Interview in Ecuador

[Cata333 0]

I know this is a bit early, but of course I am obsessing because I want time to go by faster, so I am thinking about this now.

My fiance and I did not really have a formal engagement, it was more of a discussion of how our relationship would progress. We had discussed becoming engaged before I left Ecuador in December, but at first we just applied for a visitor visa and got rejected. The day after his failed interview, he asked me to marry him! Of course, this was partially because we wanted to be together, and we knew he would not get approved for the visitor visa. It does not change the fact that we want to spend our lives together.

That being said, I do not know what to say about the timeline of our engagement at the interview? Should we say we got engaged while I was in Ecuador? Or should we say it was after I left? I am just worried that they will say that this is a fraud because we applied for the Fiance visa after he got rejected from the visitor visa.

Anyone have any advice? The embassy will be in Guayaquil. Also, how important is it for me to be there for the interview - I am a teacher, and I believe that it might be the first couple weeks of school - a HORRIBLE time to be absent.

Thanks for your help!!

Caitlin (Catalina cuando estoy en Ecuador je je)

[Aztec&Taino 144]

I know this is a bit early, but of course I am obsessing because I want time to go by faster, so I am thinking about this now.

My fiance and I did not really have a formal engagement, it was more of a discussion of how our relationship would progress. We had discussed becoming engaged before I left Ecuador in December, but at first we just applied for a visitor visa and got rejected. The day after his failed interview, he asked me to marry him! Of course, this was partially because we wanted to be together, and we knew he would not get approved for the visitor visa. It does not change the fact that we want to spend our lives together.

That being said, I do not know what to say about the timeline of our engagement at the interview? Should we say we got engaged while I was in Ecuador? Or should we say it was after I left? I am just worried that they will say that this is a fraud because we applied for the Fiance visa after he got rejected from the visitor visa.

Anyone have any advice? The embassy will be in Guayaquil. Also, how important is it for me to be there for the interview - I am a teacher, and I believe that it might be the first couple weeks of school - a HORRIBLE time to be absent.

Thanks for your help!!

Caitlin (Catalina cuando estoy en Ecuador je je)

Caitlin,

I think that however you decide to tell your story, you better make sure that you and your fiance are on the same page. In other words, if during interview they ask each of you separately, "when did you become engaged?" you want to make sure you are providing the same answer. So, talk about it and decide the version (and timeframe) of your engagement story. I honestly think that, in reality, most couples discuss the idea of being together and marriage before the couple actually agree on it as a fact, or before the standard media depiction of man-geting-in-one-knee-while-offering-a-diamond-ring sort of thing.

I have read that the Guayaquil consulate is difficult and that fiance(e)s must attend the interview. Yes, it is quite inconvenient, but realize that you will have to be there in order for your fiance to get any kind of fighting chance.

Best wishes!

[TBoneTX 43,058]

C.,

The poster's advice above is wise.

An entire thread, in the U.S. Embassy & Consulate forum, lays things out: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/110313-us-consulate-in-guayaquil-ecuador/

Please read the whole thing, paying attention to the WORST happenings. Do the same for the "Embassy Reviews" (atop every VJ page) for Guayaquil.

Without enough evidence yet to call it a pattern, some beneficiaries in GYQ are being granted visas without the spouse/fiance(e) present. However, read the thread and the reviews.

All the best, si man. We're here for you.

[ecuababy 0]

My husband and I did not have a formal engagement either, and they didn't even asked about it at the interview. He had also applied and was denied for a tourist visa the year before we applied for the K-1 visa. There were no questions asked about that either. I did attend the interview with him and feel that it is a good experience and way to support your fiance. They primarily interviewed him, but they did ask me a few questions as well. Being a teacher as well, I know it is difficult to get time away during the school year. Could you consider a few days of unpaid leave? Family sick leave? If you can't get your interview for the summer, I would speak with your administrators in the school or in the district to see how they can help you swing getting away for a few days without penalty. I think it would be worth it. If he is denied simply because you aren't at the interview, it is that much longer that you will have to wait to be together. Good luck in your process!

[Cata333 0]

Thanks for the advice. And I will make sure that we have the same story. Realistically, they may not even ask about that, but I should have something ready anyway.

I have decided I will go down to the interview regardless - it's not worth the risk - I'll just have to make it for a very short time and take the time off.

Thanks for the advice!!

Fingers crossed and holding my breath..

Caitlin

[TBoneTX 43,058]

Good decision, C. Stay in close touch with us, si man!

[ecuababy 0]

Sounds like a good plan, Caitlin. Good luck!