Hey Baezalex,

If you haven't received your letter, how did you learn about the date of your interview? Email or phone?

Also, how long did it take you to learn your interview date from the date the consulate received your papers?

Thanks a lot!
Juan Carlos.

sorry i did not answer
1 week after nvc mailed it to juarez which was march 27 i staring calling once a week and by the 3rd or 4th week they told me the sent out the packet on april 8 and my wife interview was 14 may, they said if the packet does not get therein 30 days you have to call the consulate, which is what happen so i called on the 8th of may Thursday and they said that my wife has to go two days before which tomorrow morning to pick up the interview letter, she is in Juarez with my mother in law then Tuesday medical and Wendsday interview, she has every thing necessary you can get every thing for the packet of the web site and the ds 156 has to be done on the internet on the juarez website you print it out you get everything from the website other the obvious your birth certificate, taxes and other things of that nature, my wife is taken the 3 packet and a huge folder with pictures from are wedding, home, vacation, honeymoon, eating, even an old lisence plate from a car i had hear in Miami before i moved to Mexico to be with my wife, she also thing diplomas resumes phone bills, calling card emails, any little thing i will keep you guys updated,
i don't mean to ask for it, but please wish me and my wife a lil luck!!!
i

oo and for the k3 just the medical is needed or also the vaccines does anybody Know??? i have read mostly no can someone please assure me!!! thanks

I will keep u guys in my prayers..........

Thanks for your answer, Baezalex! And yeees.... good luck with your interview!! In a couple of days you will be celebrating big time with your wife.

My wife hasn't been through her interview yet, but everything I've read says your wife won't need vaccines.

Please let us know how her interview goes!!
Juan Carlos.

Hi there,

Vaccinations are not needed for K3 visa applicants.

BUT She will need them though when you file for her Adjustment of Status in the US. It would be wise if she got them NOW in Mexico, so when you do adjustment of status, she has them already. They are free in Mexico, in el Centro de Salud. If she has her vaccinations records from her childhood, she should also bring them to the US...they could work (and then visit a US Civil Surgeon - List of approved surgeons is on the USCIS website and have vaccinations transcribed to form I-693A).

If you get the vaccinations done in the US it will cost over $200 dollars....

Hi Guys, long time - sorry I have not been around much.

I have been trying to call the embassy to get some information but I can't make 900 calls from my phone and it won't take my credit card for some reason.

Edgar was rejected in June 2007 because he told them he smoked a joint in Dec 2006 so they told us that we won't be eligible to go back until January 2010 but I have so many questions I need answers to.

1) First, do I have to go back to Mexico to visit Edgar in this time period to meet the "see each other within 2 year" requirement even though we have been together for a long time?

2) Do we have to apply through DIS all over again and start the process all over again or is our case still open and can we just go back? The paper we got which is form CDJ-450A says: Section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv) which prohibits visa issuance to any alien who is an addict/user of a prohibited drug. You must remain completely free from any durg use for not less than three years. Please call our Visa Information Center to request a new appointment after 12/09.

3) Edgar will have documentation of drug counseling even though it's a joke that they labeled him an "addict", the guy doesn't even drink for crying out loud - it was a one time thing. Does anyone here have any information as far as presenting drug counseling paperwork?

Any help would be appreciated, I sure wish I could just talk to someone there!

This thread has been awfully slow for a while. I myself hope to be in Juarez by July.

While I have no answers per se, your situation would seem to present itself to actually having a hotshot immigration attorney take a look at. While I thoroughly enjoy this forum, I find the information as supportive not primary.

Best of luck with your situation, of all the stories I have read and continue to read on VJ, your story still touches me the most. I respect your strength and devotion to your relationship.

Brian

Janet - I did a search on here and saw that someone named "Esperando enohio" went through the same thing and was getting ready in November 07 (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=96835). And then they were approved in December. Here is the link: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1425409. Also a "senoritacindy" went through the same thing.

Nice job of research nm123. The story had a happy ending with a visa being granted. It sounded like the only additional step was a psych exam at the medical clinic and the presentation of rehab docs at the consulate. They were K-3 filers. They did not update their timelines so it is hard to tell if they refiled. They did hire an attorney after the initial denial, but it looks like from the their sig line that their appt. was as a result of reschudling intsead of refiling.

An interesting read.


Brian

Hey, Brian, it seems I'll also be at the consulate in July. Only a couple of months away... I never thought I would be counting the days like this. Let me know when you know the definitive day of your trip to Juarez. Good luck with your NOA2!

Juan Carlos.

I expect to be there in July. VSC has already processed 50% of the March VJ K-1 filers. K-1's have an open appointement time, but July is easier for me. I have already discussed it with my SO. I was in Mexico in January and May. Plus, I took a week off for vacation in March when my SO visited me. And, I plan to go to Mexico to be with my fiance for her interview and then fly home together.

So my wallet and my work schedule both need a break.

Brian

I know what you mean by the needed break... I've been down there 3 times in the past few months, and even though I've enjoyed my time with my guy, it'd be easier on the finances to be spending time together in the same country and state. But I would rather spend the time with him rather than not having the opportunities to see each other, like some of the other people whose fiance/e's live on the other side of the world and it takes 17 hrs plus layovers to see each other. And at least we are both in this together.

I'm not sure when I'll be down at CDJ, but I think it'll be in the early fall or late summer... hopefully sooner than later!

I am appreciative that I can see my SO. Still not overly easy. It is a three hour flight and a $450 ticket for me, but that is much better than a 17 hour flight and a $1200 ticket that some VJ'ers face.

nm123, good luck on approval this month. CSC is moving pretty good now. I hope they keep it up for you.

Brian

Thanks - I'll be sure to post it here when I receive NOA2!

I'm sure I am not alone on this, but I send my SO money quite often. I have probably sent money to her at least 10 times in the last year! I use Western Union and it costs a minimum of $10 to send. Anyone know of a cheaper way to do this? I know my SO will be here soon, but I am sure we will send $$ to her mom a few times a year for many, many, many years to come!

I have a HSBC online account (you may have seen those banks in Mexico) and could probably transfer money that way... You could have both your names on the account, electronically send money from your regular account into the HSBC account, and then Diana could withdraw it or use it as a debit card. It's something you could look into.

I have used Safe Send (its through bank of america). A fellow VJ member told me about this method to send money (Thanks Lucy). If you have a bank of america account you may send money this way. You just have to go sign up for safe send at the bank. Then you call the customer service line and send the money, all through the phone. It's free to send money this way and quite easy. You can even pick from several banks in Mexico where you want your SO to pick up the money. To pick it up, they will just need a picture ID and the confirmation number you are given when you call to send the money. My husband and I have been sending money lately for all the wedding stuff that his family is helping us put together for our wedding this summer.

That is really nice to know. Bank of America is the closest bank to my house, less than 1 mile! It is kinda crazy cause Western Union charges $10 to send money that can be picked up the next day and a $15 charge to send money that will be available in minutes. I have paid both of these fees many, many, many times. Probably 2 or 3 hundred dollars just in Western Union fees over the past 2 years!

I will look into an account with bank of America. Thanks for the info.

I have another idea for you, although a bit risky: go to bank of america, and get an additional check card for him (it will be under your name, but you physically give it to him). That is what I did... so everytime I want to send her money, all I need to do is transfer money into this account. She goes to an ATM and the only commission we have to pay is the one from the ATM (and the exchange rate). I say it is a bit risky because I always wonder what would happen if she loses the card... although it wouldn't be any different if I lose it.

Just another idea for you.

Juan Carlos

Hello,

We just wanted to share our experience with the K1 process in Ciudad Juarez since we found this thread very helpful, even more helpful than the advice of the expensive attorney my fiancé hired I wish we had found this website before hiring them.

First of all, I didn’t receive any packet, we all –fiancé, attorney and myself– just received the open appointment letter, a single sheet of paper, no packet; so if you just receive that letter, that’s enough, you can use the forms of the consulate’s website. If in doubt, contact the consulate.

He arrived in Mexico City on May 10, we flew to Ciudad Juarez the following day and stayed at the Holiday Inn Lincoln; taxis are expensive so this hotel is conveniently situated at walking distance (approx. 5-7 minutes) from the consulate and clinics. There’s a mall across the street, nothing fancy but you can buy groceries and there’s a Subway and Burger king in there (helpful when traveling with an American ).

On Monday, May 12, I went to the medical examination at the Clinica Medica Internacional (the one next to the consulate), no particular reason, I just read in this thread it was better than the other. Having read about being useless to get there very early, we arrived at 7:30. I went to the reception, gave my passport and open appointment letter. A few minutes later a lady called me and asked where I was staying, I just gave the name of the hotel, (some people were asked for address and a phone number if they were staying with family or friends), then she took a photo of me and told me to go inside to the hall 4, where there were approx. 100 ladies. They called me for the blood test, which was fast, painless (I can’t stand syringes!) and left no mark at all. Then I sat again and waited for a couple hours. Ladies were called in groups and finally I was called. We checked our information (birth date / place) with the nurse who called us and were given a paper robe and instructed to go inside a room (alone) to undress and wait for the nurse to come in. I waited and wonder “where is she?” she finally came in and weighed me, took my pressure, asked what I do for a living, if I suffer any chronicle disease /diabetes / if I had surgery / kids / trouble with police in Mexico or in the US. She asked me to lie down, where as, she performed a visual "ob/gyn" screening that lasted for less than two seconds and then asked me to lie on my left side. It was very quick. Then I was told to dress from the waist down and go to the aisle where ladies where waiting for the x ray. This too was very fast. When done, I was told to get dressed and go to the cashier. There I paid $1,574.10 mxp and was given a paper to pick up the results at 3:00 pm. Then I went outside and met my fiancé, I had my passport photos done at one of those places in front of the Consulate, they were expensive, but I had “warranty” they wouldn’t be rejected. After having a very much needed lunch, we went to the Banamex in Av. Lopez Mateos corner with Av. Paseo Triunfo de la Republica. Later on, we were back to the clinic to pick up the results, where we were called by name to get them. That was all.

On Tuesday, we arrived at the consulate at 8:30 approx. I handed my passport, the letter and visa payment at Banamex and were given a number. Then, went inside C building and after waiting, my number was called to a window where a guy asked for my documents: passport, letter, visa payment, DS156, DS156K, intent to marry, medical results, affidavit of support, passport photos, my birth certificate and a copy, my fiancé’s birth certificate… (I hope I’m not forgetting anything), and he asked me if I had been in the US, what do I do for a living, if I already had a job offer in the US, and again if I had been in the US previously. Then he told me to wait to be called again. This time was to take my fingerprints, and after that, I was told to go to the B building (all buildings are actually single-story, so don’t expect something big, as I did ). More waiting, this time for the definitive interview, so people where called to windows, pretty much like those before, with the difference (as far as I could see) that in C building consular officers seemed to be from Latin America heritage, and in this one, (B building) most of CO were Caucasians. I wonder if that’s to increase nervousness? Anyway, more waiting.. and finally my name was called to a window where I was sitting nearby. He was a polite guy, probably in his 40’s, who spoke good Spanish... I think he was even smiling He returned our original birth certificates, asked my fiancé’s name, where he lives, if I had been in the US, if he speaks Spanish (which he doesn’t), so he asked me if I speak English, I answered that I speak good enough English to communicate with each other. Then he asked me how we met, I replied that in Cabo San Lucas and it so happens, that he’s traveling there sometime in June, ‘cause he needed to go to the sea.. I commented on how beautiful the place is and even told him that the best season is December-March because of the whale watching Then he handed some of the photos my fiancé sent with the I-129 and asked me who they were (one photo with my family and the other with friends from university, in both of them my fiancé is lovingly hugging me ) I think that was all, when he said, “I’m going to approve your visa, congratulations and good luck - wait to be called again” I said thank you, but thought “eeeww, more waiting!” (I’m from Mexico City, anyone living here would understand why my lack of patience) but at least I knew I got it. I think I was one of the last ones to get their visas that day, ‘cause many people were told to go back the next day at 6 a.m. to be interviewed. So finally I was out with visa on hand at 4:45 – 5 p.m. and met my fiancé outside who was relieved that we did it.

My recommendations:
Like some people stated here, probably Monday-Tuesday are the busiest days, so keep it in mind.
Bring a lot of sunscreen and even an umbrella for those waiting outside.
It seems the consulate will move soon.. the taxi driver told me that the new location was south, somewhere close to the bus station. (I don’t have idea when they are moving).
My fiancé doesn’t want to skip recommending “Los Arcos” seafood restaurant in Av de las Americas and Paseo Triunfo de la Republica.. (he stills remember the bacon-wrapped shrimp!) good place to celebrate!

Hopefully this information is helpful. Good luck!

Thank you for your review! I've bookmarked this (and the.ronin's review is good too) for future reference. I hadn't heard of any other interviews where, at the end of the day, some people are asked to return the following day because it's getting late. Good luck with everything else in your journey.

You also might want to set up the debit card so there is no overdraft. This way they could only get money that is in the account and no more. If your fiance takes out the money right after you deposit it then no one could get any more, if it were lost.

Thank you nm123; yes, the.ronin's review helped me a lot, I immediately recognized the place because of the photos he posted. I talked most of the whole day to a lady who was there for a K3, she was initially one number ahead of me and she was one of those who needed to go back the next day for her interview, I think she was told something like Washington's office has finished the day, so they weren't able to process more visas. Good luck to you as well.

Hello,

I'm not sure that this is the appropriate place to post this. Since there are several of you dealing with the consulate in Juarez, I thought I'd try. I'd like to know what documents you had to send to the NVC before getting your appointment- if you went the IV route.

Did any of you use James' Shortcuts?

Any other advice specific to Juarez would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

Update: In 3 weeks my SO's medical results will be ready. Today marks 7 weeks! If we are lucky, maybe her results will be ready a week early.

Hey Everyone-

I know a few of you have had co-sponsors/and or were college students when applying for the visa and I'd like to ask a few questions about that:

I am college student and will be graduating May 2009. So, I obviously don't make above the 125% poverty rate. Thus, my Dad has agreed to be my co-sponsor. However, my parents file taxes jointly, and so I was wondering if my parents (both of them) could be co-sponsors. Or, do I just choose the parent who makes the most and explain that they file taxes together?

Also, I currently hold 3 jobs. Now, I plan on sending tax transcripts from the past 3 years, and a letter from my bank stating information about my bank account. However, is it necessary for me to include 3 letters of employment from all of my employers, even though none of these jobs really provide me with a steady "income?" I know I need to fill out the I-134 for myself, but what else is necessary?

I hope someone who has gone through this is able to help me. The Juarez consulate information and the OF-167 isn't as helpful as I wish it were sometimes. If anyone has any advice related to the I-134 and the supporting documents, I woud greatly appreciate it.

I hope all is going well with everyone during this process. Good luck to those preparing for the interview, and those still awaiting NOA2s. And those who have already gotten the visa

Thanks,
Caity

Hi there,

I have bank of america. They have a free service called SAFE SEND. You can send money to Mexico (deducted from your checking account). When you call them, they can tell you what banks in Mexico it can be picked up. All you need to do is call Bank of America and enroll yourself in the program. I do that when I send money to my mom in Mexico, it's free and it's there in a couple of hours.

What do you guys think would happen if my dad tried to sponsor my fiancee's mom for a WORK VISA and he said he wanted to hire her as a HOUSEKEEPER: Would she get denied? I am trying to think of a way to get her over here because my fiancee's parents have been divorced for a long time and my fiancee is extremely close with her mom.

Work visas are hard to get for unskilled labor because you have to deal with the depat of labor first and get their approval and then go through USCIS for a temp work visa. If it were easy the farmers would have plenty of help here in the US. I looked into this for construction labor and it really is a pain to do. If there is any way she could get a visitors visa that may be here only hope and then at least she could visit. Another possibility might be to see if any resorts in your area hire people for unskilled seasonal labor from Mexico. If there is any then they already have everything in place to get her a visa for work. Maybe one of the ski resorts or something?

Good luck on the medical results. Hopefully your fiance will be with you soon.

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let everyone know that WE ARE IN CDJ NOW...I had my medical interview yesterday (Monday 2nd) and I went to the embassy today (Tuesday 3rd).

We're staying at LOS CEDROS hotel, and we really loved it! it's only a few blocks away from the Consulate, cheap ($550 pesos/day), wireless internet, an awesome hot breakfast buffet, security is pretty tight with a gate at the entrance, staff, and security cameras all over....

anyway, now here's the "juicy" part, the embassy interview:
We had breakfast (it opened at 7.30am), and then left around 8.10, the taxi was taking too long so we were considering taking our car but it showed up at the last minute, so I showed up at the embassy a little late (8.30am), most people were already inside but I was given a paper ticket with a #, and so the waiting began....when my number was called (around 10.20am) everything went fine through the first document screening, she basically confirmed my data about the place I live in Mexico, where does she lives in the US, the medical exam...I was told to wait again for the fingerprinting phase...

I waited another 10min and my name was called along with 5-6 other people, the lady doing the fingerprinting and calling the names over the PA speaker was clearly not really fluent in spanish and had a little accent pronouncing the names (like Rodriguez, Martinez, etc.) so I greeted her in english and she said that her spanish is not so good, that all she knows is basically how to tell the instructions to place your finger in the scanner and go to building "B".

I then proceeded to the next waiting area, which is outside the Building B, so it's just covered with a metallic roof, the fans were not on (starts to get really hot here in Juarez after noon), but it was pretty bearable, i waited until around 12.15pm and then my name was called over the PA speaker, so I proceeded to window #28, this consular officer the first thing he told me was that the USC birth certificate was NOT GOOD and we were gonna need the "long" version, that list the hospital, date, hour of birth, the one we file was the short version...he basically told me that he could not issue a visa without it!

so, he gave me a blue slip to go back the next day, which sucks because i really wanted to get the visa today but as long as I get it...so my fiancee is here with me so we called her mom to fax us a copy and overnight the document, so hopefully tomorrow all of my documents will be complete and my visa will be issued.

So I guess the lesson here is: BRING ALONG THE PETITIONER (US CITIZEN) LONG, CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE!

It also annoys me that none of this is listed on the CDJ website, also I did not read that anywhere in the forum but here we are so....

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Jose

Wow, good info here. I didn't know that the waiting room had people who don't speak Spanish very well. At least they're not the ones conducting the interviews for our loved ones who mainly speak Spanish.

As for the birth certificate, did your fiancee not have her passport with her? I think that would've been enough to establish US citizenship. I'm a naturalized citizen, so I'll have my fiance hold onto my citizenship certificate and passport.

Jose-
Best of luck to you!!! I hope that it's quick and painless tomorrow and they give you the visa!! I've heard that most people say it's not necessary to even bring the USC birth certificate with, since we already sent it in with the original petition, but whatever- things happen I suppose. Let us know how it goes

Suerte!!!!

Caity

HI,
yeah well the thing is she does not have a passport and apparently the short version of her birth certificate is not enough proof to establish citizenship. We just got a faxed copy to our hotel room and the overnighted original will get here tomorrow. Hopefully after all this the consular officer will issue the visa!

Stay tuned

Caity,
thank you so much!
it's been a blessing to have my laptop and wireless internet and stay connected with the VJers right here in our hotel room. We haven't left the hotel because we don't know our way around and basically everything here in Cd Juarez looks...well dirty and not really safe

As before, I'D DEFINITELY recommend this hotel Los Cedros, it seems like one of the most secure we've seen so far...I've taken pictures and I'll post those later!

Jose

I hope all goes smoothly for you two tomorrow. If the birth certificate was the only concern at the interview, it sounds like you guys will get it!
Good luck with everything else. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Update - It is just 2 days shy of 8 weeks and Diana has her results. She needs to go to Juarez on Tuesday for fingerprinting? I put a question mark because there is a minor language barrier between us (I am almost fluent in Spanish) and she doesn't explain things thoroughly to me. I am going to find out if she can go to the embassy afterwards and keep everyone posted. I think she told me that they didn't tell her the results but they are ready.

Well everybody, I have very terrible and tragic news. Some peoples lives, at certain points in time, are just a lot better than others. Unfortunately, my life and Diana's are at low points. She has active tuberculosis and will be going on Tuesday to start a 6 month treatment in Juarez. She doesn't even know the bad news yet, all she knows is she is going to Juarez. Her aunt is going to tell her sometime within the next week. I can visit when I can afford to, but other than that, I won't get to be with her until December of 2008. You definitely will not be seeing me on this site a whole lot in the next 6 months.

Do I need to call NVC or the US embassy about any papers expiring? Please let me know

I am so sorry for that, I hope she will be fine. It will be hard on you waiting this additional time but you can get through it.

I would contact the consulate and see if the appointment letter could be extended until the treatment is completed.

I'm so sorry. I'll keep you guys in my thoughts.

Why does she need to return to Juarez to begin her treatment? That seems harsh. 6 months is a very long time, but you guys can do this. Maybe she can use this time to study her English so that the transition will be easier for her. My husband wishes he'd studied more before he came.

And about us not seeing you around for the next 6 months, this is actually a really great place for support. If you'd like to practice your Spanish, there's a great group of people in "Fuera del lugar" in the Latin America/Mexico part of the Regional forum. We chat about lots of things and people are in various parts of the immigration process. Honestly, it helps to have support from other people who know what it's like to have a loved one far away and to be at the will of the US Bureaucracy. I'd say give it a try for some support.

again, I'm so sorry.
Heather

Also, I'd also post your question as it's own thread in the k-1 forum so other people can answer. I'm sure people from other countries have had to go through this before.

I didn't see any dates on the open appointment letter besides her birthday.

Unfortunately, I don't have any answers for you- but I just wanted to tell you that I'm really sorry to hear what's going on. I agree that 6 months in Juarez doesn't seem very practical- how come she can't just stay where she lives? I hope that everything will be ok with her and you are able to make this work until you can visit her and she can come here. Hang in there and I hope everything works out for you.

Caity

The I-129f approval has an expiration date but the consulate can extend this I believe if they choose to. Does she have to stay in Juarez or will she stay with her Tia and travel for her treatments?

She has to stay at a medical clinic in Juarez. She is isolated for the first 2 weeks. Everyday she will have to take medicine. It is free and she is allowed to leave and come back after the first 2 weeks.

That sounds more reasonable. From what I understand, treatment involves taking a daily medication. It's a strong medication but a common one since tb is pretty common.

the greatgate,
Hang in there, you will see how all of this will turn out fine in the end. It must be very hard on you guys, but it will make your love for each other grow stronger. None of us in the Juarez thread can understand what you are going through, but that doesn't mean we cannot offer you words of support and encouragement. I also agree with the previous post that said you should still check in with us every so often. No one else will understand what it feels like to have your loved one many miles away from you. Not many understand why our long-distance relationships work out, ONLY OUR FELLOW VJers CAN UNDERSTAND US. So hang on in there and you will see how this will all turn out to be okay and before you know it, you will have Diana with u in the U.S.

I'm really sorry to hear this. There are so many things we deal with when going through this whole process, and in the end, it makes us stronger. On a good note, it's 6 months and it'll fly by fast. And she has a curable condition.

And I hope you can visit her as often as you can, at least once before December. I think it might be difficult not to see each other, and even if it is expensive to fly for a short period of time there, seeing each other is so valuable.

Hey Greatgate,

I feel for both of you. Eventually she'll be by your side but I know the time is what kills us all. I'll send a lil prayer out for both of you. Good luck.

Does anyone know how to go from El Paso, TX to Juarez? Is there a bus?
...From where I live to El Paso, it costs around $400 by air. From where I live to Juarez it costs around $600.

There's a trolley bus! It's cheapo ($12.50): http://www.borderjumper.com/routesAndRates2.asp.