MabraO:
VisaOfficer

Good morning, I am thinking of starting the process of acquiring a US visa. I got uncles nd Aunty but can't really file for me. My Dad once did like 15 years ago but I didn't get d visa due to some circumstances I was never privileged to know.
Now I want file on my own ground, how will I go about it.

Thanks

You can't, on your own, file for an immigrant visa, unless you meet certain requirements that I have written about extensively in prior posts.

Regards,
VO

Luckysoj:
Hi consular,
Please I want to confirm if this news is real.

Nigeria favored in Trump’s immigration war as he signs a visa-free travel policy for Nigerians – Vanguard
http://vanguardngr.local-reports.com/nigeria-favored-in-trumps-immigration-war-as-he-signs-a-visa-free-travel-policy-for-nigerians/

I'm glad you checked before buying tickets to the U.S. No, this is not true. It would be a huge announcement if true. We have seen various versions of this untrue story from different countries.

If you read this carefully, you will see that this is not Vanguard but local-reports -- an unknown entity.

Visit our website https://ng.usembassy.gov/ for the most current and true updates.

Regards,
VO

Cfo4all:
My brother has a pending K1 visa before traveling to the USA to visit the fiancée cos she's gonna have a baby, but they got married in a courthouse before the baby was born due to their personal reasons. My question is does he still need to come back and complete the K1 process?? Or is he in trouble since they already got married

The marriage invalidates the K1 fiance visa. If he got divorced now, it would still be invalid. His new wife will have to file a CR1 immigrant visa for him. Report the marriage to USCIS and then wait for the new petition to flow through the normal process.

Regards,
VO

1. How will this lady know if 6c1 applied on her. Is there a formal way that USCIS adopts to let the beneficiary know. Say, by means of 'Notification Email' or 'Update in Online Status' or 'In the Revocation Letter from USCIS or Embassy'.

If you write LagosIV@state.gov, the officer assigned to your case will investigate and return an answer to you.

2. If she is notified by any of the means above, how soon can she expect this notification from USCIS/Embassy. Understanding this, will help her to react proactively.

There is no timetable on responses as research can take quite awhile. Generally, you will have a response within five working days.

3. A generic question : Many a times in this blog i read out clearly that COs are as lenient as possible for most applicants unless they commit felony. We are extremely thankful for this considerate attitude of yours. Mercy. Under the new honorable president Mr. Donald Trump, has this attitude changed by any sense.? It looks like the media reports a lot about immigration updates, these days.

There is no change to Nigerian immigrant visa policy at this time. It is true that we check for felony convictions. Other things that may keep an immigrant visa applicant from being approved include multiple smaller convictions; overstaying a non-immigrant visa (mama stays for 3 years instead of 6 months); not having the required financial support; polygamy; and refusal to be vaccinated.

If you are interested, here is the full list of ineligibilities as of this writing:

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/ineligibilities.html#visa

4. I also remember that i read out in some media that Waiver options for many ineligibility sections are ruled out under current govt policy. Is this true ? . Kindly excuse if i understood/asked anything wrongly.

There is no change to the waiver policy at this time. That said, waiver approvals are not guaranteed. If someone is seeking a waiver, then they have done something wrong. Entering the United States is a great privilege and many tens of thousands of Nigerians enjoy their visits in America. There are many more who wish they could travel to the U.S. but cannot for various reasons. When enjoying the privilege of being in the U.S., we ask everyone to be on their best behavior. You are, after all, ambassadors of your country. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this guidance.

Again: I request the general bloggers to ask sensible questions to the VO. The VO is spending valuable time in responding to our questions. Asking about 'Ticket costs' is way too mundane and cliche in blogs like this.

Agree.

Regards,
VO

Mina83:
Good evening VO, I did my FA2 interview on 24th Jan 2017 and got approved. I check on CEAC same day and saw AP and on the 25th of Jan it Changed to Issued but passport still not available for pick up until today.. Kindly check if it normal.. I have called the DSS office severally but passport still not available for pick up. LGS2015639041.

Write the immigrant visa unit at LagosIV@state.gov.

Regards,
VO

forfaith:
I thank you for answering my last inquiry. I have another about AP. My wife and my case has been in AP for two months and by going by the CEAC site has not been 'touched' durring this time. Now I do not want you to share 'company secrets or policies', however can give you an idea of ​​what this means and why this is happening.My wife is 100% clean as is her family in any since you can attribute to this process as am I. No prior immigration or any kind of transgressions. I work a steady, good paying job and have all the resources I need to be approved for this process.But durring our AP, which I understand is necessary for any and all reasons, our case has not been considered or checked. Can you shed some light for me, in a vague way, without going against company policies. I thank you in advance.

You may request an update on any case by writing the immigrant visa unit at LagosIV@state.gov. Please provide your case number, the petitioner's name, and the beneficiary's name when you write. We will only reply to the petitioner, the beneficiary, or the lawyer on file.

Regards,
VO

bleek147:
Sir, I really appreciate all your response sir. can
you tell me the maximum duration of the CR1
petition we are about to apply for. how long will
it take for the USCIS to approve it.
why I ask is that, the k1 petition took about a
year and this is what we are trying to run away
from sir. please is there any way we can make the CR1 petition move faster.

thank you very much and may God bless you in
Jesus name.

please advise.

These are questions for USCIS.

Regards,
VO

bleek147:
Thank you very much for the quality information you just gave to me sir.

but I still want to ask sir, can the USCIS change the status of the k1 to CR1 visa. why i ask this question is because my wife as already wrote a letter and send to the USCIS at Texas just to let them know we are legally married now. so I want to know if the k1 fiance visa can change to Cr1 by them, or we should just go ahead and apply for a new cr1 visa.

please advise

No, you cannot change a K1 visa to a CR1 visa (or any other immediate relative visa). You should go ahead and apply again. The good news is you have a good history so while strange things can happen, you should have a relatively smooth time of it.

Regards,
VO

therealchase:
Dear vo,

Would love to use this opportunity to say a very big think you for all you've done for us all in one way or another. I read every single post on this thread and I must say it was worth the time like they say no knowledge is lost. Attended my immigrant visa interview today and it was a great success all thanks to you.

Congratulations! Welcome to America.

Regards,
VO

bleek147:
Hello sir, my fiance as finally came to me from the USA and we got married now, my question is, our k1 visa is still open and i think the USCIS want to reaffirm the file and send it back to Lagos office. sir, i want to ask if i can still get the k1 visa with my married status and we have also met, if it reaffirm and send back.

please advise.

bleek.

A K1 visa is a fiance visa. Since you are married, you no longer qualify for a K1 visa. You should now apply for a K3 visa or a CR1 visa. This will require a new application. You should report your marriage to USCIS as soon as possible. If you come to the interview and you are married, you will waste your time and everyone else's. If you neglect to tell the officer that you are now married, you could forever jeopardize your opportunity to go to the United States.

Regards,
VO

bodescous:
Hi the indefatigable VO,I'm a silent reader of this immigrants post and I so much appreciate your invaluable advice you give here for the prospective immigrants.... I haven't posted a question since my first greetings when the new VO came on board...
Sir/Ma,I would like to ask if we are still on course as regards the normal scheduling for the immigrants interview in Lagos consulate(F2A) precisely?I'm supposed to due for interview in March as my priority date is 01 May,2015.But we have not been having a good feedback whenever we place call to NVC since last week ,being the last week of d month which is d normal norm for inquiries for interview date from NVC...
Sir/ma,please could you alleviate my fears concerning the visa interview and hope there is no retrogression as regards the new Immigration policy by President Trump? Thanks for your time always.
Regards.

This is a good question and one I am happy to answer. No, there is no "retrogression" underway (this is when cut off dates move backwards instead of forward, essentially meaning a longer wait). There is also no new immigration policy targeting Nigeria. We have, per the Executive Order, stopped processing refugee visas at this time, but we only see very few of those in any given period. Your F2A application is certainly not affected by refugee processing or retrogression.

The second moving part is our ability to take your interview at the Consulate. We have very high volume and not a lot of adjudicating officers. That means, even though your case is current and ready for interview, if we do not have the capacity to take you, then you must wait a little longer. This is similar to getting a movie ticket at the Palms: There are many tickets available, but you still have to wait in line to get one.

I understand that this process can be frustrating. Please know we are doing all we can to ensure your case -- and all cases -- move forward as fast as possible in order to reunite your family.

Regards,
VO

gabonsky:
You are doing a wonderful jobs here by educating our people about American Immigration Visa Policy, On behalf of Nigeria and Other Countries we salute you guys and say well done sir.

Happy Valentine in advance ........................

You are welcome!

Regards,
VO

packdprince:


Dear Mr. Visa Officer,

Sorry we are not trying to game the system. My mother was a green card holder when she filed for us, she later became a citizen like four years before our invitation to the Nigerian Embassy. My other brother was also included among us, he is stating the fact that he is married, to a Malaysian to be precise.

I just want to know, whether my mother being the Applicant can continue with the initial application she filed for him since 2010 and state that his class of Visa has changed from F1 to F3, or should she have to start again from the beginning.

Thanks

It depends when he married. If he married before she became a citizen, then his petition is no longer valid and he will have to start from the beginning. If he married after she became a citizen, then he may be eligible for a F3. Your mother, your brother, and/or your attorney should contact USCIS as I have no way to make that determination.

Regards,
VO

Itstyme:


Glad this came up. For an applicant who had lived in three or four different countries, is he required to go back to each of these countries to obtain the said Police clearance certificates? If yes, how is it possible to travel to all these countries all for the sole purpose of just obtaining a Police Certificate? Please advise.

Applicants have had success with writing the Consulates and Embassies in Nigeria. However, I would make a small clarification: the purpose is not to get a police certificate. The purpose is to get an immigrant visa to legally live and work in the United States.

Regards,
VO

Teegeh:
Hi VO, my younger sister and her daughter went for an interview in November for f1 immigrants visa on getting the CO denied her visa and changed her category to f3 because she was pregnant and as a little child so she believed she was married but truly she's not married, we written twice to the embassy but still same result please what do you advice we do. Thank you

The only recourse for your sister is to wait for the F3 to become current. If there was some ineligibility applied, such as a 6C1 for misrepresentation for lying about her marital status, then there could be a longer wait. I encourage you to consult with an immigration attorney.

Regards,
VO

packdprince:
Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing this request. Please I and my brothers (4 of them) were granted green card status last year excluding my elder brother that got married sometimes last two years. There was a mail that indicated that his application has been forwarded back to NVC or the applicant (can't remember now) which is our mom. Which is likely to be revoked.

Please I would request to know what documents we should sent and how are we going to do about it to continue his visa application. Someone was insisting the applicant file for him again which will take like 5 to 6 years.

Hope his priority date has not changed, date of filing was 2010.

Without knowing the details of the case, once your mother becomes an American citizen, and he remains married, she may file for your brother as an F3. If he gets divorced, he would be an F1. If she is not yet a citizen, she cannot file for him as there is no visa class available for an adult married child of a legal permanent resident. You, as his brother, may also file for him when you become a citizen as an F4. However, the fastest way would be an F3 (assuming he stays married). He will need a new priority date regardless, which is unfortunate but the law.

Do not try to game the system. All of this is part of your record and his record. It will take time, but it will be worthwhile in the end. If you try to game, you could jeopardize all of your statuses and you might never become citizens at best and deported at worst. I advise you to consult with an immigration attorney.

Regards,
VO

forfaith:
Dear Visa Officer,

I and my wife;s case is currently in AP in a West African country. I am pretty sure they are checking the documents we submitted. I am wondering how do they check the documents. Is that done by the CO or do they turn the docs over to the FBI, DHS, or NSA, etc.

Thank You

We work with all necessary partners which may or may not include the ones you've mentioned.

Regards,
VO

hajj123:
Hello VO thanks so much for your good idea,so do you mean that I should tell my interviewer that I have visited Iran before even if they don't ask me about it?

I cannot coach you through the interview. I have already stated that you should be honest about where you've lived and where you've visited. How that translates to the interview, or does not, is up to you.

Regards,
VO

hajj123:
Hell VO but in the DS260 form they didn't ask about the country that I have visited before,what they asked is country where have lived after the age of 16yrs.so I did not mention Iran cos I did not live in Iran but just visited for employment visa change.what do I do now cos I have already filled and submitted my Ds260 for almost 2months ago.pls I need you advice.thanks

Visits to other countries are less relevant for an immigrant visa. You should volunteer this information during your interview to avoid any discrepancies.

Regards,
VO

AyaSho:
Good day Sir/Ma
Thanks for giving us this beautiful Medium to ask questions.
My questions
1. I have a sister whose petition had been filled in and approved in the USA for R1 in January ,She is awaiting the next step
2. Since, the application was filled in by the employer in the Us, Can the interview be done over there not minding that she is a frequent flyer based in Nigeria.
How long will it take for the work authorization to be out
Thank you

An R1 visa is a non-immigrant (work) visa for religious workers. All visas must be adjudicated in person before travel so no, she cannot fly there in person for the interview. Please take your question to the appropriate forum.

Regards,
VO

hajj123:
Good day V.O.have you lived anywhere other than this address since the age of sixteen?that was asked while i was filling my DS260 form and Yes I have lived in Dubai before for almost two yrs and I also visit Iran from Dubai for visa change cos I need to come in back with working visa to Dubai then, am presently going through immigrant visa now and I want to know if the new policy will not affect cos I have visited Iran before and also I did not fill in my DS260 form that I have visit Iran before.pls any advice?

The question centers around the police certificate requirements. Anyone living in a country for a year or more after the age of 16 requires a police certificate from that country. In addition, all countries you've visited after the age of 16 should be listed on the DS-260. Do not leave any countries out thinking you can avoid a police certificate if you "forget" to list the country. We have records. If there is a serious discrepancy between what you report and what we know, you could lose your ability to immigrate to the United States.

In short, fill out the form to the best of your ability -- truthfully.

Regards,
VO

Lildoc:
I just got approved how much does ticket cost mow

Let's take a moment to think about this question:

Even if I wanted to answer you, you're missing basic information such as: when are you going? where are you going? where are you starting? which airline do you prefer? do you want a connection? are you traveling alone? which fare class are you pursuing? are you traveling with pets? do you have an infant?

(Please note: I don't really want to know.)

Regards,
VO

ladyprosper:
Dear vo,

My sister who happens to be an american citizen, applied for immigrant visa for me in the year 2013 at that time I was single. I'm married now with two kids, my question is, when am I suppose to update my status. Meaning when am I suppose yo include my spouse's and kids name to my ' immigrant application' ? Your prompt response will be appreciated.

Report your status to USCIS and they will walk you through the file update. The earlier you do this, the better it will be for you.

Regards,
VO

DevOpsX:
Hi VO,

My I-140 is currently under processing. If approved, how long does Consular Processing takes?

Thanks

This is a question for USCIS.

Regards,
VO

automatic1:
I don't know anybody in u.s and I want to apply for immigration visa is it possible?

I answered this question just a few posts ago. The short answer is no except under extraordinary circumstances. Read the last few pages or use the search function.

Regards,
VO

automatic1:
Sir how can I process u.s immigration visa. Send me link were all details are. Thanks.

If you are the petitioner, you will start with USCIS. A simple Internet search will get you to the right place. If you are not able or are not willing to do that, you should consult with an immigration attorney.

Regards,
VO

zed7:
Dear VO, what are the consequences when someone whom was filed an immigrant visa for by a sibling is no longer interested in migrating to the US as he is now settled here and doing well in his business and now has a family. He would rather prefer occasional holidays to the US instead.
1. Will the petitioner have to inform the authorities to cancel the petition?
2. Will canceling a petition affect application for a B1/B2 in future?

The petitioner can inform USCIS about the desire to cancel the petition. However, please note that, by law, this decision is immediate and irreversible, even if you change your mind five minutes later. An F4 immigrant visa can take about 10 years until completion. Think carefully about this decision. That said, if he and his family are happy in Nigeria, then I wish them all the best, even though he sounds like exactly the kind of person we want to live and work in the United States.

Regarding the application for a B1/B2, I cannot say how this will affect that application.

Regards,
VO

iwrestledabear:
Dear VO

I am currently holding my advance parole and employment authorization document and living in the USA waiting for my green card to be approved.

It was supposed to come through in January but the Obama administration has USCIS fastrack naturalization applications during the election year which caused a 3 month delay.

I have a wife and a newborn son back home and I am not able to see them often because I have been in the usa waiting on mt documents.

I would like them to come and visit me on a visitors visa, just to cut short the time we will be apart. I am envisionig a 2 to 3 month trip.

I have also filed a folow to come application for them and paid the fees, so i am kinda worried that if they apply for a visitora visa they will be denied based on the fact that i am a pending greencard applicant.

Please advise.

Thank you

I advise you to consult with USCIS regarding your green card. Also, you have asked a non-immigrant visa question on an immigrant visa forum.

Regards,
VO

philipogunti:
Dear honoured vo, I have a cousin whose sister is LPR but will naturalise this august. She would like to adopt her bro but he's 15 and would turn 16 yrs of age by nov. So is d adoption process and naturalising going to take long. will he fall out of category and how many yrs will the lil boy wait in nig. can she as a lpr adopt now and when naturalization is completed sponsor him. pls I nid ur answer thanks

This is a complicated question and I will not have all of the answers for you. In general, the adoption must be "full and final" in Nigeria before someone can petition for the child. However, if the child is 16 years or older at the time of adoption and has no other siblings, then the child cannot be adopted under U.S. law. This is due to the I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption in which a consular officer agrees that the adoption was full, final, under a court of competent jurisdiction, and the age requirements have been met.

I encourage you to consult with an immigration and/or adoption attorney for further guidance.

Regards,
VO

oloyinmomo:
Dear VO,
God bless you sir. That is the clarification I need. I don't have any 92C on my record. I have never attempt to reenter U.S.,since the Immigration judge allowed me to depart in 1999. That's why I'm surprised by this last minute requirement by the consulate that I provide a third waiver after my I-601 & I-212 have been approved by USCIS. They didn't state the ground for the 92C. I believe there must have been an administrative error. Can you advice me on any corrective measure(s) I can take to correasureis anomaly. I appreciate your assistance.

There is no "third waiver" for your immigrant visa; a 92C cannot be waived. Therefore, you are permanently banned from entering the United States. However, you may -- may -- be eligible for a waiver for a non-immigrant visa. The Consulate no longer has your file. You should contact USCIS going forward.

Regards,
VO

oloyinmomo:
Dear VO,
Can you pls explain to me further about 92C . ln your reply you said 92C is an attempt to reenter United States after being ordered removed through deportation. If I understand you clearly does it mean that they are saying I have attempted to enter the United States after my voluntary deportation or can never be allowed to enter again. Pls expatiate. Thanks for your assistance.

If you indeed have a 92C on your record, and you are applying for an immigrant visa, then yes, you are permanently banned from entering the United States.

Regards,
VO

lysiana:
Good morning VO,

I had an interview at the US embassy without my medical result. After the interview, I was given a white paper requesting me to submit my medical result and passport.

Due to my location, the clinic will mail the medical result to the Embassy, while I mail the passport.

Please, will there be any issue if the two documents are mailed to the Embassy separately?

No issues, though it is preferred to be together.

Regards,
VO