ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaThursday!
I feel like I'm at the top of a phone tree or something! I've never been the 2nd poster!

Good Morning, MENA!


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-10 09:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaFRIDAY!
good morning! I can't wait for this day to be over!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-11 10:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaRequirements for Residing in Morocco
If you want to be a resident you have to go to the local police station and declare that within 15 days... doesn't matter if you're married to a citizen or not. If you don't do that, you will need to exit and re-enter and then declare your intention.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-11 10:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhich type of visa
I guess it depends on how long the CO review is. We were in AP for a few weeks after the K3 interview, then we had our CR1 interview and were in AP for 2 more weeks after that. We received the visa almost exactly 2 weeks later and it was the CR1 visa because the K3 is cancelled once you interview for the CR1
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-12 18:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhich type of visa
that's not correct. We interviewed for both the K3 and the CR1. You can do another interview for the CR1
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-11 15:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhich type of visa
The only way to change the visa type would be to pay the fee's for the CR1 at the NVC and have a CR1 interview scheduled. Once you interview for the CR1 the K3 is cancelled and the approved visa would be a CR1 visa
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-11 14:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhich type of visa
QUOTE (Sofiyya @ Dec 10 2009, 11:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The major difference between the K3 and the CR1/IR1 visas is that the K3 is a non-immigrant visa, so, after he gets here, you are still doing more visa ####### and doling out more money for months. And, yes, there is the chance that your marriage could be judged a fraud and deportation ensures. With the CR1/IR1, all that is done when he arrives. He gets a stamp in his passport that allows him to work for a year, and the green card arrives not long after. He can get a social security card, and a job so he's not sitting around the house all day whining about how bored he is and getting on your nerves. Marriages have broken up over that, no kidding! My advice, go for the CR1/IR1. You won't regret it. I did and it was great advice!



good.gif

The K3 is no longer the time saver it was. To save 2-4 weeks on the visa process is not worth the headache of the coming months. I know that sounds weird and it's hard to believe because each day you're apart is so hard. But think big picture. Does your husband want to work when he arrives or is he ok with months of not working? Does he want a drivers license or is he ok with needing you to take him around?
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-11 10:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaEarthquake in Morocco..
My husband called back to Tetouan and heard that the worst of it was felt in Casa. His family said that Tetouan felt the shakes and went outside but everyone is safe.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-17 15:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaMustard!
QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Dec 18 2009, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well I couldn't dunk my fries in mustard seed Laura!! laughing.gif
Sorry, I should have been more specific about what I was talking about in my post.



Well you are just being far too needy!! Just kidding, I really wanted to throw out a suggestion since I'm usually the one asking for help smile.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-18 15:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaMustard!
QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Dec 18 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have any Moroccans here in the U.S. or their s.o.'s found any mustard that resembles in the least bit the mustard that it used in Morocco? We have tried Dijon, spicy brown, etc. but can't find anything that tastes close to the mustard over there. My husband says that the mustard has the same flavor throughout Europe and is not specific to Morocco. I don't know if he's correct on that or not.
I have done internet searches and came up empty handed. I have only managed to find a page for STAR brand ketchup. sad.gif



what about using just mustard seed? that has an unusual flavor.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-18 13:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaPeople from DOS is going to visit my fiancee's home !
I believe it is common for home interviews in Egypt. I hope someone can provide you with more details
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-11 16:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaInterview in Casa at 2am tonight!!
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

It won't be much longer now!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-20 18:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaPrepping for eventual Casa interview
QUOTE (Vanessa1 @ Dec 22 2009, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I've been reading a lot here on the struggles people are having gaining visa approval through Casa. I do note that many of the struggles are with the K1 and not as many with the CR1, but they happen too. I have filed for the CR1 for my husband and I am worried about the interview and want to be prepared so we don't have issues that cause a lengthy delay. I am prepared that we will have AP, that is a given it seems. But I don't want to see our application get sent back to the US and it seems that Casa is doing that a lot lately. Currently we have the NOA1 and it's been about 2 months since then. I know with the holidays and all it will be a little longer before the NOA2 arrives.

Here are my questions:
1) We did not file a lot of initial proof with the I-130 application. I did send in two affidavits, as per the I-130 instructions. One was from a friend who had knowledge of our relationship as it grew and developed from the beginning and the other was from his brother since his mother cannot read or write. I note that a lot of people are saying that the interviewer isn't looking at proof brought to the interview so can I send that in when the application goes forward to the NVC? It seems they look at it if it is there ahead of time, but not when the beneficiary actually gets to the embassy.

Do not send information into the NVC unless it's requested by an RFE. If you receive an RFE, you could certainly send in the document requested along with additional documents with an explannation of what they are.

2) Is there any sort of benefit to having an attorney present at the interview? I have an attorney who looked over our application before sending it in and he said we did not need to hire him fully at this time but when we went to remove conditions we would need him at that interview. I'm just wondering if it would help for this one (although the expense of that makes my head spin!). I am meeting with him again after the holidays.

There should be no need for that unless the lawyer has expressed some concern over aspects of your case. Most people with standard, non complicated cases, do not hire lawyers.

3) If I cannot go see my husband any time soon, how much does that hurt our application? It's not that we haven't wanted to be together but financial circumstances have gotten in the way. I spent 8 weeks there this summer and really do intend on getting back there before next summer but his work schedule may prevent it. I kind of feel like we're darned if you do, darned if you don't here. But we have to live and survive while we wait.

Try and get back if you can, the more trips the better. I would save the money by not having the lawyer go and definitely go again. Make the time!

Ok, that's it. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and respond! smile.gif


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-22 10:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestion about outcome - CASA
It sounds like everything went good! I would recommend just sending an e-mail asking if there is anything else that you can provide to them or if there is anything you should do.

Great news!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-21 20:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaTanya and Mohamed no more!
This is just disappointing to read. I like that people have said that there are all types of bad men out there. Just as there are bad women. If this were a marriage forum where married women came to vent and receive advice (not just women who have married a foreign spouse) we would be seeing these same complaints from women who have married american men.

How many times have you heard friends or relatives complain about their husbands who just lay on the couch and don't help with the kids and who are just wanting to watch sports while she cleans the house? I've heard it enough times. I've also heard some of these statements here from women who were previously married to an american man who are now married to a foreign man.

Generalizing in any way is a horrible thing. It takes away from the men who are contributing and who are working and lumps them into this category. As women, we should be more sensitive to this. Have you ever had someone say "must be that time of the month!" when you're upset or "don't be so emotional!" We're unfairly grouped into emotional and pms'y when we're upset about something. What is that quote... "Men are pistols when they get worked up in a conference room.. but if a woman does it.. She's emotional!"

Sorry... I guess I must be emotional today!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-11-16 11:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaTanya and Mohamed no more!
QUOTE (visa4habibi?? @ Nov 15 2009, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nagishkaw @ Nov 15 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, Sister! I am so sorry things did not work out for you. I wish you well and I sincerely mean this.



Thank you so much! I just found out from my uncle that it's common knowledge back where I'm from that Arab men are lazy. I didn't know that! I thought it was just my husband! Is that true?



I feel bad that things didn't work out for you. I must say though, how dare you insult a complete group of people that way. Yes, it's unfortunate that things went sour for you.... but keep in mind that the people here in this forum are ALL married or engaged to Arabs. I certainly don't appreciate your comments and your insults about a race that includes my husband. Speak for your husband and your situation, do not speak of my husband or other husbands/wives here.

I'm also offended for the Moroccan women here. I've met many Moroccan women and not one of them has walked a yard behind their husbands. They're strong, confident and intelligent people.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-11-15 19:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Sunday
Morning Mena! One last relaxing day off until I go back to work...
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-27 10:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaMerry Christmas MENA !!
Merry Christmas to those celebrating. As my pastor said last night... Christmas is about salvation!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-25 13:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaCASABLANCA
QUOTE (Staashi @ Oct 12 2009, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interviews at Casa, just like any of the US consulates, have not changed in the past few years. You're still going to have to defend your relationship and justify any red flags. This is and always will be Department of State's standard operating procedure.

Read through the pinned material all throughout VJ - it will become your Bible.

Best of luck! good.gif



This is true, but Casa is a very special place smile.gif When I have time later tonight I'll post our experience. My advice for now is to be overly prepared. Be ready for a rollercoaster ride and you'll do fine!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-12 14:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaIt's Monday!!
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had some good time off and is energized to start a new week!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-28 10:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Dec 29 2009, 08:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning everyone!


Morning Mena!

How are you feeling Amy?


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-29 10:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday
Morning!

It's the calm before the storm here in the tax world...
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-30 10:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA APPROVED!!!
Congrats!!! Safe journey!!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-29 15:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaOMG It is HERE our NOA2 !!!
Congrats! I would definitely get some photos developed while you're there. Also, don't forget to register the trip with the embassy as well as e-mail them and let them know when you're going!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-18 09:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaMN Mini Meet up
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Dec 31 2009, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
AbuS and I are on the recovering ends of bad colds, but in a few weeks, we should be good to go inshaAllah. Maybe a sledding outing?



Yes!! Mohamed Ali has never been sledding before so that would be wonderful! I would have to suggest though that we go tubing... that way the rope pulls us back up the hill!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-31 13:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaMN Mini Meet up
Just wanted to toss the idea out there for a meet-up for us MN (and surrounding areas) folk to get together! I know it's cold and snowy and icy... but come on peeps! Lets get together!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-31 11:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy New Year MENA !
Best wishes to all of you in the coming year!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-31 09:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy New Year...
Happy New Year!

It was great spending NYE with my husband for the first time. Can't think of anything better smile.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-01 10:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaOverseas Visits
I don't care if my husband is a US citizen or a citizen of another country. I personally don't think that a married couple should travel apart. I think the family should travel together or it doesn't happen.

That's what works for my marriage, I know that's not what works for every marriage.

Anyway, Hanging In There... I don't know if you're familiar with American fathers or wives taking their kids away from the other. Happens all the time right in our own backyard here. In fact, I know of several people who have had their wife take their kids away from them because they were angry in a divorce. I don't think it's any more prevolent with inter-nationality couples than same nationality couples.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-01 23:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaOverseas Visits
Here's my opinion for what it's worth.

I'm not a mother but my thought is that married people shouldn't travel apart. There are far too many things that can happen when you're travelling alone. If I wasn't going with, my husband wouldn't be going let alone taking our children without me.

If it's so important to him to go, which I am very sure it is. He'll do what it takes to make sure the family can go together. Money could be tight... he'll get a second job... he'll make sure the money is saved.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-29 14:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaIs it true CO's read visa journey?
QUOTE (Hanging in there @ Jan 1 2010, 09:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No , How could they? Unless some of the people here let them know they are on. And then I have talked to some people who ask advice, then give the offender slash significant other the password and then we are dealing with their rants on here after pick one, a fight, an indiscretion or none of the above.

It makes you not want to respond to their pms or help them if the very person they are complaining and or worried about is on here whether they are invited,lurking or stalking or whatever.

We have had public 2 sided fights on here over the years

No not everyones spouse knows they are here or do all of us want them here although many are...Its individual...

I really get mad at the ones who complain then invite them here to read what we say ..YUK


I think the OP is asking about CO's = Consular Officer not SO's = Significant Others

I'm sure they know this board exists... but really there are so many petitions out there unless you have a very special case I don't know how they would ever know who is who
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-01 10:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaCheap flights from Morocco..
I got a cheap one way from casa to JFK on royal air maroc
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-29 20:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday
Come on guys! It's not that cold! I didn't even put my gloves or button my coat while walking into the office from my car and it's -9.

Ali loves the cold, he thinks it's exciting when it reaches a new low... I think next year that will change.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-04 10:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaSeattle/Tacoma Peeps plz read
So sorry to hear that this is going on. I pray for a quick and safe return.

Please keep us updated.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-04 22:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
Can't believe it... had to check the forum about 50 times... but I'm starting the thread!

Good Morning Mena!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-05 10:44:00
Middle East and North Africaemailing consulate in Casa
Our package was very organized, I was completely ####### about it. To the point where I even found myself to be obnoxious. We didn't have any problems and were given the visa.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-06 10:16:00
Middle East and North Africaemailing consulate in Casa
I would be concise. Work quickly and call them tomorrow and speak to someone. I've heard of people being able to speak to the interviewer at Casa so keep them on the phone until they let you.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-05 20:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday January 6th, 2010
Good morning everyone!

We're savoring our last week before we're both working full time and going to school full time.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-06 10:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaInterview today in casa...

So spending as much time with him in Morocco will help?? I am moving with my daughter end of Feb till Aug...wanting to make sure this won't hurt us for any reason...I'm getting nervous now, since it seemed like this was going to be a no doubts case. Guess we will just go & whatever happens, happens.



Moving there won't hurt you at all.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-06 10:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaInterview today in casa...
Have you thought about possibly moving there for some time? That would help to build your case if it's a possibility for you.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-05 15:44:00