ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

can people who have gone through this process please post your experiences with the doctors in bogota that conduct the exams, dra gonzalez and dr. roa. how long did it take from start to getting your results? 2, 3 days
given the choice of the 2 docters, why did you choose one over the other? was it because of speed, availabilty, location, female doctor? i had read (i can't recall if it was in bogota or in other countries) how some male doctors have taken advantage of young women by asking them to strip naked where as the female doctors do not and conduct the exam with most or all of the clothes on.
for that reason alone i was thinking of taking my wife to see la Dra gonzalez.
gracias
JK

I haven't seen any specifically negative comments about the male doctor in Bogota, only that Dra. Gonzalez is "nice". Again, from comments seen here, it appears that the results are ready by the next day. Of course, I suppose that depends on how busy they are.

We'll be finding out more about this part of the process in a couple of weeks, so I'll try to post something after I get back.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-21 06:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Lucho and all,

This will not help Lucho a whole lot, but I do have one copy of packet 3 and one copy of packet 4 that was sent to me by glenn (a VJer from here) back in March. I sent these samples to Lorena back then. She told me when she received HER packet 4 from the embassy that nearly everything was the same as the samples I sent. The main difference being that a new bank is listed for where to pay fees. The caveat is that these are for the K3 visa and may or may not be much help for a K1. If anyone needs these, send me a private message and I'll email them to you.

If Lorena is able to hang on to our original packets, I'll scan these when I get home and be able to share those as they'll be a little more current.

PS: Where has glenn been, by the way???
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-19 18:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

lucho. let me know about the vaccinations in barranquilla. my wife is there and she has to get the 3 soon as we're expecting the interview date sometime in july or aug. please let me know what your fiance finds out, if she can just walk in or has to make an appt, how much, etc.
thanks
JK


Sure, I will let you know early next week...Monday or Tuesday.


Also I am looking for a good link to get form DS-156k. I have this link, but it does not work http://bogota.usemba...tructions.shtml



Nevermind, I found a good link ;)

Is this Packet 4 link for K1 or K3 visas? Or both?

http://bogota.usemba...ntment_temp.pdf

Also, it states that I need affadavit support form I-864. However I have been told that I need I-134 instead. What gives???

Our packet asks for the I-134 (we are doing the K3 visa). Typically, the I-864 is part of the process for Adjustment of Status (AOS) or for the CR1-IR1. At least that's my understanding. However, if it tells you to do the I-864, then that's the one I'd do.

As for the DS-156k, I think that's only for K1 visas. I get the two mixed up also, but the important thing is to follow whatever requirements they included in your packet - both 3 and 4.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-19 18:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

mavi, how long did it take to get the certificado migratorio?
JK



Well... it arrived this very morning in Bucaramanga. We're almost talking 5 weeks when they themselves said 3 originally. Plus it took her call to find out it was there so who knows... it may have been there for a bit waiting for her to call.

Hope it helps make an informed decision as to when to ask for one... if you got a month before the interview then you should be OK if asking for one outside of Bogotá.

Luck!

You can get the certificado migratorio in three or four days in Bogota at DAS. I don't think it's the certificate that's the problem, it is the slow mail system. At least you have an option if you will have some time in Bogota.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-18 19:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Got the medical on Wednesday May 30 with Dra González... that gives us enough time for her to put the documents together and be set for the June 4 date... we'll probably stay at a family member's home on a variation of a home swap...

Good luck everybody! I'm at the 11 day mark for traveling so TONIGHT I start packing clothes and paperwork!

Best of luck to you!! You'll be there around the same time I am. When's your interview date?

Well, duh!! And here I was worried about Lorena's English skills. I can't even read what's right in front of me! Good luck on the 4th!!!
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-18 16:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Got the medical on Wednesday May 30 with Dra González... that gives us enough time for her to put the documents together and be set for the June 4 date... we'll probably stay at a family member's home on a variation of a home swap...

Good luck everybody! I'm at the 11 day mark for traveling so TONIGHT I start packing clothes and paperwork!

Best of luck to you!! You'll be there around the same time I am. When's your interview date?
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-18 16:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Things are moving along! Lorena received packet 4 in the mail today (it was mailed from the embassy on May 2). Judging by the luck I've been having in the US recently, I'm thinking the mail system is better in Colombia! :wacko:

She is now working on passports for the boys. She tells me that a passport in Colombia only takes a day or two (in Bogota). The boys' father has said he will approve their travel - though he has yet to sign the permission document. Finally, she is planning to tavel to Bogota roughly 10 days prior to the interview in order to have enough time to do all the last minute detail stuff, lab tests, medical exam, passport photos, visa photos, etc. If 10 days seems like a lot, consider weekends in the mix along with all the usual bureaucratic snafus that will certainly occur and 10 days is very reasonable. This applies, of course, to someone who lives outside of Bogota or one of the major cities.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-18 16:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Hello all,

Wendy just faxed packet 3 :dance: I'm not really sure what to do next. But I have questions on the 3 below bullet points.

* Information about required immunizations
Can the required immunizations be done at any clinic?

* Information about medical exam and names of the two doctors
The general physical exam can only be done by these 2 doctors?

* Information about the lab tests
The lab tests can only be done by the '2 doctors'? Or can they be performed at any clinic?

The general physical exam and lab tests can be done on the same day?

1. The immunizations can be done anywhere, for example a Red Cross office that is nearby. However, you should double check about dates and timing because some vaccinations require two shots with an interval inbetween.

2. The two doctors listed are the only ones authorized. Their names are listed on the embassy's return letter.

3. The lab tests are done at the laboratory listed on the embassy letter. This is the only place to have it done.

I'm not sure how tight the scheduling is at the doctor's office for the exam, and the doctor needs the lab results. You should be calling the doctor now to schedule the exam.

Edited by parkpapa, 18 May 2007 - 03:58 PM.

parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-18 15:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Mike's list is correct. You should also take a look at the embassy's website: http://bogota.usemba...tructions.shtml This link is to the list of items in the K3 packet. It is slightly different than the K1. Along with the proof of support documents (I-134 or I-864) that the US sponsor must supply, it appears that the single most important document in Packet 4 is the appointment letter. You can't get into the embassy without it. All the other documents can be found or reproduced elsewhere and replaced if necessary.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-16 18:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

I have just learned that NVC has forward my application to Bogota. Bogota should receive it by wed/thur?

I understand it takes three or four days to get there, so you'd be safer to assume Friday or next Monday.


Thanks for the heads up. I'm having Wendy fax in packet 3 on Friday, and mail it off same day as well. Hopefully we can get a late June or early July interview.

How long to hear back from the embassy after we fax packet 3 in?

Not sure but it should be a pretty quick turnaround. At least it was for us. Don't forget that you can call the National Visa center after a week or so and they should have your interview date, in case packet 4 doesn't show up in a timely way.


Great tip! I didnt even know that NVC would know the interview date. :dance:

I may have used the wrong terminology. You need to call the number on this webpage: http://travel.state....w/how_1463.html
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-15 22:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

I have just learned that NVC has forward my application to Bogota. Bogota should receive it by wed/thur?

I understand it takes three or four days to get there, so you'd be safer to assume Friday or next Monday.


Thanks for the heads up. I'm having Wendy fax in packet 3 on Friday, and mail it off same day as well. Hopefully we can get a late June or early July interview.

How long to hear back from the embassy after we fax packet 3 in?

Not sure but it should be a pretty quick turnaround. At least it was for us. Don't forget that you can call the National Visa center after a week or so and they should have your interview date, in case packet 4 doesn't show up in a timely way.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-15 22:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Any info on Dra González? We've been trying to reach her for two days now and no one seems to want to answer the phone... for the money they make from these processes its odd how one of two medics is letting all this money go to the other Dr...

My wife called her office last week and made an appointment without any trouble. I'd suggest trying again tomorrow.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-15 20:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
A minor update and information that others might find useful...

Lorena still has not received packet 4 from the embassy. So I first called Visa Information Services with DoS. (http://travel.state....w/how_1463.html) I told the woman there our situation and she said they could not send me a copy of the packet. I questioned her a bit about contacting the embassy in order to schedule a time to pick up the packet. She said that, according to her information, the embassy IS taking phone calls on Wednesdays from 2 to 4. This same information is shown on the embassy's website. I said that I had heard they only accepted faxes at the embassy and she said "no". In the end, she suggested scheduling an appointment through the embassy's Visa Information Center. http://bogota.usemba...ioncenter.shtml

So, I bit the bullet and spent the $16 for a phone call. I didn't get what I wanted but I did find out a couple of things. Don't bother calling the Visa Information Center to schedule an appointment to pick up packet 4 until there are two weeks or less remaining before your interview. They simply will not schedule the appointment. The man I talked to said that "we need to make sure the mail has had enough time to arrive at your wife's home."

The other thing I learned, which has been partially covered here, is that I can call to make the appointment from the US for a friend of my wife to pick up the packet. The only stipulation being that the freind needs to have a notarized letter from my wife authorizing the friend to get the packet. The only reason for doing this, instead of having the friend make the appointment, is that I don't want the friend to have to spend her own money on the phone call.

I realize this is all sort of convoluted, but every little bit of information helps. And keep in mind that the only essential item in that packet is the cover letter. Everything else can be copied from elsewhere, but the cover letter is what gets you into the embassy in the first place.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-15 20:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

I have just learned that NVC has forward my application to Bogota. Bogota should receive it by wed/thur?

I understand it takes three or four days to get there, so you'd be safer to assume Friday or next Monday.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-14 20:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (ColombianoGringo @ Jun 10 2008, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

We're going through our final check of documents before I head off to Colombia in a few days.

I was curious about the DS-156. The packet 4 instructions say that we have to fill this out, but I can't find a PDF of it on the Bogota embassy site. The only thing listed is the DS-156K for K-1 visas. I looked online, but all I could find was an e-form. Is it OK to use this to fill out and print the DS-156 or is there a PDF that I should use. I think my wife got a copy sent from the embassy, but I would rather fill it out on the computer and print it.

Thanks,
CG

As best I recall (my memory is a dangerous thing, though....haha), we filled out the DS-156 AT the embassy. At the time, we were getting some help from some folks in Bogota and they had overlooked the need for us to have that document. A hand-written copy of this is fine with the embassy. I'm not sure where else you might encounter one if there's none listed on the USCIS site.
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-06-10 14:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Andres and Diana @ May 28 2008, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ May 28 2008, 01:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CG,

As for AP at the embassy level, I believe it's the same as at the NVC level. For CR1/IR1 petitioners, they're caught at the NVC and they will then hire several agencies to double and triple check the name that came up on their "red flag" list. They're mostly coincidences but they need to make sure they're not giving "X" person a visa if they were tagged as felons or potential felons. Since K1 and K3 visas spend just a few days or weeks at the NVC, they don't have time to do this part of the process and so the embassy takes care of it.

Diana



Thats exactly whats bothering me...we have already been through AP at the NVC Level! It took the NVC 3 weeks to forward our paperwork to the Embassy! If we have already been though AP why do we have to go through it again? Should the first time be sufficient...

And now out of total curiosity Im starting to wonder who has the problem with the security checks...him or I....and what kinda of "red flag" is being flown on us!

A&D,
I haven't followed your situation real close, but keep in mind you're dealing with two separate government agencies in this process - Department of State and Homeland Security (USCIS is part of HS). They each have separate priorities and separate means and methods of checking stuff. Why they don't communicate with each other or have the same information is a real mystery, but that's government in action (or inaction). One may give approval readily and the other drag their heals for whatever reason.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-05-28 15:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (ColombianoGringo @ May 28 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
parkpapa,

The problem is that USCIS had us put June 11 on our forms and the marriage certificate says June 12. Hopefully they won't give us any grief about it.

Thanks,
CG

I'm a little surprised they would care, but as long as you hang on to any and all documentation - including anything that USCIS sends to you. If you got this info verbally, be sure to record the date and time of the conversation, as well as the name of the person you talked to. One reason this is important is that, as I have found personally, you will get a different story and different requirement from USCIS depending on who you talk to and on what day it is.

I would encourage you to stick pretty closely to the hard-won information you find on this website, as it tends to be more consistent and more accurate than what you'll get from immigration attorneys or the USCIS, itself. We've been tempted to hire an attorney a couple of times, but I have yet to find anything in this process that you can't handle quicker or more certainly yourself. The only requirement is to study, study, study here and on the USCIS website .... and practice lots of patience while being ready to act quickly, when required. But the one overriding requirement is to document everything and keep all your records in good order as any of them could become necessary at any given time.

Hang in there.
Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-05-28 13:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (ColombianoGringo @ May 28 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What exactly is administrative processing at the consulate level?

We have a potential problem that concerns me. We were married in San Andres on June 11 of last year. However, that was a holiday so the notario's office did not officially file the paperwork until the next day, so June 12 appears as the official marriage date and the idiots also put down June 12 as the ceremony date.

Before we filed our petitions with USCIS, I asked them about this and they told me to put down the correct date and include a letter explaining the discrepancy. I included an addendum explaining everything and we were approved with no RFE. However, I am concerned about some jerk at the embassy making this a problem. Has anyone experienced any issues like this in the past and what were the results?

Thanks,
CG

CG, my wife and I were married "officially" by a notary in his office on a Friday. We had our wedding ceremony with family the following day (Saturday, when all government offices are closed) with the same notary presiding. Thusfar, we've had no problems with the dates. I would think the only date you need to be concerned with is the "official marriage date" that the Colombian government recognizes. The date you and your wife choose to celebrate is up to you. I don't think it will be a problem. Just keep good records and you should be fine.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-05-28 12:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
ColombianGringo, no te preocupes! You only encourage a fool when you pay them attention. If he gives you too much trouble, you can report him - if it really is a "him". whistling.gif

By the way, I just looked at your wedding photos. Bonita!!! My wife and I honeymooned on San Andres. Those pictures of white sand beaches brough back some wonderful memories. I hope we can go back again sometime, though a trip to Panama may be happening first. We need to look for a place to live after I retire in a couple of years. Colombia would be cheaper to live in, but the security outside the three major cities is worse than questionable right now.

Buena suerte!
Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-04-30 17:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (buck501 @ Apr 24 2008, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Paola's son, Elvin is here in the US now, the POE, Houston, was a cake walk for him. Paola did have a small problem. We were given 2 copies of her AP, she only took one to Colombia. They wanted both copies. After some talk between them, searching on the computer, they decided to let her return. WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Her GC interview is the 30th. Hoping all ges well there too.

Congratulations Buck and Paola!!!! Lorena is getting ready to visit Colombia also. Here's hoping everything goes smoothly. Immigration here said she doesn't need an advance parole because she's a K-3. :-)

Charles

Edited by parkpapa, 24 April 2008 - 10:32 PM.

parkpapaMaleColombia2008-04-24 22:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
For applicants with children, the following is copied from another thread that hasn't been used much, but I thought the information might help someone currently in the process. If it's been covered recently, I apologize for the repetition, but I don't get onto Colombia Club as much as I used to.

QUOTE
(Mountain777 @ Mar 4 2008, 07:56 PM)
QUOTE(narocks @ Mar 3 2008, 02:37 PM)
The letter we had done here in the US at the Colombian Embassy was then stamped at an address in Bogota, it was a little over a month old and allowed both boys to leave. No snags at the airport. Yes my suggestion is as recent as possible to avoid what happened to steveandsandy. I know in our case the embassy did not ask about the letter. We did have to send a notorized letter to the NVC showing that the children were permitted to immigrate to the US, this letter was from the mom as I am the USC pettioner and married to the childrens dad.



Hi narocks,

Can you tell me what letter that NVC asked for? Did they ask for the paper signed by the two parents? Because we do not yet have this paper signed by the father. He is giving us a hard time about this. We hope to have it by the time of the interview. He insists that it is only needed at the airport and refuses to sign anything until then. We tried to explain to him that it will be needed by the NVC and the embassy! Can you confirm?

Did you make up the documnet yourselves and what did it have to say besides to remove the child permantly from Colombia? How long was it valid for? Did the embassy ask to see the document? Were you required to give your physical address personal info ect? I ask cause we don't really want the him to know too much. He has been abusive towards my wife in the past and we are just trying to get him to sign this and want nothing more to do with him.

PS- Did the embassy ask the child any questions?



I don't mean to butt in here, but we went through the same thing with needing a letter from the father. The embassy and NVC are unlikely to ask about or even care about such a letter. The only ones that will care are DAS at the Bogota airport. Permission is required from both parents for a child to leave Colombia, unless there is proof that one parent has given up legal rights to the child or is deceased. The letters, no matter how they are written, are good for one departure only. So, the next time the child visits Colombia, he/she will need another permission letter from the father to leave for the United States again.

As for the letter, our letter states basically the following (all in Spanish, of course):

I, (father's name), of legal age, with citizenship number XXXX issued in (city, state, country), by this document give permission for my minor child(ren) (child's name) identified by civil registry number XXXX and passport number XXXX to leave the country and enter the United States in the company of his/her mother (mother's name), identified by citzenship number XXXX issued in (city, state, country). This trip is anticipated in or before (month and year) and this permission and authorization is in effect from now until the date of travel.

Signature and Notary stamp

The only other option, with the father still living and wanting rights over the child(ren), is for the mother to seek sole custody through Colombian courts. This will require not only proof of abandonement or abuse, but will also take several months to obtain. I'm guessing this is not an option you want to pursue.

Sorry I didn't see this thread sooner, and I hope you already have the answer you needed.
Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-04-12 14:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
A quick update on our AOS. We resubmitted Lorena's AOS packet a couple of weeks ago and today I received confirmation that they cashed the check (a good sign in our case, although the cost is not good). We will now await either an RFE or a NOA. Once again we ask for your prayers and/or good wishes.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-04-10 14:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (buck501 @ Feb 22 2008, 11:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Paola has got her first job!!!!!!!!!!!! She is VERY excited!! It is hard to believe anyone could get that excited over washing dishes. LOL>LOL. It will have to do for now until she improves her english skills. She was a nurse in Colombia and her desire is to return to that career in the US.

Congratulations to Paola from both of us!!!!!!!!!! Lorena's done some looking for work, but the English skill issue is making her shy about pursuing anything. Since she got her driver's license, I've had her do more and more driving to get her used to the area and also American driving habits. All of us who've been to Colombia think they drive crazy down there (I do too!! lol), but they don't drive nearly as fast as we do. Lorena still has a lot of fear in pulling onto an interstate highway with all the semi's speeding by. Come to think of it, some of those guys scare me too!

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-02-22 13:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (margara&john @ Feb 19 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the heads up Charles. Margarita and Daniela live in Medellin, so it would be a huge burden to make another trip. I wish they would stick to what the instructions say. It clearly states that "children under 14 years of age who are not the beneficiaries of individual petitions do not have to come to the interview" I certainly do not doubt you Charles, but this is the type of nonsense that frustrates me so much. Even when you follow their instructions, you aren't guaranteed that you are doing the right thing.

john

John,

My guess is that the folks at the embassy have a lot of latitude in making such a decision. The "rules" we get may say one thing, but if there's a doubt in the mind of the interviewing officer, he/she can pursue it further. Part of why they may have required my wife to bring the boys is the difference in our ages - though our interviewer never asked a single question about that or referred to it in any way. Who knows? Maybe they require that one of every five bring in the kids. It all goes back to what many here have said before - it's better to be over-prepared (and not need any of it) than the other way around. In any case, I wish you guys all the luck in the world. However, if you prepare like the folks here suggest, you won't need too much luck. wink.gif

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-02-20 10:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (margara&john @ Feb 19 2008, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bill y Bella @ Feb 19 2008, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Scott n Yenifer @ Feb 19 2008, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Bill,

I know that you're nerves are working on you...we were there not so long ago wacko.gif

Don't worry about the kids because there were kids from babies to teens at the embassy when we were there...

Also as far as the DS-156...the bank will have what you need and it will take all of 10 minutes to fill out so don't bother to stress about that.
(just be sure to fill out an extra copy for the embassy while you're there...1 for the bank and 1 for the embassy)

As I gather from your posts, and the help that you have given others (including Yenifer and I) here at Colombia Club, you are very well prepared and I know that you will have no problem... good.gif

Thanks Scott. smile.gif

I am not sure if it is a good idea to take the kids or not. On one hand I think they will have a very hard time denying us if I am standing there with the baby in my arms. On the other hand, if it turns out to be one of those days and the kids are a pain it could increase the stress level considerably.



Billy, just sticking my nose in (hopefully not where it doesn't belong). Margarita and I have been going back and forth on whether or not to bring Daniela with us. Daniela is 8 years old. We finally decided not to bring her with us. She would have to miss too much school and I too am scared of "one of those days". Good luck

Bill and John,

I don't know that it was different because we were going for a K-3, but Lorena and I went to the interview without the kids. While she was 'tentatively' approved that day, she was required to bring the boys to the embassy the following day to show the officer that the boys did, indeed, exist. Only then was she granted the visas. While it may be different with different folks - or different officers - you might give thought to taking the kids. It could mean saving another trip, especially if your SO doesn't live in Bogota and doesn't bring the kids along to Bogota the first go-round. Best of luck to you all!!!

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-02-19 13:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (OskaryAndrea @ Feb 13 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Diana - I checked out the USCIS web site about the K3 visa and there are no bulletins in there. I'm a K3 and STRONGLY recommend filing for a K1 instead, even if you are married already. The K3 is a nightmare! Don't get me started. I want to barf everytime I see a posting where the K1 has a SS number already! If you're considering the K3 route, save yourself a headache and follow the K1 route instead.

That's my two cents worth...so if they get rid of it....good riddence!

Dre

For what it's worth, I'm in 110% agreement with Dre on this. Avoid the K-3 process if at all possible. To call it a nightmare is being kind. To call it what it really is would get me banned from the site. blush.gif

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-02-13 20:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 18 2008, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think similar questions have been asked before, but I could not find one that matched my exact situation.
Fernanda has her passport and visa with my last name. She has changed her name in Colombia, but she has not received a new Colombian ID card (cedula). Does anyone know if this will be a problem when she tries to leave? I thought she could just use her passport and that would be sufficient.

DAS does seem to have their own way of doing things, but I suspect if you go to a DAS office, you will get approval. My only suggestion is that, along with the passport (with visa), you also take along the marriage certificate. I'd also carry it when at the airport. Probably not necessary, but it's like the visa application process - it's better to have too much rather than not enough.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-01-19 10:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (SteveSandyHill @ Jan 17 2008, 07:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here we are sitting in the office at Bob's place in Bogota, and going thru the list of possible questions that might be asked to Sandy. One thing I have noticed, that even though many S/O have attended the interview, seems that none of them are being questioned??? I am trying to prepare for possibly being cross questioned. Any advise????
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA

I was at my wife's interview and the officer did ask to talk to me. His main question for me was why I came to Colombia in the first place. It's still not real high on the tourism radar, so I guess they find it unusual that an American would go there for legitimate reasons.

Just stay calm and listen carefully to whatever questions they have. Answer honestly, directly, and BRIEFLY..... and you will be just fine. Good luck!!!

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-01-17 10:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (buck501 @ Dec 18 2007, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Scott!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yennifer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charles, how ya holding up without your sweetie?? She is warm and comfy in Florida, you are cold and alone. LOL>LOL.

You don't need to remind me, Buck! ;-) Thank goodness the boys and I are going to Miami tomorrow to spend time with her and her sister's family. The cold I can tolerate.....with my sweetheart to keep me warm. lol
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-12-18 18:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Way to go Scott and Yennifer!
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-12-18 15:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Great news, Scott!!! I was sure you guys would do well because you were so well prepared. Looking forward to your further success in AOS.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-12-13 15:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
AT LONG LAST!!! We are FINALLY one step closer to having things go our way. We received an e-mail today that Lorena's EAD (work permit) has been approved - this took 4 months almost to the day from her biometrics appointment.

I had called USCIS last week for an update and, as usual, got an entirely different answer than all the previous ones. But, this time, it was REALLY different! The last lady I talked to said we couldn't enter a service request even if the processing time was past. She said Lorena's employment authorization would be on hold until her AOS package was approved. She also told me that I couldn't have filed it separately. Both of these statements were obviously wrong. Even information on the USCIS website contradicted her.

I have long since concluded that the people you talk to on the USCIS phone system are only give one instruction: stall and tell the caller whatever you can think of to frustrate them and make them hang up.

Anyway, at least this portion is over with. We're still awaiting word from the USCIS Ombudsman and my US Senator regarding the AOS mess. But, at this point, I'll take even a small miracle. LOL

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-12-05 13:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Scott and Yenifer and Brian and Yenys.....good luck to all four of you!!! You guys are well-prepared and will do just fine.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-12-03 16:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
You'll do great, Scott. You guys are well prepared. Just stay calm and pay close attention. ;-)
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-29 19:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
It's safe to say that there is a degree of mismanagement (at best) or corruption (at worst) at all stages of the immigration process. The business with the doctors and vaccinations in Colombia and with the so-called civil surgeons here is the best and clearest example. The issue with civil surgeons in the US is disgraceful. These people are probably getting paid by the government and are then also gouging the patients for an exam that is little better than two first-graders playing doctor with a plastic stethascope.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-29 11:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Here's a link to use IF you have a problem (as outlined on the site) at any point in the process: http://www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman

Note there is yet another form to fill out, and certainly no guarantee positive action will be taken, but at least I did finally get an (automated) response when I wrote to the ombudsman.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-21 11:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Congratulations, Andrea!
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-19 16:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (BYRON-LEIDY @ Nov 19 2007, 01:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
God this process is sooo hard!!!!!!

I went through a miscarriage and my Leidy is in the hospital because she is having a hard time breathing due to her asthma....she is under anestesia and has tubes down her throat!!

I am suffering here so far away and feel so helpless not being able to be by her side!!!

I'm dying....God please protect her and let everything be ok....

As Buck said, it's hard enough to maintain a long-distance relationship when everything is going well. It's more than difficult when there are problems. My best to you and Leidy. I hope she gets well really soon.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-19 12:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Lorena, my lovely wife, heard from one of her Colombiana friends the following: The other lady is here on a K-3 visa, with AOS pending. She and her husband planned to visit Colombia, bought plane tickets, and went to the airport. She was denied permission to leave because she "did not yet have her permanent residency."

Anyone else heard of this happening? We're planning to visit Colombia next June, but at the rate USCIS is approving things, along with the problems we've had even submitting Lorena's AOS, it's looking like next November at the earliest!

If any USCIS folks ever read any of these posts (and many assume they do), I wish one of them would kindly explain why it's easier to live and work in this country as an illegal alien than as a legal immigrant.

"Frustrated" hardly begins to describe how we feel these days.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-18 12:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (BYRON-LEIDY @ Nov 16 2007, 12:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (BYRON-LEIDY @ Nov 16 2007, 01:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I came home a little while ago and ....................

OH MY GOD...I AM APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thank you all sooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lucho, Diana, Scott, Parkpapa, TonyS, maviwaro, Juan Carlos, buck501, Chester y Monica,



I HOPE I DIDNT MISS ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!! THE WAIT WAS LONG AND STRESSFULL BUT I WOULD NOT TRADE WHAT I AM FEELING RIGHT NOW FOR ANYTHING !!!!!!!!!!!! 181 DAYS WELL WORTH IT!!! yes.gif

Congratulations Byron!!!!!!!!!! That's great news.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-16 21:08:00