Yes, VSC and CSC are real slow. Sometimes they send you the NOA2 hardcopy right away, weeks after, or some have to actually request the hardcopy NOA2.

You will want to call NVC for the following reasons

1. Find out if you have been approved (NOA2)
2. Find out if you have been RFE'd
3. Find out if your case is still sitting there waiting to be reviewed.

Once the above 3 issues are done and dealt with and you finally get news of your NOA2, there will be other reasons why you should call NVC. These reasons as follows...

1. When did your respective service center (VSC or CSC) send your approved petition to NVC.
Why??
Because NVC knows the exact date that the service center mailed out the approval. This is the point where you can use the shortcuts to get scheduled for an interview at the embassy at a much earlier date.

Let's say that your petition has arrived at NVC
2. You ask the NVC rep, when did your petition arrive. The date of arrival.

Put the shortcuts to work

For example purposes only I will be using fabricated dates.

You now know that your petition has arrived at NVC on Monday, September 17th.
Call NVC on Wednesday/Thursday which will be the 19th/20th of September. Most often than not NVC will forward your petition to Bogota in about 4 days after receiving it. NVC forwards via DHL. DHL service to Bogota is about 3 business days. So now you know that your petition will be in Bogota on the 25th/26th of September. Ok now you give the embassy in Bogota a day or so to process your case in their system. Now on the 27th/28th you will FAX packet 3 to the embassy and follow up by couriering it as well (optional).

The number of days I used for the example are not set in stone, but more often than not, it is dead on or a day or two off. The tracking of all the dates is quite simple, just call NVC every day to find out when and if your petition has arrived/sent or been received in Bogota.

NVC knows all, they know when packet 3 goes out, packet 4 goes out, interview date etc.

I sure hope I didnt confuse anyone with all this. As I feel that I was going in 1 direction then made a left turn on my post. If any of this sounds like mumbo/jumbo to you, let me know and I will try my best to explain it better. At times i'm not sure if I understand my explanations myself.

Lucho is amazing!!!

Lucho,

#2: NVC will know if your service center...in my case CSC...has an outstanding RFE?
#3: NVC will also if your case hasn't been reviewed yet buy the service center?

My thought was that NVC didn't even know we existed until the petition was out of the service centers hands and into theirs...please correct me if I'm wrong.

Scott

Scott,

I may have combined the RFE trick with NVC shortcuts. I told you guys that may have made a left turn on my previous post.

#2: I have read a few instances where petitioners were able to get that info from NVC.
#3: If #1 and #2 are out of the picture, #3 is where you are certainly at.

NVC does know that we do exist because they know the day your petition was approvced by CSC/VSC before they actually receive it.

Nevertheless, if you cannot get certain info from NVC, try your respective service center CSC or VSC. If no dice, try NSC (national service center). Do not get stuck in a situation where you are unaware of the status of your petition. If a phone rep at NVC wont bite, try CSC, NVC.

Dont settle for their lame 'by the book' responses. Drill them until you get some kind of answers. The RFE trick can be taken further. A lot further, i'll post more RFE related tricks tomorrow.

Lucho

Off topic, some what.

For those that have their sweetie in the US.......................How is it? What hurdels have you had to overcome? Are they homesick? The Colombian seems to be very close to freinds and family, what happens here in the US? What have you done to overcome the expected homesickness?
I travel alot, Paola will be home alone when I am gone, not speaking the language, not knowing the culture, a small town, no other Colombians. This has been and is a big concern of mine. I am thinking about moving to a new location, for her, not for me. I could live out my life here in a quiet, boring exsistence. That is NOT Colombia. I have been over and over this with her. I know she does not understand what it means to sit alone day after day with no outside influence. I close to thinking it would be cruel to bring her here, you know, like I am a selfish person. I want to involve her in our culture. Get her involved in some university classes, become a part of my community. Truth is, I am a typical american, work hard and long, sleep, not real open to people showing up at my door whenever, without calling ahead. The freinds I have are busy and do not have time for daily contact. Pretty boring compared to the Colombian culture

If I could manage it now, I would live in Colombia. As it is that is most likley about 5 to 7 years out.
Sooooooooooooooo, What has been your experience? How have you overcome?

Hey Buck,

I understand your concerns...fortunately Yenifer speaks fluent English but if she didn't...her transition here would be easier because of the area that we will live (South Florida)...it is a huge mix of cultures including mucho South Americans.

I am a transplant from a somewhat quiet area in Massachusetts and live now in the Fort Lauderdale area (I wouldn't recomend Miami...not as clean and way too much latin influence) and I just love it!

This would probably be a huge change for you and there would be a big adjustment and sacrifice on your part because it is very busy down here but let me just say that you and Paola will NEVER run out of things to do and she will have no problem communicating in Espanol...

Also everything is within walking distance...shopping...movies...dining...don't forget the beaches and most libraries have free Engish classes for the Spanish speakers.

Anyway...it's something to consider and if you want to scope it out I will be glad to be your tour guide.

Scott

i didnt know my ex wife's dob and just guestimated. I had no problems there was a lot of little things that i guestimated on. Not telling you to do it but how can USCIS or Colombia Embassy know your fiance's ex husbands dob?

Lucho,

Do you have the CSC number? There not listed in the book. I found one # but it's disconnected.

Rafael

Rafael,

Just found out that CSC no longer can be reached directly by phone. You will have to call USCIS main center at 800-375-5283. If you are planning on doing the RFE trick, just play around with the automated system until you are able to get to the RFE prompts, then a live operator.

Buck,

I understand how you feel. It has been a big change of lifestyle for Wendy. It was extremely difficult for the first month and half. She was very homesick, missing her family and all. There is not a whole lot that you can do to avoid or even lessen her homesickness. I think the most important thing is to just hear her out, listen to her, console her. Try to keep her occupied as well. English courses on DVD or computer. As well as english classes so that she may interact with others and not get too bored at home. Keep her busy at all costs, dont let her get too bored doing nothing because that is when she'll have the time and her mind free to think of her family and friends in Colombia. Take her out as much as possible, especially after you come home from work. You may be exhausted and just want to lounge, but remember she's been at home doing nothing. Thats all I can think of now. This is what I did to try to make her feel at home.

Hey Colombia Club...I spoke to an officer today and my case was assingned on th 14th and it should be done this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy...I don't know what to do with myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:dance:

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES! Congrats Scott. This is awesome news!

Rafael

Rafael...this info and prompt list from Byron will save you phone time since you may have to call several times before you are connected to the service center...if at the end of the prompts a message tells you there are no officers available to take your call you will be transferred to the national call center (this is a waste of time) just hang up and keep trying to get an officer...it took me about 20 tries.

Scott

Call 1-800-3755283
Listen for the choices and follow these steps ...i other words for the first choice press 1, second choice press 2, then 2, then 4, then 2, then 1, then put in your case number ( EAC AND THE NUMBER OR WAC AND THE NUMBER) then 1, and last 1....the last one will connect you with a live operator...then you say you are calling to inquire about the RFE ( request for evidence ) you got, baically you want to know what they are looking for. They will probably say that they havent issued one and thats when you ask what is the status of your case...say some dumb things like..." someone told me that after a certain amount of time waiting it meant that i have an RFE" or " My lawyer told me i had an RFE" say anything to make them think that you are not playing a trick on them.

Bueno suerte!!!!

Another RFE success story....lol

Orestes,

Her marriage certificate and even her divorce decree should have his date of birth on them. I got married in Colombia and both DOBs are on the marriage certificate.


Diana

YES!!!!!!! I love it!!! Congratulations Scott!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Scott!

It work like magic. I got to a lady over at CSC, i think it was an officer, but she told STILL PENDING.

Rafael

Rafael,
Now that you have the in...call once a week or so to check on the status. The lady that I spoke to happened to be very nice and told me first of all that a lawyer wasn't necessary and also what series of events to expect next such as where the petition goes from here...to the NVC then to the embassy in Bogotá ect...all of the things that she spoke of I already learned from the experiences of our people here in VJ...my point is that she was very happy to answer any questions and even offer advice that she thought I might need...I must have spent at least a half hour or more with her.

Scott

mi caso:
mi esposa colombiana con ciudadania americana (casados en Bogota por lo civil en agosto de 2006)
realizo mi peticion con la I-130 en octubre de 2006.
notificacion de recepcion de la peticion el 01 de noviembre de 2007.
caso aceptado y enviado al nvc en abril de 2007.
finales de abril nvc asigna numero de caso.
mayo ds3032.
pago de los 70 dolares.
pago de los 380 dolares.
envio de los affidavit finales de mayo.
en junio nos devuelven una carta solicitando documentos de evidencia que mi esposa tiene domicilio en E.E.U.U.
esto no lo solicitaron ya que mi esposa desde hace 6 años esta en Colombia, porque termino su carrera profesional aca; el problema al llamar al nvc no es el soporte economico ya que se sabia que podian molestar por la parte de sostenimiento y por eso se colocaron dos co-esponsor (los padres de mi esposa) y con esto queda cubierto el tema del soporte economico. el problema es que se coloco direccion de correspondecia y de domicilio E.E.U.U. pero de residencia temporal Colombia (que segun consejo de abogados debe ser la rela, en este caso Colombia). entonces ellos querian soportes donde se evidencie que ella sigue con domicilio en E.E.U.U. y que el tiempo de residencia en Colombia es de caracter temporal.
se enviaron cartas que le llegan donde los padres del banco donde tiene cuenta, de las cartas de las tarjetas de credito, carta del seguro de carro a nombre de ella, leasing de arrendamiento de los padres donde especifica que ella tambien vive en la casa y una cara explicando el porque esta temporalmente fuera (tambien se anexo una parecida en la forma I-864 explicando el porque na relalizo taxes).
los soportes los envie y fueron recibidos el 2 de agosto.

luego de esto envie la forma ds230, parte I y II (la parte II sin firmar) con los documentos que ellos pedian pero me solicitaron el pasados judicial (DAS) en original, ya lo envie lo recibieron el 8 de agosto. eso no tiene problema.

mi pregunta es:
normalmente el dia de las citas para K3 es mejor ir con el esposa(o) pero nosotros seguimos el caso y aplicamos para la CR1 desde aca, segun e leido en los foros para CR1 el dia de la cita por lo general van sin el ciudadano americano pero como esta mi caso y ya que mi espisa esta en Colombia sera mejor ir con ella, no complicaria las cosas? y si es mejor como se hace para ir con ella el dia de la cita y que consejos me pueden brindar segun mi caso.
gracias

Hola Yovany y bienvenido,

Pues lo mejor es que su esposa vaya con ud. a la cita. Nosotros por ejemplo tenemos la cita el 27 de septiembre y pienso ir con mi esposo al laboratorio, a ver al Dr. Roa y luego vamos juntos a la cita por si de pronto el cónsul tiene algunas preguntas que yo pueda contestar. Siempre es mejor estar listo.

En su caso, uds. tendrían que estar preparados a contestar cualquier pregunta que les hagan referente al domicilio de su esposa. Lo más probable es que le pregunten cuánto tiempo lleva ella en Colombia y por qué ha estado ella allá por ese tiempo, etc. Sólo tengan las respuestas bien claras y preparadas.

Diana

Bienvenido Yovanny al foro.

Rafael

MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You folks that read, write and speak Spanish!!!! I am trying not to be to envious. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Are you talking about me? Did I say something stupid? Do I need to apologize? LOL>LOL.

I wish I knew Buck... "no entiendo"

Buck,

You and I are (or were) in the same boat. I'm about 4 years from retirement and a possible move to Colombia, Panama, or somewhere I can afford. When I proposed to Lorena, I lived in a VERY rural area in Missouri. There would have been absolutely NO cultural or social outlets for her or the boys there. I was fortunate that the timing was right and my work allowed a move closer to a metro area (Kansas City). Not exactly New York or LA, but there are lots of Latinos here, lots of cultural opportunities, and I felt we had a better chance for us to succeed as a couple here than in the other place. When I was alone, I was happy and satisfied where I was, but it was not going to serve a family transplanted from a place and culture so completely different.

As for your first question, I asked Lorena if she got homesick (I know she does sometimes). She said yes, sometimes. But, she also said it depends almost entirely on the person and your relationship. Lorena is an amazingly strong-willed woman - and I mean that in the best possible way. She can be bull-headed at times but what I really mean is that she is strong of spirit, committed to our relationship, and above all committed to the well-being of her sons. Once she has a goal in mind, she is not easily deterred.

Initially, I was afraid (and maybe a bit hopeful, as odd as that might sound) that she could feel totally dependent on me for ALL of her emotional needs. So, a fair amount of time was spent - or wasted - in trying to keep her and the boys entertained or distracted. Though there is a need for such things with all people from time to time, it was not really what she needed. What she needed, and continues to need, is assurance that I am here for her (as her partner, not her owner) and that I support her in all of her personal dreams and goals (even when they may not - at first - coincide with my own). My dreams as an individual have to give way to what is best for us as a couple and as a family, just as hers must.

As for there not being other Colombians, I personally don't think this is as major an issue as it would be if there were no native Spanish speakers. Lorena has become close friends with a woman from El Salvador who she met in a free ESL class. There are many Mexicans in the area, so she has the chance to speak Spanish every day.

The only reason I feel the language is more important than nationality is based on my own experience in both Colombia and Argentina. Because my Spanish is 'pobre todavia', I have to really concentrate when listening to Spanish speakers, and it's even worse when I try to piece together something to say in this foreign language. After a week of this, I could feel an almost physical hunger to have a simple conversation in English with ANYONE! My impression is that Latinos have national biases - Colombia vs. Mexico, Panama vs. Argentina, etc. - just as we tend to have with Mexicans as a group. But I also think these biases take a back seat to being able to communicate without fear of being misunderstood. I frequently misunderstand Lorena (primarily when it comes to verb tenses) and though she's extremely patient with me, I know it gets old. Communication is a very basic human need - right after having a roof over your head and food in your stomach.

How have we overcome? Well, that is an ongoing process rather than a goal to be reached. We overcome each day and each challenge as it comes. The important thing is that we do it together and for the best of our relationship and the boys. Anything less and we will fail.

I know you'll succeed because you know what it is you can lose. I know you'll succeed because you know what it is you have found. I know you'll succeed because you know what is important.
Charles

Lucho and Buck,

I agree with our friend Lucho in the sense that what is right for Wendy was right for Wendy. What was right for Lorena was right for Lorena. There is no one size fits all when it comes to human behavior or reactions to change. You will BOTH be going through a BIG change in your lives and must be prepared to compromise, compromise, and then compromise some more. Your actions and activities will be dictated by your needs as a couple.

Great news today, everyone!!!!

I received a call from my US Senator's office this morning. The lady said she talked to the USCIS and that, with respect to the fee change of July 30, all applications were to be accepted or rejected based on the POSTMARK, and NOT on the date received. All items had to be postmarked BEFORE July 30 to qualify for the older, lower fees. Therefore, I am waiting for a letter from the Senator's office that I will send with my original AOS packet (and check....hehehe) directly to a specific person at the Chicago office.

If any of you are in this same boat or know someone who is, I strongly recommend a direct contact with your Senator or Rep. This bit of good news has saved us $2,300 and perhaps months more of waiting while we saved the extra money.

Now, I only need to hope that I didn't screw anything up on the orginal paperwork!! haha

Wish us luck once again. And special thanks to you guys who've been so supportive with your words and advice.
Charles

That is excellent! I am so glad you fought and won!! Best of luck on the next step.

Charles,

WOW...very, very well said!...Will you marry me ...just kidding!

Great news Charles! Glad to see that you were able to resolve that problem. Our petition arrived at the lockbox on the 2nd of August w/o any problems. I guess our USCIS employee was less ignorant than yours.

I would also tell USCIS in that letter that they should put your application back in place where it belongs and not put it behind everyone elses that have filed in August and September. It would be just awful if they pushed you back 2 months because of THEIR mistake.

Great news Charles I'm so happy to see that this mistake went your way!!!!

My finacée found her ex's DOB. I am glad she did. Thank God!

Orestes

Hi all...Just checking in.

Rafael, did you get the 'Declaracion Juramental'? I hope so. PM me and let me know.

Yovanni....SIIIIIIIIII ve con tu esposa a la entrevista. Es lo mejor y es recomendado por la consul. Si tienes mas duda de esto, lee mi posting de mas o menos Julio/Agosto......

Creo que esta en Ingles, pero creeme, que fue la recomendacion esplicida de la vice-consul en un email que ella me envio a mi. Y eso se aplica para todos los aplicantes, sin importar el tipo de visa que solicitan.

Charles, way to go with your congressional inquiry.

Dre

diana, antes de que se me olvide, les deseo toda la suerte del mundo la proxima semana en bogota y espero que todo salga bien. estoy seguro que estan super preparados y van a terminar celebrando esa noche al maximo. por aca les cuento que mi esposita recibio su tarjeta de residencia y estamos esperando la tarjeta de seguro social. ella esta feliz aqui, nos estamos consintiendo y pechichando mucho y se que ustedes van a hacer lo mismo cuando tu esposito este en su nuevo pais. cuidate y que Dios los Bendiga.
JK

GRACIAS A TODOS POR LA BIENVENIDA.
ME PARECEN MUY BUENO ESTOS FOROS YA NOS AYUDAN A DESPEJAR MUCHAS DUDAS.
CUALQUIER CONSEJO SE LOS AGRADEZCO.

Gee, thanks for the offer, but I'm very happily taken.

hola,
quiero saber si se debe hacer algo para poder ir a la cita con mi esposa.

gracias

yovanny, pues con lo que e visto , no se tiene que hacer nada ...solo vestirte bien y estar preparado.

Hello anyone and everyone,

I called the USCIS yesterday. I could not believe what I was hearing. As I mentioned before we submitted our 129f got eac number and responded to rfe. They updated the website to say we should get an answer witin 60 days. When I called the woman i spoke with told me that they count actual work days...Monday thru Friday excluding holidays.

When I called last week they passed me on to an officer an she never mentioned actual working days when we discussed the 60 day window.

Any advice, or confirmation. (The Vt office recvd the RFE on July 16, 2007...my last touch Sept 19 2007 2:30pm EST)

GRACIAS!!!

Estamos más que preparados y muy ansiosos a que se llegue el día pronto, pero ya casi. Me alegro mucho de que su esposa esté contenta y que les está yendo bien por acá gracias a Dios.

Saludos!

Diana

Lo único que ud. necesita para entrar a la embajada es la carta de la cita y su pasaporte ya que ud. es el beneficiario. Su esposa necesita llevar el pasaporte americano porque ella es la ciudadana que mandó la petición. Sin el pasaporte de ella no la dejan entrar.


Diana

Yovanni, Diana tiene toda la razon. Para que entre su esposa, ella solo debe llevar una prueba de ciudadania y el pasaporte el lo mas apropiado. Aparte de eso, no le piden a ella nada mas. Yo tb soy ciudadana y fui dos veses en este anyo a la embajanda.

If anyone is interested in seeing the recomendation from the consul about USC attending the interview, it can be found at the link below:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1089586

Hey guys, Do we still need the tax transcripts even though I have my 1040 and W2?

Thanks,
Rafael

Rafael,

No, however some still take all 3. I for one took all 3, transcripts, w2 and 1040. The transcripts are free and i'd prefer to take those over the w2's and 1040. Transcripts come from the IRS.

Thx Lucho,

What would be the easiest way to order the transcripts.

Rafael


Anyone have a good website to order plane tickets to Cali for Nov??

Rafael,

Here is the link where you can find the info regarding the IRS transcripts: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=110571,00.html.

After doing a ton of research I bought our plane tickets via Travelocity (Yahoo! Travel) and that was the lowest fare I found online. They ended up being pretty cheap but that's because we're traveling in September and nothing exciting happens there nor here during those dates. November fares will be higher and December-January, forget about it.

Diana

Rafael,

If Avianca flys from your area go directly to their site to check prices.

Scott

I have gone to Colombia 4 times this year...The cheapest i found...it does have a stop though, was Taca/Lacsa...try it.. ...I constantly go on their site to check for deals...about 2 months ago i went to Bogota for $367 round trip!!! And thats not the best of it, I couldnt fly the month after cause of work, but my uncle did, i booked his flight for ...you ready...$267 ROUND TRIP...crazy!!!!!!!!!!! I dont think those prices will come up to often but try checking on a daily basis and you never know!

Depending on which airport you originate, Avianca might be your best bet. I fly Continental from SFO via Houston then Cali. The cheapest was around $500 if you book well advanced.

My seven trips to Colombia, 4 were free because of my frequent flier miles.