₦airaland Forum

Hello CO,

Thumbs up for the great resource this thread has been.

I need more clarification on how to file I130 petition.

1. How can a US Citizen living and working in Nigeria file a spousal immigration petition for a spouse who is also living in Nigeria? Can it be filed at the Lagos Consular Service?

2. Is there a requirement to relocate or travel to the US within a specific period if the Immigrant Visa is issued? Even if the couple are working here and do not plan to move or travel immediately (this is because I see the requirement to have a medical report that will be valid for interview and date of intended travel).

Any other person can share knowledge on the above even if not the VO/CO.

Thanks. Kind Regards.

geniuzio:
Congrats Kudie!
How long did it take to get it (from the day you submitted your visa application)?

Thanks Geniuzio
It took about two (2) weeks.

Got my Visa on Monday! Wish everyone the best!!!!

1andonly:
It goes without saying that they'd return our originals to us. I don't think that's the info enigma14 is expecting.

To save my life I can't say if they'd return that legalized copy to you. However, if you're running late I think you can get someone process it for you.

I presume you've submitted your visa then enigma14?

@1andonly I specifically asked the Consulate guy cos he took the original of my Certificate (He had mistakenly legalised both the original and the photocopy but took only the original when I went for submission).

1andonly:
I think our new buddy Kudie missed the word 'only'. I do have a small grouse with him though: how comes it he knows so much and said little all this while?!

Yeah I missed out the word "only".

@1andonly...a friend who came to me for info told me about the thread...Read the thread for the first time yesterday.

I just read through the thread ... My experience was that the process seemed confusing at first but I contacted an Alumni and a current student of my school so they could break it down for me. The most stressful part turned out to be the long waits at the Consulate and dealing with the B'S from the Consulate staff (Nigerians turned Spanish). Few pointers:

1. Med Cert must not be from a General Hospital ...I used one from a Military Hospital (The guy at the consulate had told me it must not be ..took a sample to him on the day of Legalisation). Probably any government related hospital to be on the safe side. However it must have that clause they stated in the requirements about not having contagious disease in line with Blah blah.

2. Get an accommodation contract covering about a month as proof of temporary accommodation then ensure the rest of your rent is in your account. Google Dflat housing..I paid with my debit card and the contract was couriered to me.

3.I have it from a trusted source that you are better off having your living expenses in your own account and not a sponsor's account. This is at the rate of 1000 Euros per month for the duration of your course.

4. Translation can be done within 3 to 4 days at the rate of 7,900 per page plus 5000 for courier. Unfortunately I can't put the dude's number up here. Dude is somewhere at SON on same street as the Consulate.

5. Make sure your School sends you original copy(ies) of receipts for payments.

6. Ensure the photocopy of your legalised finger print document for Police Certificate is photocopied front and back on same sheet of paper jst as the original is.

7. Don't get worried if they decide to interview you briefly with respect to your BSc Certificate...jst be confident and answer as appropriate..They decide if to put ur BSc thru Investigation by conducting the very brief interview..Investigation will mean two months of waiting plus 60k payment. I was interviewed...The Oyibo lady asked when I graduated ...If I have been working since graduation...name of my then VC ..name of the Registrar..Course I studied...don't be surprised if she asks why you are going for a particular Masters considering ur First Degree is in a diff or unrelated discipline...This interview is done at the Legalisation stage if they feel the need.

Pls don't let that Lady intimidate you but then just politely express urself and do not engage her in an argument ..she doesn't waste time in calling security.

I submitted my application first week of July and I am waiting for their response. I am positive the response will be favourable.

enigma14:
My school asked me to legalize my Degree certificate. But am confused if the embassy will still return the legalized photocopy that was submitted during the visa application? If the answer is no, then one must make provision for another legalized photocopy of BSc certificate considering that the Original certificate is not legalized @ d embassy. Am not so sure about this. Pls am open to your suggestions pals. Congrats to 1andonly, its not an easy feat!

The consulate will return your originals....I asked at them when I submitted.