Paul_Light

Hello,

We haven't gotten the interview packet from the Juarez Consulate which they supposedly sent to both my fiance (in Mexico) and I (in the USA) on Feb. 17, 2009. They were able to tell us by phone this date that they sent it and said that it would be fine to download the paperwork from the website and then go to Juarez and have the information window print off our appointment letter. I read that someone has done this and has had success, but I'm still nervous about it. Does anyone know what the issue is with the packets not arriving?

Also, I read that they opened up a new consulate in Juarez. Is this where my fiance will have to go for the interview process? Have the locations for the medical exams changed as well or are they the same?

Thanks!

You do NOT have to wait for the letter from the consulate. Call them, get your case number and go to Juarez. Once there line up at the information window, give them your case number and they will print out a copy of the letter they sent on Feb 17. Once you have the letter you can do your medical and then your interview.

I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express. It's within a 10 minute walk of the medical facility and the consulate.

Good Luck.

Paul

Approved, but it wasn't easy!!!!!

Long story short, she said the consular lady wasn't nice at all and she wanted to see OUR son's American passport. I listed his name on the applications but I never thought it would be such a problem. I didn't think it was that hard to figure out that since I'm his father, he didn't need a visa. She had to almost beg her and explain to her that it has been so expensive to do this and that Queretaro isn't close and the cost to come back again would be almost impossible. She said that she didn't even say she was approved but just told her to go to pay at DHL, so then she took a few steps and turned around and asked if she was approved. The lady said yes but in a not so nice tone of voice.

Someone please tell me that I shouldn't worry. I don't think they would send you to DHL if you're not approved? Also, I would think they would have given her some sort of piece of paper giving the reason or request for more info if it wasn't approved?

So this is a weird feeling. I want to be excited but at the same time I have this little bit of doubt in my head so I don't think I'll be happy until she has the visa in her hand.

Can someone tell me if the number from DHL is strictly numbers or if it has letters in it too? She gave me the number that they said to give when she calls so I assume that is the same number to use online. Does it take a few hours for anything to show up online? I tried checking but it says that it isn't in the system or something.

Relax............................................

I don't think she would have sent you to the DHL desk if you weren't approved.

And, the DHL website. It can take 1, 2, 3 or more days to show up on their system. I drove myself crazy a few weeks ago and kept going to the consulate to find out what was happening. It just takes time. You're through the worst part.

Hang on in there.

Paul

Has anyone been able to contact Juarez at all about visa information? The numbers they have on their website won't work for me. I'm trying to find out if they have sent the letter (package 3). Thanks

I can't help with the number BUT..........................you do NOT have to wait for the packet. The contents of which are all available on the website. All you have to do is turn up at the information window at the consulate and ask them to print out the letter. Once you get the telephone number call them and make sure they have issued the letter first. I was told it could take up to 4 weeks to arrive.

Paul

Hi everyone.

I'm going soon to the consulate in Juarez for my interview and I had a couple of questions.

= Does my fiance have to attend the interview or with just me (the beneficiary) its ok?

= Do my documents have to be translated? (birth certificate, police records, etc?) they are apostilled right now but I was wondering if I had to translate them.

Cheers everyone and thanks cici for the incredibly detailed and helpful comment.

Just you for the interview.

Sorry, I don't know about the translation.

Good Luck.

Paul

Hi y'all,

I successfully received my K1 visa last wekk and will be getting married on June 13, 2009.

Yesterday I went along to the local immigration office (Infopass appointment) with a few questions regarding AOS.

I was given a bunch of forms and told that I can file after the marriage at a cost of $1010usd. AOS will take between 9-12 months and employment authorization within 90 days.

I asked what is your definition of work? The interviewer didn't understand. So, I asked if I could offer my services for "free". She didn't know the answer.

I then asked if I could set up my own business as a K1 visa holder or right afetr we get married. Again, she didn't know the answer.

So, answers anybody? The thought of waiting until September before I can work frightens me!

Oh, another idea. What about if my fiancee sets up a business and I "work", soliciting orders, making appointents etc. and the profits go straight into "her" business account.

Thanks.

Paul

O.K.

I have some bad news for you.

The system is a NIGHTMARE.

Here's a clip of what I sent my fiancee.

1. The interviewer DID approve my visa. - Tuesday @ 2.20 p.m.

2. It has NOT been printed yet. - Wednesday @ 9.30 a.m.

3. Some department in Washington has to approve printing and, as yet, they have NOT. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

4. Nobody knows why not. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

5. BUT, it will definately be printed today. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

6. I said, how can you say they when you are waiting for Washington to approve it? Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

7. Answer - that´s what they told me. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

Basically, you get approved and have to wait for DHL to confirm delivery to 1 of 2 DHL offices.

I found no way of communicating with anybody at the Consulate or DHL that had any kind of authority.

You have to just sit and wait.

I finally received notification on the DHL website at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday. Collected the visa at 9.15 a.m. on Thursday and arrived in Dallas at 3.00 p.m.

Paul

No vaccinations. The medical was very simple and fast.

Good Luck!

Paul

Did they try to force either of you to get vaccinations? As far as I know they are still not required for a K1 visa but the medical clinics like to tell people they are.

Paul, how long did you have to wait to get the visa? Did you get it the same day?

Oh my!!!! So, how many days do you advice me to plan on staying in Juarez? I was planning on arriving there on a Wednesday to come back on a Friday. Do you think that would be enough for me to get everything done?

Thanks a million!!!!!!

I would say that's a little tight. I arrived on Sunday and collected the visa on Thursday morning at 9.20 a.m. By the way, the DHL location opens at 9.00 a.m. BUT there will be a line. Best to get there at 8.30 a.m.

Paul

Eventually my fiancee's appointment will be in Juarez, and I'm curious as to how others have gone to Juarez? Looking at flights, the flight to El Paso is about 1/3 of the flight to Juarez. With all the violence in the cities, what is the best way to get to a hotel near the US Embassy in Juarez?

I was there this past week.

Get a cab from the airport (El Paso) and book a room at the Holiday Inn Express. Be prepared for your trip to extend. I arrived on Sunday night and left Juarez on Thursday morning.

Any more questions please ask.

Paul

Congrats to all who have recently received their visas!! We are going down soon and I will post our experience for all that come behind us. Has anyone recently used the DS-160 online form instead of the DS-156K? I'm wondering if this is acceptable for the K-1 visa. I have read previous reports on this forum stating that the system didn't work well, so I would like to know if that process has improved.

Thank You!

I used the DS-156K without any problems.

And, I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express.

Paul

Visa Approved!!! It was easy as Pie at the embassy! The people so nice!! Even the consuler!!! I got out at 11 am becauase there were only half the people there are usally.... Right now I am still wait for the DHL thing !! I will keep you updated and will have a better report when I get back home!!

Congratulations!

Mine was approved too and I arrived in Dallas late Thursday afternoon.

What an experience though.

Paul

O.K.

I have some bad news for you.

The system is a NIGHTMARE.

Here's a clip of what I sent my fiancee.

1. The interviewer DID approve my visa. - Tuesday @ 2.20 p.m.

2. It has NOT been printed yet. - Wednesday @ 9.30 a.m.

3. Some department in Washington has to approve printing and, as yet, they have NOT. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

4. Nobody knows why not. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

5. BUT, it will definately be printed today. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

6. I said, how can you say they when you are waiting for Washington to approve it? Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

7. Answer - that´s what they told me. Wednesday @ 11.30 a.m.

Basically, you get approved and have to wait for DHL to confirm delivery to 1 of 2 DHL offices.

I found no way of communicating with anybody at the Consulate or DHL that had any kind of authority.

You have to just sit and wait.

I finally received notification on the DHL website at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday. Collected the visa at 9.15 a.m. on Thursday and arrived in Dallas at 3.00 p.m.

Paul

No vaccinations. The medical was very simple and fast.

Good Luck!

Paul

Did they try to force either of you to get vaccinations? As far as I know they are still not required for a K1 visa but the medical clinics like to tell people they are.

Paul, how long did you have to wait to get the visa? Did you get it the same day?

Hi everyone

Well, that was a very interesting 4 days in Ciudad Juarez.

I'd tell the whole story but right now I want to get some much needed rest.

BUT, I do have my visa. Hooray!

If anyone has any questions about the process in Mexico please ask.

Paul

No vaccinations. The medical was very simple and fast.

Good Luck!

Paul

Did they try to force either of you to get vaccinations? As far as I know they are still not required for a K1 visa but the medical clinics like to tell people they are.

I was officially approved at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. The guy at the internal DHL counter promised me that the DHL office would have it by 7.00 p.m. last night. As of 1 hour ago the visa has not even been printed yet. Apparently they are waiting for approval from Washington. I´m not sure if I believe it. They then said that I should definately have news of delivery today. I said how can you say that when you are waiting for Washington. A shrug of the shoulders from the consulate greeter.

Bottom line is................nobody here takes any responsibility and you cannot talk to anybody with any authority. Hopefully I´ll have news later today.

Paul

I was just reading someone's review of the Embassy in Juarez and they said something about getting a packet after the interview and being told that they would get their visa in 1-3 days. Has this happened to anyone else? My fiance is going to his interview tomorrow and I would hate for him to have to stay in Juarez over the weekend. Does anyone know anything about it?

Emily

Hi Emily,

I don't want to bring your spirits down, but it is best to leave the return date open. I just went to juarez about a week and a half. there was different turn around times in getting the visa.

Yes, there was some people who got their visa's the next day, but I will say that there was also people who waited about 4-5 days, which required them to stay over the weekend.

Most of the delay is not the Consulate fault but DHL, who is the responsible party. Once the consulate process the visa it is then send to DHL where the recipient is to personally go and pick it up. But DHL sometimes takes a long time to do what they need to do in order to get it ready for pick up.

C

The pool is open. I wouldn't get too excited about it though.

Paul

Thanks for the insight. Is the pool open there? Warm enough to swim?

UPDATE

I was in the lin at 5.00 a.m Inside at 6.00 p.m. and out with medical completed at 6.30 a.m.

You don't have to go early but I'm glad it's done.

I can now have breakfast.

Paul

Hi all,

Well I just arrived at the Holiday Inn Express near the consulate. Very comfortable.

The guy behind the reception desk recommends going for the medical at around 8.30 a.m. due to the numbers that line up between 5.00 and 6.00am.

Thoughts or recent experiences anyone?

Paul

UPDATE

Right now I'm in Ciudad Juarez and the hotel reception are going to organize the hotel van to take me to the right place tomorrow afternoon. Wait for 1 hour and then collect me again. How's that for service. They said I should be able to collect it straight away.

Paul (happier now)

Hi all,

Well I just arrived at the Holiday Inn Express near the consulate. Very comfortable.

The guy behind the reception desk recommends going for the medical at around 8.30 a.m. due to the numbers that line up between 5.00 and 6.00am.

Thoughts or recent experiences anyone?

Paul

Thanks.

I'm having big problems remembering school dates etc.!

Paul

yes you do, infact let me read off everything that my husband took, (btw, you cannot go only by the fiance packet instructions that they sent you.)

1) invitation letter

2) I-134

3) ds-156

4) ds-156k

5)ds-157

6)cdj-402

7)passport photos

8)proof of relation

9_birth certificate

Not all of the 'required' papers were asked of myhusband, but from what he told me, they were asking different papers from different people, even if they were all there with the same fiance visa intention, ( i guess to try to catch somebody that didnt have all the correct paperwork, but we did)

You can find the list of paperwork that you need at this site, under visas Juarez consulate website

Good luck, and let me know if you need anymore help. My husband was there in december, so i know how it feels.

Hi y'all

Do I need a DS-157 for an interview in Ciudad Juarez?

It dosen't appear on their instructions.

Paul (getting excited about the interview next week)

So, I can go to a police station in Ciudad Juarez and get one?

Where in Playa does your fiance live, I was there for 2 and half years.

Paul

Hi

I need some help.

Originally we appied for a K1 in London, where I'm from and I have the police certificate for the U.K. up to April 2007.

I have recently been living in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun.

I have just called the information line and they have told me that I also need a Police Certificate for Mexico.

Right now I'm in Dallas and my 'plane leaves on Sunday!!!!!!!!

The guy on the 'phone mentioned that I should be able to get this certificate within 5-10 minutes from any council building in Mexico.

Has anybody had any experience in doing this?

Thanks

Paul

Yes, my fiance lives in Playa del Carmen too . You just need to go to any police station and get a certificate of no jail time...it's not called a police certificate. He said it was really simple. Good luck to you!

Hi

I need some help.

Originally we appied for a K1 in London, where I'm from and I have the police certificate for the U.K. up to April 2007.

I have recently been living in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun.

I have just called the information line and they have told me that I also need a Police Certificate for Mexico.

Right now I'm in Dallas and my 'plane leaves on Sunday!!!!!!!!

The guy on the 'phone mentioned that I should be able to get this certificate within 5-10 minutes from any council building in Mexico.

Has anybody had any experience in doing this?

Thanks

Paul

O.K., I'm starting to put all of my documents together for the interview next week.

We have both been married previously and I have just noted that they require the original proof of termination. I have copies in both cases.

I have no idea where my original is. In fact, when I first applied for the visa, I had to request a copy from the local government office.

Surely copies will be O.K.

Paul

I thought that they issued the K1 visa on the same day, or early the next day.

I'm British and applied as a resident of Mexico because I had been working there for 2 years. My FM3 expired a few weeks ago just as the visa process was picking up speed so I quit work and Mexico and I'm currently back in Dallas on a tourist visa.

I understand that the consulate is closed on Friday in Ciudad Juarez. The week after dosen't work becaude it's my fiances boys birthday (they'll be 7, I can't miss that). I jsut want to get it done.

So, now I'm thinking of driving down (651 miles) on Saturday afternoon / Sunday morning. That means I'll be ready for the medical first thing on Monday. Talking of which, can you pay for this in cash or bank transfer from the U.S.?

Thanks

Paul

Hi

I'm just planning my trip to the Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, I'll be flying from Dallas.

If I arrive in El Paso on Monday at 3.00 p.m. Have 2 full days to have the medical, interview and collect visa. Return flight from El Paso on Thursday lunchtime with K1 visa in hand.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Paul

That is exactly the timeline that my fiance had planned, but DHL didn't have his passport ready until Thursday afternoon so we ended up having to reschedule flights and book extra hotel nights. You might want to give yourself until Friday, just in case. Good luck!

Is this forum dying? No one posts here anymore. Even worse, nobody really answers questions if posted.

don't know?? I still here......

Good to see you are here. I see that you are going for your interview on the 25th. Would you be so kind as to post your experience, specifically with the DHL process getting your documents back. My fiance and her daughter are going on April 3rd for their medicals. We called the medical facility two times and talked to different people and they both said the if done on Friday, the child's results will be ready on Monday. So then she will go to the consulate on Tuesday the 7th and I hope she gets the visas back the same day or Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are holidays so if something goes wrong, we will be in a tough spot as far as what to do. I booked the hotel for Wed. night and the flight back on Thurs. afternoon(in case DHL is open and they don't have them back by Wed). I really didn't want to do this with a holiday week involved but it would have pushed our times back 2 weeks and we couldn't do it then. I think we are taking a little risk and trusting god that everything will work out ok, but it should be ok unless the DHL things turns out to take longer than expected. Thanks

Yes I will write about my experience! I leave and arrive on monday morning to get the Banamex payments done that day tuesday I will go the Medical then Wed 25 interview.... thursday will our extra day just in case because Friday the Consulate will be closed. We are also hoping it doesn't take more then a day or two.... Where do you plan on staying?? We booked at the holiday inn right next to the consulate it was cheaper to book on line. I hope you luck on your fiancee's trip

Good luck girlie!! I hope everything goes well

Hi

I'm just planning my trip to the Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, I'll be flying from Dallas.

If I arrive in El Paso on Monday at 3.00 p.m. Have 2 full days to have the medical, interview and collect visa. Return flight from El Paso on Thursday lunchtime with K1 visa in hand.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Paul

Hi

I'm just planning my trip to the Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, I'll be flying from Dallas.

If I arrive in El Paso on Monday at 3.00 p.m. Have 2 full days to have the medical, interview and collect visa. Return flight from El Paso on Thursday lunchtime with K1 visa in hand.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Paul