|
|
| Nigeria |  Review on November 7, 2015: |
theezeahs
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Since I depended greatly on this website and relaying of information of the interviews, I decided to write as well to hopefully encourage and help others with upcoming interviews. My fiance had his interview in Lagos yesterday and was approved! We were extremely prepared for what he took with him and probably not even 1/4 of it was looked at or asked for but still go prepared-you never know what they will or will not request to see. He insisted on arriving at 4:30am (his interview was scheduled at 7) and it ended up being a good thing because he was able to compare with other interviewees and he realized he (we) had forgot that the 4 passport photos needed to have a white background. He was able to rush and get them and be back in plenty of time. They went through security around 6am (phone is taken) and he was interviewed by around 9am. Before the interview they asked to see my affidavit of support which he said they briefly looked at and the interview itself was easy and short. He told me his interviewer was very nice and happy. He was asked where we met, if has he met my family, our plans to marry, how often we see each other, my birthday,where I live and about my job. The interviewer actually told my fiance that he had enough evidence already (from what I had sent with our petition) and asked if he wanted to show him anything else (he handed the interviewer a couple pictures, a fb convo between him and my dad, and some of our communications over the years). Then he was told "congratulations!" I really believe that the interviewers pretty much know by what was sent in by the American fiance if the visa will be granted and the interview is when the interviewer can use their feelings and intuition as the final gauge on if it's a genuine relationship.
I want to share 2 things from our experience- first to give hope to those who may feel like they would be rejected due to finances and/or lack of pictures and secondly to share a list of what you should have on hand for the interview since what the embassy tells you is not actually all you should bring.
1. I am a full time student and part-time worker and make under the required amount to support 2 people. I sent a I-134 from my sister and brother in law stating they would help to support us if it was needed but I was unsure if they would accept it. I also attached a personal letter to my I-134 just explaining and appealing to our situation. These things were barely looked at so it definitely isn't a defining issue. Also even though my fiance and I have known and been involved for over 6 years, we didn't submit any pictures of us together. Yes, pictures can help, but anyone can take pictures together- they definitely look at other types of proof for the relationship so document your communication (especially before you started the entire process). I even sent communication between my fiance and family members.
2. The things you must take to the interview are: your passport, birth certificate, sealed medical results, police certificate, 4 passport style photos of yourself w/ white background, your fiance's affidavit of support, and if you were married before any divorce or death decrees of previous spouse. But also take with you the receipt of payment to the embassy through the bank (the one you must pay to schedule the interview), the confirmation page of your completed DS-160 with the barcode, your approved I-129 (it's called I-797 Notice of Action), and your appointment confirmation. I also sent with him copies of some of the things that I'd sent with my original packet- a letter relaying our relationship history, our signed letters of intent, scans of my passport showing all my times in Nigeria, a couple pictures, and evidence of ongoing communication. Try to have communication spanning throughout your relationship including time before you started the petition. Yes, they probably won't even look at half of it but it will make you look and feel prepared and you really never know what they may decide to ask for. Also, your American fiance does not need to be there- even if they accompany you they will not be let in to the actual interview. I didn't go because I'm in school and we didn't want to spend the money.
Final notes:
Loading your original petition/packet will greatly reduce the pressure of your fiance during the interview. If you stay honest and have a genuine relationship than there should be no reason why you won't be approved. The consulate workers/interviewers are not out to "get" you or come up with an excuse not to give you a visa- they are simply doing their job which is to look for fraud. As a whole they seem kind, compassionate, willing to listen and work with you, and are genuinely happy to be able to tell you "congratulations!" Best of luck!
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #18311