jan22

She should go to interview with the family as scheduled.  Unless she is the principal applicant, the visas for the rest of the family can be issued and she can start the waiver process.

A good place to start is to review the State Department info at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html

She should go to interview with the family as scheduled.  Unless she is the principal applicant, the visas for the rest of the family can be issued and she can start the waiver process.

Montreal’s visa operation is focused on immigrant visas.

Montreal’s visa operation is focused on immigrant visas.

Similar efforts have occurred over the years in other aspects of consular processing — for example, applications for Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications — and have been extremely helpful in having an applicant ready with all required information at the interview and, therefore, being approved the first time an officer reviews the case at interview.  
 
The ultimate goal is for an officer to have to review a case only once, thus freeing them for more cases, or reviews of cases that were previously 221(g)ed, or those that have finally cleared administrative processing and are ready for approval processing.
 
Ultimately, it should help reduce backlogs at posts — but that remains to be seen, depending on any new processing requirements that might be announced in the future.

Similar efforts have occurred over the years in other aspects of consular processing — for example, applications for Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications — and have been extremely helpful in having an applicant ready with all required information at the interview and, therefore, being approved the first time an officer reviews the case at interview.  
 
The ultimate goal is for an officer to have to review a case only once, thus freeing them for more cases, or reviews of cases that were previously 221(g)ed, or those that have finally cleared administrative processing and are ready for approval processing.
 
Ultimately, it should help reduce backlogs at posts — but that remains to be seen, depending on any new processing requirements that might be announced in the future.

Similar efforts have occurred over the years in other aspects of consular processing — for example, applications for Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications — and have been extremely helpful in having an applicant ready with all required information at the interview and, therefore, being approved the first time an officer reviews the case at interview.  
 
The ultimate goal is for an officer to have to review a case only once, thus freeing them for more cases, or reviews of cases that were previously 221(g)ed, or those that have finally cleared administrative processing and are ready for approval processing.
 
Ultimately, it should help reduce backlogs at posts — but that remains to be seen, depending on any new processing requirements that might be announced in the future.

Similar efforts have occurred over the years in other aspects of consular processing — for example, applications for Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications — and have been extremely helpful in having an applicant ready with all required information at the interview and, therefore, being approved the first time an officer reviews the case at interview.  
 
The ultimate goal is for an officer to have to review a case only once, thus freeing them for more cases, or reviews of cases that were previously 221(g)ed, or those that have finally cleared administrative processing and are ready for approval processing.
 
Ultimately, it should help reduce backlogs at posts — but that remains to be seen, depending on any new processing requirements that might be announced in the future.

I am not familiar with Cairo’s current procedures, but I would not leap to the assumption that this is something to be concerned or panicked about right now.  
 
When there is an officer review of the details/documentation of a non-immigrant visa case (which a K-1 technically is) prior to the interview, the officer usually either issues the visa or sends an interim refusal until the interview.  The interim refusal may suggest additional information to bring to the interview.  For example, if someone has applied for a visa under the Interview Waiver program and the officer decides that the person really needs to be interviewed, they will issue a 221(g) refusal and require the person to come in for an interview.  They will tell the applicant if there’s a specific piece of information to bring with them.
 
It appears to me that what Cairo is doing is reviewing the case for completion prior to the interview, to help applicants come fully prepared with everything they need to bring.  To document the review and what was requested, they issue the 221(g) sheet.  Since none of the main areas were checked on the OP’s sheet as far as I could see, it seems to me that they were likely satisfied with the basic documents, but wanted to indicate that documentation of a solid, bonafide relationship is very important — probably THE most important part of the application..  
 
NOTE:  If someone has gone through Cairo for a K-1 visa recently and my basic assumption about their process is wrong, please let me know and I’ll reassess this response!
 
About asking for an earlier interview — the date you received is likely the earliest open date.  Unless you have a valid reason (other than, of course, wanting to be together as soon as possible), it is unlikely that you will get an earlier date.
 

I am not familiar with Cairo’s current procedures, but I would not leap to the assumption that this is something to be concerned or panicked about right now.  
 
When there is an officer review of the details/documentation of a non-immigrant visa case (which a K-1 technically is) prior to the interview, the officer usually either issues the visa or sends an interim refusal until the interview.  The interim refusal may suggest additional information to bring to the interview.  For example, if someone has applied for a visa under the Interview Waiver program and the officer decides that the person really needs to be interviewed, they will issue a 221(g) refusal and require the person to come in for an interview.  They will tell the applicant if there’s a specific piece of information to bring with them.
 
It appears to me that what Cairo is doing is reviewing the case for completion prior to the interview, to help applicants come fully prepared with everything they need to bring.  To document the review and what was requested, they issue the 221(g) sheet.  Since none of the main areas were checked on the OP’s sheet as far as I could see, it seems to me that they were likely satisfied with the basic documents, but wanted to indicate that documentation of a solid, bonafide relationship is very important — probably THE most important part of the application..  
 
NOTE:  If someone has gone through Cairo for a K-1 visa recently and my basic assumption about their process is wrong, please let me know and I’ll reassess this response!
 
About asking for an earlier interview — the date you received is likely the earliest open date.  Unless you have a valid reason (other than, of course, wanting to be together as soon as possible), it is unlikely that you will get an earlier date.
 

I am not familiar with Cairo’s current procedures, but I would not leap to the assumption that this is something to be concerned or panicked about right now.  
 
When there is an officer review of the details/documentation of a non-immigrant visa case (which a K-1 technically is) prior to the interview, the officer usually either issues the visa or sends an interim refusal until the interview.  The interim refusal may suggest additional information to bring to the interview.  For example, if someone has applied for a visa under the Interview Waiver program and the officer decides that the person really needs to be interviewed, they will issue a 221(g) refusal and require the person to come in for an interview.  They will tell the applicant if there’s a specific piece of information to bring with them.
 
It appears to me that what Cairo is doing is reviewing the case for completion prior to the interview, to help applicants come fully prepared with everything they need to bring.  To document the review and what was requested, they issue the 221(g) sheet.  Since none of the main areas were checked on the OP’s sheet as far as I could see, it seems to me that they were likely satisfied with the basic documents, but wanted to indicate that documentation of a solid, bonafide relationship is very important — probably THE most important part of the application..  
 
NOTE:  If someone has gone through Cairo for a K-1 visa recently and my basic assumption about their process is wrong, please let me know and I’ll reassess this response!
 
About asking for an earlier interview — the date you received is likely the earliest open date.  Unless you have a valid reason (other than, of course, wanting to be together as soon as possible), it is unlikely that you will get an earlier date.
 

I am not familiar with Cairo’s current procedures, but I would not leap to the assumption that this is something to be concerned or panicked about right now.  
 
When there is an officer review of the details/documentation of a non-immigrant visa case (which a K-1 technically is) prior to the interview, the officer usually either issues the visa or sends an interim refusal until the interview.  The interim refusal may suggest additional information to bring to the interview.  For example, if someone has applied for a visa under the Interview Waiver program and the officer decides that the person really needs to be interviewed, they will issue a 221(g) refusal and require the person to come in for an interview.  They will tell the applicant if there’s a specific piece of information to bring with them.
 
It appears to me that what Cairo is doing is reviewing the case for completion prior to the interview, to help applicants come fully prepared with everything they need to bring.  To document the review and what was requested, they issue the 221(g) sheet.  Since none of the main areas were checked on the OP’s sheet as far as I could see, it seems to me that they were likely satisfied with the basic documents, but wanted to indicate that documentation of a solid, bonafide relationship is very important — probably THE most important part of the application..  
 
NOTE:  If someone has gone through Cairo for a K-1 visa recently and my basic assumption about their process is wrong, please let me know and I’ll reassess this response!
 
About asking for an earlier interview — the date you received is likely the earliest open date.  Unless you have a valid reason (other than, of course, wanting to be together as soon as possible), it is unlikely that you will get an earlier date.
 

I am not familiar with Cairo’s current procedures, but I would not leap to the assumption that this is something to be concerned or panicked about right now.  
 
When there is an officer review of the details/documentation of a non-immigrant visa case (which a K-1 technically is) prior to the interview, the officer usually either issues the visa or sends an interim refusal until the interview.  The interim refusal may suggest additional information to bring to the interview.  For example, if someone has applied for a visa under the Interview Waiver program and the officer decides that the person really needs to be interviewed, they will issue a 221(g) refusal and require the person to come in for an interview.  They will tell the applicant if there’s a specific piece of information to bring with them.
 
It appears to me that what Cairo is doing is reviewing the case for completion prior to the interview, to help applicants come fully prepared with everything they need to bring.  To document the review and what was requested, they issue the 221(g) sheet.  Since none of the main areas were checked on the OP’s sheet as far as I could see, it seems to me that they were likely satisfied with the basic documents, but wanted to indicate that documentation of a solid, bonafide relationship is very important — probably THE most important part of the application..  
 
NOTE:  If someone has gone through Cairo for a K-1 visa recently and my basic assumption about their process is wrong, please let me know and I’ll reassess this response!
 
About asking for an earlier interview — the date you received is likely the earliest open date.  Unless you have a valid reason (other than, of course, wanting to be together as soon as possible), it is unlikely that you will get an earlier date.
 

I am not familiar with Cairo’s current procedures, but I would not leap to the assumption that this is something to be concerned or panicked about right now.  
 
When there is an officer review of the details/documentation of a non-immigrant visa case (which a K-1 technically is) prior to the interview, the officer usually either issues the visa or sends an interim refusal until the interview.  The interim refusal may suggest additional information to bring to the interview.  For example, if someone has applied for a visa under the Interview Waiver program and the officer decides that the person really needs to be interviewed, they will issue a 221(g) refusal and require the person to come in for an interview.  They will tell the applicant if there’s a specific piece of information to bring with them.
 
It appears to me that what Cairo is doing is reviewing the case for completion prior to the interview, to help applicants come fully prepared with everything they need to bring.  To document the review and what was requested, they issue the 221(g) sheet.  Since none of the main areas were checked on the OP’s sheet as far as I could see, it seems to me that they were likely satisfied with the basic documents, but wanted to indicate that documentation of a solid, bonafide relationship is very important — probably THE most important part of the application..  
 
NOTE:  If someone has gone through Cairo for a K-1 visa recently and my basic assumption about their process is wrong, please let me know and I’ll reassess this response!
 
About asking for an earlier interview — the date you received is likely the earliest open date.  Unless you have a valid reason (other than, of course, wanting to be together as soon as possible), it is unlikely that you will get an earlier date.
 

Just to check —- you naturalized before your son immigrated, right?  Did he immigrate on an IR-2 or some other immigrant visa?  Is he in your physical custody (i.e., is he living with you)?  If all of the answers to these are “Yes”, your son became a US citizen immediately after entering as a permanent resident to live with you (Child Citizenship Act of 2000). 
 
I would recommend that you immediately take the evidence of
a) your naturalization; b) his proof of entering as a legal permanent resident; c) documentation that he is living with you at the same address, and and immediately apply for a US passport for him.  It should be the fastest way to document his acquisition of US citizenship.  After he has the passport, you can then always apply for a Certificate of Citizenship as a further proof in case the passport is lost, etc.  
 
Goid luck!
 

Just to check —- you naturalized before your son immigrated, right?  Did he immigrate on an IR-2 or some other immigrant visa?  Is he in your physical custody (i.e., is he living with you)?  If all of the answers to these are “Yes”, your son became a US citizen immediately after entering as a permanent resident to live with you (Child Citizenship Act of 2000). 
 
I would recommend that you immediately take the evidence of
a) your naturalization; b) his proof of entering as a legal permanent resident; c) documentation that he is living with you at the same address, and and immediately apply for a US passport for him.  It should be the fastest way to document his acquisition of US citizenship.  After he has the passport, you can then always apply for a Certificate of Citizenship as a further proof in case the passport is lost, etc.  
 
Goid luck!
 

You need both.  For more information on how/where to get what you need, check out the “Police, Court, Prison Records” information at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Georgia.html.

The announcement of the USCIS change you are referring to was in regard to adjustment of status cases.  It said nothing about a change to the immigrant visa vaccination requirements, which are set by the CDC.

The requirement was dropped for immigrant visa applicants as of March 11, 2025.  See
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/cdc-removes-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-for-immigrant-visa-applicants.html .

I’m sure you know this, but just in case…
 
You have no standing to apply for an immigrant visa for your MIL.  Has your spouse completed the naturalization application and taken the oath of citizenship?  If so, she needs to file the I-130.  If not, she needs to wait until she’s a US citizen and then file.

I’m sure you know this, but just in case…
 
You have no standing to apply for an immigrant visa for your MIL.  Has your spouse completed the naturalization application and taken the oath of citizenship?  If so, she needs to file the I-130.  If not, she needs to wait until she’s a US citizen and then file.

I’m sure you know this, but just in case…
 
You have no standing to apply for an immigrant visa for your MIL.  Has your spouse completed the naturalization application and taken the oath of citizenship?  If so, she needs to file the I-130.  If not, she needs to wait until she’s a US citizen and then file.

If I understand your timeline, you’ve been married for almost 3 1/2 years and have spent a total of 9 weeks together after the trip during which you married.  Some questions come to mind.  If you don’t want to answer them here, fine — but still something to think about that the consular officer may have considered.  Nite that this is not a comprehensive list — it’s a starting point:
Hiw long have you known one another?  How did you meet? How long after you met one another in person before you married?  Did you marry on your first in-person meeting trip? Do you have a significant age difference? If so, is that culturally acceptable in Gambian culture? Major difference in religion? Great difference in educational level? Language difference (I know the official language of Gambia is English, but still an important question, just in case.) Do either if you have children? Were either if you married before? Multiple times? International marriage requiring an immigrant visa? Were both families supportive of the marriage? None of these issues by themself would be a problem; however, if many of them apply, taken together they may form a pattern cause concern about the validity of the marriage.  
 
I can almost guarantee that the issue was NOT the lack of a large celebration after the marriage.  People are married in simple ceremonies (civil and religious) without large celebrations all over the world and still get issued US immigrant visas.

The announcement of the USCIS change you are referring to was in regard to adjustment of status cases.  It said nothing about a change to the immigrant visa vaccination requirements, which are set by the CDC.