ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice and Birth Certificate/ Rio de Janeiro
Did you get your certified translation done in the US or in Brazil?
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-02-16 19:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice and Birth Certificate/ Rio de Janeiro
Oasis, if your fiancé is a Brazilian citizen and has only lived in Brazil (or Portugal, or any other country whose primary language is Portuguese), those documents do not need to be translated. If he's lived abroad or is not Brazilian, his birth certificate and police records will need to be translated into English or Portuguese (and since I believe the BC at least needs to be resubmitted with the AOS, you may as well get them translated to English).

Contact the Brazilian embassy for the country in question to locate a certified translator in Brazil.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-02-15 09:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 visa revoked, but...

And TBoneTX...let me ask you something...are you a LDU fan (the football team)? I'm asking because you're from Equador and I remembered that LDU brough me a lot of happiness when they beat Fluminense on the Libertadores League :lol:

Hahaha ... L cheers for Vitória, but one of our mutual friends is a huuuuuge Fluminense fan. Suuuuuuuuch a shame that the 2010 season doesn't start until AFTER our interview, because with my luck, the interview would be while Vitória was playing Fluminense, and I'd be dragged to the game by the two of them... and oooh would L owe me :rofl:
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-01-28 05:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 visa revoked, but...
They'll call when they call. Be patient, the fact they want more records and your number is a good sign.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-01-25 13:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI just got a call from the US Embassy...
Congrats! :)
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-01-29 14:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK VISA FEE TO INCREASE TO $350 FROM $131
FWIW, I got in the mail today a letter confirming my [rescheduled] interview, and it specifically said that the visa/interview/whatever-you-want-to-call-this-fee will still be a $131 fee.

Edited by K and L, 04 March 2010 - 01:56 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-04 01:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK VISA FEE TO INCREASE TO $350 FROM $131
$700 instead of $300? I have no clue where you got those numbers. The only USCIS/DOS expenses for the K1 visa are the petition and the interview fees. The initial K1/I129F petition was $455. The interview fee has been $131, and sometime this year, it will become $350 (though it seems to be consulate dependent between now and the official notice, as the State Department has not officially increased the cost, and from the Brazilian IV consulate has told me, $131 is still valid for my interview date). Even if once it increases by $350, that's a $219 increase, not $400. So even if you were paying $300 between medical and the interview, it'd be $519 instead of $300, not $700.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-02-28 19:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK VISA FEE TO INCREASE TO $350 FROM $131
They responded to my comment, but it seems to be a TL;DR canned response from them as it didn't address any of the issues I pointed out in my comment.

The proposed rule would increase the fee for K-category fiancé(e) visas; these visas are technically nonimmigrant visas, although the applicant is expected to marry and convert status within 90 days of entering the United States. The rule proposes raising fees associated with K visas from $131 to $350, specifically because the processing required for such a visa is much closer to an immigrant visa than to most visitor visas [NOTE: Spouses applying for an immigrant visa currently pay the Department of State a $355 application processing fee as well as a $45 immigrant visa security surcharge (items 32 and 36 on the Schedule of Fees)]. Adjudicating a K visa requires a review of extensive documentation and a more in-depth interview of the applicant than other categories of machine-readable visas (MRVs). The Department has concluded that it would be more equitable to those applying for other categories of MRVs, for which such extensive review is not necessary, to establish separate fees that more accurately reflect the cost of processing these visas. Therefore, this rule establishes fees corresponding to projected cost figures for the visa category as determined by the most recent Cost of Service Study. Please be assured that the Department is proposing to increase the fees in question because the actual costs of providing these services have increased since the last Cost of Service Study (2004).


K and LFemaleBrazil2010-01-04 17:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Embassy to choose for visa???
She lives in France. Use France.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-04 10:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDoes calling the NVC and Embassy cost money?
If you're in the US, calling the NVC is whatever your long distance is. If you have free long distance with your cell or VoIP, it's free. If you don't, it's whatever you pay.


Calling the embassy will be an international call from the US, and whatever long distance you have from the country the embassy is in.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-02-27 21:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion$130 or $350? Colombian Embassy
My guess is that they anticipate your interview will be after the increase to $350.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-06 06:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Request Via Email - Brazil
Brad, I'd keep emailing them, requesting the date. If you're told they don't have it next time you email, the time after that, give them the tracking reference and delivery date and tell them that the NVC says they should, and ask to verify that it's arrived. That will probably get your interview date. Typically, at Rio, they've issued the interview date 7-10 calendar days after they receive it. Since it's been about 10 days, it's more a matter of coaxing it out of them.



Was pretty different experience to me. I would sometimes get my e-mails answered on the same day even. It took me two, and then the third had the interview date. This was in November though.

L and I both got responses the same day or the next business day as our emails. I think they just respond with that stock email until it's been 2-3 weeks, even though it's in their system and the interview's scheduled, because I don't know why else they would tell us days after they'd assigned our interview that the petition hadn't been received!

I think I might complain while I'm at the consulate next month and suggest they change the email response based upon what's in the email and not send a junk email with no information.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-17 17:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Request Via Email - Brazil
I don't think the person who reads the emails actually checks on anything. Reply to the email you've already gotten and push them a little. Let them know that you've talked to the NVC and the NVC said it was sent and has been received by the interview. Bonus points if the USC emails.

I ended up on the phone with the NVC and Rio because the person who responded to our emails was lying to me - and I even have the proof in my hands (my original interview letter was dated 2 days before our email requesting our interview date).


Your packet 3/4 has probably been mailed to you both already.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-16 20:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionReady for K1 interview
I'm told Brazil won't reschedule for more than one month after the current date. Later, however, is never a problem.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-19 18:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich vaccines are needed?
From the CDC's 2009 Civil Surgeon Technical Instructions for Vaccination:

Posted Image


Most of these vaccinations require 2 shots, one month apart, to be complete, but it depends on the vaccination and the age of the immigrant in question.

For most fiancé(e)s and spouses, they will need 2 MMR vaccinations, 1 DRP vaccination, and either have had chicken pox or completed the 2 Varicella vaccinations. Older immigrants will also need the annual influenza shot and may not need the MMR shot.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-26 14:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Fees - The $350 Question
Prepare for the $350/ea, to be on the safe side. Best case, you now have over $400 to spend on airfare/etc. Worst case, you covered yourself. Much better than preparing for $131 only to find out it's $350.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-03-31 19:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNew Electronic Visa form

If you check the list on the Embassy Website, K-visas are not included for the DS160.

See here http://london.usemba.../niv/index.html

FWIW, we just did the DS160, just to be safe, and it does *specifically* have a section for K visas. The Rio consulate's response when we asked was kind of vague.

Edited by K and L, 05 April 2010 - 11:22 PM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-05 23:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3/4 questions
It has become normal for Brazil to send Packet 3/4 to both parties lately. In my experience, the USC receives it first, by only by a handful of days.


ETA: by normal, I mean, myself and most of the more recent Brazil schedule that I've talked to have all received them. In fact, I received a second when we rescheduled the first time, and will probably get a new one when we get our new date.

Edited by K and L, 08 April 2010 - 08:27 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-08 08:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussiononce again I need help. I'm so sorry.
Request your tax transcripts from the IRS for all years you don't have (TY2009, TY2008, TY2007). It is free, and will take 2-3 weeks to receive your transcripts.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-08 05:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs what I have enough for I-134?

10 year period? did something change?

It was, last time I checked, assets totalling 3 times the poverty level guideline amount (times 1.25)

Where did you see '10 year period'?

Could not tell you. Glad to know it's only 3/5 (depending on who the sponsor is) instead of 10 -- I probably assumed that since the contract's for 40 working quarters, the assets had to clear 10 years as well.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-11 07:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs what I have enough for I-134?
AFAIK, if you do not have an income of $18,212, you will need to prove that you've got the difference in assets for the 10 year period (or, $182,120). You are close enough that you may be able to skirt by if you can wrangle up other assets (jewelry, owned car(s), etc).

However, you may wish to consider finding a cosponsor, just to ensure no delays.

Edited by K and L, 09 April 2010 - 11:59 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-09 11:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFirst interview AP. Second Interview AP again.....
Hector, hable inglés aquí - speak English here. VJ only permits English outside of regional forums (unless an English translation is provided).

Edward, did you attend either interview? I have heard that Colombia prefers it.

Edited by K and L, 14 April 2010 - 10:31 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-14 10:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSupporting Evidence for I-134
If the embassy/consulate applies the same standards as the I864, it does.

How Do I Count Household Size?

Your household size includes yourself and the following individuals, no matter where they live: any spouse, any dependent children under the age of 21, any other dependents listed on your most recent Federal income tax return, all persons being sponsored in this affidavit of support, and any immigrants previously sponsored with a Form I-864 or FormI-864 EZ affidavit of support whom you are still obligated to support. If necessary to meet the income requirements to be asponsor, you may include additional relatives (adult children,parents, or siblings) as part of your household size as long as they have the same principle residence as you and promise to use their income and resources in support of the intending immigrant(s).


If your parents filed jointly and they didn't claim a household size of 2 + the intending immigrant (for a total of 3) or otherwise follow the standard above, IMO, you are risking a rejection for doing it wrong -- and it's trivial for them to check against the IRS tax forms to make sure it was done right!

Edited by K and L, 17 April 2010 - 08:13 PM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-17 20:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSupporting Evidence for I-134
I don't think filing jointly would be a problem, as your mother has to include your father as a dependent according to the directions of the I134. She makes plenty for a 3 person household (herself, your father, and your fiancée).
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-15 11:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMight miss interview
As someone who also had an "act of god" interrupt their scheduled visa interview -- the flooding in Rio last month shut down the airport that my fiancé was flying into the day before the interview and we were unable to find an alternative method that would get him to the interview in time (not to mention not having the time to do the medical), and we had to cancel the day before the interview. You are almost certainly going to be rescheduled, and probably not immediately -- we had to wait nearly a month for our rescheduled interview, and they put a rush on our rescheduling because the petition was to expire next week.

So, yeah. Just email them and tell them you need to reschedule. Figure out a way there that will have the least amount of flying (trains, ferries, and buses), ask for 1-2 months from now (when the ash really should have significantly gotten better) or see if there's any way the interview can be transferred to where you currently are.

Edited by K and L, 05 May 2010 - 10:31 PM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-05 22:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionfinally my wife has an interview,but what to do
You can always *ask* for a new date when you're in the period of time that you can attend, and request an extension to that time. It may or may not be granted.

How much of a delay would it need to be? Two months? Three? More? You can probably get an interview delay of 2-3 months without problems, if you explain the circumstances.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-05 18:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview and Medical on The Same Day?
More than likely, he will want to come the day before, if not two. There are no authorized physicians anywhere near where L lives (the closest one is an hour's flight away), and we ended up going with a physician in Rio (where the IV consulate is in Brazil) that has a reputation here on VJ as providing same-day service. Also, with our physician, and our interview timing, there was NO way to do it same day -- the interview waiting period was from 7:00am - 12:30pm, and the last medican that's guaranteed to be done by 4:00 pm is at noon ... and there were still 4 couples after us in line. Check out the UK regional forum (or if there's a UK topic in here, I haven't looked) to get recs for a physician with a quick turn around time.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-14 07:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTetanus vaccination not available in country (go figure)
Just get all missing vaccinations in the US, prior to the AOS. Red Cross, county health, whatever. They're reasonably priced, and you won't get pressured into redoing the whole physical because a vaccination was missing.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-15 06:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of support Questions
Would it be so terrible to continue your current position in the summer (even on a, say, 20hr/wk basis) while you are seeking certification, if it meant you were less likely to need the cosponsor?
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-04-17 21:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMoney Payment
I know this doesn't have anything to do with this particular consulate, but in general, it's not necessarily true that they take USD for payment. The Brazilian consulate doesn't handle the money directly (at least for the B2 and the K1), and you cannot pay in US currency. L tried paying in US currency for his B2, and they made him exchange it first. For the IR1/CR1, I have heard they do take payment at the consulate, and they will accept credit cards, reais, or dollars, but cannot verify firsthand.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-06-17 03:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI have a lot of doubts before filing a K-1 Visa for my fiance...Please help!

He might be correct, however, people come on here for advice on what to do and what not to do. Most people come on here with not a clue what to do. So when they make a comment such as what the original poster made it is our job to lead that individual in the right direction. NOT make a bold headed post stating it is our responcibility to report you if you lie...Common, we are here to help and direct people in the right direction. If they decide to go in the wrong direction they will be caught.

First of all, I am a she, not a he.

Secondly, the OP indicated that they were strongly considering lying, which is intentional immigration fraud, and against the law. The paragraph before the VJ TOS, I made a point to mention there are consequences beyond getting the visa or not for lying to USCIS or the DOS as far as immigration goes -- things that are stated on many of the forms.

With all the time and money my fiancé and I have spent getting him here legally, I find it utterly repugnant that someone would try to get around the law by lying, and quite frankly, posting the TOS was meant as a warning: if the OP were to submit either visa form and continue posting as though they were strongly considering lying to USCIS and the DOS, I would turn them in to USCIS for suspected visa fraud / misrepresentation. It's unfortunate that things like citizenship can and do stand in the way of being with one's loved one, and I may not agree with the way this country handles immigration (or non-immigration), but there's a right way and a wrong way to take care of that. Illegal entry and lying is the wrong way, and it infuriates me that they even considered willful misrepresentation as a legitimate tactic to get around an automatic denial/ban situation.


Finally, with regards to your last post: Jim had made it clear in his original post that if the lie was found out, there would be stiff consequences as far as the immigration was concerned (including a lifetime ban). That in of itself should have clued the OP in to the fact that lying is taken to be very seriously by USCIS and the DOS. But instead of focusing on the consequences for lying, the OP chose to ignore them and focus on the benefits of doing so. Some pointed out the issues with proving the bonafides should they leave out the previous illegal entry, others pointed out the issues with immigration that would result if they discovered it (and that it's easier than the OP may have thought to discover illegal entry), and I was merely pointing out that above and beyond the criminal aspects of what they were doing that VJ could be used against them in a legal sense, especially if they filled out their timeline / etc.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-06-17 03:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI have a lot of doubts before filing a K-1 Visa for my fiance...Please help!
Lying's a terrible idea. It's committing immigration fraud, which is against the law - and you'd BOTH be lying, so YOU would have fines and/or jail time as a result and he would probably face a lifetime ban (not that doing things legally has been his MO in the past).


VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-06-11 07:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI have a lot of doubts before filing a K-1 Visa for my fiance...Please help!
It's cheaper to marry him. Total immigration cost with a K1 is a little over $2000 (including an estimated medical expense of $150 for the exam and $45 for the lab fees), and he won't be able to work for several months. With an IR1/CR1, it's something like $1000.

However, since he was illegal for so long, you will have issues, regardless of your route, because there's bans for being illegal, and for as long as he was here, it's a 10 year ban.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-06-08 21:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDenied Tourist Visa Problem for K1?
The K1 is essentially an immigrant visa. The lack of ties to Mexico that caused the denial won't be a problem.


And for whatever it's worth, my husband was denied a tourist visa and we had no problems at the K1 interview.


But she absolutely must not lie. They *know* she applied for a tourist visa and was denied.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-12-04 13:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYes we recieved Visa, one more question!

YES,

Posted Image

Note date in lower right corner.

K1 is slightly different than CR1 because it's not an immigrant visa (and it's single entry, and doesn't act as an I551 upon entry) - the expiration date is more in the middle.
Posted Image
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-01-04 21:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYes we recieved Visa, one more question!
You have 6 months from the date on the visa, which I guess would be Nov 8.

Edited by K and L, 04 January 2011 - 11:21 AM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2011-01-04 11:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBRAZIL K1 Process/Experience, Feedback, Concerns, Advise
Aw, happy anniversary for the g'card! Only 9 more months til you & your wife start ROC, eh? :)
K and LFemaleBrazil2011-05-03 16:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBRAZIL K1 Process/Experience, Feedback, Concerns, Advise
I don't know oif the "express" fee is worth it. We didn't pay it (just the R$50 fee to Bahia and were approved the 5th and received the 8th), but another couple here (Carol & Nigel) paid the rush to São Paulo on the 18th, didn't get their visa til the 24th. Is SP that crazy?!

I hope you get his passport back in time -- and congrats! :D

Edited by K and L, 25 May 2010 - 08:26 PM.

K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-25 20:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBRAZIL K1 Process/Experience, Feedback, Concerns, Advise
Let me rephrase, I am 99% sure that manioc flour is the same thing as what is sold in the US as tapioca flour or tapioca starch. This is one brand of tapioca flour. If you look at the English wiki for Tapioca, it talks about things that (to my knowledge) manioc flour is used for, but the wiki is *definitely* talking about tapioca flour/starch there. Just make sure that you use a fine milled tapioca flour and NOT tapioca pearls. I haven't tried it out, and I don't know if my palate would know the difference. It might be a little different if the cassava roots are being grown in the US (because geography does play a subtle part in agriculture -- look at wine/beer/liquors!) but it *should* be more or less the same.

I don't remember what megamarkets are in OKC, but if you can't find it at Albertson's or the like and you don't want to try the "natural foods" type stores, you *can* order it from Amazon! :)
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-11 10:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBRAZIL K1 Process/Experience, Feedback, Concerns, Advise
Oh, L is pretty thrifty - I don't know that he'd want to spend $3 (plus shipping) on, say, Brazilian condensed milk when we can purchase it at the store for $1 or less! Most of the basic ingredients for things he loves is sold here - manioc flour was hard to track down, but I discovered my local megamart has it in the gluten-free flour section of the organic area (though no fermented manioc - but his mom said she never cooks with it, so regular manioc flour will do for our purposes). The only things I really haven't found a good affordable source for are guaraná and dendê, and the fruits (and import rules make pretty much impossible to find pinha, etc). I've even found affordable sources of coconut water and cashew juice (which I really thought would be harder to find!).

BTW, coconut water is muuuuuuuuuuuch cheaper at amazon -- brazilianstore charges $25 for 12 of 330ml Viva Coco plus another $20 for shipping, and amazon charges $23, with free shipping. Actually, amazon has a ton of Brazilian stuff there (though you may have to search for it in Portuguese, English, AND Spanish to find it), and offers a 15% discount for getting a subscription for things you know you'll go through quickly (like coconut water, juices you can't find locally, etc) - and you can always get a longer subscription period for things you don't go through that quickly, but like to have on hand.



More on topic, there's a restaurant across the street from the consulate in Rio - mara mara, I think? The sign's bright orange, and it's between 21 and 31 México, just a few doors down from Duarte's office. They're a pay-per-100g place, and L and I went there after his medical AND after the interview, and the food was just fabulous both times. Menu changes daily. Really really good picanha com alho, and there was this chicken dish that was creamy and had rice (I didn't look at the names of the dishes, just what the food looked like :lol:) and man. Soooo delicious. It was honestly some of the best cheapish food (R$2,30/100g) I've had.
K and LFemaleBrazil2010-05-11 05:56:00