ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage in Colombia
I am semi-retired in Medellin. Have a year before visa renewal. My fiancé spoke with a local attorney and he said it was the same all over Colombia. I do not speak Spanish. This is all being told to me as the way it is. I wish I knew someone in Medellin that spoke English and I could talk with a notary or an attorney myself.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2014-03-20 11:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage in Colombia

   I am a US citizen. My fiancée and I want to marry in Colombia and do an Cr1.   She has a minor child and owns no property.   We are being told by notaries in Medellin that we must get an attorney and it will take 3 months to marry.   My papers are new and will expire in 90 days.  I need to return to work in USA in a month.   Has anyone in Colombia had this problem?  Where can we get married without the hassel of an attorney and the 3 month wait? 


elkfarmerMaleColombia2014-03-18 22:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a question for children
Us citizen, petitioned for wife to USA ( IR1 )from Colombia. Application now at NVC. Now my wife has custody of two boys under 14 years of age. I need to send in two more I-130's for them, so they can all come together. Does anyone know what all I need to send in with these two new applications ? I will ask for an expedite, but not sure what to send.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-09-22 14:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused with instructions after my 70$ fee paid done
do not send anything in, before told to do so. I will get lost. Ds-3032 is, first. Aos fee $70, second. I-V bill $400, third. Then you will be asked for the 864 and what you need for interview.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-10-22 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPaid AOS bill, what's next??
You have to wait until you recieve your I-V bill from them. Once that $400 is paid you will get instructions on what to do next to get ready for the interview, submitting 864 (Aos) physical, shots, police record, etc.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-10-22 20:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureschildren applications for I-130
I lived with my Wife and two young children for 6 months in Colombia. I am a USC. I filed a I-130 for my wife and it was approved and her I-V bill is at the NVC. My problem however is the I-130 for my stepsons, age 13 and 14. I sent the wifes I-130 application in June. The boys were listed, but no I-130's sent. The boys were not sent in until October. I asked for an expidite, but no luck. Anyone have any idea on how to get my boys applications to catch up with my wifes at the NVC ? The clock is ticking. Thanks
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-11-02 17:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMissing your spouses
Please people. If you ever do anything for your spouse, do this. Make sure you, if you possibly can. Get a computer and internet service. Even if it is from an internet cafe. My wife and I each have a computer, head phones, camera and internet. It works wonders on the mind. Just being able to hear their voice and see them every day. I left her in Colombia after living with her and my two stepsons for 7 months. We have now been apart 4 months. Yes , we both cry. but belive me internet helps. And our cel phone works once a week or so too. This world is smaller then you think. Just my dos pesos worth.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-10-22 21:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvaccinations, Bogota, Colombia
My wife, age 39 and children live in Bogota, Colombia. Does anyone know where you can receive reasonable priced vaccinations in Bogota, Colombia. Thanks
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-11-20 05:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvaccinations, Bogota, Colombia
My wife, age 39 and children live in Bogota, Colombia. Does anyone know where you can receive reasonable priced vaccinations in Bogota, Colombia. Thanks
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-11-20 05:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled 2007 tax return as single
I called the IRS on this very question. Lengthy talk with a nice gentleman. You file a tax return as married. No SS# needed. In that space put "apply for ITIN now". Do not have to file amended return. (They don't like that ) Wasted time. You can do it for all dependents, regardless of where they live. And even some H and R Block didn't know that answer. It will take 6-8 weeks to get the ITIN, just like a SS #. Which they can not get without being in USA.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-11-23 18:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWould the signed copy of DS-3032 work
You do not need an original Signature on a DS-3032. I called NVC on this. Fax or e-mail is fine.. I used e-mail as it was so simple. Good luck, elkfarmer
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-11-30 20:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisa fees
does one also have to pay another fee for the immigrant visa at the Embassy, the day of the CR-1 interview? Already paid the $350 for I-130, $70 and the $400 at NVC.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-12-07 01:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill Scheduling!
My case was over two weeks ago]. There is only so much time to do interviews. They are running behind on the scheduling and it is only the Embassy that does this. I know it is not easy for them. Every week-day there is a line in front of the Embassy of two to three hundred people. Every day!!!
So I can understand our frustration. I can also understand the Embassy. Be patient at this point. It is very close, as compared to the wait at the service center.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-12-16 12:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresopening bank account
Need to vent a bit. One of the things suggested to show an ongoing relationship is to have a co-mingling of finances. HAS ANY ONE IN THE USA TRIED TO GET THEIR WIFE ON A JOINT ACCOUNT WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ? Duh ? My wife is still in Colombia. I am in USA. She can not get a social security until she gets here. How in God's name does Immigration expect you to show a co-mingling of finances ? Oh, we do have a joint account, but it is in Colombia. They seem to be a bit brighter down there. I hate bankers!!!!!
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-12-31 02:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresinterview bogota
Called NVC this evening and Interview for my wife is Feb 10th, 2009. Anyone else have this day in Bogota ?
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-10 01:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresany February interview dates yet?
I called NVC last night. My wife has an interview in Bogota, Colombia, Feb. 10. We filed June 11, 2008
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-10 19:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow can we delay obtaining cr1 visa?
The problem with doing the DCF comes in the way of the I-864. Income derived from out of country ,from the petitioner, can not be used for support. And if moving back to USA, foreign income will not continue from source. I gave up on the DCF myself. Would advise to look into it further , before making that decision.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-19 14:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureschanging name in passport
I am going to give some fellow VJ'S a heads up on passport. My wife just called from Bogota, Colombia. We had been advised to get name change notation in passport prior to interview and traveling to USA. To married name. This can not be done. It will take a new passport and may take a year to get. This comes directly from passport office in Bogota, Colombia. Colombia sucks!!!
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-19 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresplease advise on filing I-129f
thanks for the quick reply, gracias
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-20 13:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresplease advise on filing I-129f
My wifes I-130 was approved and has interview in February at the embassy. My sons were listed to immigrate at same time. My two pre-teen son's I-130 were not sent in at the same time. They are 4 months behind and I have not received NOA 2 on them yet. Only received NOA 1 since October 20, 2008. I had asked that they be expidited, but no luck. (Humanitarian grounds and hardship) It is my understanding that a I-129F can be expidited and can be put in for any time before the I-130 is approved. However, since my wife already has approval, on her I-130, may I submit an I-129F for my sons ? I do not want to make waves for her interview.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-20 13:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresobtaining new passport in Colombia
Does anyone know how long it would take to get a new passport with married name in Colombia ? Interview feb.10,2009
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-16 20:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October filers approved yet???
October 20th for my sons. No touches even.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-23 20:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax Questions
You need to use the same ITIN. Now if you say your husband is in the USA without a SS #. ????? Talk about a RED FLAG. Don't do that. Immigration is one thing. IRS !!!! Don't go there !]

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-24 22:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresKinds of Marriage. Confused. :S
I had two weddings in Colombia. And that is pretty much the norm. One with her family, friends only and a priest. The other if front of a notary at San Andres Islands. That was the legal one, recognized by the state. Your parents need to grow up ! Can not believe they feel the way they do if they had a a marriage like theirs 35 years ago. Just take lots of photos to remember it and show proof of relationship. CR-1 is the only way to go.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-24 22:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMay 2008 Filers
Rosa and I live in Bogota. Probably will never get mail from the USA. May never know if they even received our package. I have had many things sent to me in Colombia and never receive. Expect a NOA1 even less. Colombia, sucks !

add my name to the list. of I-130 filers.
Dan(Elkfarmer) and Rosa Maria
Met online in Bogota, Colombia
Married in her home Jan. 19,2008
Married SanAndres,Colombia, Feb, 22, 2008
Sent I-130 to embassy. April 15th,2008
Returned DCF, told to file thru USA(Still living in Bogota)
Sent I-130 to Chicago, May 14th,2008
Delivered Chicago, May, 19, 2008
elkfarmerMaleColombia2008-05-25 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling 2008 Taxes for CR1
I can not believe the IRS. Just depends on who you talk to. IRS told me to file as married. Spouse will not get SSN until in America. You can file and fill out a W-7, Application for ITIN, Individual taxpayer I D number. There are Instructions on how to fill it out, on the web, and ID requirements. Basically if your SO has passport, they need to get a photocopy and an apostille in home country and bring to USA or send to you. That is the only stand alone document you can use. Then you have to attach all that to your tax return and send it in. (Not electronically). Once the IRS assigns the ITIN, they will put that on the return themselves and process it. Another way is to get US notary stamp, but that is usually $40 a pop per document. That is not the same as a general notary at any bank or car dealership, by the way.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-02 15:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI hate Bogota Embassy
Okay, let me clarify things a bit. I am a USC living in USA. I made 22 thousand last year. I had to make $26,500 for 4. I sponsored my wife only. The I-864 stated that. I only had to make 17.5 for two of us. It was my wife's interview only. My children will get interviews later and at that time, I would have needed a co- sponsor. Or my job will start back for the summer,( In April) and I will make more money then Social Security allows. I will have to pay back Social Security $1 for every two I make over $14,000 in earnings. I will make over 16,000 in 7 months.
So now maybe you can see my frustration. My wife was not denied. She was just told I needed a co-sponsor for her, to even be approved. Once I do that, she can return. When they have time to see her again.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-12 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI hate Bogota Embassy
Diana,
Thanks for the reply Luv. I am semi-retired and the total I made for last year was 22 Mil. I only had to make, $17.5. I think the new is 18 something but those figures would not apply yet. but it is a little late now. Visa denied until I get a co-sponsor. I doubt, if I had been there it would have helped, but who knows. But then, probably a real good idea I WAS NOT THERE !!!!!! THEM JAR HEADS AND I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE HAD WORDS. I have a low flash point when I clearly know I am right.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-11 16:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI hate Bogota Embassy
Sorry folks, I just have to vent a bit !!!
Wife went to Bogota embassy for interview yesterday. All documents needed, photos, original documents, and photocopies for them to keep. I sent, I-864, pay-stubs, W-2, 1099's, past taxes, and clearly showed I had enough income to support my wife. Visa denied because they wanted a co-sponsor also. Are you kidding me ? I already made way over what the requirement for two people was. So they send my wife away, keeping all original documents and photo copies. Gave her a form in Spanish saying I need an original I-864 and an I-864A. Well I have two children now at NVC in the process, that needed those original documents. They gave her a phone number to call and so I called today. They want me to charge my CC for $16 just so I can find out what the fok they want ? They can't be serious ? So now I am really screwed. About two more months of this and I will sneek them across the Mexican or Canadian border. Hell, everybody else is doing it ! I have just had it with the whole system.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-11 16:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespackage and letters to colombia
Can anyone tell me how they have been getting packages and letters to their SO in Colombia? Last letter "lost" via priority mail. Cost- $43. Virtually worthless service. Fed-ex now $100. Anyone know of a courier service or something ?
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-18 21:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling joint 2008 taxes???
Yes, young lady, you file as married and jointly. You fill out a W-7 for ITIN. I am doing it myself. I called the IRS and spoke with them. I too was getting all kind of answers from people and H & R Block. Dependents do not get a SS # until they arrive in USA. But that does not matter in the eyes of the IRS. You can not file electronically. You put the W-7 on top of the return and send it in. When the IRS gets the ITIN, they fill in the number and process the tax return.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-01-24 22:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is it a bad idea for the USC spouse to go to the interview?
A US citizen will never be denied entry to a US Embassy in the world ..... Where have you been? Try getting into the Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, with out a reason. Social Security, IRS question, only during a set time(couple of hours a day) Other wise, forget about your US Citizenship helping. It ain't gonna happen !!!!

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-27 17:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresbringing step children to usa, sole custody document ?
USC bringing step-children to USA. Petition at NVC now. I recall seeing somewhere, that the spouse, has to show a document showing sole custody or a letter from biological father. Can not find that in the posts now. I need to send in the DS-230 and need to know if that is one of the documents needed. I have the Sole Custody Document, but do not want to get an RFE for too much documentation. In limbo.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-18 00:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete 12 Mar at the NVC
I believe it is the Embassy that schedules the interviews. At least that is what NVC told me. Your ds-230 package may be at NVC for a few days to a month. ( But usually not that long) Yes they start scheduling interviews the second week of the month. But they continue scheduling until the last last day of the month. At least that was my case.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-04-01 22:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresITIN Application
Just wondering, when you applied for your ITIN, if you sent in a passport, or a photo copy of passport with an apostille ?

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-04-17 16:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS230 - Did you send in ORIGINAL marriage/birth cerificates?
Yes , it is a requirement to send in originals. An original is discribed as a photocopy of a document on file, and will have an official stamp from the issuing authority. I had real good color copies, and got an RFE for originals. You are also required to send photo copies. You may or may not get them back at the interview. Many get them back. But just as many do not. That causes problems for many, as they can not get other copies from their country, but NVC simply does not care. They would like to turn down everyone.
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-04-20 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October Filers Out There?
I filed in October for my two stepsons. We got the NOA2 about a month ago from Calif. Applications now going through process at NVC.

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-03-11 13:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October Filers Out There?
put in wrong date . boys applications put in 0ct. 16, 2008. approved today Feb 4, 2009

elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-04 22:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October Filers Out There?
okay guys. My wife has her interview in bogota, colombia, Feb 10,2009. Received email from CSC today. Two boys applications approved (NOA 2) and on way to NVC. Put in Oct 16,2009. There is light !!!
elkfarmerMaleColombia2009-02-04 22:29:00