K-1 visa enquiry

[dwheels76 5,476]

The consulate in Lagos is (arguably) the most difficult in the world. They see every possible manner of visa scam on a daily basis, and many of those scammers are well prepared. This makes it doubly difficult to stand above the crowd as a legitimate couple. The consular officer is going to be predisposed to believe you're just another scammer before the interview has even begun.

First, why did your fiancee visit Nigeria before you became engaged? Was it for business or pleasure? If she was there as a tourist then they're not going to believe she didn't take any photos. Americans don't take a holiday half way around the world without taking photos, especially now that practically any device with a battery also includes a camera.

Second, is it common in Nigeria for a man in his 20's to marry a woman in her 40's? If not then you can expect this to be an issue at the interview. If an average Nigerian wouldn't believe the relationship was genuine then the consular officer is going to be convinced that it's not.

Third, the consular officer is going to look for an ulterior motive aside from a genuine relationship. You've got one. You're not working, and you want to go to school in the US. A masters program is extraordinarily expensive in the US, especially for a foreigner, so hooking up with a older woman, especially if she's financially secure, would seem to fit this profile.

The consular officer is going to be interested in how your relationship evolved, both before and after the relationship became serious. You don't have much concrete evidence of your relationship before you became engaged, and you don't have much time between when you became engaged and the petition was filed. You might have been able to improve your chances by taking more time, having her take more trips, and collecting far more evidence after you became engaged and before sending the petition.

Very spot on. @Liss - As you mentioned and others have this is LAGOS dear. You MUST PROVE you are being together in a relationship. Pictures of family and friends is an absolute must. In Lagos its not secondary evidence, its 1st along with visits and duration together.

See as some countries only have to prove they were together within 2 years with a K1 you are going through Lagos have to PROVE so much more and show it. Unfortunately without pictures how will you prove all those visits to Nigeria (which is great) was to you. She could have been in Nigeria to see anyone thats why pictures are so vital. Remember its not about what you know or we are in love and the CO should knw that. PROVE IT t them!

Chats, emails, text are okay, but unless you can show text messages between you with her nigerian number if she had it or something. You have to be armed with your full arsenal for Lagos. Age difference can be overcome but without proof you actually were together well.

Were you perhaps with friends or family who took pics with a phone camera or something anything? Sorry if you don't.

Edited July 13, 2012 by dwheels76

[princeglove 4]

Without Pics is gonna be difficult BUT not entirely impossible to get the visa..You will have to tell ur woman to come back between now and the time u will probably go in for ur interview and take as many pics as you can.......start emailing each other as many as possible,instants chats and all that will help..... NOTE that the purpose of the INTERVIEW is to find out if there is an ongoing relationship AFTER your PETITION.so u have more time to get proofs together..Don't loose hope if u genuinely love her.Wish u luck and remember that Prayer Counts..

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Laogs is the worse place to head with a shacky petition, it is bad enough with a perfect one. Not having pictures make it hard to prove you met. For all the CO knows you made your trip to meet someone else and now are trying to back fill the trip by pretending to have meet someone else ( believe me this has been tried ) You will need some proof that not only was she in Nigeria but that the two of you were together at some point during the visit.

With the age difference you mention you will also need to show that you have behaved as a regular couple would. Contact with the Nigerian parents is very very very important. Scammers will meet woman all day long at this hotel or that one in Lagos but not bring any of them home , probably for fear that mom will box their ears for behaving so. The CO's will be looking at you with family and friends at several functions.

Some advice you will get on VJ will come from couples that barely had to prove the passed each other at some airport to get a visa. Anyone that says you don't need to do this or that has never faced Lagos. Lagos knows how important a family is and if you are marrying an older woamn how are you taking care of that cultural need ?

[dwheels76 5,476]

Laogs is the worse place to head with a shacky petition, it is bad enough with a perfect one. Not having pictures make it hard to prove you met. For all the CO knows you made your trip to meet someone else and now are trying to back fill the trip by pretending to have meet someone else ( believe me this has been tried ) You will need some proof that not only was she in Nigeria but that the two of you were together at some point during the visit.

With the age difference you mention you will also need to show that you have behaved as a regular couple would. Contact with the Nigerian parents is very very very important. Scammers will meet woman all day long at this hotel or that one in Lagos but not bring any of them home , probably for fear that mom will box their ears for behaving so. The CO's will be looking at you with family and friends at several functions.

Some advice you will get on VJ will come from couples that barely had to prove the passed each other at some airport to get a visa. Anyone that says you don't need to do this or that has never faced Lagos. Lagos knows how important a family is and if you are marrying an older woamn how are you taking care of that cultural need ?

Some advice you will get on VJ will come from couples that barely had to prove the passed each other at some airport to get a visa. Amen and LOL Nigeriaorbust

Anyone that says you don't need to do this or that has never faced Lagos. Lagos knows how important a family is and if you are marrying an older woamn how are you taking care of that cultural need ? Some affidavits from mom and family stating their acceptance is also a plus. Family family, face time is all I can say.

As a older woman I can say you must show you are just a regular couple doing regular things. It is vital.

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

The consulate in Lagos is (arguably) the most difficult in the world. They see every possible manner of visa scam on a daily basis, and many of those scammers are well prepared. This makes it doubly difficult to stand above the crowd as a legitimate couple. The consular officer is going to be predisposed to believe you're just another scammer before the interview has even begun.

First, why did your fiancee visit Nigeria before you became engaged? Was it for business or pleasure? If she was there as a tourist then they're not going to believe she didn't take any photos. Americans don't take a holiday half way around the world without taking photos, especially now that practically any device with a battery also includes a camera.

Second, is it common in Nigeria for a man in his 20's to marry a woman in her 40's? If not then you can expect this to be an issue at the interview. If an average Nigerian wouldn't believe the relationship was genuine then the consular officer is going to be convinced that it's not.

Third, the consular officer is going to look for an ulterior motive aside from a genuine relationship. You've got one. You're not working, and you want to go to school in the US. A masters program is extraordinarily expensive in the US, especially for a foreigner, so hooking up with a older woman, especially if she's financially secure, would seem to fit this profile.

The consular officer is going to be interested in how your relationship evolved, both before and after the relationship became serious. You don't have much concrete evidence of your relationship before you became engaged, and you don't have much time between when you became engaged and the petition was filed. You might have been able to improve your chances by taking more time, having her take more trips, and collecting far more evidence after you became engaged and before sending the petition.

Not common at all BUT times are changing I guess.

Very spot on. @Liss - As you mentioned and others have this is LAGOS dear. You MUST PROVE you are being together in a relationship. Pictures of family and friends is an absolute must. In Lagos its not secondary evidence, its 1st along with visits and duration together.

See as some countries only have to prove they were together within 2 years with a K1 you are going through Lagos have to PROVE so much more and show it. Unfortunately without pictures how will you prove all those visits to Nigeria (which is great) was to you. She could have been in Nigeria to see anyone thats why pictures are so vital. Remember its not about what you know or we are in love and the CO should knw that. PROVE IT t them!

Chats, emails, text are okay, but unless you can show text messages between you with her nigerian number if she had it or something. You have to be armed with your full arsenal for Lagos. Age difference can be overcome but without proof you actually were together well.

Were you perhaps with friends or family who took pics with a phone camera or something anything? Sorry if you don't.

Hmm...I never thought of that but most folks in Nigeria use prepaid which has no billing to capture numbers called.

Laogs is the worse place to head with a shacky petition, it is bad enough with a perfect one. Not having pictures make it hard to prove you met. For all the CO knows you made your trip to meet someone else and now are trying to back fill the trip by pretending to have meet someone else ( believe me this has been tried ) You will need some proof that not only was she in Nigeria but that the two of you were together at some point during the visit.

With the age difference you mention you will also need to show that you have behaved as a regular couple would. Contact with the Nigerian parents is very very very important. Scammers will meet woman all day long at this hotel or that one in Lagos but not bring any of them home , probably for fear that mom will box their ears for behaving so. The CO's will be looking at you with family and friends at several functions.

Some advice you will get on VJ will come from couples that barely had to prove the passed each other at some airport to get a visa. Anyone that says you don't need to do this or that has never faced Lagos. Lagos knows how important a family is and if you are marrying an older woamn how are you taking care of that cultural need ?

On point and OP needs to respect this.

[dwheels76 5,476]

Greetings to everyone on here. I am indeed happy I came across this site and I have read a lot of posts that has indeed motivated me.

However,I still have questions to ask and would really appreciate answers from everyone who has got experience in this matter.

Early this year,my Girlfriend a US citizen decided to file the petition for a K-1 visa for me.I am from Nigeria and would most likely be attending the much dreaded Lagos consulate office that is if I am called for an interview.

I have met her in person since 2005 and last saw her in 2012. In fact, she comes back to Nigeria since I met her every year usually around December. we decided to take thing to the next level sometime in April 2012 and she filed the petition. I really love her and want to be with her. the issues i am facing are I a younger than she is.I am 27years and she is over 40years. All through our time of meeting,we have not taken any pictures and that's because it has always be a phone conversation thing and we see when she comes back home. Now that things have taken this new turn,What other proofs can be used to convince the consulate that we are a genuine couple? I have text messages I received from her on my phone and I don't really have much email conversations cause we don't email much.

This is the 3rd month running we are awaiting the NOA2.

Any advice on what chances we have and what you suggest can be done. Also,I don't have a job but intend to further my studies (get a master's degree) when I get to the states.

Please I need your opinions and advice.

Thank you.[/b][/b]

When you get a chance can you also create your timeline. An updated timeline helps keeps the stats in order and everyone happy.

[Iyawo_Omo_Yoruba 31]

You have a big uphill battle ahead of you, but you also have the gift of time and VJ in your arsenal! I highly suggest you use both to the fullest! As recommended, she needs to come for another visit and you need to get lots of pictures! Friends, family, different places, days and times. Not staged photos where you are always posing for the camera either! Real life experiences captured. It helps to designate a friend for this purpose.

Age will be addressed, be prepared with what you will say when asked. If you get an interview, you need to be fully prepared. Yet even that doesnt guarantee you a visa. So this is a love story, but your love alone will not see you through from a CO's point of view. Your character will be judged, your every movement will be watched. This is no picnic in the park. You must literally prove this isn't fraudulent, and if you go in there stating what you have stated in your post as to why there are no pics over the course of that many years, and no additional evidence, you will be denied.

You have come here to VJ, we all read what you say and we are strangers just as is the CO. Have you convinced any of us that this is real? I can only speak for myself, tho reading the responses given I can bet how many of us think there may be something going on that isn't on the up and up. And that is my final piece of advice. Think about what you are divulging and in what context, because if you can tell virtual strangers this information and we think something is up, imagine what the CO is gonna think! We can only go off of what you tell us, and I am not judging, just saying how it appears to the naked eye.

I dont want you to feel like we are ganging up on you, because truthfully, the best advice you can get is on this site. The harsh reality of it can hurt but if you use it and turn it around to be proactive in your case then you will be better off.

[QueenE 174]

The consulate in Lagos is (arguably) the most difficult in the world. They see every possible manner of visa scam on a daily basis, and many of those scammers are well prepared. This makes it doubly difficult to stand above the crowd as a legitimate couple. The consular officer is going to be predisposed to believe you're just another scammer before the interview has even begun.

First, why did your fiancee visit Nigeria before you became engaged? Was it for business or pleasure? If she was there as a tourist then they're not going to believe she didn't take any photos. Americans don't take a holiday half way around the world without taking photos, especially now that practically any device with a battery also includes a camera.

Second, is it common in Nigeria for a man in his 20's to marry a woman in her 40's? If not then you can expect this to be an issue at the interview. If an average Nigerian wouldn't believe the relationship was genuine then the consular officer is going to be convinced that it's not.

Third, the consular officer is going to look for an ulterior motive aside from a genuine relationship. You've got one. You're not working, and you want to go to school in the US. A masters program is extraordinarily expensive in the US, especially for a foreigner, so hooking up with a older woman, especially if she's financially secure, would seem to fit this profile.

The consular officer is going to be interested in how your relationship evolved, both before and after the relationship became serious. You don't have much concrete evidence of your relationship before you became engaged, and you don't have much time between when you became engaged and the petition was filed. You might have been able to improve your chances by taking more time, having her take more trips, and collecting far more evidence after you became engaged and before sending the petition.

I can answer the part that no its not common at all in Nigeria for a man that young to marry a woman considered out of "child-bearing age." Especially if they are from two different races. I am not saying this isn't always the case but usually when we see this going on everyone automatically assumes that the USC is being used for papers.

Like you said there is also the school thing! You can get student loans once married & then mentioning being unemployed raises more red flags ( I hope this wasn't mentioned on your application)

I am really sorry to say but this whole relationship you described raises a lot of red flags not saying its not real. She should visit Nigeria again and you guys gather more evidence and develop your relationship.

[QueenE 174]

"Hmm...I never thought of that but most folks in Nigeria use prepaid which has no billing to capture numbers called."

In America all of our phone calls are captured on our billing... so your fiance should be able to provide that information.

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

"Hmm...I never thought of that but most folks in Nigeria use prepaid which has no billing to capture numbers called."

In America all of our phone calls are captured on our billing... so your fiance should be able to provide that information.

Not true. Some use prepaid cellular phones with no billing.

"text messages between you with her nigerian number if she had it or something. "

OP, does your Fiancee have a prepaid cellular service or is it post paid with biling when in Nigeria?

Edited July 13, 2012 by Gowon

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

As you can tell , marrying an older USC is far from the green card home run that most Nigerains think it is. You are looking at a difficult battle and you seem to have just started in the 8th inning to be worried about how the result will be. Without pictures of you together , even the fact of your meeting is in question let alone the acceptance of your relationship by your family. I could make up all sorts of texts showing something hot and heavy with anyone, even fake phone records. You need to have a much stronger case or Lagos will just be a waste of your money. There are web groups full of older US woman telling their tales of losing their life savings to some sweet talking young nigerian man, the assumption of the consulate is you are one of those young men. Every red flag your relationship contains is another wall you have to scale. Do not make the mistake that you will go to Lagos with some half prepared evidence package and the smiling CO will just pass you a visa. Lagos has a bigger pile of denials than approvals and it is YOUR job to secure the visa not theirs to pass them out like candy.

[dwheels76 5,476]

I do have a question you meet in 2005 last saw her this year. How many visits though did she come to see you and also how long were the visits? in other words how much face time do you two have?

Also for a K1 you have to show proof you have meet in the last two yearsmaybe in the UK or Canada you can show a Visa Stamp and boarding pass but again pics proof YOU MET.

**Gosh hope we didn't scare OP off.

[QueenE 174]

As you can tell , marrying an older USC is far from the green card home run that most Nigerains think it is. You are looking at a difficult battle and you seem to have just started in the 8th inning to be worried about how the result will be. Without pictures of you together , even the fact of your meeting is in question let alone the acceptance of your relationship by your family. I could make up all sorts of texts showing something hot and heavy with anyone, even fake phone records. You need to have a much stronger case or Lagos will just be a waste of your money. There are web groups full of older US woman telling their tales of losing their life savings to some sweet talking young nigerian man, the assumption of the consulate is you are one of those young men. Every red flag your relationship contains is another wall you have to scale. Do not make the mistake that you will go to Lagos with some half prepared evidence package and the smiling CO will just pass you a visa. Lagos has a bigger pile of denials than approvals and it is YOUR job to secure the visa not theirs to pass them out like candy.

Lol at "marrying an older USC is far from the green card home run that most Nigerians think it is." If I was the consulate I may grant it just because this one is too much to be a scam! Who travels and doesn't take pictures! even of friends! Was she there for another person originally? Omg I know this is mean of me but I'm finding this whole thing too outrageous & funny to be a scam! Otherwise this is the worst scammer in the history of Nigeria.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

All through our time of meeting,we have not taken any pictures and that's because it has always be a phone conversation thing and we see when she comes back home.

Please clarify the above sentence. How is a 'time of meeting' always a 'phone conversation thing' ? I also do not understand "we see when she comes back home."

What has been submitted as proof with the petition that you have indeed MET face to face this year in 2012 ?

Do you have ANY pics from this year...it being the last time you have seen her, that show you together in the same place at the same time ? If there is no solid proof that you have met, then your petition will not be approved. Not even talking about the embassy here but I don't understand how you will get USCIS approved without evidence. Her boarding pass will show that she went to Nigeria but it will not show that you have met without photos. A couple in love naturally takes lots of pics for themselves to remember the time spend together, even when they have not thought about needing it for embassy purposes later.

There is a "before being a couple" and an "after being a couple" line in your situation. I can totally understand that you would not take pics if she was just a casual acquaintance from 2005-2011 and neither would you spend a lot of time together or meet the family with a casual acquaintance or friend. That is no big deal. However you must have solid evidence AFTER the fact of deciding to become a couple in love. They will also be very interested in knowing why she went to Nigeria if not to see you as a loving fiance that would have taken photos, then as an acquaintance doing what there and with whom ?

Those issues need to be addressed. You can't get passed the solid proof requirement of having met face to face.

If there are no pics whatsoever or any other proof then you will likely receive a RFE (request for evidence) of having met.

Meanwhile save chats, emails, phone bill records (showing name, number, dates called)and take tons of pics on her hopefully soon and next trip to see you so you will be ready for a refile if needed.

Unless I am missing something, there is not enough information for me to assume your petition would be approved.

Wishing you the best.