ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFinding a sponsor
QUOTE (Delilah @ May 22 2008, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jomo @ May 23 2008, 02:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree. There is no one in your life who could help you out?


In my life? Yes, but I'm not the USC. My fiancee' in the US is the one with few options. I know asking on here is a stretch, and we're still hopeful of one of our options will work out, but I'm not ashamed to ask on VJ.

Have your USC fiance talk to his friends/relatives/co-workers. This is not very hard unless you live in a completely isolated area. All the co-sponsor needs to be is a US citizen or Permanent Resident (and yes make enough money) - so even a friend of yours who is a permanent resident can help - for example one of my wife's brother lives here and he can co-sponsor her (if her fiance doesn't meet the 125% level). Your fiance needs to be convincing enough to sell his case - again not very hard to do. You do not want to pledge your first born or something like that to some unscrupulous person lurking here! Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-22 20:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFinding a sponsor
What you should do is talk to relatives and friends and boss at work or colleagues - those who know you should be willing to help you as long as you can convince them that the sponsored party will not really need the financial need that they are attesting to, because you will be able to take care of your fiance/wife sufficiently. Those who don't know you (like us on VJ) and do not have any idea of what your capabilities are - should not be your source for co-sponsorship - its very disturbing to me at the very least. However, if you were my neighbor that would be entirely different. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-22 13:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-129F and G-325A Residence Question
I do not know the 'technical' issues with not providing a US address where the beneficiary will be staying - but it sure doesn't look good from my perspective. If you can't use your parents address - how about another relative (brother/sister/uncle/aunt) or a good friend? Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-20 10:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionurgent:interview on 30th
You have enough evidence - and do not repeat - do not include any pictures of an engagement ceremony - they have led to rejection for a few people going through consulates in India. A few letters or emails or chat records is all you need to provide - many times they don't even look at these. Be cool and answer as best as you can (questions about your fiance - job/where he/she lives etc.). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-22 09:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCosts
Depending on which city you get them done - they can be cheaper or expensive. My wife had her vaccinations done in Barranquilla at the Red Cross and felt the prices were cheaper than in Bogota. She paid about $80 or so a couple years ago. The medical exam and blood tests have to be done at the clinics in Bogota and they have fixed costs. (The packet 3 and 4 have the exact info in them). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-22 09:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionThinking A head
Dona will also arrange to pick you up from the airport (good for late night arrivals like my wife). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-05 11:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionstuck In ankara for affidivate support!
Do you have a specific question or are just frustrated? If you need a co-sponsor, ask your friends and family. They will need to be making enough money to cover their household plus your fiance and her kids (not you - you are not being sponsored). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-23 10:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionArranging flight after visa
DO what rin did - most airlines will let you reschedule for a fee (usually $100 to 200 but sometimes even less - if you can talk to their representative and tell them why you are changing it, they may give you a break (especially if you know the local agent)). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-06-17 10:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (waitman @ May 29 2008, 11:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
only thing that I need to bring is my US passport, correct? That's right, my plan is to bring me, my American passport and *nothing* else-- is that ok?

Thanks and good luck!

Wrong - Do not forget to bring your credit cards and ATM cards - you are going to need it. laughing.gif Good Luck

Edited by motu, 30 May 2008 - 01:05 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-30 13:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (CHRIS AND JUNNELL @ May 25 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HELP IN BARRANQUILLA ... need a kind and benevolent host !!!!

Sorry to read about your situation. What you need to do is maximize your credit card, use your bank overdraft (if any) ask your family, friends and colleagues for monetary help.
My wife is from Barranquilla but I wouldn't put her family at risk - you are afraid of your fiance's ex becoming violent - do not ask others to put themselves/their families at risk. Use your credit/money to put her in a hotel where she will feel safe - its best for everyone. If I was in Barranquilla, I would take it upon myself to help but I feel that you do not know anyone on this forum (beyond a little contact on this forum) and shouldn't put them in jeopardy, you need to resolve it within your own circle of family/friends. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-26 11:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (bigley @ May 22 2008, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also does anyone know the website that I can check on the interviews scheduled at the embassy. I saw the website earlier but can not seem to find it again.

http://bogota.usemba...pointments.html
The info here is pretty good but the dates they post the new list is not always consistent. Your best notice is the letter you get from the embassy but if you know the case number, then this link is pretty good.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-22 10:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (ColombianoGringo @ Apr 8 2008, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question about tax returns for the interview. I normally do my taxes in TurboTax, so I could easily print out copies of my returns for previous years and bring along copies of the W-2s for those years. Is this acceptable to the embassy or would it be better to take IRS transcripts for previous years along with a copy of the 2007 return?

Thanks,
CG

I sent copies from my online filing with W-2s and they were fine (The copies were not even signed because I file electronically). You are ok. Do take a letter from your employer detailing your income. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-08 18:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Bill y Bella @ Mar 21 2008, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is a link to an immigration story everyone should read. Make sure that you have a discussion with the beneficiary about this article and tell him/her to report any inappropriate actions or requests immediately.

The thought of government officials taking advantage of vulnerable people just makes me furious.

That story is after the woman arrived in USA and has nothing to do with the US staff in Bogota. I guess you had a bad experience in Bogota but hundreds of others didn't. My fiancee also had a very easy time with the staff in Bogota as did some of her friends that have come after her. Do not equate a terrible person in the New York office with the US embassy staff in Bogota they do not deserve this. For most people, my understanding from talking to them has been - its very stressful to go through the process - don't put more stress on the people by saying things like you are saying. If you have a specific incidence that happened to you - tell us so others can learn from it and watch out for that. Most people that are rejected in Bogota have 1) Incomplete paperwork; and 2) Insufficient Financial support. Once they can overcome those they are approved. Unless you have criminal background etc. - few are rejected for the K1 or K3 in Bogota. Good Luck to all of you
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-21 10:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview help please
QUOTE (PeterFB @ May 21 2008, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, neither is good. The green slip means that after the Consulate gets the requested evidence, they will take time to review what you have given them. A blue slip usually is a request for more evidence which when submitted could result in a pink slip.

In US work force - a 'pink slip' is a slip telling you that you have been laid off or fired from the job!
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-21 15:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Interrogation??

Someone told me that the interview will be more like an interrogation process where we are both put in separate rooms and grilled on every type of question imagineable from what are the names of your fiance's siblings to how your fiance' likes his coffee.

Does anyone have any insight into this? My interview is in Bogota'

Ja ja ja :lol:
Someone is fooling you or is drunk on Aguardiente. Entiende?
Bogota is a piece of cake for K1s - I didn't even attend the interview - my wife (then she was my fiancee) said it was very easy. Don't sweat it - have another Aguila. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2006-05-29 10:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP!HELP!
I would assume at the minimum she will also need to do medical and vaccinations - so the cost will all depend and it should be specified in the interview notice or other papers from the US consulate that she gets. What type of visa is it? Are you the sponsor? Do you know what she has been sponsored for? Let people know the details and you will get the answer. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-04-25 11:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSome Q's on the Green Card
The confusion is because its generally known that Mexico allows greencard holders to visit without a visa (my wife did it) - so when you talk about a stamp - yes that doesn't work to go to Mexico (it works only to get you into USA) - some other countries follow the same rule e.g. Canda and UK. If you do not have agreencard then to go to Mexico - you must apply for a visa using your passport. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-09 14:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Bank Letter
Bobby is correct. Most people on VJ do not use assets to qualify, so no need for bank or real estate or stock certificates etc. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-12 13:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Questions K1 Visa
Congratulations - Get ready for AOS next. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-05 13:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionhow much is the approximate COST of the application????
It depends - there are application costs; There are costs for medical exams and vaccinations; and other documents you will need to get; costs for hotels/airfare if you do not live in the city where the interview is held. For my wife in Colombia (she came on K1) the total cost was around $2,000 (no lawyers involved). And that's the first step - then there is the AOS - currently around $1100; then there is the removal of conditions in another two years after that - another $800 or so; then the final one Citizenship in about three years or five - and that's another $700 or so.
Total cost is around - $5,000 to the final step - and its harder, if you do not work or can't find a decent job in USA - then not only are you not contributing, you may get depressed and worse strain the relationship. Its not an easy process - there is a huge emotional and a very big financial commitment on the part of the US citizen doing this as well as the foreign fiance. Not easy by any means - do support him in his endeavor and good luck.

Edited by motu, 06 June 2009 - 12:20 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2009-06-06 12:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionk1 visa rejected at chennai consulate
I have posted advice here before, many times - even last month, I told someone to not take pictures of their engagement ceremony for their K1 interview because Indian ceremonies are so elaborate that even to me (I am an Indian) they look like weddings. Why you believed that would be incontrovertible evidence of relationship and not marriage is not clear - can you see the fallacy in your logic now? In the K1 visa you are saying that you are not married - so no pictures of those elaborate Bollywood ceremonies - just family pictures showing you on the beach etc. For K3 yes you can show them those pictures.
That said, contact an immigration attorney and see what they can do for you. Some of them, especially in New York, have done all sorts of cases and know the inside-out's of such situations - you are not the first one to be in this situation. Also, most initial consultations are free. Do not go back in a hurry - talk to an attorney first and then decide. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-08 12:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPotiential Errors on Original Approved Submission of G-325A
You can do a corrected copy and take it with you to the interview - explain the errors to the interviewer and replace the old form with the correct form. Many people have done this before you and I have read it on the VJ forums. This is not a big deal - yes people make mistakes including someone putting the current year as the date of birth. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-24 11:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionno original birth certificate
I do not have a birth certificate either. But the US embassy (in India) told me that a sworn (notarized) statement from two people who know of my birth will be accepted in lieu of the birth certificate (basically the person swears that they know you and your mother and know that you were born on such-and-such date.) Two of my aunts did it for me (I did have my High school and college degrees showing my date of birth on them.)
Check out the USCIS info and you will find it there (I saw it there once but haven't done a search lately.) Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2006-08-21 11:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSeeking help with situation
When I became a citizen - they took away my greencard. So, if I didn't have it - I wonder what if anything they would have done. You do need to provide your A# but a copy of the card is not required - so I think you could still file but may need to produce it in case its asked for during the interview process. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-09-02 14:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionProper Attire
When I went for mine - I had dress shirt, pants, shoes and a tie (no coat or jacket - it was a warm month). I had a tie on cause I drove from work for the ceremony and back to work after that. Most people were dressed in casual attire (this was in a US federal court) - many jeans and some shorts and a few warm-up pants/pajamas. Of course some were dressed in suits and formal dresses also. My take is do what makes you feel comfortable. I wasn't interested in pictures being taken but several people were with their families and were taking group pictures. My advice, do what makes you comfortable. I treat it similar to going to a casino or a concert - you dress to be comfortable and fitting your mood and taste (I am not a suit and tie person). I see people in suits in casinos (not my style), in shorts (gets cold sometimes) and any and every imaginable clothes, I go in jeans or khakis and sports or T-shirts.
Don't stress too much and don't spend money on a suit just for this - if you want to - buy one for work/business purposes and use it for this. Have fun
motuNot TellingColombia2007-09-13 10:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHELP me Compute pls!
QUOTE
He continuously files taxes every year.. and never worked in the Philippines. What do you think Sir? ... If 6 months is okey, we can file this January 2008.


You seem to be confused with filing taxes as being same as maintaining residency - that's only one part of the picture not the whole picture - you can have overseas assignments and work overseas or just vacation overseas for a few or several months - you will need to file US taxes if one of the source of your income was from US sources.
Its good that he kept filing taxes but that meets the tax filing requirements not necessarily the 'residency' requirements.
This part is about US citizens but is significant to try and dispel your confusion - Some retirees that live oversea now - have to keep paying US taxes because the source (SS or private pensions etc) are from US sources. They are complying with tax laws regardless of residency. Other countries may charge you taxes also (even on your retirement income) if you stay there for 6 months or even 4 months (in some countries). Good Luck

Edited by motu, 16 October 2007 - 11:58 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2007-10-16 11:57:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaking the Oath
You have a small problem compared to mine - I am an atheist so I do not want to swear to god in any matter (a few times I have been to court too) - I realized long ago that even if you do not believe in god you still have to affirm. So, my rationale has been - I am not swearing to god I am just saying that I will tell the truth etc. - which I always intend to do regardless of the debate over the existence of god.
When I became a citizenship the oath of allegiance was done in a group - there were about 200+ people in the hall and one didn't have to say any or all of the words that were said - in my case, I still affirmed that I am for the constitution of the USA and at least at that moment I did not have any conflict with the US Govt. and my birth country (which incidentally now allows dual citizenship.)
My rationale in your situation - you are aligning yourself with the US constitution at that time and in future you have the right to withdraw your allegiance - as many people did (consciously or otherwise) during the Vietnam era.
Just because you swore your allegiance today doesn't preclude you from withdrawing it later on. A simple example instead of the complicated example of a war between US and your birth country is the fact that when you grow older and retire - you may want to move out of USA and live in another country and would be willing to give up your citizenship in order to become the citizen of the other country. Several Americans have done this - they are now citizens of Costa Rica, Panama etc. - and some have dual citizenship while others have given up their US citizenship.
Relax and use the rationale that fits your situation - and hopefully a conflict will never arise in which you may be forced to switch your allegiance. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2007-09-02 14:30:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravel After Oath
Isn't there another answer to this? Many countries allow dual citizenship, so couldn't you travel on your other passport and come back on the US passport - if you were gone for a few weeks' time and the US passport arrived in the middle? Maybe some one has done it.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-11 14:01:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDisturbing article in today's NYT
One thing this tells me to do - is, to apply for citizenship ASAP and not wait for years and years and then have every little thing you did or were charged with come back to haunt you and destroy your life.
I have already convinced my wife to file for hers in 3 years time (well 2 yrs 9 months). Their strict interpretation of one's criminality and moral standing are too bizarre. What if my wife attended a rally to support immigrants - will they call it an act of treason? Better to sort this stuff out in 3 years, than in 25 years. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-12 14:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussionintervies experience in Texas recently
Do a search and you will find several experiences posted - may be even from Texas. Good luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-12 14:02:00
US Citizenship General Discussionsick and confusing and scared about (s s r)
If you look at the SS website - you will see that if you were here on a student visa you don't have to register but if you were an illegal, or permanent resident then you must register. You can contact then to find out if you can register now or not? You may need to ask your lawyer - what you can do now if you skipped ssr in error. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-21 13:37:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhat's the most you can stay outside of USA
At least some of us on VJ and several others that I know of - are intending to live in a foreign country for the rest of our lives. Almost all the countries have a US consulate and one of their jobs is to reissue Passports (if you want to continue to travel). They also issue citizenship papers (or something to that effect) for children born to US citizens in the foreign country - its all to allow for easy access back to USA later on.
For us personally, we will move to either Colombia or Costa Rica or another country, a few years after my wife has her citizenship - we are still deciding on where to live. I would like her to have the US passport so we can travel easily (one of the big advantages of having a US passport). We can of course visit or come back to USA if we change our mind. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-21 12:30:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDivorce after filing N-400 Application
QUOTE (Mixed Nut @ Apr 28 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Stay married until you are a citizen! smile.gif

Or get divorced and wait another two years for citizenship. If the marriage is not working out - there's no need to prolong it - your status here is permanent and you do not have to stay in that marriage. For citizenship - you will need to wait 2 more years - not a big deal for most. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-29 10:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTravel Overseas After N-400?
A friend of my wife is doing this - she has been here more than 3 years and has applied for citizenship based on marriage and is waiting for her biometrics and interview. Her USC husband has moved to Colombia and is getting their house situated. She will move their also while waiting but after biometrics. They are using a brother's address in USA for their mail. When she gets the interview letter, they will fly back and go for the interview. In the meantime they are keeping an eye on how long she will end up 'overseas' and would avoid long periods if it came to that. They are planning on living abroad the rest of their lives, with the ability to travel to USA as and when they want along with retirement benefits for her through marriage. I don't know why you couldn't do something similar if you are already at that point e.g. can apply for citizenship based on 3 years on greencard. If you haven't met it - then its a different issue and perhaps continuing to live on the US side of border may be more correct till you reach the 3 year mark. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-01 11:35:00
IMBRA Special TopicsGot REF from CSC - how to answer?
I agree with the above 2 posts. Any service (I repeat any service) might be considered a marriage broker for the new law coverage (I am sure even match.com) so you have to say yes and describe the details. Just because its a dating site doesn´t exclude it (the site I used was also just a dating site but given the new law, I would describe it as under the marriage broker act. I just paid a flat fee to get the email address nothing more.) Good Luck

Edited by motu, 01 July 2006 - 08:36 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2006-07-01 08:33:00
IMBRA Special TopicsPolice reports and another aff of support question!
He was there for a long time - 18 months - I am pretty sure a police certificate from Italy will be required. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-03-19 12:14:00
IMBRA Special TopicsConcerning: driving charge. Should I include this?
Are you the petitioner or the beneficiary? If you are the beneficiary then the form excludes arrests for traffic violations - take a look at I485 that will be filed when doing AOS. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-15 13:35:00
USCIS Service CentersVISA APPLICATION DENIED

The USCIS does not issue visas. The Department of State does. You should make arrangements to go with here the next time she can get to the embassy. Your fiance, obviously did not convince the consular officer that the relationship was legit. I have never seen this happen in Bogota. I would go there myself and take a buttload of evidence.


I agree with Joe but disagree with taking a 'buttload' as it may be very painful. Take a boatload instead! :lol: Bogota is normally very easy to get through - so go with her the next time and take a lot more stuff with you. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2006-02-10 13:06:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Section 221 (g) question
Don't you have copies of the tax returns that you filed? I provided unsigned copies of my returns and they were OK. (unsigned because they were filed electronically.) Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2006-04-24 11:17:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Received 221g. Help!
Though I am not sure whats involved, you could try asking your question here http://www.lawyers.c...IANCE VISA.html
They seem to have lawyers that answer immigration related questions - so you are more likely to get a straight answer - on Visa Journey most people do not understand the complexities of situations like yours and may not be able to help you.
Good luck
motuNot TellingColombia2006-05-22 12:17:00