Carlos1986

Jay-Kay

The employment letter doesn't have to do anything with whether you meet the poverty guidelines. My wife asked the officer that interviewed her and said that the letter is not of importance to them to meet the poverty guidelines. What they care about is the 1040 and W-2. This was at the Bogota, Colombia embassy, very helpful and friendly staff. I would assume that every embassy has their own guidelines, it's better to get a co-spondor if you are very close to the minimum guidelines to be on the safe side.

I would STRONGLY recommend a co-sponsor. I had to get a co-sponsor for my wife last minute even after I e-mailed the embassy the 2012 W-2 making $1,500 more than the poverty guidelines. Even if you make for example: $40,000 a year and you started your job in lets say September and have met the poverty guidlines by a few hundred dollars,it's still up to their discretion. That's what happened to me, I make enough to sponsor 4 people annualy but since I hadn't made the full amount for the year I was placed in AP till I got a co-sponsor. It has added an extra month to our process, and now just waiting for the e-mail to pick up the visa.

Carlos

I don't think she was put under AP because of the missing W2. The reason they put someone under AP is whenever the system gives the person or file a red flag based on their name. This is usually caught at the NVC during processing but every now and then it happens once the case is with the embassy. The next step is for them to run her name through other systems (FBI, etc.) to find out why her name has been flagged, it's usually a coincidence but they need to make sure there's nothing on her. The process can take as little as a few days or as long as 3-6 months or more since it is is done manually.

I would try to contact the embassy either via email or by phone to find out if her case is actually in AP. If it is, then all you can do is wait for them to contact you when it has been completed.

Diana

I e-mailed the embassy yesterday, again with the W-2 information that they requested at the embassy on the 3rd of April. I checked the Department of State website and it shows Status Updated Date as of today (16th). I called the Department of State and they said they just received the documents they needed, coincidence I think not. I'm going to e-mail the US Embassy and check the status to see whats going on. I don't think it has to do with the name, just wish I knew how long it takes to verify the W-2's, its what was written in the 221G that they gave her a copy of.

thanks for your response

VJ,

Has anyone been placed on AP for not having the current W-2's? My wife had the 2011 with the transcripts but they requested the 2012, which we had the taxes but I didn't think the 2012 W-2 were needed. During the interview they told her have your spouse email us his W-2 ASAP, which I did within the hour and the case will be complete. They kept her passport and made her sign the DS-230 and gave her a letter with Alien Registration#, etc and a form stating they are awaiting W-2 for 2012 and will be sent via email. They said you are approved, just need the W-2 for case complete. They told her the visa will be issued in 5-7 days, never told her about AP. I just found out yesterday when I looked at the department of state website visa status that we are in AP. Anyone from Colombia or other country have this happen concerning W-2 and about how long did it remain in AP?

Thank You

long time lurker, first time poster. We used a lawyer, mainly because each of of our travel schedules for work, we wanted to make sure there was one place the paperwork was being sent to where it wouldn't be missed and someone was sure to act on it. If I had to do it over again, I probably wouldn't have used a lawyer. We hired a really reputable lawyer and he did an ok job, but the NVC lost one of our forms he'd submitted, and I was the one who caught it, because of the knowledge I'd gained here on VJ. From looking at the guides and reading the forums, I knew exactly how long it should have taken from the date the DS230 was sent until our case completed, and when 2 months had passed with no word, I got all over our lawyer to follow up. Lo and behold, the NVC didn't have a record of it being received. (and I know he'd sent it, he copied us on all tracking numbers, etc) He re-submitted it and within 14 days our case completed. So having a lawyer doesn't mean it's going to be any faster. They can't fast track things, they can only make sure it's done correctly and that someone is keeping on top of your stuff. And the NVC misplacing paperwork somewhere in the shuffle doesn't happen every day, but isn't completely unheard of. Doesn't matter who files it if that happens.

If you have a straight forward case, have clean police records, have a good co-sponsor (or make enough to do the I-864 yourself) and are a detail oriented person, it should be really easy to do it yourself following the guides here and asking questions of the people on the forums to make sure you're doing it correctly. I think you certainly will feel like you have more control over the process if you do it yourself.

It does seem to take forever and there is a lot of luck involved on how fast things get processed. I would look at some of the timelines on here with similar filing dates or NOA2 dates to ours and want to beat my head against the wall. But you just have to take it one day at a time and roll with it. it's a pain in the ####, but you can totally do it yourself. That's my .02 cents anyway.

I agree, having a simple case with no criminal record, no children, no prior marriages and are very detailed in how you organize and present everything it will be easier and straigh forward. Detail is KEY...

Hi guys!!

I just wanted to ask if having an Agency or a lawyer will help you to be approved faster than having none or if you just self applied. Im on CR1 Spouse Visa process.

Thank you for your inputs

Hiring an agency or lawyer will not make a difference on how fast it's approved. It depends on the workload of the Service Center and a bit of luck for a fast approval time. The other members are very correct, you can do it yourself and save a lot of money. We did it ourselves, and have had a flawless process with no RFE or major delays. All the information that you need for CR-1 or IR-1 and fiance visa are all on this website. The members here are extremely helpful and without them we would not have been able to do this process. I have seen other posts in which members have used a lawyer or agency and they have committed mistakes by forgetting to send a document with their packets. Good luck in the process.

Carlos

I have had all my I-864 appliation package completed for quite some time now waiting for petition approval( March 4th) and NVC case number( call everyday, they said they received on March 8th but it is not in the system yet for case #)

I, along with several coworkers were laid off on March 11th from my company. Now I am unemployed.

Should I redo my application package? Or just leave it as is and then if they ask later on let them know I became unemployed after I completed the package.

Thanks

Hi,

You need to have a co-sponsor, use assets to meet the poverty line or find another job. I would not use that I-864, since it's no longer current annual income. Sending that I-864 is a big No No.

Carlos

VJ,

For those members that are interviewing in Bogota, Colombia. The cost for vaccines with Dr. Rodolfo Jose Dennis V, are $265,000COP. 150,000COP for the medical and 135,000COP for the labwork. I know many members from Colombia are unsure of the vaccine cost, 265,000COP is what the secretary told my wife. I would suggest taking a few extra pesos, just in case.

Carlos

Congratulations . Being prepared for NVC will save you a lot of time. Good luck.

I just updated mine, interview date for April 3rd.

February Cases Waiting on Interview:

NAME....................COMPLETE.......INTERVIEW....VISA TYPE.....EMBASSY

ca_poppy................02/04/13.......03/19/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Canada

2HeartR1................02/04/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Nigeria

Khaleesi................02/04/13.......03/07/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Bulgaria

dwheels76...............02/05/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Nigeria

spn1025.................02/05/13.......03/07/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Philippines

PARISS..................02/12/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Morocco

M&C.....................02/12/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Nigeria

Carlos1986..............02/12/13.......04/03/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Colombia

papiakumi...............02/14/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Venezuela

wellensky/denise........02/15/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Nigeria

elicearea...............02/18/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Romania

EmilyS..................02/19/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Canada

bluetina................02/19/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....EGYPT

RFQ.....................02/24/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Egypt

God's mercy.............02/25/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Nigeria

sonineni................02/26/13.......xx/xx/13.....CR-1..........INDIA

Aladlhassan.............xx/xx/13.......xx/xx/13.....IR-1/CR-1.....Morocco

Hello VJ Members:

My husband's interview has been scheduled for April 17, 2013 at the Mumbai Consulate. Our case was completed a week and a half ago (9 business days) and we received the email just a few hours ago. I hope everyone else waiting for an April interview gets it soon . Thank you all for everything. I'll keep all of you guys posted on how my husband's interview goes.

Congratulations . I called NVC today and they scheduled mine today as well for April 3rd.

for CR-1 it seems the appointment is scheduled by the NVC, not the IV Unit in Bogota. Our interview was scheduled by the NVC and, the IV Unit in Bogota, did not have any knowledge until about 20 days prior to the interview (I imagine when they received the case file). In our case it took about 20 days after they received the DS-230. Hang in there you are almost there!

Thanks for the response, and uplifting words. We are just drained with the process and having to wait once again. We can't wait till its over .

Carlos

VJ,

Does anyone have any idea how long on average it takes the BGT embassy in Colombia to issue interview date for CR-1? Our case was completed on Feb 12, 2013, 12 business days waiting so far and nothing. Everytime I call its the same thing, its all up to the embassy. Can someone please shed some light into this matter.

Thank You

EXP 25 FEB2013A

Waybill: 8858202765

Destination Service Area: BEIRUT - BEIRUT - LEBANON

Waybill: 8858202776

Destination Service Area: MUMBAI (BOMBAY) - MUMBAI - INDIA

Waybill: 8858202780

Destination Service Area: BOGOTA - BOGOTA - COLOMBIA

Waybill: 8858202791

Destination Service Area: BUDAPEST - BUDAPEST - HUNGARY

Waybill: 8858202802

Destination Service Area: BUCHAREST - BUCHAREST - ROMANIA

Waybill: 8858202813

Destination Service Area: ADDIS ABABA - ADDIS ABABA - ETHIOPIA

Waybill: 8858202824

Destination Service Area: ABU DHABI - ABU DHABI - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Waybill: 8858202835

Destination Service Area: CARACAS - CARACAS - VENEZUELA

Waybill: 8858202846

Destination Service Area: CIUDAD JUAREZ - JUAREZ - MEXICO

Waybill: 8858202850

Destination Service Area: ISLAMABAD - ISLAMABAD - PAKISTAN

EXP 25 FEB2013B

Waybill: 8860837985

Destination Service Area: ADDIS ABABA - ADDIS ABABA - ETHIOPIA

Waybill: 8860837996

Destination Service Area: DELHI (NEW DELHI) - NEW DELHI - INDIA

Waybill: 8860838081

Destination Service Area: LAGOS - LAGOS - NIGERIA

Thank you for posting this.

Even though not on the DHL list, my package made it safely to the Embassy So those of you who cannot find it through DHL give it 5-7 days and contact the Embassy as the wonderful True_loves_journey suggested Thank you for so much help!

Destination Service Area: BOGOTA - BOGOTA - COLOMBIA

Waybill: 8858202791

That may be ours, calling to find out.

How do you add

Uhhh, the Waibill # for Bogota, Colombia might be ours. Wife is calling to see if its ours.

I'm about to file the I-130 for my step daughter. Is a cover letter necessary for the packet?

Thanx

Hi,

A cover letter is not required by USCIS, but I would recommend it. Its a good way to help you organize your documents and let USCIS know what is included in the petition. I sent one for my I-130.

Carlos

VJ,

I've read that you need the Certificado Migratorio for the K-1 visa, but do you also need it for the CR-1 interview in Bogota?

Thanks

Thank you for responding! And congrats that your process is almost over!! Did you have a request for evidence? And what is that by the way?

Thank You, A Request for Evidence is when NVC request additional information or to correct a mistake in paperwork. We didnt' get a RFE, thanfully. It's very important for you to check all the paperwork sent in and verify that everything is correct to avoid getting one. You will need el libro completo del certificado de matrimonio, not the 1 page that was sent with the I-130. Write your case number on the top right hand corner of each page, both packets. If you have any questions during the NVC send me a message and I'll be glad to help you.

Carlos

Hi Carlos: Yes, I received an email as the agent for my wife, and she also received an email as the beneficiary. They will send her an email for sure and if you are her agent, they will send you an email as well. The CR-1 and IR-1 visas are different than the K-1s in that the Embassy schedules the interview for you, you do not get a choice in dates. I suppose you try to reschedule after they give you the date. We got the email 15 days or so after case complete at NVC which had a letter attached stating the interview had been scheduled and it provided further instructions.

Thanks man, we are stoked, about to buy a plane ticket tonight for her arrival in March! Visa and Passport in hand today!!

Orando

Hi Orando,

thank you for the information, that clears it up. Congratulations on her arrival in March . I'm excited as well, almost there.

Carlos

Hello: They should mail you both a letter with the interview date. It took about 3 weeks for us from NVC case complete to receiving the interview date. Orando

Did you receive an e-mail, NVC told me they would send one but with them you never know. Congratulations on the approval.

Thanks

VJ.

I'm waiting to receive the interview date for my wife in Colombia. Do they always e-mail you or do you have to call them for the information?

Thanks

Carlos

This process is over 9 months now, and stll have not recieved NOA2, it's beginning to depress me and my wife. starting to doubt we will be reunited this year. I get even more depressed when i read that people that filed 2 months after i did have been approved. does anyone know if it is due to me filing for my wife and her son at the same time? Thanks in advance for the support of the VJ family.

Don't lose faith, keep your head up. Call USCIS and talk to a Supervisor, request a service request. I would then contact your congressman and follow up. Filing for two people shouldn't delay it at all. Have you checked the case status on the USCIS website? You are very close to receiving your NOA2, I would start to gather everything for NVC stage. I have noticed that petitions for both service centers have started to take longer, don't know if it's due to the Dream Act petitions. Once your I-130 is approved, NVC stage goes very quick. You should be with your family this year, NVC takes about 3 months, including to interview date as long as you keep on top of things and have paperwork ready to send in. Being away from family is tough, I haven't seen my wife since Sept of 2011, almost 18 months. Stay strong, communicate and do things that make the time pass by.

Carlos

Hello everyone!! Well I got married to my lovely husband on the 10th of Nov 2012 in Medellin, Colombia and I sent the I-130 form the 22nd of Jan 2013 received the NOA 1 on Feb 5th 2013 and the notice date is Jan 29 2013. I would just like to know how long does is usually take for the WHOLE process to be complete?

Responses are greatly appreciated!!

It takes about 7-10 months. It can take less if your I-130 is approved quick or longer if you have a request for evidence. Look at the other Colombia approvals and their time frames are all mostly in the 6-10 month time frame.

Carlos

I am sorry it might be stupid question. i read people don't staple any paper. then some say they do staple the I30 form.

How about sections. lets say the copy of all passport pages? or stapling the supporting evidences. like individual phone bill summary pages to separate them from other bill summaries?

or do you suggest inserting blank sheets and marking them with titles? suggestions please.

Thank you.

I used paper clips to seperate the documents by type that had multiple pages. I used a simple seperation page for evidence. It's not a stupid question. I would stay away from stapling, try to make uscis job easier.

Carlos