Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	QUOTE (HAL 9000 @ Dec 3 2009, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Ken y Leidys @ Dec 2 2009, 09:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (HAL 9000 @ Dec 1 2009, 09:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No papá... that's construction tape. LOL I think a Club Colombia get-together would have been a great thing to plan for this Holiday season, but obviously picking a location is hard except those of you to be interviewing in Bogotá. I'm just inviting Colombia Club members to our house, that makes the location a no-brainer. Solar-heated swimming pool, Yamaha sound, Yeah! Send me the save the date. LOL. I'll tace SoCal over the flurries I saw today. C'mon down! Plus, my neighbors don't mind noise (before 11 p.m.). QUICK QUESTION: Is it required to have a Social Security Card or number in order to get married? Leidys arrived almost 2 weeks ago, and we plan on getting married on December 28th. I have not seen this requirement anywhere, but I know in order to get AOS, it will be necessary. If anyone knows, I appreciate your input. source: http://www.losangele...quirements.html -Ken	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2009-12-03 23:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	QUOTE (HAL 9000 @ Dec 1 2009, 09:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No papá... that's construction tape. LOL I think a Club Colombia get-together would have been a great thing to plan for this Holiday season, but obviously picking a location is hard except those of you to be interviewing in Bogotá. I'm just inviting Colombia Club members to our house, that makes the location a no-brainer. Solar-heated swimming pool, Yamaha sound, Yeah!	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2009-12-02 22:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	QUOTE (bquillera30 @ Dec 1 2009, 04:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> GRACIAS KEN YEAH I KNOW MURRILLO ES NOT THAT GREAT Y EL PARQUE DE LO ENAMORADS THAT PART SO SO ,I STAYED ALSO AT THE GOLD CARRIBIAN EN LA MURRILLO ,BUT I TOLD MY HUSBAND TO WIAT FOR HIS VISA ,WE HAVENT GOTTEN THE INTERVIEW YET ,BUT MY CASE WAS EXPEDITED TO BOGOTA AND IS BEEN THERE SINCE FRIDAY I KNOW THAT WE WILL BE GETTING A DECEMBER INTERVIEW SO I JUT WANT HIM HOME ASAP SO WAITING FOR IT WOULD BE BEST OPTION At Hotel Caribbean Gold, the restaurant was robbed while I was eating there, and I helped apprehend the suspect, search his clothing, and throw him out onto Murillo. He was a Gamine looking for money to buy drugs. Everyone at Caribbean Gold knows me. They're all my friends now. jaja Congrats on the expedite. Everyone else now is waiting until late January or early February.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2009-12-01 21:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	QUOTE (caliboylost27 @ Nov 26 2009, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So I am picking a date for January 8th to fly from B because right now as it standings any flights closer from the 8th are insanely expensive. James and FlyingAllOver should have a VJ reunion at the Cortissoz Airport in Barranquilla, as both of you will fly out of BAQ the same day! QUOTE (jpcanon @ Nov 29 2009, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving- Ken, I hope Leidys enjoyed her first turkey day, and all the first Thanksgiving's that Club Colombia fiancee's experienced. Today marks 7 months in AP for me, and am quite sure that nothing will happen this year, if ever, in my case. But, I just keep trying to forget about things- some days I want to write a scathing email to the embasy, and other times I want to plead with them! Oh well... Joe Joe -- I know the feeling of waiting and being alone. I wrote a 2,000 page post "Where Did She Go?" in the Off-Topic, and once the original question was answered, everyone just kept the thread rolling on. Try your best to hang in there, it must be painful. Leidys and I will be in the OC later this month at the Jewelry Exchange in Tustin to get her ring resized. We'll drop you a line, and hopefully visit with you when we are near you. QUOTE (bquillera30 @ Nov 30 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i have a question how long is it taking if u wait for visa given by domesa en bogota and what is the time frame if u have ir delivered to bquilla Leidys fui al Carrerra 41 y Murillo circa del Parque de Amistad como 11 dias despues de nuestro entrevista en Bogota para traer su paquete. Tienes que firmar por su paquete. Cuidese por ese parte de Murillo. -Ken	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2009-12-01 01:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Colombia Club II - one more thing to add. BEWARE! THE EXCESSIVE TAXES When I purchased Leidys' one-way ticket on COPA Airlines, I paid for an all taxes-inclusive ticket. Yet, when Leidys flew out of Barranquilla, she had to pay an additional tax, and she was not directed to the "Extencion" counter where her boarding pass should have been stamped as paid. This set me back $40 at Western Union yesterday. BEWARE! If you are sending for your Fiancee and ______ cannot fly back with you, be prepared for this person to get stiffed at the airlines counter, because they look unprepared or unexperienced to deal with this sort of discrepancy. Edited by Ken y Leidys, 25 November 2009 - 11:49 PM.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2009-11-25 23:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Please, please give us some hints. Can your beneficiary request a PIN number in order to obtain an interview date? Is there a telephone number in order to accomplish this? Diana, can you chime in on this? Something I read today on-line: http://www.visajourn...rview_Questions 1. Do not volunteer information. For most questions, the shorter and more direct the answers are, the shorter the interview and the higher the chance of success. If the question is a yes or no question, give yes or no answers only. If the question is a simple question like "What is your name?" answer simply with your name. 2. If you do not know the answer to a question, do not lie. Say, "I don't know the answer to that at this time." or "I don't remember." 3. The answer to many questions will be in the papers that were sent in the petitions. Questions like, "what are your husband's parent's names". They will expect you to know the information given in your petitions. Review everything in your paperwork with your wife before her interview, and do a mock interview to see how the information may be applied. 4. Avoid saying "I think . . .". Women do this a lot. The examiner will expect you to know not be unsure, of your answers. Also, avoid adding "umm", "you know" and "ahh" type fillers to your speech. 5. When applicable, don't just state, demonstrate. If the examiner asks a question that can be answered with a document or photograph(s), provide it along with your answer. For example, if the examiner asks, "What does your family think of your husband?", give them a picture or two with your answer; "They like him very much. Here is a picture of him with my mother and father at my parent's home." Or, "How many attended your wedding?" Answer, "(give a number, then say) We have some lovely wedding photos of our guests having fun. Here are a few that I can show you." 6. Give American answers for dates and times. 12/24/07, not 24/12/07. 7. Dress well, but not overdressed. 8. Try to appear calm, well organized, and friendly. Nervousness raises suspicions. 9. Remain focused. If the examiner makes jokes, smile and enjoy, but do not make jokes too. 10. Make proper eye contact when conversing with the examiner, and try to control your own facial expressions so that your face remains pleasant and cordial. 11. Be audible so that your examiner doesn't have to ask you to repeat your answers. 12. Organize your papers in a way that will allow you to retrieve them easily and quickly. Examiners appreciate order and someone who doesn't waste their time. 13. When the interview is over, always ask for the results. "What should I now tell my husband about my visa status after our interview?" Before you leave, have them explain any papers they give to you and/or any procedures they will be taking to complete your case. Try to get the examiner's name for future reference, if needed. Write it down. 14. If the interview is in another city than the one you live in, arrive a day or two early to complete biometrics and get the results of your medical exam. 15. Arrive early to the consulate, but also be prepared to wait for a time past your scheduled interview appointment time. Be careful of thieves around the consulate if you have to carry cash. Bring ID; you cannot enter without it. 16. It is rare for the consulate to give you a visa on the spot. Be prepared to return for it, if approved. For the interview, bring: 1. Original marriage documents, translations and certifications. 2. Formal, long form birth certificate. 3. Copies of any divorce records or death decrees of former SO(s). 4. Passport, with an expiration date of no earlier than 6 months. Try to have more than 6 months before expiration. 5. Police certificate with "Nothing" written on it, indicating no criminal record 6. Fingerprints (consulate will instruct you regarding how, when and where these will be taken). There is a fee for this. 7. Medical exam results (consulate will instruct you regarding how, when and where this will be taken). There is a fee for this. Make sure you get a copy from the medical examiner. 8. Passport type photos of each of you. (consulate will instruct you regarding these) (continued) QUESTIONS FOR THE BENEFICIARY ABOUT YOU: What do you do for a living in your home country? Do you plan to work in the U.S and what position? Have you ever been issued/denied a visa to the US? Have you ever been in the US? If so, when and how long were you in the US? Where were you? What did you do while you were there? Did you work while you were there? Doing what? Have you ever been deported ? Were you married before this marriage? Do you have any children? Have you ever been convicted of any crime? Describe your employment history Describe your education history Do you need a social security number (SSN) when you arrive in the US? ABOUT YOUR SPOUSE: General information Name/Date of birth/Place of birth. Spell your spouse's name. Immigration status in the US? (Citizen or Permanent Resident) [Additional questions if your spouse was not born in the US: Where did your spouse first live in the US? When and where was his or her naturalization?] Where does your spouse live in the US? How long has s/he been at the current address? Contact numbers/ E-mail address? Was your spouse married before? If divorced: Ex-spouse’s name, age, etc. Why did the previous marriage not last; reasons for divorce Who initiated the divorce? Do you have the copy of divorce papers Where did the divorce take place Are there any outstanding issues related to divorce? If yes, describe in detail How much are the alimony payments? Does your spouse still see his/her ex-spouse? Why or why not? Does your spouse have any children? If yes: How many? What are the name(s) and age(s) of the child(ren)? Whom do they live with, and why? (Why do they not live with your spouse? How often does your spouse see the children? How much is the monthly child support? How does your spouse manage child support? Are they planning to move with your spouse? If both of you have kids, how have you ensured that your kids and your spouse’s kid will live/get together/co-operate with each other? Has your spouse ever been convicted or have a criminal record? Do you know your spouse’s friends? Provide the names, if possible phone numbers How long have they known each other? Where do they live? Do they know about your spouse’s previous relationships? What are your spouse’s hobbies? What does your spouse like/dislike? Foods/movies/books/music/activities/etc. What does your spouse own? House? Car (Make, model, year of manufacture, and color of the car. License plate number?) Your Relationship/Wedding/Marriage How long have you known each other? Where and how did you meet? Was anyone else around? What did you do on your first meeting? What did you first notice about your future spouse? Do you remember what either of you were wearing? What language do the two of you converse in? When did the relationship turn romantic? Did your spouse meet any of your relatives? If not, why not? Did you meet any of your spouse’s relatives? If not, why not? How much time did you spend together before you decided to get married? Why did you decide to get married? Who proposed to whom? How did the topic come up? Why did you decide to have a long/short engagement? What do your parents/friends think of your decision to marry this person? What do your spouse’s parents/friends think? When and where was your wedding ? Do you have any photos of the ceremony and/or reception? Who from the US came to attend your marriage? (Why did others not come here to attend the marriage?) How many people were at your wedding? Did you have a reception? Describe. Did you go for a honeymoon? If so, when and where? How has your relationship been since you got married? Why do you want to come to the US? What do you like and dislike about moving there? Did you get married to get in to the US? Did you pay your spouse to get married or make any other deals? What are your concerns about being married to someone from another culture? What do you think the biggest problems will be, and have you thought about how you will deal with them? Do you think that your relationship will work? Do you trust your spouse? Employment/Education If your spouse is working: What does your spouse do for living? Where does s/he work? Employer name & location; phone number if possible What are his/her job duties/job title? How much does s/he make per hour/annual salary? What is your spouse’s work schedule? If your spouse is in school: Provide details of the degree/diploma s/he is registered in; what kind of courses taken What year of study? Total length of program/ expected completion date? Describe your spouse’s education history Spouse’s Living Situation Who does your spouse live with? (details on roommates/relatives) What kind of place it is? (apartment, condo, house, etc.) How much rent/mortgage? Have you been to where your spouse lives? If so, how many rooms there are? How many bathrooms? Can you remember any details of what kind of furniture is in the house, colors, etc? What kind of TV, stereo, etc is in the house? Who else lives near by – neighbors? What is the neighborhood like? Finances – show copies of everything Did you file a joint tax return this year? Do you have an International Tax ID number? What is your spouse’s bank in the US? What are the accounts there? Do you share any accounts? Why or why not? Do you own any property together? Do you have an insurance policy listing your spouse as the beneficiary? Does your spouse have insurance policy where you are the beneficiary? Spouse’s relatives Father’s name and where he lives? Where does he work? Mother’s Name and where she lives? Where does she work? If they have spouses other than each other, who are they? Were they born in the US? Where?(many more questions about when they arrived, etc if they immigrated ) What is your spouse's mom's parents' [maternal grandparents'] names and information? What is your spouse's Dad's parents' [paternal grandparents'] names and information? How many brother and sisters does your spouse have? Names? Names of their spouses? Names of their kids? Where were they married? Where do they live now? How many maternal and paternal uncles and aunts does your spouse have? Name all of them and their spouses Name all their kids QUESTIONS FOR THE PETITIONER, IF YOU ATTEND THE INTERVIEW (Many are the same as above) ABOUT YOU: What is your immigration status in the US? (Citizen or Permanent Resident? If naturalized, expect more questions about when arrived, when naturalized, etc etc) When and where was your US passport issued? Where do you live? What are you doing in this country? (if not just visiting for the interview) Do you like it here? What don't you like? Would you ever consider living here? Do you speak your spouse’s language? What do you do for a living? What is your education? Were you married before this marriage? Do you have any children? Have you ever been convicted of any crime? ABOUT YOUR SPOUSE: General information Name/Date of birth/Place of birth Where does your spouse live? How long s/he has been at the current address? Contact numbers/ E-mail address? If divorced: Ex-spouse’s name, age, etc. Why did the previous marriage not last; reasons for divorce Who initiated the divorce? Do you have the copy of divorce papers Where did the divorce take place Are there any outstanding issues related to divorce? If yes, describe in detail How much are the alimony payments? Does your spouse still see his/her ex-spouse? Why or why not? Does your spouse have any children? If yes: How many? What are the name(s) and age(s) of the child(ren)? Whom do they live with, and why? (Why do they not live with your spouse? How often does your spouse see the children? How much is the monthly child support? How does your spouse manage child support? Are they planning to move with your spouse? If both of you have kids, how have you ensured that your kids and your spouse’s kid will live/get together/co-operate with each other? Has your spouse ever been convicted or have a criminal record? Do you know your spouse’s friends? Provide the names, if possible phone numbers How long have they known each other? Where do they live? Do they know about your spouse’s previous relationships? What are your spouse’s hobbies? What does your spouse like/dislike? Foods/movies/books/music/activities/etc. What does your spouse own? House? Car (Make, model, year of manufacture, and color of the car. License plate number?) Your Relationship/Wedding/Marriage How long have you known each other? Where and how did you meet? Was anyone else around? What did you do on your first meeting? What did you first notice about your future spouse? Do you remember what either of you were wearing? What language do the two of you converse in? When did the relationship turn romantic? Did your spouse meet any of your relatives? If not, why not? Did you meet any of your spouse’s relatives? If not, why not? How much time did you spend together before you decided to get married? Why did you decide to get married? Who proposed to whom? How did the topic come up? Why did you decide to have a long/short engagement? What do your parents/friends think of your decision to marry this person? What do your spouse’s parents/friends think? When and where was your wedding ? Do you have any photos of the ceremony and/or reception? Who from the US came to attend your marriage? (Why did others not come here to attend the marriage?) How many people were at your wedding? Did you have a reception? Describe. Did you go for a honeymoon? If so, when and where? How has your relationship been since you got married? What are your concerns about being married to someone from another culture? What do you think the biggest problems will be, and have you thought about how you will deal with them? Are you worried about how your spouse will adjust to life in the US? Why do you think your spouse wants to come to the US? Are you worried that s/he married you for a green card? Did your spouse pay or you to get married or make any other deals with you? Do you think that your relationship will work? Do you trust your spouse? Employment/Education If your spouse is working: What does your spouse do for living? Where does s/he work? Employer name & location; phone number if possible What are his/her job duties/job title? How much does s/he make per hour/annual salary? What is your spouse’s work schedule? If your spouse is in school: Provide details of the degree/diploma s/he is registered in; what kind of courses taken What year of study? Total length of program/ expected completion date? Describe your spouse’s education history Spouse’s Living Situation Who does your spouse live with? (details on roommates/relatives) What kind of place it is? (apartment, condo, house, etc.) How much rent/mortgage? Have you been to where your spouse lives? If so, how many rooms there are? How many bathrooms? Can you remember any details of what kind of furniture is in the house, colors, etc? What kind of TV, stereo, etc is in the house? Who else lives near by – neighbors? What is the neighborhood like? Finances – show copies of everything Did you file a joint tax return this year? Why did you decide to file/not file jointly? Did you apply for an International Tax ID number for your spouse? What accounts do you have in the US? Do you share any accounts? Why or why not? Do you own any property together? Do you have an insurance policy listing your spouse as the beneficiary? Does your spouse have insurance policy where you are the beneficiary? Spouse’s relatives Father’s name and where he lives? Where does he work? Mother’s Name and where she lives? Where does she work? If they have spouses other than each other, who are they? Were they born in the US? Where?(many more questions about when they arrived, etc if they immigrated ) What is your spouse's mom's parents' [maternal grandparents'] names and information? What is your spouse's Dad's parents' [paternal grandparents'] names and information? How many brothers and sisters does your spouse have? Names? Names of their spouses? Names of their kids? Where were they married? Where do they live now? How many aunts and uncles does your spouse have? Name all of them and their spouses Name all their kids	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-23 11:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	I'll try to do some begging. Not sure if it will help; but well worth taking a chance. Begging won't hurt.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-23 00:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	I'm with David on this one. I'd rather have an interview with 2-3 weeks notice. I've already alerted my employers that I need to take a week off but I might not know when until the last moment. I hope that that will work for me. We've looked at the calendar and early January is not too bad. If all goes well, we are looking to "do the do" on February 4th which is a very important date for her. I wanted her to have a full month here so that she can be more involved with the preparations. Nothing like "Welcome to America, we got to get to the church right now." But we will play the hand that we are dealt. I heard previously that the Bogota embassy processes a smaller amount of visas in December due to the holidays. I hope you guys make it in under the wire. If you travel in January, your flights will be less-expensive, but I know you both wish you could line things up prior to the conclusion of the calendar year. My only thought is that if David received confirmation of his Packet 3 on 10/29, and he is not on the list yet, things must be seriously backed up there. I hope you guys can somehow request an interview or something.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-22 20:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	yup! that is exactly what i am going to do! With the K-1 and AOS process, it seems everyone has their hands out.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-22 20:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Hi dan and vanessa! Juan Esteban has two different birth certifcates one that our lawyer for the k-1 visa translated for us. and another birth certificate that was asked for in packet 3 that has more information than the other one, i dont know how to explain the difference. but anyways my point is i dont know which one we have to translate. i found someone here in ft lauderdale who is charging me $115 to translate a birth certificate! Why don't you simply use the birth certificate that you paid your Lawyer to translate for you? Save your $$$, IMO.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-22 09:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Update: Our POE was exactly 1 year ago!! This Costeña has definitely changed my life. To celebrate, she cooked a big pot of Black Beans. November 22, 2009 Edited by Ken y Leidys, 21 November 2010 - 10:07 PM.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-21 22:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Here i go again with my AOS questions. I know i have to get Juan's birth certificate translated but does it also have to be notarized?? thank you! Leidys' exact words were: "Una copia para enviar los papeles, pero el origional por la entrevista con sello, notorizado."	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-19 22:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Anyone have any experience buying a one-way ticket OUT OF Colombia for a Colombian and/or an American? I also heard that columbian exit tax they still make you pay even though you have paid your taxes already. I think this happened with ken and liedys ill see what happens Dec 10 I don't remember the particulars, but the ticket was purchased on-line through Copa.com and I had to use Leidy's Cedula # to make the purchase. The one-way ticket was a little more than the 50% you would pay on a round-trip ticket (i.e. - $700 o/w vs. $1,005 r/t), but with all of the money I subsequently spent for the rings, wedding, wedding photos, wedding gown, socks, shoes, pedicures, manicures, porceline hair iron, make up (& special brushes "brochas"), gym clothes/shoes, the exit tax pales in comparison. Great to hear that plane ticket is bought and paid for, amigo! Edited by Ken y Leidys, 14 November 2010 - 12:03 AM.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-14 00:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	still waiting on my NOA2, but im going to be with my wife for Christmas so I am happy. Happy holidays everyone Christmas/New Years is a special time in Colombia. Have a great time there next month with your SO.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-11 09:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	VISA APPROVED!!!!! sorry for the delay I was in Colombia since Nov. 3 and came back yesterday. Everything was easy, no many questions but a lot of emotional tears..... finally with Mom again !!!!!! She will come in 10 days maybe, we are waiting for her passport. thank you and congratulations to everybody. Congratulations to SOLIL and CristianAmour as well! Great to hear everyone is looking forward to their holiday season with their significant others or getting close to the Interview process in Bogota.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-10 21:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	I hear the cliche's are great. I can't wait to see it.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-09 00:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Real Dumb Question: What night is ABC's Modern Family on TV?	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-08 22:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Good Morning Colombia Club!! hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We have a question does Juan need a Social Security number to fill out the AOS papers? I believe you are supposed to have a Social Security number. Can you take Juan to the local office to obtain his SSN card? It does not take too long - 2 weeks or so to receive his SSN card in the mail.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-08 21:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Final note on our "journey". Lorena and the boys went to Colombia in June for a funeral. When they returned in August, we recieved notice that their ROC for the full ten years had been approved. About a week later, Lorena informed me that our marriage was over and she was moving out. I received the divorce papers about a week after that. From Removal of Conditions to Divorce Court? Yikes! Divorce is painful. But, so is being married to someone who regularly causes pain. Everyone is going to say, "Hang in there, it gets better." Counseling isn't a waste of time or money, but my friends and family are what really helped me survive the hard times. Leidys and I spent her 30th Birthday (today) with my great friend Ross. Friends are a source of strength we can't take for granted. Be sure to take time out for yourself to heal and grow from this experience. You'll only come back stronger. My Good friend Ross (on Halloween) with Leidys	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-07 22:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	I found my Visa #, but I don't want to post it on a public forum. It starts with the letters 'CO'. That should probably help you locate it...... Leidy u mean the number it's printed in Red with 7 numbers and 1 letter?...Thank you for ure replay it;s a great help for us.... Looking at Part 3 of the I-485, the Non-Immigrant Visa # which begins with 'CO#' is exactly 6 numbers in length. Be sure to look at the 'Example Forms' section of VJ for more explanation of the forms. Let me know if this explanation suffices or not. -Ken	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-07 22:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Isn't there an A number on the NOA2? Why wouldn't you use that? Here's why. I-864 Filing Instructions read.... Alien Registration Number. An "A-number" is an AlienRegistration Number assigned by the former Immigration andNaturalization Service (INS) or U.S. Citizenship andImmigration Services (USCIS). If the intending immigrantsyou are sponsoring have not previously been in the UnitedStates or have only been in the United States as tourists, theyprobably do not have A-numbers. Persons with A-numberscan locate the number on their INS or USCIS-issueddocumentation.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-06 09:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	additional info for Dan.... Hola, we are making the forms for the AOS, and we are not sure what is the A number, if they ever give us one they didn't tell us what it is or how to find it or any at other papers, and one question more im not sure wich all of the numbers i have in my visa is the real "Visa Number"....Thank You for the Help....Peace & Love Working on Leidys' AOS and my Master's Degree simultaneously nearly made my brain split in two pieces. Your I-131 Part 1 should go as follows: 1. A Number - [leave blank on i-864/i-131/i-485/etc.] - on I-765 use your I-94 # on question #10. 2. Date of Birth - your wifes birthdate mm/dd/yyyy 3. Clas of Admission - K-1 4. Gender - Female 5. Name - Jones Imelda 6. Address - 555 South America Street - Corona - California - 92555 - USA 7. Country of Birth - Colombia 8. Country of Citizenship - Colombia 9. Social Security # - 123-45-6789 * - Note: Your A Number is your Alien Registration Number. You probably don't have one of these. Leidys didn't. She was a simple K-1 and we got married w/in 90 days of her entry to the USA. Looking at the G-325a, we didn't fill in the bold box on the bottom of page 1. I found my Visa #, but I don't want to post it on a public forum. It starts with the letters 'CO'. That should probably help you locate it. Good luck, Dan. Leidys has her Green Card, and I now have a Masters Degree in Special Education, so I made 2 out of 2 in the high-stakes arena. PM me if you need more info. -Ken	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-05 23:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Hola, we are making the forms for the AOS, and we are not sure what is the A number, if they ever give us one they didn't tell us what it is or how to find it or any at other papers, and one question more im not sure wich all of the numbers i have in my visa is the real "Visa Number"....Thank You for the Help....Peace & Love Working on Leidys' AOS and my Master's Degree simultaneously nearly made my brain split in two pieces. Your I-131 Part 1 should go as follows: 1. A Number - [leave blank] 2. Date of Birth - your wifes birthdate mm/dd/yyyy 3. Clas of Admission - K-1 4. Gender - Female 5. Name - Jones Imelda 6. Address - 555 South America Street - Corona - California - 92555 - USA 7. Country of Birth - Colombia 8. Country of Citizenship - Colombia 9. Social Security # - 123-45-6789 Good luck, Dan. Leidys has her Green Card, and I now have a Masters Degree in Special Education, so I made 2 out of 2 in the high-stakes arena. PM me if you need more info. -Ken	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-05 23:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Ken and Leidys! r u guys coming to Miami??! don't forget u have to let Juan and I know! [/quote] No, we're driving for 3 3/4 hrs. to Las Vegas. It is an easy drive for us, and this will be close to our 1 year wedding Anniversary. December 27, 2009 October 31, 2010 Edited by Ken y Leidys, 02 November 2010 - 11:58 PM.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-02 23:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	We traveled on a Tuesday and it only took us about 15 minutes, then we went to pick up our bags and went through customs in about 5 minutes and since we flew on AA from Bogotá to our final destination, the AA ladies were waiting outside to get our bags and all we had to do was eat lunch and go to the gate after that, no need to check in. I've also flown on AA from Colombia to MIA and then the ladies from United took my luggage right outside customs and I didn't have to go to their counter to check in my bags. It's easier if you tell them what your final destination is from the moment you leave Colombia. I've also read posts by people who traveled during the weekend who took 2-4 hours to go through Immigration. Diana I was flagged in Barranquilla, and in Miami I had to get my luggage for it to be searched before & during my brief interrogation. Fun stuff. I had a total of 2 hours to make my next flight from MIA to LAX, and I barely made it in time. This was in July '08 on a Saturday.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-11-01 23:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	quick question sandra will arrive in miami dec 9 around 7pm at night how long do you think she will be in immigration for? It depends on the volume of travelers from other airlines flooding the entrance lanes for immigration. My guess is 1 hour for immigration, and proabably 30 minutes to gather her bags, then 2 more hours to check in for her flight to the Northwest. I would figure 4 hours total so that she isn't stressed with her departure, but won't get bored. But, you never know - she might need 5 hours total for an additional hour of cushion time since MIA has that train you need to catch, and she might get confused/turned around. BTW - you kids plan your wedding yet? I want to reserve a hotel before the rates increase.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-31 13:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Thanks Ken for the information and pictures. You guys look awesome! We will probably do a getaway early next year and check out the southern California area. I'm looking at future employment at SONGS next year after my wife graduates college and finishes here summer internship. Maybe you guys could show us around. I'll PM you later. TonyS Not a problem showing you around. We know several Colombian/American couples, and there are plenty of Colombian restaurants to visit. Here in Riverside, there is a great newspaper for Colombians - www.laprensacolombiana.com	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-30 00:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	San Diego-area continued... Anza-Borrego State Park Leidys climbed to the top of a sandstone hill w/Victor Literally shopping on the US-Mexican border in San Ysidro, CA - that's Tijuana's "Friendship Arch" in the background Downtown San Diego at night	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-28 22:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	I'm with you Ken. I used to work shift work so I got 7 days off every 5 weeks. I loved international travel so I would take off for 3-5 days overseas. I guessed my travels were not considered normal so I started to get hassled. I have been held up for questioning in Norway,Iceland, Canada and here. I told my wfe to always be prepared for "additional screening" as I think my passport is flagged. Now that I have a Colombian wife I feel it made things easier if our last name lined up. By the way how is California treating you? I'm considering the San Diego area in the future. If our last name wasn't lined up, I know there would have been issues when returning from Tijuana into San Ysidro, CA in July. First, the Border Patrol wanted Leidys to take off her sunglasses. Then, he keyed my passport into his Commodore Vic 20 Computer, and for 5 minutes, rolled his eyes at me and waved my Passport at me like it was fraudulent. Having a 1 day stamp in San Salvador probably didn't help much. San Diego? You'll love it! 75 degrees year-round, 2 hours to the Desert for the best camping this country has to offer. Mexico is right next-door for the best seafood at the best prices. Tijuana Beer is the best microbrew I have ever tasted. An excellent Outlet Mall is located in San Ysidro (right on the border). Colombian clothing, American clothing - at great prices. Downtown on Friday and Saturday nights in the Gaslamp District is lots of fun for Dancing w/your wife. Los Angeles is 2 hours north on I-5, and there is lots to do there as well. Anza-Borrego State Park - Camping w/my Bestest Friends! Mexico along the Sea of Cortez south of San Felipe has EXCELLENT camping and miles of unspoiled beaches! Ensenada, Mexico is a great romantic getaway. Leidys' favorite by far! Tijuana gets a bad rap, but the people there are just as friendly as in Colombia.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-28 21:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	I personally think that places like the post office, immigration, banks, etc., need to stop being so ####### when it comes to proving you're so and so's wife just because your last names don't match. Diana My Ex-wife had to carry a miniature copy of our Marriage license to the US Post Office in order to pick up mail that was sent either in my name, or in her name if her Maiden name was used, and mine was not. The Counter Attendant would just say with a smile, "Sorry, but how do I know that you're really this person?" This really made my ex-wife very upset. I asked Leidys to think over her choice of surname, but to consider the fact that Adjustment of Status would probably suck bigtime for us. I was right - she was yelled at for 45 minutes, and I was shouted at for 10 minutes. Not having the same surname would have helped the USCIS jerk win his verbal battle over us.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-28 21:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	My feeling is that it just makes everything easier having the same last name. Of course a woman does not have to take her husband last name but we are dealing with immigration here. What about keeping her last name and adding the new surname at the end. I thought it was fairly comon in Colombia to do that. There are less issues when it comes to official forms or papers, etc. My Ex-wife kept her name and hyphenated mine. That wasn't good enough when it came to picking up mail from the USPS. She needed to carry a copy of the Marriage Certificate when she picked up mail with my surname attached. Going to the Bank is less of an issue, because the names line up. Less questioning overall has been our experience. Who has times for hassles, anyway?	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-27 19:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Does this mean that Leidys kept her family names? And what kind of grief did they give you guys? I'm totally OK with Victoria keeping her name or names and will go along with whatever she decides. I can't let society dictate how this aspect of our life is conducted if there is no legal basis for it. I sure don't want to do it for their convenience. PS. I was real busy doing the things that you recommended this weekend. I'll get back to you soon. I was concerned about Leidys keeping her Paternal name 'Guzman' because of the USCIS, but I didn't want her to have an identity crisis the way my ex-wife did when she took my surname along with hers. In the end, Leidys is known in the United States as 'Leidys Cooke'. In Colombia, she is Leidys Fontalvo G. Her Nombre de Cedula is unchanged. The USCIS? Check your email I sent you last week. The interviewer was a complete Jerk. With Leidys taking my surname, I am happy and proud that she did things "old school."	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-25 19:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Looking ahead, does anyone see any problem with my fiancee keeping her family name and not using mine? I am so not into posession that it matters not to me if she doesn't want to change her name. Has anyone had to deal with this and were there any unexpected consequences? My only concern would be the USCIS. They have a pattern of actually yelling at Leidys and I.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-24 09:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Package arrived! Visa in Hand!! OH YEA!	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-20 19:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Today, sitting at our apartment in Medellin, Maritza AND I purchased the Tickets for her travel to the USA on Dec 2nd.. I will fly back down here for that trip... Best wishes on your interview.. It sounds like you'll breeze through it... Kenny That sounds like a great conclusion to your Visa K experience. A job well done!	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-15 21:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Sandra just called and said its all approved. I am so happy now .thanks for everyones support I really appreciate it . I hear from Leidys that the interview was still full of questioning just like if you haven't interviewed at the Embassy before!?! Even though Sandra has previously interviewed at the Embassy, it is good that she did not let her guard down for one second. Good going on everything with your Visa Approval. It has been 1 year since we went through the Embassy, and Leidys helped Sandra get your Packet paperwork together in Barranquilla. It will be great visiting with both of you when you get a chance to make it to the LA area. CONGRATULATIONS, AMIGOS!!	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-13 20:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	We were lucky, there is a tenant in the same building that ownes about 4 taxis, so we had no trouble with getting to the Embassy.. Kenny Kenny, I pictured you being the one driving that taxi to the Embassy at 6 a.m. this morning. CONGRATULATIONS, HOMBRE!	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-07 18:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Kenny best of luck tomorrow!!! Don't worry about a thing, tomorrow you guys will hear the beautiful words "VISA APPROVED!" That's right! Good luck, amigo!	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-06 19:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	We were privelaged enough to get a chance to visit with Colombia Club's very own, Ken and Leidys in April before we had to head out for S. Korea for my next duty assignment. James and Adriana are great people. Be sure to visit again, amigo.	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-06 00:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Colombia Club Part II	Hello everyone, I'm sitting at Tocumen International in Panama wiating for my 6:45 pm flight to Medellin, Colombia.. The interview date of 7 Oct, is approaching fast, ... Hope everyone is praying for us.. Kenny That is a great airport w/lots of cool shops, and everything can be purchased w/U.S. dollars. Wish I could have rolled along with you! Have a great time, and keep us posted on everything. I'm excited to hear how everything goes. Best of luck, amigo. -Ken	Ken y Leidys	Male	Colombia	2010-10-01 22:01:00