ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (lucho562 @ Sep 8 2007, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (parkpapa @ Sep 8 2007, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We received the rejection notice for our AOS today along with all of the original paperwork. The rejection was because I had not submitted a check based on the new rates, even though our package was postmarked July 28. The package was received in Chicago on July 31, so they are apparently basing the rejection on the date received rather than the date postmarked. This is NOT what I remember the USCIS site saying about the dates. Anyone have any printed evidence about the details of the fee change date?

I will try to reach a live person with the USCIS on Monday. Quite frankly, I don't know how we'll pay the extra fees, if that's what we end up having to do. Lorena can't work yet and because of my job, I can't have a second job without approval. I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure thinking about it.



This is happening a lot. The package was suppose to be postmarked by the 30th, not received by the 30th. I do not a link on hand, but I know that it is postmarked not received. I too am waiting for a rejection from USCIS due TO THEIR MISTAKE! I can't believe this gov't agency makes so many mistakes.

You have three options.

A) Make a infopass appointment and take all the evidence that you sent it out prior to the 30th.
cool.gif Submit the paperwork as is, with a cover sheet stating that you sent the package prior to the 30th.
C) Submit and pay the new fees.

USCIS is ridiculous that they cannot follow their own rules.



Not sure this will help or just make people more confused

No Update Yet on AOS Filing Fees Post-July 30th
Written by Andrea Olivos-Kah
Monday, 23 July 2007
To date the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS) has not provided any further information about the filing fees that will apply to I-140s and other applications concurrently filed between July 31 and August 17th. The American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) has requested that US CIS clarify this and several other questions we have.

Many questions have been raised as a result of the US CIS announcement to rectify the immigrant visa availability as per the July Visa Bulletin. Some of those questions include what filing fees apply to concurrently filed applications that are filed with US CIS after July 30th. That is, it has been established that adjustment applications should be filed wit the current filing fee schedule and new filing fees will not apply to those. However there are still doubts about those other applications, including I-140’s, I-131s, I-765’s, filed between July 31 and August 17th. Or, whether applicants will be allowed to "opt in" to the new fee schedule during the period between July 30 and August 17. Yet another question is how filings will be handled where a new application relates back to an earlier-filed application (such as an I-485 where an I-140 is already pending with US CIS, or a request for Advance Parole or Travel Documents is later filed) where no receipt has yet been generated on the earlier filing. Unfortunately there is still no answer or guidance from US CIS on any of these points.

Another issue that is in question is whether US CIS will accept an I-485 filed concurrently with an I-140 filed after July 31, 2007, for an EB-1, Schedule A, or national interest waiver. That is, the question remains whether a priority date must still be established before the August 2007 Visa Bulletin (with all categories becoming "unavailable") goes into effect. Some of our colleagues believe that since the case would then have an August priority date and visa numbers are unavailable in August, then USCIS would reject those concurrent adjustment of status filings.



For now, it appears that the safest way to proceed is to file all applications prior to July 30th. And, since July 30th falls on a Monday, that really means that applications should be filed on either Friday, July 27th or by Fed Ex on Saturday, July 28th for delivery on Monday, July 30th.

We will keep following this issue and will post as soon as US CIS releases new guidance on this issue.
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-09-08 16:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (parkpapa @ Sep 7 2007, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations to all the recent approvals!!!!!!! good.gif

We've been without internet service for the best part of the past month, so I've had trouble keeping up with happenings here.

A question for any of you in the AOS process (I'll ask at the Colombia AOS forum also): We sent in our AOS paperwork at the end of July - just under the wire for the rate increase. But, we have not received any confirmation, and the check has not yet been cashed. I did receive notification from the post office that the packet had been received, but nothing from USCIS. Anyone else having this experience???? A month seems like a long time to sit on the check, but then again I know they got a crush of applications at the deadline. huh2.gif

Ok, I'm a worrier.... but this IS important - to us, at least. ;-)


Parkpapa just had my check cashed on 09/06 so I am sure yours will be cashed any day!
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-09-07 23:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Chester y Monica @ Sep 7 2007, 11:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
continued ...

Plan A was to go Ecudador and apply in person for the cert
Plan B was to have someone there do it for us
Plan C was to use the information we got from VJ showing information from travelstate.gov

That piece of paper, changed EVERYTHING!

Feel free to ask any questions. Again our endless gratitude to the VJ community and most especially Club Colombia!

Until I have the visa at hand on Monday afternoon, I won't be completely satisfied!!!!


Great to hear your story and a great out come......so wy was your wife traveling so much? Just joking with you, Congrats and God Bless you both

Buck
I agree with you a hundred percent the Embassy is out of control the way they treat people. I could not believe the way my mother in law was treated at her interview for a tourist visa. I was present at her interview and it was a joke plain and simple. She is going for another interview this month. We are more prepared and hoping that makes a difference.
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-09-07 23:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Congrats parkpapa!! To bad we missed each other in Bogota. One day we have to get together and introduce the ladies. What state are you from? I am in Connecticut. Well Congrats again and all the best!
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-06-08 23:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
FYI
While in Bogota, Doctor Consuelo was not in the office due to her father being in a car accident. She had a male Doctor covering the office for her. I am not sure this caused the issue with my Fiancee having to have her lab work re-done or having to get vaccinations TD / MMR again. In the end it all worked out, as we arrived home this morning. No one mentioned when Dr. Consuelo was returning to the office but just a heads up.
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-06-02 13:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Mike y Adriana is correct. We skipped the DS230 part II. However, bringing it won't hurt.

Corey, I lived in Hamden for three years and will return to the area in the next two months. When you get back in CT, if you'd like, Catherine would like very much to get in touch with your fiancee. I think it can be very helpful to have friends from back home. If your fiancee is interested in talking to her, please let me know. Catherine is from Barranquilla.

Jay



Jay,
We will def. get together when you are in Hamden and I am sure Tony and his wife will be with us. My Fiancee (Adelis) told me she would love to talk to your Fiancee. They will have to exchange email addresses. I agree, it is important that our Fiancee's have a network of friends that are going to be adjusting to living in America. No matter how much we try to make the transition easy for them, it is a change. Talk to you soon.

Tony,
I'll give you a call either Saturday or Sunday. We leave Bogota tonight ( Saturday) at 11:55pm and arrive at JFK at 5:30am, immigration and then the ride home! Hope the little one is willing to take a nap so we can!
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-06-01 16:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Good news I wanted to share!
My Fiancee's visa was approved! We had our interview date on 5/25. The only issue we had was the lab. work was not clear and my fiancee had to have another test done. We were able to still have our interview as scheduled as were approved pending the medical documentation. We had to wait until Tuesday to return to the Doctor's office. At the second visit she was informed she needed two more vaccinations ( TD , MMR). There is a office close by where she got the vaccinations ( cost was good 37.000 mil total). We returned to the doctor's office and recieved the doctor's letter. Today we returned to the Embassy and are scheduled to pick up the visa tomorrow.

The only issue was my future mother-in-law was denied a tourist visa to attend our wedding. I have already written the Embassy and I am written all my Senators and Congressmen. I was really upset and had be removed from the Embassy by my mother-in-law and Fiancee. I wanted to know why and speak to a supervisor. The Official that spoke to her was terrible. I was present for her interview and I was ashamed she was treated the way she was. I sent the following letter. Do not think it will help.



xxxxxxxxx
Hamden, CT.
06514
(203) xxxxxxxxx
Email: Prez3364@aol.com

Subject: Visit Denial xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Dear Ambassador William B. Wood,

I am respectfully requesting that you review a Tourist Visa Denial for my future mother-in-law. On 05/25/07, Mrs. Dubis Maria Vega Cabrera was interview and denied a Tourist Visa to attend the wedding of her daughter and myself on 7/27/07 in North Haven, CT. Mrs. Vega Cabrera provided the following evidence to demonstrate strong ties to Colombia. The evidence is as follows:
Mrs. Vega Cabrera is the owner of house in Barranquilla
Attached to the house are two stores that Mrs. Vega Cabrera collects rent monthly.
In addition Mrs. Vega Cabrera has a store front in her house that she sells clothing she manufactures.
Mrs. Vega Cabrera has 3 children residing in Colombia with 2 currently living with her.
Mrs. Vega Cabrera has 6 grandchildren residing in Colombia with 1 grandchild living with her.
A copy of the contract for the wedding at Fantasia in North Haven, CT. was provided to the Consular Officer.
The aforementioned demonstrates Mrs. Vega Cabrera has strong ties to Colombia. I was present for my mother-in-laws interview and possibly due to the large number of applicants on this day, the Consular Officer might not of had enough time to review all the evidence provided. I would also like to add, I am a Correctional Lieutenant for the State of Connecticut, member of the Town of Hamden Community Emergency Response Team ( A program sponsored by Homeland Security) and I am involved in community activities with the Masonic Organization. I can ensure you, Mrs. Vega Cabrera with return to Colombia so she may return for future trips to visit her daughter and myself.

In closing, I would like to thank you in advance for reviewing this case. I am hopefully Mrs. Vega Cabrera can have a new appointment scheduled before she returns to Barranquilla on 5/31.

Respectfully,

Corey Green
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-30 10:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
:innocent:

can people who have gone through this process please post your experiences with the doctors in bogota that conduct the exams, dra gonzalez and dr. roa. how long did it take from start to getting your results? 2, 3 days
given the choice of the 2 docters, why did you choose one over the other? was it because of speed, availabilty, location, female doctor? i had read (i can't recall if it was in bogota or in other countries) how some male doctors have taken advantage of young women by asking them to strip naked where as the female doctors do not and conduct the exam with most or all of the clothes on.
for that reason alone i was thinking of taking my wife to see la Dra gonzalez.
gracias
JK

I haven't seen any specifically negative comments about the male doctor in Bogota, only that Dra. Gonzalez is "nice". Again, from comments seen here, it appears that the results are ready by the next day. Of course, I suppose that depends on how busy they are.

We'll be finding out more about this part of the process in a couple of weeks, so I'll try to post something after I get back.


I'll try posting here the day of the visit. Otherwise, it will be an overall post with all the other stuff from the embajada.



The form I received ( pack. 4) list my fiancee and child the same as yours, with only my fiancee as the traveling applicant. So hopefully this is correct for both of us.

TonyS Thanks for the "shout out" ! Looking forward to meeting you and your wife in person. Have a great time in Florida. Try to not get arrested in the airport :thumbs: :thumbs:
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-22 11:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
A member who also has great information on immigration issues and visas on Colombianblog.com ( Gator) posted this draft letter, hope it helps others. It is in Spanish ans English


LETTER OF PERMISSION AND AUTHORIZATION

I, [Name of father], male of legal age, bearer of citizen

identification Cedula) ID No. -----, issued in [Name of city], hereby grant

my natural minor child [Name of Child], with Birth Certificate

No. ---------- and Passport No. --------, permission and

authorization to leave the country Colombia and enter the United

States with the child's mother [Name of Mother], bearer of citizen

identificationCedula ID No. ________, issued in [Name of city]. This

trip is expected in --------------, and this permission and

authorization is effective from now until the date of the trip.

Date:___________

In witness whereof I sign this document:

_______________

[Name of Natural Father]

Notarized by Public Notary in Colombia

ESPANOL

LA CARTA DE EL PERMISO Y LA AUTORIZACION

Yo, [el Nombre del padre natural], mayor de edad, identificado

con la cedula de ciudadania numero CEDULA Numero ----,

expedida en [el Nombre de la ciudad], por medio del presente

documento, concedo permiso a mi hijo menor [Nombre del hijo],

identificada con Certificado de Nacimiento No. --------- y el

Pasaporte No. -------, para que pueda salir y ausentarse del pais

y entrar a los EE.UU. en compania de su madre [Nombre de la

Madre], identificada con la cedula de ciudadania CEDULA

Numero ---------- expedida en [el Nombre de la ciudad]. Este
viaje se espera en -------------, y este permiso y la

autorización son efectivo de ahora hasta la fecha del viaje.

Fecha:

En el testigo de qué yo firmo este documento:

_______________

[El Nombre de padre]

[En notario público en Colombia]
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-05 06:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Hello....i think this is great....my fiancee has her interview set for 5/31. We have all the documets in order excpet for the Certificado de Migratorio. Does anyone know what the wait time is if we were to try and get this at the DAS in Medellin? I've read that in Bogota it is about 3 days. We have already made our travel plans and we get in on Sunday 5/27 with our interview set for 5/31...thursday....if we went to the dAS in Bogota on Monday do you think we can get it on wed? Just not sure what the best way would be....thanks


I know the America Embassy is closed due to the Memorial Holiday on 5/28 not sure if the holiday is also observed in Colombia, something you may want to look into to ensure the DAS is open. My interview is on 5/25 so will have to wait until Tuesday to pick up he visa.
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-05 06:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

I used a brief cover letter that worked for me, just keep it simply I would suggest. Best of luck!

(Fiancees Name)
(Address )
Colombia
(Telephone number)


American Embassy
Calle 22D-Bis # 47-51
Bogota, Colombia

Re: K-1 Visa Documents for (Fiancee name) and Child ( packet 3) ( if this applies to you)

Case Reference # BGT2007-xxx-xxxx

To the Consular Section Visas,

I am seeking an interview date for a K-1 Fiancee Visa.

I have faxed the following documents for (Fiancee name) ( Fiancee) and (Son's name)(Son of xxxxxx)

DS-230 part 1
OF-169
Copies of Passports

Sincerely,


Thanks Corey....Did your fiance fax it in english?


Yes, the cover letter was in English and my Fiancee's paper work was in Spanish but the cover letter I written was in English...No issues, had a interview date a week later, used the telephone number TonyS posted that is in Washington. Took 10 minutes and they gave me the interview date. While I was in Colombia she received package 4 and it was the correct date. Will be in Bogota on 5/24 until 6/1 if any other Visajourney / Colombia Club member are going to be there, let me know
Corey
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-03 20:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Just back from Barranquilla and Cartagena! Great time!

Wanted to inquiry if anyone had a draft of a letter giving a parent permission for a child to leave Colombia. In my case the father giving permission for the mother of the child to leave Colombia with the child. I know this would have to be notarized and presented to the court. Not sure I explained myself very well! Still tired but wanted to get this question posted. We have our interview date 5/25 in Bogota. Wish us luck!
Thanks,
Corey

I'll be interested in any response also, Corey. My wife needs the same permission for her two sons. Good luck with your interview! We're hoping we can follow suit in June. :thumbs:


Hey Parkpapa,
I spoke briefly to my fiancee today and I believe she had gone to the DAS office today and obtained a form from the Office. She had to sign the document, and provide a finger print. The document is going to be sent to the child's biological father to be signed, and notarized. I am not sure this information is completely accurate so I just want to add that disclaimer. Will keep you posted when I have a chance to speak to her longer.
Corey
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-03 20:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
I used a brief cover letter that worked for me, just keep it simply I would suggest. Best of luck!

(Fiancees Name)
(Address )
Colombia
(Telephone number)


American Embassy
Calle 22D-Bis # 47-51
Bogota, Colombia

Re: K-1 Visa Documents for (Fiancee name) and Child ( packet 3) ( if this applies to you)

Case Reference # BGT2007-xxx-xxxx

To the Consular Section Visas,

I am seeking an interview date for a K-1 Fiancee Visa.

I have faxed the following documents for (Fiancee name) ( Fiancee) and (Son's name)(Son of xxxxxx)

DS-230 part 1
OF-169
Copies of Passports

Sincerely,
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-03 20:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Just back from Barranquilla and Cartagena! Great time!

Wanted to inquiry if anyone had a draft of a letter giving a parent permission for a child to leave Colombia. In my case the father giving permission for the mother of the child to leave Colombia with the child. I know this would have to be notarized and presented to the court. Not sure I explained myself very well! Still tired but wanted to get this question posted. We have our interview date 5/25 in Bogota. Wish us luck!
Thanks,
Corey
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-05-03 17:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Mike: Thanks Mike for the fast reply. I already translated the information and forwarded it to my Fiancee. Mike you should consider starting a business with all the knowledge you have acquired through this process. Just don't start charging until I am finished with the process!!!!
:yes:


TonyS: I sent you a message, hope I did it correctly and you get it! Thanks!
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-04-09 19:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
I just finished reading from page 1 to 39 over the past few days.....as Mike ( Mike and Adriana) suggested......whew ...information overload. It was very helpful and I have about 4 pages of notes that I will be referring too. I also want to say thank you to KathyB for the information you provided about your recent interview.

One subject that applies to my situation I saw only touched is a minor child of the Fiancee. I really need some clarification on what is required. My Fiancee has a 19 month old son and I am attempting to learn what is required at the interview ( K-1) for my soon to be step-son. In reviewing the posts it mentions the appropriate vaccinations for his age. My Fiancee does have his vaccination records which are current. I also read he will need to have a Doctor's appointment prior to the interview. Does the Doctor's appointment have to be in Bogota? My Fiancee lives in Barranquilla. I am planning on attending the interview ( hopefully in the end of May), June the latest. In reading the past posts, I have read the Embassy prefers children are not brought to the interview, in the situation I would be watching our son rather then be able to attend the interview.

What forms are need, if any for the K-1? Do I need an additional DS-156 and does this have to be brought to the bank also? Are there any other forms required? I am aware a letter needs to be prepared for permission for the child to leave the Colombia and consent given by the Biological father. In our situation the father's whereabouts are not known. He does not provide any child support our call to inquiry how the child is doing. My Fiancee has gone to the family court ( do not remember the exact name) and was told she needs to present three witnesses at the court to verify the father's whereabouts are not known. Once her case is proven she would be issued a letter allowing the child to leave Colombia. The letter is only valid for 20 days. She was told it takes approximately 4 or 5 days for the letter to be prepared. We are awaiting the interview date before she applies for the letter due to it only being valid for twenty days.

Any suggests or advice regarding a child ( 19 months old) for a K-1 visa would be helpful.
Thanks in Advance.

P.S OskaryAndrea....I really feel for you and the problems you have been encountering. I really hope everything gets resolved and fast for you and your fiance.

I just finished reading from page 1 to 39 over the past few days.....as Mike ( Mike and Adriana) suggested......whew ...information overload. It was very helpful and I have about 4 pages of notes that I will be referring too. I also want to say thank you to KathyB for the information you provided about your recent interview.

One subject that applies to my situation I saw only touched is a minor child of the Fiancee. I really need some clarification on what is required. My Fiancee has a 19 month old son and I am attempting to learn what is required at the interview ( K-1) for my soon to be step-son. In reviewing the posts it mentions the appropriate vaccinations for his age. My Fiancee does have his vaccination records which are current. I also read he will need to have a Doctor's appointment prior to the interview. Does the Doctor's appointment have to be in Bogota? My Fiancee lives in Barranquilla. I am planning on attending the interview ( hopefully in the end of May), June the latest. In reading the past posts, I have read the Embassy prefers children are not brought to the interview, in the situation I would be watching our son rather then be able to attend the interview.

What forms are need, if any for the K-1? Do I need an additional DS-156 and does this have to be brought to the bank also? Are there any other forms required? I am aware a letter needs to be prepared for permission for the child to leave the Colombia and consent given by the Biological father. In our situation the father's whereabouts are not known. He does not provide any child support our call to inquiry how the child is doing. My Fiancee has gone to the family court ( do not remember the exact name) and was told she needs to present three witnesses at the court to verify the father's whereabouts are not known. Once her case is proven she would be issued a letter allowing the child to leave Colombia. The letter is only valid for 20 days. She was told it takes approximately 4 or 5 days for the letter to be prepared. We are awaiting the interview date before she applies for the letter due to it only being valid for twenty days.

Any suggests or advice regarding a child ( 19 months old) for a K-1 visa would be helpful.
Thanks in Advance.

P.S OskaryAndrea....I really feel for you and the problems you have been encountering. I really hope everything gets resolved and fast for you and your fiance.
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-04-09 10:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
My Fiancee and I confirmed our visa petition is in Bogota. My fiancee had called and she was informed package three would arrive at her house in about 20 days. We would like to fax and mail the documents now instead of waiting for package three to arrive. Could anyone help and list what I should be sending exactly? Some documents I believe are needed to send now are as follows:

134 ( I have a copy and an original) should I mail the original or bring it to the interview?)
230 part 1
passport ( a copy of her passport)
169 ( question, the 169 is just a form that needs to be signed at the interview? ) Does my
fiancee need to complete this form in anyway? Also should I place the reference number
assigned at the Bogota embassy on everypage

Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciate. i really want to get the information faxed before 4/15 so hopefully we can get an interview date in May......I just do not want to make any mistakes. Thanks
Corey
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-04-06 03:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Dear Peter ( Miami)
Can you please forward any documents that should be faxed to Bogota if you should have them or links to the documents. Any help would be appreciated. My email address is Prez3364@aol.com
My K-1 visa has been electronically sent to bogota at this time. I would like to complete the forms and send them as you stated to speed the process up. Thanks in advance!
Corey (Prez3364@aol.com)
Corey3368MaleColombia2007-03-25 23:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

To: All VJ members going through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.


I am posting this thread because I have had to explain this process many times so by putting it here it should help everyone. The best of luck to your fiancée and you. (L)

You could look at my timeline and get an idea. Remember no two K-1 fiancée visa petitions are exactly the same.

After your petition leaves your service center (CSC/TSC, NVC, VSC) it goes to NVC and it might take about two weeks. From NVC it goes to the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá this usually takes about four or five days.

There are short-cuts that you can take once the petition gets to Bogotá. But the first thing you do is to call NVC every couple of days to a week. Make sure you speak with a customer service representative and not the automated system, K-1’s stay less than two weeks and they do not put them in the system. When you call NVC, get your case number and ask them when they will sent the petition out. Once you know that date, call back on that date and make sure that they sent it out. Then you track the package through www.dhl.com. I will give you the instruction later.

Once the petition gets to the Embassy you or your fiancée faxes and sends by courier (Servientrega); a copy of your fiancées passport, OF-169, DS-2001 and DS-230 part 1. If the Embassy gets these documents before the cut-off date (varies from month to month 16th to the 20th) then you get the interview the following month. If not by the cut-off date you get the interview the month after that. :yes:

After the NOA2 every thing moves fast so you need to make sure your fiancée and you get all the documents, paperwork, and all other stuff ready and send it to her. :thumbs:

Good luck,

Peter Miami


Corey3368MaleColombia2007-03-25 23:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow long is the police background check good?
My wife is quite eager, and has already had her police background check done... even though our application hasn't yet made it to the consulate in Guangzhou, China. It was done on March 27. Does anyone know if this will work in a few months when it is a required part of her packet, or must she get another one with a more recent date?
ChinaDavidMaleChina2007-05-04 19:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of Support-evidence- BANK LETTER
For Nicaragua all I needed with my I-134 (notarized) was a copy of last years taxes, which I filed electronically. I just went on line and printed out a copy. No bank letter, no employer letter. I e-mailed the consulate before our NOA2 to see what was required so I knew the requirements before the consulate in nicaragua received our case. If you can e-mail questions to the consulate, you should, because the directions on the I-134 do not always apply!
Good Luck! Emma
emmajrFemaleNicaragua2008-10-10 20:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCopy of medical exam???
I was just wondering WHY the person that goes for the medical exam as a requirement for the interview does not automatically get a copy of everything having to do with the medical exam. I noticed that it says the doctor doing the exam should give the person a copy of their vaccination record (DS-3025), but nothing about getting a copy of the exam. I assume this has something to do with tampering with the results, but I have read in different threads of the exam being "lost" and having to pay for a new one when AOS time comes around. My sense is my fiance SHOULD have a copy of this just in case they can't find it for AOS part...
emmajrFemaleNicaragua2008-10-29 08:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of Support
I e-mailed this question to the consulate and this was the reply:

"You must answer I intent. It is the first box from left to right".

So, I said intend and wrote on the line
"I intend for ********* to live with me in my home. We will get married and he will apply for work authorization here in the US. Until he can contribute income I intend to support him indefinietly, providing him with money as needed.

He has not had the interview yet. Most likely will be Jan 8 or 9.
emmajrFemaleNicaragua2008-12-18 18:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 156 - Question 36
Sample forms have "no" for question 36. I read this as prior to this visa application. My fiance has all forms filled out and I am not sure if I should call him and tell him to change his answer to question 36...

QUOTE (cjgator @ Jan 3 2009, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks push. Just checking..

CJ-G

QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jan 3 2009, 08:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cjgator @ Jan 3 2009, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, my Mrs. has been approved by USCIS for the I-129F and the I-130 for the K3. I have filed the forms for the K3, including the DS 156. On question 36 of the DS 156 (Has anyone ever filed an immigrant visa petition on your behalf), I assume the correct answer is "yes", with the response, "spouse filed I-130 petition". Is thos correct, or should I say no?CJ-G

I say filed. I should have said "filled out".
CJ-G

QUOTE (cjgator @ Jan 3 2009, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, my Mrs. has been approved by USCIS for the I-129F and the I-130 for the K3. I have filed the forms for the K3, including the DS 156. On question 36 of the DS 156 (Has anyone ever filed an immigrant visa petition on your behalf), I assume the correct answer is "yes", with the response, "spouse filed I-130 petition". Is thos correct, or should I say no?CJ-G



You are someone and you filed the I-130, an immigrant petition, so of course that's correct.



emmajrFemaleNicaragua2009-01-03 22:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBaptismal certificate necessary?
Thank you everyone for your responses and directions..

I spoke with Bella today discussing the option of the letter or an actual baptismal..
She has decided that she wants to have the baptismal not only for the child, but as a event for the family.. She feels she will be missing some holidays, etc being away from here family when she is here, she wants' to have as many family gatherings as possible now..lol

I am certain we will have many more questions in the future and are very grateful for having found these forums and you wonderful people

Joe & Bella
Joe & BellaMaleColombia2008-01-13 23:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBaptismal certificate necessary?
Hello everyone My novia and I are about to take the trip down the K-1 visa journey. We should be prepared to submit our I-129F application sometime this coming week.. After much reading and investigating, I'm pretty confident that with all the help we have found here on this site, we should do fine.. I do have a question. Bella has a 1 1/2 yr old son. The son has NOT been baptized I have been told on a couple of occasions that before the interview the baby will need to be baptized if only for the certificate and to be translated. Bella has the birth certificate and a passport for the baby, shouldn't this be sufficient? Thank you in advance for your help..

Joe & Bella
Joe & BellaMaleColombia2008-01-12 20:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Joe & Bella @ May 9 2008, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancée had her K1 visa interview on May 7th. At the interview she was told she needed to gather more information and return to the embassy to have the information reviewed and we hope, receive her visa.

My question is how do we go about getting the appointment to have these addition documents reviewed?

Has anyone else needed to do a RFE for the the interview?

Thank you in advance



QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ May 9 2008, 05:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You need to get a PIN# from the embassy to set up another interview with them. The cost is about $16USD but it's the only way you can do it.

Diana



QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ May 9 2008, 05:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I forgot to mention that you can call the embassy to get the PIN # and you can pay with a credit card. When you buy it and call from the States the phone call has unlimited minutes. Your fiancée can also go to a Colpatria bank to purchase it but she will only get X amount of minutes on it.

Diana


Thank you Diana for your response, now I understand what they meant by the pin.. I also searched pin on the Colombian Embassy website after seeing your response and got this..


Our Visa Information Center, which is staffed with operators Monday through Friday (including most American and Colombian holidays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, answers general visa questions and schedules certain types of appointments.

In order to contact the Visa Information Center, callers in Colombia must first purchase a personal identification number (PIN). Then dial 346-9150 (in Bogota) or 01-8000-12-32-32 (in Colombia but outside of Bogota).

Callers in the United States must dial must dial 1-877-804-5401, and the call will be charged to their credit card (Visa or MasterCard). The charge when calling from the United States is US$16.00 per call (unlimited call duration).

I'll try and call Monday and see what happens and how fast I can get the interview scheduled....

Edited by Joe & Bella, 10 May 2008 - 01:52 PM.

Joe & BellaMaleColombia2008-05-10 13:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
My fiancée had her K1 visa interview on May 7th. At the interview she was told she needed to gather more information and return to the embassy to have the information reviewed and we hope, receive her visa.

My question is how do we go about getting the appointment to have these addition documents reviewed?

Has anyone else needed to do a RFE for the the interview?

Thank you in advance
Joe & BellaMaleColombia2008-05-09 16:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hello everyone,

I've been reading through the forums looking for the definitive answer for this..

From what I read on the forums all the children need the medical exam. However, I read this from the K visa appointment package :

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS LABORATORY EXAMINATION: Applicants who are 15 years of age or older are required to have blood tests and a chest X-ray done

and also :

Applicants who are 15 years of age or older must first select a doctor for the general examination, second complete your laboratory examination, and third complete your general physical examination.

I also see this document has been recently updated on March 19 '08.. Maybe the age requirement has been changed?



Bella has 3 children under 15 and this could get expensive.. lol I also see it's $29 per person delivery fee for the visas.. They give a 3 dollar discount for more than one..



Anyone recently been through the embassy with young children have the answer?

</SPAN></SPAN>
Joe & BellaMaleColombia2008-04-01 11:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (margara&john @ Mar 4 2008, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,
When you have traveled to Colombia in the past, how and where do you exchange currency? I normally send money to Margara Western Union. I don't want her to travel with such a large ammount of money on her. This trip will require much more money than previous trips, what with the doctor and visas and vaccinations. I would prefer to bring it myself. On previous trips, I noticed a currency exchange at the airport in Miami. Is anyone familiar with these airport currency exchanges? I have a feeling they might charge large fees. Worst case I will just send her the money and we can pick it up together in Bogota.

Thanks

john



ATM's are the best way to go.. You can also exchange dollars for pesos at the banks, or vise versa.. They give a much better rate than the kiosks at the airports. There are also people who make a living exchanging dollars on the street.. While living in Colombia this is how I would do it.. But I highly recommend you NEVER do this..


I opened a second account in my local bank and obtained a ATM card for the extra account.. I gave the card to my novia and when she needs money I just transfer the money from my account to hers on line.. This bank cost me about $5.00 per transaction for the Colombian ATM's.. I didn't have time to open the account in the other bank I use that has nee attached fees.. But even at $5.00 a transaction, it's still a lot cheaper the Western Union, etc.. I think you could open a account and send her the ATM card DHL and still save money over Western Union fees..
Joe & BellaMaleColombia2008-03-05 12:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Question 2
Hi everyone,

I am currently working on an I-134 form and am a little stumped on question 2 (I am ___ years old and have resided in the United States since _____).

My fiance, who is a British citizen, will be having his interview in London, but we lived in China for two years. I was there from February 2006 to April 2008. During this time I did not change my address on any government issued documents (driver's license, passport) or on bank accounts. My legal residence has always been in the US, even if I was not physically there. I know this is a very small issue, but as I don't want to make a mistake that could delay us in any way, should I put that I have lived in the US since April of 2008, or that I have lived in the United States since birth?

Thanks for your help!
skmFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-16 18:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionListing stock information on I-134
My parents have graciously offered to be our co-sponsor for our I-134, but are not comfortable listing some of the financial information (namely stocks) on the forms. There is a section in the instructions that says something like "submission of the information is voluntary, but may delay the application or cause it to be denied." Is there any chance that this affadavit could be denied because of the omission?
skmFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-23 17:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit of Support - ID REquirement
Preparing for my interview on Wednesday and just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

My dad is the co-sponsor and is a US Citizen from birth. Do I need to include a certified copy of his Birth Certificate with the affidavit?
A copy of the first page of his passport is already included.

Thanks!
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-06-05 07:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGeneral Information about next in process
Hello everyone,

We received our approval from the service center the 26th of April. After reading and trying to figure this out, it looks like a packet will come to me within 5 or 6 days. Is that correct.
And in the packet is a checklist that shows want we have to bring to the embassy¿ I have been reading of a packet that says do not open¿ where does that come in¿ Anything else I need to watch for that I might miss.
I am in Colombia now visiting Maria Teresa for her birthday and was hoping to go to the embassy on this trip as I willl be here 11 days, but it does not look like that will happen.
Thank you for all your help
Charlie
CharliehereMaleColombia2008-04-28 10:46:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)CAN WE GET VISA EXPRESSED WHEN APPROVED @ EMBASSY! ( DHL )
Unfortunately, no you can't - and some get the visa back in 3-4 days, some have taken months - Please hold off and do not book him a flight till it is in hand.
susFemaleJamaica2011-05-07 05:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Evidence for Interview
It's not REQUIRED - its one of the ways to show proof of an ongoing relationship - so is travel info, emails, pictures, etc... don't stress that you don't have them from the beginning, if you can get some from now then get some - if you can't, you can't -
susFemaleJamaica2011-08-14 13:16:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Security Checks
http://www.usaimmigr...tiveReview.html
susFemaleJamaica2011-09-01 09:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC filers, listen up...
QUOTE (Ilya R. @ Jul 19 2008, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the info. But according to your worker they stop working on these visas July 31st? I dunno, how does he know when exactly they stop?



They don't stop processing them - There is an influx of H1B visas trying to meet the filing open date of April 1st = the applications received on that date (well over the cap) are put into a lottery - I am sure it takes time and a lot of resources to sort through all of this, and do all of the notifications, etc... Probably once the lottery assignments are completed, it goes back to a normal process where workers are allocated to the diffferent types of visas.
susFemaleJamaica2008-07-19 15:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC filers, listen up...
QUOTE (Michael 007 @ Jul 16 2008, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
3) Most importantly, I found out some very big news that I do not think most VJers are aware of regarding the VSC. I work for a major American manufacturing corporation and like many of my fellow freshmen co-workers, we all started our jobs after getting MBAs this spring. It was by chance today at lunch I started mentioning all the drama I was having with the USCIS regarding getting wife and 2 week old daughter home. Needless to say, my co-workers were very understanding and sympathetic to my plot giving the fact they are foreign nationals trying to stay here and work after business school. It was then that one guy piped up and began telling me how the USCIS was putting him through the wringer regarding his H1B visa. I have to admit for someone who has spent many sleepless nights over the last 3 months studying immigration law and the USCIS, I was painfully unaware of how the H1B works.

Now here is an eye-opener for everyone...

If I recalled correctly, someone posted on this site within the last few weeks stating that they spoke to a Congressman regarding the USCIS's slow processing. He stated that the VSC was allocating resources to process other visas, I-130s taking the back-burner of course! Well, what my co-worker told me today blew my mind. We all know that the VSC has been at a virtual stand-still since April. Well, April 1 is when the USCIS begins to process H1Bs (I am not sure, but I think the VSC is the only service center that processes these visas). Out of the hundreds of thousands of international students in the American university system every year, only 60,000 H1Bs are available for post-grad employment authorization.

Now here is how this touches us. According to my co-worker, regardless of whether or not your H1B petition was filed on time, come July 31, the USCIS puts all H1Bs aside and will not process nor even look at a single H1B until next April. According to my calendar, it is July 15, only 16 more days for H1Bs to be processed. I am taking a guess here, but I would imagine that the H1Bs have been taking up over 80% of the officers at the VSC and come Aug 1, I suspect to see a massive realignment of work priorities and with a little luck, those I-130s/K3s will start getting pushed on out the door.

Just my two cents. I a pray for each and everyone of us every day.



That's not exactly true- April 1st is the first date that H1B petitions can be received for the next year's filing period - which technically opens on October 1st. However, there are so many H1B petitions filed that the Cap is usually reached within the 1st day or so - The H1B covers foreign workers, not just foreign students, and the cap is 65,000 - There are 20,000 visas available for student workers that are exempt from the cap - You can read more here.


http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

I do know that from April 1 forward, the USCIS is slammed with H1B petitions - my HR Law dept is slammed with work the entire month of March, trying to ensure that all the ducks are in a row and get things filed by April 1. The H1Bs that are currently being worked on are for the year 2009 - so once they are logged in, they might put them aside until April 1, but I am not sure - However, someone filing an H1B that didn't have it in by April 1 has slim to none chance of getting through -
susFemaleJamaica2008-07-19 10:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I still go for the K-3??
See the guide here for both living in the US:

http://www.visajourn...page=i130guide2
susFemaleJamaica2008-10-07 17:45:00