Just thought to share....

[favored 31]

YAY, still excited got approved today. But before I go into brief VJ hiatus (i don't need to have the record for most posting, u knw who u are.. lol) I feel the need to share some insights on this journey especially for couples just starting and mostly for those going thru difficult Lagos consulate. This is also a view from what I have noticed from various VJ journey especially through Lagos. I know somethings are repetition and some can be sensitive, but I mean no negative thought...

- really consider front loading on your initial application. You don't have to submit 200 pages of paper to USCIS to start, but begin building your interview process by letting them understand your story right away. For example, you don't have to put 20 pictures, but you can put 10 pictures of both of you, and few with family/friends. Same applies for emails, phone-records and others

- do your own research, and not just what VJ has or says. We actually stumbled on VJ a day before we sent the petition. Go to the USCIS website when in doubt and follow the steps. For example, we knew we didn't need letter from bank but because we knew lagos is unpredictable, we still gave them all and closed the loop-holes an unhappy CO might want to pick on

- be each others eyes and critic. read and then proof-read each others task when putting documents together. we can count experiences where people got denied because of such errors

- start preparing for the interview process ahead, if possible. do away with last minute preparation/organization

- here's sensitive: for couples with different culture/race, age/religious difference, if possible, just consider a CR-1 application right from the start. From what I observed (and i'm sure its not just me), Lagos is not trusting interracial relationship going through a K-1 visa and especially if the male is the Nigerian. It stinks because when you get denied, you then switch to CR-1 and wait another 6-7 months and still not guaranteed. If its possible, spend more time together to build a CR-1 visa and then file.

- please tackle your Red flags head-on. If you can question yourselves about something so small, then find answers to it. And USC, we need to take charge and ask your partner to reveal everything in their past to you. Couples should be on same page and need to understand that they can't hide any past interaction with U.S embassies/consulates.

- prepare for the worst CO and then pray you get an easy one. prayer without work is nothing, so don't just wish something will be missed by the CO's.

I'm not suggesting all above guarantees a visa, because Lagos is unbearable, but at least you made it hard for the CO to find unsupported cause to deny you. I also hope I haven't given fraudsters any hints because they are the reason real relationships get denied at Lagos.

This initial stage of the journey is a tiring project and even feels longer when you apply distance to it, my heart always sadden for couples when i read a denial, but then my head shakes when its due to something that could have been prepared for.

The journey continues.... Are we there yet?!!!

[NateFP 10]

YAY, still excited got approved today. But before I go into brief VJ hiatus (i don't need to have the record for most posting, u knw who u are.. lol) I feel the need to share some insights on this journey especially for couples just starting and mostly for those going thru difficult Lagos consulate. This is also a view from what I have noticed from various VJ journey especially through Lagos. I know somethings are repetition and some can be sensitive, but I mean no negative thought...

- really consider front loading on your initial application. You don't have to submit 200 pages of paper to USCIS to start, but begin building your interview process by letting them understand your story right away. For example, you don't have to put 20 pictures, but you can put 10 pictures of both of you, and few with family/friends. Same applies for emails, phone-records and others

- do your own research, and not just what VJ has or says. We actually stumbled on VJ a day before we sent the petition. Go to the USCIS website when in doubt and follow the steps. For example, we knew we didn't need letter from bank but because we knew lagos is unpredictable, we still gave them all and closed the loop-holes an unhappy CO might want to pick on

- be each others eyes and critic. read and then proof-read each others task when putting documents together. we can count experiences where people got denied because of such errors

- start preparing for the interview process ahead, if possible. do away with last minute preparation/organization

- here's sensitive: for couples with different culture/race, age/religious difference, if possible, just consider a CR-1 application right from the start. From what I observed (and i'm sure its not just me), Lagos is not trusting interracial relationship going through a K-1 visa and especially if the male is the Nigerian. It stinks because when you get denied, you then switch to CR-1 and wait another 6-7 months and still not guaranteed. If its possible, spend more time together to build a CR-1 visa and then file.

- please tackle your Red flags head-on. If you can question yourselves about something so small, then find answers to it. And USC, we need to take charge and ask your partner to reveal everything in their past to you. Couples should be on same page and need to understand that they can't hide any past interaction with U.S embassies/consulates.

- prepare for the worst CO and then pray you get an easy one. prayer without work is nothing, so don't just wish something will be missed by the CO's.

I'm not suggesting all above guarantees a visa, because Lagos is unbearable, but at least you made it hard for the CO to find unsupported cause to deny you. I also hope I haven't given fraudsters any hints because they are the reason real relationships get denied at Lagos.

This initial stage of the journey is a tiring project and even feels longer when you apply distance to it, my heart always sadden for couples when i read a denial, but then my head shakes when its due to something that could have been prepared for.

The journey continues.... Are we there yet?!!!

Congrats!!!

[Xanax 349]

Congratulations on your approval, but why not consider sticking around to help others who are going through Lagos; you really seem like you kno what you are talking about and I am sure people could benefit from your support!

[favored 31]

Congratulations on your approval, but why not consider sticking around to help others who are going through Lagos; you really seem like you kno what you are talking about and I am sure people could benefit from your support!

ill be checking in, but there is no such person that can claim they knw Lagos... lol.. plus, ill need help as i continue too

[CharlineLP 3]

Congratulations on your k1 journey and welcome to aos journey !

[Olomi_811 130]

[Nma & Kay 5]

Please Can u share some of the questions that was asked with us...thanks

[Nma & Kay 5]

Ow sorry i guess u talkln abt NOA2... Congrats dear.

[Pitaya 2,577]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

Thank you for the words of wisdom.

Wishing you continued good fortune on your visa journey.

[dwheels76 5,469]

Great write up. And I so agree with everything you have said and what I have seen. I have been preparing and getting all my ducks in a row since we got married in Nigeria May 3, 2011. We will file by end of March hopefully once I find a job.

It is unfortunate and yes I so agree couples need to talk and re-talk everything and anything upfront. Red flags that can be addressed do upfront. I can't change my age difference. But what couples need to realize is the Embassy is looking at time together. I spent the last 6 months with my husband and the family.

Also from what I have heard and read from VJers and friends I know is those multiple marriages, the children you still have at home and the other petitions you submitted and cancelled from previous relationships is all in the database. I think people forget those facts also.

I hope you stick around and help you are a great wealth of information and i am sure it will get even stronger as your journey continues.

[patient2010 93]

Congrats on your approval!

[bigdog 377]

Congratulations, Nigeria is a different place as having dealt with LE there, be safe and help those you can.

[GrayL 47]

Wow, congratulations on your approval, and thank you for sharing your wise words with the rest of the community, good luck with the rest of your journey, I can tell the coming months will be very exciting for you! Time to celebrate!

:dance: :dance:

[Zach&Lara 25]

Congrats! The Lagos embassy is soooo hard to get through! I know exactly what you are talking about. But if you are well prepared, everything should go well. Congrats again!!!!

[favored 31]

Congrats! The Lagos embassy is soooo hard to get through! I know exactly what you are talking about. But if you are well prepared, everything should go well. Congrats again!!!!

Gracias!