Please help me! I have no idea where to starttt!!! (Egyptian/US relationship)

[hayati 0]

Dear All,

I'm an Egyptian American currently residing and working in Cairo. Almost a year ago I was blessed with meeting the most wonderful man in the world at work. Though dating isn't really culturally accepted in Egypt (and I understand this, I'm part Egyptian!), I was born and raised in America and the only possible way I can feel comfortable enough developing a relationship with a man is through dating... so he gave into me.

I would like to move back to the US in December 09. I'm going to law school in Fall 2010 and would like to move back by Christmas this year so I can work a bit and save before law school begins. I cannot stand the thought of leaving him and want to do anything and everything in my will and ability to prevent being apart.

Our relationship progressed pretty fast... very early in the relationship we both knew that we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together (despite my lifelong plan to NOT get married until after law school, haha, I guess we can't really plan those things out). I'm sure working together is one reason our bond developed so quickly... and then also he has been my rock through so much drama. We compliment each other perfectly and I'm incredibly excited about spending the rest of my life with him. His parents like me. My parents love him

But we're not engaged.

Why? I didn't want to get engaged (afraid of what people at home might think for moving things so quickly). I also didn't want to be the girl who moved abroad and came back with a fiance, ya know? His parents know all about me and insist that if we get married we must live in Egypt. He's afraid to tell them otherwise because he's afraid that they will object to him moving to the US with me and make the transition difficult. But... when it comes down to it, I believe getting engaged is the only way to start the visa process for him to go the US with me? (PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG? I believe a work visa might be excruciatingly difficult since he must be sponsored by an employer?). It's okay though. Deep down we both have wanted to move to the next step and get engaged anyway.... which this is one thing he and my Dad will discuss when my Dad comes to visit next week. (Dad is the Egyptian).

As I'm sure you all know... I want this process to be quick... and I don't want to be away from him the projected 6-9 months for the visa process (projected timeline on this website.... 6-9 months). I read that the petitioner must file in the US. Is it possible for me to fill the papers out here, mail them to the US and then have someone mail them into the place? This way I can be in Egypt with him in the meantime???

I'm just so confused as to this entire process. It seems so difficult and with so many complicated steps. It's so frustrating you know. My heart literally breaks at the thought of being away from him - especially for so long, and I haven't the financial resources to go to the US, file, and come back, ya know? It literally tears me up at night worrying about these things. I'm such a drama queen, haha.

Additionally, I believe there's a financial support affidavit that must be submitted? Currently I am working in Egypt (and heck, not making a lot!). Of course, when I move back to the US I will look for a job, and hopefully find one, but that might take time ya know, and then in law school I won't be able to work. So how do I bypass this? Can my parents sponsor him?

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! ANY TIPS/ADVICE for the quickest/best way to go about this would be greatly appreciated. If there's another way to bypass the fiance visa (because let's be honest, it's going to take me more than 90 days to plan my dream wedding.... for real? 90 days!!!!), for him to come to the US with me, that'd be great too. I'm not so much concerned about the engagement aspect.... we're doing that for sure... it's more then 90 days that makes me hesitant... but I'll do anything for him so if that's what it comes down to... then that it is!

PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT TO DO AND HOW!?

[payxibka 10,045]

[Ovi 0]

Hey,

I think you have way too many questions to be answered in one post. The best thing to do is take a few hours and read all the guides on this website. Look at the timelines, flowcharts, requirements, etc. You will find what you want, but you have to put a little work into it. All your questions will be better answered if you read these guides and see what applies to you and what route to take.

Best of luck!

[hayati 0]

I actually have read all the guides on this website, and everything on the State Department's website, and numerous other websites as well. I guess my post really lacks structure and my frustration is probably evident because there is a lot of information and it is overwhelming. Plus, not only was I researching fiance visas, but also spouse visas (because we thought it might be easier to get married first, but now I'm seeing that it's about the same), work visas, and student visas (for him to get his master's in project management/architectural engineering). So it's all one big mess in my head and flowing together etc.

I guess for starters, I really haven't really read/found anything that clarifies my question in bold (of the previous post). For the fiance visa, the petitioner must be in the US to file. Is there anyway to somehow navigate around this? i.e., if I were to fill my forms out while in Egypt, give them to my father who is visiting next week, would he be able to send them/file them for me?

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

If you are not engaged then try for the vistor visa, and hope for the best. He he......

If you apply for a K1 and get approved after 6 months, then would have had 9 months form the date of applying for the visa to plan your dream wedding. But, please read the GUIDELINES as they are outlined in the tab above. See what will work for you, there is NO NO NO quick and easy way to get a visa to the USA.

Good Luck,

P.S. you should give your parents these guidelines, since they will be accepting financial responsibility for you future husband.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

I actually have read all the guides on this website, and everything on the State Department's website, and numerous other websites as well. I guess my post really lacks structure and my frustration is probably evident because there is a lot of information and it is overwhelming. Plus, not only was I researching fiance visas, but also spouse visas (because we thought it might be easier to get married first, but now I'm seeing that it's about the same), work visas, and student visas (for him to get his master's in project management/architectural engineering). So it's all one big mess in my head and flowing together etc.

I guess for starters, I really haven't really read/found anything that clarifies my question in bold (of the previous post). For the fiance visa, the petitioner must be in the US to file. Is there anyway to somehow navigate around this? i.e., if I were to fill my forms out while in Egypt, give them to my father who is visiting next week, would he be able to send them/file them for me?

You can file your paperwork from any place on earth that can delivery mail to a US address. USCIS does not care where the mail orginate from.

[hayati 0]

I actually have read all the guides on this website, and everything on the State Department's website, and numerous other websites as well. I guess my post really lacks structure and my frustration is probably evident because there is a lot of information and it is overwhelming. Plus, not only was I researching fiance visas, but also spouse visas (because we thought it might be easier to get married first, but now I'm seeing that it's about the same), work visas, and student visas (for him to get his master's in project management/architectural engineering). So it's all one big mess in my head and flowing together etc.

I guess for starters, I really haven't really read/found anything that clarifies my question in bold (of the previous post). For the fiance visa, the petitioner must be in the US to file. Is there anyway to somehow navigate around this? i.e., if I were to fill my forms out while in Egypt, give them to my father who is visiting next week, would he be able to send them/file them for me?

You can file your paperwork from any place on earth that can delivery mail to a US address. USCIS does not care where the mail orginate from.

Aaaah, great! Thanks RoxcieJoe... that helps so much - at least with getting things started! You have no idea how grateful I am right now! THANKS!

[baron555 934]

But... when it comes down to it, I believe getting engaged is the only way to start the visa process for him to go the US with me? (PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG?

No you could marry him there and file directly with the US Counsul there. Check out DCF.

I believe a work visa might be excruciatingly difficult since he must be sponsored by an employer?).

Correct

I read that the petitioner must file in the US.

Yes you must mail the papers to the service center associated with your US address and give that address for USCIS to send you responses to. So the filing must be in the US but you do not need to be. You CAN mail from there.

Is it possible for me to fill the papers out here, mail them to the US and then have someone mail them into the place?[/b] This way I can be in Egypt with him in the meantime???

Yes you can.

Additionally, I believe there's a financial support affidavit that must be submitted?

This is needed at the interview, toward the end of the process.

Currently I am working in Egypt (and heck, not making a lot!). Of course, when I move back to the US I will look for a job, and hopefully find one, but that might take time ya know, and then in law school I won't be able to work. So how do I bypass this? Can my parents sponsor him?

Yes

Do just as you are planning. Mail in the K-1 documents from there, use your parents address. Have your parents co-sponsor him. He gets his interview and if the visa is granted, you two come here to the US. You will need to become married within 90 days or else he must return.

Or you marry there and go the DCF or CR1 route.

[payxibka 10,045]

I read that the petitioner must file in the US. Is it possible for me to fill the papers out here, mail them to the US and then have someone mail them into the place?

stop reading there

[pushbrk 12,898]

Yes, and then you'll understand the need to face the realities and practical matters associated with your romance. Adult life does have it's harsh realities best dealt with in an "adult" manner. Some of your "I wants" are going to go by the wayside.

[No-Where-Man 147]

Dear All,

I'm an Egyptian American currently residing and working in Cairo. Almost a year ago I was blessed with meeting the most wonderful man in the world at work. Though dating isn't really culturally accepted in Egypt (and I understand this, I'm part Egyptian!), I was born and raised in America and the only possible way I can feel comfortable enough developing a relationship with a man is through dating... so he gave into me.

I would like to move back to the US in December 09. I'm going to law school in Fall 2010 and would like to move back by Christmas this year so I can work a bit and save before law school begins. I cannot stand the thought of leaving him and want to do anything and everything in my will and ability to prevent being apart.

Our relationship progressed pretty fast... very early in the relationship we both knew that we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together (despite my lifelong plan to NOT get married until after law school, haha, I guess we can't really plan those things out). I'm sure working together is one reason our bond developed so quickly... and then also he has been my rock through so much drama. We compliment each other perfectly and I'm incredibly excited about spending the rest of my life with him. His parents like me. My parents love him

But we're not engaged.

Why? I didn't want to get engaged (afraid of what people at home might think for moving things so quickly). I also didn't want to be the girl who moved abroad and came back with a fiance, ya know? His parents know all about me and insist that if we get married we must live in Egypt. He's afraid to tell them otherwise because he's afraid that they will object to him moving to the US with me and make the transition difficult. But... when it comes down to it, I believe getting engaged is the only way to start the visa process for him to go the US with me? (PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG? I believe a work visa might be excruciatingly difficult since he must be sponsored by an employer?). It's okay though. Deep down we both have wanted to move to the next step and get engaged anyway.... which this is one thing he and my Dad will discuss when my Dad comes to visit next week. (Dad is the Egyptian).

As I'm sure you all know... I want this process to be quick... and I don't want to be away from him the projected 6-9 months for the visa process (projected timeline on this website.... 6-9 months). I read that the petitioner must file in the US. Is it possible for me to fill the papers out here, mail them to the US and then have someone mail them into the place? This way I can be in Egypt with him in the meantime???

I'm just so confused as to this entire process. It seems so difficult and with so many complicated steps. It's so frustrating you know. My heart literally breaks at the thought of being away from him - especially for so long, and I haven't the financial resources to go to the US, file, and come back, ya know? It literally tears me up at night worrying about these things. I'm such a drama queen, haha.

Additionally, I believe there's a financial support affidavit that must be submitted? Currently I am working in Egypt (and heck, not making a lot!). Of course, when I move back to the US I will look for a job, and hopefully find one, but that might take time ya know, and then in law school I won't be able to work. So how do I bypass this? Can my parents sponsor him?

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! ANY TIPS/ADVICE for the quickest/best way to go about this would be greatly appreciated. If there's another way to bypass the fiance visa (because let's be honest, it's going to take me more than 90 days to plan my dream wedding.... for real? 90 days!!!!), for him to come to the US with me, that'd be great too. I'm not so much concerned about the engagement aspect.... we're doing that for sure... it's more then 90 days that makes me hesitant... but I'll do anything for him so if that's what it comes down to... then that it is!

PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT TO DO AND HOW!?

YOU have a residency in Egypt for long time i guess ..so u can apply for DCF (Direct Consular Filling )

u can do it frm here in Egypt directly with the Consulate ...they make an interview with you and tell u about the whole requirement ..no need to go through the whole mess in the States that we suffer from ..wish i was eligible for DCF

Good Luck ............

[John and Camie 39]

Aww, six months goes by super fast. John and I have been apart for just that long, and although we miss each other like mad, this journey has made our relationship even stronger. Just follow the guides, do the best you can, and seriously, you'll wonder where all the time went once you get to the interview stage. I promise. Good luck to you.

[milimelo 4,481]

I suggest you forget about K-1 visa, get married and file for DCF. You obviously qualify residency-wise. You could have immigrant visa by December.

[msu17 0]

I agree, do DCF. It goes MUCH faster than the CR1 or K1 and you can stay in the country with him. Most of us cant do that because we are not residents in our fiance's country. Not sure how sponsorship works with DCF, but for the other visas you can have any US citizen co-sponsor your fiance. We did that since I'm in medical school and can't work. Typically both you and your co-sponsor fill out the paperwork for it.

[buster2209 2]

I graduated from university a year ago and wanted too move to the US ASAP to be with my (now) fiancée. Needless to say, I just received my K1 Visa a couple of weeks ago.

We know the system should work quicker but the simple fact is that it doesn't. You really need to be looking at a realistic timeline of a year from beginning the paperwork until all the paper work is done and dusted. Yes, it sucks, but it's reality.

Sorry to be so blunt and I wish you good luck.