HesInMe:
Is it the case, as the experience of one contributor on another immigration-related forum suggests, that such is the suspicion with which you view family-based immigrant visa applications in the Lagos consulate that a typical applicant needs to present hundreds of photos (150-200, according to her) documenting shared events, family members, etc., to overcome that suspicion?

The OP on that forum wanted to know if 36 pictures -- which I thought were a lot! -- were sufficient, assuming everything else is in order. The contributor had been previously denied a K-1 based on "insufficient evidence", then reapplied successfully by supplying 200 or so photos. In her experience, it worked: she reports that the first consular officer said her "gut feeling" questioned the bona fides of her relationship, while the second said he could "feel the love" after going through the mountain of pictures!

Thanks!

I would suggest, based solely on what you've written, that the quality of the photos is much more important than the quantity -- and that the most important aspect of a case will be how well the beneficiary can talk about the relationship.

ologbe:
Hello VO, thanks for the wonderful job you're doing. More power to our elbow. I have some bugging questions I want to ask and I do hope I get an answer.

I'm married to a USC and we got married on May 3rd 2012 @a local govt. Registry in alimosho area of Lagos state. She returned to the states and filed i129f (K 1) on July 7th 2012. The petition was approved on October 30th 2012 and my interview was scheduled for March 19th 2013. I attended the interview with all documents but I was denied. As a matter of fact the date on the refusal letter was predated. It read march 18th.

My wife and I were broken hearted cause our hopes were high, now I know we should have filed for the spousal visa petition. But it was an oversight as we were misinformed at that point in time .then last year again the compnay I was working with wanted to send me to the US for a conference but I was denied the B1/ B2 visa on September 15th 2014. It was later that I discovered that the agent my office employed to fill our DS 160's actually filled single in my form.

Now my wife and I've decided to file for an IR1 since we've been married for more than 2years. I really need your advice as to what our chances would be regarding the pprevious K1 that we errorneously filed. Please I need all the advice I can get as she's filing for the spousal visa next month.

First, the predating of the letter does not mean that a decision was somehow taken the day before you came to your interview. We have a standard template that we tailor to each applicant, and sometimes we forget to change the date because we're focusing on getting the name and case number correct. Sorry about that.

The fact that you have a previous K petition filed by your wife is in your favor -- but the fact that you later applied for a B1/B2 as a single person does make things look dubious. It's all going to come down to how credible you are in the interview. If you and your wife have a bona fide spousal relationship, you should come through all right.

slightlyMad:
hello VO,

i just got my case number as LGS instead of the WAC i was given,

what does LGS2011****** mean?
i noticed some LGS2014***** talking about interviews already.

am in F1 category

The case number LGS means that your case has officially been assigned to Lagos, although it may not yet be eligible to be scheduled for an interview. It depends when the case was filed. Right now, F1 cases with petitions filed on or before Oct. 1, 2007, are eligible to be scheduled for interviews.

I understand but this has been going on since 7/2 and now i stand the chance of losing my job.

On July 2nd 2015 I had my interview and at the end of the interview I was told that my visa will be issued and I can pick it up in five business days or less. Only to find 4 days later after inquiring about my visa I got a response that I needed to bring a updated police report to the Consulate on Friday before my visa can be processed. On July 10th, at the request of the Consulate I returned with the updated police report. I was again told my visa will be issued and that I could pick it up within 5 business days or less. Today is the 4th day and I'm hoping someone can help me so I can get my visa on Thursday morning so I can fly out Thursday night so I can get my prescription medication, I have been out of medication for a week now and I'm starting to feel sick. I am also in danger of losing my employment which will cause a financial hardship on me and my family. I've been with this company for over 5 years and it will be devastating if I lose it. Can someone in this great consulate please help me. My passport has been held since 7/2 and here it is 7/15 and I'm still waiting

amazinglove:
Dear VO,

I am posting on behalf of my wife (Yeah, the husband is taking over now... ). We had earlier mentioned about us requesting expeditious processing of our case being an active duty military servicemember. I called NVC today to ask about it and the customer representative told me the request was probably rejected by you guys in Lagos. I am just really sad that we're being tossed up and down over a simple request (I have requested expedited service twice now).

It's unfortunate I have not been able to follow our case more closely due to my engagement in military trainings over the past 12 months. Other servicemembers I know get their spouses over here as early as 6 months or less after filing their I-130s. Ours is already 1 year, still with no interview date.

I don't even know what to do with my tax situation since I filed an extension hoping she'd get here before the Oct 15 deadline so I can file as "married filing jointly". I would be eternally grateful to you if you can help us. Our case number is LGS2015547024. Thank you!

There was a period, during the worst of the computer breakdown in June, when the only cases we could expedite were life-and-death medical emergencies, but I don't remember turning down any relatives of active service members during that period. It may have been when I was out of the office and someone else was covering for me, though. You're free to place another request with NVC, but there's no action I can take on my end without hearing from NVC.

it will be 5 business days tomorrow and the Consulate is not open due to holiday. Is there anything you can please do to expedite my Visa. If I do not get back to work on Monday I will lose my job as it has been almost a month since I've been here. I am also out of my medication and I'm starting to feel weak.

akin1971:
On July 2nd 2015 I had my interview and at the end of the interview I was told that my visa will be issued and I can pick it up in five business days or less. Only to find 4 days later after inquiring about my visa I got a response that I needed to bring a updated police report to the Consulate on Friday before my visa can be processed. On July 10th, at the request of the Consulate I returned with the updated police report. I was again told my visa will be issued and that I could pick it up within 5 business days or less. Today is the 4th day and I'm hoping someone can help me so I can get my visa on Thursday morning so I can fly out Thursday night so I can get my prescription medication, I have been out of medication for a week now and I'm starting to feel sick. I am also in danger of losing my employment which will cause a financial hardship on me and my family. I've been with this company for over 5 years and it will be devastating if I lose it. Can someone in this great consulate please help me. My passport has been held since 7/2 and here it is 7/15 and I'm still waiting

I can't urge you strongly enough to see a doctor right away. We are doing our best to process our applications, but the delays you are experiencing are not uncommon, and while we're working to print your visa quickly, it may not be ready today. If you feel ill it is crucial that you don't wait -- please see a doctor. In the meantime, we will continue to work to conclude your case.

Please VO, is there anyone you can talk to about this case? My wife Natalie has been having panic attacks since I was delayed the first time. she's constantly crying and feel so helpless. I know this news of me not being able to travel home tonight will send her over the edge. Please is there anything that can be done to get me home to my wife. I do not want anything to happen to her because of this situation. Can you please talk to someone about expediting this? this has been going on since 7/2. I have used up all of my money so I cannot go to an doctor.

VisaOfficer:


There was a period, during the worst of the computer breakdown in June, when the only cases we could expedite were life-and-death medical emergencies, but I don't remember turning down any relatives of active service members during that period. It may have been when I was out of the office and someone else was covering for me, though. You're free to place another request with NVC, but there's no action I can take on my end without hearing from NVC.

Thank you for your response, VO.
I am just thinking of letting our case follow its normal processing time-frame. Who knows whether or not requesting another expeditious processing would further slow things down. Case complete date at NVC was 19 June 2015.
In the meantime, may I ask if my wife needs a new police certificate. Her current cert was issued in January 2015 with an expiration date of 3 months after issuance.
Thank you so much.

akin1971:
Please VO, is there anyone you can talk to about this case? My wife Natalie has been having panic attacks since I was delayed the first time. she's constantly crying and feel so helpless. I know this news of me not being able to travel home tonight will send her over the edge. Please is there anything that can be done to get me home to my wife. I do not want anything to happen to her because of this situation. Can you please talk to someone about expediting this? this has been going on since 7/2

We're working on it from our end, but I can't get your hopes up. If it can be done, we'll do it, but it may be impossible to resolve this issue, especially because (as you note) we are approaching a holiday weekend. I again urge you to see a doctor right away.

I wish I could speak to you in person. My case is very dire now. I pray to God that you will be able to get it done today. I have no more funds to see a doctor. If I do not show up for work on Monday I will lose my job. I have a mortgage and family to take care of and this will really cause a financial hardship. I am at your mercy. Thank you in advance for your kindness, understanding and compassion.

Good morning ma, please I want start by apologizing for the disturbances, please ma bear with us. Ma I want to find out if the problem affected my case from the glitch as you stated earlier has been resolved. My case no is lgs2014851038. Ma should we set our hearts on anything? The anxiety is much. Thanks and God bless you

Good Morning dearest V.O
Pls. Ma'am tomorrow could have been the pick up date for my children's visas but, due to the public holiday it may not be ready for pick up by tomorrow. Pls. Ma'am any hope of the visas been printed and ready for collection by next tuesday. Cos, this process is really affecting them so much. Thank you so much for all your help. God bless, waiting to hear a good news from you. LGS2014737052, 050, 049.

I think we're all moving away from the purpose of this forum. If you have a policy / procedural question, this is the place to ask, but finding out what stage individual cases are at in the process is not what this forum is for. To check on the status of individual cases, please e-mail LagosIV@state.gov.

I do apologize but the last status I heard was my case was "READY" and it's been statig that for 4 days. My friend Koribe advise me to come on here after you helped him yesterday and now he is on the plane headed home. That is the only reason I'm on here today. I'm hoping you can do the same for me.

akin1971:
I do apologize but the last status I heard was my case was "READY" and it's been statig that for 4 days. My friend Koribe advise me to come on here after you helped him yesterday and now he is on the plane headed home. That is the only reason I'm on here today. I'm hoping you can do the same for me.

Again, we are working on it, but it may not be possible. I will let you know one way or another. I would also point out that we did nothing extra for Koribe; his case was ready, the visa had been printed, and because the packet hadn't left us yet it was possible to give it directly to him. Everyone's case is different and the issues with yours are very different from the issues with his.

If I can help, I will. But I don't want to get your hopes up when it may not be possible to print the visa today.

I really appreciate all that you can do. I checked the website that I was told to check everyday as directed. I also emailed daily to the lagos iv website. I do not mean to bother you but I had no where else to turn and that is why I'm glad my friend told me about this forum.

Hello V.O,
I compliment your for this insightful review on this platform.
I was denied US Visa in 2002, then I was a student and I used 'arranged' documents and since then I haven't ventured outside the shores of Nigeria.
Now I am married, working and equally running some side business i.e. I am well to do, and thinking of getting the e-passport.
1. Can I apply afresh?
2. Which is better; lone application or joint with my wife? (just visiting)

Thanks in anticipation.

VisaOfficer:
I think we're all moving away from the purpose of this forum. If you have a policy / procedural question, this is the place to ask, but finding out what stage individual cases are at in the process is not what this forum is for. To check on the status of individual cases, please e-mail LagosIV@state.gov.

I was thinking the same, the thread was derailing.

Have a great weekend visa officer. I love public holidays before a weekend.

How confidential are emails sent to LagosIV@state.gov, please? Who gets to read them -- indigenous staff or US employees? I'd like to ask a personal question, please. Thanks.

VisaOfficer:
I think we're all moving away from the purpose of this forum. If you have a policy / procedural question, this is the place to ask, but finding out what stage individual cases are at in the process is not what this forum is for. To check on the status of individual cases, please e-mail LagosIV@state.gov.

jogs:
May 26

Thank you

I really appreciate all that you can do. I checked the website that I was told to check everyday as directed. I also emailed daily to the lagos iv website. I do not mean to bother you but I had no where else to turn and that is why I'm glad my friend told me about this forum.

Hello V.O,
Thank you for all your answers to our numerous questions.I finally received an interview date scheduled for August 13.My police certificate was issued on 29th January,2015 and it states that it is valid for three months but I hear that its supposed to be for a year.is it okay to present this at the interview or do I have to get another one?
Thank you

Received email response from LagosIV stating my visa has been approved and is in the print queue. I know you said not to get my hope up but right now HOPE is all I have. I am packed and my Delta flight leaves at 10:30 tonight. I can come to the Consulate or the gss collection center to wait. I really appreciate everyting you have been able to do for me thus far.

We humbly request for expedited visa appointments for 5 members of the Nigeria Team competing in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship for students to be held August 9th -12th 2015 in Dallas, TX. The scheduled date of appointment is 10th August 2015 which would make it impossible for Nigeria to be effectively represented at the World championship.

Last year, two of our 2014 national winners, Olubunmi Agusto of Day Waterman College, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Adonijah Airede of Regent School, Abuja, FCT represented Nigeria at the 2014 Microsoft Office World Championship held in Anaheim, California, USA. Olubunmi emerged second in Microsoft Word 2007 category at the World Championship and she has become the first African to emerge among the top three since the first edition of the competition 13 years ago.

This year, 6 national winners and 2 teachers are representing Nigeria and it would be so disappointing for these children if after working hard for 7 months to emerge national winners, they cannot get visas to participate in the world championship. Delta Air Lines has offered free economy return tickets to the team.

We applied for emergency appointment but received an email on the 10th of July stating our request has been denied. We have submitted a letter of request to the consular section and received an email today acknowledging receipt of our letter. They asked us to request an emergency appointment which we already did and were denied.

Please note that we can only book visa appointments when winners emerge at the end of the competition. We also had to renew expired international passports before applying for visas.

We would really appreciate your assistance in this matter.

Dear VO,

I have come with my wahala again please.

i just got a mail saying my documents have been collected from the US Embassy/ consulate.

The passport number being returned is (my passport Number).

You have chosen to have your documents delivered at ( DHL isolo).

i am worried because your said the turn around time for pick up for k1 visa is 10 days and also i am supposed to receive a package not passport as stated in the mail.

Also the interviewer circled VI as my pickup center as against Isolo that i picked and now i am being told to pickup at Isolo

VO I beg now the status shows "ISSUED" please can I pick it up from the Consolate? lgs2014584025

HesInMe:
How confidential are emails sent to LagosIV@state.gov, please? Who gets to read them -- indigenous staff or US employees? I'd like to ask a personal question, please. Thanks.

Our Correspondence Unit is staffed by experienced Nigerian employees who are supervised by U.S. officers. They handle sensitive inquiries with professionalism and discretion every day.

cutedimpled:
Hello V.O,
Thank you for all your answers to our numerous questions.I finally received an interview date scheduled for August 13.My police certificate was issued on 29th January,2015 and it states that it is valid for three months but I hear that its supposed to be for a year.is it okay to present this at the interview or do I have to get another one?
Thank you

For our purposes, the police certificates are valid for a year after their date of issuance.

sutton09:
We humbly request for expedited visa appointments for 5 members of the Nigeria Team competing in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship for students to be held August 9th -12th 2015 in Dallas, TX. The scheduled date of appointment is 10th August 2015 which would make it impossible for Nigeria to be effectively represented at the World championship.

Last year, two of our 2014 national winners, Olubunmi Agusto of Day Waterman College, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Adonijah Airede of Regent School, Abuja, FCT represented Nigeria at the 2014 Microsoft Office World Championship held in Anaheim, California, USA. Olubunmi emerged second in Microsoft Word 2007 category at the World Championship and she has become the first African to emerge among the top three since the first edition of the competition 13 years ago.

This year, 6 national winners and 2 teachers are representing Nigeria and it would be so disappointing for these children if after working hard for 7 months to emerge national winners, they cannot get visas to participate in the world championship. Delta Air Lines has offered free economy return tickets to the team.

We applied for emergency appointment but received an email on the 10th of July stating our request has been denied. We have submitted a letter of request to the consular section and received an email today acknowledging receipt of our letter. They asked us to request an emergency appointment which we already did and were denied.

Please note that we can only book visa appointments when winners emerge at the end of the competition. We also had to renew expired international passports before applying for visas.

We would really appreciate your assistance in this matter.

This is a question for my non-immigrant visa colleagues at https://www.nairaland.com/1792662/u.s-non-immigrant-visas-listening .

Hi VO,
Hope your day has been good
Just checked my case status again...does this mean I haven't done all that is required?
I'm really bothered
Thank you.

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