ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 question 2
QUOTE (marash @ Apr 17 2008, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
question 2 asks for a date when my fiance started residing in the US. he doesnt really know when he arrived, most probably somewhere 1980 or 1981. I assume it isn't really important, but it would be nice if somebody agrees with me on that huh.gif
Or does somebody know how to find out?it doesnt say on his naturalisation paper when he started residing, just that he was residing at that time...

many thanks in advance

I think he would find it on all three of these
1) His Greencard saying the date of issue
2) His N400 application for Naturalization
3) His 'other' country's Passport
Luckily I had all three when I filled the I134 and used number 2
Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-19 12:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuick Question...
Just a thought - You don't need immediate family to be a co-sponsor - your friends and colleagues, boss, neighbors - anyone can be a sponsor as long as they are US citizens or Legal residents. But if you are making over the 125% of poverty line already, then you do not need to worry about a co-sponsor. http://aspe.hhs.gov/...08poverty.shtml Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-21 10:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFlying from Peru to the US - Several questions, Help!!!
Check with the airlines about taking your kitten - it may require shots and proof of shots. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-22 14:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Urgent Question
These forms though simple have confusing questions - you can explain to them that he does intend to support you if needed - as a K1 and the other answer should be none if they ask you. I have found consulate staff to be understanding of our nervousness and confusion. I try to always treat others with respect and always get it back in kindness. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-22 11:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionk1 packet 3, checklist
If you are sure that you will get the documents soon then you can go ahead and send back the forms - many people do so - and if a document is not received by the interview time - they are often told to bring back the document pending which the visa is not approved (or denied). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-28 10:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTOURIST Visa B2-money maker for embassy?
Many countries have a very bad record - people overstaying or disappearing on tourist visas - the US consulates give one tourist visa out of 100 or 200 applicants - Colombia, Costa Rica are such countries - perhaps Brazil too. That said - if you have strong ties to your home country, good reason for going to USA and enough finances then you could get a visa - but no guarantees. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-28 10:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIf co-sponsor is married, must both sign affidavit of support?
My nephew just called and they approved his visa - so my I134 with just my signature (my wife didn't sign it) was OK. This was in Bombay, India for a Student Visa - but its the same I134 form that I had used for my fiance's K-1 visa (now wife). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-29 11:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIf co-sponsor is married, must both sign affidavit of support?
I just filed an I134 for my nephew - its the same form that I used for my fiancee (now wife). Even though we are now married, I did not have my wife sign the form - as you pointed out, there is nothing on the form that says both must sign (if married). My tax returns and bank statements have both our names on it - so it is obvious that we are married but only one person signed the affidavit. His interview is next week so I will know what happens (in Bombay, India) shortly. Perhaps someone else who used a co-sponsor would let you know what they did and how it worked. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-27 11:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionH E L P !!!! Visa on hold at the embassy
gchagui: Friend of my wife had similar thing happen to her back on April 1 in Bogota. She had applied for visas to US before and had been denied within the last two or three years - apparently that makes them think that she is trying any means to get to USA and therefore asked her to bring her USC fiancee with her. She is going back with her fiancee on May2. I think you are in a similar situation and would need to have your fiancee at the interview. 4 months is not too bad if she can make it then. You will need to schedule an interview ahead of time. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 19 April 2008 - 04:42 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-19 16:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionplz anyone help me
I would assume from your post that he was asked to provide the police clearance and now they are going to interview him with the 'full' set of required documents. Sounds routine to me (routine for people who show up with incomplete documents). Good Luck at the interview.
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-30 11:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about pay-stubs
QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Apr 30 2008, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes - a huge chunk of my taxes were for my self-employment tax. It hurt to write that check! dead.gif

Ah! The privilege of being Independent in USA! Wait till you start your own business and have even more taxes to pay and insurance etc. etc. etc.. Have Fun
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-30 17:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about pay-stubs
QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Apr 30 2008, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On another note, I worked for another company as an independent contractor, and was on pay-roll (had pay stubs etc), but they just didn't deduct anything from my paycheck and gave me a 1099 at the end of the year. So, I guess it is possible to be employed with a company as an independent contractor and be on their pay roll, but still technically be self-employed.

The fact that they gave you a 1099 means you were a contractor. (Yes you get paid with checks that may be the same as regular employees- but your pay is based on your contract and you are not subject to the same rules as an employee.) Who did your taxes? Did you end up paying bunch of moneys for Social security (both your and the employer's portions?) That would show you are an independent contractor. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 30 April 2008 - 11:52 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-30 11:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCosponsor Responsibilies
Worst case that can happen is that she and you can't support her and she gets money form welfare/social services etc. and then the Govt. can collect the moneys from your sponsors - it doesn't mean that they will - I have not heard of a case where they actually went after the sponsor - but the sponsor is guaranteeing that they will help the person if needed. The best scenario of course is that you do not need a penny from them - explain it to your parents to put their minds at rest. (Its not likely that they will be asked to sell their home etc. to satisfy a huge amount of debt to the govt.) Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-02 10:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow early did you arrive to the Consulate on the interview date?
QUOTE (eric_and_teresa @ Apr 12 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I read some reviews of fiances who went to the US Consulate in Colombia arrived as early as 4:30 or 5:00 am! ohmy.gif

My fiancee went to the consulate in Bogota around 6.30 - an hour before the scheduled time (every body is supposed to report at the same time) - they make people line up in two lines (outside the consulate) - I guess one line for K1/K3/immigrant Visas and another for tourist/non-immigrant Visas. They finally open the gates and let the people in and give them instructions on how to arrange their packages for the interviews (and give them their place numbers). They start calling people after that and yes some are interviewed within an hour or so - my wife was one of the first and was interviewed around 9.00; others have to wait. Each consulate may do it based on their process. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-13 10:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionlast tax return
Take a copy of the extensions filed for 2006 and 2007 - these should show how much taxes were estimated and paid. This should be enough, but who knows how strict the consulate people want to be. By the way - are you sure you have a valid extension for 2006 taxes - it seems too late to me but I do not know what rules apply when you are out of the country. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-03 10:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMoving to US with small children after Visa approval
Since you already have a job - what's there to settle? (Unless you have never been to or never lived in USA.) That aside - every visa has a validity - some have 6 months - so if you travel right away the rest of the family still has a few more months (5 more months) to wait it out in India. Which city/state are you going to - do you have any contacts? They can help you - there is a very large Indian community in USA. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-03 14:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEvidence of Bonafide Relationship
None of the evidence you are talking about needs to be saved for later. I would suggest don't make copies unless you have an attachment to it. Your evidence for AOS (greencard) etc. will be very different from this. A letter of intent from you is not needed as you will be there at the interview. Good Luck ... and don't kill trees needlessly - your carbon print is growing!
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-04 15:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax return and visa interview
You provide proof of having filed (not having paid) - thats not what the USCIS is interested in but IRS. Give them the copy you have with your W-2. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-04 14:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSome Questions About Supporting Documents to Bring in the Interview
Don't do an overkill - just think that you will be interviewed for less than 5 minutes (2 or 3 is the norm) - mu fiance took 5 emails and 5 chat records (no pictures - the only ones we had were sent with the petition) - they only looked at one email for 3 seconds. These can help if they don't believe in the genuineness of your relationship - but even then they are not going to look at hundreds of emails just a few and then either approve you or deny you. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-05 15:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTraveling to the Us after aproval with B1
QUOTE (eric_and_teresa @ Apr 14 2008, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (motu @ Apr 14 2008, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you already have the K1 - the POE will use that for your entry and you will be stuck here. You can't travel on a tourist visa if you have applied for a K1 and /or already have it. Don't chance it. Good Luck


Based on what? There is no written rule that prohibits to travel on a tourist visa while the K-1 is being processed.

OP, you CAN travel on B1/B2 while your K-1 is processing. You CAN NOT travel on a different type of visa once the K-1 is on your passport.

Of course, it is always up to CBP officer to admit you into the U.S. territory while traveling on a B1/B2. Be prepared to show strong ties to your home country and bring a copy of your NOA2.

Many people have been denied entry by the POE officer (some have gotten through). Do a search and you will find people from Canada, and several European countries who have been denied entry. Yes you can chance it and then wait for another petition and approval - a waste of 4 to 6 months and $$$. But you can chance it if you feel lucky. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-14 14:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTraveling to the Us after aproval with B1
If you already have the K1 - the POE will use that for your entry and you will be stuck here. You can't travel on a tourist visa if you have applied for a K1 and /or already have it. Don't chance it. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-04-14 10:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPosibility of getting the visa on the same day?
I know that the Bogota embassy (Colombia) has allowed people to pick up the visa the same evening when they asked for it - generally they mail it. So, I would say go ahead and ask them if its possible to pick up the visa on the same day - could work if you get the right person. One of the reasons is that the mail service, even from the embassy, is not very reliable - in Colombia many people do not receive their packet 3 or 4 and have to call for re-mailing or pick up etc. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-05 18:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat is considered "Sufficient Funds" with a fiancee K1 visa application?
Generally for the USC petitioner - they must make 125% of poverty line for the new 'household' size. If you are trying to get by, on self petitioning (some have done this in the past) then you will need to show 3 times this amount in bank accounts/assets - but its generally considered difficult to prove this to the consulates examiners. Why can't your petitioner support you? or geta co-sponsor - this is the 'normal' means. http://aspe.hhs.gov/...08poverty.shtml
Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-06 10:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionThe Interview
QUOTE (pushbrk @ May 4 2008, 06:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How is it the OP has been a member here for over a year and didn't know the W2's needed to be included as part of a complete tax return? Answer: Because they didn't learn the process by reading far more than posting. Let this be a lesson to all readers. If you don't learn the process during the process, you are likely to face disappointment.

I think Push should write a guide for all new members - so they can do what will help them. I think these people could have gotten their visa already instead of waiting for 3 more months! That's quite insane.
I tried to read everything twice and read as many posts as I could before I even started the process and had very good success with it. I nominate Push to come up with a 'beginners guide to VJ' that can be a must read for all beginners (and some of us long timers too). good.gif

Edited by motu, 04 May 2008 - 11:44 AM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-04 11:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMi visa no fue aprobada, pero tampoco negada!!!
This happened to my wife's friend also - her fiance had to go for the second interview with her (on may 2nd) and then it was approved. It seems that if the case is not straight forward then they are asking for the fiance to be present - in her case - she had applied for one or two tourist visas and in one had given support papers from 'another' man (his business supposedly showed the finances to support her while in USA). But it worked out alright at the second interview, they asked both of them a few questions about having met each other's families and wedding plans etc. and then approved it. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-08 10:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGeneral Information about next in process
QUOTE (Rosi and Chuck @ May 11 2008, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What I don't know is (a) how you know when your file is received by NVC, or (cool.gif how you know when it's then sent to the consulate. Hopefully someone else will tell you!

Rosi and Chuck

You the beneficiary will get a letter form the US consulate with the case # (part of packet3) - and the petitioner gets a copy of it also. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-11 16:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview - should bring more pics?
QUOTE (LizC @ May 12 2008, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance sent 8 or more pictures of he and I at various stages in our relationship. Is it fair to expect they will still have those pictures on the day of the interview? (just because the pics are expensive and obnoxious to print). Also, has anyone ever considered bringing their laptop to the interview to show digital pics?

Thanks a ton!
Liz

8 pictures at 20 cents or less a piece - expensive? How will you be able to get a greencard here when you have to pay more than a $1000? If you can't afford 8 pictures - you have a very very big shock awaiting you.
That aside, you do not have to take anything with you that the consulate already has - in our case - we didn't have anymore pictures so my fiance didn't take any more pictures for the interview. Relax and Good Luck. Comprende?
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-12 16:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionemployment letter of verification
My employment letters were all addressed to me with the top line being "Re: Verification of Income".
You do not need it to be addressed to the US Consulate - they might mail it to them. Have it addressed to you. And you can then send it along with the I134 to your fiance/wife who will then take it to the consulate at the time of interview. Good Luck

Edited by motu, 12 May 2008 - 04:59 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-12 16:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 visa - does sponsor also has to undergo interview
And remember - don't take any 'engagement' pictures to the interview - they look very suspiciously like a 'wedding' picture. Just have the pictures of you two in front of India Gate and with family and friends e.g. with Shahrukh and Preety! Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-14 10:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConfused about renewing a US Passport in Manila
Just go to the local consulate and get it renewed. You can not lose your citizenship because you used another passport (genuinely or not). The US govt. can strip your citizenship if you were a traitor or something but come on - you are a citizen forever. Don't stress too much
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-14 15:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion1-134 Supporting evidence... recent full time job, former student
The Colombian consulate in Bogota generally requires three years of tax returns also - so even if you had no income, you can file your taxes - so the copies are available to your fiance. Make sure to send in an employment letter disclosing your current salary (this should be sent to your fiance to take to the interview along with the I134). I believe that you do not need to worry about the co-sponsor - you have enough income. In case they reject the visa on basis of not enough income - then you can do the co-sponsorship. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-14 10:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI 134 questions
I disagree with BigCityDave - tax returns are not needed to be notarized - I have sent copies from turbo tax throughout the process as have others without any notarization; It doesn't matter if the employment letter doesn't say permanent - nothing is permanent here - anyone can be fired in a day or a company can go bankrupt - none of my employment letters said 'permanent' - the most important part of the letter is the amount of money you are making (to meet the 125% requirement); pay stubs have limited value if you have the employment letter; I never submitted pay stubs.
Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-15 09:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI 134 and I -864
Where does it say 3 copies? Is it in the Peruvian packet3 papers? Generally you just do one and send it to your fiance who takes it with her to the interview. If the Peruvian consulate (the US consulate in Peru) wants three notarized copies, then make three copies and notarize each of them, but I highly doubt they want three copies. Just your signature gets notarized - he is attesting to witnessing your signature, the rest is irrelevant to the notary - he does not attest to your finances just your signature. Entiende? Good Luck

Edited by motu, 15 May 2008 - 12:42 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-15 12:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 Packet 3 has been submitted
some consulates post the interview dates on their websites - you just need your case number to do the search (if Bombay posts the interviews). In any case, they also mail you the packet 4 which has the interview date along with medical info etc. - sometimes this packet takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the number of applicants at the consulate. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-17 10:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionChecklist of what my US fiance needs to send me for K1 interview
You have everything you need. You do not need a bank statement as he is over the 125% poverty line. The only original you might need from the USC is the divorce decree (if applicable). It doesn;t matter if you take copies or originals of letters - take a few - don't go overboard and carry a suitcase full! Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-17 10:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSome help with I-864 Affidavit of Support
Look at this example form - I would put 1 for a, 1 for b and the rest 0 and then your total will be 2. You do not want to count your wife twice. And it says persons who you are not sponsoring in this affidavit - since the same affidavit is used for multiple situations e.g. sponsoring friends/family etc. Good Luck
http://www.visajourn...-Form-I-864.pdf

Edited by motu, 17 May 2008 - 03:37 PM.

motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-17 15:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSome help with I-864 Affidavit of Support
Your signature shows you are filing for naturalization - I do not think you need any support papers for naturalization. If you are filing for K1 or K3 then basically you count one for yourself, one for your wife or fiance and then as many children you or your fiance/wife has to come up with a total household size. If you are single and so is she - then put down 1 and 1 and the total 2. Clarify your signature, fill out your timeline. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-17 12:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAirline ticket statement (blue slip)
Why are you so hung up on proof of buying the tickets - Unless you have a problem proving that you met , why worry about this. I only wrote two lines about meeting my fiance, attached a copy of my itinerary and two pictures of us together - that was enough. I didn't send copies of tickets, boarding passes, hotel receipts - none of that stuff. Unless they are asking you to prove that you bought tickets etc. - why bother with this? Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-16 09:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionChest X-Ray
My fiance carried hers to Miami from Colombia - I picked her up at the airport and dumped the X-ray in a garbage can at the airport itself - she was worried but no one has ever asked for it (I had gone through the same thing with my experience 30 years ago)! So you can dump it in Belarus or your POE or keep it for as long as you like - it has no value - the doctor interprets it and that's part of your medical report to the consulate. It's never needed after this. Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-18 12:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussiona question about tax transcript
You can use your own copies - make sure to include the copies of W-2s and 1099s if applicable. I never submitted transcripts, but you could if you want (and have the time). Good Luck
motuNot TellingColombia2008-05-18 17:24:00