Well, I just booked a flight to Rio July24th departure. I want to be with Lucas for our interview. I know I don't have to be there, but it's defintiely a great excuse to go back and visit with his family and take time off of work. But my GAWD! $1700 IS INSANE!!!! In the end of all this for my own piece of mind I want to know I did all I could to help......Hopefully *fingers-crossed* this time I can bring him back to Florida with me ..............

Yeah, I've been checking fares to go to Puerto Rico after the interview and at U$1350 I am screaming, imagine at U$1700!

*AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH* start savin' gurl!!! *HAHAHHAHA*.....damn war's *sigh*, Can we just make love people, WTF!!!!

Don't worry sweetie, by the time you buy a ticket to PR the prices will probably be down!

I dunno if its any help, but you can fly TAM with a stop in Sao Paulo for $1317, and AA non-stop for $1551. That's out of Miami leaving the 24th and coming back on the 29th including all taxes and fees.

Varig is coming in at $827 for those dates, but with their current state of affairs, I would avoid them.

www.airfare.com

There must be something going on down there, because I've been going back and forth to Rio for years and I've never seen off season fares so high.

Gas prices have gone up, and from PR to Rio we´ve always ´paid around U$1100

Air fare right now sucks. It is now double what it cost in February to travel to Cairo. Don't guess I'll be seeing my honey anytime soon....unless they decide to give him his visa. (PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE)

"Normal" fares US-Brazil-US have been @$1100 for a few years now. There's an occasional special US-Brazil in the $600-$800 range, but Brazil-US hasn't been less then $1k in over 5 years.

I know, but it's now almost at U$1400, and I figure it's due to gas prices being up.

Btw, I found a flight a month ago that went through Panama City that was cheaper, U$900, but now even that one has gone up.

the rise in prices is directly due to the increase in gas prices, along with this being summer means vacation time.
i've always used orbitz. on the trip to brazil to see nessa i checked everyone and found orbitz beat them all. also keep in mind that the further out you can book the trip, the cheaper it will be.

Try Orbitz you can find cheaper flights there.
I'll paste an example for you, leaving at July24, returning july 29. 1 person, 2 ways trip. I don't know if you're departing from Miami, so I guessed.
US$ 1.273 including taxes and fees is way better than 1700

Thanks for the help but, I did find these fare's!!!! When i went to "check out" and pay for them.....after processing the itenerary, a big flag comes up and says something like "These fares are no longer available and prices have increased".....so moral of the story is DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE...!!! I don't know why they have not updated their charges! Maybe because they keep fluctuating so much.....As for reason why they have gone up so much is due to the Iraq war. Not only have gas prices risen but so has jet fuel...(yeah I watch the news sometimes).....When I went to Brasil in 2004 I only paid approx $600, but Alas! this is no more!!

We always used Expedia.com and had great prices... For example, I came here for $700. Just to remind: Im in WA state, Pacific side and border to Canada... Im not in FL or NY...

But I think it has to do with the vacation season now... Wait until september, october, and you'll have cheaper tickets for sure!!!

Good luck!

Carol

Holy C#%P!! $1700??

I have traveled to Brazil six times in the last 16 months and the airfare has been higher each time. No doubt the increased oil prices have increased the cost of fuel. The lowest I paid was about $750, and the highest about $1000. But I just got my fiances ticket for her entry to the U.S. and it was almost $1180 on American, and for one way!!. Almost the same price as round trip. United wanted $1500! Fortunately I managed a couple freebie frequent flyer seats during that time span.

I went to the interview at Rio consulate, so let me know if you have any questions about that experience.

Good luck with your interview!

Bill

Vive frequent flyer seats!

I'll take any tip's you can give!!! I've heard it's pretty easy, but if there's something you think I should know...please share!! Did you have the medical done at the consulate or from one of the doctor's they listed on the website? If it was in the consulate, how long were you there that day? and if not, how far in advance did you need to make your appointment?

And when you share, do share with us all.

1700!?

Oh my goodness.

I got 800 for August 8?

I also just got 815 as quoted to me for September on United...

where are these prices coming from? Did they really increase that much since yesterday?

I've noticed that it is cheaper when you are coming from the US to Brazil

Well Everyone.....being that I've seen alot of you post lower fares here, I thought I would call the airlines directly. They told me the fares that they offer online are usually cheaper than the ones you will get over the phone. She said they have been run a special's on international flights leaving and arriving between Sunday and Thursday for approx $1300. (but these flights usually get booked super fast).....apparently my interview was scheduled in the wrong season and during a world crisis.....*Humpffff* What's a gurl to do.

Oh Yeah and PS: WHY THE H*LL IS IT JUST ABOUT THE SAME PRICE ONE WAY FROM BRASIL TO THE US!!!???!??! That's only one tank of jet fuel not two!!!! (yes this was my edited note...i'm done)

Yeah, more expensive from Brasil, and pretty much same price one way or two-way.

sometimes cheaper.. if it is cheaper then one way.. book a round trip ticket.. Maybe from the USA a week or so before they enter the USA..

Yeah I paid $1300 for my ticket for 7/7/06. This was the most expensive ticket I have ever purchased going to Brazil. I could not believe it was more expensive then the ticket for Christmas and New Years. I go through a travel agent and she said that July is the most expensive time of the year to fly.

I think it´s ´cus it´s summer in US, and many come to visit Brasil during this season. Also, since it´s not summer here, hotels are cheaper, so it´s a great deal for tourists.

i feel your pain hermanos and hermanas. I just bought a rond trip tix for my niece. From Mexico to USA, 3.5 flight, $720!!!!!

Daniel

man i havent paid over 800 to go to brazil!!!! Thankfully I have enough miles with tam that i get a free trip.....

I KNOW. This makes me crazy. I have a return ticket left to go to Brazil (I bought my ticket FROM Brazil to the US with FFMiles, and they only let you do round-trips. But I can't use that leg of the trip (have to work)! I was going to change the date, but I found that in the end it would be just as expensive to get a round trip...GRR

I don't think you can do medical at the consulate. We went to the approved doctor who's office was in Leblon. My fiance made the appointment as soon as she learned the interview date. He said that we could do the appointment the day before the interview, because everything gets done on that visit. I think we were there about 45 minutes or so. He looked at her medical papers, vaccines etc. and he did a basic exam on her. Sealed her papers in an envelope to take to the interview. His fee was about BRL$200.

You can see my review on the consulate, but just make sure you have all of your documents, forms etc. For photos - make certain that ears are visible. Several women were sent down the block to have photos retaken. They will not allow cameras or cell phones in the consulate.

If you have questions just let me know.

Bill

Quick question, what if she can't get records of her injections? Will they give her what she needs as part of the Medical (do you know?)

If she doesn't have all the shots, the doctor will prolly give her the shots and charge extra for it. If she lost hers, she should try going to a "Posto de Saúde" and get re-shots of the main ones asked.

I am doing this, since I had been missing some shots I simply never took. Last month I took the hepatitis shot, this month I took the tetanus one and 2nd dose of the hepatitis, and with these I am updating my record of shots.

Might you know where one can find the list of shots? It was hard to get any of her past documents, her birth certificate is hand written etc.

Something else to, I thought I read somewhere that they could get they're injections once they were here in the US as long as they passed the Medical Exam.

Not sure exactly where I saw that, but I think it was on the USCIS website somewhere... anyone know if thats true?

The thing is, in Brasil most shots can be taken for free, and they are expensive in US.

The list of required shots are here: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/Medical_Exam.htm#whatare

You should have vaccinations for:


Mumps
Measles
Rubella
Polio
Tetanus
Diphtheria toxoids
Pertussis
Influenza type B
Hepatitis B

Thanks a bunch. She's gonna try to get her records (what a pain) and I guess we'll have to fill in the blanks .

Hate to ask, but my Portuguese is still in it's beginner phaze lol! The Translator I used doesn't Translate half of those shots (or is there a Translation?)

If there is, would you be so kind as to Translate for me so I can tell her what she'll need to get?

Would greatly appreciate it.

as far as I know... it ain't Portuguese but English

anyway for the interview, she'll need - now it is Portuguese ok ?

Caxumba, Rubéola e Sarampo
Tétano e Difteria
Catapora (maybe) - this one the doctor will tell her if she needs it or not, depending on her records.

Ok, here is that paragraph I thought I had read before on the USCIS Website. I took it from that link to they're website you posted.

It is under the "Who has to have a medical exam?" section.

"K and V nonimmigrant (temporary) visa applicants. Individuals applying for a K nonimmigrant visa as the fiancee or the spouse of a U.S. citizen or for a V nonimmigrant visa as the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) (including those applying for V status in the United States) must undergo a medical exam, but are not required to comply with the vaccination requirements at that time. They will be required to comply with the vaccination requirements when they eventually apply for adjustment of status. "

She said the problem is the Hospital where she was born did everything on paper back then, and most of those documents are gone now that they use computers. So, she's not sure if she'll be able to get records of most of those shots thats she's received when she was young.

Also, if she already had some of those shots, sometimes it is not good to get them again. The USCIS website says to see the physician before trying to fufill the injection requirements, but I'm not sure how they will be able to tell what she's had with no record of it. Plus, there is no "USCIS/Consulate" approved physician anywhere near her (she lives in Mato Grosso do Sul).

What I'm getting from that paragraph from the USCIS Website, is that she would not be refused her Visa if she didn't have proof of all her injections. If I need to pay for them here when she gets here, thats not a problem, I just want to make sure her Visa doesn't get screwed up because of this.

Have I mentioned how much I hate this process?

ops....

I don' know if you read my post before yours


Erik, from what I know. .. she will need those basic shots for the interview. Now for AOS it is a different story. I hope somebody corrects me if I am wrong

some days I'm not sure what language I'm talking!

I did however know they were in English the first time around

I guess the ones I could not get translated were

Tetanus
Diphtheria toxoids
Pertussis

When I tried to tell her those, she made it seem like I was speaking Swahili to her




Yeah I saw your post right after

That paragraph from the USCIS Website is what has me confused. Because it's not talking about injections needed for AOS, it's talking about the K Visas.

My interpretation is she doesn't need all the required injections during her Medical or to get the K Visa. But, when we get around to filing her AOS, then she will indeed "need" to show she's had all required injections.

I think this paragraph is why I kind of fell asleep on this injection issue.

I certainly appreciate yours, and everyones help on this. Because that paragraph from the USCIS Website has thrown me for a loop

Those 3 you were asking about is the Tétano, Difteria and Coqueluche shots we get as a kid, usually called tríplice, since it's one shot for all 3 of them.

I am pretty sure for the interview she'll need the hepatite B shot as well.

Also, if she's from the North region, like the Amazon, she might need the Yellow Fever shot, since it's mandatory for any visiting this region.

Actually, I don't think that these shots are needed for the visa ...but they WILL be needed when you file for your AOS!!! The reasone everyone get's them over seas is because of the price difference and how much cheaper they are. Lucas is going to get his medical done this week. I will let you know for sure!

Here are the 2 shot Lucas was told he needed
DT ( difteria and tetano )
MMR ( sarampo - caxumba - rubeola)

Thanks everyone, you all are great.

Here's a little more information I got to pass on to you all. I also had emailed the Consulate in Rio, initially this is what they told me. (They're answers are in bold font)

1. She is having a difficult time getting records of her previous injections. Does she absolutely need to have these records when she goes for her Medical Exam before her interview?

YES

2. What if she is not able to obtain those records, what must we do?

SHE MUST TALK TO THE DOCTOR ABOUT THIS.

3. Will they give her all the injections she needs for the Visa at her medical exam? I know some of these injections can not all be given all at one time, so how would that work? Would they give her just the basic injections needed for the visa at her medical exam, and then she could get the rest of her injections when she arrives here in the United States?

ONLY THE DOCTOR CAN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

4. I believe I read on the USCIS website, that she would be allowed to get the bulk of her injections here in the United States, as long as she passed the medical exam. Is this true or does she need every injection "before" she is able to get her visa even if she passes the medical exam?

ONLY THE DOCTOR CAN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS


So after I received that, I emailed them this email.


Thank you very much for your reply.

However, on the USCIS Website there is a conflicting statement.

Under the Medical Exam section of the USCIS Website, and under the "Who has to have a medical exam?" section, there is a paragraph that reads as follows:

"K and V nonimmigrant (temporary) visa applicants. Individuals applying for a K nonimmigrant visa as the fiancee or the spouse of a U.S. citizen or for a V nonimmigrant visa as the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) (including those applying for V status in the United States) must undergo a medical exam, but are not required to comply with the vaccination requirements at that time. They will be required to comply with the vaccination requirements when they eventually apply for adjustment of status."

So I am still very confused as to what she really needs. Also, she is not anywhere near any of the approved Physicians in the list of Physicians you provide, so she will only be able to go a few days before her Interview when I fly her up to Rio.

This portition of the process appears to be very unclear.


Here is the response I got today...

Dear Sir or Madam:

You are right. For a fiancée visa the vaccination is not mandatory. She will have to sign a statement under oath that she will take the necessary shots as soon as she gets in the U.S.

Regards,

IV Unit


Hope that helps someone else also

Sorry, I don't know the answer to this. It seemed like the doctor in Rio would not have been prepared to do these injections, but I could be wrong about this.

Hey Bill, so you advice me for example I live currently in Santa Catarina, I know on the list of doctors the brazilian embassy gives us there's 1 doctor in Curitiba, but it would be easier for me to go to Rio and have the medical there before the interview. Since my mom can't find any of my shots, but she knows for sure I took all of them and since the consulate won't just believe my mom's word (lol it would be so good if it worked that way) should I try to schedule the appointment with this doctor in Leblon when I have the interview date? Do you think that he can help me with the vaccines? Because I don't want to have the appointment with the doctor let's say 2 days before the interview and he tells me I need to go someplace else take shots or be x-ray or whatever and not be ready for the interview you know?
You mentioned your fiancée showed him medical papers, vaccines, etc and he did a basic exam. So she went to a previous doctor?
This List Of Doctors doesn't explain everything.
I don't even have my NOA2 yet, but I'm a worrier, any help would be great. Thanks
Nessa

Hey Nessa, don't know if this will help you or not, but my fiance is having a hard time getting her injection records also. As mentioned by Bill a Blood Test should show what injections are present already.

I was worried about this too, but if you look in my previous post via the USCIS Website, and confirmed by the Consulate in Rio, even if you don't have all injections needed, the worst that will happen is you will need to sign a paper saying you well receive them during your AOS application.

At least, that is what I make of it all, so I'm not gonna stress about injection and injection records for the time being. Hopefully the Blood Test will reveal what she has already had, and maybe she can get a few more she needs while she's there because of the majority of them being free

I don't mind having to take them to the AOS application, actually it'll be easier for me. I just want to know what they do in the medical we have here in Brazil for the interview? We have lab tests, cuz I know that takes days for a result, and what do I need to have prepared for the interview. If going to the doctor 2 days prior to the interview won't be a problem, u know? If I have to sign a paper no problem, if I have to take the shots in Brazil and then again in USA, also no problem, what worries me is make an appointment 2 days prior my interview and then the doctor saying you need this and this and then I discover I don't have time to take those shots, or have those exames you know? I don't wanna risk anything to go wrong.

Nessa, my fiance already had her vaccines when we went to the doctor in Leblon. She lives in Espirito Santo and got her vaccines there. To see an approved doctor, other than in Rio she would have had to go to Belo Horizonte, so it made sense for us to go to the doctor in Rio.

So, yes she went to previous doctor for the vaccines and blood tests etc. near her home. I don't know if the doctors in Rio can arrange to do vaccines again and do everything at once for you. I would suggest that you call one of the Rio doctors to see if they can do this.

As you said you don't want to have to run around Rio for vaccines and x-rays a couple days before your interview. That's risky and probably very stressful too. Unless the Rio doctor can do everything in one visit, then I suggest that you get all your vaccine paper work, x-ray, bloodtest etc. near your home.

If I recall correctly, there were a few approved doctors in Rio. Maybe call a couple of them to see what they can do.

Hope that helps,
Bill

Hey Guys!
There are only 2 shots required for the interview. I listed them above. Lucas went to the doctor in Leblon for his medical exam, but also had to go to another clinic to get his blood work and vaccines done. He had to wait 2 days for the results to come back. Now that Lucas has his results he will bring them back to the doctor in Leblon to answer some questions and get the doctors "laudo"! After the decision is made the doctor will close and seal everything for us to bring to the interview....(this last part i'm not positive about, because we have not done this yet)............My advice Nessa? Get all of this done approx 2 (or more) weeks prior to your interview. This way you are not rushed and stressed out...and you can make sure that you have done everything you need to do!

we paid $600 for renato's one way ticket to the us. I searche don expedia everyday until I found it.

ty. So when I have my interview date I'll start making phone calls to all the doctors in Rio and the one in Curitiba (easy for me to go to Curitiba if I need to wait for results).



That's what I'm gonna do, thank you very much.

I know my questions are annoying, I just wanted to hear brazilian (or people with brazilian fiance(e))'s advices because I know it's different in every country.
Thanks all