New To The Process

[tomyka81 95]

While I agree in the past Nigeria may have been a very difficult consulate but what I am hearing is that immigration is starting to open up a bit because it is being tied to the American economy. I think that is why we may be seeing more and more approvals from Nigeria on K-1s . I do think however, what ever you are going to do that you probably need to do it quickly because when the American political administration changes, it could shift. You have already heard Jeb Bush state that he will shift immigration from reuniting families to jobs and economics. So just be mindful of the changing political climate too. As they say in cards, "Study long, study wrong"

Also even if my fiance were to get denied next friday, i would choose to file another K-1 not a spousal.

[DEAbara 9]

It's up to you. I was just telling my experience. You also cannot assume that JB will get the nomination or even the Presidency. Even if he does Immigration law will not change that quickly. Election is not till November 2016. Do what you want.

[tomyka81 95]

It's up to you. I was just telling my experience. You also cannot assume that JB will get the nomination or even the Presidency. Even if he does Immigration law will not change that quickly. Election is not till November 2016. Do what you want.

No one can't but immigration will be a hot button issue and while law may not change quickly, subjective approval or denials could very well change. The visa interview is to a large extend subjective after eligibility is established, otherwise there is no need for the interview. One can establish eligibility of the beneficiaries by review of paperwork. That is all I am saying. time have and do change and I, with my hazy crystal ball, think we are in the middle of a change.

[Uneks 13]

About 70% of all those who were interviewed same day as me were granted visa's. Except for a few unique cases, that took a while, the average time per person was 10 -15 minutes. I have also heard encouraging stories lately from the lagos embassy. It will however be great if you can come more than once.

That said, they key word is honesty and confidence. The CO's are smart so even if you have all the evidence and you cannot verbally defend them, they will throw you off balance.

I think you should Visit once and file,then try to be around for the interview. Stay as long as you can during the visit and get as much evidence as you can. Good luck

[DEAbara 9]

Good advice Uneks. The shorter the relationship the harder it is to prove it's real and substantial. It's good to hear that the Lagos Embassy is granting most visa's.

[dwheels76 5,469]

For your visit how long do you plan to stay? Face time is the #1 evidence. No more quickie visits and izzy pizzy is going to work. A visit of 21 days is very good More than 1 visit by the time of interview is excellent.

This is Lagos you can't just meet to fulfill the requirement of meeting within 2 years (for the fiance' route). Also depends on if you have red flags. If you have many, marriage is better than fiance' route.

It's not always about getting them here faster, you have to look at your evidence and say "is this enough to convince a complete stranger that we are a bonafide couple".

Edited September 8, 2015 by dwheels76

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Quicker is not always better. One of the many fraud indicators is a visit with a quick filing of a petition following shortly after, be it for a K1 or CR1.

(K3 is no longer viable and will be administratively closed at NVC and you would follow the CR1 path.)

Lagos is still a tough embassy to go through.

Know that a refused K1 will be returned and expire and you would have to start over but a CR1 has more bite to it and instead of expiring, you will

get a second chance to convince them that your relationship is genuine.

Enter 'front loading' in the VJ search and study the threads on it, front load the petition !

Submit quality relationship evidence.

Visit more than once.

Be on the premises for the interview.

Study the guides to a K1 and CR1, click on guides tab on top, and know what each petition's pros and cons are.

K1's are quicker but in the long run more expensive (AOS) and he can't work for about 4 months until AOS has been filed.

AOS filing depends on when you get married in the 90 day window.
CR1 takes longer but is cheaper and he can drive and work shortly after arriving and if the visa gets refused you get a second chance.

Take your time to do plenty of research before deciding what is right for you.

No worries about immigration talking points in the media, it will not affect you. Politicians only want to score points with 'undocumented

immigrant issues' and will not change anything with legal immigration. They don't even know the processes involved.

Best wishes for your journey.

[MrsBonsu 138]

Study study study and good luck! Ebunoluwa is always right and knowledgable

[afrocraft 314]

Study study study and good luck! Ebunoluwa is always right and knowledgable

Not so sure I can vouch for Ebunoluwa being "always right" but she's on the money on this one. You're on firmer ground with the spousal visa. But careful planning and crafting of a story line of your relationship is vital. That's the basis of intelligent "frontloading", which, despite the name, is really more about quality than quantity.

[raven52 233]

Such an easy question can become complex.

Will, give my opinion, the K-1 is shorter, but proof must be very good!

Two requirements, you must meet face to face and prove it, pictures, (near signage, landmarks, etc) is helpful. And number two, you must be available to marry. And any other way you can prove

it.

So, CR-1 is about 1 year, but more likely more like 16 months. If you go to there and get married. K-1 is about 6 months, IF, and I say IF all goes as planned.

Example: Me and my wife expected 6 months, we were 10 months and 4 days! Things happen, be prepared for the unexpected..,.,., it always happens.

I just gave you our experience, but the decision is yours.

Good luck and God's speed!

[sewilliams 1]

Thank you to everyone that is sharing their personal experiences and providing really good information. All of this is becoming extremely helpful! I appreciate being able to see all aspects of what has worked for some people and what has not worked for some people. It is my hope that everyone that is waiting out the process long or short, to those who have already been approved and those who are just getting started, take time to read the information. Followin all the step by step will make a diffence in the anticipated outcome. Rushing is not an option in anyway. Praying the best for each and everyone of us in these life transitio. Hoping for the best outcomes let's keep in touch and keep one another in good thoughts. God Bless.. Take Care