What to Prepare for Interview in Consulate in Cairo

[Bint Halawa 0]

A'salaamu Alaikum and Hello,

I have finally filed my 129-F package and want to have my fiancee start preparing the documents he will need to submit to the Consulate in Cairo. I have read that different Consulates ask for different items. True?

What does he need to be preparing in advance? I've told him to get his birth certificate translated into English, and I'll send back the divorce papers we had translated for the I-129 package, but what else will he need? I've seen something about police records, but I assume the packet he will receive from the consulate will describe what they want from the police and the medical exam... (correct?)

Has anyone on this group sent the I-134 directly to the Consulate in Cairo rather than to their fiancee? I object to sending it to my fiancee (a woman's assets do not need to be divulged to her future husband!).

Any other suggestions? We only have his most recent divorce decree. He was married once before to the same woman so there is a previous divorce, so I'm not sure if he really needs that one or not. Does he need marriage certificates?

I know I'm asking alot, but does anyone have an estimated time that it takes Cairo to process things from their end? I'm planning to go to Egypt in Ramadan (Oct) but if there is any chance we might get his visa by the beginning of 08 then I might wait and go after the New Year so we could come back together.

In closing does anyone know what's going on with the US Embassy refusing to provide the paperwork for US Citizens who chose to marry inside Egypt? I really feel sorry for the sisters who want to marry and plan to stay in Egypt. Looks like they have to come home and bring their fiancees' here to marry them! Sub'han'allah. What a mess.

Thanks and Jezakallahkhair for any information.

Karima

[aj1 1]

A'salaamu Alaikum and Hello,

I have finally filed my 129-F package and want to have my fiancee start preparing the documents he will need to submit to the Consulate in Cairo. I have read that different Consulates ask for different items. True?

What does he need to be preparing in advance? I've told him to get his birth certificate translated into English, and I'll send back the divorce papers we had translated for the I-129 package, but what else will he need? I've seen something about police records, but I assume the packet he will receive from the consulate will describe what they want from the police and the medical exam... (correct?)

Has anyone on this group sent the I-134 directly to the Consulate in Cairo rather than to their fiancee? I object to sending it to my fiancee (a woman's assets do not need to be divulged to her future husband!).

Any other suggestions? We only have his most recent divorce decree. He was married once before to the same woman so there is a previous divorce, so I'm not sure if he really needs that one or not. Does he need marriage certificates?

I know I'm asking alot, but does anyone have an estimated time that it takes Cairo to process things from their end? I'm planning to go to Egypt in Ramadan (Oct) but if there is any chance we might get his visa by the beginning of 08 then I might wait and go after the New Year so we could come back together.

In closing does anyone know what's going on with the US Embassy refusing to provide the paperwork for US Citizens who chose to marry inside Egypt? I really feel sorry for the sisters who want to marry and plan to stay in Egypt. Looks like they have to come home and bring their fiancees' here to marry them! Sub'han'allah. What a mess.

Thanks and Jezakallahkhair for any information.

Karima

First I would like to say welcome to V.J. and Congratulations on taking the first step in your process! To be honest with you Cairo is a difficult Embassy to deal with from the start and they are very slow at doing paper work. So you need tons of patience with them unless things change by the time your fiance recieves his interview. So pateince is Key with Cairo. If you look at my timeline we started this process last May so its been over a 1 year ago for us but everyone's case is different! In packet 3 that the Embassy will send your fiance they will let him know what documents that he will have to get and send back to them. If he is divorced he will need to show proof of his divorce papers which he will submit with packet 3. What you can start doing now is saving all of the proof of your ongoing relationship such as emails, phone bills, letter, ecards, and more pics. Everything else that is required in packet 3 he can do at the time he recieves it. Such as his medical exam which only takes about 1-2 weeks to get a Dr. appointment, and his police certificate which does not take long to get, and his passport size pics he can get those taken also when he recieves packet 3. These things don't take that long to get so he can wait for them. As for the I134 I sent that in with packet 3 along with the affidavit of support. After your fiance has his interview it takes anywhere from 1-6 months for A/P ( Administrative Processing) Which are a series of more security checks. This honestly is the hardest part of the process!! because you have no idea when they will be completed and the Embassy will not issue a visa until they are as i stated it could take 1-6 months after his interview before he recieves his visa. I am not really sure as to why U.S. citizen are not allowed to marry in Egypt now I aslo for sorry as well for all the woman who have to go through this and yes it is a mess. I hope this helped. i wish you all the best on your process!!!

AJ1

[doodlebug 3]

I filed for a K-3 so it may be a little different as far as what is required but having gone through the whole pkt 3 process the advice I can give is as follows:

* If your fiance does not yet have a passport have him start that process NOW.

* Have him start now getting his military papers in order. This took a while for my husband because he had to get some other papers done first like the police certificate and something to do with his birth certificate which was complicated because he had to prove he was the first born son and without parents around to help give you the required papers he had to go all over to get this stuff done.

*Print out the forms he'll need (not sure what they are for the K-1) and try to fill in as much as you can now and then scan and send them to him. They may look simple but my husband had a hard time with things like "surname", etc......things they're not used to seeing, you know? Not a biggie but every little bit helps that you can do now so you can get that packet in asap.

Look at the timelines that are provided by VJ for your service center and for Egypt. I don't want to sound negative here but it's really pushing it to think he'd be here in January. Average from start to finish is normally a good year, but who knows, you know?

As far as not giving him your I134..........not to sound negative again, but,......you might wanna work that one out. If he is going to be your husband he will know about your assets and unless you have a good prenup he will even be getting 1/2 in the event that you get divorced (God forbid but we have to think of these things). Assets aren't really required though for the I134 unless you don't make enough income so it may be a non-issue but again I think you should talk this through with him.

Good luck!

[Aymerlu 3]

Just a few things you may need for the interview:

Chat logs

Phone logs,

Postal mail either to him or from him

A letter from your employer stating how long you have been there, full-time/part-time status, how much money you make and if the job is permenant. Just my 2 cents.....you really should confide in your fiance and tell him how much you make. This could come up in the interview and he should know it. Cairo can and tends to get very personal in the questions that they ask sometimes. I'd hate for them to ask him and he just say huh?

ANYTHING that proves you have a bonafide relationship.....HAVE HIM BRING IT

Packet 3 will have all the instructions (if they don't forget to put everything in the packet) and everyone here will be more than happy to help you. Best of luck!

[ya falaha! 0]

Just a little advice..take baby steps and don't get too far ahead of yourself. If you just petitioned you still have a good 4-6 mos. before any of this stuff comes into the picture. Cairo is forever changing it's procedures so what may be required today may not be required 6 mos. from now. The other ladies have mentioned the standard stuff already.

Don't take this the wrong way but if you're serious about marrying this man you gotta get over the not wanting him to know about your financial situation. You can't send this info directly to the embassy yourself so he's gonna see it. What difference does it make anyways? He'll find out sooner or later how much you earn.

[Bint Halawa 0]

A'salaamu Alaikum and thanks for all the information. I'm in shock that you all think I should divulge my personal finances with my fiancee. I have no idea why any one would think this, maybe I"ve been in arab/Muslim culture for too long (30 years)... I've been married twice before and NEVER did I reveal my assets to my husband. In Islam (and Egyptian culture) women are not required to support their husbands or share their personal assets. Ask any Egyptian or Muslim woman and they will tell you to NEVER reveal what you have to a man.

When I went to the INS to have them look over my I129 package I asked the lady there if there was a way to avoid sending the I 134 to my fiancee and send it directly to the Embassy in Cairo, she said she wasn't sure, but she agreed TOTALLY that it was NONE OF HIS BUSINESS what I had or how much I made. She also advised me to simply put my tax return with the document (I'm self-employed) and forget about listing all my other assets because I make MORE than enough to satisfy their requirements. (Also who can read 30 pages of tax forms anyway!)

I'm very fortunate I can see (Alhamdulillah) to be able to travel to Egypt often since I can see it is going to take a while to bring him here, insha'allah. Guess I'll go in October and in January!

Thanks again for the advice, ma'sha'allah this is a difficult process.

Karima

[ya falaha! 0]

Revealing your assets and supporting a husband are two different things. I think in this case it's a trust issue. Just because your fiance knows your income doesn't mean you have to give him any of it. Like the INS lady told you, simply send your tax returns. If your income is 100% of poverty level for your household then showing other assets are unnecessary. Put the I134 and tax return in an envelope and tell your fiance not to open it. He can send it in with the packet 3 stuff like that. Like Amy said, they may ask him how much you make a year during his interview. I believe it may look bad if he can't answer this question.

[doodlebug 3]

A'salaamu Alaikum and thanks for all the information. I'm in shock that you all think I should divulge my personal finances with my fiancee. I have no idea why any one would think this, maybe I"ve been in arab/Muslim culture for too long (30 years)... I've been married twice before and NEVER did I reveal my assets to my husband. In Islam (and Egyptian culture) women are not required to support their husbands or share their personal assets. Ask any Egyptian or Muslim woman and they will tell you to NEVER reveal what you have to a man.

I've never heard of this before. I know we're not required to contribute anything to the household unless we so desire but I have never heard of intentionally hiding what I have. That sounds like deceit and not a way to start a marriage in my opinion but if it's worked for you in the past, go for it.

When I went to the INS to have them look over my I129 package I asked the lady there if there was a way to avoid sending the I 134 to my fiancee and send it directly to the Embassy in Cairo, she said she wasn't sure, but she agreed TOTALLY that it was NONE OF HIS BUSINESS what I had or how much I made. She also advised me to simply put my tax return with the document (I'm self-employed) and forget about listing all my other assets because I make MORE than enough to satisfy their requirements. (Also who can read 30 pages of tax forms anyway!)

I'd do what moody said then and send it in a sealed envelope and tell your husband that you do not wish for him to open it but I agree that it will probably look bad at the interview if he can't tell them anything about your assets since anything is fair game for them to ask.

[Bint Halawa 0]

A'salaamu Alaikum,

Some one wrote: "I've never heard of this before. I know we're not required to contribute anything to the household unless we so desire but I have never heard of intentionally hiding what I have. That sounds like deceit and not a way to start a marriage in my opinion but if it's worked for you in the past, go for it."

Now don't go jumping to conclusions.... who said anything about "intentionally hiding"... he has never asked what my assets are, nor what my income is. How is it deceitful to not answer a question that he has never asked! My finacee is far too proud to even show the SLIGHTEST interest in my financial situation.

I'm only here for advice related to Immigration issues. I'm 49 years old and have been married to Egyptian(s) for nearly 25 years. I've learned more than one or two VALUABLE Lessons in that time... but none of them related to Immigration... oh well there's a first time for everything. Can you imagine if marriage licenses here required the couple to exchange credit and asset reports before they issued a marriage license... Come to think of it maybe in this culture it would be a good idea...

Karima

P.S. Not only are Muslim women not "required" to contribute to the household they should take permission to do so, and hopefully she will never need to do that because in my opinion that is not a good way to start a marriage.... The traditional Egyptian man does not thrive well when supported by his wife. (here or there)

[doodlebug 3]

A'salaamu Alaikum,

Some one wrote: "I've never heard of this before. I know we're not required to contribute anything to the household unless we so desire but I have never heard of intentionally hiding what I have. That sounds like deceit and not a way to start a marriage in my opinion but if it's worked for you in the past, go for it."

Now don't go jumping to conclusions.... who said anything about "intentionally hiding"... he has never asked what my assets are, nor what my income is. How is it deceitful to not answer a question that he has never asked! My finacee is far too proud to even show the SLIGHTEST interest in my financial situation.

I'm only here for advice related to Immigration issues. I'm 49 years old and have been married to Egyptian(s) for nearly 25 years. I've learned more than one or two VALUABLE Lessons in that time... but none of them related to Immigration... oh well there's a first time for everything. Can you imagine if marriage licenses here required the couple to exchange credit and asset reports before they issued a marriage license... Come to think of it maybe in this culture it would be a good idea...

Karima

P.S. Not only are Muslim women not "required" to contribute to the household they should take permission to do so, and hopefully she will never need to do that because in my opinion that is not a good way to start a marriage.... The traditional Egyptian man does not thrive well when supported by his wife. (here or there)

You know you're right. I apologize for saying that. Although we are both familiar with muslims and Egyptians we both have very different views and you came here for visa advice, not martial advice.

For the question I would again suggest you do what moody suggested which is to send it to your husband sealed and tell him not to open it.

peace

[crazyinEgypt 0]

A'salaamu Alaikum,

Some one wrote: "I've never heard of this before. I know we're not required to contribute anything to the household unless we so desire but I have never heard of intentionally hiding what I have. That sounds like deceit and not a way to start a marriage in my opinion but if it's worked for you in the past, go for it."

Now don't go jumping to conclusions.... who said anything about "intentionally hiding"... he has never asked what my assets are, nor what my income is. How is it deceitful to not answer a question that he has never asked! My finacee is far too proud to even show the SLIGHTEST interest in my financial situation.

I'm only here for advice related to Immigration issues. I'm 49 years old and have been married to Egyptian(s) for nearly 25 years. I've learned more than one or two VALUABLE Lessons in that time... but none of them related to Immigration... oh well there's a first time for everything. Can you imagine if marriage licenses here required the couple to exchange credit and asset reports before they issued a marriage license... Come to think of it maybe in this culture it would be a good idea...

Karima

P.S. Not only are Muslim women not "required" to contribute to the household they should take permission to do so, and hopefully she will never need to do that because in my opinion that is not a good way to start a marriage.... The traditional Egyptian man does not thrive well when supported by his wife. (here or there)

mmmmkkkkay. so i don't come to vj much but I'm really confuszled about this one. I suppose all my sister and brother in laws are very open minded muslims. I saw my sister in laws giving their husbands money and I saw my brother in laws giving their wives money. What does your husband plan on doing once here? Will he have thousands of dollars he can bring with him so you don't have to support him? That is what the whole reason you have to send your income information to the embassy with him. They want to be sure you can support him. That is probably what 99% of us have had to do with our fiances and spouses once they have come to the U.S since many were not able to work immediatly and many could not get the same career job here as they held there in Egypt.

[Bint Halawa 0]

mmmmkkkkay. so i don't come to vj much but I'm really confuszled about this one. I suppose all my sister and brother in laws are very open minded muslims. I saw my sister in laws giving their husbands money and I saw my brother in laws giving their wives money. What does your husband plan on doing once here? Will he have thousands of dollars he can bring with him so you don't have to support him? That is what the whole reason you have to send your income information to the embassy with him. They want to be sure you can support him. That is probably what 99% of us have had to do with our fiances and spouses once they have come to the U.S since many were not able to work immediatly and many could not get the same career job here as they held there in Egypt.

Depending on their economic circumstances (which vary in Egypt much as anywhere else in the world) wives may with their husbands approval (and GRATITUDE!) contribute to the household budget, I never said otherwise. And men MUST give their wives money to spend on the family, and for themselves. Thus the practice of "nafaka" (pocket money) upon divorce in Egypt.

Frankly I am shocked that a stranger would ask me what my husband plans to do when he arrives in the US, or how much money he is planning to bring with him. I guess I do not understand the purpose of this website. And understand much less how this information is relevant. Suffice it to say that we have agreed he will support me as Islam requires from day 1.

After living in the Muslim/Arab community for more than 25 years I have seen it all. I would have to concur with your statement that 99% of the American women who marry men from overseas do just what you stated and support their husbands. I am not in favor of this arrangement and find that it is contrary to our religion and our husbands' cultural norms. It is much better for the marriage if the man fulfills his religious and social duties towards his wife from the start, including financial support. I realize this is idealistic in the view of those 99%. But I for one will not accept anything less, and Thanks be to God, I do not have to.

I certainly understand why the INS wants to know that the immigrant fiancee/husband will not become a burden on the government, but that does not mean that I have to support him when he arrives. He will be supporting me.

[doodlebug 3]

With all due respect you do realize that he won't be able to work for a good three months after he gets here right? I believe that is where the question was relevant as far as how much he is bringing. I know if my husband planned on supporting me from day 1 he would have to bring at least $16,000 to last us for the first three months and more than that for security in case he does not find a job that pays him a good $90k/year right away.

Since I know this is definitely not gonna happen given his pay that he makes in Egypt and the exchange rate being approx 1usd to 5.5 or so egyptian pounds, I fully intend on supporting him for a good year or so. His first job here will most likely bring home about $40k/year which definitely will not support me in the manner to which I've become accustomed so it will take him a good three to four years or so before he is able to be up to the level where I will be able to quit my job and stop putting money into the household expenses...if I ever quit my job and stop contributing which I think will be doubtful given my salary and the way I like to live.

I know you said you've married a few Egyptians but I'm not sure if you've ever actually brought one over here to the US. It's a whole different ball of wax and it is related to the process as a whole.There are many people on this site which have experience in how the men find it quite difficult given that they are used to making enough to support their loved ones in their own country yet cannot do so once in the US. I think that's all people are trying to bring home to you and it's also why the gov't requires that you legally state you will support him for the next few years. Like it or not, if he does not have that ability you are legally bound to financially support him. I know that doesn't go with our religion but it's a fact of life as a sponsor of an immigrant.

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

I certainly understand why the INS wants to know that the immigrant fiancee/husband will not become a burden on the government, but that does not mean that I have to support him when he arrives. He will be supporting me.

[Aymerlu 3]

Depending on their economic circumstances (which vary in Egypt much as anywhere else in the world) wives may with their husbands approval (and GRATITUDE!) contribute to the household budget, I never said otherwise. And men MUST give their wives money to spend on the family, and for themselves. Thus the practice of "nafaka" (pocket money) upon divorce in Egypt.

Yeah. my husband got slammed by his ex when he divorced her. She was psycho and everyone I spoke to in his family said the same. I thought it was another "my ex is crazy" story, but she's a nut. My husband had to pay $40,000 when they divorced. Funny thing is, his ex SIL wanted to pay a portion of that because she hates her too!

My husband had a very high paying, well respected job in Egypt. Schools were always calling him wanting him to teach at their facility. When he came here dispite his degree, no schools recognize his education. He thought he would be able to come here and begin teaching right away and start contributing to the household. I honestly could care less about how much money he does or does not make....that's just not me. Our relationship has always been give and take, equally on both sides, which is how I feel a marriage should be regardless of our religion. Of course there were/are cultural differences that we both had to deal with and there are many times we giggle about the way some things are done in other places. After being here almost a year he has finally got a job (not in teaching) that he absolutly loves and I'm happy for him.

Edited June 24, 2007 by Aymerlu