large. Does AP really check these things? Does anyone think its possible to slide this past the visa people?

Like I said, I appreciate any thoughts you have on the matter.

[Henia 11]

First off, welcome to the forum! Good luck with your process!

Um, yes it does seem you have few snags in your road but enchallah will go smoothly for you!

Not sure about the Hep C but maybe if you asked in the other forums or maybe Off topic more people so more chances for better reply. Ooor just try calling the 1-800 for INS and ask there.

As far as him not being divorced ... since that is what I understood from your post .... ummmm ye that would post a real problem since INS does not like polgamy and even thou he isn't with her ... still without offical divorce would be considered polgamy. I would have him, if you two were to file do anything in your guys' power to get it offical- divorce. Sorry, from my understanding NO WAY to slide ANYWAY past INS ... let alone major issues like divorce. Always better to be straight-forward truthful even if the truth is iffy. Telling the truth never got anyone in jail ... only maybe denial. But lying did!

Age and how you met has nothing to do with it ... as long as you can prove the relationship is legit ... and have met within last 2 yrs least 2 times (and not for weekend flings - you fly in and home by Monday I mean) ... start keeping records of contact if you have not already ... and any travel proofs like reciepts, passport stamps, etc.)

Again welcome ... and I am sure people here on MENA and other forums will help out ALOT!

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Welcome to VJ. Like Henia said, not being divorced is a big issue. Whether you were planning on applying for a K-1 visa both of you have to be legally able to get married. And if you were thinking about a spousal K-3 or CR-1 visa, indeed USCIS will not look upon his non-divorce favorably. It could make your marriage null and hence void. Also echoing Henia, do not lie to USCIS: that will always come back and bite you.

[amal 4]

yes he absolutely has to get his divorce final BEFORE filing the visa application. They will look at the divorce date on his application and it will be a red flag that HIS intentions are not legit (no matter how you two met)

Another thing to think about is that if they consider it a red flag that u were dating before his divorce is final, then you will want to show proof of establishing your relationship AFTER the documented divorce completion date.

You will have to make a trip to Egypt after the divorce is final. Be sure to take loads of pictures together with ur man, u with his family, friends, in different locations. Spend as much time there with him as you can. If you can afford to go twice or more......the more trips, the better.

Keep phone records, instant messages, photos, cards, emails, cell phone bills, ANYTHING that you send to each other to show as proof of a legitemate relationship.

[Aymsgirl 0]

I agree with the other two. He has to get a divorce to persue being with you in the US. They do check and if his marriage was registered she should be on his national ID and can be taken off with a divorce certificate so his national ID is ran through and he will be asked to provide his registered divorce certificate. Do not lie to immigration no matter what! You wouldn't believe some of the things they can find out about a person.

Best wishes to you on your new journey. I wish you the best!

[sara535 15]

I belive he will be asked to provide his divorce papers, or doesnt Egypt have one of those free to marry certificates? Not sure but its one of those things that the consulate will check on, especially the cairo consulate. they seem to leave no stone unturned.

[Nefertiti 0]

Going to jail - BAD! Telling the truth - GOOD! Thanks for your input.

[polarbear 0]

Welcome to VJ. Like Henia said, not being divorced is a big issue. Whether you were planning on applying for a K-1 visa both of you have to be legally able to get married. And if you were thinking about a spousal K-3 or CR-1 visa, indeed USCIS will not look upon his non-divorce favorably. It could make your marriage null and hence void. Also echoing Henia, do not lie to USCIS: that will always come back and bite you.

Welcome to VJ! This is a good source of information and experience

In regards to the marriage: I think the first thing they will look for is any marriages...even previous marriages. I remember one couple having problems bc they only submitted the paperwork from the most recient divorce figuring that was proof enough - nope, they had to provide the info for any and all previous divorces (on both sides) as well.

For the chronic Hepetitus C : I'm pretty sure they have a list of illnesses that make a petitioner inadmissable on the USCIS website, or maby even try the US Embassy website where they have info for the work visas, ect... If my boss leaves me alone long enough at work I'll see what I can find

[amal 4]

Also, if you're divorced, you have to show legal proof of ur divorce so make sure u have that. You will have to send proof of taxes for 3 years, letter of employment from employer, depending on your occupation status you may need to have a co-sponsor that basically agrees that if anything happens and u can't "take car eof him" that they'll help.

and by the way, WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME to MENA! Sit back, grab a bebsi and cheesypoofs, relax, and join in on the conversations! This is a terriffic group of people!

Amal

[polarbear 0]

I belive he will be asked to provide his divorce papers, or doesnt Egypt have one of those free to marry certificates? Not sure but its one of those things that the consulate will check on, especially the cairo consulate. they seem to leave no stone unturned.

If I remember correctly my SO was asked for one

[amal 4]

Oh yeah..(sorry for the back to back posts but I'm a little bit scatterbrained sometimes)

The Hep C. Don't leave that off if there is a place to put illnesses. Put everything out there in the open coz they will search him forwards, backwards, up, down, and inside out. If they find any reason to think that either of you have witheld information it is enough for them to deny you.

[doodlebugg 10]

I thought the free to marry certificate was for the USC, not the Egyptian citizen. I could be wrong...it happens.

They will most likely flag you for 1) meeting when he was still married and 2) filing so soon after divorce is final, assuming he finalizes it before you file...which he should.

Aren't you worried that he's still married? That would make me a little hesitant but that's just me.

[Nutty 2]

I am unsure about the HEP C question, so I won't offer advice.

However, you and your SO must be free to marry in order to sponsor him for either a fiance visa or marriage visa. So for all intents and purposes you can not file for a fiance/husband visa until he is officially divorced.

If you try to file for him with these types of visas, it will more than likely be denied when the Embassy does checks with the local government.

[caybee 21]

What they said.

Welcome to VJ!

[polarbear 0]

Read the instructions (Section III, Question 7) and the medical form I-693 which can be found on this page Click Here! You will find that Hepititus C is not checked for nor listed as a reason for denial. BTW - this form is the one the doctor would fill out during his medical exam before the interview.

Hope this helps!

Edited August 11, 2008 by polarbear