Confused again in Mexico!

[claireg 0]

I re-read the experiences of everyone who already went through the process, trying to prepare for the interview, but I am still confused.

It seems that people go to the consulate to get the "open interview letter". But how do they get the date of the interview and why is it necessary to get this letter if you already have an appointment? Do we have to receive an email or a letter before going to the consulate? This is the thread who just got me more confused: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/252826-cdj-approved/page__p__3885188__fromsearch__1entry3885188

After the interview I see that some of us wait a long time in the fabulous Ciudad Juarez, to receive the visa.Is it possible to return home and receive this visa by DHL to your home?

The crossing of the bridge....can it be done by taxi? You go to the POE, this is just to begin to process the green card, but I suppose you can return in Mexico immediately? I saw that for some of us, it took quite a bit of time to receive the green card and without it it is impossible to launch the DMV process or other stuff....

[Lia792 5]

I typed an answer but my computer overheated, so I lost it...

So, quickly, the open appointment letters refers only to the K-1 in Ciudad Juarez. We will get an appointment letter with a date and time. However, just as some people's Packet 3s can be lost, so can the appointment letters, so it's good to keep on top of it. My source: consulate website, K-1 visas...I had the link on the original response, but it got erased.

Most people get their visas that same day or the next day. Unfortunately, I have only heard of 2 waiver cases where they were able to request that their visa be sent to DHL in their home city. I recommend the forum www.smf.juarez-mexico.com for interesting interview accounts, medical exam stories, visa pickup stories, and information about where to stay and what to eat.

I believe the crossing can be done on foot or in a vehicle. The packet you get at DHL usually indicates at which bridge to cross, although it is not mandatory. I have never heard of anyone having any difficulty in crossing right back into Mexico. I believe this is a link to the POE webpage: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/tx/2402.xml

Anyhow, I hope you get your letter soon!

[Lia792 5]

Oh, I would also mention that it's good to be flexible with your plans for CJ...They can always add on an psychological evaluation on top of the medical exam at their discretion, which can add on another day, although it's usually in drug or psychological situations, and the visa, as you said, can take an undetermined amount of days. Many people do have to stay extra days, but then there is no guarantee and in a straightforward case you usually get it fairly quickly unless there is a weekend, holiday or administrative day like what happened to dbarker. (It's good to look at the consulate calendar and analyze it carefully before your interview.)

[claireg 0]

Ah ah ah....You remember me good times when I got stuck in Washington for three days for a "psychological " examination..... The most difficult question was " is your name really....". Believe me or not I just found at that moment that I was not very sure of it !!! So took three days to solve it....

Anyway they told me to download the packet3 directly from the site (not received anything to date, except the case number), so I will call them to know if we are programmed for an interview...Never know, timing is not good as I am to renew my FM3 and I believe they are going to ask the original. The medical scares me to death and usually I faint as soon as I see a needle (no kidding)!!!

This is more fun than previously thought anyway...

Thanks for your support Lia and I see that you have burned the steps already (sooooo quick!!!! how did you do it?)

Oh, I would also mention that it's good to be flexible with your plans for CJ...They can always add on an psychological evaluation on top of the medical exam at their discretion, which can add on another day, although it's usually in drug or psychological situations, and the visa, as you said, can take an undetermined amount of days. Many people do have to stay extra days, but then there is no guarantee and in a straightforward case you usually get it fairly quickly unless there is a weekend, holiday or administrative day like what happened to dbarker. (It's good to look at the consulate calendar and analyze it carefully before your interview.)

[jaremedios 1]

Hi ladies,

I too am starting to worry about not receiving my case number, not knowing what's next, and really just being all-in-all clueless. My brother-in-law (mexican) is dating an American girl. They live here in Mexico but have hired her sister as a lawyer to help with K-1. He mentioned that he's going for his interview in August. When I asked him if he had a date for his interview, he said it's an open date. I have no idea what that means but am quite jealous to be honest. Here I am waiting for a stupid number (knowing that we started the process before them) and he's already got plans to go to his interview in August to be in the States with his g-friend in Sept.

Lia792,

Have you heard anything about your request to send in Packet 3 downloaded from site without case number? When you find out, pls email me at my personal email. I don't come on here as often as I should.

[claireg 0]

If you think it is lost in the mail, it's better to write them. They answered me in the specified delays when I wrote them using the online form.

Hi ladies,

I too am starting to worry about not receiving my case number, not knowing what's next, and really just being all-in-all clueless. My brother-in-law (mexican) is dating an American girl. They live here in Mexico but have hired her sister as a lawyer to help with K-1. He mentioned that he's going for his interview in August. When I asked him if he had a date for his interview, he said it's an open date. I have no idea what that means but am quite jealous to be honest. Here I am waiting for a stupid number (knowing that we started the process before them) and he's already got plans to go to his interview in August to be in the States with his g-friend in Sept.

Lia792,

Have you heard anything about your request to send in Packet 3 downloaded from site without case number? When you find out, pls email me at my personal email. I don't come on here as often as I should.

[Lia792 5]

Ok, anyhow, I think my case is about the same as everyone's in that we were approved the next day, but I got my response quicker because I only live an hour away from Mexico City.

I'm hoping they will agree to send me my case number by email...(pretty pretty please Ciudad Juarez? I love you soooo much, please? ) Otherwise, I will have to wait for my letter to probably get lost on the way to me, and then contact them again. They should have a Pony Express here or something. (jajaj I mean the real ponies, might get here faster than the real mail.)

I also have another aid: http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/root/pdfs/appt20list2012mar10.pdf

This is their appointment list. Unfortunately, it hasn't been well updated since April. But anyhow, claireg, your case number should be on this list soon enough unless they just decide not to update it. I calculate that you should be getting your interview letter between now and the end of the month because they seem to take about a month to get to people (from the sending of the Packet.)

I don't mind interviews...I just get really perky and friendly and people usually warm up; I really wish I could go instead of my husband or with him

Yeah, Jaremedios I would be all over them because I have heard a lot of stories of letters getting lost from CJ. Besides, it takes at least 10 days to hear from them on the query anyways.

We prepared our interview this week too since I won't be here when he goes, so I'll post it later so we can all prepare.

Oh btw,claireg, I don't think you will need your FM-3 for the interview because technically they just need it for USCIS for DCF...well technically they can ask for all originals, but I doubt they would ask for it (personal opinion...I have no fact to base that on tho) Anyhow, you can also consider a "prorroga" instead of a renewal...I'm so sorry that you have to deal with migracion and Immigration all at the same time...that has made me go crazy. I'm writing a story right now about a girl who gets addicted to "tramites." LOL