An immigration lawyer from the area told me

[RFQ 110]

Hiya!

I met my husband three years ago in the online gaming world . I was married nearly 10 years with 2 kids when we first met. The marriage ended.... After some time my friend and I realized there was potential, and now we married on his first visit here to the US, 3/9/12. For religious reasons we won't be "dating" per the western standard and carrying out casual visits. He left after 2 wonderful weeks, and we began our way down the I-130/CR1 road.

I met with an immigration lawyer here and he told me the turn around is about 15 months for "Arab" male spouses to be brought to the US. He said its nearly twice as long for Mid-Easterners/North African males as it is for anyone else.

Is this your experience? Anyone else ever been told that?

**Apparently I need to research this MENA, as someone mentioned in my intro post!**

Edited April 27, 2012 by RFQ

[Mithra 1,185]

That's about right give or take. From filing to my husband stepping on US soil it took roughly 13 months.

[Mithra 1,185]

BTW - if you don't have any huge red flags or anything, you don't need a lawyer. Doing the paperwork yourself is pretty easy. Plus, you'll be in total control of your case. Your paperwork won't sit on someone's desk until they get around to dealing with it.

[Anh map 2,098]

The Middle East and North Africa forum (MENA) here on VJ is a great source of info for you >>> http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/97-middle-east-and-north-africa/

[NY_BX 397]

Hiya!

I met my husband three years ago in the online gaming world . I was married nearly 10 years with 2 kids when we first met. The marriage ended.... After some time my friend and I realized there was potential, and now we married on his first visit here to the US, 3/9/12. For religious reasons we won't be "dating" per the western standard and carrying out casual visits. He left after 2 wonderful weeks, and we began our way down the I-130/CR1 road.I met with an immigration lawyer here and he told me the turn around is about 15 months for "Arab" male spouses to be brought to the US. He said its nearly twice as long for Mid-Easterners/North African males as it is for anyone else.

Is this your experience? Anyone else ever been told that?

**Apparently I need to research this MENA, as someone mentioned in my intro post!**

DO you plan to visit him in Egypt? Do more research and prepare your case meticulously. When his interview date approaches, "rehearse" with him. That's his shot to convince the Consular you have a real relationship.

My now husband came on a K-1 visa. From sending my petition to sending AOS paperwork (which include his POE and getting married) was 11 months to the day. Spouses take a little longer, so I'd say 15 months give or take.

[RFQ 110]

DO you plan to visit him in Egypt? Do more research and prepare your case meticulously. When his interview date approaches, "rehearse" with him. That's his shot to convince the Consular you have a real relationship.

I hadn't necessarily planned to visit him in Egypt. I am a full time student and my school is year round, plus I have 2 young children. Traveling is difficult albeit not impossible if its really needed.

He has a multiple entry visitor visa to here and the UK. I was hoping for him to visit me here as its easier for him than I. Traveling for me with 2 kids might be easier to the UK (his dad lives there).

[Mithra 1,185]

I wonder, is it possible for him to re-enter now that you're married? I'm not sure. I hope someone around here can answer that question.

[NY_BX 397]

I hadn't necessarily planned to visit him in Egypt. I am a full time student and my school is year round, plus I have 2 young children. Traveling is difficult albeit not impossible if its really needed.

He has a multiple entry visitor visa to here and the UK. I was hoping for him to visit me here as its easier for him than I. Traveling for me with 2 kids might be easier to the UK (his dad lives there).

Ummmm, I do not have first hand experience in this issue, however, I would be irresponsible if I don't inform you that there may be a possibility his current visa to visit you is affected by your petition. There have been several members here whose spouses have been denied visitors visas given they are married to someone in the US. In other words, they may think he's not returning. Others may fill you in.

Your chances of approval raise significantly if you see each other again during this process. So, traveling to the UK is a great idea, in case his visits to the US become a hassle.

I wonder, is it possible for him to re-enter now that you're married? I'm not sure. I hope someone around here can answer that question.

The chances as dismal. Exactly what I was thinking.

[LaL 418]

Lots of people are permitted to enter despite being married and or/have a petition pending, that said - it isn't all that uncommon to be "turned back" due to having "immigrant intent" as other have mentioned. Its kind of a crapshoot really. Strong ties are necessary to help overcome this, and even then, there is never a guarantee of being allowed entry. Keep your mind open to possibly going there to visit, although just as an aside - I never visited my husband - he always came to the US to visit me although our scenario was slightly different. Egyptian male living in Canada - he entered the US mostly for business/work and would find time to fly from wherever he was in the states to visit me. I think the only true visits he did directly to me were about 5 or 6 times out of 20 or so visits over the course of 2 years.

The timeline as the attorney stated to you does sound accurate, as others have stated.

[Mithra 1,185]

Do you think that because he was in Canada and not in Egypt that it made a difference?

Personally, I wouldn't risk having my husband fly over from Egypt and then having him turned back at customs.

[LaL 418]

I think it probably did, although he was always using his Egyptian passport at that time and entering on a B1 - he was *not* entering as a Canadian. But yeah - the risk was way less due to proximity.

[NY_BX 397]

I think it probably did, although he was always using his Egyptian passport at that time and entering on a B1 - he was *not* entering as a Canadian. But yeah - the risk was way less due to proximity.

and, more than likely, he proved STRONG ties to Canada, given you mentioned he came to see you whenever he was here from work. So, it seems he was here for work, but took advantage of the time spent here to see you, which is fantastic. Given he entered and returned loyally, he could easily come and visit you the 5 or 6 times he did.

You're right, however, the catch-22 is proving strong ties to Egypt. If he succesfully does, he may be let in. For high fraud countries, chances are dismal as using a non-immigrant visa to migrate is fraud. Given he is under an immigrant petition, the officers could deny him entry into the US. I agree with the other poster, I wouldn't risk him coming from Egypt to then be sent back.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

People can visit with pending spousal petitions. The fact that he already has a tourist visa shows that he has already been somewhat vetted and approved for a tourist visa. He has also already used it correctly by leaving after he married in the US. OP - people in this forum are used to situations where the immigrant does not qualify for a tourist visa and therefore will advise you accordingly. The bar for entry will be somewhat higher since he is married to you - he can bring some evidence of ties to home in case he gets asked at the border. The fact that he married in the US and then left will work in his favor.

[together4evr 360]

For us it was 8 months from start to interview and another 2 months of AP

So 10 months from filing till flying!!

[RFQ 110]

People can visit with pending spousal petitions. The fact that he already has a tourist visa shows that he has already been somewhat vetted and approved for a tourist visa. He has also already used it correctly by leaving after he married in the US. OP - people in this forum are used to situations where the immigrant does not qualify for a tourist visa and therefore will advise you accordingly. The bar for entry will be somewhat higher since he is married to you - he can bring some evidence of ties to home in case he gets asked at the border. The fact that he married in the US and then left will work in his favor.

I was hoping this would work in our favor to show that we have been truthful and honorable. He has a 10 year visa to the UK and a 5 year multiple entry to the US. He has a long history of traveling and leaving other countries, including a by the book student visa for 4 years here in the US (long before we met).

I believe it was this forum (I can't imagine where else) that I read about spouses being able to travel, but to be armed with things to prove ties to the homeland, and not too much luggage (duh?) I am pretty sure we could manage that. I hope so! He is a teacher and so the summer would be ideal for a longer visit here, ensha'Allah. For me, I am bogged with classes and I need a babysitter. He is so good with my kids. (#gushing )

Edited April 27, 2012 by RFQ