EmilySF

8 hours ago, rudajojo said:

Hi, 

Thanks for letting me know! I looked up FB for the group but all I find is the song...can you post a link to that group here? Glad to hear that people are being approved in Bogota, I hope it's 3 of 3 which would be 100% of cases.. . 

 

On 12/27/2017 at 5:42 AM, T-Bone said:

My NOA1 date was June 22, 2017, they are processing NOA1 June 23, 2017 dates today but I haven't gotten any email notices yet. It's at CSC center. Also was wondering if anyone has gone through the Bogotá embassy and how it was. Look forward to hearing from the group! Happy New Year and lots of luck!

Not sure where you’re at with the process but we all moved to a Facebook group to work through it together. 3 couples have been approved through bogota so far. PM me for the link if you wanna join the FB group

On 12/13/2017 at 7:48 PM, rudajojo said:

I sponsored my husband as  a fiance during the improved times in US- Cuban relations ( 2 years ago) and he was denied, we are waiting now for our interview date after being approved by NVC. In current climate, I doubt any fiance from Cuba can be approved for the visa so choose the nearest US embassy if you want to try. I pray to God that wherever they'll send us ( I'll go with him),  he will be approved. To qualify for the visa to Mexico or any other "hot" Spanish speaking destination, they need to have a good income in Cuba, own the house, money on the account...Good luck!

We’ve all moved to a Facebook group called “You Can’t Hurry Love” if you want to request to join. 3 ppl so far have been approved in bogota and we’re all working through it together 

On 11/20/2017 at 4:34 PM, DiamondEyes490 said:

We got a case complete from the NVC today, so we are officially in line for an interview. I’ll let you guys know as soon as we actually get an appointment.

Awesome, do keep us posted. I just got back from Cuba tonight .. no new questions or anything out of the ordinary with travel. Getting tired of this spurts of intense relationship, ready to get this interview going and be regular already! Have a good night everybody!

1 hour ago, T-Bone said:

Anyone seen this checklist: https://co.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/the-interview/

 

Seems like they keep making things deliberately harder.

 

Also, anyone affected by the Trump Admin changes to US Citizens traveling to Cuba?

I called the embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and they told me to email them my request to transfer our case. My fiance still has the issue of not being able to speak English, but maybe they're something there. That's my last chance, unless there's other spanish-speaking countries that don't require Cubans to have a visa ... ? 

Looks like we're all waiting for however long to receive notification of transfer to Bogota. 

I have a flight booked to Cuba on Sunday 11/19, but the Trump restrictions might make it weirder than before. I imagine we can still choose another one of the 11 approved reasons for travel on the form. I might travel under religion or research, I work in education and am in grad school.  That's my hope, flying on Delta, so I'll let you guys know what the new user experience is on flights. At this point, I just want to move to Havana and live with my dude eating pork and bananas until the gov't figures it out. 

This thread is legit keeping my hope alive, thanks guys! Maybe we should all get an airbnb in Bogota and wait it out together lol

On 10/23/2017 at 5:02 PM, Malonya Kelly said:

My fiance and I have decided that he'll travel to Guyana for the K1 Visa Process. I called the Language Institute in Guyana @ 011-592-231-7303, and they said they will be able to provide the interpreter for the immigration interview. I need to request the interpreter via email at cecilyd@languageinstitute.co.gy.

Did you confirm your ability to interview in Guyana? I'm getting antsy and get anywhere with NVC ...

Thanks for all the info!

On 10/10/2017 at 8:47 PM, Mocuepa25 said:

Any info anyone finds out will help... this seems to be getting more and more complicated. 

I was in Havana on 10/16 and was able to enter the embassy. I work for the school district so am used to bureaucracy and how to be ridiculously assertive. It's not worth the fight, but here's the scoop:

all "packets" are digital so don't need to be picked up in person, they can be transferred to another embassy digitally.

all visas will be automatically transferred to Bogota. Yes, Cubans need a visa to travel to colombia. It's an online application and then an in-person consulate visit by the Cuban fiancé to finalize the visa and pick up. Still unsure about that step, but I believe you have to have the "I have an interview date in Bogota" proof in hand so it lessens the burden for Cuban fiancé to prove they have a bank account/property etc and won't overstay in Colombia.

also Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago are no-visa-for-Cubans options and there are ppl on other threads on this website requesting interviews at those locations (in a Georgetown, someone has successfully requested a translator for the interview). Copa air flies from Havana to T&T, relatively pain-free, no visa, no vaccinations.

To use those embassies, you have to request your case be transferred to one of them: email asknvc@state.gov w your Case # in subject line and names + DOB from both petitioner and beneficiary. I haven't done this yet.

if you're in havana waiting, my opinion is to come back to the U.S to have phone and wifi to figure it out. I think this will take months to get an interview date. I'm preparing myself for after the new year. Plus with travel bookings and gettin an Airbnb for Bogota, it'll be easier in the U.S plus cheaper to wait on hold for the NVC line 603-334-0700 

hope that helps, it's been a real roller coaster for us love birds ❤️

29 minutes ago, DiamondEyes490 said:

This is the part that makes it really sad. Does it suck for all of us? Absolutely. We're definitely going to see delays in our interview dates, applying for a Colombian visa will be a pain, coordinating travel, paying more money, etc., but in the end it's an inconvenience. Won't be the end of the world. A lot of people that are trying to bring kids, parents, etc. from Cuba won't have the money to travel to Colombia and hang out for 2-3 weeks to get this all sorted out. Such a lack of humanity in all of these decisions.

 

I'm trying to look on the brightside and turn this into a vacation since I've never been to Colombia.

I recommend the north coast. Cartagena, Santa Marta and Parque Tayrona

4 minutes ago, EmilySF said:

They need a visa

4 minutes ago, EmilySF said:

They need a visa

Sorry to blow up the spot. Here's the scoop on other stuff. Medical check has to be from the country where you're doing the interview:

On 10/18/2017 at 2:15 PM, Malonya Kelly said:

I sent an email to Bogota Embassy asking if Cubans can enter into Colombia with a passport only. We will see what they say.

They need a visa

6 minutes ago, EmilySF said:

I went to the embassy in Havana Monday and it was like Fort Knox. Wouldn't even let me in through the gate w my U.S. passport. Was told to go to the park on the corner to hear some announcement. 

 

When i went this woman from the embassy was explaining to a huge crowd of Cubans that basically all functions were stopped indefinitely and to visit "la página del web" .. they didn't even bother to print a little paper with the website on it. Maybe 100 ppl basically finding out that they'd have to travel to a 3rd country to do their interview. Many of them had already paid $1000s and done several medical checks and been denied. 

 

I insisted on "picking up my packet" and did finally get through to wait inside the embassy where I saw about 15 embassy employees sitting in plastic chairs just chatting. Two were behind the glass pulling crumpled documents out of a large trash can and smoothing them out. Pretty not legit if you ask me. I was the only person in the waiting area.

 

Finally another woman came out and explained that there is no physical packet, everything went electronic in 2016 SO THAT WAS GOOD NEWS. 

 

She also said that all C-1 visas and K-1s would go to Bogota and I would received confirmation by letter when the next steps were decided upon. One of my questions was whether my fiancé should do the chequeo médico in Cuba or in Colombia and she said that's one of the decisions they need to make.

 

And yes, Cubans need a darn visa to visit Colombia and it's an online application and then a physical visit to the Colombian embassy in Havana to get the visa. So annoying, but trying to stay positive!

 

I'm gonna call T&T to see if they can request my case be transferred there. I don't love Bogota, went in 2008 and it leaves something to be desired, especially to wait for who knows how long to receive word if the interview went well. But we're up for the challenge.

 

My heart breaks for all the kids who were in that park waiting for visas to see their parents living in the U.S. 

 

Lmk if anyone has any leads on anything, I'm back stateside for now! Good luck!

 

Also the page is updated. https://cu.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions/

Says we can request another country but need to have a valid reason.

Also says fiancé should plan to stay in that country for a couple weeks waiting for the results of the interview. 

Also says Cubans need to get a valid visitor visa to Colombia prior to travel, through normal process. 

This is epic 

On 10/18/2017 at 5:37 PM, Malonya Kelly said:

Guys, I just found this online:

 

www.havanatimes.org/?p=127830

 

 

I went to the embassy in Havana Monday and it was like Fort Knox. Wouldn't even let me in through the gate w my U.S. passport. Was told to go to the park on the corner to hear some announcement. 

When i went this woman from the embassy was explaining to a huge crowd of Cubans that basically all functions were stopped indefinitely and to visit "la página del web" .. they didn't even bother to print a little paper with the website on it. Maybe 100 ppl basically finding out that they'd have to travel to a 3rd country to do their interview. Many of them had already paid $1000s and done several medical checks and been denied. 

I insisted on "picking up my packet" and did finally get through to wait inside the embassy where I saw about 15 ppl sitting in plastic chairs just chatting. Two were pulling crumpled documents out of a large trash can and smoothing them out. Pretty not legit if you ask me. I was the only person in the waiting area.

Finally another woman came out and explained that there is no physical packet, everything went electronic in 2016 SO THAT WAS GOOD NEWS. 

She also said that all C-1 visas and K-1s would go to Bogota and I would received confirmation by letter when the next steps were decided upon. One of my questions was whether my fiancé should do the chequeo médico in Cuba or in Colombia and she said that's one of the decisions they need to make.

And yes, Cubans need a darn visa to visit Colombia and it's an online application and then a physical visit to the Colombian embassy in Havana to get the visa. So annoying, but trying to stay positive!

I'm gonna call T&T to see if they can request my case be transferred there. I don't love Bogota, went in 2008 and it leaves something to be desired, especially to wait for who knows how long to receive word if the interview went well. But we're up for the challenge.

My heart breaks for all the kids who were in that park waiting for visas to see their parents living in the U.S. 

Lmk if anyone has any leads on anything, I'm back stateside for now! Good luck!

3 hours ago, Malonya Kelly said:

Just emailed the US Embassy in Havana and this is what they said:

 

Cuban applicants for nonimmigrant visas may apply at another U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.  Immigrant visa and parole applicants should wait until further information is available.

The Embassy is returning passports, visas, parole and other travel documents that have been issued. You may check to see if your documents are ready for pickup by accessing the following webpage: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Default.aspx?App. If your documents are ready, you can pick them up at the Embassy - Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m.

Please, visit the Embassy Havana website <https://cu.usembassy.gov/> for the latest messages related to Embassy operations


We hope this information is of assistance.
 

 

I'm going to Cuba tonight so i'll swing by the embassy to see if I can collect my packet Monday at 10am. I checked the link Malonya sent (thank you) and it says "ready" so we'll see what I can get done in person, I'll wear a pencil skirt and see if I can make something happen. 

Alternatively, the NVC said I could call Port of Spain to see if they will request it to be transferred but then maybe my fiancé would have to do his health check at T&T which gets more complicated.

NVC also told me don't worry about the expiration on the approval. Also both people I called (NVC and embassy services in Miami) said if I wait, I'll receive official instructions on what to do next. 

To act or not to act, that is the question!

12 hours ago, DiamondEyes490 said:

Let us know what they say. Trinidad & Tobago works as well. I'm actually living in Port of Spain with my husband right now.

Yeah my understanding is that you have to have "the packet" for the health check envelope, and to do the D-160 and schedule an interview. Or do you guys think I should just call T&T embassy and try to just go for it? Headed to Cuba tmrw to see my guy, eat some mango and hopefully relax for a minute!

Yep, you're right. Cubans need a visa to go to El Salvador. I read the chart wrong. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Cuban_citizens

looks like T&T or Guyana are the top picks for third country application 

also, I've done a bunch of the documentation and I think I only translated an updated "intent to marry" statement. I didn't bother with IMO/What's App messages bc I have a bazillion pages of skype call logs and photos. 

I use "Babble On" in San Francisco for certified translation. Everything is online and they are super fast and thorough, if you're looking for a rec, I like them.  

I just called a Visa Help number specifically for Cuba, located in Miami.  (786) 408-5995

Clicked through to the automated system until I got the right (K-1) thread then stayed on the line for a service agent.

He updated my information (my phone, fiance's phone, my email, fiance's email + asked for my fiance's passport number and DOB). I'm the petitioner, my fiance is the beneficiary. Said I would receive notification by mail/phone/email about the process.

Also, I don't think (not sure tho) that you can just go straight to the embassy in another country. I did a lot of digging and it seems there is a number you receive the "packet 3" and also a secure envelope that the beneficiary's health check must be sealed in upon entry to the U.S.

The pain point is identifying where the packet is now, how to re-route it to either you in the U.S. or your fiance in Cuba and then where/how to schedule the interview.

The agent also told me not to worry about the validity date of our I-757 approval notice which, for us, is Dec 30 2017 .. makes me nervous!

Please post your findings in Guyana, T&T or Barbados. I'm also looking for similar processes/interview options. We're also considering El Salvador because there is a direct flight from HAV to SAL on Aviana.

Good luck everyone!

Hey DiamondEyes and T-Bone. Been reading your thread and I'm in a similar boat.

Just received notice on Sept 19 that the NVC received our approved I-129F and that they would forward the petition to Havana. Well obvi the embassy isn't doing visas now. My Cuban fiancé called and said they don't have his Packet 3 for the health exam and I need to figure things out from the U.S. side.

Our I-797 Notice of Action expires Dec 30 and with all the holidays and it's horrible timing to try to play visa detective. This thread has been the most helpful thing I'be found. 

Please do update on what your attorney hears fron NVC and thanks for the tip on T&T and flights through Panama. Was there any vaccination or other documentation needed to get out of Cuba and into T&T? I told my dude we might have our Luna de Miel before we get married, trying to stay hopeful ...

I'm just going to start preparing my afadavit of support and evidence that we love eachother now and just wait? 

This is is really frustrating and the LDR is pretty sucky with hurricanes and spotty wifi. Please update with anything you hear and I'll do the same.