lem

We filed in August 2005 and set our wedding for April 22, 2006. I studied the timelines and charts on this site and decided the process would probably take 4-6 months. It took 5.5 with a couple of delays- Carlos had his interview last Tuesday and everything went wonderfully.

When I checked on the hotel for the reception, photographer, florist, DJ, I explained the situation and they were very willing to be as flexible as possible. They were very understanding.

As things started to be approved (NOA1, NOA2, Embassy received info...) I made our plans more definite. In the beginning I decided colors, who will be in the wedding, dresses, etc.

I'm working on our invitations now and they will be sent in a couple of weeks. My plans- I'm very ####### about planning as well- are all falling into place exactly as anticipated. Just give yourself a big enough window for any delays along the way.

When people would ask me about the date, I told them our tentative date and usually made a joke about hopefully the government would agree. Try not to let the stress of this process ruin what should be fun.

My friends have given me a couple of showers- engagement and bridal, which have been great. One of them was even so brave as to have a picture album engraved with Carlos and my names and our wedding date. This was before the interview... but it all turned out okay.

Buy a bunch of magazines and a good planner and get busy. For me, this is my first wedding and I've thoroughly enjoyed figuring out how to make my dreams a reality. Don't let the visa process ruin that for you.

Melanie

Congratulations!

If your fiancee doesn't know English very well but still signs it, do you guys think it should be translated to her native language just underneath the English version?

Carlos doesn't know much English and we used the sample on this site and didn't translate anything. I explained what it said and he signed it. We didn't have any problems. Nobody questioned him about it at the Embassy in Chile.

Congratulations!

I agree 100% about comparing timelines. I did it and drove myself and everyone around me crazy.

I was processed through Vermont and waited 76 days between NOA1 and NOA2. That being said, going into this process, I figured it would take 4-6 months to get the visa based on my research of the timelines. Carlos had the interview today and we got approved! In 5 1/2 months- well within what I anticipated.

Hang in there. Surely your wait is almost over at VSC but you'll probably end up waiting for something else later down the line. I hope not, but it could happen.

When I would call to check on the application at VSC, they were friendly to me but couldn't give me much information. Try to be patient and concentrate on more productive things...

Congratulations!

I hope things move quickly for you.

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to say Carlos just IM me from Santiago and said he got the visa!!!! We are so happy and relieved!

He said everything went really well. The Consulate only asked two questions- how did we meet and if he was married. He said it was quite easy.

I will get more details once he gets home.

Thanks to everyone for the support, encouragement and words of advice. This process would have been a lot more difficult without you. Thanks again.

Melanie

Congratulations!

Congratulations!