ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Africa: Sub-SaharanSub-Saharan Newbies!!
Hello everyone,

Who are ya? KayJ
Where did you come from? New York
Where is your SO from? Nigeria
How did you meet? vacation in Nigeria
Where are you in the process? sending the forms out tomorrow! (keep fingers crossed). good.gif
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-01-22 19:03:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanWhat about trad wedding - do we disclose?
QUOTE (kunleseun @ Jul 28 2009, 08:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
bumping for updates


dont include any information relating to traditonal engagement/marriage with ur K1 petition.
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-30 15:02:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
QUOTE (kunleseun @ Jul 28 2009, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hiii...am in the process of doing an introduction and engagement in feb 2010...now reading dis.....am scared.


When do u plan to start ur visa process?

kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-30 15:13:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
QUOTE (reeses16 @ Jul 18 2009, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Kayj, I'm very glad you're staying on top of the situation. I hope you receive good news soon.

I just want to point out that its best to read as much as you can about the process before submitting. VJers often discourage people from submitting photos that could be misinterpreted or assumed to be evidence of a marriage, to prevent this exact situation. But you can't possibly read everything, or ask a question if it doesn't even occur to you to ask a question.

No doubt Lagos is a very difficult consulate. But there have been a few people to get through without drama. I wish the best for you all!


well. i did ask ppl who got recently approved (around March 2009) what kinda pictures they included with thier K-1 petition. Beleive me, i id enough research. Some ppl were denied becasue thier SO have not met thier future in-laws. So i made it a point to show that our parents have met each other and are in support of us getting married. That is what we call "Introduction and engagement ceremony " in Nigeria. Its not a tradiional marriage. Its a formal meeting of the families.

This isnt the 1st time Nigerians have included introduction and engagement pictures with thier petition. This was just a vendetta by a very nasty CO. She even stated that she had denied five K-1 visas the previous week because she beleives Nigerians take the K-1 route instead of the K-3 because they believe its faster. I dont know why the other couples were denied but im sure she found a convenient reason to do so. So please when, you are praying for you r SO's interview, pray dont dont meet someone with a personal vendetta agiants nigerians. GOD has the final word.

kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-20 08:15:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
Anyway, thanks to everyone that gave me some advice.

I have contacted my congressman, senator and have obtained the services of a lawyer. Both congresman and lawyers have asked for review and reconsideration. I got an email back from Lagos sayin that the case has been returned and is no longer withing thier jurisdiction (mind you, this was a day after the interview). I have called the Visa office in DC (cuz NVC has no new info) for the past 3 days and have gotten three different stores i.e its still at the embassy, its been returned and it has been returned (dont know what to believe)

The good news ( i hope) is that my congressman hasnt gotten a ####### and bull story about the case been returend to USCIS. He called me today and said he should be getting a response by Monday. My lawyer hand delivered an appeal and reconsideration letter (with additional evidence) to the embassy and also sent a package via DHL. And i know GOD IS IN CONTROL
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-17 15:19:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
QUOTE (MrsJibowu @ Jul 13 2009, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She wouldn’t' be able to file a K3 unless she legally got married in Nigeria, which is weird that they were denied on these specific grounds.

If the facts are accurate this is a blatant display of injustice.


exactly..im not. no marraige certificate..nothing..anyway,i contacted a lawyer and he's going to help me file an appeal and get an appointment date. Im trying to find out how to contact my senator and congress rep
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-13 09:48:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
QUOTE (MrsJibowu @ Jul 13 2009, 08:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What did the pictures show? Usually embassy's are considerate of cultural customs around ceremonies/ celebrations.

What did you denial read exactly.


pics shows us with same attire, shows families holding hands and that pretty much it. denial states that the case will be returned to USCIS reommending revocation because we are ineligible for a K1 cuz we are considered married.
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-13 07:38:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
QUOTE (kayj @ Jul 13 2009, 05:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my fiance just left the Lagos consulate and was denied based on the fact that the pictures we attached to the K1 petition which were our engagement pictures are considered marraige pictures. The CO said in Nigerian the engagement are considered marraige and said I should have filed a K3 visa. I dont have any marraige certificate to do this bcuz we didnt do any registry. WHAT DO I DO NOW?? pleaase help me


kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-13 07:21:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI NEED HELP ASAP
my fiance just left the Lagos consulate and was denied based on the fact that the pictures we attached to the form were our engagement pictures. The CO said in Nigerian the engagement i considered marraige and I should have filed a K3 visa. I dont have any marraige certificate to do this bcuz we didnt do any registry. WHAT DO I DO NOW?? pleaase help me
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-13 04:02:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanNew Affidavit of Support
QUOTE (evanscholly @ Sep 25 2009, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Everyone,
I need this question answered by couples who had their interview at the Lagos Consulate, did you have any problem using the new I-134 form which does not require it to be notarized? I just got the email from the consulate and the after downloading the forms, i see there is a place for where a notarized signature is required. Should I send the consulate an email indicating the new format or do i just get the forms notarized and send to my SO? I am confused! unsure.gif


i used the old one just to be safe. i know of a few ppl who used the new format and they didnt have a problem with it
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-25 12:37:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFixing American dishes in Africa
spagetthi and meatballs,minced meat. take some canned ragu sauce. and improvise on the minced meat. u can use chicken or chopped meat (from the butcher)

kayjFemaleNigeria2009-10-01 09:56:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFixing American dishes in Africa
QUOTE (NigeriaorBust @ Sep 28 2009, 10:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They are actually looking for me to fix some American treats. But I am limited by what is available to cook with. There is no generator and it is an area of Lagos with terrible electrical service.


mac and cheese?

kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-28 21:58:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFixing American dishes in Africa
QUOTE (Dapu @ Sep 28 2009, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (NigeriaorBust @ Sep 27 2009, 11:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The infrastructure of Lagos state is getting worse. The Okota area of Lagos has gone weeks with no power at all and when it comes there is a mad rush to iron and charge phones. When I was in the village it was also primitive.

Dear NigeriaorBust, I understand, we need prayer in that country. But the lagos Governor Fashola is doing alot to make the lives of lagosians easier for example, i was there this Aug, and i saw lots of road contruction going on. My husband's family lives in Ikotun and we didnt see light for the whole 2wks i satyed. We were operating the generator 24/7.


Most Nigerians practically operate on generators.
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-28 08:11:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFixing American dishes in Africa
QUOTE (NigeriaorBust @ Sep 26 2009, 08:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes I have been twice. And there is no oven and electricity comes about 4 hours at a time once or twice a week. The kitchen consists of a sink where you haul water in from the well for cooking and cooking is done on 2 kerosene stove tops. Bathing is done from buckets of water hauled from the well. Welcome to the non scammer side of Nigeria. Just how do you think the average Nigerian lives on $1000 a year ? How do you think I met the requirements for a visa without visiting? Guess you didn't have your brain engaged when you asked that. Not every Nigerian relationship comes from people who are prowling the internet looking for their ticket out of the country.


oh really? since you are from "non-scammer" side of Nigeria (ie. im guessing the rural/village parts), i guess ur relationship is legit then. very smart of you to make a generalized comment about Nigeria been a country with no oven, no electricity. Since im not privy to the details of your relationship, how the hell would i have known u've visited Nigeria. you could have met ur SO in any other country in the world for all i care and still meet the visa requirements. I guess you didnt have your brain engaged when u made that comment. People!
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-26 20:03:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFixing American dishes in Africa
QUOTE (NigeriaorBust @ Sep 26 2009, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am looking for ideas of things that I can make there. No oven , no electricity. Primitive cooking with camp like burners. What can I fix there that they might like ? I was thinking pancakes. Is there anything you have had luck with ? Can you get butter or milk there ?



no oven? no electricity? primitive cooking? ever been to nigeria?
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-26 14:57:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCosts of police certificate and Medial in Nigeria
QUOTE (NigeriaorBust @ Sep 18 2009, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks I am dealing with Nigerian hard hotheadedness. Because the instructions say to get a police certificate from everywhere you have lived more than 6 months He thinks he has to travel to every town he lived in for more than 6 month and get a certificate.


hehehe..now that's funny. He only needs one certificate from the main office in Lagos (Alagbon, i think its called)
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-18 10:56:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCosts of police certificate and Medial in Nigeria
QUOTE (NigeriaorBust @ Sep 18 2009, 12:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am trying to verify the cost of the police certificate and medial in Lagos. I know it must be posted somewhere but I haven't found it. Thanks



#16,500 - Medicals
#6,000 - PCC

Approximately $150
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-09-18 09:01:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCost of Police Certificate/Background Check--Robbery
have him go to Alagbon. It was #6,500 back in June but might have been increased. The total cost of ur Police certificate and medicals shouldnt cost you more than $200
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-10-13 13:50:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanPraise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
congratulations
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-11-06 10:50:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVISA APPROVED and RECEIVED
congratulations
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-11-06 10:50:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHelp! Help!! Help!!! K-1 Visa Denied

A traditional marriage doesn't provide you with the acceptable paperwork to give to the embassy. It is kind of a catch 22 you are married but you have nothing to use for immigration. I don't know of anyone that has gotten a visa based on a traditional marriage without a religious/court one.Engagement ceremonies never are enough for immigration purposes. Many times the embassy misunderstands them and would deny a k1 even though they shouldn't. It happens in a lot of countries that have such practices.



Coming from my own personal expereince, I know this because my fiance was denied cuz we had a traidtional ceremony. Believe me, i argued this all the way to the US ambassador to Nigeria. even my senators and congress man wieghed in on this and the embassy gave them the same reason that we werent eleigible for a k-1 visa bcuz we were "traditionally married" (in those exact words)

All you need to do iis go to a high court within ur area/province and get an affidavit stating that you want to that ceremony to be legally biniding


Please lets not mislead people if we are not certain of these legal issues
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-01-08 10:21:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHelp! Help!! Help!!! K-1 Visa Denied
FYI, NIgerian Traditional marriages (introduction and engagement ceremonies, or whatever u want to call it) are considered legally binding under Nigerian's Customary law and the US embassies recognize and accept this practice.
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-01-08 09:48:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanTaking engagement ceremony pics to interview?

Hello!

I'm gettinng highly nervous about my fiance's upcoming interview... We had a formal engagement ceremony in Nigeria and of course took a lot of pictures. My fiance is all set to take some pictures from the ceremony along with him to his interview, as evidence of engagement, however now I'm reading from other posts that it's not a good idea???? Help! I've been thrown for a loop. I certainly don't want to get denied because the consulate would think we're already married, because we are not legally married. Any advice?


if you have regular pictures, take those. formal engagement ceremonies are viewed as traditional marraiges by the COs and are deemed legal per Nigeria's customary law
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-01-11 09:33:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanTo Marry or Not to Marry Version 2.0

Since you have met your fiance 3 times (and I am sure you have a good amount of evidence) I personally would do #2 or #3. Many people seem to recommend against having a traditional wedding in Nigeria because it can be viewed by the consular as you were married and your ability to prove otherwise may be difficult given the lack of organization in the country. If you both are Nigerian, I have read that having a traditional wedding or formal engagement introduction is helpful to your case because of cultural reasons.

My fiance and I discussed these options as well and erred on the side of caution by deciding to not have a traditional wedding plus K-1 visa route even though we wanted to have a traditional wedding.


I approve this message... :thumbs: well said
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-02-01 10:23:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanIt's SAD

He lived in TambaCounda - over 100,000 people compared to less than 2,000 here. He also grew up in Lagos - big city. I think he just misjudged how hard it would be. Right now there isn't much to do here, I'm also an introvert and he is very extrovert - so I'm going to start extending myself some more and getting us out on the weekend even though I'd prefer to just stay home. We'll get through this, I'm sure of it. :)



Thats the spirit!
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-01-13 10:17:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanFinally received visa after 18months

Finally my fiancee received his visa today. I thank God for the help and patience he gave me through this difficult process. Also thank you to all vj memebers especially Akua.

All I can tell people going through the embassy in Ghana is to expect the unexpected. They can frustrate to the nonsense degree. lol. Wish u all the best in ur process.



Congratulations!!!! :dance:
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-02-19 11:53:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVISA APPROVED IN LAGOS CONSULATE ON SECOND INTERVIEW
Congratilations!!!! :dance:
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-02-19 11:55:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanGod is sooooooooo Good
Congratulations girl!!! God is definately good!!!
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-02-22 11:49:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCR-1 Interview

Hello,

Does anyone here know how long it takes the National Visa Center to schedule interviews for CR-1 after case is complete? Our case was completed on 21st October 2009 waiting for our interview date. Has anyone here gone through the process and know how long we have to wait before we have our interview date? A little help will be useful at this time as it seems as though we are leaping in the dark!!!!

God bless!


U need to call NVC ASAP! 6033340700. Give them your case # and petitioner & beneficiarie's information. You or spouse should have received an email or letter from them. If the line is busy, keep trying. Goodluck
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-03-04 11:57:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVisa denied

I didn't know that you only wanted to hear from those that post uplifting words for you. If that's what you wanted maybe you should of mentioned that. I can only post my experience and hope that you will constructively take from it what you can, or ignore it if you feel that you can't benefit from it.

Being that it's not your forum I can pretty much post here as long as I attend to the TOS, remember, your not the only one reading in here, I may of helped someone, my post aren't just for your eyes only it's an open forum so please proof read that.


It is her thread. You can open up a new thread and post all your negative thoughts there.

Edited by kayj, 13 January 2010 - 09:37 AM.

kayjFemaleNigeria2010-01-13 09:37:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVisa denied

OK first let me say ty for u really not needed book on ur life story. Who r u to say who or what i know of my man, u can live with someone all ur life and not know them. My grandparents knew each other 2 weeks before they got married at 15 and they were married over 50 years and had 16 kids. He will be learning me as i will be learning him, all we can pray for is a mutual companionship that continues to grow with love and understanding. I'm not a desperate women thats longing to have a man, i love this man and i chose this man. I'm a beautiful big boned woman who knows her worth and if u fall short in that category pls don't include me. I don't know what went on in ur house and going by ur response i believe u have anger issues. If this man is using me to come here I'm not mad at him, it will be a better life for him and maybe his family. I was married to an American man who was the devil reincarnated, but because i chose him i have to live with that bad decision. I'm a grown woman and I'm learning something new everyday of my life but to walk around angry because something i chose to do didn't work out i don't have time for it. When i say the devil is a lie i mean it because he wont steal my joy i plan to continue to be happy and i pray to continue to be a blessing in someones life everyday. I'm raising my kids by myself their father hasn't seen them in over 9 years and guess what they r growing up to be very good kids without him, its his lost not mine. Now i will say that i don't send guys money reasons i don't is my mom caught me when i was little giving a lil boy .50 and she went off lol she said boys r suppose to give u money not the other way around lol, anyway i will share with my husband when he shares with me. But i do think if u start a relationship off a certain way its hard to deviate from that. i mean the man was living ok before he met u then i think he could have continue to survive through this process. I have dated all kinds and I'm still turning down dates, i make the choices in my life and i choose to travel this road til it ends. I truly hope u didn't think of urself as some lonely desperate women because if u did u need some mirror time. OK i do hope u have a beautiful and blessed day


:thumbs:
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-01-11 10:36:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanSecond interview error!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW...COngratulations!!!! so happy for you!!!
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-03-03 17:09:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanPinch me... Reaffirmed after 2 year denial wait
Great News. May God see you through the rest of the process and your joy will be full. Dont relent in your prayers!!! God is great
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-03-04 10:10:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVISA FINALLY APPROVED!!!
Congratulations!!
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-03-11 14:56:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanVJ members(USC and Beneficiaries) vs Lagos Consulate
Not every nigerian is a potential scammer. Even if couples were to remain married for more than 5years and the foreign spouse decides to leave the marriage afterwards, the/she will still be labeled a scammer by the United States Spouse.

Scorned USC calling the embassy every minute does not help legitmate relationships. Its more like wanting other people to suffer for your loss (IMO). Pick up the pieces and move on with ur life. You learn from ur mistakes.
kayjFemaleNigeria2010-02-18 17:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdenied k-3
QUOTE (jusbola22 @ Jul 23 2009, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
really sad right now my husband was denied his k-3 visa, they said that our marriage was for immigration purposes only, how stupid could they be, they had all of the information, everything is correct, and we had alot of evidence also, they said they were sending the case back to the states for possible revocation, can someone tell me what to do.


find out why he was denied. based on the reason:
call and email the consulate and request to speak to a supervisor everyday
ask supervisor to review case or ask for a new appointment everyday
call ur congressman/senator and have them inquire on ur behalf and request for a review. ask for updates everyday
call the consulate
ask for a new appointment to bring more evidence and proof.
email consistently withouth fail until u get a response
get a lawyer
whatever you do, make sure the case doesnt leave nigeria. Believe me, i totally feel ur pain. if you are interested PM me and i can give u a copy of my letters. the embassy will try to blow u off by telling you that they no longer have jurisdiction, keep bothering them. make sure ur congressman and senator know how time sensitive the issue is so that they can get on it as soon as possible.

kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-23 21:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresreason for denial
QUOTE (jusbola22 @ Jul 25 2009, 09:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I contacted my representative and the lady that handles was on vacation and then i called the senator he said that if it has been sent back there was nothing that they can do, until it reaches the uscis


obviously, ur senator is unwilling to help u. U can tell him that you need him to have the embassy give you an opprotunity to provide more evidence and freaking try to make sure the case stays in Nigeria. He's not supposed to wait until it comes back. Tell him to at request that a superior review the case and get back to him.

in the meantime, contact ur congressman as well. and call the lawyer. the reason for denial will be vague at best and really doesnt provide much info. What you need to do is ask ur husband to run you through the whole interview (from the moment he walked up to the CO, what they talked/argued about uo until the very end) in some cases, they ask the beneficiary to come back with additional evidence.
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-25 22:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresreason for denial
QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Jul 24 2009, 09:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Until the file arrives at USCIS, there is nothing anyone can do. The CO's decision cannot be appealed. USCIS will give you a chance to present better evidence of a bona fide marriage and that's when a lawyer can help. It will take a few months before you have the chance to resubmit with better evidence -- maybe more visits to your husband would help.

Nigeria is overflowing with scam artists and that's part of the problem.


really, you need to stop with your degrading and dergatory comments towards Nigerians and Nigeria. Goodness.


kayjFemaleNigeria2009-07-24 20:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Passed - Visa Approved in Lagos, Nigeria
Congratulations girl!!
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-06-23 12:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsplease help
Im so scared right now...I just realized that I wrote down a future date (December 2009) as the month and date we met instead of December 2007. But i did include a statement describing how we met which indicates the right dates. Should i be freaking out right now?
kayjFemaleNigeria2009-02-03 09:45:00