ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomBooking Flights With Pets
I can not tell you all the rules in a cat coming from Europe, but can tell you about travel to Colombia, from USA and back. (nine months between flights) The cost to fly on an airliner is $100-$125 per flight. Some airlines want a hard carrier, and some allow soft carriers. It can travel with you if the carrier is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. On one flight, she had to go in the hold with luggage. I was HOT !!!! My cat and one bag were lost for about an hour. be prepared for stress. Yours and the cat. Watch out where your seat location is. Some have more room then others. Rabies and distemper shots at least 10 days before flight. A vet can get you the certificate you need and give the required check up. All airlines have different rules. Book early and make sure you cat is on manifest. Sometimes they only allow two pets per flight. I had three flights going to Colombia. Cost $300. Return was done as two flights and was $200. I can not refute the person who paid a couple of thousand, but that was not my case last July, 2008.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-22 17:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you keep romance?
It is a little hard at time, when you are 3500 miles apart. (8 months and counting) You just e-mail several times a day. chat on windows live and sometimes use the camera and voice mike( so you can see each other smile, laugh and cry). Yes, cry our eyes out. I'm a grown adult and 63 years old. Yes I cry a lot, because this process is so stupid.] We try to keep each other going the best we can. Still have a long way to go. So our date nights with the wife and two boys will have to wait a while.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-21 19:15:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaA question about foreign ATMs
I must be doing something wrong. I use a debit card to get funds from my bank account in USA. I am living in Colombia. It is now costing me $166 to get $150 in pesos, plus a $2 transaction fee. Where do all of you get by for so little ?
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-04-24 16:42:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americaphone calls to Bogota, Colombia
[Thank you all for telling me how to call Colombia.. Even though it was almost midnight, I finally got to talk to Rosa after leaving her the 1st of July in Bogota. God although we speak little each others language, it was wonderful. Gracias, Elkfarmer
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-08-07 23:53:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americaphone calls to Bogota, Colombia
I am using Alltell celluar services and having trouble making a direct call. I want a record of calls with my wife. I am dialing 011-57-1 310-555-xxxx. I either get a spanish speaking female talking to me. (Not my wife ) No hablo Espanol. POCO. The other message I get is that it is not a working number. IT IS A WORKING NUMBER.. Any one else calling Bogota on Alltell. Gracias, Elkfarmer
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-08-04 21:50:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americaentrevista Bogota
Alguien tiene la entrevista del 10 de febrero de 2009 en Bogotá?
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-10 19:52:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americasending documents to Colombia
Diana, Let me claify something I guess. DHL is still in business for International shipment somehow. Their hub was in Ohio and that has now closed. Saw that on the news. I live in Nebraska, so no way to have anything picked up. Maybe that is why FedEX just took a big jump. No Competition.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-02 18:07:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americasending documents to Colombia
How is everyone sending documents to Colombia now ? DHL is no longer in business. Last week, FedEx was $100 to send a letter. I sent by ExpressMail (Second day) USPS. I am sure it is held up in customs, (maybe) or lost. It cost me $43 USD. Just wondering if there is a better way. My cedula and Valentines card may suddenly appear, but I doubt it.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-02 15:31:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaCan a visa be denied if you have outstanding debt (Colombia)
Don't worry about the debts. The embassy could care less. My wife owed thousands of dollars to 4 different banks in Colombia. No problem. She came up to USA and paid all her debt off from a job in USA.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2010-04-08 11:47:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaGetting Married in Colombia Civilly totally confused
I'll try and help you out a bit. First of all you will need to get a translation of your birth certificate and your divorce decree into Spanish. Then you have to take the originals and the translations to your Secretary of State office in Nevada, and get an Apostile for each document. While there, ask them if they can provide you with a Certificate of Singlehood. "Solo certificado" This too will have to be Notarized. They should know about it at the state level.
It will have to be in English and Spanish. Basically it can even be done by you even, but is better if the state can provide one. You can have two people say they have known you for 5 years, and they know you are single at this time, Date. Then, signatures of you And the the two people are Notarized. Not sure of the Apostile on this, but might as well be on the safe side. Do it. My state is $10 an Apostile. If I can help you further, give me a shout.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-04-01 22:17:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)waiting For Interview letter Jan 09
me too, bogota , Colombia. approved NVC in November. still no letter, but talked to them.


elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-05 01:46:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Faxed signature on ds3032
I faxed and e-mailed the DS-3032 to my SO. She e-mailed it back to me and I sent it in to NVC. This was perfectly Okay with NVC, as I called and got the Ok on this. This is about the only document this can be done on.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-20 19:27:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)IV fee at NVC
I just paid the AOS fee for one of my sons and received credit for having two applications at NVC concurrently. Off to the side there was a note that stated it is not necessary to pay all IV bill for both applications, but the principal applicant must be paid. Now am I going to be lucky and only have to pay $400 for both applications? With NVC I find this hard to believe.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-11 14:58:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Originals Or Certified Copies?
The other poster is right. You go to the original office where the document was issued and ask for more originals, In my case, San Andress , colombia for marriage certificate. Notoria office where my wife's original birth certificate was registered, etc. No one receives an original certificate, period. Not even in the USA. The original always stays where you are registered. Whether it is birth certificate, marriage, divorce, adoption, what ever. What you get is a photocopy of the original, certified by the issuing agency.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-13 22:19:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Originals Or Certified Copies?

Someone on here replied that you will get your originals and certified copies back at the interview. My wife took in originals and photocopies. The embassy should have had originals from NVC also. They asked for everything she had. No she did not get anything back. NADA I sent originals on I-130, NVC and to wife in Colombia. To top that off, I also have two children, and you guessed it, they asked for originals for both of them. And I doubt if any of it gets returned on their interview either. So be prepared.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-12 21:10:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DS-3032 Need Clarifications
You can e-mail or fax the DS-3032 to your SO. They can sign and fax it or e-mail it back to you. Better yet, your SO can e-mail it to NVC. Then you need to send your hard copy, by snail mail to NVC.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-24 23:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIndividual Taxpayer ID
I had same situation. My wife and kids are in Colombia. I called the IRS. Here is the answer to you question. They will not have a SS number, as they are not in the USA. When you file income tax on 1040 or what-ever, you would normally put in , SS Number or ITN # . In that space write in "apply for ITN Now". It take 6 to 8 weeks to receive it.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-12-07 17:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 almost done, need minor kids to come
Just to let you know, I am in the sme boat as you. My step-children are 4 months behind my wife, with the !-130's. Her application was just finished at NVC and will be on it's way to the embassy in Bogota. She will have to leave our boys with a relative, while the process proceeds. However! We will miss them very much. But, it will give my wife and I a little time to catch up and bond back into a loving relationship. We need that very much at this point, as it has been 6 months of longing to be with each other. Even the phone calls and computer, do not make up, for a touch . That is the way we are looking at the situation. I wish you well.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-12-07 17:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 almost done, need minor kids to come
Just to let you know, I am in the sme boat as you. My step-children are 4 months behind my wife, with the !-130's. Her application was just finished at NVC and will be on it's way to the embassy in Bogota. She will have to leave our boys with a relative, while the process proceeds. However! We will miss them very much. But, it will give my wife and I a little time to catch up and bond back into a loving relationship. We need that very much at this point, as it has been 6 months of longing to be with each other. Even the phone calls and computer, do not make up, for a touch . That is the way we are looking at the situation. I wish you well.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-12-07 17:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDENIED :( :(
Don't feel lonely. My wife's interview was in Feb.. Only sent taxes for 2007 and I-864. Would not approve my wife even though I made well over the limit. I too had to get my 2008 taxes done early. A big hassle in my case. Anyway I have them done and out of the way and need to forward them to my wife now. Then can call the Embassy and try to set up a new interview. Hear that takes a couple of months sometimes. The Embassy just likes being on a power trip, because they know there is not a damn thing you can do about it. But on any given day, I understand there are people who do not meet the guidelines and get approved. Depends on their mood.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-30 20:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmy k3 application forwarded to Fraud unit
You might just tell the person you absolutly do not want a divorce ever. You really want to have a good marriage, and if they insist, ask to speak to a supervisor. You can always tell them to screw off and get an attorney. They really do not have a leg to stand on. My marriage has a 24 year age difference BTW.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-02 11:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeeding translation service
Translation service for Spanish to English, for documents in Bogota. Doing DCF (hopfully). Anyone know of a certified service in Bogota ? Gracias amigos(amigas)
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-03-22 16:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioncheck payable to who?
Doing DCF in Bogota, Colombia for spouse. I-130 says to make check payable INS and apparantly can use personal check. (I was given the form at the Embassy) It still has the old fees on it. The new fees are $355, but how do I make payment and to whom ? Gracias Amigos and Amigas unsure.gif
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-04-05 09:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview bogota
Anyone have an interview Feb. 10,2009 in Bogota ? Alguien tiene una entrevista en Bogotá, 10 de febrero de 2009?
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-10 19:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionquestions about physical
need help guys. New fees posted for physical. Bogota, Colombia

1. fisica..143,000 pesos

2. Labrador....159,000

That is only 302,000 pesos

My wife is 39 years of age and not going to have any more children. I do not know the shots REQUIRED to have to immigrate here.
SHE WAS TOLD THE EXAM AND SHOTS WERE 690,000 PESOS.
Seems to me 308,000 COP is a lot for vaccinations. That is about $130 US. Seems a little high to me. Anyone know for sure about the vaccinations and costs ?
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-22 13:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNo Rhyme or Reason
They schedule interviews throughout the month, for the folling month. Don't count your self out yet. It did take an extra month for me though, as they just had too many in front of me. good luck

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-23 19:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUnfair treatment of US Citizens
I have to agree with the last poster. Yes, it is very hard to be apart from your wife and kids for over a year. That is my case. I hate it. But I also want every SOB that wants to bomb hell out of us stopped. What I really hate is the paperwork that is involved. Sometimes you send in everything they ask for. Get RFE, for things they already have. Sent in Originals when asked for. Will I ever get any of these originals back. Hell no ! So far 6 birth certificates. (Mine) 3 for my wife, 3 for each child, and marriage certificates, 4 to date. And translations to USCIS and NVC at $25 per page for translation. They seem to think they grow on trees. Just venting, sorry. Still the best country in the world after living in Colombia for almost a year.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-06-01 20:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVaccinations in Bogotá

The vaccinations are not in the cost of the medical. Go to the Red Cross to get them, but make sure the shots are given within a few days of the physical. the doctors love to call them outdated and have them done at their office. dollars in their pocket and kinda like extortion.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-04-14 22:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionappointment for my wife in Bogota
[I would advise you attend the interview. It took my wife three interviews to get approved. It took my sons two. What a hassel. But then , some do not have any trouble.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-12-03 21:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionColombia Club Part II
Fed-Ex is expensive. UPS works a little cheaper. about $60 a packet, 4-5 days. Forget the US Postal system. Things get riped off in Colombia and you never see them again. Sometimes UPS does deliver by the mail system, but they seem to get through better. Fed-Ex is very reliable, but can be $95 a packet for quick delivery.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-07-24 21:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHelp!!!!!!
If it truly is her ex-boyfriend, then the marriage was not entered into fraudulently. Screw that ######. No more green card. Hello Colombia. Will she want to get him to America after she is a LPR. Probably

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-24 21:55:00
PhilippinesHow to check case on line I-129F...without receiving NOA1?
just to let some people know, the numbers on the back of my checks were different then the actual case number receipt. wacxxxxxxxx90 and wacxxxxxxxx91 turned out to be wacxxxxxxxxxx92 and wacxxxxxxxxxx93. So when I tried to enter online case, there was a problem, Until I received the hard copy. Hope this helps someone. Never try to outguess immigration.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-10-22 20:32:00
PhilippinesHow to check case on line I-129F...without receiving NOA1?
QUOTE (eros222 @ Oct 19 2008, 12:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pepe N pilar @ Oct 18 2008, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eros222 @ Oct 18 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone,
I have been browsing the forum and have noticed that some people are able to check their case on line without receiving any NOA1 notification.

How is that possible?

Can someone point me in the right direction.... headbonk.gif

Thank you all... :


If their check issued to the DHS has been cleared by the bank, then the case number is at the back of the cancelled check. good.gif good.gif good.gif



Thanks PEPE, since everything is electronic nowadays, I did think about looking in the back of it.
Thanks again...I will check it out



but they ask for the receipt number on the NOA, not the case number
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-10-22 16:47:00
PhilippinesOpening Joint Savings Account
In response to the gentlemen paying $5 per hundred. There is a better way. MoneyGram from almost any Walmart. $10 for up to $800 transfered.
But this getting a seperate bank account in the US and not having a SS number is a problem. I finally found one, but I have had the account for a long time, so it is not new. But I do have to have notorized signitures from my wife, passport copy, birth cert. and marriage cert.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-01 06:30:00
PhilippinesWhere to honeymoon in the U.S.A.?
Don't know your financial condition, but I am personally poor. So I tend to lean towards the cheaper side of things. Look into a cruise. Vacationstogo.com is a good web site. I have been on two cruises and loved it. They are not expensive. Remember, you only sleep in the cabin for 8 hours. You will spend most of your time doing many other things. Do not waste your money on the cabin. So they give you a few more feet of space and a bottle of wine. Big Come'on. Try to get a cabin in the middle of the ship. You would love it.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-29 10:32:00
PhilippinesWill US Federal Income Tax 2008 be important/needed?
Just to let you know, they probably will require you to have your 2008 taxes done. My wife was denied in Feb. as I only sent 2007 return. Yes I made more then enough. They would not accept that. I have heard of several cases that have been held up, until 2008 taxes were done. Sorry for the news, but that is the way they treated us. It is hell trying to get a new interview date.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-30 20:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWOW- Got email that I am approved!!!
joe,
That is just awesome to have it move that fast. It took my wife 4 months and it has been since Oct. for my sons and still no approval. good luck to you amigos.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-23 20:03:00
Middle East and North Africapost your wedding photos here :)
QUOTE (Ahmed N Cheryl @ Mar 19 2008, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Great pictures everyone. Thanks for sharing.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-03-24 18:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's hurting and now he hurt me.
God I am so sorry to hear of your plight. I know I should just keep quite, but I can not. It is also your responsibility to be bringing someone to USA who will be a model citizen and everything "WE" stand for. I am a Viet Nam vet and do not like the politics our government practices. I have seen the poverty and the ruthless killing, and all that goes with it. It took me a year living in another country to realize I was from the best country in the world.
Our country is so deverse with people from all over the world. We are so unique, and yet we all are one people, or are supposed to be. We were originally settled by Englishmen who rebelled at there own Mother country. That is something that every American should remember.
I am sorry your Husband feels the way he does. I would totally welcome your husband here and fight for his right to be here as an American. But with his attitude at the moment, maybe it is best he stays where he is at. I can not imagine him putting politics in front of his WIFE. If he can not get his priorities straight, for your sake, sit on that application !!!! God, Family, Country. It does not matter the religion,Islam, Christian, Hindu, Buddist, whatever. YOU HAD BETTER COME BEFORE ANY DAMN WAR! I am Christian and my wife is Buddist BTY. I might just be an old soilder, but I do have my priorties. MY WIFE COMES FIRST. No country, no war, no family, no anything, finances, age, race. Nothing. IF THIS MAN DOES NOT TREAT YOU LIKE A QUEEN AND DOES NOT WORSHIP THE GROUND YOU STAND ON, HE DOES NOT LOVE YOU. I'll get off my soapbox now. I wish you the best of luck in your sorrow, how ever think about what I just said.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-15 00:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFrom DS-230 in that you can save
some one posted on this subject. You can down load a service called "foxit reader". It does work sometimes, but also has some drawbacks. One time it let me put everything in and another time it abbreviated things a little. Can not use the check marks. So give it a try. It's free.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-03 23:23:00