Just starting the process

[Lori&Sherif 0]

Hi All, I am just starting this process. My boyfriend, Sherif, is in Egypt and I am in Hawaii. I am going to Egypt in Jan, and we will be getting engaged!!! What do I need to set in place before I go there? Has anyone here started this with a lawyer or on your own? If with a lawyer any recomendations? When I hear people talk about' We got OUR interview" does this mean I have to go back to Egypt for this? I feel so overwhelmed by all the stories and papers!!!! The police certificate? Not sure what this means..and someone posted it is not available in Egypt..LOL, all the abreveations are like a code I dont know yet!!! Where do I start?? I welcome any advice and especially American- Egypt...I am so glad I have found this site. I really need all of your support!!

Aloha 4 now~

Lori

[Nagishkaw 510]

Hi Lori and welcome to VJ.

A good place to begin is reading the guides:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...t&cty=Cairo

http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1faq.htm

[*Maureen* 0]

Welcome Lori, how lucky for you to live in Hawaii.

Take lots of pictures! and no you don't have to attend your bf's interview in Egypt. This process can be very overwhelming. I am not sure if you would need a lawyer, do you have anything in your situation that could be very complicated? It wouldn't hurt to maybe call an attorney and have a consultation about starting the K1 process. I wish you a very speedy journey!

[JeanneVictoria 55]

Welcome to VJ! You will love Egypt!!!

Good luck with your process!!

[Peace be still 6]

WELCOME TO VJ. I WOULD CONNECT WITH YOUR BROTHER/SISTERS FROM EGYPT, AND LET THEM ASSIST YOU. I THINK LAWYERS ARE A WAIST OF MONEY AND TIME BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET YOUR BOYFRIEND SOON TO BE FIANCE A VISA.

[New Beginnings 32]

Take time to read the guides and get organized! If someone throws an acronym out that you aren't sure of, just ask them to explain. But most important.. take the time upfront to make sure you have everything in order, you don't want to waste time having to send additional documents.

Welcome and good luck!

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Welcome! Have you been to egypt before? If not, dial back on the immigration stuff and just focus on spending time with your SO. Take lots of pictures, meet his family and have a good time.

Heck, even if you have met him before, don't get too freaked out yet. The process may seem intimidating, but it isn't really that bad. Yes you could use a lawyer. Most people here don't, but if after you've read the guides, you still think it's too much, it won't hurt anything but your wallet.

Also don't read too far back into the Cairo stories. Cairo has changed a lot over the years, especially in terms the ability to get married in egypt. There were problems people encountered in the past that aren't as prevelant now adays. It certainly isn't as bad as the horridly long waits after the interview of a few years back.

Just be prepared for it to take awhile, and take each day as it comes. Freaking out doesn't bring you anything but stress and high blood pressure.

[And_Sam 44]

Hello and Welcome to VJ Lori!

There is alot of good information that you can find here. And I agree with UmSqueaker! Relax and have fun in Egypt! Take plenty of pictures of you and your fiance. Don't forget to take plenty of pics of you and his family too!

[me_4_musa 1]

Hawaii sounds nice.

good luck!

[Nothing1234 2]

I commented to your other post on that old thread Good luck!

Hi Lori,

First, welcome to VJ and the MENA forum!

You should really start with reading through the K1 (fiance visa) guides if you are going to start the process based on your engagement. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides

We used the guides for our K1 process and I followed them step by step without a lawyer and we are together now. There are also FAQ's on here to read. Take your time and start reading now you have some time before your visit.

Best of luck and good luck on your journey!!

[Bajih 4]

Welcome Lori! It can be an overwhelming process, but just like anything in life- take it one step at a time. Break it down into small chunks. As for hiring a lawyer, I would say it depends on your comfort level and circumstances. Just be prepared for a long wait- as men from Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) countries are usually put into administrative processing (AP) after their interview. AP can range from a few days to ... I am not sure on the longest wait..years I guess. I hear the average is around 8 months. (is that correct girls? If so, I am in the average-range now! Insha'Allah not much longer!)

Each case is different. Definately be proactive about anything that may bring up any red-flags.

Welcome to the process. VJ MENA is a wonderful support!

Baj