USC not allowed inside the embassy in Lagos for spousal interview

[Void 0]

According to the auto response e-mail I received from the US embassy in Lagos, the FAQ section shows that petitioners (US citizens) generally are not allowed inside the interview area of the embassy due to limited spaces.

As I plan to travel to be with my wife during her interview on March 6, where can I stay to wait for her outside of the embassy (which may be for several hours). I'm pretty sure, somebody here may have had an experience about this.

I read about recent arrests regarding loitering on the embassy premises. Sure, I don't want to spend time in jail in Nigeria.

I only wish I can develop wings and fly around until she's done.

Any suggestions please? pretty please.

[idocare 3]

I attended my ex-husbands interview in Lagos. As far as waiting for your fiance outside you have an option of purchasing a seat. I decided that I wouldn't pay to sit down and ended up very tired of standing around. The seats fill up pretty quick and they keep a close tab on who has paid and who's trying to sit for free, so my advice would be to just go on and pay ( I think it was about 50 Naira back in 2004) Also they have a internet cafe towards the exit of the Embassey, they go around selling food and water so you don't have to worry about that eating.

Actually once my ex. got his interview and he informed them that I was outside waiting for him they asked him to go and get me, and then I was allowed in. They asked me a few questions and decided to approve my petition. But I think I waited outside about 5-hours if not more, just standing there looking for him to come out, along with lots of other people.

If you decide not to pay for a seat or go to the internet cafe; you could always go to the American side of the Embassey and ask them to let you go in just to sit down and wait for her, but then you chance missing her if they send her out to retrieve you. They deny so many people that some start coming out about 30-minutes after they go thru the gates for their interview.

Oh, one more thing, you may want to go early so that you can get a good position in line. We were actually turned away the day of our interview because we failed to secure a head position in that long line.They just told us and about 60 others to come back the next day; we did and we were very early......lol Tell your fiance to be prepared to fight for a place in line. It should all be fine..........Good Luck to you both !

[Old Dominion 26]

Good advice - just be there and it will help secure the visa if they know you are there. Expect lots of inconvenience, but this whole process is full of inconveniences.

[Zee Bee 61]

If you are not allowed in for her interview, make sure she has your passport to show to the CO so that they know you are there.

Good luck

[Perseverance 1]

There was a public seating area when I was there....there were a lot of people sitting there...there was not much shade...my husband had a friend that worked with the police...so I sat with the "chief' on duty under his shady tent....we had tea and biscuits My husband wanted to insure that nothing would happen to me when he was not around. He instructed me not to talk to anyone

If you give your passport to your SO to take in keep in mind that you cant get in to the Embassy with out it. So you could be outside with no way to get inside the Embassy should you need to...(like to pee )

Also someone said that by your presence it will help secure your visa....that is not necessarily true, I was there and they still messed with us, we had 3 interviews in 3 days...they did not see me till the 3rd day....he still did not get his visa for another month after that.....I know of others that were in attendance for the interview and also had problems.

Now I am not saying it does not help for the US citizen to be there, I am saying dont think because you are there that it is a slam dunk.

I took a book with me to pass the time away...I was outside each day for more than 5-6 hours.....

[idocare 3]

Maybe things have changed some. My ex-husband didn't take my passport in, he just told the man interviewing him that I was waiting outside and they sent him outside to bring me in. I WENT IN ! They didn't quizz me long, I was so busy complaining to the man interviewing us about all the bullsh%t going on with having to buy a seat to sit and the security at the American part of the Embassey being really rude,etc.

There were a couple of girls that went to their fiance's interview in Lagos before me and they posted that they were also invited in after waiting outside for hours. I could be different now tho.

[Old Dominion 26]

This is such a common story! Where is your ex-husband now? Did USCIS do anything about it when you withdrew the application???

[Jasman0717 9]

The Embassy staff can not deny a United States Citizen access to the embassy, that is sovereign ground and a safe haven for citizens. At least it used to be until Laos and Iran

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

There are embassys and then there is Lagos and yes they will hassle you about just going inside.

[Void 0]

According to the auto response e-mail I received from the US embassy in Lagos, the FAQ section shows that petitioners (US citizens) generally are not allowed inside the interview area of the embassy due to limited spaces.

As I plan to travel to be with my wife during her interview on March 6, where can I stay to wait for her outside of the embassy (which may be for several hours). I'm pretty sure, somebody here may have had an experience about this.

I read about recent arrests regarding loitering on the embassy premises. Sure, I don't want to spend time in jail in Nigeria.

I only wish I can develop wings and fly around until she's done.

Any suggestions please? pretty please.

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait . She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

[dwheels76 5,468]

QUOTE (For Debbie @ Feb 28 2009, 06:38 PM) According to the auto response e-mail I received from the US embassy in Lagos, the FAQ section shows that petitioners (US citizens) generally are not allowed inside the interview area of the embassy due to limited spaces.

As I plan to travel to be with my wife during her interview on March 6, where can I stay to wait for her outside of the embassy (which may be for several hours). I'm pretty sure, somebody here may have had an experience about this.

I read about recent arrests regarding loitering on the embassy premises. Sure, I don't want to spend time in jail in Nigeria.

I only wish I can develop wings and fly around until she's done.

Any suggestions please? pretty please.

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait . She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

Hey I know this was forever ago but what became of the letters. Still need help whats next. I had asked everyone I know that when they write their interview reviews to also email to their state reps and senators they need to know this stuff you know.

[patient2010 93]

<!--quoteo(post=2694364:date=Feb 28 2009, 06:38 PM:name=For Debbie)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (For Debbie @ Feb 28 2009, 06:38 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2694364"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->According to the auto response e-mail I received from the US embassy in Lagos, the FAQ section shows that petitioners (US citizens) generally are not allowed inside the interview area of the embassy due to limited spaces.

As I plan to travel to be with my wife during her interview on March 6, where can I stay to wait for her outside of the embassy (which may be for several hours). I'm pretty sure, somebody here may have had an experience about this.

I read about recent arrests regarding loitering on the embassy premises. Sure, I don't want to spend time in jail in Nigeria.

I only wish I can develop wings and fly around until she's done. <img src="http://www.visajourney.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

Any suggestions please? pretty please.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

This is the update on my visit to the United States embassy in Lagos to be with my wife during her interview. I thank the so many contributors prior to this visit and the 165 people that read through my post. I will post a comprehensive review of wife's successful interview on the embassy review forum.

We arrived an hour early as our interview was slated for 7am. Of course there were bee hive of activities which included "shouting preachers" that later started for asking for financial help; police officers and touts everywhere, hawkers selling water, phone cards, pens, and even staple (per pay staple); a lot of handicaps (You will need to make a lot currency change if you intend to help them out); We sat down at the pavement close to the river which is very close to the east side and almost adjacent to the make-shift restaurants and "business center".

At 6:30 am, an announcer came toward the crowd and stated that within ten minutes, only people with invitation letter would be allowed in. He emphasized that all envelop must be unsealed before entering the embassy. he cautioned against rush and stampede and explained that the first group to go in are the people on 7am appointment. Ten minutes later, my wife and others for immigrant visa were asked to line up and walk towards the embassy. That was the last time I saw my wife until after the interview.

I saw someone sitting down on a plastic chair and my behind was already hurting from sitting on a hard cemented pavement. I asked the the lady where the chair came from and she pointed across the street at the security post and said the police officers would rent one out to me if I ask. Confidently, I walked towards a police officer across the street from "our side". I requested a chair and my willingness to pay the renting price. Pleasantly surprised, the officer told me I don't have to pay and only to return the chair when I'm through and if I like, give them anything (any amount). I took the chair and decided to sit conspicously where my wife would see me if I'm needed inside or for any reason. I sat close to the Almond tree and at about 9:15 am, the sun started setting and the almond was not protective as some of the branches were trimmed. Dark shade could not save me. I started sweating slightly and to my delight the same officer walked up to me and asked that I could move to a "better place". I initially refused the offer and 15 minutes later, the sun's rays were more intense and I started sweating like a fish. At that point, another officer beckoned at me and I walked across the street again and he told me that I can go in to a gated place at the opposite side of the embassy. I told him that I would take the offer of this place and I gave them back their chair and walked inside the gated and shaded area with comfortable chair.

I sat for about one and half hour and I saw my wife coming out. I stood up to meet her. I could not read her countenance regarding the result of the interview and she almost always want to keep me in suspense and to wait <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />. She finally smiled and said better. (Read my post on embassy review).

I returned to the police officers and thanked them for their kindness. Yes, Nigerian police can be kind without asking for money. Of course, I gave them something (money) in appreciation. My wife complained that the amount was too much and I told her to go to them during subsequent visits if she needs help.

My advice is that you will not be allowed to enter the embassy with your spouse, but you can enter as USC through another gate but you will not see your family member when they are through. While outside, politely walk up to the police officers and request if they can allow you seat comfortably, even with them. It is not all about money and you can give them whatever you wish later. Honestly, I was impressed.

I hope this douses speculation, assumptions, misconceptions about USC visiting for spousal interview.

COMING SOON: I'm planning to write a letter to the chief consular officer and US Ambassador to Nigeria, office of secretary of state for African affairs etc, over what people go through to finish their medical exam requirement resulting to vising Lagos for up 5 time before securing a visa. I will post the letter here for inputs, vetting, perusal to wit before mail out

Thanks for your very detailed and positive interaction at the embassy in Lagos the place is really not as bad as most write here on VJ I love that place I am there more than I am here and cant wait until we can spend more time there in the future....congrats and Goodluck to you and your wife here in America!

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

**** closing zombie thread- 3 years old. ******