ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CaribbeanHow long did it take to get interview in STO after case complete @ NVC ??
for me it was really fast, the consulate received my case 3/26 & my interview date is 4/23 (i found out by calling the visa specialist) its funny b/c i was just calling to see if the consulate had received my case & they gave me the interview date! the hard part is over though, just use this time to get your evidence together. **FELICIDADES**
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-07 13:51:00
CaribbeanFEES
my fiance paid banco popular this morning & was told there was a fee increase, he ended up paying $183.75 for everything... think it might be due to the exchange rate but he says the banco popular employee told him the price had gone up.
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-16 11:45:00
CaribbeanFEES
I'm kinda confused about the upcoming fees (K1) I've read so many different things...I just want to make sure I have everything straight

Medical exam: $180
Vaccinations: $109
Banco Popular: one payment of $150 and a separate $15 payment (keep the receipts, i know)
Consulate: $80
DOMEX: $9.50 (my fiance lives in Santo Domingo & will pick it up)

am I missing anything?

Thanks in advance
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-07 14:06:00
CaribbeanIncrease in Banco Popular Fees?
My fiance went to pay Banco Popular this morning, we anticipated paying $160 & $15 ($175 total) the Banco Popular employee told my fiance that the fee had increased. He actually paid in Dominican Pesos, he on one receipt it was about 6,000 pesos and the other 600 pesos. whatever he paid it ended up being equal to $183.75 US dollars.

was there really a fee increase? was my fiance mistakenly charged the wrong amount? will this create a problem? ¿Qué opinan?
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-16 20:53:00
CaribbeanQuestion about medical exam & vaccines
we're going to the consultorio the day before the interview - better safe than sorry!
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-15 20:50:00
CaribbeanPolice Certificate
gracias a las dos
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-01 20:16:00
CaribbeanPolice Certificate
I have no idea how I came across this this but is it true that in order to get the "Certificado de No Antecedentes Judiciales" or Certificado de Policia (are they the same?) from la Procuradora Fiscal you have to take 2 passport photos, a copy of cedula front and back? My fiance says he's gotten one before and only needed his cedula...are the requirements different when you need one for a visa?

Another thing we are disagreeing about is "La Acta de Nacimiento". I know it has to be inextensa & legalizada but i read that it must specifically be legalizada en la oficina del estado civil. also he says he's gotten it before from somewhere else and that they notarize it there...does it matter?

http://travel.state....T-0001-0804.pdf

Edited by Freddy&Corina, 31 March 2013 - 06:42 PM.

Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-31 18:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionhow to organize paperwork for la cita
Mr. Tee I've ready all those things & had personal convos with M.A. I guess I'm ready. :) I'm compiling a list of interview questions from the interview reviews to practice with, its still a work in progress but i plan to post it for future VJers.

Thanks, Mrs. Rodriguez, I'm feeling more confident
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-30 21:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionhow to organize paperwork for la cita
Hey VJ fam!

I'm getting the documents and evidence ready la cita and I'm wondering how you guys (particularly the DOMINICANS filing for K1) organized all that paperwork! Did you use a binder, accordion file, file folders or something else? What were your sections labeled? Did you take extra copies of anything (other than DS-156)? Was there anything you were asked for, needed, or feel would have been beneficial that's not listed? I know you have to be prepared, they could ask for everything or nothing. What if anything would you have done differently? What and how much did you evidence did you provide?

my plan is travel itineraries, boarding passes, phone records & 1 MSN/Facebook/Skype conversation per month from the beginning of our relationship. What do you guys think? Is that enough?

any tips, advice or recommendations are welcome!

thanks in advance
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-29 21:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVISA APROBADA - tips

the Dominican Republic is an EXTREMELY high fraud country.  if the consular officer suspects you of fraud they will question you harshly - maybe even interview you separately.  This actually happened to me & not only was I asked about sex, the consular officer made insulting implications.  I posted this specifically for ppl who will be processed through the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  I compiled this list of questions from (Dominican) reviews I read here on VJ.  Besides, it doesn't hurt to be extra prepared - the confidence that comes with practice calms the nerves (in my opinion)


Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-05-10 20:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVISA APROBADA - tips

no, they sent them over but take the receipts & proof of vaccinations just in case your results don't reach the consulate in time


Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-05-04 00:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVISA APROBADA - tips
i only did the DS forms in English. the vaccines are not required but its just easier to get them done at consultorios de visa that way they are sent straight to the consulate. we got the birth certificate & police certificates translated but they didn't ask for the translations so i didn't give it to them.
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-25 17:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVISA APROBADA - tips
  • ladies, don't take a purse (they'll let you skip in line if you don't bring one)
  • you will be standing a very long time - wear comfy shoes
  • the consulate is not air conditioned, dress accordingly
  • make your man hold your evidence (their line moved WAY faster & they barely search them)
  • get there early! we got there at 4 AM - first ones
  • take a cab, buscones hassle you about parking - ignore them completely, everything they say is unreliable to say the least
  • take a stapler & hole punch in your suitcase (but not the the consulate)
  • practice interviewing each other
  • answer only what you are asked - don't give details you weren't asked for
  • take your time when answering
  • ask the to repeat if necessary
  • keep your cool!
this is how i set up my binder, it worked well for me although the only thing we were asked for (besides forms & govt docs were pictures)
Cita appointment letter (blue) you?ll need it to get inside (inside the front plastic cover)

Page protector in front
- DS-230 Part I
- DS-230 Part II (firmar en consul)
- DS-156 (2 copies)
2 Passport photos
- DS-156K (1 copy firmar en consul)
-DS-157 (for males only)
- I-134 (Affidavit of Support)
Tab 1:
fiance birth certificate
fiance police certificate
copy of cedula
Letters of intents
Banco Popular receipts
Consultorios de visa receipt
NOA 1 (original & copy)
NOA 2 (original & copy)
Tab 2:
Petitioner birth certificate
Tax returns (2012-2010)
Employment letter
Pay check stubs (6 months)
Bank letter
Bank statements (6 months)
Tab 3:
Proof of travel
Tab 4:
Telephone communication
Tab 5:
Emails
IM?s
Tab 6:
Western Union receipts
Additional items:
passports
cedula
Results from medical exam
Photo album
Engagement ring receipt

i read LOTS of reviews & compiled a list of questions that people said they were asked at the interview, this is what my fiance & i practiced with, i tried to categorize them, and some of them are repetitive, i know

Basic Questions (about each other)
Full name
DOB
Hometown
Address
Phone number
Color, make & model of their car
Who does your fiancé live with?
What is fiancé?s favorite food?
Do you send your fiancé money? When was the last time and how much?
Have you been married before?
Do you have any children (together)?
Does your fiancé live in a house or apartment? How many rooms?
Are you/he religious? Do you go to church?
Have you ever applied for a visa?
Has anyone ever applied for a visa on your behalf?
Have you ever been in trouble with the law?
How did you learn English/Spanish?
Work/education Questions
Name of fiancé?s employer & their position
How long has your fiancé had his/her current job?
How does your fiancé get to work?
What is your fiancé?s work schedule?
What is the highest level of education you (or your fiancé) have completed?
What was his/her major?
Where did she used to work?
Under what job title did she work as?
Basic Questions (about family)
Mother?s maiden name
Parents & siblings names, number of siblings
Birthplaces of fiance?s parents
Where is your family from?
Has your fiancé met your family?
Do you have family in DR/USA?
Are your fiancées parents married? Do they live together?
Basic Questions (about the relationship)
How did you meet?
When did you meet?
Where did you meet?
When did we officially begin dating?
Have long have you been a couple?
Have your parents met your fiancé?
When & where did he/you propose?
Who was there?
What did you do after?
How (and how often) do you communicate?
When did you decide to meet in person?
How did the relationship evolve?
Did you buy her an engagement ring? Who was with you?
Do you have wedding bands?
Questions about travel
what made you vacation in DR 1st time?
How many trips have I made since I met him?
Has your fiancé ever traveled to USA?
Where do you stay when you visit the country?
What airline did you fly?
Who picked you up from the airport?
How long was your last trip?
Questions about the wedding
Do you have any wedding plans?
Church or civil ceremony?
When is the wedding?
How many people will attend?
Why do you want to get married in the US instead of in the DR?
What plans do you have for your honeymoon?
Who's paying for the wedding?
Where do you intend to work when you get to the USA?
Where are you going to live?
Questions about (future) children
Have you thought about having kids?
Can you have kids?
Are you avoiding having kids?
Do you want any kids?
Have you chosen any names for your (future) children?
Intimate questions
When and where was the first time you had sex?
Were you a virgin?
Did/do you use condoms?
Did you have sex last night/this morning/when was the last time?
Were the lights off or on?
Who showered first this morning?
Are you/ is she on birth control?
Are/is she on birth control when in USA/DR?
Does he/she have another partner there?
When was the last time you had sex?
What color underwear you have on?
What side of the bed we slept on?
Did have sex this morning, last night, when was the last time?
What color were the sheets in our bed?
When was your last kiss?
How often do you have sex?
las cosas pequeñas
What did you eat for dinner last night?
What color is your/your fiance?s toothbrush?
Who got up first?
Do you drink coffee and how do you take it?
Did you call each other for your birthdays? (Who called who)
Where did you/your fiancé spend your/their birthday?
Did you watch TV last night?
What did you watch?
What size shoe does your partner wear?
Gifts
What gifts did you bring this trip/last trip?
Where did you/your fiancé spend New Year?s? Did you guys speak?
Where did you spend your birthday?

i hope this helps, feel free to message me w/ any questions, i'll do my best to help you any way i can!

Edited by Corina A., 24 April 2013 - 10:48 PM.

Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-24 22:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionwhat documents to bring

my fiance arrives Saturday from DR.  what documents should he bring with him?  I told him to get at least 2 birth certificates & of course he'll bring his cedula & driver's license...anything else?


Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-06-12 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA 2 Approval Email!!!!
i just got mine out of the mail today too! glad but nervous about what's to come, i've been denied before
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-06 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports$$$$
HOW LONG UNTIL OUR FIANCES CAN WORK???? I'M BROKE!
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-10 15:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsthis k1 journey seems so frustrating and depressing
keep the faith! i know its hard, it took 227 days for me to get NOA2 and I had just about given up
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-18 19:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC-Consolate
about how long should it take your case to get from NVC to the consulate? my case was sent on the 14, (spoke to visa specialist today) I've read to give it a week or two but I've seen other people's timelines on here that got NOA2 after me & already have their interview date...was hoping that'd be the case for me :/
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-21 22:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsprinting facebook messages
all the message you have not deleted will be there....I don't know about years but I imagine so. I started off doing screen shots, it took 80 pages for only 2 conversations
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-09 06:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsprinting facebook messages
this is what i have decided to do:

go to account settings
download a copy of your Facebook data

you will be able to retrieve all Facebook messages (that you have not deleted)

Facebook will email you when your data is ready (a few hours)

I am going to print the email from Facebook & print the chats.
It is not official looking but at this point i think its a better option (for me) than taking bazillions of screen shots

Hope this helps
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-08 17:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPaying Immigrant Fee but missing Information
my fiance's A number is on one of the NOA's. Try the visa specialist 202-663-1225. I can't believe the consulado won't give you that info over the phone. keep calm, we'll figure something out, he won't have to go back to DR just for that
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-15 20:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstarting to despair...
This process is so long and there are no guarantees. I'm so ready to be married to my fiance and start our lives together. I hate being away from him and I hate delaying our plans. It feels like we're just waiting to be able to have a normal relationship. Even at the end of the 5-7 month process its still possible that we could be denied and then we'd be at square one all over again. In a way I want to just pick up and move to DR but I feel strongly that we'll have a better life here in the U.S. I also feel strongly the U.S. a better option. I know most of you are in the same situation/position. Please send some encouraging words!
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2012-08-14 10:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC
thanks Smiley, just called them, the processed my case yesterday!!!! got my NVC number :-) :-) :-) they said call back in a week to check progress
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-13 21:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNVC
after NOA2, i know the case gets forwarded to NVC and then to the consulate who will issue the interview date but should i receive something in the mail from NVC or will me or my fiance get something directly from the consolate?
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-13 19:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresevidence of relationship
@agnesb that's what i think! it just facebook convos though, we still have phone records, MSN, Skype, Whatsapp, etc.... I may just do a screenshot from every week or month or something like that...
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-17 20:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresevidence of relationship
well i have been denied before so i want to have plenty of proof... so copy & paste is the way to go?
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-17 18:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresevidence of relationship
my fiance & i have exchanged over 30,000 messages on facebook during the span of our relationship. my question is: is it good enough to copy & paste our conversations into a word doc & print are does it need to be screen shots? anybody have any experience with this or any first hand knowledge?
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-17 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConsolate
how long should i wait to contact them? NVC recieved my case 3/12
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-18 18:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConsolate
How will I know when the consulate has received my case?
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-16 19:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestaking a break to delay the process
the previous denial was about 5 years ago with a different person. i know i will be looked at more harshly because this the 2nd time i have applied for a k1 visa. my previous experience and the consulate was awful and not just because it resulted in denial, i was interviewed one on one by a consular officer in a small room with what i think was a one way window. he was really hostile and said that my fiance was paying me, told me i could be prosecuted sentenced for up to 10 yrs in jail and pay a $25,000 fine. we were really unprepared. we showed up empty handed, no evidence, not expecting to be interviewed, no forms - nothing. i had hired a lawyer and trusted him to prepare us. he is an immigration attorney but because this is South Texas he deals with much different immigration scenarios. he probably shouldn't have taken the case in the first place but again. of course this time I know what to expect. my paperwork and evidence are in order, i have extra copies of EVERYTHING. i have learned so much from everybody on here...i guess i'll leave the cita as is hustle to get everything together - i'm a nervous wreck though!
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-27 21:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestaking a break to delay the process
I've seen on a few people's timelines that they took a break to delay the process; my interview date is April 23 which is rapidly approaching... i don't think i'll be ready. i want to be SUPER prepared because i have been denied before plus I am a teacher, it would be much more convenient for me to to go to DR in June after school has let out. I really don't want to rush, this is too important. how do you go about delaying the process? what would you guys do if you were me?
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-03-27 17:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner present at cosulate interview!
For DR, you have to go
Corina A.FemaleDominican Republic2013-04-06 12:34:00