Reaffirmation of Approval for BOTH the I-129F and I-130...

[UrbanOptimist 0]

Evidently, the SAME FORK in the road has presented itself, AGAIN, over a year and a half later. Apparently, I made several mistakes that cost my wife and I a lot of time. I will write the issues I am most dumbfounded in ALL BOLD text (see the latter portion of this post) for the sake of clarity.

I am sorry that this post will be of an inordinate length; but maybe by me sharing my harrowing experience, others can benefit from my past mistakes. I certainly hope so.

To cut to the chase, on September 8, 2009, BOTH of our I-129F and I-130 petitions were approved. I chose (advised my wife) to go the K-3 route. On November 18, 2009, my wife's interview in Guangzhou, China resulted in her being denied her K-3 Visa. The consular officer deemed our relationship to not be of the bona fide variety AKA "221g."

Less than a month later, I contacted my Congressman so his casework staff could conduct a "Congressional Inquiry," in hopes of getting a reversal. In retrospect, it appears that asking for Congressional assistance simply resulted in our case needlessly being delayed for an extra half year. Now, I am totally confused about this entire process. On January 26, 2010, I received a notice from the NVC confirming that I was "the agent" for my wife for our CR-1 explaining how I can pay the $400.00 fees. I felt that sending the fees and opting for the CR-1 might complicate matters as I was waiting to hear something from my Congressman's office, secret hoping for some kind of great news, like a "magical reversal" of the K-3 denial.

On Feb. 5, 2010, I received an email from my Congressman's caseworker informing me that my wife's K-3 was denied because of 221g (not bona fide relationship) which of course, I already knew from their initial denial letter. During this time I was unclear if I was still allowed to go "the CR-1 route," although my guess is that it also would have been denied for the same reasons as the K-3 as "nothing in our situation" really changed, at least "in their eyes."

On April 27, 2010, our case was sent back to the Department of State who sent it to USCIS for further review. This meant that now both the CR-1 and K-3 were no longer an option for us. Our case was in limbo, our lives felt as though they were suspended in freeze-frame. I prepared for the long and tortuous wait of up to 180 days. I was wrong, it was far longer. I contacted the caseworker at the Congressman's office several more times, each time, the delay grew longer and longer. In August (2010) she informed me that I was free to send her anything that would help our case. I sent over a dozen emails with several PDF attachments proving that our relationship was bona fide; she emailed me on 8/31/2010 that she forwarded my documentation to USCIS while confirming to me that they received it from her as well.

I inquired again on November (as 180 days had long passed) on December 2, 2010, I was told to wait at least 45 more days.

Finally, on Feb. 5, 2011 I received a notice (I-797E) from USCIS that is called a NOIR (Notice of Intent to Revoke) giving me until March 3, 2011 to submit more evidence (RFE?) that I guess is like an opportunity to give me side by rebutting the Consular Officer's FIVE REASONS for denying my wife her K-3 Visa.

[This confused me as I thought the caseworker from my Congressman's office already forwarded a lot of what I had prepared back in August 2010.]

To add to our plight, I was in Jury Duty from Feb. 8 through February 11. This left me just over two weeks to provide evidence and state my case. The NOIR letter was dated Feb. 1, 2011. I had no idea the hours of work that were ahead of me. If only I knew what to expect (from an NOIR) I could have carefully been preparing endless supporting documentation for our case all along. I could not think about the past nor could I dwell on any "what ifs." I am not kidding when I say I worked day and night, every spare second, gathering webcam chat screenshots, wedding video stills, putting exact dates on pictures (this meant right-clicking on the pic's properties) printing phone call logs, gathering various records and affidavits from friends and relatives, etc... My heart was pounding this entire time. The clock seemed to move faster than I ever imagined. Each hour of those 20 days went by like two minutes. Each day that I seemed to fall more behind was costing extra money too; Sending a USPS Priority Box (with return receipt) costs under ten dollars. Sending an eight-pound, three-inch ring-binder in EXPRESS MAIL with close to 600 pages cost over $53.00! I kept thinking I had until 8PM March 2, 2011 to get to the main Post Office. I was wrong! I called at 4:21PM and found out that Express Mail had to be in their office by 5:30PM. I no longer had time to scan the rest. I continued scanning on the Lexmark while simultaneously printing on the HP (I could always scan what I printed at a later time) until I had my own copies of everything. The clock was 5:13PM. I arrived at the Post Office at 5:26PM. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I pleaded with a clerk to please hold the Express Mail pick-up an extra minute if possible. By the time I reached the front of the line, the clock was 5:29PM! If I had hit one red light, my life would have been torn apart and put on hold yet again. I MADE IT BY ONE-MINUTE!

The next day I felt relief when I saw that USPS delivered my eight-pound Express Mail package on March 3, 2011 at 11:07AM at the Laguna Niguel facility.

However, all my worst fears and anxiety resurfaced when I entered our case number on the USCIS website. It said March 4, 2011! I thought US Postal Express Mail is guaranteed? I later found out my fears were unwarranted. They allow a couple of days grace period for situations just like I described. I was okay.

FINALLY, on March 19, 2011 I found out (via the USCIS website) that on March 18, 2011, a letter had been sent notifying us that our case was REAFFIRMED FOR APPROVAL!

I received a two letters (one for the I-129F and one for the I-130) notifying me that BOTH of our cases were REAFFIRMED FOR APPROVAL. While I am not allowing my hopes to get too overly high, this appears to be good news. Better than getting our petition(s) revoked.

I apologize for saying way more than I needed to say. But once I started reliving the last half of February, (the task of preparing my rebuttals) I got to thinking; If even one other person is where I was even six-months ago, instead of sitting and idly waiting to hear something, USE THIS TIME to prepare, prepare and prepare!

The intensity of my plight was intensified because I had to prepare close to 600 pages in 20 days. In fact, if I did not change a couple of our MSN Webcam chat screenshots to several per page, I easily could have prepared 2,000 pages. If I had saved and submitted every chat transcript, I could have easily added another 2,000 or 3,000 pages. I heard they once received SEVEN BOXES! So why do they send a return envelope?

All I knew is that I did my absolute best. I have done some difficult things in my life (a couple of 50 mile day hikes, boxing the California Light-Heavyweight amateur champion, running the LA Marathon, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-rim in 24 hours, etc...) but without a doubt, last month's the 20 day preparation of those eight-pounds of nearly 600 pages with five chapters (each with their own opening statement and closing argument) is the most stressful and hardest thing I have ever done. I am stressed just reliving it! Whew! The scanning, the formatting right-clicking on the properties of the dates on all those pictures drained me.

They say that "Everything happens for a reason." Perhaps being lead juror in a criminal trial early last month prepared me well. In my cover letter I even alluded to this by mentioning in so many words, "as a juror, I learned that a person is innocent until proven guilty but I am aware that in immigration law the burden of proof is on the petitioner."

Okay... FINALLY! With that being said, as I ajust alluded to, the unexpected surprise in all of this, the unknown that I did not anticipate was that my I-129F also got REAFFIRMED FOR APPROVAL? WOW! Is this a good thing?

Seeing that the K-3 Visa was what got denied in the first place (at the 11/19/2009 interview in Guangzhou) and seeing that it got reaffirmed for approval, SHOULD WE JUST PREPARE FOR ANOTHER K-3? I mean since I rebutted the FIVE REASONS the Guangzhou Consular Officer gave for denying my wife's K-3 Visa, is our chance for success greater now by going the same route since those issues were all RECENTLY addressed and rebutted?

OR at this point, does it matter? ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO GOING FOR THE CR-1 now?

I understand that it is a NOT a common occurrence that the Consular Officer will use any of the SAME FIVE REASONS given before, again, the second time around, but it can happen. Also, I am aware that they can always look for new reasons for a denial. But if we opted to go for the CR-1, could any of aforementioned reasons for denying the K-3 Visa be used again? It would seem like that is unlikely.

At this point in time, ALL WE CARE ABOUT IS TIME. We have been apart for such a long time. I know that I have to be there with her for her next interview too. This was part of the reasons for the first denial.; the fact that I had not been back to China since our wedding. This is why I gathered affidavits and medical records relating to my Mom medical adversities incl., trips to ER because of falls and other unforeseen emergencies. Talk about a Catch-22! My mom is our co-sponsor (i.e., I-134, I-864) but she had a few medical emergencies and if not not for me being here and being proactive and needed for her recovery (incl. being her AM caregiver) she would not be here today. It seemed so callous that a person has to make choices like this. This is why my wife is the best! In China, family (esp., on the elderly side) always comes first. My wife fully understood and even called and wrote letters and comforted my mom during this arduous time.

My guess is that the National Visa Center will have our case in their computers and forwarded back to Consulate by July 2011?

Oh yeah, another question. Hopefully, this can help others too. Was asking my Congressman's office for help a total waste of time and energy? WOULD I STILL HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NOIR? But instead of receiving it in February 2011, maybe I might have received it in the middle of last year? OR... was the Congressional Inquiry the driving force behind me finally being given THE FIVE SPECIFIC REASONS why the K-3 was denied? Admittedly, if I did not know these five reasons for the K-3 Visa denial, my preparing the "eight-pound" notebook would have been far more arduous and blind by not knowing what I was rebutting. Am I correct that all people are entitled to know the EXACT REASONS for their Visa being denied (under the Freedom of Information Act?) regardless if they have Congressional assistance or not?

Also, it took me a long time to find out that Wedding Videos are NOT allowed to present. This is unfortunate as I believe that a video speaks loud. Our forty-five minute video could have been edited to three minutes. See the link on my profile. But I am sure this has been said by countless couples in the same position so I will stop now.

After what we have gone through, I am hoping that someone knows, if at this point, if going for the K-3 has any advantages over the CR-1. I realize in both cases, my wife will probably need another Police certificate and another medical exam. I am guessing that BOTH would have a similar interview date as well? I know the CR-1 requires about $404.00 plus another $88.00 but if it takes more time and if the reasons for the K-3 Visa denial have been recently rebutted, I am thinking it might be the better way to go?

THANKS TO ANY AND EVERYONE WHO CAN ANSWER THIS FOR ME.

THANKS AGAIN!

Urban Optimist

[Darnell 8,479]

IF I WERE IN YER SHOES,

I'd pursue the I-130 route, doing NVC processing for the Immigrant Visa. (I-864, DS-230, etc)

via NVC Electronic Processing. (click the girls, study left panel)

when she is interviewed (and she'll pass this time)

then she'll have an IR-1 visa

which will 'get her' a 10 year green card 2 to 5 weeks after POE date.

No futher USCIS silliness involved.

Good Luck !

[UrbanOptimist 0]

IF I WERE IN YER SHOES,

I'd pursue the I-130 route, doing NVC processing for the Immigrant Visa. (I-864, DS-230, etc)

via NVC Electronic Processing. (click the girls, study left panel)

when she is interviewed (and she'll pass this time)

then she'll have an IR-1 visa

which will 'get her' a 10 year green card 2 to 5 weeks after POE date.

No futher USCIS silliness involved.

Good Luck !

THANKS YOU SO MUCH DARNELL! I had a feeling that the first reply I received on this would abound with brevity and common sense, hence making me feel like a fool for going "over-the-top" in sharing too much information on what has transpired to get to this point. You reaffirmed my biggest concern when you said:

(and she'll pass this time)

I am still curious to hear if my contacting the Congressman's office had any benefit. I know that it slowed things down (long delays) but if it helped bring to light the FIVE SPECIFIC REASONS (instead of the generic 221g line) cited by the Consular Officer that helped me prepare my REBUTTALS, then I guess it served some purpose. I certainly hope so. If not, hopefully, my loss (a big waste of time) can be of benefit to others who got their K3 denied.

Anyway, thanks again.

Edited March 29, 2011 by UrbanOptimist

[carolynhotstuff 252]

Darnell is right go the I-130 route you won't regret that you did. She'll get a 10 year green card soon after she arrives in the States and can work right away.

I think you did the right thing to contact the Congressman's office and now you know the reasons for your visa refusal. Be well prepared for your second interview. Go over possible questions they can ask at the interview. Know as much about each other as you can if you're both going to be at the interview.

[Darnell 8,479]

Oh - I'm getting old, brevity becomes me.

Get Busy, aye?

NVC EP - http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Electronic_Processing

DJ Walker - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/251451-uscis-nvc/

bleuawolf - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/267559-usa-is-now-arizona/page__view__findpost__p__4100571

Edited March 29, 2011 by Darnell

[UrbanOptimist 0]

Darnell is right go the I-130 route you won't regret that you did. She'll get a 10 year green card soon after she arrives in the States and can work right away.

I think you did the right thing to contact the Congressman's office and now you know the reasons for your visa refusal. Be well prepared for your second interview. Go over possible questions they can ask at the interview. Know as much about each other as you can if you're both going to be at the interview.

Thanks. I think we are well prepared because we really do know each other well. Thanks to MSN webcam chats (easily over 2,500 hours) we probably know each other as well as many long-time married couples. LOL. Her English has not only improved ten-fold thanks to our online time together, we know our favorite movies, sports teams, meals, colors, hobbies, cities to move to one day, etc...

She could even tell you who is in next week's NCAA basketball Final 4 (VCU, Butler, Kentucky, Connecticut) which is something a lot of ladies here in the states don't even now. But thanks for planting the question preparation seed as I never gave too much thought to specific questions they have been known to ask. Thanks again.

[pushbrk 13,102]

Thanks. I think we are well prepared because we really do know each other well. Thanks to MSN webcam chats (easily over 2,500 hours) we probably know each other as well as many long-time married couples. LOL. Her English has not only improved ten-fold thanks to our online time together, we know our favorite movies, sports teams, meals, colors, hobbies, cities to move to one day, etc...

She could even tell you who is in next week's NCAA basketball Final 4 (VCU, Butler, Kentucky, Connecticut) which is something a lot of ladies here in the states don't even now. But thanks for planting the question preparation seed as I never gave too much thought to specific questions they have been known to ask. Thanks again.

Be aware that the interview, particularly a second one after reaffirmation of a petition is only a part of the decision process for the Consular officer. I see a lot about preparation and webcam time but I would use the time between now and the second interview to spend some quality time with your wife IN CHINA. Time spent together in person is the strongest evidence of a bona fide relationship. Don't be surprised if this next interview is VERY short and/or that the Consular officer demonstrates a vested interest in sticking with the original decision.

Definitely take the IR1 visa route at this time.

If you want more help, I suggest you concisely give the "5 reasons" you wrote about in your "book".

[UrbanOptimist 0]

Be aware that the interview, particularly a second one after reaffirmation of a petition is only a part of the decision process for the Consular officer. I see a lot about preparation and webcam time but I would use the time between now and the second interview to spend some quality time with your wife IN CHINA. Time spent together in person is the strongest evidence of a bona fide relationship. Don't be surprised if this next interview is VERY short and/or that the Consular officer demonstrates a vested interest in sticking with the original decision.

Definitely take the IR1 visa route at this time.

If you want more help, I suggest you concisely give the "5 reasons" you wrote about in your "book".

You are correct that spending time together is very IMPORTANT in "their eyes" and evidently carries a lot of weight. But in my case, in ALL FIVE REASONS CITED, there were undeniable anomalies that made things APPEAR unfavorable in our particular case.

i.e., I have been instrumental in helping my parents, esp., my mom in her medical recovery; my help has been needed more than ever before. I live a mile away and if were not for my diligent, daily AM help, they might not be around today. How can a man be expected to justify flying off to China when their help is needed most in their hometown? Things happen. In fact, I am taking both of my parent's to their primary care Doctor on Wednesday. Perhaps, a letter from their doctor affirming how instrumental I have been in their recovery would help in some way? Do these Consular Officer's have any compassion for someone helping someone's else medical emergencies that are not the petitioner or the beneficiary? As it is, I might only be able to leave for just two-weeks as my my Aunt (in her 70s) will have to fill in for me and drive across town every day? This is a serious hardship for all of us. It would seem that this reason alone is a reasonable enough justification (it is the absolute truth) for my not being in China? Are they really this heartless?

Also, reasons such as "our pictures looked posed," seemed like a stretch too. ISN'T THIS WHY ONE HIRES A PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER? They are adept helping couples POSE for good pictures? Also, I was lucky that I kept a travel diary and that pictures can (by right-clicking on properties) show that our pictures were not taken all in a short time.

I have worked countless hours preparing a Business Plan, Executive Summary, emails to investors and potential manufacturers to launch a patented invention. But on paper, I know that they would rather see an 8 to 5 paycheck guy? It would seem that working diligently to lay the groundwork for a creating a good business should count for something? Does the I-864 signed by the co-sponsor carry serious weight?

I have to say, that your line, (demonstrates a vested interest in sticking with the original decision) makes me think of the human tendency to deny "they could have made a mistake." Darnell's reassuring words (and she'll pass this time) have seemingly vanished (like a soap bubble) after reading yours. Don't these Consular Officer's know that they have people's lives in their hands? You are saying that they will shatter family's lives out of spite and stubbornness by clinging to guidelines?

If you only knew the countless hours I have worked on everything. I feel pulled in many directions. On one hand, I am glad that you have reinstilled adrenaline-laced fear and pulsating anxiety through every cell in my being as it will prepare me for the final stretch of this arduous and emotionally draining battle. I know that I cannot rest. But, don't they ever look "outside the box" and realize the human beings sometimes have unique circumstances that do not fit into a simple case or guidelines box?

Surely, the individual element has to be factored in sometimes doesn't it? Don't the words, "bona fide," mean "made in good faith without fraud or deceit?" if so, than how does my doing the right thing (helping parents who have helped me over the years in many ways) make our relationship NOT of the "bona fide" variety? It makes no sense to me.

As you said, I should be prepared to "concisely give the 5 reasons"I used as my rebuttal/chapters. BUT in my case, in ALL FIVE REBUTTALS, I made it very clear that "THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE." I worked day and night extracting documentation and putting into words the backbone of my case. And now you are telling me they can choose to simply IGNORE everything to stand behind their decision and say that because I have not been back to China, our relationship is not "bona fide?" This is so unjust. WHY DO 2,500 HOURS ONLINE IN WEBCAM FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION NOT COUNT FOR ANYTHING? IT IS STILL TIME TOGETHER.

Even little things like who will watch my three-legged, 22 pound cat (while I go back to China) is a huge dramatic dilemma. I will probably have to drive to a friend's in Northern New Mexico and fly out of Albuquerque for my two week (or maybe three weeks) trip to China. This is my life story. Everything is an uphill battle. But I do thank you for scaring me and shooting fear back into my entire inner being. I will continue fighting like a rabid dog for what I thought was an ephemeral home-stretch. I will prepare myself well. I had no idea how much more fighting I have to do.

[pushbrk 13,102]

You are correct that spending time together is very IMPORTANT in "their eyes" and evidently carries a lot of weight. But in my case, in ALL FIVE REASONS CITED, there were undeniable anomalies that made things APPEAR unfavorable in our particular case.

i.e., I have been instrumental in helping my parents, esp., my mom in her medical recovery; my help has been needed more than ever before. I live a mile away and if were not for my diligent, daily AM help, they might not be around today. How can a man be expected to justify flying off to China when their help is needed most in their hometown? Things happen. In fact, I am taking both of my parent's to their primary care Doctor on Wednesday. Perhaps, a letter from their doctor affirming how instrumental I have been in their recovery would help in some way? Do these Consular Officer's have any compassion for someone helping someone's else medical emergencies that are not the petitioner or the beneficiary? As it is, I might only be able to leave for just two-weeks as my my Aunt (in her 70s) will have to fill in for me and drive across town every day? This is a serious hardship for all of us. It would seem that this reason alone is a reasonable enough justification (it is the absolute truth) for my not being in China? Are they really this heartless?

Also, reasons such as "our pictures looked posed," seemed like a stretch too. ISN'T THIS WHY ONE HIRES A PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER? They are adept helping couples POSE for good pictures? Also, I was lucky that I kept a travel diary and that pictures can (by right-clicking on properties) show that our pictures were not taken all in a short time.

I have worked countless hours preparing a Business Plan, Executive Summary, emails to investors and potential manufacturers to launch a patented invention. But on paper, I know that they would rather see an 8 to 5 paycheck guy? It would seem that working diligently to lay the groundwork for a creating a good business should count for something? Does the I-864 signed by the co-sponsor carry serious weight?

I have to say, that your line, (demonstrates a vested interest in sticking with the original decision) makes me think of the human tendency to deny "they could have made a mistake." Darnell's reassuring words (and she'll pass this time) have seemingly vanished (like a soap bubble) after reading yours. Don't these Consular Officer's know that they have people's lives in their hands? You are saying that they will shatter family's lives out of spite and stubbornness by clinging to guidelines?

If you only knew the countless hours I have worked on everything. I feel pulled in many directions. On one hand, I am glad that you have reinstilled adrenaline-laced fear and pulsating anxiety through every cell in my being as it will prepare me for the final stretch of this arduous and emotionally draining battle. I know that I cannot rest. But, don't they ever look "outside the box" and realize the human beings sometimes have unique circumstances that do not fit into a simple case or guidelines box?

Surely, the individual element has to be factored in sometimes doesn't it? Don't the words, "bona fide," mean "made in good faith without fraud or deceit?" if so, than how does my doing the right thing (helping parents who have helped me over the years in many ways) make our relationship NOT of the "bona fide" variety? It makes no sense to me.

As you said, I should be prepared to "concisely give the 5 reasons"I used as my rebuttal/chapters. BUT in my case, in ALL FIVE REBUTTALS, I made it very clear that "THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE." I worked day and night extracting documentation and putting into words the backbone of my case. And now you are telling me they can choose to simply IGNORE everything to stand behind their decision and say that because I have not been back to China, our relationship is not "bona fide?" This is so unjust. WHY DO 2,500 HOURS ONLINE IN WEBCAM FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION NOT COUNT FOR ANYTHING? IT IS STILL TIME TOGETHER.

Even little things like who will watch my three-legged, 22 pound cat (while I go back to China) is a huge dramatic dilemma. I will probably have to drive to a friend's in Northern New Mexico and fly out of Albuquerque for my two week (or maybe three weeks) trip to China. This is my life story. Everything is an uphill battle. But I do thank you for scaring me and shooting fear back into my entire inner being. I will continue fighting like a rabid dog for what I thought was an ephemeral home-stretch. I will prepare myself well. I had no idea how much more fighting I have to do.

I meant, tell us the five reasons you mentioned.

You seem to be full of what a Consular officer is likely to see as "excuses" for not visiting your wife. Just how much time have you spent together, during how many visits? When was the last one? When will the next visit be?

[JAPrincess 27]

My God

I am throughly exhausted just reading about it

I pray that this truly is the "home stretch" for you, and that you and your wife are soon re-united!

I have a new found friend that just got a 221g out of Kingston... I have sent her this link to review...

Was it the Congressman who gave you the information on what the 5 reasons for denial were?? I would be interested in knowing what they were also... every little bit helps the ones who come up against the same situation later...

Thanks for sharing your story, I agree go for the CR1 (((hugs)))

[Amy and Nick 37]

I agree with Pushbrk. To simplify this, and for your peace of mind, list the 5 reasons you were denied, and the things you have done to combat those 5 reasons from then until now. Then we can help you further.

You talk of "individual element" and "human circumstances" but you have to remember that the consular officers are people too, and rely on their own perception, and the evidence in front of them to make a decision (granted, not always fairly)

I will share with you the best advice I have ever received on VJ. DONT get angry because you know that your relationship is bonafide. Instead SHOW that it is. You have to remember that the 1am phone calls, personal circumstances stopping you from visiting etc etc are things only YOU and your wife know about. The consular officer sees you as a blank slate. They are there to hunt out fraud, and it is up to YOU to prove the bona fides of your relationship.

Also, PLEASE write normally. The colours, italics, bolds make it very very difficult to read your posts, and I for one am struggling!

[JAPrincess 27]

I agree with Pushbrk. To simplify this, and for your peace of mind, list the 5 reasons you were denied, and the things you have done to combat those 5 reasons from then until now. Then we can help you further.

You talk of "individual element" and "human circumstances" but you have to remember that the consular officers are people too, and rely on their own perception, and the evidence in front of them to make a decision (granted, not always fairly)

I will share with you the best advice I have ever received on VJ. DONT get angry because you know that your relationship is bonafide. Instead SHOW that it is. You have to remember that the 1am phone calls, personal circumstances stopping you from visiting etc etc are things only YOU and your wife know about. The consular officer sees you as a blank slate. They are there to hunt out fraud, and it is up to YOU to prove the bona fides of your relationship.

Well said!

Also, PLEASE write normally. The colours, italics, bolds make it very very difficult to read your posts, and I for one am struggling!

The red especially messes with my eyes

[UrbanOptimist 0]

I agree with Pushbrk. To simplify this, and for your peace of mind, list the 5 reasons you were denied, and the things you have done to combat those 5 reasons from then until now. Then we can help you further.

You talk of "individual element" and "human circumstances" but you have to remember that the consular officers are people too, and rely on their own perception, and the evidence in front of them to make a decision (granted, not always fairly)

I will share with you the best advice I have ever received on VJ. DONT get angry because you know that your relationship is bonafide. Instead SHOW that it is. You have to remember that the 1am phone calls, personal circumstances stopping you from visiting etc etc are things only YOU and your wife know about. The consular officer sees you as a blank slate. They are there to hunt out fraud, and it is up to YOU to prove the bona fides of your relationship.

Also, PLEASE write normally. The colours, italics, bolds make it very very difficult to read your posts, and I for one am struggling!

Thank you for your help. I am sorry for my late reply. I have been away for a few days and I even forgot how to find this thread... Actually, I pretty much already alluded to the reasons for being denied. However, it appears that if one is not blessed with the resources others may have, a couple's chances for success is bleak.

Being at the "nadir of cash flow" to hire lawyers, quit ones job to have time to travel, etc... is a luxury that not everyone has.

I just posted a hypothetical example in hopes of generating sincere banter for a plight (a trio of reasons for Visa Denial) that I am sure many others have faced:

May I use a Hypothetical Example Here?

[UrbanOptimist 0]

My God

I am throughly exhausted just reading about it

I pray that this truly is the "home stretch" for you, and that you and your wife are soon re-united!

I have a new found friend that just got a 221g out of Kingston... I have sent her this link to review...

Was it the Congressman who gave you the information on what the 5 reasons for denial were?? I would be interested in knowing what they were also... every little bit helps the ones who come up against the same situation later...

Thanks for sharing your story, I agree go for the CR1 (((hugs)))

Thank you so much! I just learned of this IR-1. When I posted this, I never even heard of the IR-1. I thought I hade TWO CHOICES, the K-3 and the CR-1!

It appears that the IR-1 is the way to go!

[Amy and Nick 37]

Thank You for changing the font to normal!

The thing about visa journey, is allusion is all well and good, but if you want definitive answers you need to state definitive facts.

IF you would still like our help i how to deal with the interview, listing 1-5 of the reasons would be very helpful.

Most of us use VJ as a pseudo-interview. You cannot allude in the interview, so let us help you here (if you want it).