Cairo folks waiting for interview

[KokiLulu 8]

I don't know, we have at least 6 maybe more red flags. Did you see my list of red flags? How would the CO even know how old your fiance's friends are? Did you know all of the answers to all of the questions? My fiance has a hard time remembering his own families birthdays much less my family and friends lol. When we filled out the g325, he had to ask his sister what his patents birthdays are cuz he had no idea. Did the CO want to know the friend's birthdays or just their ages ? I am afraid the CO will ask my fiance what my kids birthdays are. There are so many to remember. Also i think it appears more fake if a person can remember every date becauae in real life, many people, men especially are bad with rembering anniversaries and birthdays lol

[Hali1989 7]

KokiLulu, I was also thinking the same thing. How is he supposed to remember all of these dates, and if he did then they'll probably think that they memorized it.

By the way, I asked Romet earlier about this, what are some of the red flags or what can appear to be a red flag? I'm afraid we have some and I'm overlooking them.

[Romet 28]

I don't know, we have at least 6 maybe more red flags. Did you see my list of red flags? How would the CO even know how old your fiance's friends are? Did you know all of the answers to all of the questions? My fiance has a hard time remembering his own families birthdays much less my family and friends lol. When we filled out the g325, he had to ask his sister what his patents birthdays are cuz he had no idea. Did the CO want to know the friend's birthdays or just their ages ? I am afraid the CO will ask my fiance what my kids birthdays are. There are so many to remember. Also i think it appears more fake if a person can remember every date becauae in real life, many people, men especially are bad with remembering anniversaries and birthdays lol

The Co knows that we have mutual friends so of course If they're my friends I can guess their age. He also asked about her coworkers because a couple of them gave us affidavits to support our situations so I should have some info about them as well. He didn't ask about our friends birthdays, just the age and you can guess it. Of course he should have some information about your kids this is just ABC interview lol.

Umm IMO or TO ME it's not hard to remember specially if it's a special event like the day we met or the day we wanna get married. He asked about all the dates of the four times she came to Egypt ( from and to ) and how many days we spent together each time and where...And I rocketed his *** with answers right away lol He couldn't get me.

I've seen a review before about a guy that was asked about her ex's birthday and some basic info about her ex...be prepared.

Yes Hali1989, We gathered a lot of questions about what could be asked in the interview and we discussed them on the phone together about what's the best way to answer them

[Romet 28]

KokiLulu, I was also thinking the same thing. How is he supposed to remember all of these dates, and if he did then they'll probably think that they memorized it.

By the way, I asked Romet earlier about this, what are some of the red flags or what can appear to be a red flag? I'm afraid we have some and I'm overlooking them.

Hi Hali189 & KokiLulu,

(FYI - both USC & Beneficiary fiance share this account, so I'm sorry if it gets confusing who's answering - HE is the foreign beneficiary [the "M"] SHE is the USC [the "R"]).

My fiance mentioned a couple, I'll list his and some others that could be red flags (remember, these are generalities - we can not say for sure, but this seem to be popular)

• Significant age difference (10+)
• Different religions (this tends to be more scrutinized in MENA countries)
• Previous K1 or CR1 petitions with different fiance/spouses
• Divorce (for some VERY STRANGE reason... this tends to be a hot topic)
• If families do not approve (especially if it's the beneficiary's family)
• Criminal past
• Extreme language barrier (This is a tricky one too. Although you can ask for an interpreter at the embassy, they will then ask what language do you communicate in - if you say English and the beneficiary needs an interpreter, it could raise a red flag because they'll "wonder" how you communicate.)
• Not visiting much (THIS IS A TRICKY ONE !!! Although the requirements only require you to have physically met/seen each other in 2 years from petition date, it seems they look for more "visits" sometimes) Please don't get too paranoid about this one. Like I said, it's tricky.
• Not having significant "evidence" that you're a bonafide couple. (pictures, wedding plans, receipts from visit(s) (hotel/apt rental receipt, tourist stuff, etc), passport stamp from visit, phone/sms/IM logs (Viber, Skype, FB, etc - whatever you use).

These are just a few. As my fiance said before, we had several (age, religion, divorce) and they asked him about EVERY SINGLE ONE of them.

Like many couples that go through this process, we googled "questions CO might ask" (I really liked this one https://youtu.be/WASAlo6L9-Y). We actually used this more as a fun way to learn "details" about each other. Most couples probably don't know the majority of these questions IF they were asked... (I had my parents even answer some about each other and they didn't get many correct and they've been together over 40 years. LOL). Unfortunately, when going through this process, we don't have the luxury of NOT knowing these answers. They COULD BE ASKED and you want to be able to ask the majority of their questions accurately and with ease. It's not about seeming like they were "studied" but more like you actually KNOW your fiance very well. If they ask, "When was the last time your fiance visited you?" and it's answered "Last year" because you can't remember dates, that's probably not good. But saying, "October 2014" just seems like you actually know when you're fiance visited. My fiance is CRAZY when it comes to actually REMEMBERING exact dates and details. Whenever I need to "remember" something, I tell him so I can ask him when I need to remember. I have my own human encyclopedia. LOLOL It's a curse and a blessing.

Although we as women KNOW men don't remember things as well as we do this is one area were you'd want them to. For Kokilulu, if you have kids, randomly "test" him about their birthdays. LOL. It's good that he knows that anyway. They might question him about raising children that are not his (they asked that at my fiance's - and I've read they ask that question a lot). In MENA countries, traditionally, they do not marry woman that are divorced with children (hence red flag)..

One of the things we were NOT initially prepared for is them possibly asking questions about ex's. As my fiance said, we read that CO's saw a USC's FB (which was CRAZY to us) and asked about her beneficiary fiance about her ex's... CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY!!! It was REALLY difficult for me to wrap that around my head. I was irritated that they would even ASK about stuff that is totally insignificant to my (our) situation NOW. But, they can ask whatever they want. They can even ask about SEX. Which they are NOT supposed to do ... EVER, but they do.

They DID ask about my ex-husband's name and why we divorced. Again, to me, LOGICALLY for sane people, these questions do not matter for our current situation, nonetheless, they can ask you these types of questions.

We had kinda overkill of evidences - (sent in first packet and brought to interview) and I've actually been to Egypt (with kids) several times. I always knew this would be really strong evidence(s) but with them, you never know what they'll focus on to "drill" you on. We probably had over 400 pages of "evidence" including pictures from all the trips. I'm not saying ANYONE should do what we did... I'm just saying this for informational purposes.

[Jen&Dode 6]

We received our NOA2 and got our Case# yesterday....can someone help us out with what's next??

[KokiLulu 8]

With regards to religion, when we met he was muslim and I was christian. But over the past 20 months I learned a lot about Islam (on my own from my curiosity to know more about my fiance's religion and upbringing) and I reverted 3 months ago. Now we are both muslims but many people assume I reverted to please my fiance which couldn't be further from the truth since Islam permits muslim men to marry Chritstian and Jewish women. My fiance has never expressed a need for me to be muslim. I reverted because I felt It is what God wanted for me. I wonder how this will affect my case. I wonder if this will still be a red flag since I used to be a christian. Or if it will somehow be an even bigger red flag now.

My two ex-husbands were both undocumented aliens living in the US. So when I married the first one we did i130/485/765, he was approved and is now a citizen. His i130 was approved in 1996, and i485 in 1997. We were married for 6 years and had 2 children together. I filed i130 for my 2nd husband in 2006 but never filed anything else for him. We were married for 8.5 years and had 3 children together. Are my ex-husband's i130s considered red flags?

[Romet 28]

We received our NOA2 and got our Case# yesterday....can someone help us out with what's next??

Hello JennyDode2014,

Now your case/file will be sent to the Egyptian embassy/consulate. It usually takes a week or two to get there.

Once it gets to the consulate, your fiance will get an email (or phone call) with their PACKET 3. (The packet 3 looks like below). Your fiance will then send back his packet 3 and await an call or email from the consulate for their interview date. It looks like it takes up to 3 months at this point to get an interview for the K1 visas. (((Of course don't quote me on this, but a couple of people we know from VJ and us as well it took about that long). A suggestion would be to email them after the 30 day mark (if you haven't received an interview date yet) and ask about the status of your case. Do this WEEKLY. We were EXTREMELY concerned because a VJ friend got their interview with only 4 days after the call. One was 2 days. The problem with that is they "suggest" that the medical is done 2 to 3 weeks before the actual interview. One thing my fiance found out is the medical tests last 6 months. If you don't have your medical, you'll automatically be put in AP until they receive your documents. Of course no one can predict how long anyone will be in AP, but you're "goal" is to get the APPROVAL letter at the interview.

When we sent status emails to the consulate, we asked WHAT MONTH or date they were scheduling interviews for. It gives a better indication of where they are in the process. Sometimes they'll answer.. many times they WON'T. Just keep asking and trying. Read the consulate reviews to get an idea of what to expect at the consulate.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

"R"

From: "Consular, Cairo IV" <ConsularCairoIV@state.gov>

Date:

To:

Subject: CROXXXXXXXXXX

Please prepare the following documents for each person applying for a visa and send them to our office via Aramex courier service:

1. Photocopy of passport (the original to be submitted on the appointment date)

2. Photocopy of birth certificate

3. A copy of your divorce certificate (If previously married and divorced)

4. Police certificate from your country of nationality if you are 16 years old or older

5. Police certificate if you lived in a different country for more than 12 months and you were 16 years or older at that time.

6. An Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) signed by the Petitioner and notarized before either a notary public in the U.S. or a consular officer at the embassy.

7. Petitioner’s most recent year of federal income taxes (form 1040 only). Please also bring the most recent W2 form and a job letter indicating current salary and length of employment

8. Medical exam for applicant as attached, medical examination report should be submitted on the day of the visa interview. Applicants are advised to schedule their medical examination 3weeks prior to the date of their visa interview.

9. Applications: DS-160 application online application form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/, please print the confirmation page and send it along with the documents.

10. 2 photos face view photos with a white background for the applicant

11. Fees: Login to your profile at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/eg, print your deposit slip ( CGI ) and pay the fees 265$ at your local CIB bank.

Upon receipt of the required documents, we will schedule an appointment for the final visa interview on the first available slot.

Regards,

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Cairo

MO

[IslAmy 122]

Hello everyone!

My husband had his interview this morning and I'm happy to report we are APPROVED. The officer said to expect his passport back within ten days. We will write a review once he has his visa in hand.

[Romet 28]

With regards to religion, when we met he was muslim and I was christian. But over the past 20 months I learned a lot about Islam (on my own from my curiosity to know more about my fiance's religion and upbringing) and I reverted 3 months ago. Now we are both muslims but many people assume I reverted to please my fiance which couldn't be further from the truth since Islam permits muslim men to marry Chritstian and Jewish women. My fiance has never expressed a need for me to be muslim. I reverted because I felt It is what God wanted for me. I wonder how this will affect my case. I wonder if this will still be a red flag since I used to be a christian. Or if it will somehow be an even bigger red flag now.

My two ex-husbands were both undocumented aliens living in the US. So when I married the first one we did i130/485/765, he was approved and is now a citizen. His i130 was approved in 1996, and i485 in 1997. We were married for 6 years and had 2 children together. I filed i130 for my 2nd husband in 2006 but never filed anything else for him. We were married for 8.5 years and had 3 children together. Are my ex-husband's i130s considered red flags?

Hi KokiLulu,

I haven't really heard if converting religions is a "red flag". IMO, (literally just MY opinion), I would think it would be a GOOD thing. Religion red flags make sense because religion itself can be extreme divisive.

The divorces for you are (in my opinion) going to be a red flag. PLEASE UNDERSTAND... I am NOT a CO nor do I work for the embassy... My opinion is just that, an opinion, and stems from what I've read on different forms here and the internet. From many things I've read in MENA countries, they really grill folks that have divorce(s). The way you explained it here is PERFECT for your fiance to explain to them. Just that plainly.

Were your ex-husbands ILLEGALLY living in the US and still got approved? Not sure. They will probably ask more questions about this. So, have your fiance be very prepared in that regard.

Always remember, "red flags" just means "more scrutiny/questions". Preparation can usually combat them.

Another red flag I forgot to mention in high fraud countries (which unfortunately, for whatever reason, Egypt is), is if you've only seen your fiance for a very short period of time. It sucks that they don't realize that traveling is EXPENSIVE!!! And for people like us (who have children) it can sometimes be impossible. I admit, I was lucky to be able to travel to Egypt 4 times within a little over a year, but also understood that the more time we spent together, the better for us in the long run.

Whatever is in your "packet", make sure you know it front to back. You're at the TSC, so unfortunately, you have a REALLY LONG wait ahead of you. This a good time to get very prepared for all ahead. :)

"R".

Hello everyone!

My husband had his interview this morning and I'm happy to report we are APPROVED. The officer said to expect his passport back within ten days. We will write a review once he has his visa in hand.

FABULOUS!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!

[Jen&Dode 6]

1. Photocopy of passport (the original to be submitted on the appointment date)

2. Photocopy of birth certificate

3. A copy of your divorce certificate (If previously married and divorced)

4. Police certificate from your country of nationality if you are 16 years old or older

5. Police certificate if you lived in a different country for more than 12 months and you were 16 years or older at that time.

6. An Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) signed by the Petitioner and notarized before either a notary public in the U.S. or a consular officer at the embassy.

7. Petitioner’s most recent year of federal income taxes (form 1040 only). Please also bring the most recent W2 form and a job letter indicating current salary and length of employment

8. Medical exam for applicant as attached, medical examination report should be submitted on the day of the visa interview. Applicants are advised to schedule their medical examination 3weeks prior to the date of their visa interview.

9. Applications: DS-160 application online application form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/, please print the confirmation page and send it along with the documents.

10. 2 photos face view photos with a white background for the applicant

11. Fees: Login to your profile at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/eg, print your deposit slip ( CGI ) and pay the fees 265$ at your local CIB bank.

Upon receipt of the required documents, we will schedule an appointment for the final visa interview on the first available slot.

Regards,

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Cairo

MO

Romet,

What if I have already included #'s 6 & 7 in the packet when I first applied for my fiancé .......should I still re-submit them just to be on the safe side?

[Romet 28]

Romet,

What if I have already included #'s 6 & 7 in the packet when I first applied for my fiancé .......should I still re-submit them just to be on the safe side?

I sent both 6 & 7 in my packet 1 as well, but my #6 was NOT notarized, so I had to resend to my fiance. IF yours was NOT notarized, you do have to send a notarized copy to your fiance. I wasn't very happy about that because it actually is NOT required from USCIS or NVC. I think it's the Egyptian Embassy that requires it to be notarized.

If you sent a notarized copy, you may want to email the consulate a quick note asking if you still need to send and if your fiance can just bring the copy of the already submitted paperwork.

[Jen&Dode 6]

I sent both 6 & 7 in my packet 1 as well, but my #6 was NOT notarized, so I had to resend to my fiance. IF yours was NOT notarized, you do have to send a notarized copy to your fiance. I wasn't very happy about that because it actually is NOT required from USCIS or NVC. I think it's the Egyptian Embassy that requires it to be notarized.

If you sent a notarized copy, you may want to email the consulate a quick note asking if you still need to send and if your fiance can just bring the copy of the already submitted paperwork.

Mine was not notarized so definitely will need to send it to my fiancé ......would it be accepted if I emailed him the copy or does it have to be the original ???

I am going to send him an update on my taxes and a letter from my work

Thank you so much for your help

[Romet 28]

Mine was not notarized so definitely will need to send it to my fiancé ......would it be accepted if I emailed him the copy or does it have to be the original ???

I am going to send him an update on my taxes and a letter from my work

Thank you so much for your help

Hi JennyDode2014,

For sure send the original notarized doc (of course make a copy for your records - we made copies and scans). I sent an updated employee verification letter too.

It was kind of expensive fedex'ing but I don't trust the post there. DHL seemed to be MORE expensive than Fedex which really surprised me since Egypt uses DHL more. I would send that information as soon as possible because it still takes about a week (even "express" mail) to get to Egypt for some reason.

You're totally welcome!!! Glad I can help!

[Teamsami 27]

WE HAVE AN INTERVIEW JUNE 17!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :joy:

I am soooo happy you guys! I just called the NVC and she gave me the date and said to expect the email next week.

OUR CC: March 16th

everyone with CCs in march callllllllllllllllllllllllllll!

[Gatu 8]

Hi all.. I just had my case complete at the nvc.. When can i expect my enterview will be??