ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Mexico, Latin & South America13JAN2012 - Just called about our i-130 again
If CSC is on June 16 date then why does it say July 31 when you click on immigration timeline?
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-14 01:07:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaMedical Exam in Bogota

Is this the K-1 visa? Usually they send you packet 3, which includes a list of doctors they approve of, so usually after you receive all that paperwork you can go ahead and schedule!

Best of luck!


Since Bogota refers you to their website to get the packets... how soon can you schedule the medical? In other words, is there a medical that they won't accept? Does it have to be within X number of days prior to the interview?

Thanks,

Art
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-22 13:15:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaMedical Exam in Bogota
Hello Friends,

How far in advance of the interview can the medical exam be scheduled?

Thanks,

Art
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-22 11:01:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota
Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I have the lab and medical appointments scheduled. Just waiting on NVC to schedule interview....
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-02 01:56:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota

Does the lab have to be scheduled prior to the medical exam? I presume the answer is a yes... and if do, can it be scheduled the same day? What have people done in terms of scheduling?
I looked in the embassy info on VJ and it provides the name of one lab and 2 doctors are these the only providers?


Ok got the doctor appointment scheduled. Couldn't get a hold of the lab, might be closed... do you know how early the lab opens? and how easy is it to schedule an appointment... or is an appointment even required?
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-31 18:15:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota
Does the lab have to be scheduled prior to the medical exam? I presume the answer is a yes... and if do, can it be scheduled the same day? What have people done in terms of scheduling?
I looked in the embassy info on VJ and it provides the name of one lab and 2 doctors are these the only providers?
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-31 15:24:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Consulate DS 2100 & DS 230 forms

No, those forms are no longer needed since they changed the interview scheduling process. Now the beneficiary has to follow the instructions posted on the US embassy's website, pay visa at the bank with forms DS-156 & DS-156K and once the fee is paid, they can go online to make the appointment.

Diana

Ok thanks... I read the instructions and I figured the old forms had been superceded just wanted to double check. The interview fees can be paid online. Where do the 156 and 156K go once they are filled out? Or are they just kept on hand until the interview?
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-01 16:58:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Consulate DS 2100 & DS 230 forms
Are the DS 230 and DS 2100 forms still required to be faxed/emailed/delivered to the US Embassy in Bogota? The forms are listed in the information page on Visa Journey but I do not see them listed in the Instruction and Appointment Packet - Fiancee K Visas (Packets 3 & 4)...
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-31 19:30:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaQustion about Notifcation from Embassy in Bogota

Hi Andrea and Arturo, I called NVC today (2/1/12) and they said they just created my case and assigned a BGT number this morning. The rep said it would take a few days before it leaves the NVC for the embassy, so I'm thinking maybe some time next week I will check to see if the package has arrived at the embassy. I think you are a couple steps ahead of me so keep me posted on your progress and I will do the same for you. What are you doing for vaccinations? Not sure if it's easier to just get it done the week we are in Bogota or see if she can have it done in her home city(Barranquilla).

Thanks again for your help!!

Jon & Clau


Jon and Clau,

Yes keep us posted on your progress and we will do the same. We will take care of vaccinations the same day as the medical. Take care,
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-03 21:24:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaQustion about Notifcation from Embassy in Bogota
Yes do not wait to call...call everyday. My NOA2 was the same as yours and I called today and found out they had received my case yesterday. I got the BGT number and I am ready for when the consulate received the case. Medical is already scheduled. I guess it depends on you how quick you want the process to take place. The Packet 3/4 can be downloaded form the embassy. Do so NOW and prepare.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-31 22:56:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Embassy Receives petition - what are the next steps?

The doctor was Jairo Rojas. The labs were at 7am, physical at 5pm, both the same day. I think with the physical and vaccinations for the later appointment she didn't get out of there until 730pm...


Ok thanks... just trying to get all the logistics worked out for that day.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-04 22:10:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Embassy Receives petition - what are the next steps?

My fiancee, who has had her medicals but not yet the interview, had her vaccinations done by the same doctor who did the physical (all one appointment).

I had a question on the medical appointment. Which doctor did you have and how long was the wait and the appointment?

Art
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-04 19:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Embassy Receives petition - what are the next steps?

Jon & Clau & Andrea & Arturo: The Bogota just sent us our Packet 3 & 4 electronically. You will be happy to know that as soon as they receive it, they send the email the exact same day. GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS YOU ALL!


Thanks for the info! :)
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-03 21:15:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Embassy Receives petition - what are the next steps?

Andrea y Arturo, my understanding is you do NOT have to send anything to the embassy prior to your interview. You are correct that the instructions on this site for Colombia are a bit out of date. I think Bogota changed their process in the fall like you stated above. Ithink you were safe to schedule your medical, but, in my case, I'm holding off on that because I want to have my fiance do her medical and interview during the same week to save an additional trip to Bogota, and since I can't schedule the interview until it's on their system, I don't want to schedule the medical until I find an open slot for a medical on a Monday, with an interview scheduled for the following Friday.

Hope this helps!!

Jon & Clau


Thanks! Yeah, I have a vacation in February so I scheduled the medical for that time frame and another vacation in March so hopefully the interview can be scheduled then ... thanks for your reply it is helpful. Lets hope NVC gets our cases to Bogota soon.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-02 13:44:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Embassy Receives petition - what are the next steps?
Hi thanks for the reply and I wanted to bring something up... the Visa Journey embassy info needs to be updated. The DS 230 and 2100 forms are no longer used. Double check by going to the embassy website. The procedures changed back in October. I was confused by this but the directions are clear as day and another VJ'er confirmed this. Once NVC forward your case to the US embassy you can 1) schedule your medical and 2) pay the $350 fee online and schedule your interview with the embassy. I have already scheduled the medical and as soon as I hear from the embassy then I will schedule the interview. Thanks for the info on the place to stay will definitely look into into it.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-02 02:02:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaColombia Embassy Receives petition - what are the next steps?
Once the embassy has received the petition,what are the next steps? What paperwork is filled out and how is it sent? I am confused as to whether the DS 230 and DS 2100 are still used. The VJ embassy info says one thing... the Bogota Embassy website another (obviously I think the embassy website is more up to date) I want to do things correctly. Help! As i understand it, both the 156 and 156K have to be filled out under the new method. How are these forms submitted to the embassy? Are they faxed or emailed or are they brought at the time of the interview?

Thanks.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-01 10:57:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaNOA2!!!

Congrats Andrea - that was quick.

thanks
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-12 23:39:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaNOA2!!!

Congrats!!!


Thanks!!!

Conrgatulations!!!! Now get back in line at the NVC!


Indeed! Hope this line is a quick one....

:thumbs:


:dance:
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-25 01:42:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaNOA2!!!
Due to the current delays at CSC I was not expecting a reply until after the 5 month mark... around February 14th. But TODAY was the lucky day one week short of the 5 month mark!!!
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-01-24 20:52:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavisa k1 y k2

hola a tod@s muy buenas noches, soy nueva en el foro... por fin pude entrar, desde hace tiempo vengo leyendo sus post y me parece genial la gran ayuda que pueden brindar a personas como yo, que no tenemos ni idea de todo este proceso, les cuento que mi novio ya envio la solicitud para visa de fianceé el 25 de nov del 2011 en la uscis la recibieron el 29 de nov y el Noa1 le llego a mi amorsote el 05 de dic del 2011 y pues aun seguimos esperando nuestro Noa2, asi que de ahora en adelante me estaran viendo por estos lados y molestandolas con todas mis dudas e inquietudes...que DIOS bendiga este foro y a tod@s los que participan de él...muchas gracias y hasta un nuevo dia...


Bienvenida y cualquier pregunta que engas aqui se te puede resolver con muy buenos consejos. Mucha suerte con el proceso!

Andrea y Arturo
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-10 23:52:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHow long does it take to get Visa after Interview?

I live in Bogota, my interview was the 12th of January. I had it mailed to the closest DHL to my home here in Bogota, and I got the message that it was able to be picked up on January 20th. So, in my case it took 6 business days.


Thanks for the info and felicidades!
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-16 06:51:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHow long does it take to get Visa after Interview?
Thanks RJQuilla!
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-12 16:03:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHow long does it take to get Visa after Interview?

If the destination is Bogota it takes about a week.

For DHL simply log onto their website and it will show the locations.



Thanks for the reply but I guess I am looking for actual time frames of delivery by VJers that have gone ahead of us recently.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-11 21:19:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHow long does it take to get Visa after Interview?
Just wondering how long it takes to get visa for K1 after interview? Whats the closest DHL to embassy?
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-10 22:43:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota

Arturo, thanks for the response....I was hoping you were going to say you were waiting in the Doctors office for the paperwork, not waiting until the next day for the paperwork. I did not really want my fiance's exam to be back to back like I scheduled it, but had no choice, as Dr Dennis only had Wednesday available and the embassy only had Thursday available for an interview, otherwise, the next open time for an exam and interview in the same week was going to be end of April. Thanks for the heads up on the airline situation in Colombia. Hopefully it will be resolved by the time I get to Colombia week of March 19th.

Let me know how you interview turns out and best wishes to both of you!!

Jon & Clau


No problem, let's keep in touch. I just got back from Colombia and counting the days to the interview :)
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-22 10:55:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota

I wanted to also thank you for your experience and report. We just received our NOA 2 so I think we will be where you are at in 3 months time which will be here before we know it.

Thanks again for the valuable information!


I see you are part of the new batch of cases where CSC has picked up the pace! 3 months??? No way!!! You can get it done faster than that. You already have your NOA2 if you don't forsee any security clearance problems go ahead an schedule your interview online with the embassy.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-18 11:39:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota

Arturo, thanks for sharing this info. My fiance' also has her appointment with Dr Dennis next month. One question, you said at the end you are just waiting for the final paperwork. Are you getting that paperwork the same day as her exam? My fiance' told me the secretary they would give her all the paperwork she needed at the conclusion of the exam on the same day, so just want to make sure that was your experience.

Thanks again for sharing these events with the community!!

Jon & Clau


Jon and Clau,

You're welcome. And yes your fiancee will receive all of the paperwork at the end of the exam on the same day (assuming that the lab work gets there on time and that her X-rays are ok) . I was writing our experience at the time we were at the Dr's office that's why I said that we were waiting on the paperwork. I will add some extra info about that. Thy do an excellent job in doing the paperwork and they let you know if there are any discrepancies. The medical exam is not very invasive the greatest part of the time is spent waiting on paperwork and vaccines if you need any. At the end you are give an envelope that is stamped and sealed for the embassy (to take on the day on the interview). A Department of State form with all vaccines that the beneficiary has (to be used for record keeping and to show a US document record of vaccines) a rolled up and sealed chest X-ray hat must be brought by the beneficiary and have on hand if immigration requests it.

Our return trip to Cali from Bogota on Avianca took longer than expected. The air traffic controllers are having a controlled strike called "Operation Turtle" They take their time dealing with air traffic so as a result there are multiple delays and some cancellations our 9:10 pm flight was delayed until 11:44 and then we spent an extra 45 minutes on the Tarmac. Avianca employees were extremely polite and gracious despite the fact that they have to put in extra hours.

Arturo y Andrea
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-18 11:34:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota

THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!


No Problem. Glad to share . This site has given me so much insight and information is the least I can do.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-18 11:23:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaLabs and Medicals in Bogota
Today was the day for the lab work (serology and chest x-ray). My fiancee and I had stayed at the Hotel Casa Embajada the night before (160,000 pesos). Doña Flor Hotel was booked. The hotel is right across from the back entrance to the embassy and it is simply but comfortable. The price includes breakfast and transportation to and from the airport.

We took a cab to the lab place and we were the first to get there. Another lady arrived at 6:10 and another at 6:15. One lady said that the day before had been quite busy. But that morning there were only 3 in line when they promptly opened at 7 am. My fiancee was asked for her "cedula" in addition to her passport and one photo. The lady said it was to verify her identity.

The process took about 40 minutes.

We ate breakfast and went back to the hotel to rest before the medical appointment at 4 pm. I had called the day before to confirm the appointment with Dr. Dennis but due to miscommunication they did not have it on the list. Claudia (the doctor's secretary) was very helpful and said she would work it in.

We are here right now and it has been a busy afternoon for Dr. Dennis so we had a longer than expected wait (one hour). However after Claudia took my fiancees passport, vaccine record, photo and $150,000 peso fee my fiancee was weighed, measured and her eyesight was checked. Andrea had been anxious that there was not a female doctor but after I shared the comments on VJ about Dr. Dennis she felt reassured. The exam was quick and very professional. Now she is off to get one vaccine she was told she needed $110,000 (a little steep if you ask me) but whatever it takes to get the paperwork. Andrea just came back the vaccine that she needed was a triple viral vaccine the MMR, it was free! Doctor Dennis said everything is good.

The cab ride fro the embassy to Fundacion Cardioinfantil (where Dr. Dennis is) was $14,000 pesos
Now we are just waiting for the final paperwork. Ready for the interview on the 13th!
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-17 18:12:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia

Arturo, at this point, as Diana has said in a reply to this thread, the information they gave me appears to be incorrect. The funny part is when I called them, I was not asking about visa fees, only about how to complete the on-line info. This topic caught me totally off guard. If I hear anything more on this, I will let you know.

Jon & Clau

Yes, I thought it would be incorrect info as no where is that fee mentioned. But the amount does ring a bell with me as a fee of the post-visa process as part of the AOS.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-22 18:36:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia

Andrea y Arturo, this was not for the adjustment of statis(AOS). I still have not heard back from anyone who has recently had an approved visa in Bogota confirm or deny this additional fee exists. For the AOS which you will pay after you get married, that fee is the last I checked, $1040.00. I don't recall which form this fee is associated with.

Jon & Clau


Jon & Clau
Have you figured out an answer to this question? Is there an extra fee or not?

Arturo y Andrea
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-22 11:26:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia

I called the Immigrant Hotline and found my answer...I set up the account with her info, not mine. I only asked that question since I am paying the visa fee with my credit card, but the lady told me in ADDITION to the $350.00 visa, when her visa is approved, they want another $404.00 USD!!! I knew there was another fee at the time of the approval, but did not think it was that high, so just wanted all of you who are about to go through this to be aware!!

Jon & Clau


I presume that the additional $404.00 is for the adjustment of status application once the marriage has taken place...
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-16 06:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia

I called the Immigrant Hotline and found my answer...I set up the account with her info, not mine. I only asked that question since I am paying the visa fee with my credit card, but the lady told me in ADDITION to the $350.00 visa, when her visa is approved, they want another $404.00 USD!!! I knew there was another fee at the time of the approval, but did not think it was that high, so just wanted all of you who are about to go through this to be aware!!

Jon & Clau


WHAT????? Another 404.00? That must be for the adjustment of status once she is in he states and after you marry.... can somebody tell us if this is correct or not? Thanks.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-15 23:58:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia

:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

I did complete the form 156 and printed up 2 copies of all three pages for both my fiance and her daughter. I also printed up 1 copy of the 156K for my fiance. There is a field at the bottom of the form where you can say that you filled it in for your fiance. I signed that form stating I completed it for her and I am sending her those copies, plus many more pieces of evidence, so that she has them for her interview. GOOD LUCK!



Assuming that you are the US Citizen and she is the applicant for the visa, then you put HER passport and nationality information in there.


That is correct the information is that of the beneficiary NOT the petitioner because the visa is for the beneficiary.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-15 23:51:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia

Hi Stefan y Karen, thanks for the get back. I will move forward and pay the fee tomorrow. One question, did YOU, the petitioner complete the three forms they require you to have at the interview? I'm still not sure if I am allowed to complete those for my finace'

Thanks again!!

Jon & Clau


You, the petitioner can complete all the forms with the beneficiaries input, of course. The 156 has a section where you fill out the information as the person filling out the form on behalf of the beneficiary.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-15 09:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPaying Visa Fee - Colombia
Pay the visa fee online, you can then book the appointment right away. The packet is mailed to both the petitioner's and beneficiaries email addresses. I scheduled the medical first when asked if I already ad an appointment I said yes. Tis better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Then before the packet got to the embassy I paid for the interview fee and selected a desired interview date. Two days after I scheduled the interview I received packet3/4 email from the embassy. If I could do something different it would have been to have booked the interview as soon as the NOA2 was received. But I would only advice doing this if you foresee no red flags in your petition.
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-15 00:18:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaGot my Interview Date in Bogota - What docs need notarized?

Stefan y Karen, thanks for pointing that out. Actually, I think the lab also wants a photo, so I'm going to have Clau get 4 more additional photos from the place her pics where taken.

Thanks!!

Jon & Clau


Yes, having extra pictures does not hurt. Having less - will...
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-22 11:07:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaGot my Interview Date in Bogota - What docs need notarized?
I think that the six photos include the lab photo and the medical exam photo but it doesn't hurt to have extras... they are cheap in Colombia so when we went to get the pictures taken we got 12 just in case....
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-17 17:49:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaGot my Interview Date in Bogota - What docs need notarized?
Only if you want the documents returned should be notarized. As far as I am concerned they can keep my letter of employment and tax return...
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-17 12:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaDS 230?
Hi Fede and Kendra,

Our thoughts exactly. Better safe than sorry. I have the DS230 ready to go and if a new version is available on March 1st I will complete it and have it ready. I am just surprised that they have 2 different variations of a document that was revised Oct 2011. Not only that. One of the versions has a link to the old DAS site for the "pasado judicial" and the other has a link to the new national police website. Thank God that we have this site to share information.

Andrea y Arturo
andrea y arturoMaleColombia2012-02-27 13:25:00