Below you will find the link to the old US & Mexican Couples - K-3/CR-1/IR-1 Group, Juarez experiences thread which has been archived.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums2/index.php?showtopic=29463

Please continue to post here in this thread.

muchas gracias aussieW!

Daniel

So, I guess I'm going to the interview after all... I just couldn't stand taking any chances that they'll delay the paperwork any longer or that something might go wrong. I leave Wednesday already! But no return ticket as of yet, even the day-of prices I've found seem to be the same as any for so few days in advance, so I guess I'll wait in hopes my husband and I can travel together!

good luck!


Daniel

Is it just me or does it seem like the I-129F's move faster than the I-130's?

Just wanted to say good luck. I am very anxious to hear all of the details considering I will be going a few days later

I'll be sure to let you know everything I can tabta!

So far, from my short conversation with him this evening, this is what I know:

Arturo went to his medical today (he didn't want to take chances in case the results took some time) and here's what he told me:

he went in at 9 am (not sure which clinic) and didn't get out until 4!!! he said there were lots of lines and 4 different rooms... he ended up having a pee test and 2 vaccinations (rubella and the varicella test). He also had a chest xray. Sounds like privacy was low (surprise surprise!) - the female doctor was in the room during the urination (never the way I've had a drug test here!) as well as examened him for any diseases... he also had to chat with a psychologist (I assume) to ensure he wasn't crazy. And since he has tattoos it sounds like they had to write all that down and I have a feeling due to that he was scrutinized and checked over even more (typical sterotypes being even stronger in Mexico). anyways, that's all I know for now, sorry it's a bit jumbled and all!!! tomorrow I fly into El Paso and take a bus to El Paso where he'll meet me. the nervousness has set in full force today! eek! wish me luck, I'll let you know all I can, and I really really hope it all goes well for you!

Oh yes- the exam is 135 correct? and 10% tax brings it to 148.50. His one shot was $19 and the other 27, yet the total came to $240. So unless there is a nearly $50 service charge, I am curious how that works out. Sigh. I'll have to look into it, but oh well, I expected that to happen!

Melusine...Glad Arturo survived the medical exam! Good luck on Thursday with the interview...hopefully by this weekend you both will be home on the US side of the border!

Good luck next week Tabta!

Good luck with the interview tomorrow. Thank you for the update. I cant wait to hear the good news


thanks for the well wishes MNMEX

Hey, I have a couple of questions.
1. Can you pay for the medical exam with credit card?
2. Is it true that the consulate accepts Mastercard to pay for the visa

thanks guys

Good luck/buena suerte! We are waiting for your news!!!

Is it just me or does it seem like the I-129F's move faster than the I-130's?
[/quote]

They do take longer. If you look under the statistics for processing, K1s are about 2 months faster than K2s.

Tabta...we had to pay cash (pesos) for both the exam and visa at the consulado.

Best of luck!!

Tabta...We paid cash (dollars) at the medical clinic and our credit card at the consulate.

David...the I-129-f totally moves faster to approval than the I-130 (unless you go through Vermont Service Center, which seems to be pretty quick). Which one you go with depends on how you'd like to enter the country. One you have to adjust status once you enter (I-129) and the other you "adjust" through the NVC and already have an immigrant visa once you enter (I-130). Of course, if you go with the I-129, you'll be in the country much faster.

Jbeabout: Have you gone to the interview yet? I was just looking at your timeline and wondered if you had gone yet.

Thanks for your reply everone. We plan on paying the visa with credit card but I guess I will have to make sure we have enough cash to pay the medical. I wanted to carry as little money as possible. Do they give change at the clinics or do you have to have exact? Also which clinic did you all go to?

Has anyonhe heard from Mel. I am anxious to hear the news.

Tabta..my husband went to the clinic right next door to the consulate (there is one across the street as well) and yes, they did give him change.

Hope Mel's interview went o.k.

We went to the "blue" one on the other side of the street (and down a little) from the consulado. They did give us change...and Liz tells me we paid for everything in USD...so no pesos...sorry for the mixup on the other post.

Best of luck!!

P.S. The quesadillas and cafe from the lady in the van across from the consulado are awesome!! She is the one on the microphone!!


We went to the "blue" one on the other side of the street (and down a little) from the consulado. They did give us change...and Liz tells me we paid for everything in USD...so no pesos...sorry for the mixup on the other post.

Best of luck!!

P.S. The quesadillas and cafe from the lady in the van across from the consulado are awesome!! She is the one on the microphone!!

Thanks for your help guys. any other tips would be greatly appreciated. we will be leaving mexico city on monday and are super nervous.

Can you guys take pictures of the various landmarks around the consulate? Like pictures of the clinics from the perspective of the consulate, then front on pic of them, a picture of the cafe that everyone praises as being pretty good. If the Hilton is close, perhaps a picture of that. I think visualizing this location would help ease nerves for future applicants and help us to become familiar with the local. I can host the pictures when you return.

I will try to do that if I have the time. Not really sure if we are allowed to take pictures of the consulate but i will find out.

MNMEX -- We are going to Juarez Febuary 13th. We plan to go to the clinic the 14th and then to the consulate on the 15th!!! I can't wait to be done with it (hopefully!!!)

Jbeabout....WOW, in one week you'll be off! That is so cool. Soon you'll be back to chilly MN.

GOOD LUCK!!

**********

Tabta..good luck tomorrow!

Thanks, I just wish that mel would have been back to give us an update. I am really surious about how her interview went since she also filed DCF.

Sorry for taking so long to get back! HE GOT HIS VISA!!! YEY!!! So the quick rundown (I have class in a few minutes but wanted to get this on here in case tabta has time to check this before tomorrow) is:
Thursday was the interview, he got there around 8:30 I think, the interview was scheduled 9:30... He got in around 9. I would recommend going before 6 am because anyone later than that seemed to have to come back the next day (if you see people coming out with certain colored papers, normally between 1 and 3, that's what it is... they were light blue when we were there, not sure what the pink ones were...) Anyways, he said it was just waiting, they took his papers, he paid, and he got the blue sheet... He got out of there around 3 o'clock. I wasn't allowed in (and it seemed no one was coming out to get anyone, so maybe the policy is completely changed now... although once or twice someone looked for their spouse to have them run around looking for additional paperworks, or came out because the consulate declared their pictures not good enough quality or right size...) None of that for Arturo, things went well, just lots of waiting. His appointment for Friday was at 6:30, we got there around 5:40 and there was already a long line, but he got in. (The line the first day is on the right, if you come back you get in line on the left). He said the interview was around 11 but he didn't get his visa until 1:30 or so. He said the lady was nice (the girl before him had fought with her but she didn't get in a bad mood thank goodness) and laughed at some of the pictures. He even made a mistake and said we met in 2005 (we married in 2004!) and she just asked about it. Must get a lot of nervous people.
His papers said to cross the Codova bridge so we bought our plane ticket for Sat. and were going to cross that morning. Well, 8 pm Fri night someone at his friend's house pointed out that it also said to cross Mon-Fri (no times listed) so we threw our stuff together in hopes it was still open. I guess it is til midnight, not sure if it would have been Sat. or not, but it's a good thing we went that night because waiting around for his stamp took about 3 hours (no problems, just a line). The lady allowing us in was a jerk though, I crossed first and when he did and she found I was his wife said (in English), "Convenient, huh?" Anyways, I have to go but I hope this helps, I'll try to answer any specific questions, good luck tabta! It'll go fine!!!

CONGRATULATIONS MEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You and Arturo must be so thrilled!! Good luck in the next stage of your life and may it be bright and peaceful!

It's funny because now when I get my phone out to call someone I stop for a minute and think, oh yeah, I don't have to call him anymore, he's waiting at home. :-) So it's GREAT! Now I guess I have to start looking at what's next, but not so many worries there!!!! Good luck to jbeabout as well! The weather was fairly nice when I was in Juarez at least, and I didn't have any problems like I was scared of (always hearing how dangerous Juarez is), so just be smart everyone and things will go fine. The only weird thing I did hear was someone had a check stub from their work (the original) to go with the affadavit, and the consulate wanted it notarized! I didn't hear anything else about it though so maybe they let it go. We just had the papers they asked for and lots of evidence (although they only looked at the pictures), so I guess I stressed too much beforehand! (who doesn't, right? )

When do you have to start filing AOS? Do you have to wait a certain amount of time or can you start now? I am curious about that.

Yeah it is awesome they are home now isn’t it!

Good luck Tabta.



P.S. update that timeline girl to show APPROVED!

Hey guys, It has been a stressful day. We were up and out at 5 30. We still hadnt recieved the lettter, so we planned to go to the window and get it and then to the medical. well they said the window didnt open till 8 to come back then. so when we came back at 20 to 8 there was no one there. So we asked a security guard and he pointed across the street. there was already a line waiting across the street. we would have stayed and waited but we didnt know. so after a while we decided we had to do something else because if not we wouldnt make it for the medical. so i went to ask the clinic if they would accept a scanned copy. so i went to a place to print off the copy I had in my email. I paid 70 pesos to print one sheet. After that Fernando went for the medical. This was about 9. It took about 2 hours. He went to the one right beside the consulate. He had to take the varicella vaccine and the MMR. All together we paid around 230. At 9 o clock i got in line at the information window. Fernando joined me when he got out of the medical. we waited there until 2. well that is all for now. sorry this is so rushed, we are exhausted. I will tell more later. wish us luck

Thanks mnmex! actually my fiancee isn't going to cross right away. we are having a big going-away bash in Mazatlan in May, so we will enter with the visa after that. So basically she is lucking out...no Minnesota winter this year for her!!! I wish I was in Mexico right now! jajaja

Anybody hear from Tabata??

The interview day went rather quickly compared to the day of the medical. We were up and in line by 5. There were already several people in front of us (like 75). I talked to a guy while I was waiting and he said he was second in line and had got there at 2 30 in the morning. Well we waited and fernando finally got in at 7:25. I went back to the room to get warm. We stayed at hotel La Playa. The location was the only good thing about it. I came back out of the room at 10 in anticipation of a long wait but at 11 55 Fernando called my phone saying he was out. He got the visa. He said the only things they asked were when we got married, my birthday, if we were living together, and what I was doing in Mexico. They also asked him about his job here in mexico and his degree. That was it. pretty painless. They only evidence he showed was about 10 photos and a letter from his job just to verify that he was working here. We had lots more evidence but that was all that they needed to see. I would really reccommend to other people to get there early, because the way things are now, the people that come late have to come back the next day. well that is about it. if you have any more questions feel free to email.

tabatha

WOOOOOHOOOO!
Finally, mija! I'm so happy for you both Congratulations, and best wishes for your move HOME!

We're going to Juarez tomorrow!!!

Quick question: how much is the fee for the fiancee visa if you receive it? I know we pay $100 through banamex before the interview, but i've heard you then need to pay more if it is approved? HELP please! thanks!

CONGRATULATIONS TABTA!!!!!!!!! YEY!!!!!!! That's so great!


Can anyone tell me if I'm right about the next step? Since we did the CR-1/IR-1 approach for the permanent residency, we now have to file to remove conditions? Is that it? Forms I-751 and form I-829?
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/PermRes.htm#maintain

Lots more money but hey, I'm just so glad he's here!

It said something about having the permanent residency card with you at all times, but all we have is a little slip of paper in Spanish..... So I take it they mean the laser visa when it arrives?? And it says we don't have to apply for a SS card, since we marked it on his forms at the consulate... I feel like I should have more to do? I guess I'll get started on those 2 forms anyway since they have to be admitted within 3 months... Like I said, after all the confusion with the first paperwork, I feel odd that I might actually know what's going on now! So if I'm missing something please chime in!

Awsome Tabta!!!

We are going to Juarez at the end of the month and i hope it goes smooth for us also.

hi,
The I-751 to remove conditions, yes.. I didn't look up I-829.. why do you think you need that, too? Your 10-year card is included in the I-751's fee ($205 today? Be sure to look it up at uscis.gov).

When the Green Card itself arrives, it must be carried on your person; the laser visa is something else (you shouldn't be getting one, either). The Green Card should arrive within 3 or so weeks, and the SS card around the same time (give it 4 weeks then follow up with your local SS office).

The I-751 is NOT submitted until the 90 day window before the Green Card expires (2 years from entry). Please read the instructions at uscis.gov very carefully regarding the I-751 (Removing Conditions).
Congratulations!

CONGRATS TABTA!!! Good luck on getting settled in the USA!

Jbeabout: Good luck in Juarez...I am sure everything will go awesome. And then the party in Mazatlan, right?! She'll arrive in Minnesota in summer than?! Smart not to scare her off with her arriving in winter at first... SUERTE!!

Stevey..you too, good luck at your interview that you'll be going to soon.

Mel..We got our 10 yr green card because we have been married more than 2 years so I don't know about removing conditions but regarding the SS card, we checked that box on the DS-230 too but I wasn't too optimistic it would get done (a couple of people in the waiver forum that checked this box as well never got their card and they had to go in). So we went into the office and applied and they said he was already in the system (not sure if it is from the box checking or becasue INS got their #$% together for once and entered the information on time) but his card came a few days later. We have only gotten one card and it has almost been 4 weeks since he arrived so I have to think it is from applying. My point is don't wait too long before going to the local office because you might get forgotten.

take care!

meuxna,
thanks for your help, I just read over the forms (I briefly looked at the site the day I posted). I had thought I-751 and I-829 just because on the website and said see both... but now I see only the I-751 is for spousal, so that's good. $205 was the fee I saw listed, but by the time I file in a year and a half it will probably have gone up!

Just to be completely sure, the form cannot be submitted until the 90 day window before the 2 years? The closer to the beginning of the 90 days the better I would guess?

I guess my main confusion was because his passport visa says he has 6 months here, so I'm assuming they mail him the actual green card with a 2 year date... Which I was also confused on because the 2 little slips of paper they gave us mentioned a laser visa, which I had never heard anything about and was mentioned to be something completely different. I'll have to re-read that. I think a lot of what they give out on those little slips of paper is generic information...

mnmex, thanks for the good advice!

How Do I Remove the Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage?
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/remcond.htm

Click through also on the Application Procedures link in this page.

It doesn't really matter when in the 90 days you send the I-751 in; they take up to 18 months to adjudicate and your status does NOT expire if you file on time. There is no real benefit in getting the app in earlier or later, just NOT past the date of expiration on the card.

I'll try to translate the visa stuff:
-The Immigrant Visa is valid for 6 months. ie; it must be used to enter the US for the first time within that 6 months. You have done that so -check. The 'visa' is done.

-When he entered with the visa, it should have been endorsed with a stamp, making it valid evidence of his status as a Permanent Resident. If he never gets the Green Card, this endorsed visa is sufficient proof of his status. However, the stamp on the visa is only valid for ONE year (they expect your to get the Green Card within that year). -double check the validity of the stamp that was placed on the visa when he entered.

-When the card comes, if you are newlyweds, it will be valid for TWO years. This is where the I-751 comes in; you must both show that you are still married (that's what the 'conditions' are). In every other respect it is identical to anyone else's Green Card.

Read about his rights and responsiblities as a Green Card holder/Permanent Resident here:
Now That You Are A Permanent Resident
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/PermRes.htm
Read some Frequently Asked Questions here:
Welcome to the United States:
A Guide for New Immigrants
http://uscis.gov/graphics/citizenship/imm_guide.htm

I personally think these 2 pages are very, very important reading.

About the papers you were given, yes they might be generic. Que dice del laser visa? Puedes ponerlo en espanol, si no entiendo, puedo preguntar. The laser visa, as I understand it, is for people who enter the US very frequently, for short stays--like folks who live at the border and cross often.

Hi we are new , we just send the 1-129f and we are really nervous about the whole thing, well first we have to introduce ourselves we are Justin and Ari (arizona-mexico city), we met eachother on line almost 3 years ago the entire time this has been an incredibile experience for both of us, se love eachother so much that we decided to make this huge step, we also have a lot of doubts so that means that probably we are going to ask for advice every once in a while (we hope you don't mind ). We think this web site rocks and we are glad to be part of this incredible comunnity. GOD bless you all.

meauxna, thanks again, I had seen and read through the bottom two links but the application procedures part I'd missed, that helps as well. I didn't realize the stamp they gave meant that (it being valid a year), all I had seen was the visa said 6 months. I forgot I already had learned through this forum that was for just entering (although had anyone asked how long they had I could have answered, haha. Putting 2 and 2 together when you're so stressed from all the waiting and running to the border hoping it's still open will be my excuse! )

I guess I didn't look much at the stamp except to check that it was initialed, so thank you for taking the time to list it all out. I think as long as I stay on top of making sure we get everything we should, I might be free and clear for awhile! Yey! A break from forms!!!

Two years of wedded bliss ahead. Save paperwork as evidence starting now and the I-751 will be easy.

Go forth and be happy! Suerte!

Welcome, my husband is from mexico city also. we just recieved the visa and i am here with him now. we are returning to the US next month. Good luck.

Thanks tabta for the welcome, and congrats for your visa that is awesome!!!!!, it's really nice that your husband is from mexico city, in my case (Ari) i am also from there, is really nice maybe we can share experiences some day, i look at your profile and i realized that you are also as young as us (by the way nice pic on Xochimilco) so maybe i can add you on my messenger or you can add me on yours, and we can talk every once in a while.

Haha, oh my gosh, I'd never checked out people's profiles, thanks for drawing my attention to it junari! Great picture tabta! I never realized you're a year younger than I am. All that expertise you have One of these days I'll have to update my profile... I'll give it a shot anyways...

I am leaving for Mex tomorrow. Going to Juarez tuesday, medical wednesday, and the interview thursday. Hopefully my next post will be good news.

U are so welcome!!!!!!
it's nice to see young people here

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you all know that our K1 visa was approved on Wednesday!! To give you all an idea of the process, here's a quick rundown of our experience:

Arrived in Juarez Monday afternoon, stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, which is a very quick cab ride from the consulate, and a very nice hotel.

Tuesday we went for the medical exam at 7:00 a.m. We first went to the clinic right next to the consulate, but they sent us to the "blue" clinic just down the street because they were so busy. The clinic was relatively busy but not packed, and we were out of there by 9:00. They take a photo, then a blood test, chest xray. The fee is $135 , and they do NOT accept credit cards, so i had to take a 10 minute walk to an ATM. We returned at 2 for the results and had them in less than a minute.

Wednesday morning we arrived at the Consulate at 7:00 a.m. There were 100 - 200 people in line, but it moved very quickly. It is NOT necessary to arrive any earlier for the fiance visa. I can't speak to other visa types, but all the fiance applicants were done before 12:30 regardless of their position in line! Sofia got in the door at 7:30 and they made me wait outside. There is nowa large sign on the door saying that K1 (and a few other types, i think K3 and K4 applicants as well) cannot have their spouse or fiance enter. SO i sat on the street all morning and ate a burrito and paced up and down. Sofia said that she entered, waited, gave the papers to someone, and was then sent to another building. she waited again, then had the interview, which lasted about 1 minute. the girl didn't look at anything except the forms, 1 photo,asked her where we met and that was it. She approved the visa and sofia had to wait a long time while they actually made it, but was out of the consulate by 12:30!!! WOO HOO!

Hope this info helps. Juarez isn't as bad as I thought. We found a great sushi restaurant named Kinsui close to the Hotel as well. One word of advice...be prepared to spend a LOT on taxis if you plan to travel around, especially to El Paso. Taxis charge $40 to travel 1 way from Juarez to El paso! It's ridiculous!

Hope that helps everyone. We were very nervous for nothing. Fiance visas seem to be a lot easier than the others! Good luck to the rest of you!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! We wish you the best, God Bless you.

Congratulations.

Also consider yourself lucky. Our cab ride from Juarez to el paso cost 140. He initially told us 30 but the other part was for the hour we had to wait at the border.