ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaCUBA -- Carta Blanca going away???!!!!
Osvaldo went to the immigration office in Cienfuegos in hopes of finding out what the new announcements mean for our situation. The office was mobbed with people seeking clarification about the new policies. The immigration officials seemed not to know, or reluctant to say, anything about this. Eventually Osvaldo was told that he would not need a carta blanca for his fiance visa, but by that point he had little faith in the information.

I am eager for any clarification; if it's true that the carta blanca is no longer necessary, he (and other Cuban fiance/es)could theoretically leave within a short time of receiving the visa. And since I plan to attend the interview, theoretically we could come back to the US together. But at this point it seems best to wait before buying a lot of tickets.

If anyone has any updates regarding the new permiso de salir/carta blanca process, please post.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-04-24 15:23:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaCUBA -- Carta Blanca going away???!!!!
This seems like fabulous news; thanks for posting it! My fiance, Osvaldo, is going to immigration right now to find out about this.

QUOTE (Barbara y Alexis @ Apr 18 2008, 12:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
perhaps the Carta Blanca / Exit Visa requirement is going away:

from El Pais

Cuba rebaja las restricciones para viajar
El Gobierno permitirá a los cubanos salir al extranjero sin autorización oficial
MAURICIO VICENT - La Habana - 18/04/2008

Vota Resultado 38 votos
El Gobierno de Raúl Castro dará luz verde próximamente a una esperada reforma migratoria que simplificará los trámites de entrada y salida del país y permitirá a los cubanos viajar al extranjero sin necesidad de obtener un permiso específico de las autoridades. La existencia de la denominada tarjeta blanca o permiso de salida, cuya tramitación cuesta 150 pesos convertibles (unos 100 euros) y puede tardar meses o cuando menos semanas, y sin garantía de respuesta afirmativa, fue muy criticada por la población en el debate convocado el año pasado por Raúl Castro. Otro requisito, la carta de invitación, que hasta ahora es necesario presentar en las oficinas de inmigración cuando se viaja, también desaparecería, según fuentes cercanas al gobierno.

La flexibilización migratoria ya está decidida y sólo faltaría perfilar algunos asuntos para que las medidas entren en vigor, dijeron a EL PAÍS las citadas fuentes. Pudiera ser en los próximos días o semanas, y probablemente se informará a la población a través de los medios de prensa, como ocurrió con el levantamiento de la prohibición para que los cubanos contraten líneas de telefonía celular. No está claro si se adoptarán como un conjunto de medidas, o se irán introduciendo poco a poco.

Entre otras regulaciones, la reforma migratoria acabaría con la famosa tarjeta blanca, aunque con excepciones. Por ejemplo, los médicos, los universitarios recién graduados que no hayan cumplido su servicio social, o los militares y miembros del Ministerio del Interior con acceso a información que afecte a la seguridad del Estado, deberán seguir obteniendo un permiso específico, mientras no transcurra un plazo de tiempo variable. Sin embargo, para gran parte de la ciudadanía el trámite del permiso de salida -por el que las autoridades obtienen millones de dólares anuales de ingresos- desaparecería.

El requisito, hasta ahora exigido por las autoridades, de presentar una "carta de invitación" legalizada como parte de la documentación para viajar, también sería eliminado. La mayoría de las embajadas piden este trámite a los cubanos para tramitar su visado de entrada, por lo que esta medida, unida a la eliminación de la tarjeta blanca, de hecho, traspasaría a los países receptores la responsabilidad de limitar los viajes de los ciudadanos cubanos, ya que ahora sólo necesitarán un pasaporte vigente y visado para salir de su país.

De implementarse como está previsto -aunque todavía puede haber modificaciones, advierten las fuentes-, la medida daría respuesta a una demanda popular que es unánime y cada vez más sonora. Intelectuales y artistas comprometidos con la revolución, como el cantautor Silvio Rodríguez, han pedido recientemente la abolición "completa" del permiso de entrada y de salida por no responder a la nueva realidad del país; de igual modo, criticaron la prohibición existente para que los cubanos se alojaran en hoteles dedicados al turismo internacional, que se levantó hace pocos días.

En su discurso del pasado 24 de febrero ante el Parlamento, tras ser nombrado presidente, Raúl Castro anunció la eliminación inmediata de prohibiciones "sencillas", pero, dijo, otras tomarían más tiempo debido a que requerían "cambios en determinadas normativas jurídicas", además de influir en ellas "las medidas establecidas" contra Cuba por sucesivas administraciones estadounidenses. La Habana acusa a Washington de utilizar con fines políticos y propagandísticos el tema migratorio, y las últimas grandes crisis entre ambos países han tenido este trasfondo.

El mes pasado, durante un encuentro en La Habana con emigrados favorables a la revolución, el canciller Felipe Pérez Roque se refirió de este modo a la esperada reforma migratoria: "no quiero anticiparme sobre ese tema, pero son asuntos que han estado permanentemente bajo nuestra consideración". Y añadió: "tenemos firme nuestro compromiso de hacer cada vez más fluida la relación entre los cubanos que residen en el exterior y Cuba y hacer cada vez más expeditos los trámites y las regulaciones sobre ese tema".

Como parte de esta flexibilización, se prorrogaría también el tiempo de estancia que los cubanos pueden estar en el exterior sin tener que regresar a su país, o perder sus derechos. El plazo legal en la actualidad es de 11 meses, que se ampliaría, probablemente, a dos años. Además, los menores de edad podrían salir con sus padres, algo actualmente restringido y sólo autorizado en casos excepcionales, dijeron las fuentes.

Del mismo modo, se espera que se simplifiquen los trámites de entrada temporal para los cubanos que residen en el exterior. Otros asuntos, como la pérdida de las propiedades -casas, vehículos, etcétera- cuando alguien emigra definitivamente, o la posibilidad de autorizar el regreso definitivo a Cuba de los que se fueron, todavía está en discusión. El verdadero alcance de la reforma migratoria, que se debate desde hace meses, todavía es una incógnita.

"Prohibiciones superadas por la vida"
En un discurso pronunciado en diciembre ante el Parlamento, Raúl Castro criticó con dureza el exceso de prohibiciones y regulaciones que existían en el país y que, consideró, hacían "más daño que beneficio". El entonces vicepresidente primero de los Consejos de Estado y de Ministros, opinó que "la mayoría" de estas prohibiciones fueron "correctas y justas en su momento", pero dijo que muchas habían "sido superadas por la vida". Raúl fue directo y contundente: "Detrás de cada prohibición incorrecta búsquese un buen número de ilegalidades". Entre estas ilegalidades, muchas tenían que ver con las cartas de invitación y otros negocios relacionados con los trámites de salida del país.

La reforma migratoria, que todavía ha de concretarse, sería un paso más en la estrategia de levantar "prohibiciones absurdas". Desde que fue elegido presidente, Raúl Castro ha permitido el acceso de los cubanos a los hoteles, ha autorizado la venta de computadoras, reproductores de DVD y otros electrodomésticos, y ha levantado la prohibición para el uso de teléfonos móviles. Además, se ha iniciado una reforma en agricultura que contempla la entrega de tierras en usufructo a campesinos privados y cooperativistas.

Entre las próximas medidas que se esperan está la autorización para que los cubanos puedan traspasar sus vehículos, y una flexibilización de los controles sobre la vivienda. Abundan los rumores y las opiniones; para unos es todavía muy largo el trecho por recorrer, para otros, todo avanza más rápidamente de lo esperado.

'Tarjeta blanca'
- Excepciones. Seguirán necesitando la autorización o tarjeta blanca los médicos, los universitarios recién titulados y que no hayan cumplido el servicio social, los militares y los miembros del Ministerio del Interior con acceso a información

de seguridad interior.

- Flexibilización. Se podrá prorrogar hasta dos años el plazo de residencia en el exterior sin perder derechos. Los menores de edad podrán salir del país con sus padres sin las restricciones actuales.

J.RoFemaleCuba2008-04-18 10:58:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americami novio se fallecio
Barbara, how awful and sad. I am so sorry. I am on my way back from Cuba and visiting Osvaldo, now with tears in my eyes to learn about your loss. I know you two were on the same 'schedule' as were are, thank you for all your kind comments and information.

Please check in with us to let us know how you are doing.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-05-30 15:21:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaNew Law allowing Cuban Americans to visit Cuba Yearly
I understand that Obama just signed the budget bill which includes stipulations that Cuban Americans can legally visit Cuba every year.

I assume the process for applying for a license/getting permission to go has not changed? For those of you who have visited legally, what is the process and how far in advance do you start? And, is it just a matter of filing out some forms online, or do you have to wait for some kind of paper license? Also, are US citizen spouses and children allowed to accompany the Cuban American on the visit?

My husband has been here since last July and we would like to go back for a visit in August with our baby daughter. Please, anyone with experience on this please write ... this affects a lot of us!

J.Ro
J.RoFemaleCuba2009-03-11 11:35:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaAOS case transferred to another service center?

My husband and I filed his AOS papers 3 months ago, and have been eagerly awaiting his AP and EAD and perhaps notification of an interview date.

The other day we rec'd a notice from USCIS that his case had been transferred to the California Service Center, to 'speed up processing'.

What does this mean? Are we starting over from zero in our AOS timeline? Can we expect to wait another 3 months for his AP and EAD?

Thanks for any info or shared experiences!!

J.Ro
J.RoFemaleCuba2009-03-23 15:29:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaSister-In-Law's B-1 Visa Declined in Havana

My husband's sister-in-law had her interview for a B-1 visa this morning at the US Special Interests in Havana and was declined. We waited almost 2 years for this interview so of course we are all very disappointed.

The official did not provide her with an explanation for the denial, nor any information about appealing the decision. We provided her with a letter of introduction, explaining the family relationship and her ties to Cuba (all family except my husband, and a good job), as well a copy of our 2010 tax returns and a letter from my employer stating my salary, etc.

The only potential issues we can identify is that she may have had a hard time explaining my job (which does not exist in Cuba). Also, when asked what my husband does, she said he is a nurse, when in reality he is a nursing student. But we have no idea if these minor discrepancies were the reason for denial. We were told to provide proof of financial support so we provided supporting documentation with that in mind.

Some questions:

1) Is there a way to appeal the decision? How?
2) If she has another interview, should we plan to go to Havana to be there?
3) How can we better prepare in the future?

If any of you Cuban VJers have experience with B-1 visas with family members, please let me know. It appears that we were not prepared, and we don't want to make the same mistakes again.

J.Ro


CORRECTION TO ABOVE: B-2 VISA WAS DECLINED, not B-1.
J.RoFemaleCuba2011-07-20 22:20:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaSister-In-Law's B-1 Visa Declined in Havana
My husband's sister-in-law had her interview for a B-1 visa this morning at the US Special Interests in Havana and was declined. We waited almost 2 years for this interview so of course we are all very disappointed.

The official did not provide her with an explanation for the denial, nor any information about appealing the decision. We provided her with a letter of introduction, explaining the family relationship and her ties to Cuba (all family except my husband, and a good job), as well a copy of our 2010 tax returns and a letter from my employer stating my salary, etc.

The only potential issues we can identify is that she may have had a hard time explaining my job (which does not exist in Cuba). Also, when asked what my husband does, she said he is a nurse, when in reality he is a nursing student. But we have no idea if these minor discrepancies were the reason for denial. We were told to provide proof of financial support so we provided supporting documentation with that in mind.

Some questions:

1) Is there a way to appeal the decision? How?
2) If she has another interview, should we plan to go to Havana to be there?
3) How can we better prepare in the future?

If any of you Cuban VJers have experience with B-1 visas with family members, please let me know. It appears that we were not prepared, and we don't want to make the same mistakes again.

J.Ro
J.RoFemaleCuba2011-07-20 22:08:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Medical test requested by the US consulate
QUOTE (jordin @ Jun 11 2008, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi to everyone is this forum:

I am a Cuban petitioner of a fiancee visa. My fiance went to the facilities indicated by the US interest Section in la Havana to have the medical test they required. My question is: If anyone knows how much it the fee or cost to have the medical test requested by the consulate.

I know that Cuban immigration charge 450.00 cuc for their medical tests and 150.00 cuc for the Carta Blanca. I also know that the cost of the visa appointment is 132.00 cuc to be paid at the US interest Section in la Havana.

Now, how much is the cost for the medical test requested by the US interest Office in la Havana and the result that had to be taken along with all the paperwork for the Visa appointment.

Any Cuban Filer that had gone through this process may be able to answer me.

Thanks for your support,

Jordin

My fiance had his medical exam at his local hospital, as directed by the USINT (and was finally given his results) and is awaiting his interview. He has paid nothing so far. My understanding is that he pays the $450 to the Cuban gov't as part of the carta blanca process.

I don't believe that the USINT charges anything for the exam/the results, though they are the ones requiring it. The Cubans don't require the exam, they only require that it be paid for for those persons leaving the country.

Someone please correct me if that is wrong.

J.RoFemaleCuba2008-06-11 20:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLeaving Cuba: Salida Indefinitiva vs. Salida Definitiva?
QUOTE (EdwinandMary @ Mar 13 2008, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Keep calling the U.S interest Section.....someone might cancel their interview date , and a spot might open up for you.....we did a salida definitiva which doesn't required a invitation letter, but when your fiancé leaves the country permanently the cuba goverment will take away all property and bank accounts. The Cuban government will sent an official to inspect the house during the Carta Blanca process to determine what you exactly own. I believe that this process doesn’t occur when someone leave on a temp basis. That what I understand. I not sure if Mary had two medical exams, I know she had one physical with a blood test, then on a later date she had x-rays taken. And the Medical exam is 450 dollars which is paid after you received the Carta Blanca. There’s also a 150 fee. Hopes this helps.


QUOTE (J.Ro @ Mar 13 2008, 04:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CUBAN COUPLES - Saludos a todos! I'm so glad I've found this website, I've learned so much more here than from government websites or my lawyer...

I just got back from 4 months in Cuba. We filed our petition on December 21, and the lawyer told us not to expect any developments until March 21. So imagine my surprise when I got back, went through my mail, and found NOA1 and NOA2, sent back in January! (Needless to say, my expensive lawyer had not bothered to email with this important update). Meanwhile Osvaldo returned home (we had been travelling) to discover USINT had been trying to reach him. By the time I called for his interview appointment, the soonest available was July 10.

After reading posts from Edwin and others, I have since attempted to get a closer interview date, but no luck so far. I'll keep trying, because I am pregnant...

Anyway, to get to the topic: after reading posts here, I think I am more worried about the process of exiting Cuba than anything else. I've seen people mention that there are two alternatives, salida indefinitiva and salida definitiva. How is the process/paperwork/cost different for each? What are pros and cons of each to consider?

I'm also confused about the medical exam; are there really two required?



Thanks for any info smile.gif



Thanks everyone for the quick replies! PLEASE CLARIFY ... to move up the interview should I call the US SPECIAL INTERESTS SECTION? I've been calling the toll free Appointment Service Center. Edwin, do you have a phone # for the US Special Interests Section? I did email them about the situation/my pregnancy, no reply yet.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-03-13 21:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLeaving Cuba: Salida Indefinitiva vs. Salida Definitiva?
CUBAN COUPLES - Saludos a todos! I'm so glad I've found this website, I've learned so much more here than from government websites or my lawyer...

I just got back from 4 months in Cuba. We filed our petition on December 21, and the lawyer told us not to expect any developments until March 21. So imagine my surprise when I got back, went through my mail, and found NOA1 and NOA2, sent back in January! (Needless to say, my expensive lawyer had not bothered to email with this important update). Meanwhile Osvaldo returned home (we had been travelling) to discover USINT had been trying to reach him. By the time I called for his interview appointment, the soonest available was July 10.

After reading posts from Edwin and others, I have since attempted to get a closer interview date, but no luck so far. I'll keep trying, because I am pregnant...

Anyway, to get to the topic: after reading posts here, I think I am more worried about the process of exiting Cuba than anything else. I've seen people mention that there are two alternatives, salida indefinitiva and salida definitiva. How is the process/paperwork/cost different for each? What are pros and cons of each to consider?

I'm also confused about the medical exam; are there really two required?

Thanks for any info smile.gif
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-03-13 15:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGetting ready for the interview
This list is taken from the document checklist provided by the USINT to K-1 applicants. (Your fiance will get this checklist when he picks up his packet). Good luck!

> LISTADO DE DOCUMENTOS PARA LOS SOLICITANTES DE VISAS K1 Y K2.

1. CARTA DE CITACION.
2.pASAPORTE VALIDO Y FOTOCOPIA.
3. PLANILLAS DE SOLICITUD DE VISA DE INMIGRANTE Y REGISTRO DE
EXTRANJEROS (DS-230 PARTES 1 Y 2) ESTAS PLANILLAS SE DEBEN LLENAR A
MAQUINA O EN LETRA DE MOLDE LEGIBLE.SI ALGUN ACAPITE NO CORRESPONDE A SU
CASO,ESCRIBA "NO PERTINENTE". NO UTILICE RALLAS NI ABREVIATURAS. NO
FIRME LAS PLANILLAS.
4. PLANILLAS DE SOLICITUD DE VISA DE NO INMIGRANTE (DS-156)SE DEBES
LLENAR 2 MODELOS A MAQUINA O EN LETRA DE MOLDELEGIBLE
5. PLANILLAS DE SOLICITUD SUPLEMENTARIA DE VISA DE NO INMIGRANTE
(DS-157) SE DEBEN LLENAR 2 MODELOS A MAQUINA O EN LETRA DE MOLDE LEGIBLE
6. PLANILLA DE SOLICITUD DE VISA DE NO INMIGRANTE (DS-156K)
7.CERTIFICACION DE NACIMIENTO.
8. CERTIFICACIONES DE DIVORCIO.
9. ANTECEDENTES PENALES.
10. EXAMEN MEDICO.
11.AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT (DECLARACION DE APOYO ECONOMICO) MODELO I-134.
PRESENTAR EL DOCUMIONTO COMPUTARIZADO DEL PAGO DE LOS IMPUESTOS DE LOS
ULTIMOS 3 AÑOS QUE EMITE EL IRS (INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE)
12. EVIDENCIA DE SU RELACION. PRESENTAR PRUEBAS QUE DEMUESTREN QUE LA
RELACION ES VERDADERA.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-06-30 13:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnother Cuban K-1 Approved!
My fiance has his visa in hand after his interview in Havana on June 26! Deepest gratitude to Barbara y Alexis for helping us get an earlier interview date.

Now Osvaldo will work on getting his carta blanca and hopefully will be on his way here soon. For those Cuban couples awaiting their interviews, here's what happened for us:

We arrived at the USINT at about 6:15 am. No people are allowed to congregate near the building, but everyone was waiting in a small park about 2 blocks away. At about 6:40 am, representatives from the USINT arrived and begin calling the names of persons with scheduled appointments. Their carnets were collected and we lined up across the street. After about an hour or more of waiting in line, we were led to the building. At this point, we and 2 other US Citizen/Cuban couples were escorted to the front of the line and allowed to go in first. I had all our documents organized into numbered folders but they made us throw out all the folders and we had to go through security clutching onto all our loose papers!

Once inside, we were soon called to a window were our documents were checked and added to Osvaldo's file. The Cuban worker did not seem to mind that they were all disorganized. We paid the 121 CUC fee and sat down to wait for the interview. At about 10:20 they called his name and we went to our assigned window where the interview occured. The interviewer was a woman in her 30s, very businesslike and serious. She spoke Spanish and English very rapidly and never smiled. At times it was difficult to understand her because the microphone was not working. We started in Spanish and later switched to English. She asked Osvaldo if he had ever been in the Communist Youth, what his job was, and wasn't it necessary to be a Party member to have that kind of job? Then lots of questions about his 2 ex-wives, his two children, and where they are living, and when he got divorced. Had he ever been out of Cuba? Did he write me those emails in English? How did we meet? Why did I choose to study Spanish in Cuba? How many times did I go to Cuba and why? When did we decide to get married? When did I get pregnant? Was it planned? She verified my profession, and asked what work or study Osvaldo planned to do in the US. We were a bit taken aback by her brusque manner and really didn't know how things were going until she finally said we should come back the next day to pick up his visa. We came back the next day a half-hour earlier than our appointment time, and were again immediately let in to the building. After waiting 30-40 minutes, they called his name and gave us his passport with the visa inside and the packet for US immigration. Then it was real and we were happy!

Thinking things over, I think it's helpful for the US citizen to be there. There were several times that I felt we got preferential treatment because of this. Also, anyone with previous marriages should be prepared to answer a lot of detailed questions about their ex-spouses, no matter how long ago the marriage occured. It was clear the interviewer had read over our file carefully, including my email correspondence with them. We were never separated during the interview, though I understand that the US citizen is often asked to leave.

Another tidbit: for those Cuban couples trying to get an earlier interview date, call the Appt Service Center first thing in the morning (they open at 8 am EST); that's when cancelled appts are re-released.

Now for the carta blanca, the final and murkiest and most unpredictable step ... if anyone has any advice for us, let me know!
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-07-01 17:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionanother Cuban K1 approved
Felicidades! Good luck with getting the carta blanca and let us know how it goes...
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-07-10 16:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionabout the interview
Congratulations again! I agree with the advice about not using any envelopes, they will make you throw them away; I guess the key is to use CLEAR folders or covers.
Sounds like you had the same interviewer as we did ... Osvaldo nicknamed her the 'Puta Flaca' (once we were safely off the premises)!
After receiving misinformation and generally getting an annoying run-around in the carta blanca processu, Osvaldo has about two steps left before getting clearance to go. With any luck he'll be on his way next week.
Good luck to Eduardo with the carta blanca, and keep us updated!
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-07-16 21:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGot paper releasing from work!
QUOTE (Karena @ Aug 27 2008, 07:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all. well now finally my fiancee got his paper from work so he has submitted everything to Cuban Immigration and hopefully he will have the Carta Blanca in about 30 days? How long has it taken others to receive Carta Blanca after applying?, how soon has your loved one arrived here after filing for the Carta Blanca?---Karena


Karena, I'm glad to hear your fiance finally got his work release. How maddening! Be prepared for more frustration with the carta blanca, though...maybe you'll get lucky, but it seems the carta blanca process can be unpredictable.

My fiance got his carta blanca/permiso de salida about 3 weeks after starting the process. There were several points in the process at which he was given the wrong information, however. One vivienda office completed his apartment inspection and cleared that step, but later a different vivienda office said that the first office was not authorized to do this. Then he had to pay for an 'expedited' second inspection. Needless to say, this caused us a lot of stress as we had already made travel arrangements.

Also, when he checked in for his flight to Cancun in Havana, the Mexicana staff could not verify that his onward flight to JFK was on a valid airline (it was Jetblue). They held him and his luggage til the very last minute while they called around to confirm whether Jetblue really exists! He almost missed the flight.

Once in Cancun, he had a personal 'security guard' for his entire layover. But at least he had someone to talk to.

He's been here since July 24, our wedding is September 14. We are very happy! Thanks to all of you for your information and support.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-08-28 20:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsk1 VISA PROCESS FOR CUBA
QUOTE (Tiffany&NicK @ Apr 7 2008, 02:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok this question is for anyone who applied for a K-1 Visa for Havana, Cuba because it works different in Cuba.

I received my I-129F approval letter, then I received the letter from NVC with the case number, I called the 1-800 number and scheduled my fiance's appointment and its July 7, 2008. Now if I call the NVC they say I don't have an appt scheduled and my fiance has not received anything in the mail or been contacted. Am I missing something?? I have read other posts regarding the IV bill fee being received and package 3 being received, I don't have any of that.

I downloaded the forms he needs online and we have everything done, can someone please give me advice or give me some insight into the process because I'm worried we did something wrong. THanks


I agree that if the Appt Service Center gave you an interview date and number, don't worry too much about what the NVC says. However, I would try to make sure your fiance is able to pick up his packet. It seems there are reports of the Consulate staff wanting the exact same forms given in the packet filed out at the interview (though this seems ridiculous; we plan to bring our lawyer-prepared forms and have the ones in the original packet with us in case that is what they want at the time). Also, there may be items in the packet that are not available elsewhere, such as the 'order' for the medical exam.

You might try emailing or faxing the USINT to ask when your fiance can pick up his packet. It may take 4 or 5 weeks after you receive your 2nd NOA before USINT tries to contact your fiance. In our case, USINT called and sent a telegram to Osvaldo's local post office in order to contact him. But had he not known someone who worked in the post office, I'm not sure the message would have ever reached him. Has your fiance been checking for messages at his post office?

Good luck, and it looks like your interview is the same week as ours! Are you planning to be there? Maybe we should get together for a pre- or post-interview de-briefing!
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-04-07 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCUBAN FIANCE VISA APPOINTMENT
QUOTE (Tiffany&NicK @ Apr 30 2008, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I give up I think, I have been trying to call the 1800 # to see if they have sooner appts, Ive called the consulate, Ive emailed, and faxed, and no luck.

Has anyone had any luck with this?


I've been doing all of the above for about 8 weeks, explaining that I am pregnant, no luck either. Then I asked my lawyer to try; he said the only interviews which can be expedited are ones involving military deployment of the petitioner. Good to know military deployment trumps pregnancy! Anyway, I gave up too, seems like a waste of time. Let us know if you have any luck.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-05-01 22:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMedical Exam Documentation
Thanks, everyone; he'll go back next week to asked for his results in a sealed envelope... I hope that doesn't take too long!

Anyone know if I should bring medical records of my own, to document my pregnancy? Or is being there with my barriga enough? I suppose it can't hurt to bring something, though I don't know if they will care ...
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-05-31 10:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMedical Exam Documentation
Osvaldo and I were reviewing all our documentation in preparation for his interview July 10 (STILL no luck moving up his interview date), and we realized he was given no form or paper to show that he completed his medical exam. He provided the hospital with a letter from the Special Interests section explaining the need for the exam and the hospitals where it could be performed, but Osvaldo received no paperwork afterwards, only his x-ray film.

Is this normal? Or should he go back to the hospital and ask for written documentation that he passed the medical examination? He said he assumed the hospital would communicate directly with the USINT, but I don't want to make a mistake.

Thanks for any info! Otherwise I think we are ready!
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-05-28 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Aproved!!!!
That's wonderful news, congratulations! Thanks for posting the details. Did they ever ask you to leave the interview? Let us know when he arrives!
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-06-16 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa Approved
Congratulations to you and Yamile! Keep us updated!
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-09-02 19:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNow what
QUOTE (Barbara y Alexis @ Mar 12 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
great questions!

i know that JFK is the best airport to come in through because they can do something for the work permit that other airports cant.

however, there are no direct flights that I know of.

so the good question is do cubans need a mexican visa to land in cancun and board their next plane up to JFK in NYC?

I believe there are direct flights from Havana to JFK on Air Jamaica. See nashtravel.com for a good list of flights to/from Cuba.
J.RoFemaleCuba2008-03-13 14:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHabilitado Needed for Cubans Travelling Back??

Now that my husband finally has his greencard, etc., we are planning a trip back to visit his family. Someone told us that in order for him to travel back, he is required to have an 'habilitado' or special stamp in his passport issued by the Cuban Special Interests Section in Washington. We were also told it was best to travel to Washington to get this.

This is the first I 've heard of this. Is this something that is required of ALL Cubans traveling back, or only those who left with a PVE? My husband left under a PRE and surrendered his apartment, carnet, etc. Also, his passport was issued in September '07, and my understanding was that it was valid for 2 years. Our travel will be complete by the end of August '09.

Cuban V-Jers, please help! It never ends!!!!

Thanks, J.Ro
J.RoFemaleCuba2009-05-14 08:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressuper tricky situation
This was a non-issue for me, nor was it a problem for any of the others on this forum who've written about their K-1 experiences with a Cuban fiance. You need to prove that you met in person with your Cuban fiance, and that your relationship is genuine. Regarding the legality of Cuban travel, the USCIS and representatives at the Special Interests Section seem to have a "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. They don't seem to concern themselves with enforcing Treasury Dept. regulations. On the other hand, if you have insufficient evidence of meeting, your visa request may be denied. If you search on this website you can probably find some of these discussions, as this question has come up many times before.

Even under the Bush administration, persons traveling to Cuba were never prosecuted in court. Fines were occasionally issued, but the cases were dropped against any persons requesting a court date. Under the Obama administration, there is likely to be even less enforcement of Treasure Dept. travel restrictions.
J.RoFemaleCuba2010-07-21 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCuban K-1 Visa Holder Traveling Through Mexico?
My husband came through Cancun 3 years ago, as part of his transit here. He was coming on a fiance visa.

I did not meet him there, he came by himself, and yes, he had an official Mexican minder the entire time between his flights. I don't think it was a big deal, they joked about the situation.

The only trouble my husband had that day was trying to get out of Havana. Apparently, the Cuban authorities checked all his tickets for the day, and because they didn't recognize JetBlue (which he flew from Cancun to NYC), they didn't let him board til the LAST MINUTE. Why that is any of their business, who knows, but it was harrowing for him. Once he got out of Cuba, everything went smoothly.
J.RoFemaleCuba2011-09-27 14:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhere can I buy plane tix in Havana to come to US?
My husband came from Cuba to the the US on a fiance visa in 2008, via Cancun. I bought his tickets (Hav-Cancun on Air Cubana, Cancun-JFK on JetBlue) from here and emailed him all the information. He travelled by himself.

He was almost not allowed to board his departing flight in Havana that day because the authorities there did not recognize Jetblue as an airline. Why they would care about his connecting flight, I do not know, but I guess Cuban authorities think everything is their business. Eventually they let him board, and the rest of the trip was uneventful. He did have a minder/guard in Cancun, but it was fine.
J.RoFemaleCuba2011-12-09 16:43:00
USCIS Service CentersWhich service center for MN
Sorry I didnt have k-1 or k-3 in my profile because I havent actually filed for the k-1 yet just preparing the petition now. I understand the link answered my question, I was just double checking because when I do search for service centers based on zip code Nebraska was coming up and I wanted to make sure I was sending it to the right place. Since pp told me that they dont accept k-1 in Nebraska anymore it all makes perfect sense smile.gif
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-02-22 18:29:00
USCIS Service CentersWhich service center for MN
tyvm smile.gif
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-02-22 15:03:00
USCIS Service CentersWhich service center for MN
I thought that I was supposed to file with the Nebraska Service Center, but now I see that I file in California on this site http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

I dont know which one is right, I live in Minnesota
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-02-22 14:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of support ?
Ty, I know its not needed yet just trying to get as prepared as possible smile.gif
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-02-18 18:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of support ?
I am getting ready to file my I-129F petition, all I have left is my fiance signing papers and sending to me. My fiance and I have been together for 1.5 years but I was married until Feb 7th, 2008 (my divorce papers state separation of Sept 20, 2006 tho). I have been a stay at home mom to my 3.5 year old since he was born and im currently pregnant with my fiance's baby and on bedrest so I cannot get a job. My grandparents would be willing to sign the affadavit of support, or my ex husband. They are turning 71 this year, and im not sure how that looks from the govts point of view. I also dont know how it would look for my ex husband to sponsor him. Do you think there would be a problem with either?
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-02-18 18:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionaffadavit support questions
I am currently unemployed so my grandparents are going to sponsor my fiance. I understand that I need to fill out the 1-134 as well even with no income, but do I need to show tax returns that my ex husband filed jointly with me from last year?

Are my grandparents allowed to combine there retirement/income or can only one be a sponsor?

The directions say tax returns are only required for self employed, is this correct?

What would my grandparents write on line 10 of the 1-134? (10. That I have submitted visa petition(s) to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) on behalf of the
following person(s).)

If income is sufficient other stocks and life insurance stuff is not necessary, correct?

Thanks in advance.
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-08-30 15:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMore then 1 cosponsor in same household?
Are both my grandparents allowed to be cosponsors since they live together? Would they just both fill out a i-134? They are retired but both have part time jobs. Do they need a letter from there employer if there retirement income is more then enough to meet the 125% poverty level?

Thanks in advance.
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-09-02 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 Fiance Visa Process started
Welcome! Im just waiting for signed forms and passport photos from my fiance and I will be filing smile.gif
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-02-20 17:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsStunned and amazed
Congrats!! Everytime I read these im wishing I could have filed in Vermont!
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-03-16 14:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiling in March
Hi everyone, I just wanted to update you all. Nico was born July 15th, weighing 7 pounds 8 oz and 19.75" long. He is such a sweetie smile.gif We got our noa2 on July 24th, and Corrie's interview is Sept 29th! Hes still in America until Sept 9th, and hopefully will be back beginning of Oct! Heres a couple pics of Nico smile.gif

Attached Files


stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-08-21 16:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiling in March
I hope everyone is doing well! Sorry I havent been around for a while, ive been busy getting things ready for the baby. I am so excited today Corrie landed in Chicago 2 hours ago and is through customs. He will be landing in Minneapolis in 3 hours woohoo!!!!!!!!! Its been 137 days since weve seen each other (longest time apart since we met) and he will be staying until Sept 9th!!
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-06-13 15:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiling in March
Erin- I have a feeling this summer is just going to fly by with Corrie coming and having a baby, and birthdays/holidays. That will be such a great gift to Lucas to be a big brother smile.gif

Bex- I wish my ex and corrie could get along better too. They do ok, but my ex was not really willing to accept it was over until I got pregnant with Corrie's baby. Then he finally signed the divorce papers after being separated over a year. He really cant get over the age difference and has to try and tell me what a mistake im making. I will be 23 on June 4th, and Corrie just turned 37 in April. Corrie and I would like 2 more after this too. I still havent decided what I want to do as a career but I stay at home with the little ones. Corrie is a computer programmer and hopefully he will be able to find work quickly here after AOS. I have gestational diabetes this time around and when I was pregnant with my first 4 years ago. I have been on the diabetes diet since 16 weeks pregnant and check my blood sugars 4x a day. Not being able to indulge in all the pregnancy cravings can be hard at times but a healthy baby is so much more important. I think its a great idea for you guys to start before the career, America is not very good with maternity leave, and not very many companies offered paid leave either.
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-05-17 18:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiling in March
We are doing great. This is Corrie's first baby, but my 2nd. My first son will be 4 next month. He is so excited to be a big brother. He loves Corrie so much too, he counts down the days with me and gets excited. I am feeling pretty big now, I have officially lost the ability to bend over hehe. I just hope I can lose all the pregnancy weight before we get married!
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-05-16 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiling in March
Congrats on your approval Bex!! You guys are so chatty I cant keep up but I hope you are all doing well smile.gif 4 more weeks and Corrie is coming to visit for 3 months yay! This is the longest we have been apart since we met each other online Sept 06.

I saw someone on Igors list from CSC with a NOA1 date of 3-6 get approved!! That is amazing, I will feel so lucky if I get approved in July/early Aug.
stephncorrieFemaleNetherlands2008-05-15 20:13:00