Congrats Lucho. It must be a great relief to be finished for awhile. Thank you for all your posts and encouragement for the rest of us. Your legacy will live on!!

Sorry Bill, but at least the anxiety is over and you know they now have your paperwork and you are moving forward again. I am looking for a March interview also, so maybe we will be able to meet up at "Bob's"!!

Cameron

WOW...AWESOME NEWS LUCHO...CONGRATS!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BUNDY!!!

GREAT NEWS FOR YOU STEVE & SANDY!!!

BILL...FINALLY AN ANSWER TO THE MYSTERY...

Bill...maybe you and Cameron can share a few green beers in Bogota in March... GOOD LUCK TO YOU GUYS!!!

Yenifer and I were married yesterday and it was a beautiful day...two of my sisters joined us at the ceremony and it went off without a hitch...except for us being HITCHED...

We would like to thank all of you for your friendships and support through all of this ...WE COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER FRIENDS...

Congratulations Scott! She makes a stunning bride. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and joy.

Cameron

Congratulations Scott and Yenifer!!!

Congratulations Scott y Yennifer!!!!!!!!!!!!


Great news!

and it went off without a hitch...except for us being HITCHED...

We would like to thank all of you for your friendships and support through all of this ...WE COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER FRIENDS...
[/quote]


CONGRATULATIONS !!! Scott and Yenifer, you guys look great and happy on the pic. God bless your marriage.

Ana

Congratulations Scott & Yenifer!

Congratulations Scott y Yenifer!! May your home be blessed always!

Scott & Yenifer ...... Congrats Again!!!!!


Bill, thanks for the "heads up" on Ft. Lauderdale. We have three hours between flights, I hope we are okay!

Congratulations Scott and Yenifer!!!

Congratulations to all recently approved K1,K-3 and AOS!
Congratulations to the newly weds also!

I thought this could be interesting for those who are planning their weddings in USA within the AOS time frame. We got married the 23rd in SF City Hall, and we where planning to apply for AOS right the way, but we wont be getting our marriage certificate for at least 2 weeks (they said between 2 and 4) I don’t now if that applies for all places but if it does but it means that people should get married as soon as possible in order to keep everything within the 3 months time frame . So that ups at least 15 days to the waiting time for us!!!

Does anyone know how long the K1 visa is valid? I have read both 4 and 6 months. This may seem wierd, but Margarita and I don't want her and her daughter, Daniela, to arrive in the US until October or November. My work is crazy in the summer and fall (7 days a week sometimes as many as 90 hours). We think it would be best that they arrive here when I have much more time to help them adjust.

Technically you should get married and apply within the 90 days period but in reality as long as you get married within the period you are ok. Many people have applied for AOS weeks or months after they get married with no problems.

Hi Folks,


CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING SCOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LUCHO: WELL DONE !!! CONGRATULATIONS AS WELL!!

BILL: SO SORRY ABOUT THAT, I can not understand... we sent documents almost at the same time...we are talking about a month though, sure for the beginning of march...pretty close..

Ok..my interview is this thursday...Marc is on the way to Bogota from Seattle right now...I have to go to the aiport for picking him up in 4 hours time!!!...

I am been a little bit sick because of anxiety lately, even though I have faced very hard situations along my life, this process has been very stressful for me, so..I am very happy it is almost done..I hope so...

I am completely ready, Marc brings his documents and we have enough time to organize everything...and to catching up as well jejeje...


I hope to receive your positive vibras guys...

Yazz

Bill,
Have you heard anything on your interview date? We are stuck in NVC hell. You and I received our NOA2 about a week apart and we have been sitting at NVC since the 11th of January. I call daily, but it has not been forwarded yet. Wishing you better luck!

Cameron

!!!!Heads up on traveling with Fiance's with children thru Bogota Airport!!!!
Not sure if any others have had this problem: We nearly did not get through the DOS checkpoint at El Dorado Airport with Sandy's daughter! Reason being much to my surprise and Attorney never advising us, the document signed and notorized by the father to remove the child from Colombia, was done in October and apparently only good for 60 days! When I saw Sandy start to cry, I knew something bad was going down. They told me to go through and sent her off with some DOS woman who tryed to contact the father's cell phone, to see if he was still okay with her leaving, do you believe that? They where unable to contact him (cell phone off) and eventually allowed her through, this was the only problem we encountered and almost a major one!
As for Ft. Lauderdale as POE. This was a breeze, maybe it was timing, not sure. We entered the imagration line for the USA citizens, and the officer was fine with that. After quickly reviewing Sandy and her daughters documents, off to the interview room we went. There where several people waiting to be cleared, we where second one's called! Sandy was asked one question: When will you and Steve be getting married? Easy and promptly she replied "St. Valentines Day" February 14th. Thank you very much, from the time we deboarded till clearing imagrations, 35 minutes.

I am glad to hear that things went quickly for you in Ft. Lauderdale, I guess I had bad luck the 2 times I landed there.

That must have been horrible feeling in the Bogota airport, but its all over now. DAS can be extremely strict so I am a little surprised they let the children leave with an expired permission letter from the father. Congratulations!

Well we finally have an interview appointment. The embassy told me at 4:00 on Jan 23rd that there was no way we would have a February appointment, and we are not on the February appintment list that was recently posted on the embassy website. However, DOS tells me this morning that our appointment is February 29th and Package 4 was mailed on Jan 23rd. I called DOS twice and I received the same information each time. Maybe the embassy had a change of heart after I hung up the phone.

Does anyone have any tips regarding strategy on booking flights? I'll do some research of course but I thought maybe someone might have some ideas I should consider.

• What options do I have if I book the flights and then we are not approved on the 29th? Can the flights be changed? What is the fee?
• I don't have enough frequent flyer miles to buy 3 tickets. Can I use the miles I have and pay the balance with a credit card?
• Unless the fares are very high at the end of March (Easter week) that is when Bella and the kids will probably travel to the US.
• I will go down for the interview at the end of February and then return to accompany them home at the end of March. That means an extra ticket but I can't spare the time to go for the interview and then wait around for the visa unless I book the flights very close to the interview. That means if there is a snag in the visa delivery we have a problem.

Thanks!

Does anyone have any tips regarding strategy on booking flights? I'll do some research of course but I thought maybe someone might have some ideas I should consider.

• What options do I have if I book the flights and then we are not approved on the 29th? Can the flights be changed? What is the fee?
• I don't have enough frequent flyer miles to buy 3 tickets. Can I use the miles I have and pay the balance with a credit card?
• Unless the fares are very high at the end of March (Easter week) that is when Bella and the kids will probably travel to the US.
• I will go down for the interview at the end of February and then return to accompany them home at the end of March. That means an extra ticket but I can't spare the time to go for the interview and then wait around for the visa unless I book the flights very close to the interview. That means if there is a snag in the visa delivery we have a problem.

Thanks!
[/quote]


Congratulations Bill, about time.

The best way to buy a cheap ticket? you need to shop around, check www.travelocity.com / www.expedia.com (month calendar displaying low fares) farecast.com (will predict if fare will drop of raise) and my favorite to check between different airlines www.seatgaru.com if you find a good deal with an airline, check that airline's web site too, sometimes they offer a lower fare, you might be lucky.
If you want to use your mileage, I believe you'll have to use the airline's web site.

Good luck..... Ana

Congratulations Steve and Sandy! Packet 3 has been sent from Bogota to Margarita! I made the $16 phone call today, and I am more confused now than I was before. Margarita's 8 year old daughter, Daniela, is listed on the same petition as Margarita. From what I understand from the Embassy website, Daniela does not need to go to the interview. During the phone conversation with the Emassy, I asked if I need to send Daniela's DS230 and passport copy when we send in packet 3. The woman told me that we only need to send Margarita's ds230 but that Daniela needs to go to the interview. I am really confused. I asked the woman again and told her that Daniela is only 8 and that she is listed on the same petition as Margarita. The woman told me that all children must attend the interview. Does an 8 year old really need to go to the interview if she is listed on her mother's petition? I don't mind bringing her with, but I thought she is not required to go.

Congratulations Bill,
Persistance pays off. I am glad that it finally worked out for you. As of my call today, we are still stuck at NVC, so I guess I won't be meeting you in Colombia. Hoping for a March interview at this point.
Cameron

Hello gentleman, just signed up. looking forward to trading stories about life with a Colombiana. Derrick

Bill, Not sure where you are traveling from, yet here is the way I just did it and it was fairly inexpensive. I booked round trip flight to be in Bogota 5 days before the interview (help Sandy prepare, medical, etc.) and scheduled my return flight one week after the interview. Then I also booked one way tickets for Sandy and her daughter on the same flight I was returning to USA on.
My ticket was JFK to Bogota / Bogota to FLL $ 645.00 (all taxes included)
Sandy's Bogota to FLL $ 343.00 (all taxes included)
Her Daughter Vania (under 2 years) of age $117.00

I checked in case I would need to change my reservation (Avianca) Change fee $ 100.00 + differance in airfare from time of purchase for my round trip ticket, and $ 35.00 for Sandy's ticket.

quote name='margara&john' date='Jan 28 2008, 05:08 PM' post='1531440']
Congratulations Steve and Sandy! Packet 3 has been sent from Bogota to Margarita! I made the $16 phone call today, and I am more confused now than I was before. Margarita's 8 year old daughter, Daniela, is listed on the same petition as Margarita. From what I understand from the Embassy website, Daniela does not need to go to the interview. During the phone conversation with the Emassy, I asked if I need to send Daniela's DS230 and passport copy when we send in packet 3. The woman told me that we only need to send Margarita's ds230 but that Daniela needs to go to the interview. I am really confused. I asked the woman again and told her that Daniela is only 8 and that she is listed on the same petition as Margarita. The woman told me that all children must attend the interview. Does an 8 year old really need to go to the interview if she is listed on her mother's petition? I don't mind bringing her with, but I thought she is not required to go.
[/quote]

John,
Thanks for the congrats!
If you check back through this thread you will fond directions on what and how to fax packet #3 to the Embassy. Most of us here fax the required documents once we know we are in the system, no need to wait for packet #3 to arrive. In fact the Embassy never even sent packet #3 to Sandy as we faxed them the documents the same day we where entered into the system in Bogota. It was a Wednesday (free call from 2 -4 PM) the woman said: Yes, we have recieved your fax, so there is no need to send packet #3.

(http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Colombia&cty=Bogota)

After confirming that the embassy has your package follow these steps. You do NOT need to wait until you receive package 3.
A. Prepare your package 3 response. It should include the following items only. There should be a total of 5 pages including your one page cover letter.

1. Cover letter
2. Copy of fiancée's passport (biographical data page)
3. DS-230 Part 1 (pages 1 & 2 only)
4. OF-169 (page 5 of packet 3 instructions)

The cover letter should include the petitioner's and beneficiary's names and the BGT case number. State that the beneficiary has all the required documentation ready and request the earliest available appointment.

B. Fax your response to Package 3 to the embassy at 011-57-1-(315-4155.

Thanks Steve, that is very helpful! I usually fly from Philadelphia through Miami or Ft Lauderdale via Delta, US Air/Avianca or American. American is my preferred carrier although there are certain times of year when their fares go through the roof. I have most of my frequent flyer miles with them.

Steve, thanks for the tip. I understand how to fax packet 3 to the embassy, but I don't know if I should fax ONLY Margarita's DS230, or her daughter's also. The woman on the phone told me that I only need to send Margarita's ds230, but she also told me that Daniela (the 8 year old daughter) needs to attend the interview. I read on the embassy site that a child under 14 years of age that is listed under his/her parent on the same petition is not required to attend the interview. I don't trust what the woman on the phone told me.

Welcome Derrick.

Feel free to start reading this thread so you can have most of your questions answered. Trust me, most answers are found right here.

Diana

Congrats BIll!!

As far as I know, you should send Part 1 of only the beneficiary's DS-230 when you tell the embassy that you are ready for the interview. It is not necessary to send the DS-230 for the child when requesting an interview. You notify the embassy that you are seeking a visa for the child on line 21a on the beneficiary's DS-230. You will however, need to prepare a DS-230 Part 1 & DS-156 (2 copies) for the child to be used later.

As to the requirement for the child to attend the interview, I do not think it is necessary for children under 14 years of age to attend the interview unless the petition was filed directly on their behalf. An example of this would be if a US citizen petitioned for their child living in Colombia. If the child is accompanying a beneficiary to the US, the child does not need to attend the interview unless they are at least 14 years old. It says this in the package 4 dated Jan 07 that I have in my file. Perhaps someone who has received a package 4 recently can confirm that this has not changed.

If you want to double check, you can also try emailing them the question also. Sometimes they answer and sometimes they don't. IVBogota@state.gov

John,
I faxed both Sandy' & her daughters DS-230 (part 1)
Additionally I did not see any young children at the Embassy last Friday.
I assume the child is riding her mothers K1 visa? Her's is then a K2.
Good luck!

HOLA!!

I'm home in PA!! I arrived to NYC/JFK on Sunday at 5 am, POE was easy I was out with my luggage by 5:30 waiting for my fiance. They didn't ask any question and I got EAD stamp! I'm very happy to be here!

Saludos,

Marcela

Welcome to the USA!

Congratulations and welcome Marcela.

Steve, it is a K2 for the girl. Thanks for responding. I will have Margarita fax a ds230 for each of them.

Marcela,

Congratulations and welcome. You are hpe and an inspiration to the rest of us!!

Cameron

It will probably not hurt anything to do so, but as I stated yesterday it is not necessary to send the DS-230 for children accompanying the beneficiary when requesting an interview appointment. The embassy becomes aware that there will be accompanying children from line 21a of the beneficiary's DS-230. I did not send a DS-230 for the children and DOS confirms that the embassy has noted that they will also be applying for visas.

Welcome to the US Marcela and congratulations once again!

Diana

Lucho Congrats !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill where are you in the process?????????

Have not been here for a while......i have just been enjoying having Leidy and Daniel here with me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just went last Friday and got my Marriage license so now i am just waiting to get it in the mail and then will be going to take the plunge!!! ...lol


I have to start getting ready for the AOS process!!!!!!!!!!! I have nothing ready, but it will be a much easioer process ik sure with Leidy here with me!!!

Take care everyone and i will be touching base soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are marking time until our interview on Feb 29th.

I am glad to hear things are going well for you. The forums have been a little quiet since Leidy arrived.

CONGRATS NEWLYWEDS!!!!!

We have the same concern...it will be 4-6 weeks for us to receive our marriage certificate but we do have a copy of the completed marriage license. We have'nt started the AOS documents yet but we will keep you posted on what is necessary when we begin. Maybe someone can help us answer this question...pretty pleeeeeeeeeeeeease!

PS. Just caught up on all the latest and greatest news... CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL !!!!!

Hi Everyone, I am silent reader from last year. I have a question for those of you who have brought the children over with the parent on the visa. What was requested from you at the embassy? Did they need the baptismal certificate? What about the DAS? We have a letter from the Colombian Embassy that we will have authorized in Bogota so the kids can leave. Any help would be great. The boys are 16 and 11.

Byron, first of all, congratulations!! I read somewhere (I think on this site) that when you get married it is best to ask the minister or judge if you can take the license to wherever it is you take it. This way you can ask for a notarized copy right away, before it gets sent to some other office and you have to wait an aditional few weeks. here is the link http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1k2visa-aos.html item number 6.2.3

Bumping Please, trying to get everything together. I am in my busy season at work ( I work in Flowers, yes ironic seeing as I married a Colombian ) and need all the help I can get.

Thanks A Million

I have not been through the process yet but maybe I can help. I have studied this a lot.

The children need:

1. DS-156 (2 copies)
2. DS-230 Part I
3. 6 photos
4. Passport
5. Orignal or notarized copy of the birth certificate. Make sure that the notary's color stamps are on the copy.
6. Original or authenticated copy of the baptism certificate with notas marginales (We obtained new ones from the church.)
7. Judicial and prison records if they were ever arrested.
8. If they are 18 or older a Colombian Judicial Police Report (Does not apply)
9. If they are 16 or older and lived 6 months or more since attaining the age of 16 in another country (other than the US or Venezuela) they must have a police certificate from that country. The 6 months is cumulative. If they lived somewhere else for 4 months and then lived there again for 2 months they must obtain the police certificate. (Might apply to the 16 year old.)
10. DAS Migratorio Certificate (maybe). I think if the oldest boy is 16 1/2 months old or older I would obtain one for him. This is the document they use to determine if a police certificate from another country is required. You do not need one for the younger child.
11. Medical exam and lab tests
12. Paid visa fee
13. The 16 year old must attend the interview. The younger one does not need to attend but he can.

In addition, if there is a father on the birth certificates you must have a notarized letter from the father stating that he grants the child (children) permission to leave the country. This is enforced by DAS at the airport. The letter cannot be more than 60 days old on the day they leave the country. If the father is dead you will need a death certificate. If the father cannot be found, you will need proof of abandonment. I think that comes from ICBF. Maybe the letter from the Colombian embassy covers all of this. What does it say? Remember that the US embassy has nothing to do with this. You will want to make sure in advance that the documents will be accepted by DAS at the airport.

I hope this helps.

My fiance, Margarita, has a brother that lives in the US. He came here on a tourist visa 9 years ago,and he never left. He lives in Pensylvania,and I livein Wisconsin. Will this be a problem for us? Question 37 on the DS156 asks if she has family here, and what is there status. The answer will be working. We are too scared to lie about it. Any insite is appreciated. thanks

john

Thanks A Million, just to point out they are both on there own petition ( I USC filed for them as step children ) that rules out a few things. The 16 year Just turned 16 in 1/28/08. I am going to try and get a hold of DAS ( any help ) or their dad can do it when he is there. WE have the letter from the mom done at the COlombian Embassy in NY so that is good. I have the aunt getting the baptismal certificated now. I will POST all information on this in case someone else in the future brings step children on their own petition. SO both boys are going to the interview with the dad. WE have pictures together cause I went ( to Colombia ) in the Begining of the year so that is good too. Just dotting the I's and T's now.

Going to the lab on 2/11 and the medical is for 2/12

Good Luck at the interview Bill And Bella Appreciate the answers.

And that is why it is so difficult for Colombianos to get tourist visas. In any case, lying can get her banned for life so she never wants to do that.

I think this might be one of the few times a lawyer could be helpful. They ask that question for a reason. I think you need to be prepared in case they do not accept the "working" answer and ask you his status during the interview. At that point you will absolutely need to answer honestly and then they might become very suspicious. I really think you need to do your research on this prior to the interview. If her brother's status is going to cause her problems you need to find out now so that you can be prepared.

Oh, looks like I assumed a few things I shouldn't have. I did not notice your AOS status and also thought you were the USC male petitioner and the mother and children were the beneficiaries. Whoops!

Here is a link to the DAS Website. They also have an office at the Bogota airport next to where you enter to get screened by DAS and go to the international departure gates. It is a convenient place to stop in and ask a question when one is at the airport. Bella and I have made inquiries there several times. I also always describe the paperwork we will have for the kids whenever I go through the DAS checkpoint and ask if there will be any problems. So far everyone says we will be fine.

Good luck to you also!

I have returned from Divorce Decree War

I have been meeting with our senator, our local homeland security office, and talking with USCIS for the past 3 months because of a divorce decree. I have been alone for over a year. the papers had been filed for divorce. I file a copy of the filing document with my initial application May 07. I got a notice for additional evidence July 07, I submitted the final decree which had been signed in July 07. Our application got rejected because the decree had been sigend by the judge after our initial filing eventhough we gave the USCIS the documents in the aloted time for response to request for additional information. Senators office felt that USCIS made a mistake, the local office of Home land Secuirty felt the USCIS made a mistake, but the USCIS did not feel that it was a mistake. We were notified in Nov 07, and we refiled in Nov 07 with much larger fee, and even longer wait time...FYI do not send in your documents until after any official documents have been signed because that initial submital date is it. Word to the wise

Any suggestions anyone...

Congrats to all the new approvals, and welcome to all the new members

I have been to Bogota several times to see my sweet love and I have added some new photos

I'm really sorry you have to go through this Eric and that you have to wait longer to get your fiancée over to the States. But the USCIS is right. They cannot approve a petition for someone who had a pending divorce when that person filed. If they approve it, they're giving you license to commit bigamy. The instructions on the K1 clearly state that both have to be free to marry. When you filed the inital I-129F back in May, you were not free to marry.

Good luck on this new one!

Diana