Q&A: Your Immigration Questions Answered

“My I-129F has been approved but I haven’t received a case number. What happens next?”
After I-129F approval, USCIS forwards your case to the National Visa Center (NVC), which assigns a case number before sending it to the appropriate U.S. Embassy. This can take several months. Once the case reaches the Embassy, you’ll need to gather financial documents, relationship evidence, and country-specific requirements. If your petition expires before the interview, the consular officer can extend it.

“I finally received my adjustment of status interview date. What kind of evidence should I take?”
Great news! In addition to affidavits from friends and family (which are considered weaker evidence), bring strong documentation like joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, shared leases, and anything showing shared finances. Also review your interview notice—some USCIS offices require uploading evidence in advance.

“Can I bring a certified copy of a divorce decree instead of the original for a fiancé visa interview?”
Yes. A certified copy from the court is acceptable and treated like an original. It should have a raised seal, ink stamp, or certification to confirm authenticity.

“I’m feeling down. I filed my petition in July 2025 and miss my fiancé deeply.”
Your feelings are completely valid. Long-distance waiting is tough. Try finding creative ways to stay connected—video calls, surprise letters or packages, shared rituals. Each day brings you closer to being together.

“Will a government shutdown affect USCIS processing?”
Generally, no. USCIS is fee-funded, so it continues operating even during government shutdowns. Processing delays are more affected by internal backlogs than shutdowns.

“We filed our fiancé petition in November 2024 and it was approved in July, but no updates since. Is that normal?”
Yes, unfortunately it is. It can take several months post-approval for the NVC to assign a case number and forward your file. You can contact them after 60 days for updates.

“Are online (virtual) marriages valid for a spousal visa?”
Yes—but with caveats. Ensure the marriage is legally recognized with a licensed officiant. USCIS may treat it like a proxy marriage, which requires proof that you’ve met in person post-marriage. Legal guidance is highly recommended to avoid delays or denials.

“I forgot to list one of my ex-wives on my fiancé visa application. What should I do?”
You must disclose all prior marriages. Submit a supplement correcting the omission and include any missing required statements. Expect a Request for Evidence (RFE). Strongly consider hiring an immigration attorney to help fix this and avoid delays or denials.

“What should I do to prepare for an immigration interview?”

Do review your application thoroughly, practice your relationship timeline, and prepare your evidence. Don’t guess or lie if you don’t know something—just be honest. Do ask the officer to clarify questions if you don’t understand. You can also find detailed interview prep videos on the Immigration for Couples YouTube channel.

“Can I file a fiancé visa application online?”
Not currently. Fiancé visa (I-129F) applications must be filed by paper.

“My I-130 has been pending for 7 years. What can I do?”
That’s an excessive delay. If no waiver or additional application is pending, you might consider filing a mandamus lawsuit to compel USCIS to act. Before doing that, try congressional inquiries or contacting USCIS for updates.

“Can a previous visa denial affect a spousal visa case?”
Yes, it can. Immigration will examine the reason for the denial and whether it involved fraud or misrepresentation. It’s important to disclose the full history and work with an attorney to address potential concerns.

“Can I expedite my immigration case due to my partner’s medical condition?”
Yes, but it’s hard to get approved. Expedites are reviewed carefully because they involve cutting ahead in line. You must show how the urgency (e.g., medical crisis) justifies expediting. Detailed documentation is critical.

“Is it normal to feel nervous before the interview?”
Completely normal. Anxiety and excitement often activate the same brain signals. Focus on the progress you’ve made and take care of yourself emotionally and mentally.

“Are immigration officers really intimidating during interviews?”
Some can be. It often depends on personality and training. Officers may try to test consistency or honesty. Being prepared and calm helps. Attorneys often prep clients for both friendly and tough officers.

“Should I upload new relationship evidence to the ‘Unsolicited Evidence’ tab now or wait?”
You can upload now if you want to feel proactive, but it’s often best to wait until your interview is scheduled, so you can upload everything cleanly at once. Follow any specific instructions in your interview notice.

Join Us for Weekly Live Immigration Chats

Have more questions about the U.S. immigration process for couples? Join Attorney Megan Pastrana and the team every Tuesday at 11 AM EST for our Weekly Live Immigration Attorney Chats. You can ask your questions live on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and get personalized guidance for your case.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, helping you navigate the complexities of the immigration journey with confidence. If you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain about the next steps, reach out for personalized advice tailored to your unique situation. And don’t hesitate to visit our resource center for more detailed guides to use on your journey through this process.