sean126

4 hours ago, sean126 said:

 

We got a fiance visa and she came to the US in 2006 and she took her citizenship test 4 years later in 2010.  By then it wasn't an issue with her understanding most, if not all, of what someone was saying if they didn't use too much slang. 

 

Fortunately there is no rush on taking her test.  The longer she waits and practices english, the more confidence she'll definitely have and passing the test will be extremely easy.  

 

My wife never met a stranger, so feel free to reach out if she'd like to speak to my wife and get a first hand account.  

 

 

1 hour ago, Timona said:

@sean126 how many citizenship tests has she taken? 2010 and recently? 

 

She been here close to 18 years and no grasp of English? 

@Timona I wouldn't want to be rude or disrespctful and hijack another's thread by going off on a different tangent, so I will try my best to be short and direct.

My sincere apologies if my post wasn't easy to follow.  Sometimes they may not be for some, so since you asked I will briefly clarify.  My wife took and passed her test in 2010 on her first try because of the 4 years she spent learning and understanding english while going to ESL classes and then by also working at the ESL school for a few years.

Fortunately for the original poster's wife there is no rush on the original poster's wife taking the test.  The longer the original poster's wife waits and practices english, the more confidence the the original poster's wife will definitely have and passing the test will be extremely easy for her....the original poster's wife.

My wife has a very good grasp of English after 18 years in the U.S.   

I'll be happy to accept your private messages in the future so we can keep his thread on topic, so don't hesitate to reach out. 

My wife is also from Colombia....Barranquilla to be exact. 

CMJulland stated their opinion beautifully. 

I enrolled my wife in ESL classes close to our home, which were free, and If memory serves me correctly she went a few days a week.  She became so proficient over time that they offered her a job, which she accepted.

In my own personal experience.....It was a little of a battle of the wills for a few years to get my wife to speak and practice her english with her other latin friends who also could speak english.   It seemed it was very easy to get a little lazy and too comfortable in reverting back to speaking spanish for her.  I explained over and over to her that english is a necessity to being able to function normally in the US.  I explained that it's not enough to speak a little english that the hard part probably is understanding when a US citizen is speaking to her due to the different speeds people talk, the various southern accents and southern draws (We live in Southern Indiana across the river from Louisville KY) and due to the sad fact that many Americans are discriminatory and racist.  I told her that many of us do not like to take the time to make sure a foreigner understands us so we are not too accommodating in that regard sometimes.   The ESL job was a blessing as she could work as well as continue to practice her english.  If I recall.....It was maybe 3 years before she got a job outside of the ESL campus.   By then she could understand enough to be good at her job.  

We got a fiance visa and she came to the US in 2006 and she took her citizenship test 4 years later in 2010.  By then it wasn't an issue with her understanding most, if not all, of what someone was saying if they didn't use too much slang. 

Fortunately there is no rush on taking her test.  The longer she waits and practices english, the more confidence she'll definitely have and passing the test will be extremely easy.  

My wife never met a stranger, so feel free to reach out if she'd like to speak to my wife and get a first hand account.  

Good luck to you both.

Just now, JeanneAdil said:

you asked the following and i answered it

 

does anyone know

does anyone know how or if i can schedule their appointments together in Bogota or did i screw myself by filing and paying the fees before finding the answer to my question?

How can you not understand that question???   do you know how to schedule them together on the same day?  It's just that simple. No hidden meaning, no hidden questions I don't know the answer to already.  Everything else you said is irrelevant.  I mean....am I in the twilight zone here or what?  LOLOL

2 minutes ago, Timona said:

What @Boiler is saying is that there's no chance of them getting B-2. This is what I also wanted to say when I  asked you if you're familiar with "Bogota and B-2s"

 

Colombians are notorious for overstaying in US. As of today, Mexico has put a strict measure on them because they're now using Mexico as a catapult to get into US via border and claim frivolous asylum. A lot of them are being denied/ being deported as soon as they land in Mexico. There was such a post here a month ago. 

 

 

funny how he couldn't elaborate for himself when I asked him.   He didn't say anything.  But I appreciate the honest opinion.  It definitely sets my expectations low.  

Just now, JeanneAdil said:

expand out the reply 

it tells u exactly how to schedule the interview from instructions on the bogata webpage

 

I don't know how else to put this....Please quote me on what you think I'm asking.  Maybe someone has hijacked my account and asking different questions than I'm asking. LOLOL.  I'm good on everything I'm not asking. 

3 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 

Boiler isn't my 'buddy', I don't know him, he's a random stranger on the internet. But personally I think your posts to him have been ruder than vice versa. I suspect the link about the wait times was simply a 'just in case you're not aware, this is how long the wait times are' - you'd be amazed how many people wouldn't know that there is a potential 2 year wait for an appointment and would think their relative would be over for a visit next month. 

 

As for you being in the US meaning that your relatives visas are less likely to be approved, just have a hunt around the forum and see how many people have been refused B visas for suspected immigrant intent, or lack of ties to their home countries. Having you in the US makes that much more likely. 

 

And yes, I agree that somebody not submitting their own application is fine but as you say that's for those who are illiterate or unable to complete their own applications - if that's the case then fair enough, but you haven't mentioned that being so. You completing the application for them if they were able to do so themselves just emphasises their tie to you which may not work in their favour. But this is all a guessing game, nobody knows for sure what will happen. My guess is that they will be refused a visa, as they have pretty much everything against them - US family, no money/resources, being from a high refusal country anyway, etc. But until they actually go for that interview, there's no way of knowing and sometimes there have been cases where people have surprised us and been given visas despite their circumstances.  I wish them the best of luck. 

Thank you.

1 minute ago, JeanneAdil said:

I read the post  and by answered by telling u the wait time should give u an idea of how long u will wait to see schedule for interview which would be in 2026

I doubt tourist visa schedule is even out for the entire year of 2024

 

aome embassies only show the next 2 months to schedule B1/B2

 

but checking the Bogata webpage gives u the instructions

 

https://co.usembassy.gov/visas/important-visa-information/

 

 

1. Once you make a cash payment, it can take up to 3 business days for it to register in this system, at which time you can schedule a Consular Section appointment.
2. You may use the cash payment slip for only one transaction.

Again....your response is much appreciated, but it doesn't answer my question I asked.  I never asked how long the waiting is or how to pay.  I'm unsure of why you are telling me this...that is why I am perplexed. 

27 minutes ago, carmel34 said:

B-2 tourist visa applications and interviews assume immigrant intent, which must be overcome by the applicant.  The stronger their ties to their home country (good long-term stable job/income, property owned, etc.) the more likely that they will be approved.  Each adult applicant will be considered separately and has their own interview.  Having relatives in the US weakens the ties to their home country, and increases the likelihood of overstaying in the US as many have done this before.  Another piece of evidence showing weak ties to Colombia and stronger ties to the US is the fact that you are paying for everything.  No one here can predict with certainty how this will turn out, all they can do is apply, interview, and hope for the best.

Just spit balling here....but aren't there hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of tourist visas that get approved to come to the US?  It makes sense on the surface of what you're saying, but having a lot of friends and family from Colombia that don't have a lot of money that have gotten tourist visas that seems to fly in the face of that.   Not disagreeing with your logic, just stating my experience.   My brother in-law has a house as well as a decent job (for Colombia) that he's had for many years and his son, my nephew, is going to a university and would actually be working by the time his interview rolls around.  I appreciate the stuff to think about.  When it gets closer they will be brushing up on the available resources that are out to help their chances at the interview.  

My mother in-law was able to obtain one, a few cousins that are in their 30's, 2 very good friends of mine in their 30's with mediocre jobs...among others I know...were able to successfully get their visas the traditional way and not through a lottery, so....fingers crossed.  

I thank you very much for the info.   Greatly appreciate it!     

1 hour ago, appleblossom said:

Just pointing out, it was two separate people that responded to you. @jan22 never mentioned the wait time. 
 

I think you’re reading far too much in to the responses you’ve got. People are just typing a quick response to try and help, not trying to be rude. I think what @Boiler is getting at is that you and your wife living in the US means their chances are slim. I would personally suggest you help them less which sounds odd but you need to not be involved in looking for interview slots etc. It’s their application and if they’re asked about your involvement they want to be able to truthfully say they did their own application (legally they had to submit it anyway). 

You are absolutely right.  I woke up in the middle of the night here....and Jan22 and jeanneadil have the same golden circle with a "J" in the middle of it as their avatar.  Being 4am and still half asleep it was an honest mistake.

I appreciate the time you took to respond to me, I really do.  Perhaps I did read too much into them.  I'm certainly human.  I was also raised that it was respectful to at least read a post before commenting (which if jeanneadil did then her response about the wait times was very strange) and if someone asks you to clarify or elaborate on your answer or random statement then it's just good upbringing and respectful to do so.  It seems my response to their perceived disrespect may have went over their heads.  I used to be a moderator for a few years on an unrelated forum and I have seen and understand that tone and intention are sometimes misinterpreted in forums and it can quickly become a passive aggressive back and forth due to jumping to wrong conclusions.   Yes...I felt some engaged in an unnecessary ego trip instead of actually answering my question and it definitely has rubbed me the wrong way.   I believe its extremely disrespectful to ask someone a question, have someone answer it and then ignore theirs.  It just is.

Well, as far as the other person....I very politely ask your buddy why he was denied his B2 and he just kept going on about how different his family values are from mine...which had nothing to do with anything.  I asked him what specifically makes him think I ruined my family's chances at getting approved...and still nothing.  There's only one of two ways to take that, which I won't get into as it solves nothing now.

If you have the time....I haven't found anything that indicates that someone cannot help fill out another's B2 application and if I did help that it would hurt or cause their application to be denied.  Everything I've found is the opposite of what you're suggesting.  Believe me when I say that I have search quite a bit over a few days and I ran out of search results.  Even on the US gov website it states...."  

Can a third party complete the form on my behalf? Who is exempt from signing the form?

3 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Jus telling you how it is, but do let us know how things go.

LMAOOOO. Ok.  Well thanks for letting me know whatever you believe you let me know.  

Just now, Boiler said:

I have been a member here for more than 16 years and have seen no end of B applications, must be thousands. When I applied for my my B I was young(er) and naive. Anyway why are they not paying their own way? I have never paid for my relatives to visit nor would it have occurred to any of us that I should do so.

Have I done something to offend you?  Perhaps I'm misinterpreting your tone here.  

"Been here more than 16 years and have seen thousands of B applications" and you either cannot or will not answer my original question, apparently won't clarify how I have ruined my family's chances of getting approved nor answer if the consulate specifically told you if you were denied based on who paid for your visa fees and who'd be paying for your trip to visit.   Why tell me how long you've been here or how many B applications you've seen then?  You're not here to help and pass on the information you've accumulated since being here or how many of the thousands of B applications you've seen?

Respectfully....does more than 16 years here mean no one should innocently ask you to clarify anything?   I'm not sure of the protocol or unspoken rules here.  Wasn't I nice enough to fully explain why I got involved with my family's visa when you asked me?   I don't know how else to ask in a respectful way?  Answer them or don't.   I was simply just as curious as you were with me earlier.  

I'm not understanding the reasons for any of your responses.  they make absolutely no sense.  I ask a question and you act like I never asked anything.

As far as the relationship you have with your family....I have no comment.  it's none of my business. 

Not that it's any importance, but I have fully and clearly explained why my family is unable to pay in one of my responses to you, so I truly don't understand why you are asking again and I don't understand why it seems to bother or intrigue you so much that someone has a different relationship with their family that is different from yours.    

It looks like with all your time here and the so-called thousands of B visas you've seen that you can't answer my questions or don't want to and since It seems you're looking for some sort of an ego/pissing contest, I will say that I have no desire to indulge you further into the personal relationship i have with my family.

Thank you for a very interesting exchange?

Just now, Boiler said:

Yes I did apply for a B, well for me with me paying etc for me and I was refused.

You didn't state the reason why you were refused, but my research I've done there is nothing that is wrong or will cause a B-2 to be denied because a 3rd party helps with the application, or if someone else is paying.   The form even has "address where you will be staying", "Person/Entity pay for your trip", "Person paying for your trip", "Is the address of the party paying for your trip the same as your home or mailing address?", "payer's address".  

Maybe I have missed something on Google or on the form but there doesn't seem to be anything that indicates that no one else should or is not allowed to pay the visa fee's or for pay for the applicant's trip.  

Are you saying the consulate specifically told you that you are denied because of who paid for your visa fee and who'd be paying for your trip to...wherever, as you seem to be indicating or is that just an assumption on your part?  

Just now, Boiler said:

 

I have no idea what you mean by what you pointed out.  Not to be a smart aleck....but have you filled out a B-2 before?  It asks on the paperwork who is paying the fees, where you'll be staying, ect.... It even states that a 3rd party can fill out the paperwork for you but you'd have to click the final "submit" button on your end (which they did in Colombia)  I filled in my information as the person filling out the paperwork, paying the visa fee and as the person they'd be staying with, ect.    

I truly do not understand what you are talking about.   Maybe I'm misunderstanding you by me ensuring they aren't going to get a B-2 approved.

3 minutes ago, Boiler said:

You seemed to have ticked many of the boxes to ensure they do not obtain Tourist Visas.

 

I must be doing something wrong, none of my relatives seem to want to cover all my costs.

If you would elaborate,  what boxes have I ticked to ensure they don't obtain tourist visas?  Now I am curious.  

LOL....I guess you ought to be nicer to them.  Mine are poor, barely getting by.  As I said...they're family and I love them so I don't mind helping them.  They never ask me for anything anyway.    

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

I am intrigued as to why you are involved at all.

(Sigh....)  Well....apparently I should have given a lengthy history and backstory or not even asked a question at all.  It seems since I posted a simple question posters want to correct me, get clarification and a detailed reason why I asked my question.  

Simple fact of the matter is.....16 years ago I used this site, it's guides and with the help of it's members at the time I was able to successfully complete a fiance visa for my (now) Colombian wife.  I am vaguely familiar with the general visa process and since I am the one paying for all of this I wanted to do it myself.   In addition, though I had not specifically done a B-2 visa before...I had done a K-1 and I believe it would be smoother, faster and have a greater chance of being done correctly the first time If I do it myself considering my familiarity with the overall general process of doing the paperwork.  I didn't check to see if the forms are available in Spanish or not, however....considering I am the one paying the fees, airfare and travel expenses if something was done incorrectly I would rather get upset at myself rather than blame someone else for wasted or additional money spent.   As much as I hate to say it out loud....For my own personal reasons, I don't trust them to do it correctly or in a timely manner.  I'm like a dog with a bone.  I don't go on "well, i think it could be this" or "I assume it's that".  I find out, to all extent possible, a specific and certain answer or solution.    In short....I am of the belief that "if you want something done right, ect...".     Then there is the reason they are my brother in-law and nephew.  I don't mind helping family.  I love them.   

I don't know if my reasons make sense...but those are the reasons I am involved in helping my family obtain tourist visas. 

3 hours ago, Timona said:

 

I am confused. 

On another note, I'm not sure if you're familiar with US Embassy Bogota and their B-2 process. But I'll reserve that sicne it's not what you asked. 

I was trying to be brief because people today tend to not want to read a long drawn out post.   

My wife is Colombian.  16 years ago, with the help of this website, it's guides and it's members, I was able to successfully complete a fiance visa...for my wife...because she didn't speak or read English very well at the time.   Now, after 16 years of marriage we'd like to help attain a tourist visa for her brother and his son, which is her nephew, to come and visit us.    I put their ages in my post because I wasn't sure if I'd get responses based on the wrong assumptions about my nephew age.  I wasn't sure if you could put infants or toddlers on the parents B2 visa application because I never looked at that question and didn't want responses here dwelling on the wrong things.  So, to try to avoid that I stated their ages so readers would know they are both adult age.  It looks like that didn't work and was unnecessary as it seems to have added confusion.   I apologize for the confusion.

yes, I am familiar with the US embassy in Bogota.  No, I am not familiar with the entire B-2 process because it's my first one, but it doesn't seem very confusing, even though I had my one question....but I understand by my post it makes readers think I'm a complete idiot.

I could go into detail about my statement of making individual visa applications for them, which I fully and completely understand I needed to do, so that neither knocks the other one out of getting approved but I realize I phrased that completely wrong and there is absolutely no context to it and it's confusing as hell to the readers and it really doesn't have anything to do with my question of is there a way to get them interviews at the same time.   Perhaps I should just delete my entire post and just post my simple question.  However, after looking a little bit I dont' see where I can delete my original post. 

3 hours ago, jan22 said:

A couple of important corrections.  First — you did not pay for the visas.  You paid for the application processing and visa interview.  It may or may not result in a visa.  Second — you cannot get them visas.  They must qualify for them in their own merits.
 

Two applications had to be filed.  There is no option for two people to be processed on one visa application/fee payment.

 

To specifically answer your question — you must pay the fee before you can schedule the visa interview.   You will need the MRV fee receipt number to get to the interview scheduling site, so you are going in the right order.  They will need two appointments, but you can schedule them on the same day (on any day that has two interview slots open, that is). 

 

 

 

Geeze....yeah, you got me on all the techical terminology that you pointed out.  By your more detailed response here I can see you took the time to read my initial post and my question.  If you felt a certain kinda way by me pointing out before that I didn't think you had, I understand "tone" is hard to interpret on the internet....I wasn't trying to be a smart aleck, but In my defense I never asked how long the wait time was and you really didn't put your answer of "685 days" in context.  You simply stated it, which left me with only one conclusion, considering I never asked about it.  Hopefully you can understand.

With the helpful guides and members here 16 years ago I was able to complete a successful fiance visa process without paying an attorney. Respectfully, while I may have used the wrong terminology in my latest post and had people assume wrong conclusions about me and my limited knowledge of visas, I can understand why some would scratch their heads and say, "WTH?" on my latest post and at all the ways I apparently phrased things wrong.   I'm just glad my wife doesn't assume when I say, "I'm going to pick up some groceries" that I'm not actually going into a grocery store and stand in the aisles and stand there and repeatedly pick up grocery items like I'm lifting weights and then put them back.  That she understands that I am going to the store, picking out items, pay for said items, place items in my car and take them home with me.  I appreciate you pointing out I should be more precise with my words and phrasing.  It seems the members here were much more laid back  16 years ago.   (For clarification...yes, this my attempt at a light hearted and humorous response to your attention to detail when reading other people's phrasing and words.)

I understand every single thing you said, and that is exactly what I meant.  I can now see that my language was much too casual.  Thankfully you seemed to understand what I had meant.   

I asked if I could get them a group appointment for the visa interview at the same time because I seen a few google responses that showed at other USA embassies there were actually ways you could do that, but I didn't see any answers specifically for Bogota nor did I see an option when I was prompted to schedule their interview dates and times.  So I decided to ask my question before scheduling a date and time for them. I fully understand that I could possibly get them individual interviews on the same day if there are available slots, but didn't seem probable because the website was acting very weird and uncooperative.  On one applicant there would be days in February, then next applicant all the days in February are gone but there would be some in March.  When I went back through it again it would be different dates and times yet again.   I could go into more detail and clarification about the website acting funny....but I tend to get wordy, as you can see.   Besides...it doesn't have anything to do with my original question.  It would only be pointing out that it's not my first time using a computer or filling out paperwork.    

Thank you for taking time to read my post and trying to help.   Sincerely.     

1 hour ago, JeanneAdil said:

present wail time for B1/B2  in Bogata is

 

Interview Required Visitors (B1/B2)

685 Calendar Days

 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

While I appreciate the reply,  I dont think you read my post.  

Hello....

I respectfully looked and researched before asking this.  

My wife and I, in the USA, are trying to get b2 tourist visas for her brother and nephew who live in Colombia.  I filed 2 separate visas (nephew is 21, dad is 53) so as one doesn't potentially knock the other out of getting approved.  

I think i made a mistake.  I paid for the visas tonight but didn't set the appointments yet.  My question is...does anyone know how or if i can schedule their appointments together in Bogota or did i screw myself by filing and paying the fees before finding the answer to my question?

Thanks for any assistance.

The Vistor visa section says it's for non-family based discussions, so I put my question here.

I am a U.S. citizen. Wife came from Colombia with K1 , we married, she's now a U.S. citizen also.

Wife wants visa for mother...thinks mother is going to stay, wife is wrong on this count! LOL.

I figured I'd try for a vistor visa first, if that got denied then I would try with an Immigrant visa.

The guides are making me want to scream and pull my hair out! Please help me as it's very frustrating to me. There is no..."step 1 is this, step 2 is that" anywhere I've looked.

From what I gather...for a tourist visa from colombia I (her mother) need the following:

1. fill out the DS 160 from the embassy in Bogota website. Luckily they don't let you see the form before you fill it out or register, this would be too convenient I guess. I'm going to fill this out for her mother. Am I right in assuming that I need to register as her mother when the DS is filled out online?

2. At some point either I pay a fee on line when I fill out the DS 160 or her mother has to take the money to a bank and get a deposit slip. This is NOT clear to me. I assume the fee is $140.

3. She needs a passport from her country. She will need this BEFORE I fill out the DS 160

4. She needs a 2x2 photograph that I will have to upload on the DS 160 form someplace, I assume. She will also need this BEFORE I fill out the DS 160.

So far....that is all I can see that I need. I have not seen where I (my wife) need any I134 forms, no tax returns, no bank letters, no letters from employers from my wife's work, no letter of invitation to her mother. Arggghhhhh! I was told that I need these. Rather, my wife does. This is a HUGE pain to figure out. Can someone take a few minutes to help me please? I've been to the guide on her, to the U.S. embassy Colombia website, the State Dept. website, ect.....so directing me to one of these will not help me.

I am about ready to tell my wife that her mother will just have to swim here. its' not worth the aggravation of piecing together this puzzle.

Thanks.

Are they mailing the approved 129f visas now from Bogota or can the ladies still pick them up the next day?

Thanks Kez. When my wife was telling me about her friend's husband deducting....I didn't ask where she's from. I found out today that she is from Mexico.

Thanks again for your help.

I've been trying to look it up and someone can correct me if I'm wrong....but it looks like the most you can deduct is about $850 and maybe a little more if she's over 65. I don't believe she has to be living in a certain country, as long as they get a ITIN.

Yeah, I basically pay her total bills. She's unable to work and has zero income. If it's only $850 then that's not really alot to compensate for a probable audit, I guess.

Heres a question I don't recall seeing....

We've almost hit the 2 year mark, we will need to do the next step in removing her conditions as a permanent resident and we send money to her mother each month in Colombia. Can I or can she deduct the support I/she sends her mother every month on my/our/her taxes?

Thanks for the info. I wanted to double check. Much appreciated.

sean