WOW!!! Congrats to all of you! Soooo...what are everyones plans for POE!?!?!Im soo glad you guys got approved! All your hard work has paid off! On to AOS! Good Luck!
Full Version: Colombia Club
VisaJourney.com > Marriage Based Immigration (K1, K2, K3, etc) to the USA > The Foreign Embassy and Consulate General Discussion
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WOW!!! Congrats to all of you! Soooo...what are everyones plans for POE!?!?!Im soo glad you guys got approved! All your hard work has paid off! On to AOS! Good Luck!
Congrats on your approvals!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
QUOTE(SteveSandyHill @ Jan 12 2008, 08:50 AM) 
QUOTE(erika731 @ Jan 11 2008, 06:54 PM)
hello everyone...congratulations to everyone who has been approved or has made it to the next step in this long process!!! I am posting because we have our interview on the 14th and maybe can give some information that could help others out who are in the same or similar place as my fiance and i...if you plan on going to the lab exam with your boy/girl friend bring a book an ipod or something that can keep you occuppied for more than an hour...you will not be allowed to enter the waiting room with him/her and therefore have to wait outside for who knows how long...we got there at around 730 am and i have to wait a good two hours outside...also bring a jacket!! Again if you plan to go to the phsical appointment with him/her you will be allowed in the waiting room which is nice..haha...you both could be in for another long wait...just so everyone knows...lets see what else can i offer for advice...know that the day after you have your physical you will have to return to that doctors office to pick up the results from both the physical and the xray blood test...that is all i can offer for advice for the time being i think...i will make sure to post what happens at the interview as soon as possible...hope this helps some of you who are so eagerly awaiting the next step!! Also, if you are looking for a place to stay in bogota as posted earlier-www.bogotacolombialodging.com is a wonderful site...i am staying in a guest house for 20 dollars a night the room is clean and perfect for a quick few days in bogota..there is free internet and free calls to the us and hot water!!! It is close to the airport and to the docters and embassy...we went to doctor gonzalez and it was less than a 10.000 cab ride from the hotel..i didnt think that was too bad...let me know if there is anything else at all that i can help you with or answer for you...good luck to everyone!!!!
Erika, Good luck on Monday! We are arriving on Sunday to the same apartments, our interview is on Friday! We are nervous, after such along wait Good luck to all of us as I know there are several interviews coming up this week!
GOOD LUCK STEVE AND SANDY !!!!!
QUOTE(Agentes @ Jan 14 2008, 05:02 PM)
Congrats on your approvals!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
I WAS THERE FOR MY WIFES K-3 INTERVIEW AND NEVER WAS ASKED A SINGLE QUESTION...(lucky) i HAVE BEEN TOLD IT DEPENDS ON YOUR PAPERWORK AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF HER BACKGROUND AND YOURS ALSO... THIS IS WHY THERE ARE 5 MINUTE INTERVIEWS AND LONG ONES, SOME UP TO 50 MINUTES....
GOOD LUCK
QUOTE(snoopy @ Jan 14 2008, 03:04 PM)
QUOTE(Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 14 2008, 11:39 AM)
FERNANDA'S VISA WAS APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She said her interview only lasted about 5 minutes. The only thing they asked to see as evidence of our marrige were our wedding photos. She said it was very easy. Arrive early to get at the front of the line. Fernanda was there at 5:30 and was done by 10:30.
She said her interview only lasted about 5 minutes. The only thing they asked to see as evidence of our marrige were our wedding photos. She said it was very easy. Arrive early to get at the front of the line. Fernanda was there at 5:30 and was done by 10:30.
Congratulations Matt,
I fell your happiness, my husband went today and got approved too, he got there very early but he told me that it took forever for him to be called, and they did ask lots of questions, we had been married for almost 3 years already, so I think it all depends on the agent who does the interview, they didn't ask him for any proofs or anything else, just questions.
I'm almost ready for the new journey with the AOS, I just hope it goes smoth and painless.
WOW 3 years? Congratulations, it sounds like this has been a long time in waiting. I can not believe it has taken this long for you. Fernanda and I have been married for 9 months.
Did you husband say how long the interview lasted? They seemed to have asked Fernanda fairly basic questions. How we met, where we met, how many times we saw one another prior to being married, etic.
QUOTE(Agentes @ Jan 14 2008, 05:02 PM)
Congrats on your approvals!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
No I couldn't go because I'm currently in Iraq. If I had the chance I would have though. It is horrible waiting to find out the result of the interview. I can not tell you yet how long it will take for Fernanda to get her visa, but I will let you know. She is waiting in Bogota for it to be delivered. I have heard other people say it only takes about 3-4 days. If you can go there for a week you should make the trip. If nothing else to be there for her. As far as if it helps for you to be at the interview I can't really say. They asked Fernanda why I was not there, and she explained that I was deployed. So we have a different situation than most people.
Let me know if I can be of any more help.
QUOTE(Andres and Diana @ Jan 14 2008, 04:03 PM)
WOW!!! Congrats to all of you! Soooo...what are everyones plans for POE!?!?!Im soo glad you guys got approved! All your hard work has paid off! On to AOS! Good Luck!
Thank you! Fernanda's POE will be Miami.
Good luck to you!
Congratulations to everyone who had their visa approved today. That is great news. 
We are still waiting for our interview appointment. The embassy has had our package 3 response since Dec 28. I am beginning to worry a little bit.
We are still waiting for our interview appointment. The embassy has had our package 3 response since Dec 28. I am beginning to worry a little bit.
Has anyone been through Miami as a POE? Any tips on making it through there with ease? Thanks! 
WOW 3 years? Congratulations, it sounds like this has been a long time in waiting. I can not believe it has taken this long for you. Fernanda and I have been married for 9 months.
I was born in Colombia and just last year became a U.S citizen, that's why I had to wait to have the right time for the petition, and yes, I had been a long wait, but I managed to visit him every year, he tried to get a tourist visa 6 times and got denied, we just wanted to share trips and find a way to see each other twice a year but it was impossible.
Did you husband say how long the interview lasted? They seemed to have asked Fernanda fairly basic questions. How we met, where we met, how many times we saw one another prior to being married, etic.
[/quote]
He told me it lasted no more than 5 minutes, the agent asked him for how long we had been married, if he was married before, if I was married before, if he has any kids, if he has family here in the U.S besides me, The agent was a very nice and polite lady.
Thanks for your answers about attending the interview.
I'd like to say we both have good back grounds, but who knows? My wife's is clean and I have only Our processing went really smooth. We disclosed everything, so maybe the interview will go smooth as well. I can get a week at the time of the interview, so right now I am working on maximizing it. I was going to have her meet me in Bogota with her things, and I could arrive the night before the interview and maybe that might work. Ok, I will probably over analyze this up until the end.
All in all thanks for the info. I am reading different experiences now just to possible have something to gauge all this. We are faxing/sending in Packet 3 in the next 48 hours.
I'd love to hear more thoughts/experiences on this too.
I'd like to say we both have good back grounds, but who knows? My wife's is clean and I have only Our processing went really smooth. We disclosed everything, so maybe the interview will go smooth as well. I can get a week at the time of the interview, so right now I am working on maximizing it. I was going to have her meet me in Bogota with her things, and I could arrive the night before the interview and maybe that might work. Ok, I will probably over analyze this up until the end.
All in all thanks for the info. I am reading different experiences now just to possible have something to gauge all this. We are faxing/sending in Packet 3 in the next 48 hours.
I'd love to hear more thoughts/experiences on this too.
QUOTE(Agentes @ Jan 14 2008, 02:02 PM)
Congrats on your approvals!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
The way that I read it, does that mean that you (snoopy or Matt y Fernanda) didn't go to the interview?
Could your spouse say how many people were there that where not with a husband/wife?
For the past year I have been thinking that I would meet my wife in Bogota and go to the interview together. Afterwards we would return to California. Now with the recent Visa/Domesa delivery change I am not sure what to do. I want to go to the interview and I want to enter the US with her, but it is sooo possible that I can not do both because of time restraints.
Right now, I am thinking that maybe it might be better to let her go to Bogota and then if she is approved I would fly to her city and come back with her when she receives the visa.
If I had one choice I would prefer to enter the US with her, but I am not sure if it would be wiser to choose the interview. I know for a K1 it helps to have the spouse at the interview, but does anyone think it would make a difference for a K3?
Thanks!
I understand your point in wanting to go, I couldn't sleep last night, I got up at 1:30 am and stayed up for 3 hours doing things in the computer, I forced myself back to sleep.
I had to choose between Interview and POE OR time off here while he adjusts and vacations, we'll flying away for a couple of weeks to visit my brother in NY, a friend in Boston and my niece in Pennsylvania. (I live in L.A.)
Plus, I'm planning to send the package for AOS right away and that'll be extra $$$$$.
He's a grown up, he'll do just fine at the POE.
QUOTE(Bill y Bella @ Jan 14 2008, 03:30 PM)
Congratulations to everyone who had their visa approved today. That is great news.
We are still waiting for our interview appointment. The embassy has had our package 3 response since Dec 28. I am beginning to worry a little bit.
We are still waiting for our interview appointment. The embassy has had our package 3 response since Dec 28. I am beginning to worry a little bit.
Hi Bill and Bella,
I remember that the embassy hold our appointment for about the same time you guys had been waiting too, they took them around 3 weeks to set up the appointment, they received our package from NVC Nov. 26 or 27, just after Thanksgiving, and not until around the 16 or 18 of December that I called the DOS we were able to find out about the appointment, it's hard for me to tell you not to worry, I'd been in your shoes, I would worry if passing the 20th you wouldn't hear anything. in the main time, fax package 3, it'll save you a couple of weeks, my husband faxed twice, one at the beginning when we estimated the arrival and 2 days after we found out the exact date.
Good luck...... Ana
[quote name='snoopy' date='Jan 14 2008, 06:52 PM' post='1489515']
WOW 3 years? Congratulations, it sounds like this has been a long time in waiting. I can not believe it has taken this long for you. Fernanda and I have been married for 9 months.
I was born in Colombia and just last year became a U.S citizen, that's why I had to wait to have the right time for the petition, and yes, I had been a long wait, but I managed to visit him every year, he tried to get a tourist visa 6 times and got denied, we just wanted to share trips and find a way to see each other twice a year but it was impossible.
Did you husband say how long the interview lasted? They seemed to have asked Fernanda fairly basic questions. How we met, where we met, how many times we saw one another prior to being married, etic.
He told me it lasted no more than 5 minutes, the agent asked him for how long we had been married, if he was married before, if I was married before, if he has any kids, if he has family here in the U.S besides me, The agent was a very nice and polite lady.
Well I just want to congratulate you both. I hope your AOS process goes smoothly.
WOW 3 years? Congratulations, it sounds like this has been a long time in waiting. I can not believe it has taken this long for you. Fernanda and I have been married for 9 months.
I was born in Colombia and just last year became a U.S citizen, that's why I had to wait to have the right time for the petition, and yes, I had been a long wait, but I managed to visit him every year, he tried to get a tourist visa 6 times and got denied, we just wanted to share trips and find a way to see each other twice a year but it was impossible.
Did you husband say how long the interview lasted? They seemed to have asked Fernanda fairly basic questions. How we met, where we met, how many times we saw one another prior to being married, etic.
He told me it lasted no more than 5 minutes, the agent asked him for how long we had been married, if he was married before, if I was married before, if he has any kids, if he has family here in the U.S besides me, The agent was a very nice and polite lady.
Well I just want to congratulate you both. I hope your AOS process goes smoothly.
QUOTE(Bill y Bella @ Jan 13 2008, 05:38 PM)
We sent Part 1 of the DS-230 (signed), the OF-169, ID page of Bella's passport and a cover letter. All were in English. Did I miss something?
Hey Bill,
You didn't miss anything that I can see...did you try calling the embassy to see if they have in fact received your fax? If not refax...in fact refax anyway!!!
"CONRATULATIONS MATT & FERNANDA...AND...ANA & JUAN" "GOOD LUCK TO STEVE & SANDY" No worries bud...you will do just fine!!!
Say hi to Bob & Luz Eleina...and don't forget Johanna.
Congratulations everybody!!! It's great to see that the Colombian club has a clean record of 0 denials.
Diana
Diana
QUOTE
He's a grown up, he'll do just fine at the POE.
jaja I seemed to have forgotten she is a big girl too.
Our packet 3 was faxed and mailed this morning, so I need to figure out what I am doing here.
I am in Los Angeles too, and to make matters worse....
With housing costs here, I thought about how her and I could have a better standard of living in some place like Texas.
Out of sheer curiosity, I did a search on job openings. This weekend I saw a job opening that really caught my eye, so I thought I would see what might happen. I exchanged a couple of emails with the company and now they are interested. Definitely good news, but it really got the nerves going. I am thinking all kinds of scenarios now. I may just have to go there instead of Bogota. Ouch!
I was waiting until the last minute to have a recent letter for the I134, now I better get up to HR and have them write it up.
QUOTE(Scott n Yenifer @ Jan 15 2008, 08:27 AM)
"CONRATULATIONS MATT & FERNANDA...AND...ANA & JUAN" "GOOD LUCK TO STEVE & SANDY" No worries bud...you will do just fine!!!
Say hi to Bob & Luz Eleina...and don't forget Johanna.
Thank you! I also wanted to thank the both of you personally, because I closely followed your process and posts. Thank you for all of your help.
Congratulations on all the approvals! Here we are in Bogota! Bob's place is great, a little more hot water would be great!
Thank you all for your help and support through this grueling process, it is almost over! Drove by the Embassy today at 9:00 still a line! Wow!
Bob, says hello to all and continued good luck!
Again Thank you all
Thank you all for your help and support through this grueling process, it is almost over! Drove by the Embassy today at 9:00 still a line! Wow!
Bob, says hello to all and continued good luck!
Again Thank you all
QUOTE(Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 15 2008, 10:38 AM)
QUOTE(Scott n Yenifer @ Jan 15 2008, 08:27 AM)
"CONRATULATIONS MATT & FERNANDA...AND...ANA & JUAN" "GOOD LUCK TO STEVE & SANDY" No worries bud...you will do just fine!!!
Say hi to Bob & Luz Eleina...and don't forget Johanna.
Thank you! I also wanted to thank the both of you personally, because I closely followed your process and posts. Thank you for all of your help.
I couldn't agree more, Scott & Yenifer, Brian & Yenis and Diana, their help and support throughout this process, and those who just by sharing their different experiences will help others that just come by, read and take the knowledgement to go on with each personal case.
Good luck!!! to the new appointments, just follow your heart, if you guys know that what you're doing is honest, there is no need to feel nervous, just leave it to God's hands.
Ana
QUOTE(snoopy @ Jan 14 2008, 10:57 PM)
QUOTE(Bill y Bella @ Jan 14 2008, 03:30 PM)
Congratulations to everyone who had their visa approved today. That is great news.
We are still waiting for our interview appointment. The embassy has had our package 3 response since Dec 28. I am beginning to worry a little bit.
We are still waiting for our interview appointment. The embassy has had our package 3 response since Dec 28. I am beginning to worry a little bit.
Hi Bill and Bella,
I remember that the embassy hold our appointment for about the same time you guys had been waiting too, they took them around 3 weeks to set up the appointment, they received our package from NVC Nov. 26 or 27, just after Thanksgiving, and not until around the 16 or 18 of December that I called the DOS we were able to find out about the appointment, it's hard for me to tell you not to worry, I'd been in your shoes, I would worry if passing the 20th you wouldn't hear anything. in the main time, fax package 3, it'll save you a couple of weeks, my husband faxed twice, one at the beginning when we estimated the arrival and 2 days after we found out the exact date.
Good luck...... Ana
QUOTE(Scott n Yenifer @ Jan 15 2008, 08:20 AM)
QUOTE(Bill y Bella @ Jan 13 2008, 05:38 PM)
We sent Part 1 of the DS-230 (signed), the OF-169, ID page of Bella's passport and a cover letter. All were in English. Did I miss something?
Hey Bill,
You didn't miss anything that I can see...did you try calling the embassy to see if they have in fact received your fax? If not refax...in fact refax anyway!!!
After 18 days DOS now reports that as of today the embassy says that our package 3 response documentation is complete. But no interview appointment yet. Hopefully we will still make the cutoff for a February interview.
Matt and Fernanda, I came through Miami two days ago (January 14th) I flew lone and I wasn’t ask any question, I just gave the lady the yellow envelop gave to me by the embassy, went to a room (with about 10 people for different immigrations issues) waited there approximately 35 minutes and the gave my passport back. Anyway I believe it is wise to live room for connections (I has to wait almost 3 hours at the airport but you never now) If you, or anybody else have questions I will please to help.
Congratulations on your approval and good luck !!!
QUOTE(Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 14 2008, 06:32 PM)
Has anyone been through Miami as a POE? Any tips on making it through there with ease? Thanks!
QUOTE(bundy_138 @ Jan 11 2008, 03:19 PM)
Hello everyone! Haven't posted in a while. Great to see so many approvals! Paola's interview is next Wednesday and she flys out Sunday for Bogota. Medical on Monday, shopping on Tuesday, cita on Wednesday! She went yesterday to buy a jacket for herself and daughter because living in Cali, they never really needed one. She is so nervous about the interview. We have waited so long for this moment and we just want the visa so bad! Congratulations on all who received their visas and good luck in all your future endeavors! Hopefully I will have some good news to post next week!!!! 
Bundy
Bundy
APPROVED!!! Today was our interview and everything went great! Paola arrived at 5:30 this morning and was finished around 11:30. Get this..........the interviewing officer (a lady) did not ask any questions and did not ask to see any infomration Paola brought with her (pictures, emails, letters, etc). Paola said all she did was look over her packet, checked to make sure she had everything, and said your approved! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! Very easy and I expected it to be much harder, but it was pretty quick and painless. Hope to have Paola here Feb 1 and POE will be Miami!
On a sad note, Paola told me that 5 women before her were denied! She was very nervous when she went to the window because of all the denials that were being handed out. She was also nervous that I didn't attend the interview because everyone else brought their novio or husband. She was the only female there without her significant other. So, it seems that it is not necessary for the petitioner to attend the visa interview and having them there has not bearing on the outcome.
Thanks to all that helped me get thru the rough times, those that shared valuable information, and those that kept me in check! I owe a ton to Visa Journey and it's valuable members! Godspeed on your journey!
Bundy
Congratulations Bundy!!
Diana
Diana
Congratulations Bundy. That is great news.
Was Paola able to determine why the 5 women before her were denied?
Was Paola able to determine why the 5 women before her were denied?
QUOTE(Bill y Bella @ Jan 16 2008, 04:52 PM)
Congratulations Bundy. That is great news.
Was Paola able to determine why the 5 women before her were denied?
Was Paola able to determine why the 5 women before her were denied?
Thanks everyone.
She said one of the women did not have all the required information in her packet, so the visa was denied and she was immediatley scheduled another interview date for mid February. The other four she was not sure of and was afraid to ask.
Bundy
We still don't have our interview appointment. DOS computers are down and trying to call the embassy during the measly 2 hours that they make themselves available each week was useless. Out of 20 or more tries the farthest I got was being transfered to a phone that rang unanswered for at least 5 minutes until I finally gave up. The rest of the time the line just rang busy. 
QUOTE(bundy_138 @ Jan 16 2008, 03:18 PM)
QUOTE(bundy_138 @ Jan 11 2008, 03:19 PM)
Hello everyone! Haven't posted in a while. Great to see so many approvals! Paola's interview is next Wednesday and she flys out Sunday for Bogota. Medical on Monday, shopping on Tuesday, cita on Wednesday! She went yesterday to buy a jacket for herself and daughter because living in Cali, they never really needed one. She is so nervous about the interview. We have waited so long for this moment and we just want the visa so bad! Congratulations on all who received their visas and good luck in all your future endeavors! Hopefully I will have some good news to post next week!!!!
Bundy
Bundy
APPROVED!!! Today was our interview and everything went great! Paola arrived at 5:30 this morning and was finished around 11:30. Get this..........the interviewing officer (a lady) did not ask any questions and did not ask to see any infomration Paola brought with her (pictures, emails, letters, etc). Paola said all she did was look over her packet, checked to make sure she had everything, and said your approved! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! Very easy and I expected it to be much harder, but it was pretty quick and painless. Hope to have Paola here Feb 1 and POE will be Miami!
On a sad note, Paola told me that 5 women before her were denied! She was very nervous when she went to the window because of all the denials that were being handed out. She was also nervous that I didn't attend the interview because everyone else brought their novio or husband. She was the only female there without her significant other. So, it seems that it is not necessary for the petitioner to attend the visa interview and having them there has not bearing on the outcome.
Thanks to all that helped me get thru the rough times, those that shared valuable information, and those that kept me in check! I owe a ton to Visa Journey and it's valuable members! Godspeed on your journey!
Bundy
Bundy Congratulations!!!
I can only hope that Sandy's interview this Friday goes as well and fast as yours went today. Since arriving here in Bogota Sunday, Sandy and I have been rehersing and checking documents! I am very excited as well as nervous, and am putting it all in the hands of God. Man, this is enough stress to make a person crazy!
We have all the confidence in the world, thanks again to all the great supprt provided here, yet nerves are still on edge.
Congratulations on your Approval!
Bundy Congratulations on your Approval!
Almost there Bill... sorry that you're going through these silly delays. Do tell us if you can what reason, if any, they give for giving you a pain.
Congratulations Bundy!
Other than obvious reasons for denial, I am also starting to think that it has little effect whether the petitioner is there or not. I'd bet they already know who is approved and who is denied long before they even set the interview, and when they ask a handful of questions at the interview it is just like a spot check at the airport. Besides support; if one is denied, then the best the spouse can probably do by being at the interview is complain, but they won't be changing their mind/approving until later.
Packet 3 states:
Your fiancé/e/ spouse is not required to be present at the interview, but the consular officer may recommend that he/she come to the Embassy for an additional interview at a future date.
One would have to come back later anyway, so I don't think I am going to stress about being there or not anymore.
Other than obvious reasons for denial, I am also starting to think that it has little effect whether the petitioner is there or not. I'd bet they already know who is approved and who is denied long before they even set the interview, and when they ask a handful of questions at the interview it is just like a spot check at the airport. Besides support; if one is denied, then the best the spouse can probably do by being at the interview is complain, but they won't be changing their mind/approving until later.
Packet 3 states:
Your fiancé/e/ spouse is not required to be present at the interview, but the consular officer may recommend that he/she come to the Embassy for an additional interview at a future date.
One would have to come back later anyway, so I don't think I am going to stress about being there or not anymore.
QUESTION!!
This is my dilema. I graduated from college a little over 6 months ago. My last semester was the only semester that I worked full time (meaning I worked full time from February til now)
Up until then I didn't meet the support requirements at all because I was a full time student and pretty much living in the dorms at school through financial aid and scholarships.
The taxes that I am filing for this year will definately meet the support requirements needed (I make now about $24,000) but what about my other years? I know everyone takes about 3 years worth of taxes...I have them but they dont meet the poverty guidelines...
So my concern is...Will this put my finance in danger of not being approved? Will only using this years taxes be enough? Should I take my "not so stellar" taxes from '05 and '06? I am using a lawyer and they said there shouldn't be a problem but I worry because of some of the cases I have heared on this website of the lawyers not really knowing anything and jipping there clients!
Please give me any ideas you may have regarding this issue!
Thanks soo much!
Diana B.
This is my dilema. I graduated from college a little over 6 months ago. My last semester was the only semester that I worked full time (meaning I worked full time from February til now)
Up until then I didn't meet the support requirements at all because I was a full time student and pretty much living in the dorms at school through financial aid and scholarships.
The taxes that I am filing for this year will definately meet the support requirements needed (I make now about $24,000) but what about my other years? I know everyone takes about 3 years worth of taxes...I have them but they dont meet the poverty guidelines...
So my concern is...Will this put my finance in danger of not being approved? Will only using this years taxes be enough? Should I take my "not so stellar" taxes from '05 and '06? I am using a lawyer and they said there shouldn't be a problem but I worry because of some of the cases I have heared on this website of the lawyers not really knowing anything and jipping there clients!
Please give me any ideas you may have regarding this issue!Thanks soo much!
Diana B.
Those of us that have attended our K beneficiaries interviews agree that our presence DID in fact facilitate approvals. However, this does not imply facilitating a denial if you're not there either. It may make things easier on your beneficiary as well in showing your support of the relationship.
Better play it safe and take advantage of the fact that you want to be with your beneficiary during these times rather than play roulette.
Plus, you as the petitioner may get the chance to answer questions from the CO, cutting down on the total interview time and deflecting any potentially stressful and confusing situations that may arise from your beneficiaries not being able to clearly answer questions to the CO's satisfaction.
Choose as you will, though.
Better play it safe and take advantage of the fact that you want to be with your beneficiary during these times rather than play roulette.
Plus, you as the petitioner may get the chance to answer questions from the CO, cutting down on the total interview time and deflecting any potentially stressful and confusing situations that may arise from your beneficiaries not being able to clearly answer questions to the CO's satisfaction.
Choose as you will, though.
This question is a little late since Fernanda has already had her interview, but when you are approved for a K-3 visa are you supposed to get this sealed envelope I hear so much about? Fernanda did not receive any envelope at her interview. I'm concerned, because I do not want her to arrive in Miami and then be asked where this envelope is. They told her the visa would be delivered in about a week. That was all. 
QUOTE(Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 16 2008, 06:38 PM)
This question is a little late since Fernanda has already had her interview, but when you are approved for a K-3 visa are you supposed to get this sealed envelope I hear so much about? Fernanda did not receive any envelope at her interview. I'm concerned, because I do not want her to arrive in Miami and then be asked where this envelope is. They told her the visa would be delivered in about a week. That was all.
Hi Matt, when Fernanda receives her visa, she'll be receiving this SO Famous envelope. I read somewhere in this forum that the beneficiary will be asked for this envelope when he/she leaves and when he/she enters at the POE (obviously) make sure she carries it with her in the carry on.
APPROVED!!! Bundy
[/quote]
Congratulations Bundy, I just hope that everyone gets to have the same experience as your fiance did. NO PAIN.
Ana
QUOTE(Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 16 2008, 09:38 PM)
This question is a little late since Fernanda has already had her interview, but when you are approved for a K-3 visa are you supposed to get this sealed envelope I hear so much about? Fernanda did not receive any envelope at her interview. I'm concerned, because I do not want her to arrive in Miami and then be asked where this envelope is. They told her the visa would be delivered in about a week. That was all.
That sealed brown envelope will arrive with the visa from domesa, so dont worry !!!!
Congratulations !!
BRIAN AND YENYS
QUOTE(snoopy @ Jan 15 2008, 05:34 PM)
QUOTE(Matt y Fernanda @ Jan 15 2008, 10:38 AM)
QUOTE(Scott n Yenifer @ Jan 15 2008, 08:27 AM)
"CONRATULATIONS MATT & FERNANDA...AND...ANA & JUAN" "GOOD LUCK TO STEVE & SANDY" No worries bud...you will do just fine!!!
Say hi to Bob & Luz Eleina...and don't forget Johanna.
Thank you! I also wanted to thank the both of you personally, because I closely followed your process and posts. Thank you for all of your help.
I couldn't agree more, Scott & Yenifer, Brian & Yenis and Diana, their help and support throughout this process, and those who just by sharing their different experiences will help others that just come by, read and take the knowledgement to go on with each personal case.
Good luck!!! to the new appointments, just follow your heart, if you guys know that what you're doing is honest, there is no need to feel nervous, just leave it to God's hands.
Ana
AMEN !!
Here we are sitting in the office at Bob's place in Bogota, and going thru the list of possible questions that might be asked to Sandy. One thing I have noticed, that even though many S/O have attended the interview, seems that none of them are being questioned??? I am trying to prepare for possibly being cross questioned. Any advise????
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
QUOTE(SteveSandyHill @ Jan 17 2008, 08:51 AM)
Here we are sitting in the office at Bob's place in Bogota, and going thru the list of possible questions that might be asked to Sandy. One thing I have noticed, that even though many S/O have attended the interview, seems that none of them are being questioned??? I am trying to prepare for possibly being cross questioned. Any advise????
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
HOLA STEVE & SANDY! YOU GUYS ARE READY TO GO.
I´m nervous too. I didn't sleep last night..
Good thing my fiance is on his way to Colombia, I can't wait to see him, he is not worried at all!! I've been the one getting all the papers ready and I'm afraid I'm missing something. Hopefully tonight we will have time to go over the questions and documents!
I will see you guys tomorrow at the embassy!! Mucha suerte!
Marcela
QUOTE(SteveSandyHill @ Jan 17 2008, 07:51 AM)
Here we are sitting in the office at Bob's place in Bogota, and going thru the list of possible questions that might be asked to Sandy. One thing I have noticed, that even though many S/O have attended the interview, seems that none of them are being questioned??? I am trying to prepare for possibly being cross questioned. Any advise????
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
I was at my wife's interview and the officer did ask to talk to me. His main question for me was why I came to Colombia in the first place. It's still not real high on the tourism radar, so I guess they find it unusual that an American would go there for legitimate reasons.
Just stay calm and listen carefully to whatever questions they have. Answer honestly, directly, and BRIEFLY..... and you will be just fine. Good luck!!!
Charles
QUOTE(parkpapa @ Jan 17 2008, 10:30 AM)
QUOTE(SteveSandyHill @ Jan 17 2008, 07:51 AM)
Here we are sitting in the office at Bob's place in Bogota, and going thru the list of possible questions that might be asked to Sandy. One thing I have noticed, that even though many S/O have attended the interview, seems that none of them are being questioned??? I am trying to prepare for possibly being cross questioned. Any advise????
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
Other than being there, for support with loads of photo's, e-mails, telephone call history (excel spread sheet 1300 calls) reciept's from trips to Colombia, bank statements, tax returns, new I-134, my passport am I missing anything??????
Please tell me we are prepared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJA
I was at my wife's interview and the officer did ask to talk to me. His main question for me was why I came to Colombia in the first place. It's still not real high on the tourism radar, so I guess they find it unusual that an American would go there for legitimate reasons.
Just stay calm and listen carefully to whatever questions they have. Answer honestly, directly, and BRIEFLY..... and you will be just fine. Good luck!!!
Charles
Hello Colombia Club!!! I write with more good news and hopefully this will sooth some of your nerves (those of you that are waiting for the interview) my fiance had his interview the 14th and we (thank god!) were approved!!! As far as the concerns of if you should go with your significant other-i went and was not asked a single question...didnt even get to udder one word at the interview...the lady in window 5 who interviewed us was incredibly nice and didnt ask my fiance more than 5 questions...we didnt need to show any proof either!! The lines at the embassy are crazy though!!! In my mind it is in your favor to arrive early!! Unless you dont mind waiting all day there...we got there at 430AM-we were a little too early but hey! Anyway, goodluck to everyone!!! Just remain calm and look the interviewer in the eyes...sandy and steve your up tomorrow!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!! We are all thinking of you!
4:30AM?! That's crazy! 
I was also at the interview with my husband and I wasn't asked a thing but the CO did ask if I went and then looked at me but that was it.
I think key is to be overprepared, seriously. Even if your SO can't attend the interview, if you're prepared, you have everything you need, you're confident about your relationship, etc., you should be more than ok.
Also, getting there early doesn't help much. The COs call each person in random order (or they might have an order that we're not aware of) and you could be called in first or last no matter what time you got there.
Good luck to all the ones with upcoming interviews!!!!
Diana
I was also at the interview with my husband and I wasn't asked a thing but the CO did ask if I went and then looked at me but that was it.
I think key is to be overprepared, seriously. Even if your SO can't attend the interview, if you're prepared, you have everything you need, you're confident about your relationship, etc., you should be more than ok.
Also, getting there early doesn't help much. The COs call each person in random order (or they might have an order that we're not aware of) and you could be called in first or last no matter what time you got there.
Good luck to all the ones with upcoming interviews!!!!
Diana
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We were approved today! interview lasted 5 minutes!!!!
I will post the whole thing later!!!!
Going to celebrate with my fiance!!!
We met with Steve & Sandy at the embassy, but we left before they were interviewed!
Thank you very much for all you help!! and Good luck to everyone
Saludos M&J
We were approved today! interview lasted 5 minutes!!!!
I will post the whole thing later!!!!
Going to celebrate with my fiance!!!
We met with Steve & Sandy at the embassy, but we left before they were interviewed!
Thank you very much for all you help!! and Good luck to everyone
Saludos M&J
APPROVED
The interview was very easy! Sandy was asked 3 questions.
My birthdate
How we met
Then she was asked why she did not marry the father of her 18 month old daughter.
Then it was my turn:
First the woman was very pleasent, and thanked me for attending the interviw.
Then asked me to describe how I met Sandy, and to describe a couple of photo's, who was in them and what was the ocassion?
Next she said, your visa ia approved!!! Get out of here and go celebrate!
Thank you all for the support! Colombia Club is the best! Party time c ya all later !!!!!!
The interview was very easy! Sandy was asked 3 questions.
My birthdate
How we met
Then she was asked why she did not marry the father of her 18 month old daughter.
Then it was my turn:
First the woman was very pleasent, and thanked me for attending the interviw.
Then asked me to describe how I met Sandy, and to describe a couple of photo's, who was in them and what was the ocassion?
Next she said, your visa ia approved!!! Get out of here and go celebrate!
Thank you all for the support! Colombia Club is the best! Party time c ya all later !!!!!!
Congratulations to Steve & Sandy and M&J!
Congrats to you guys! (and girls)
It seems we have 5 minute interviews with the spouse there, and 5 minute interviews without the spouse there. So if the interview went faster because the spouse was there, then that means the interview could have possibly been 6 or 7 minutes? (Ok, I am just being funny)
Seriously though; the more I think about it, I am sure they pretty much have their minds made up who is getting approved long before anyone even gets to the embassy, and the simple/quick questions are just a formality. I highly doubt they are making the decisions about this on the spot. They probably have a stack of "unsure" applications and they are going to drill the applicant before making the final decision, but for the most part the people at the embassy all know who is getting their approval and who isn't before they even open the doors in the morning.
From a different angle, I was thinking that it may even hurt to have the spouse there. For example, the other day I could not even think of my wife's brother's name. My wife speaks little English. About 99% of our conversations are in Spanish. I think I am short of being fluent, but I can hold my own in Spanish, however there are moments when I can not even think past "Como estas?" so I can imagine if this happened at the interview it wouldn't look very good.
Ok, the people at the embassy must be flattered, I am passing my free time theorizing about them. jeje
All in all, I am doing my best to go and I think it really does help in many certain situations, but I am not going to stress it. I think I am going to fly down the night before the interview, pray like crazy Domesa only takes 2 days and then come back with her.
It seems we have 5 minute interviews with the spouse there, and 5 minute interviews without the spouse there. So if the interview went faster because the spouse was there, then that means the interview could have possibly been 6 or 7 minutes? (Ok, I am just being funny)
Seriously though; the more I think about it, I am sure they pretty much have their minds made up who is getting approved long before anyone even gets to the embassy, and the simple/quick questions are just a formality. I highly doubt they are making the decisions about this on the spot. They probably have a stack of "unsure" applications and they are going to drill the applicant before making the final decision, but for the most part the people at the embassy all know who is getting their approval and who isn't before they even open the doors in the morning.
From a different angle, I was thinking that it may even hurt to have the spouse there. For example, the other day I could not even think of my wife's brother's name. My wife speaks little English. About 99% of our conversations are in Spanish. I think I am short of being fluent, but I can hold my own in Spanish, however there are moments when I can not even think past "Como estas?" so I can imagine if this happened at the interview it wouldn't look very good.
Ok, the people at the embassy must be flattered, I am passing my free time theorizing about them. jeje
All in all, I am doing my best to go and I think it really does help in many certain situations, but I am not going to stress it. I think I am going to fly down the night before the interview, pray like crazy Domesa only takes 2 days and then come back with her.
Congratulations to Steve & Sandy and M&J!
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