CR1 interview in Lagos

[LoveNigarmostyle 164]

Good day VJ members,

I wanted to share our experience at the Lagos Embassy with the VJ members, specially of sub Saharan forum. Hoping that it would assist and guide others who are still in the process.

First, my husband and I want to thank the members of VJ, who supported and advised us during the last three and half years that it took us to get approved and granted a visa for hubby to come home.

We started with a K1 visa back in 2010, after AP and three interviews, we were denied and the petition was sent back to the states, which had expired.

We share the frustration and the heartbreak of many which this VJ could cause. Therefore, it is our turn to share our individual experience which might help couples with similar situation.

Last year in March, we were married at the local registry where my husband resides with his parents, siblings and friends present. I had one friend present from the US, who also was a witness to our union. We filed our petition in May of 2012 and it took USCIS eight months to approve and forward our petition to NVC. There things moved quickly, I was able to send in all the needed documents and pay all the necessary fees in a timely manner. In April we were given a June interview. I came to Nigeria for the interview which took place Tuesday of this week.

My husband went in with tons of documents which consisted of five years of accumulated evidence and docs. Mind you I had sent in about 40 pounds of pictures, chats, emails and phone records between USCIS and NVC. Once, he was inside of the embassy, he was given a number at the gate and went through the prescreening inside of the embassy then they collected his passport and 3 passport pictures, medicals and he was asked to sit down and wait for his turn. When he was called to the cubical where he was greeted by the CO, he was asked about 20 basis questions, which we will post on the embassy review separately, my husband noticed that the CO had everything we had sent in. A huge file on hand as he was being interviewed. Meanwhile, the CO was removing documents from the file and handing it to my husband. Documents they wanted to give back to us such as, originals filed, chats, emails and telephone records. Throughout the entire interview, my husband was calm and felt that the CO had already decided our fate. Although, I was standing outside, my husband was never asked, if I was there or not. I had handed my hubby my passport just in case.

It is imperative to remember, time is of essence in this visa journey. Time accumulates evidence and shows an ongoing relationship. Given the tools they are shown that two are in this for the long haul. Meeting and interacting with the family and friends is a must for it shows that the beneficiary is committed to the marriage and not just the petitioner. I had printed only the first pages of the chats I submitted, for if I had sent complete chats, it would of been boxes and boxes of paper, we chatted few times a day and call each day for the last four and half years.

Over and over we have read from VJ members saying frontload the petition. It is the best advice we ever received. My husband and I joined the VJ site after we had filed for two visitors visas and a K1. Our K1 petition, which I submitted with minimum evidence and was approved here in the states, was denied at the embassy for lack of supporting evidence and for lack of my visits. At that time, I had visited my then fiance once and for a week.

We learned to take one step at a time and not overwhelm ourselves with this visa journey. We continued to concentrate about us as a couple and live our lives as normal as possible. We braced each step fully and did what needed to be done. I truly feel, one has to not make this about who is going to win at the end. It is about proving a case. In Nigeria, a high scam country, the US Consulates are weeding out the ones that they feel are not in this for the long term.

Please keep in mind while in this journey, it takes discipline and patience. It also takes endurance for it will challenge both many ways. NO one should expect this to be a speedy process and to keep in mind that at the end, it is not about defeating this process. It is about strengthening the individual and the relationship which two share together. Do not let the petition, the USCIS or NVC or the Embassy be the focal point. Remember what it took for the two of you to get through this and make sure you don't forget the people who were there during the good, the bad, and the difficult days. Thank you to those who were there as friends and mentors throughout this journey. I pray we can be an example and assistance to others, who are still in this VJ. God bless.

[MB & Rap 0]

Interesting well am happy thats yo review has been of great help and did he have to pay for a visa fee coz i also applied for the same visa like yours n am wondering if i have to pay for a visa fee coz ma interview is soon next week

[LoveNigarmostyle 164]

Interesting well am happy thats yo review has been of great help and did he have to pay for a visa fee coz i also applied for the same visa like yours n am wondering if i have to pay for a visa fee coz ma interview is soon next week

If you are referring to the $165 fee, that we have not yet but will be very soon. Wishing you best of luck on your interview.

[livindadream 156]

Congratulations!!! It just goes to show patience and persistence is so important! After being denied the first time with the K1 it would've been easy to give up, but you didn't and it has now paid off and all the waiting and being separated is now a thing of the past.....enjoy your beautiful life together!!

[samename 28]

Congrats and thank you for your wise words.

[Bisola 2011 16]

Wonderfully said, as tears flow.... Congrats to a beautiful, spiritually bonded well deserved couple. You did it!!! Praise God. We were there for the wedding 9ja side pray to be there for the renewal Caliside hugs! And congrats again, hurry home... Wow! Wow! Wow! As we always say, no time is better than Gods time! My tears of joy continue to flow...

Edited June 20, 2013 by Bisola 2011

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Congratulations ! So happy for you both. Welcome back home !

[LoveNigarmostyle 164]

Congratulations!!! It just goes to show patience and persistence is so important! After being denied the first time with the K1 it would've been easy to give up, but you didn't and it has now paid off and all the waiting and being separated is now a thing of the past.....enjoy your beautiful life together!!

Thank you dear for the good wishes. We appreciate your good wishes and wish you good luck and great live with your hubby as well.

Wonderfully said, as tears flow.... Congrats to a beautiful, spiritually bonded well deserved couple. You did it!!! Praise God. We were there for the wedding 9ja side pray to be there for the renewal Caliside hugs! And congrats again, hurry home... Wow! Wow! Wow! As we always say, no time is better than Gods time! My tears of joy continue to flow...

Thanks for the prayers and continued support. I am so glad you were present for our special day. We sure had a lot of laughs...

Congratulations ! So happy for you both. Welcome back home !

You are next! Thanks for the constant support and for keeping me sane...