ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North Africahelp my man got a job offer in the U.S.
I can see the OP's Confusion. There is a pending K-1 Petition. And now followed by a work Visa. Will it affect the K-1 Process? I really don't know because the intent is to marry. The 129-F is Filed and a matter of record. Senior members hopefuly can help.
Tim/MavMalePhilippines2012-06-08 22:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaEgyptian Food-- Help!
My husband complains about the tomato sauce here being different than the kind he ate in Egypt... Which I don't get cause they tasted the same to me! We have yet to try to make koshary (the clean up... Lazy.) but we make macaroni béchamel now and then, Egyptian salad frequently, and fish and onion rice pretty frequently. Oh, and beef goulash. I always add spices to things because if I didn't, he wouldn't season food at all.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2011-06-27 03:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA AOS/EAD/AP Filers
thanks :)
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-11-01 20:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA AOS/EAD/AP Filers
Okay, so, marriage certificates... in the AOS guides it states to submit a "certified copy" of your marriage certificate... how did you go about getting a certified copy of your marriage certificate if you got married outside the US? I have one certified, translated copy of our marriage certificate that we got done while in Egypt and had translated and certified in the Embassy, but I'm not about to send that to USCIS. I am not sure if it would suffice to have a notary make a copy of the certified English translation and attest that it is a true copy? what did you guys do?
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-11-01 01:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA AOS/EAD/AP Filers
Guess I'll be frequenting VJ more again... we're about to start collecting information and filling everything out for AOS. Ahmed's been in the US for ten months now on his K3, so the clock is ticking! So far, the evidence I was going to submit is: apartment lease in both of our names, joint bank account statement, copy of Dahlia's birth certificate with both of our names on it, a utility bill, a sheet of photos... that's all i can think of at the moment. the cell phone bill is in my name, we only have one utility bill (electric)... my apartment manager would be willing to write a letter stating that she is aware that he is living at this address, i'm sure, do you think that'd be helpful?

we're thinking of hanging onto the application until mid-October before filing it, because we got married in December 2008 and want to make sure that his approval doesn't come until after we're been married for two years, but not sure about that yet. part of me just kinda wants to get it done and over with. soooo not looking forward to dealing with the uncertainty of USCIS again :P
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-07-27 02:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA AOS/EAD/AP Filers

We have pics of us doing 'couple stuff' like grocery shopping, helping family work on their house....

We have mail addressed to him and to the both of us. We have our Islamic marriage certificate from the day after he landed..........not alot but it's gonna have to do.

My bank quoted the 'Patriot Act' and said he had to have a SS number to put him on my account. Maybe I will try to open a new account somewhere else.

Good luck ya'll

Jax


my bank said the same, either a SSN or a tax identification number... but that takes just about as long as the SSN to get.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2010-03-30 22:51:00
Middle East and North AfricaIM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAD
abyaly, it is difficult for everyone to find work in the US right now. it took my husband 8 months to find a job, and it was one that he hated, but it opened doors to finding a better job. i myself am in an occupation (nursing) that is supposed to be high in demand, but i have been job hunting for four months with no luck. it is just a very difficult time to be looking for work in this country. inshaAllah you will find work eventually, until then just try to be patient and work on things that might improve your chances of finding a job. You can find a computer typing program to increase your typing speed, practice filing, find a language buddy at a local community college to practice/improve your English with (assuming you need that.) You may be able to volunteer and get some volunteer experience, which can look good on your resume.
amysaidFemaleEgypt2011-02-17 19:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaCurly Haired Products
I appreciate this post! Sandinista, does that shampoo you mentioned that you used on your daughter seem fairly gentle? I have been trying a variety of things on my daughter but most of it makes her break out when I do a little swab on her skin to check for allergies. so most of the time she ends up looking like the picture attached to this post. Which is alright, but can get super frizzy and kinda Einstein-ish, since she won't let me put any clips, ponytails, etc. on her head.

Attached Files


amysaidFemaleEgypt2012-06-03 15:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaJune 2012

Hey starting the new thread for June. Hope all is well with you. I am in Morocco now and enjoying my time with the family. I am somewhat sick but then I knew I would get sick in Morocco as nothing agrees with me. I got sick when I was here the 1st time, but I am back anyway. :thumbs: :thumbs:

Farid is very happy with his family and having a grand ole time with friends as well. All is good folks. :dance: :dance:

Sorry guys I titled the post incorrectly. I must be drunk. :whistle:


Glad to see MENA is perking up a bit! Things are good here, Ahmed and I are both working, the kids are growing up faster than I ever could've believed. We've been trying to nail down a time period for going back to Egypt to visit my husband's family, but having a hard time figuring it out. He wants to go during next Ramadan, but I just can't handle the heat there in the middle of summer. So we are thinking of going next Eid al-Adha, which should be cooler, and hopefully the political climate will have cooled down by then, also. His sisters are probably going to kill him when we get there, for keeping their niece away from them for so long (she will be three by the time they see her!) :)
amysaidFemaleEgypt2012-06-03 15:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
Thought I'd bump this & check in with all the fellow Moroccan lovers out there :D

How's everybody doin?? I know we have a lot that just got to the US recently, and inshallah some more on the way :)

As for here...nothing too exciting...NOID being sent in today, daughter is loving preschool, and my school (well it's school...lol).

Anybody headin to Morocco soon??

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-10-08 16:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!

Yes, I can definitely make it two more months! He will be on his way here around the middle to end of October, not sure of the date yet...but I am dying to see him! :) Somehow the webcam just doesn't quite cut it...I certainly know you can relate! I wish it was sooner, but he just wants to make sure he has everything in order when he comes.

Jackie


Webcam?? What's that?? lol He hasn't had access to one since I left :( Its tough, but all worth it. And I hope everything goes smoothly for you!!

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-08-09 13:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!

Name: Jackie
Where I'm from: Pittsburgh, PA
SO's name: Bahi
Where he's from in Morocco: Casablanca
Anything else I want to ad: I am trying to patiently wait until October when he can finally move!


2 months isn't too bad :) So that's when he will be coming to the US?

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-08-08 20:51:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
awesome to see this brought back up :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-08-07 23:51:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan MENA members!!!
Ok I'm new to this so bare with me smile.gif

Name: Monica
Where you're from: near Eugene, OR
SO's name: Hicham
Where they are from in Morocco: Sidi Slimane
Anything else you want to add: We just met about a month ago (online)....seems like we've known eachother longer though. He's going to Rabat this week to look in to a visitors visa...i know it's a shot in the dark, but Inshallah we will get lucky.
Have you been to Morocco: Yes, for about 6 weeks back in 2007...I loved it there...like many have said...life is slower and ppl seem to care about others...imagine that smile.gif

A question I'd like to add: How long did you know your SO before you descided to get married?

Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2009-04-23 13:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaIM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAD
Where u going to? Might help finding ppl if they know where u will be living :) Best of luck...just try to keep an openmind to all the changes.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-10-04 21:46:00
Middle East and North Africadenied at casablanca
WOW....I am so sorry!!!!!! ((((HUGS)))) I hope u guys get it turned around soon.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-03-28 14:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaNOID APPROVED

SO FLIPPIN AWESOME! :D :D :D :D :D :D

Congratulations Mah Budddddddhayyyyyyyyyyyyy, and Hicham :D


(HUGS)

ROCK ON!

This is greaaaaat.

Sara :)


Thanks girl...for everything!!! Talked to Senator yesterday...said I should hear from NVC in 2 weeks...then on to Casa from there.


Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-04 21:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaNOID APPROVED

Yay Congratulations Monica!!!
My hubby had his interview on Feb. 22 so I made sure to have the tax papers for 2009 with me. They never asked but I volunteered them immediately so that way they knew we weren't messing around on the visa!!


Thanks...I'll get everything i possibly can...better to be safe then sorry.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-04 14:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaNOID APPROVED
Thanks everybody...we are both sooo excited & after the NOID reasons, I don't see anything NEW they could come up with, so now I just need to get all of the affidavit of support stuff sent out, which brings me to a question. If the interview is in January or Feb does he need the 2010 tax returns also?? I don't know what the timeline is for that...I'm also hoping to be able to be there again & hopefully get a visa in hand & have him come back with me...I know I'm probably dreaming...but it's the least they could do...LOL I mean we did get a NOID out of CSC...that is definitely something that barely happens :) But for now we are just going to focus on this awesome step & worry about the rest when it comes. Thank u all so much for your support. And to crossed_fingers: the service centers here & the consulates both have to approve any petition for a visa to be issued, so if they deny again, it comes back to CSC again...not gonna think about that right now :whistle: But like NigeriaorBust said, they can't deny for any of the same reasons as the original denial, because the reaffirmation proves that the reasons were not valid :dance:

Monica :)

That kicks #### Monica! YAY! :dance:

You know how I role...LOL I can't believe how BIG she's getting!!! Didn't u tell her she needs to sloooow down with that...LOL

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-02 18:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaNOID APPROVED
FINALLY!!! Got the text on my cell @ about 10:30pm...Case has been updated:

On December 1, 2010, we mailed a notice to you reaffirming the approval of this case and returned the case to the Department of State for visa processing. For more information, please contact them directly.


"I'm so excited...I just can't hide it...I'm about to lose control & I think I like it!!" :dance: :dance:

So how is everyone else doing?? Hope good!! Hopin for some good mojo comin outta Casa...cuz we are comin back for ya!!

Monica :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tiPAvmy3eA
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-02 03:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

Glad to hear all is going well Monica!
Is your husband willing to volunteer until he is able to work?
That would be great for his resume & would get him out of the house some!


I've suggested it, but we will see. He prefers something that actually helps towards the household, but Inshallah he will have the EAD soon.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-10-31 14:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Wow....can't believe how long it has been since I've been on VJ....seems like life is just flying by. Married life is great...some culture shock issues, but nothing major that LOTS of communication and open mindedness wouldn't fix...lol How is everyone else doing? We are working on the AOS/EAD now, so will hopefully get that soon so life can really get flowing....Hubby HATES not working, so would help BOTH of us out to get him out of the house & working some :whistle:

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-10-31 14:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
So how is everybody doin??? Been awhile since I've been on & thought I'd check in & see what's new. As for us we have been workin through some culture change stuff & getting used to being together as a family again...things have been much better since we got married on thursday....now for more fun paperwork...woohoo!!! lol

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-06-13 16:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
VISA IN HAND March 18th!!

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-03-22 12:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Monica that is FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, MARVELOUS news! We are sooooooo happy for you both and it's about time! Now tell me, how loud did you scream and how many times did you jump up and down? ;)


I was in shock...took me a bit to fully believe it & don't think I will fully believe until I see him with my own eyes...lol

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-02-05 00:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Hi everybody. Sorry to hear about the recent denial. And currently they are requiring the I134 for K1 interviews. We had our interview yesterday...Feb 2 @ 3pm, had a woman interviewer...he was asked to talk about me, my daughter, my dad (and expanding questions along the way). Was told APPROVED!!!! And need to turn in I134, and updated paperwork, then will receive visa!!! So hoping on next week for the visa in hand INSHALLAH!!!! Was called a week before for him to come in, was told "The CO would like to see you, bring your passport & you will be told whatelse is needed when you come in." So stay strong everybody rebuttling/refiling...DON'T GIVE UP!!!!


Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-02-04 01:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

Wow! 75% don't refile Monica? Is that Casa denials or all consulates?
It reminds me of a woman who filed for a fiance in Morocco, was denied, was indignant about it, complained about the co being horrible, etc, etc, etc. Within a year she had ended relationship with Moroccan, complained he had been abusive, and had married a man from another MENA country and was going to file for a visa for him.
So, was the co horrible for denying that visa?

Monica,
Any word on whether Casa received your paperwork?


That was 75% of Casa denials. And I agree with everyone on the denial...it has helped bring us sooo much closer & learn so much more about eachother, how to handle stress & pressure together, etc. And like someone else said, after this nothing else seems so hard :) And yes they got the paperwork, not sure of the exact date...hoping for news soon...will let you know as soon as I get any to share. Best of luck to everybody!!

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-02-01 02:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Agreed...you have to see their side also Malika...over 75% of denied cases DON'T refile....that's a HUGE number...so they test us...and I was bitter about a denial at first too, until I realized it was for a reason & yes its hard & frustrating, but in the long run the denial has brought us a lot closer & we have learned a lot more about eachother fighting through it together. And not everyone makes it through denials & it just proves that they weren't serious enough to begin with, so instead of thinking of it as them thinking you or your husband r bad or they dont like u, etc. Think of it as a challenge to prove them wrong!! And u will be a much stronger couple because of it, because if u can fight through this, u can fight through anything.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-21 18:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Msheesha it left 1/3/2011 from NVC...so it should be there....was gonna wake up early to call, but didn't...lol...tomorrow :-D And I agree with just keeping strong & working through it. I was bitter & resentful at first, but after finding out that over 75% of denials don't refile...I realized they are just testing us & I can't be too upset about that...if anything the denial has made us learn even more about eachother, because it puts u in the hardest place you thought possible...but proving that you can fight through it & survive & actually be stronger afterwards definitely feels good :) I just keeping telling myself "Everything for a reason."

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-20 15:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

We are so close to getting a CC from NVC....hopefully by the end of the week....I leave monday to see my husband, and we can't wait to veg out together LOL....anyways, I hope and pray, and pray and hope that our interview goes well this time....because it went TERRIBLE the first time around....


Have a great trip!! And hope u have a good 2nd time around too!! We r still waiting for word from Casa...might give them a call tomorrow to atleast see if our case has arrived...knowing how things have gone along the way...better to be safe then sorry. How is everything going with everyone else?? Any recent or coing interviews??

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-20 00:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Thanks everybody & Lisa, our case was messed up, which I think helped us get through.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-04 23:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Case has finally left NVC & on the way to Casa...woohoo...should hear about an interview in a month or so Inshallah!!

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-04 14:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

yeah, they said they hated our package.....way too much info....i went for 3 weeks in march when we got married, and am going for a week when we get his interview date. Actually, my younger sister is getting married in april, so this was always our hopeful goal of him being here by then....so yes, he is shopping for a nice suit to wear since he will be in our family pics....and I am the matron of honor, so am busy planning a wedding lol....depending on when he actually came home, I was going to throw a surprise party for us....but it depends how close he comes to my sisters wedding...we are letting ourselves imagine life together now that we are so close, so we are def excited. And I told him no rehearsing interview questions, because they said they could tell we went over questions before his interview....eh anyways, we figure many denied cases don't ever make it back, so us sticking it out another year can only look good for us....we do feel very positive this time, but still so nerve-wracking!!!


I hope everything goes smoothly & quickly for u guys this time. And I hear ya about the questions...I also told him no "studying" info...lol He went in too serious last time & told him to just relax & answer from the heart & not just his head...not all that easy to get him to understand what I meant by that though...lol :bonk:

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-02 01:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

Hi Monica ~ Everything's going well here; thanks for asking. We've been incredibly blessed. Husband has been working in his field within a couple of weeks of his arrival, and thankfully transition has been relatively smooth. We're both very thankful for that.

How is everyone else? Monica, any idea when they anticipate your case will be in Casa, and when you will be scheduled for interview?


Thats great he was able to work so quickly...I'm sure that helps alot!! As for us...Senator said we should hear by Jan 3rd about it being sent to Casa...we will see...if not, another call to the senator's office...LOL And assuming atleast a month out for an interview...so figuring the very earliest would be February...who knows though...not planning anything this time until visa is in hand...LOL Hope everybody has a great 2011!!

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2011-01-01 13:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Hadnt thought of that Sarah...I think he had 2 ppl interview him too...will have to check again. How is everybody doing? Still waiting for the case to get to Casa for a new interview here.

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-30 04:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
I agree...It just show how serious you are & I am totally going if I can!! And also if there is an issue its easier to confront if u are there :whistle:

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-05 20:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

Great job Monica! Impressive.
Good luck on Round 2 with Casa.
Is there any possibility you can be in Casa for the interview?
I forget - were you in Casa for the 1st?
Maybe you were; I can't remember.
Anyway, great news. What a way to welcome in December for you :star:


Thanks ladies. And yes, my daughter & I were in Casa for the 1stinterview...depending on when the new one is will determine if I can be there...hopefully I can, I think it might help & it would be easier to carry all of the Affidavit Paperwork then to trust the mail system...lol

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-02 18:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

Monica,
Anything yet?
Hoping you've heard good news.



NOID approval got reaffirmed Dec 1, 2010!!!! :dance: Now back to Casa for round 2!! :no: :yes: :bonk: Should be fun...lol

Hows everyone else doin? Any AOS's filed with anyone yet? Any more cases going through Casa...been kinda out of the loop :) Hope everybody is doing good!!

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-12-02 04:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread
Still no news here....according to the 45 day rule we should hear by the end of next week...SHOULD being the key word...LOL Sorry to hear they aren't helping Nicole....its so frustrating....hope u hear something soon!! And hope everybody else is doing good.Oh & i started a new weight loss program so that has been interesting...pretty excited to see results...helps keep my mind of the waiting.

Monica :)

Edited by Always+Forever, 17 November 2010 - 06:57 PM.

Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-11-17 18:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe hoping not to be denied at Casablanca thread

Any new news for you yet?


Nothing yet

Monica :)
Always+ForeverFemaleMorocco2010-11-01 21:01:00