ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
TONY! Congrats on getting the NOA! As you know, we both started about the same time last year, so I use you as a benchmark to see how I'm doing. They received our AOS packet on July 6th, one week after they got yours, so I'm guessing we'll have our checks cashed at the end of this week or early next week.


Thanks Dan

We got the biometrics appointment letter in the mail today so things are looking good. Greys enjoyed talking with Silvia.

Edited by TonyS, 16 July 2007 - 03:45 PM.

TonySMaleColombia2007-07-16 15:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Your VisaJourney time line information section says to wait to 10 days after August 14, but I would not wait that long.I would call now. The number I have is (800) 375-5283.
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-16 15:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hello Byron

Welcome to da club and you are in good hands here. There are some very nice and knowledgeable people here. We all share a common goal. There is more than enough information here to get you through and the sucess rate is very high. On the other hand, I do think you need to make some calls. The Vermont Service Center does not normally take so long to approve applications. If it was the other service centers I would not be so concerned. Maybe earlier this year, there was a big increase in applications submitted to beat the big price increase but I'm just speculating.

TonyS
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-16 14:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Tony,

A paisa is pretty much anyone who is from the coffee region, this includes Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío & Risaralda. BUT the most famous paisas are from Medellín, we are known for being ahead of everybody and not getting stuck on any situation. We're kind of like New Yorkers but not so rude. Hehehe, my apoligies to the New York peeps. B)

Diana

:thumbs:
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-16 12:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Yes Dre, I think she was saying excatly that in her wonderfully incomplete english :lol:. I guess any "Hotlanta" scammer doesn't stand a chance. They are mere amateurs! On another note...got NOA today for AOS...so another step done....wow seem like life is moving fast. Feel like yesterday when I first found VJ and was uneducated about the immigration process and feeling overwhelmed. " How ya like me now!"


Tony
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-14 14:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Diana and Dre


I had to ask my wife what a paisa was :lol: ...she said " Oh from Medellin...they are experts at selling things!".
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-14 05:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Diana...I love Jorgito Celedon, but it makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one given a hard time at the embassy. El Binomio de Oro is playing in Atlanta this Saturday to celebrate Colombian Independance Day....I'm glad they have their visas in hand!!!!

Lucho...welcome home to you and Wendy!!! And I think I'm NEXT in line!!! I have 10 days, 13 hours and 32 minutes.. thanks to my handy dandy counter below! Is there anything else I need to be prepared for other than the long, cold wait at the embassy? I'll keep my fingers crossed on the X-Ray issue...if its in one on my moving boxes, it will be found when I move into my new house. I'm glad to hear it wasn't asked of you along the way.

Well... I have a NEW question for those of you with VISA IN HAND.....how many days do you have from the time the visa is issued to when you MUST travel to the US? is it 30 days or 90 days? My husband has to sell his apt and his moto and he refuses to put any of it for sale (THIS TIME) until he has the visa in hand (can you blame him? he had to go home in february and undo a bunch of transactions!).

Your input is appreciated.


Dre


Dre,
Thanks for the welcome!! After visa in hand, you have 6 months to travel to the USA, and once in the USA you have 90 days to get married.....I speak for K1 visas only. Dont know if there is another type of visa for fiances like there is 2 types for married couples.

Also for the embassy. Just make sure you have everything in order, all documents. Expect to be scammed, well they will try to scam you. They as in people that have shops near the embassy. Like photo copy centers and passport pictures centers. Dont listen to them, they will claim that you need to have umpteen copies of cedulas, amplified at 150% and etc. Dont try to speak to other petitioners, some will say otherwise. However, we found that the very few people we spoke to kinda made us confused. Well, almost confused. I believe with the knowledge that we have due to this thread, we should be unvincible in the process. Other couples that we met that dont go on VJ, seemed to not have a clue.


It easy to understand how you could be scammed. Thanks for the 2nd warning.
I have one question............when they give you the instructions at the Embassy, do they speak both english and spanish, or just spanish? I am going to be dinked if it is only spanish. Unless they speak very slow and clear I can not understand what they say and even then I don't get much of it.


Don't worry..you will be fine. The lady at the lines in front of the embassy was Colombian, the lady inside explaining how to arrange the paperwork was Colombian and the rude and rather unhappy looking paper slinger at the first booth was Colombian. They will only need to communicate with your novia. The only American was the CO and in my case he didn't even speak to me.
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-13 08:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Approved!!! Easy as 1, 2, 3. I'll post details later, however the order is slightly different than anexo B.


Way to go!!!!!!!! See you on the AOS side!
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-05 14:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Lucho, I wish you the very best. Mike's right....and I'm the voice of experience on this one...you can never be too prepared. The night before our interview we 'talked' about going over some of the potential questions and we decided to go to the movies and later a LONG walk instead.....because, of course, we knew EVERYTHING about each other and we didn't need to review. At about noon on the day of our last interview, we regreted that decision. Mas sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo..dice mi mama!!!!

Guys and gals....I NEED YOUR INPUT ON THIS....I'm copying from another post... Maybe those of you with late July interviews are thinking of this too...

Has anyone in this group gone through the K3 (spouse/fiance visa) process successfully and then moved on with the CR-1/IR-1 INSTEAD of the AOS route? I'm trying to find a way around this price increase ($450 to $1010) for AOS. My husband's interview is July 23 and he cannot travel until after August 1st when the increase goes into effect. Our I-130 arrived at NVC in May and we were issued a case number June 13th. NVC responded to my email inquiry yesterday saying that the Fee Bill has been generated and mailed to us, so theirs a good chance I can get it back to NVC prior to the price increase on July 30th (by the way, does anyone know if the FEE BILL for the I-130 is being impacted by the price increases, I couldn't find anything on the ICIS site that talks about CR-1/IR-1 being impacted). Anyway, I think that moving forward with the CR-1/IR-1 process may be the best alternative for us to avoid the spike for AOS. If and when my husband is issued his K3 visa, he can just stay in Colombia and wait for the next process. If anyone has any thoughts on this please share.

Thanks,


Hello Andrea

I'm glad to see things are moving forward for you. I have quietly followed your case over the past 6 months or so. I told my wife about your situation and she always asks how things are going. I wish you luck and justice...finally. :yes:


TonyS
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-03 16:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Good luck lucho, but you won't need it anyway.


Thanks, i'm here at LAX bored out of my mind. I dont board for another 2 hours. I will be posting report on Tuesday about the lab and medical exam experience.

Steve, George...where are you guys???


Yeah, I remember being bored stiff during a LAX layover to Sydney LOL. Anyway,good luck but I know you won't need it.
TonySMaleColombia2007-07-01 01:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hey Jay. I live in CT and my wife is also from Barranquilla. We always welcome more friends. :yes:

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

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

Jay


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-31 19:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hey Corey, I am happy for you and the visa approval! I am also sorry about your mother-in-law. I will wait for the update and talk to you when you get back to CT.


Good news I wanted to share!
My Fiancee's visa was approved! We had our interview date on 5/25. The only issue we had was the lab. work was not clear and my fiancee had to have another test done. We were able to still have our interview as scheduled as were approved pending the medical documentation. We had to wait until Tuesday to return to the Doctor's office. At the second visit she was informed she needed two more vaccinations ( TD , MMR). There is a office close by where she got the vaccinations ( cost was good 37.000 mil total). We returned to the doctor's office and recieved the doctor's letter. Today we returned to the Embassy and are scheduled to pick up the visa tomorrow.

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



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

Subject: Visit Denial xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Dear Ambassador William B. Wood,

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

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

Respectfully,

Corey Green


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-31 10:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hey Jay I am happy for you! Very good description of the interview...brought back memories :yes: . My 2 cents is to dress business casual and if your fiancee is a Costenas, then bring a light jacket LOL. Be prepared to wait a long time...we got there early but was one of the last to get interviewed. 20-25 pictures together at different times and places is excellent. If you can go to the interview, then do it! I had a great time and I will remember it for the rest of my life. Well I'm off to the airport..c'yaaaaaaa!
TonySMaleColombia2007-05-23 06:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hello all. I'm leaving for Orlando tomorrow to get married :yes: and I would like to wish good luck to all with upcoming interviews. The "Colombia Club" has a excellent success rate so I know everyone will do great! A special shoutout to Corey, c'ya in Connecticut in a few weeks!
TonySMaleColombia2007-05-22 06:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
PM me and I will be happy to hook you up with a package 4 I received in Feb. of this year.

Thanks for the heads up on the link. I new something was funky about it.

I will try to get a hold of TonyS for packet 4...thanks guys!!


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-19 19:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Good to hear! I'm happy for all recent approvals!

Great news!!! Catherine and I just returned from the interview (okay, that plus a nap), and her K1 was approved in a very few minutes! We fly to Texas on Thursday.

I want to thank everyone for some very helpful information over the last few months.

In a few days I will write more detailed comments on the experiences. It appeared that the vast majority of visas were approved, but I did see one denial...

One thing I will share is there was a sign posted saying the consular section would be closed to the general public on 5/24. I do not know if this means anything for those with interviews on that day, but I would at least take it into account for picking up a visa (i.e., after interview travel plans).

Off to celebrate with Catherine´s prima. I will update later!!!! :dance:


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-09 10:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hello

For the lab exam you will have to wait outside. In my experience, it took a hour and I waited at a cafe next door. The medical exam had a waiting/reception area...it took only about a hour. Read the old threads and you will see the typical questions. Most of the "Colombia Club" interview went very well and were very short. Typical questions for a good interview are:

1. How did you meet?
2. When did you meet?
3. How many times have he/her ( American ) been to Colombia?


HEllo...just a few questions...about 1)medical interview 2) interview at embassy..

1)I've read that only the beneficiary can enter the medical and laboratory exam.. Do they have waiting rooms or should i just stay back at the apartment?

2)I plan on being at the embassy with my fiancee to show support. What types of questions should we expect besides just providing the documentary proof requested of us?

Thanks.


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-08 09:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Congrats!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys, just wanted to share the news that our I-130 was approved today! Now I don't feel so left out anymore. :P

Anyway, a friend of mine didn't know anything about how to create a letter for her ex-boyfriend to sign giving her permission to take her child out of the country. All she did was go to a notary and they wrote out a copy for her and him to sign and then notarized it. This was back in the 80s though, so things might have changed.


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-04 07:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Welcome back Corey. Good to know you had a good time. You have to tell me all about it when you settle in.

Tony

Just back from Barranquilla and Cartagena! Great time!

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


TonySMaleColombia2007-05-04 06:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Call the IRS and order the last 3 years of tax transcripts. Should receive them in about 3 weeks.


Gracias/Thanks!!!

I-134

I have the following as evidence of support for the I-134.

A. Statement by my employer stating my salary, permanent position and date of hire.
B. Last 3 months of bank statements
C. Last 3 years of 1040. (no W-2)

Is this enough supporting evidence?


Edited by TonyS, 02 May 2007 - 02:25 PM.

TonySMaleColombia2007-05-02 14:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Also don't forget to work on the CERTIFICADO MIGRATORIO as a heads up for the package 4. As many of us know, this document can take up to 30 days to receive if the fiance/fiancee lives outside of Bogota.

Luco:

Have you done your readin og this thread yet? Yes? OK, good. ALways want to encourage everyone to read this thread. However, to get your started, let me give you some ideas.

Did you receive your NOA2 by e-mail or mail? If you got it by mail, it is possible that your petition has already been sent to the NVC. If you received it by e-mail, you need to wait about a week. Once you think your petition has been sent to the NVC....

The first thing you need to do is call the NVC (number provided elsewhere on this thread) and see if they have received the petition (they will ask you for the number from your NOA2). If they have not, call again in a few days. If they have, ask them two question: 1) what is the case number? (the number will start with BGT) and 2) when will the petition be sent to Bogota?

Meanwhile, your fiancee can begin to put together packet 3. That will include a cover letter (explaining that you are seeking a K-1 visa interview), a copy of her passport biographical page, a completed DS-230, part I ( you can find this on the embassy web site), and a signed OF-169.

Once the visa petition has left the NVC for Bogota by DHL, it takes three business days. Once the petition arrives in Bogota, give them a couple of days for processing. Then have your fiancee fax and/or mail the packet 3 information I mentioned above to the embassy. If you get the fax into the embassy by May 15, you should get a June appointment.

Once they receive the packet 3 info, the embassy will send your fiancee a packet 4 that includes her appointment time and a list of all of the other things she must do (medical exam, blood test, x-ray, pay the interview fee, etc.) and of all of the paperwork she must provide during the interview, including the I-134.

If any of what I said is unclear or you don't understand, then that means you have more reading to do. All of what I have said here has been discussed, in detail, in this thread. This should get your started.

Good luck,
Mike

PS - if you have a specific question, feel free to PM me.


Bros/Sis's

Wendy and I just received our NOA2 last night. I will be here a lot more to learn from you all.

First, I'm going to gather I134 forms and documents that I need to send her. Then from there, i'm lost :huh:


Edited by TonyS, 28 April 2007 - 02:32 PM.

TonySMaleColombia2007-04-28 14:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

leo here againg!
I have two final questions!

I just finish filling out the form I-134, my boss already gave me the letter from work and
this week thats coming up I will get the statement from my bank account. our enterview date is on May 17 which i plan to attend. For the form I-134 I have to sign it in front of a US notary public. (here are my questions.)

1.) so where I work I know that our secretary she has the authority to notorized papers, Could she notorised my forms and other papers
or I have to go somewhere else for that???!!!!!

2) Regarding the Statement from my bank account; it has been almost a year that I open this account and I really dont have money save there,
Usually When I get my check from work I have this bad thing that I usually cash it at the bank of where the check is from ( once in a while I deposit my checks, But starting last month I've been depositing my checks in my acount.) and usually I pay most of
my things in cash. Would this isue could be a reason for my girl not to get approved for her visa at the enterview even though I make 40k a year????

for this reason Im doing the fallowing thing to play it save.: I just move to a new place (rented) and Im goin to take ( to the enterview) the contract of the Apartment which is under my name, and a copie of the bills I pay there, so I could show them that I have enough money to pay the house bills and also that I could take care of my Trigueñota!

thanks for all your help, this Website is the best and sorry for my grammar is not the best!



Hola

1. I had the secretary at work notarize my paperwork...no problem
2. The instructions for the I-134 states " any or all " as far as evidence. I was not going to submit bank statements because my income was well above the required amount. I did only because i received a bounus and the balance looked more impressive.

That's my take on it but there are plenty of knowledgeable people here.
TonySMaleColombia2007-04-28 11:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Hello,
I am patiently waiting for my NOA2 for k1 visa. I should be getting it very soon. I am not sure what is next. If I receive my NOA2, that is forwarded to NVC.

Where does these packets 3 and 4 come into the picture? Can I obtain them now? If so, where?
Thank you all


You can email me at smitht30@yahoo.com. I will send you a scan of package 4 that I received in Feb.
TonySMaleColombia2007-04-26 21:50:00