AP/DS 5535/I130/MENA Regions

[AdilB 15]

Hi all,

 

My spouse and I are anticipating either a NOA2 or RFE for an I-130 application soon. I have noticed many are stuck in AP and now, the new DS 5535, which has risen a concern for us.

We were planning our life (buying a house, work, a baby, finances etc...) based on her being here with me before 2019. Now, this AP and DS 5535 are a major concern for us because we have noticed applicants have been waiting for over 6 months after "Interview". We have waited enough, and any additional wait will be very upsetting for both of us.

Now, that said, here are my questions:

 

1- Does everyone get AP and DS 5535 in MENA countries? Why?

2- Is there a criteria the CO s follow to give AP and DS 5535?

or it is automatically given?

3- Are there people from MENA countries who did not get AP and/or DS 5535?

4- Are there things one can do to avoid DS 5535 and or AP?

5- We do Not mind the forms at all, if they do not make us wait another 6 months or more.

Could we submit the DS 5535 now to avoid the lengthy wait?

 

Sorry about the many questions, but neither Google nor Attorneys have definite answers. I felt this would be a good place to ask.

As many of you, my wife and I have a life on hold here, and we feel we have done everything asked of us, and these new forms have

come up of nowhere. More like a major set back, which I pray and hope we do not endure. From what I have read, I wish it on no one, unless

there are reasons to undergo such procedures. In other words, if an applicant has been to certain parts of the world or has red flags, I am with hose forms 

and extra security measures; But, if a female applicant has never been outside her own town, let alone the country, and has no red flags what so ever, why should she and her spouse

endure additional time of waiting?

 

Again, I apologize about the lengthy (what is supposed to be a question) venting, asking session above; Input is highly appreciated.

Edited April 4, 2018 by AdilB

[EandH0904 1,184]

While many from the area are getting the DS5535, not all are. Of course your spouse is welcome to fill out the form and take it to the interview in case they ask for it - but there is no certainty that they will ask for it. 

Things that commonly cause AP - or may make them question the validity of your marriage would be things like - short time knowing each other, marrying on the first visit, not having many visits together, having large age differences, differences in religion, etc. 

 

I am not familiar with policies in Tunisia as my spouse is in Morocco - but it seems like in Morocco, there is no rhyme or reason for why they do the things that they do, and how they choose who gets the DS5535 form and who doesn't. We are concerned about the possibility of AP as well - of course we want to plan a life together as well, and have been together for 2 years already, with many visits. We see many who are approved and many who are not approved as well. 

According to the USCIS monthly immigrant visa data - Tunisia gives about 5-7 CR1 visas each month - but there is no way of telling how many interviews are done or how many petitions they have. 

 

Just try to work the best on your own case - try to have as many proofs of a bonafide relationship as you can, practie questions, spend time together, and in the end, it will be what it will be. 

[AdilB 15]

24 minutes ago, EandH0904 said:

While many from the area are getting the DS5535, not all are. Of course your spouse is welcome to fill out the form and take it to the interview in case they ask for it - but there is no certainty that they will ask for it. 

Things that commonly cause AP - or may make them question the validity of your marriage would be things like - short time knowing each other, marrying on the first visit, not having many visits together, having large age differences, differences in religion, etc. 

 

I am not familiar with policies in Tunisia as my spouse is in Morocco - but it seems like in Morocco, there is no rhyme or reason for why they do the things that they do, and how they choose who gets the DS5535 form and who doesn't. We are concerned about the possibility of AP as well - of course we want to plan a life together as well, and have been together for 2 years already, with many visits. We see many who are approved and many who are not approved as well. 

According to the USCIS monthly immigrant visa data - Tunisia gives about 5-7 CR1 visas each month - but there is no way of telling how many interviews are done or how many petitions they have. 

 

Just try to work the best on your own case - try to have as many proofs of a bonafide relationship as you can, practie questions, spend time together, and in the end, it will be what it will be. 

I have no concerns about proving our marriage is legit; We are both Tunisia, tho I am an American as well. She is younger and have visited her 4 times already since our marriage. I actually spent 3 months with her last year. I am glad you are from Morocco, because this entire DS 5535 became a concern when I stumbled over a Fb page dedicated to DS 5535 applicants who have been stuck in Morocco. They all seem to agree that Moroccans from the North and only "certain" cities ALL receive DS 5535 regardless of anything.. They seem to be so sure every single Visa Candidate from Fez or all Northern cities MUST submit the form and do wait for over six months; It makes no sense to me, but of some reason, that part there just caused me to be concerned. Thanks for your reply and I do pray that your spouse gets here soon nshlah. Putting one s life on hold is tougher than tough.