ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Congratulations to all the recent approvals!!!!!!! good.gif

We've been without internet service for the best part of the past month, so I've had trouble keeping up with happenings here.

A question for any of you in the AOS process (I'll ask at the Colombia AOS forum also): We sent in our AOS paperwork at the end of July - just under the wire for the rate increase. But, we have not received any confirmation, and the check has not yet been cashed. I did receive notification from the post office that the packet had been received, but nothing from USCIS. Anyone else having this experience???? A month seems like a long time to sit on the check, but then again I know they got a crush of applications at the deadline. huh2.gif

Ok, I'm a worrier.... but this IS important - to us, at least. ;-)

Edited by parkpapa, 07 September 2007 - 10:39 AM.

parkpapaMaleColombia2007-09-07 10:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Bill y Bella @ Aug 20 2007, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi! I am back from Bogota. Spent most of the time seeing doctors, dentists and school directors in preparation for moving Bella and the kids to the US. Dental work costs a lot less in Colombia, so if you need some work and you will be in Colombia for a visit you might want to consider having it done there.

Bill

Bill, you are absolutely right about the cost of dental work. Lorena has had considerable dental work in Colombia for less than $400 that would have cost several thousand here. Her teeth look perfect!

Regarding the kids and vaccinations: if the kids are school age, you might want to check with the local school to see what vaccinations they require. Chances are that they are different than what the US Government requires for simple entry to the country. Lorena's older boy (age 11) is having to have several booster shots over the next three months to catch up to where American kids are by the time they enter Kindergarten. Shots involved for him are three polio boosters, Hep B (second and third shots), and Tetanus (second booster).

Colombia is also "the place to go" for face lifts and other plastic surgery procedures. At least the prices are low. I have no idea what the quality of the final product is like. whistling.gif Though I could probably use some at any price. haha
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-08-20 12:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Congratulations Diana!!!!!!!!!!

Buck, sorry to hear you hit a bump in the road. We all look forward to hearing what document was involved, but whatever it was, it's a good object lesson for those in-process: read everything here and on the USCIS and Bogota Embassy websites, and then, prepare, prepare, and prepare. You will never have too much proof or documentation.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-08-17 14:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Hello everyone,

My name is Rafael and my fiance lives in Colombia. (Wow, I feel like in an A.A. meeting.)
I went through the previous posts and I have my a question about vaccinations. Does my fiance have to get them now or can she wait? I want to be ahead of the game hear. So any tips are appreciated. Right now she working on purchasing the passport. Currently the passport is $ 131.080 COP. Also I told her to get started on the DAS paperwork and birth cert.

Guys, am I jumping the gun on getting all these things this early on or should we wait?

Guys, thanx. Hope I can be as helpful as you guys have been to me on shedding light on this whole Visa Journey thing. (was not paid to write that) LOL

Welcome Rafael! Yeah, you'll feel like you're in AA after a while (just kidding). ;-)

My suggestion is that you guys go ahead and get done whatever you can do now, rather than wait. That said, however, ONLY do those things if you and/or your girlfriend are very well organized and can put your hands on any give document at any given time. I suggest buying a couple of expandable folders where all documents can be sorted and stored. Another important thing to do is MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING!!! And keep the copies in the same order or sequence as what you send in to USCIS. For example, when you submit the I-130 or I-129, make a second complete copy of everything in exactly the same order. Keep these things in a safe place. It's always better to have too many copies of something than not enough, when you need them.

Charles

Side note to everyone about vaccinations: We are finding that the vaccination schedules and records in Colombia do not always match what is the norm in the US. Be prepared to get more shots when you get here.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-08-16 17:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Good luck to Buck and Chester!!!!

I'm trying to keep up with posts here, though we are still without internet service at the house. Two weeks, YIKES!

Welcome to the new members! You will find lots of good advice here. Always keep in mind which process you are in (K-1, K-3, or CR-1), as the requirements do vary between the three. Some key things to focus on: the process will seem incredibly slow and cumbersome, but it will go quickly at times, so be patient, but also, always be prepared to act. The best way to do that is to have all your information ready well ahead of time, and have it well organized. None of this is rocket science, but it can be tedious and tiresome. Simply remember the great prize that awaits you at the end of the process and you'll have no problems. Finally, it's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. In other words, have more information, photos, and documentation than is "required". That way, you will not be unpleasantly surprised.

Good luck to all!
Charles and Lorena
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-08-16 10:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Hi folks. Just checking in to say hello (been without internet service for a week now - and still counting!). Using a borrowed computer.

Is anyone else having the problem of not being automatically notified of posts here? I've checked all my settings but I'm still not receiving notifications. :crying:

Anyway.... hope all is well with everyone.

Buck, from what little I've had time to catch up on, it looks like you're having some gremlins throwing roadblocks in your way. Keep the faith, my friend, and keep pushing the envelope. It will all work out like it's supposed to.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-08-13 14:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Anyone know of any good english courses that you can download off the internet or dvd's??



You can buy the a program from the "Berlitz Learning Institute" for $39.95. I have the Spanish version and I bought Paola the English version. She has been using it, not sure if she has learned much. I like the Spanish version. It seems better then the English one. For 40 bucks it aint bad though. I paid $300 for another, I can not remember the name of it. You see it in the airports alot. I like the Berlitz better.

Buck, you may have bought Rosetta Stone. It gets high marks from what I've read, but is very expensive.

Lorena was very concerned about English for the boys and we tried for weeks to find classes in the Kansas City area. There are none for children. About three weeks ago we were at a Mexican restaurant we like and the manager came by to visit with us. I asked him about English help for the boys. He said they will learn fastest and best by total immersion (without the crutch of someone or something translating everything). For an adult it's different. Lorena is now enrolled in a FREE English as a Second Language class sponsored through a local community college.

One other thing to think about in this regard.... Last spring I changed my satellite TV package to include a full slate of Spanish language channels. I thought this would be a good thing. As it turns out, Lorena and the boys spend the whole day - since school hasn't started yet - watching everything in Spanish and only occasional cartoons in English. They are learning nothing! A Colombiana friend that Lorena has made here told her today that this was a BIG mistake and that she needs to start watching nothing but English language programs and movies. If your lady is smart like Lorena is, she'll learn quickly.

Somewhat to my shame for not really helping my new family, I have learned more Spanish in the past 6 weeks than they have learned English - all three put together!! :blush:

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-08-04 20:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Andrea, yep, I know how to reply without the quotes. Generally, I include the original quote because there can often be several posts after the one I'm trying to respond to. If someone else reads my post, then they don't have to hunt around trying to figure out what I'm responding to or talking about. Assuming, of course, my post makes sense even in context!! :blush:

Ditto on the comments from Bill about the taxies and bus system. The taxi rides in Bogota are the same as they are in Buenos Aires and in Mexico. Apparently you take a special driving test to be a taxi driver south of Texas. If you fail, you're hired!!!!!!!! Lorena tells me that you are much better off riding a regular bus (with a Colombian citizen as guide) than riding on the Transmillenio. She says that all the pickpockets and thugs ride the Transmillenio because they know that's where the money is.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-07-31 10:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club

Quote: I urge you to attend the interview if at all possible and to enjoy Bogota, its a beautiful city full of things to see and do.


Oh I am going alright. I made that decision right off the bat. I arrive on the 15th, her interview is on the 17th and we will leave Bogota on the 24th. I wanted to have time to correct something or if the visa printer has problems. We should have plenty of time to see Bogota. I need to do some research to find some places to go.

Buck, in general, as an American, you want stick to the northern parts of the city and visit the center of the city in the daytime unless with your Colombian SO. Avoid the southern part of the city, avoid taxis that are already occupied, and be as vigilent as you would be in any large US city. There are plenty of wonderful and interesting things to see in Bogota - and the people are a lot more courteous than what you'll find in this country on a daily basis.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-07-30 20:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionRECENT Tracking DHL

Has anyone RECENTLY had success tracking their packet's shipment to the consulate through DHL? The search terms other members have suggested (Expedite IV Section, Expedite NIV Section, Correspondence, I-730) no longer appear to be working.

I could only get Correspondence to work with any amount of success...basically it sucks and was a waste of time (IMO).

I couldn't get any of them to work. I either get the message that there are no matches to my query or that there are too many to list. Maybe DHL got wise to the shortcut.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-04-25 18:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK3 - How essential is it that the spouse attend the interview.

I have to agree with TonyS. The day we interviewed for the K1 visa, all beneficiaries with their SO were approved. However, many solo beneficiaries were approved as well. So my advice is to look at your case critically and think about any potential issues that might raise some questions in the CO's mind--is there anything they might need you to answer/confirm for them? How good is your evidence? How many times have you visited since getting married? I noticed in your timeline that you met in June of last year and were engaged within 3 weeks and married within 3 months. That could generate a question or two especially if you have not lived in Colombia. I don't need to know the answers to any of these--just some questions you should answer for yourself.

I think your decision should be based upon how strong you feel about the evidence you have provided and how well your wife is prepared for the interview.

Francisco was interviewed for a few minutes and then they asked to speak with me. The CO spoke to me just as long as she spoke to Francisco. The questions she asked were not difficult and we were approved with no trouble. However, I think if I had not been there to affirm what Francisco had said, he might have been questioned a bit more. Just my experience, but I know I made the right decision in attending.

Good luck to you both!

I appreciate the advice. Yes, we had a short courtship. But, we both found what we wanted in each other and when that happens, why wait!? Anyway, I think our evidence is strong. I've been back to Colombia twice since the wedding and honeymoon, have met virtually all of her family and friends, and we have tons of photos and receipts.

You also answered one of my other questions. Several times on this site I've seen where SOs were not allowed. Is that only for the interview, or are they not welcome in the embassy at all? From your comments it looks like I could go along and wait with her, and if necessary, be interviewed also. Is that right? I think she is ready for the interview, though she is having trouble understanding the paperwork nightmare she is about to face. Also, keep in mind that we are a K3, rather than a K1, since we're already married. I guess I still don't know which is the right thing, but thanks for the input.

Edited by parkpapa, 25 April 2007 - 06:27 PM.

parkpapaMaleColombia2007-04-25 18:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK3 - How essential is it that the spouse attend the interview.
I have been planning to attend my wife's interview (we are hoping for a June date), but she is more interested in me coming to Bogota to escort her and the boys to the US when she's ready. I've read that it is important for the American citizen to attend the interview for a fiance(e) visa, but is it essential for a K3? I can't really afford to leave work twice in a month for both things. Any pointers would be welcome.

Any insights from regarding any embassy are welcome, though Colombia is our first concern, of course. Thanks for any helpful advice.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-04-25 16:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioni 134 question

hi everyone i know im maybe getting ahead of myself here i havent even filed the k1 yet but i do hope to soon . im wondering im pretty sure that my income will be enough for approval but i do have a co sponser lined up does anybody think that it would be ok to send mine and my co sponsers 134 just to be safe .im not sure if sending 2 will help or hurt are chances. thanks everyone.

If you are close enough to the line that you're unsure if you qualify, then it's probably a good idea to have a co-sponsor. But you need to be a bit more clear in what you're asking. Are you saying you want to send the I-134 in with the K-1? That's kind of what it sounds like.

Before you do get much further ahead of yourself, you need to spend a lot of time educating yourself about the entire process. Read through the guides here and look for topics in the forum that seem to fit your situation. Too much information is better than not enough. This whole thing you're about to start on requires attention to detail at each step of the way. If you spend time and energy on issues you haven't reached yet, you're likely to miss something important in the step you're currently on. Planning ahead is fine.... just don't let it cloud the here and now. Good luck!
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-28 07:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionage difference of couple

:thumbs: I am a young 50 and she is A mature 20 ,we get along very well ,we have dicussed the possible problems this could cause! so far there are none!


Just to clear up any potential misunderstanding, the OP asked...

anyone know where this puts us with the embassy interview?

...so the discussion isn't about the suitability of marriage between couples with a large age difference. It's about how (not should) the large age difference could potentially be an issue in the visa process.

Excellent point, pushbrk. My wife and I have a 28 year age difference and it seemed to have little effect on our success at the embassy. It may be one thing they look at as a red flag, but not a reason for denial. Besides, in some areas, my wife is as or more mature than I am. The important thing is that we compliment or enhance each other. If we were identical in age, temperment, and experience, how boring would that be!?!?!?!?
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-06-08 14:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPassport Photos for Embassy Interview
Just for clarification, you are talking about visa photos and not passport photos, right? There is a little difference between the two, I believe. And, yes, you should have them cut apart and placed in the packet in the same order as specified in the instructions. It is really important that you follow the instructions to the letter or you will face delays or requests for more information.

Good luck!
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-06-10 20:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP with translated documents

i did all of my translations after reading the translations done by so called certified translators in colombia. a friend had done it there and they were a joke, so many mistakes. my wife and everyone i met in colombia insisted on having one of these "experts" do it but i said no, especially after reading that one is not requiered to goto one of these people. the only thing that you need is to place a statement at the bottom of the document stating that you are fluent in both languages and are capable of translating, or something to that effect. btw, i'm glad things are moving along for you. will you be sending the email for the choice of agent? make sure to send it from you baby's email address.
JK

I had some of my stuff translated by a "professional" here for like $25 per page and then figured out I could do my own translations and have a native speaker "certify" the accuracy of my translations. Same difference, and all it cost me was a bigger tip at the Mexican restaurant. :innocent:
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-30 20:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTourist Visa first, then Fiancee Visa when ready???
A visa site may not be the best place to offer or receive relationship advice, but having been around the relationship block a time or two, I'd like to offer the following suggestions. Please take them, or not, as you see fit.

Obviously, I don't know you or the specifics of your relationship other than what you've offered here. With that in mind, I'm seeing several red flags and these have relatively little to do with any kind of visa your girlfriend might be interested in. Please note that I specifically said girlfriend rather than fiancee. It is apparent that you have doubts, not only about her sincerety but also about your feelings for her. If you've gone to see her seven times in the past year, and unless it was for only for one or two days each time, surely you've developed some sense of who she is and whether she's "real" or not. If you don't have a high degree of certainty of this (without her coming here and without you spending the money to bring her here), then it appears that your time together in Costa Rica was not terribly productive in any sense that matters over the long haul.

You indicate that you prefer to have her come here on a tourist visa in case she doesn't like the States. And if things are going good, then you'll apply for the K-1. The reason for not applying for the K-1 now (or one of the reasons) is that it's a six month process and you don't want to wait that long. Well, if things work out for you, you may have to wait that six months anyway. Just later, rather than sooner. And the complications of potentially lying about her reasons for coming here are not worth the risk.

The real issue boils down to this - either she is the one for you (and you for her) or she's not. You would be money and, more importantly, emotionally ahead if you spend time with her in Costa Rica so that both of you can be sure what it is you want. You need to discuss, at length and in depth, all of the personal and intimate issues that you will face, both as spouses and as cultural strangers. It's easy to get drawn in when the heart is leading the way, but the major step of a lifetime committment is overwhelming enough without throwing in all the complications of bringing an alien here. You need for your brain to jump in here and give your heart some help on this one. At least, that's what it's sounding like from the outside.

I wish you and your girlfriend all the luck in the world. More importantly, I hope that both of you discover what is best for both of you - whether that is together or apart. :thumbs:
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-13 21:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCR-1/IR-1 Colombia Club
Thanks, George. She makes the couple lovely. I have nothing to do with it (except enjoy my good fortune).
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-28 19:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCR-1/IR-1 Colombia Club

Here is the link for the EAD form (I-765) if you are interested once your wife gets here: http://www.visajourn...-Form-I-765.pdf

Thanks for the link! I found the form on the CSIS site also. The instructions are nine times longer than the form!!!! :blink:
http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-765.pdf


Hi Parkpapa, :)

I'm just curious, why concern yourself with this?, from your sig., you will have a I-130 as you are both married.

You don't need this as she will be a permanent resident (after June 6, ;) ).

Did I miss something???


Cheers!

George


P.S. Parkpapa, where is your photo of you and your wife? JK has a valid excuse not to have a photo as he works for the CIA and his
wife was Miss Colombia in 2003... ;) But this "incognito" stuff is going too far!

P.S. II. Congrats on getting the interview date in Bogota! :)

Sorry about the photo thing. Actually, I have one on my page but I thought everyone could see it. I'll post one if I can figure it out again. ;) ;)
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-27 14:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCR-1/IR-1 Colombia Club

Here is the link for the EAD form (I-765) if you are interested once your wife gets here: http://www.visajourn...-Form-I-765.pdf

Thanks for the link! I found the form on the CSIS site also. The instructions are nine times longer than the form!!!! :blink:
http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-765.pdf
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-27 07:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCR-1/IR-1 Colombia Club

Employment authorization - necessary if for those on a K-3 or K-4 who have not gotten AOS yet, but want to get a social security number (and, presumably, work).

Mike, as soon as you answer this question I know I'll slap my forehead, but what is "EAD"? I know about the AOS process, but the EAD is a new monogram to me.

Thanks! (can you hear the sound of head-slapping all the way in Florida???) :whistle:
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-25 17:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCR-1/IR-1 Colombia Club

Lucho:

Of course, as you know, you do not have this option....since you are not married yet. The K-3 program was reportedly created because of the amount of time it was taking for CR-1/IR-1s. The time gap has decreased....although there are no guarantees. Based on recent CR-1/IR-1 timelines (and compared to mine), the time gap is about 2 months to the favor of the K-3 (which is significantly less than it was less than a year ago). Barring some problem, the K-3 will almost always beat the CR-1/IR-1 with regard to time. It just depends on how fast you want your spouse to join you in the U.S. Some folks can wait. Some folks (like me) want to begin the process of assimilation as soon as possible (this was especially true for us since we have a daughter that we wanted to get into school. If we had waited for IR-1, school here would have been about over and she would have been a year behind).

Actually, my original plan was to get my wife and step-daughter here on a K-3/K-4 and then send them back down when the CR-1 petition got to the interview process. However, the U.S. government changed their process last fall, after we had already begun our process (late September/October). Once the I-129F gets sent to the NVC and then to the embassy, the I-130 process essentially is put on hold....the government assuming that the beneficiary will pursue AOS after receiving a K-3 visa. So, the way things work now....is that you select one process or the other (K-3 or IR-1/CR-1, but not both).

With regard to work....Mononoke is correct, K-3 visa holders cannot work right away (although I'm not sure how many spouses, regardless of visa type, work right away). A k-3 holder must apply for EAD, which takes about 3 months. Of course, if the K-3 holder does not plan to work for the time being, there is not reason to get EAD (and pay the $180 fee). Once AOS is finished (typically 6 months or so, depending on the office handling the interview), the K-3 holder has employment authorization. My wife is not working and will not be working in the near future (she is focusing on improving her English). However, I chose to get her an EAD so that she could apply for a social security card.

One clarification....the K-1 recipient will NOT be eligible for AOS unless he/she married the petitioner.

Mike

The K-3 visa is to get your spouse here "sooner" than the CR-1 visa. This is a non-immigrant visa, which means the beneficiary will have to file for AOS and EAD (just like a K-1 recepient) once they enter the US. The good thing is that you MIGHT get your spouse here faster, but according to my calculations the difference is only a couple of months difference than the CR-1 on average. The bad thing is not being able to work as soon as they get here and having to file for AOS which might take months and for some people, years. It's a personal choice really.

Diana

Mike, as soon as you answer this question I know I'll slap my forehead, but what is "EAD"? I know about the AOS process, but the EAD is a new monogram to me.
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-05-25 15:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionA couple of questions. Bogota Embassy
QUOTE (Antonio y Olga @ Dec 16 2007, 05:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have been approved and we are planning the next few weeks. I would like to know the following if someone could be so kind to help us:

a) Is the beneficiary if approved allowed to travel to the US with a one-way ticket?

cool.gif How long does it take to get the visa after the interview? how many days? I figure it would be sent to the beneficiary's home address via courier but we would like to depart as soon as possible to knowing this would allow us to plan.

First, let me suggest that you check out the information posted in the "Colombia Club" thread.

Now, I'm not sure what you mean by "approved". You have an interview coming up? Where are you in the process?

As for your questions: a) Yes, once the beneficiary has his/her visa, he/she may fly here on a one-way ticket. If you both are well-prepared you don't need to worry about the downside of doing this, but keep in mind that if the beneficiary is turned away at the port of entry, they will have to fly back to Colombia.

cool.gif In the past, the visa has been available within a couple of days, but you need to look for current info in Colombia Club. The answer to the rest of your question is also contained in recent posts in the club. Be aware that if you plan for too much in advance of a successful interview, you are taking a big chance in that the visa could be denied.

If you want the best chance to be successful in the process and be well informed on all phases, please read AT LEAST several months' worth of posts in Colombia Club.

Best of luck!
Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-12-16 21:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAsk the Embassy. Your Top Questions will be answered by an actual Consulate Officer
QUOTE (Bill y Bella @ Nov 28 2007, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
  1. Why do the embassy authorized doctors in Bogota require that vaccinations be "fresh" and require beneficiaries to obtain and pay for vaccines they have already received?
  2. Does the attendance of the petitioner at the interview have any impact on the outcome?
  3. How does the embassy determine if the beneficiary and petitioner share a common language?
  4. When petitioners attend the interview, what determines whether or not they are interviewed?
Thanks!

PS: By the way everyone, the name of the country is Colombia. whistling.gif

I agree with Bill's questions. I would also ask why they ask to see "proof of relationship" (photos, emails, and such) from some folks and nothing from others?
parkpapaMaleColombia2007-11-29 20:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (jpcanon @ Nov 29 2008, 01:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

I just had a couple of questions for anyone that may know:

What is the "DAS" (police and migratorio?) that is mentioned on the VJ info page for the embassy in Bogota and how does my fiance go about getting this? (she is in Pereira)
http://www.visajourn...e...&cty=Bogota

Her 10 year old son will come (at some point) to the U.S. and was wondering when she is granted the K1 Visa, about how much longer after that would he be able get proper documents to come? Does he need to go to embassy at the time of her K1 visa interview? (I will go) Not sure if it matters if he would come later to U.S. or with her?

Thanks- any tips would be great.... just trying to anticipate things- still got a ways to go.....

Joe

Hi Joe,

The DAS is probably most comparable to a combination of our FBI and Immigration (Homeland Security) offices. They have offices in the major cities, and I imagine in the capital of each 'departamento'. Anyone wanting to leave the country has to go through DAS, and I believe anyone wanting to move to Colombia would do the same.

Since we went the K3 route, one of the other folks here will need to help you with the questions regarding the boy. There are a number of differences, so I don't want to lead you wrong.

Best of luck to you guys!
Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-11-30 15:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Maybe Colombians don't want to come here now with our economy in the tank. ;-)
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-11-25 18:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ Nov 17 2008, 12:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's because they're all 40-50 year-olds going on 12. You just bring down your IQ a bit and you're set. laughing.gif

Diana

Ouch, Diana! It takes a woman to cut a guy down to size (on TWO fronts at the same time!!!). laughing.gif Glad you weren't talking about me. hehe
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-11-17 14:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (margara&john @ Oct 12 2008, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (maviwaro @ Oct 12 2008, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sounds like there are intentions to bring the child to the US. If that's the case, then perhaps applying for the secondary visa would be worthwhile in case the father has a sudden urge of benevolence towards the end.



Hi everyone,
After almost 6 months of waiting since issued their visas in Bogota, my girls are finally here! We had a long day of travel (left Margarita's house at 3:30am and arrived at our house 11:00pm), but we are so happy to finally be together. Thanks for all of your help. We'll be around in the aos section.

Good luck to everyone


john

Congrats, John and Margara!!!
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-10-12 19:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (jomartinez67 @ Oct 5 2008, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Guys! If I already file my I-130 for a K3 visa, do I have to pay the $455 fee for the I-129F? Please someone tell me!!!!!!!!!!! Help............ helpsmilie.gif
Once your I-130 gets in the process and approved, your I-129 will be put on hold by USCIS, so you don't need to pursue that any further.

























i-130

parkpapaMaleColombia2008-10-05 22:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (ColombianoGringo @ Sep 29 2008, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I warned her about the potential for tornadoes during the run up to Ike. We were very lucky, our biggest hassle was the inconvenience caused by the multitude of store and restaurant closings.

Strangely enough, there was a really bad windstorm last week in Neiva, the city in Southern Colombia where she and a lot of my family are from. There were all kinds of downed trees and even some homes destroyed. This kind of thing never happens down there.

On a more positive note, my parents had a big party for us this weekend. My wife got to meet many of my aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She had already met a fair number of my relatives that either live in Colombia or were there to visit including my all my living grandparents. She fit right into the whole crazy bunch as most of them are from the same city were she lived. It was kind of an odd hybrid of a wedding reception and a welcome party. In any case, everyone thought she was great and we had a good time. We also got some good loot out of the deal smile.gif
Peace, CG

My wife's best friend is from Neiva and the friend's family lives there. It's not far from Lorena's home town of Florencia. We had no word about the windstorm so I'll ask her to check with her friend to see if all is well with them.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-30 12:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (ColombianoGringo @ Sep 27 2008, 12:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (maviwaro @ Sep 26 2008, 09:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Osea, ya tienen luz para ver a donde van??

Those are indeed good news. Hope the hurricane didn't batter you folks that much!


Thanks Mavi,
We were very lucky. We live in the Southwestern suburbs so apart from a few roof shingles, we had no damage. In fact, we got our power back on Sunday night so we were only without electricity for one night. Much to her credit, my wife took her first hurricane calmy in stride. I thought she would be nervous and scared, but she was as cool as a cucumber.

Peace,
CG

That's good, CG. We live in the midwest and my wife is deathly afraid that we'll have a tornado, so every time there is thunder with dark clouds she is running to the TV to check the weather.
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-27 12:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Juan Carlos @ Sep 20 2008, 03:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thursday is the big day, Diana. I'll let you know how it goes!!

Best of luck to you guys, Juan Carlos. :-)
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-20 16:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Corey3368 @ Sep 20 2008, 06:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (parkpapa @ Sep 12 2008, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with Diana and Mavi. Honesty at the interview is the only sensible option. However, don't offer more information than exactly what is asked for. No need to explain more than what they need. wink.gif



What are the fees for the 10 year card? Anyone know? Hoping I was done paying!

There is no end, Corey. laughing.gif The fee is the same for 2 years as it is for 10 ($1,010) and the time only depends on how long you've been married. We missed the date by three weeks, so we get to pay another $500+ in less than two years. (Actually, USCIS missed the cutoff.... to their advantage, of course.)

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-20 15:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Lorena and the boys received their (2 year) "green cards" today. Sooooo.... in a year or so, we get to send USCIS even MORE money.... but at least we are past one of the biggest hurdles.

Welcome to the U.S. for real mi esposa preciosa. heart.gif
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-18 20:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
I agree with Diana and Mavi. Honesty at the interview is the only sensible option. However, don't offer more information than exactly what is asked for. No need to explain more than what they need. wink.gif
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-12 11:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (Corey3368 @ Sep 10 2008, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
have her check the date of the stamp in her passport. Often a stamp for 6 months is given.

Thanks guys. She arrived at the end of August. When the immigration officer asked how long she would be here, she was confused by the question (and by being in a strange country). She kind of stumbled around for a date, so finally the officer said, "Okay, let's just put October 8 on here."

From what I was able to find on the Dept. of State site and the USCIS site, she has to leave by that date or be subject to deportation and loss of her visa. She can ask for an extension of her stay.....as long as she fills out the proper form and gives them $300.00. Then she can also be denied. wacko.gif I just sent her some advice that she needs to leave by the date stated and then she can come back later.... and give a later date to return. star_smile.gif
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-10 16:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
This may be a bit off topic, and I apologize in advance, but does anyone have any experience with family visiting the US? My question is about a tourist visa. My wife's mom got her tourist visa in August and is now visiting friends in Florida. Her friends are trying to convince her to stay until December, but when she entered the US, she told the immigration officer that she was only visiting until October 8. If I understand correctly, a tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days at a time. The question is, will she have a problem if she stays past October 8??? She will still be under the 90 day limit.

Thanks for any help..... or please direct me toward a good source of information if you can. innocent.gif
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-09-09 20:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
If you're flying out of Miami, you should always check on the LAN.com for their prices, too. They are often cheaper than US carriers and my wife tells me the service is better.

Charles
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-08-20 11:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
QUOTE (vainilla @ Aug 16 2008, 08:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My american fiance have a criminal record (about 10 years ago but this case was closed and not longer there),?
...this can affect my fiance visa process?

Impossible to say, but my guess would be that if an American fiance has a felony record - especially one involving child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or a record of bringing in foreign spouses to obtain residency here - there will be a closer look and a better chance at rejection.
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-08-16 20:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club
Some news that's slightly off topic...

My wife's mother went for her tourist visa interview on Monday ..... and was APPROVED!!! Que milagro!!

I doubt that it helped, but a month or so ago I sent a letter to the embassy on her behalf. In any case, we hope to have her visit here for the Christmas holidays. kicking.gif
parkpapaMaleColombia2008-08-05 19:50:00