Oklahoma1234

On 12/14/2018 at 12:49 PM, Amy J Hdz said:

If i wanted to update the embassy, do you know what should i do? I’m waiting for the noa2. Also, how long did it take you to schedule your interview? 

I updated the embassy from Managua to San Jose several months before receiving the NOA2. We were told by USCIS support phone line to write a letter and physically mail it to the service center. It might take weeks for them to receive and process with the holidays. Let me know if you would like to see the letter we created. We also did not receive confirmation that the embassy change was made until we called NVC and received the case number that started with "SNJ" which means the petition was being sent to San Jose.

8 minutes ago, jay9475 said:

Gracias, we'll get them all translated, and thank you! 

Yes, better to be safe than sorry. I dont think it would get denied, but might delay the process if they want to see them. And we only provided translations for the following:

- birth certificate

- police records

- single status certificates

12 minutes ago, jay9475 said:

Congratulations!! I read your Embassy review too, and it's such good information!

Our interview is scheduled for December 11th, I'll be flying down there to join him for the interview. He got all the civil documents, but doesn't have the translations. Were the translations required? I have all the financial stuff, 1040 and tax transcripts, W-2s, but instead of a bank letter, I have all my statements - hoping that'll suffice? Thank you again for the update! 

The best evidence is being there with your fiance in my opinion! It was intimidating to be at embassy but after the process I realized it was more relaxed than I anticipated. I think the packet just says translations are recommended by not required. I had a friend that's bilingual translate them the day before. Anyone who is competent in both languages can do it. Attached are a few of ours: Doc5 Translated.pdfDoc6 Translated.pdfDoc7 Translated.pdf. I also had her sign the translations after we printed.

I think the bank statements will work. I would just make sure it shows when your account was opened, balance, etc. I just went to my credit union and they provided a deposit verification that includes my name, open date, current balance and date letter was produced.

41 minutes ago, Cari & Andy UB said:

Hi CR filers. I was wondering if anyone here has dealt with or is aware of the Child Support Laws and Regulations of Costa Rica. My husband has a daughter in Costa Rica. He has been paying his dues for child support. I have also been helping be compliant with that. We are planning to have an affidavit signed by both of us in commitment to continuing to provide for his daughter once he is here. So we aren’t the problem really…yesterday the mother stipulated that we needed to pay like 2 gran for her to sign off on his exit of the country….which also is not a problem because money comes and goes and my happiness is being with him.

 

I just don’t want to get tricked by her and obviously taken advantage of with this situation. Does anyone here have experience with dealing with the family support office and getting permissions for exit of the country?

I am not familiar with the family support office, but I did see a girl in the embassy on Monday. Her mother lives in the US and her dad didn't want to sign permission for her to leave the country. The girl was accompanied by her grandmother. The consular office advised they needed the signature from the father before she could leave. I don't know what the final result was, but my suggestion would be to do what you have to get his daughter to the US and get the required paperwork from the mother. I would document everything and include a receipt for any money given.

We are anticipating a similar situation when we try to bring my fiance's children to the US (it's not an option for the mother right now). I suggest emailing the US embassy and asking what documentation is needed. I also have a good bilingual lawyer is Costa Rica that we have been using. I am send you a private message.

49 minutes ago, Cari & Andy UB said:

Hey, I don't know if you posted this already but I looked and couldn't find anything. Do you mind sharing who you had the physical exam with, like what doctor and how was your experience?

My fiance went to Dr. Franz Chaves Sell at Clinica Americana. His information is provided in the packet.

He said the doctor was professional and familiar with the visa process. He asked about the vaccination records (he didn't have them). My fiance paid extra for the vaccines that day. I guess my fiance was asking a lot of questions so the doctor warned him not to do that during the actual interview.

My fiance had his interview in San Jose on Monday and his visa was approved! I attended with him and the consular office asked me more questions that him. Overall it was very simple. If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer for those preparing for the interview. I will also write a review in the consulate section for CR.

For financial docs we provided I-134 form, pay stubs for past month, 2017 tax returns, w-2, letter from bank and employer letter (some docs were originals and some were copies like the employer & bank letters). We also brought monthly bank statements but they did not ask for these. It's important that the single status certificate is from the Civil Registry NOT the Alcaldia. Since my fiance is from Nicaragua he provided 2 certificates (one from each country). He also provided 2 police records - the CR one must state for tramites internacionales. His record from Nicaragua only state tramites migraciones and they accepted it. They reviewed all docs and returned the Nica docs back to him.

We were told his K-1 visa will be ready by the end of the week (other visa types would like 7-10 days)! Good luck to the rest of you!

1 minute ago, jay9475 said:

Hola everyone! 

My fiancé got his civil documents yesterday, and will be scheduling his appointments for the labs and x-ray. How much time in between the lab tests and medical exam should there be (since they the lab results)? Also, he only needs his cédula and photos as identification, correct? Thanks y'all! 

The info needed for the medical/lab tests is in the packet. I believe the link to the packet has been posted in this thread a few times. Definitely ID and passports photos are required, your fiancé also should print the DS 160 confirmation page.

My fiancé did the lab tests and x-rays the same day and scheduled the physical exam 2 weeks later because we were trying to find his vaccinations records. I don’t have a good timeline but your fiancé can call one of the doctors and they will probably have more info. 

22 minutes ago, TheFutureMrsBowma said:

I hope they accept it, but I called last week and the lady told me the Affidavit must be the original document. I hope that’s not the case for you guys, but just letting you know 

Also, how many days will it take once they ship the package from the NVC to the embassy? 

That makes sense for the actual I-134 to be the original. I'm bringing all originals for the supporting docs but will plan to give them copies. We'll see.

10/5 Received case number from NVC

10/14 Completed DS-160 and submitted payment

10/15 Scheduled interview for 11/19

10/18 NVC sent petition to Embassy in CR

11/2  Received email from the embassy in CR with the packet info.

14 minutes ago, cdee098 said:

Ok! Thank you so much, that would be really helpful. I didn't see that either but just assumed they would need originals (e.g. signed employer letter & intent to marry letter) because, well, immigration. Haha. I plan on sending it anyway but wanted to check.

Yeah, I would think the I-134 itself needs to be the original. Most of the time supporting documents can be copies (that's what I did for the I-129F except intent to marry was the original doc). We will see and I'll let you know.

1 minute ago, cdee098 said:

Thanks! His area is pretty rural and DHL doesn't service it. Does anyone know if scanned documents would be accepted for the I-134?

I didn’t read anywhere in the packet that they must be originals. I plan to give them copies but will also bring originals just in case. I’m here in San Jose now. Our interview in on Monday 11/19 so I can let you know after if they accepted the copies for the I-134. Civil documents must be originals. 

18 hours ago, cdee098 said:

I'm mailing my 1-134F and supporting documents to my fiance in CR, any tips on the best way to send it? I was planning for FedEx, but I could use some advice. He lives in a pretty rural town so his mail goes to the post office. All pointers would be much appreciated!!!

From my experience DHL is the best way. I’ve had documents sent from Nicaragua to CR and US to CR and they were received both times. Must use a physical address. 

On 10/29/2018 at 8:31 AM, radharose said:

I don't see any period of validity on the single status certificate that my fiance received from the Registro Civil, and I don't see anything in the P3 about it either.  If you already have one from June, I wouldn't postpone the interview over that, because if they do require a more recent one, that is something that you can still provide after the interview.  If you are approved, they will give you a conditional approval and once you provide what they ask for, you will receive your visa.  The police certificate states on the paper itself that it is valid for 3 months, but the single certificate doesn't have any expiration date on it.  Maybe try calling or emailing the embassy and asking.  I have called them before and they were quite friendly and helpful.

Thank you for your feedback. I finally received a response from the Embassy in CR. I really wish they would be more thorough in their instructions. Also they made a comment that I scheduled the interview before they received the petition. It's currently "in transit". They just said I might have to reschedule if they don't receive the case by the interview date (already knew this).

For your information, the validity of the single status certificate of Costa Rica is 3 months. If you are Nicaraguan you will require the single status certificate of Costa Rica and the single status certificate of Nicaragua (from Registro Central de las Personas, no from the Alcaldia and the document must have the apostille certification) for the K visa application.  Please note that all the documents from Nicaragua must have the apostille certification.

1 hour ago, TheFutureMrsBowma said:

Hi! 

 

When did your appointment? Meaning how much time is the embassy giving appointments for the visa? Every two weeks? 

 

Also, I called the official doctor’s office and they told me that the doctor will decide which vaccinations you’ll need. They said they would give you the shots that same day and it could cost up to $150 dollars which have to be paid cash! 

 

Good luck and and I hope this Info hice you peace Bc my vaccination records is currently lost and when I read that I needed to pay up to $500 I almost cried 

We made the appointment for the physical exam a couple of weeks ago. I don't remember the exact date. That's good to know. My fiance has his certificado de salud but the lawyer cannot get the actual vaccination card so we will just have to see what happens. I know the vaccines do not cost more than $100.

On Oct 7th, we scheduled the visa interview for November 19th. There was several dates available for October and November we didn't know how long it would take to send the petition from NVC to the Embassy. The petition is "in transit" for almost 2 weeks now. I think the status will change to "ready" soon. Right now, they have not opened up the interview dates for December.

If anyone has any info or knows the answer to the first question (How long is the single status certificate valid for in Costa Rica?), please let me know!!

My fiancé is from Nicaragua but he is currently in Cost Rica waiting for his visa interview on Nov 19th. We have a few questions:

1. How long is the single status certificate valid for in Costa Rica? I read an old document on the visa page that states 3 months but the packet 3 doesn’t start a time period. My fiancé obtained his certificate (already apostilled) in June in Nicaragua and we are nervous they will not accept it. We are trying to work with a lawyer in Nicaragua to get another one because it’s a long process and will cost be more than $200. We might have to push the interview date back and I plan to travel to CR and need to book flights soon.

2. What has everyone’s experiences been with not having the vaccination records. Our lawyer in Nicaragua could only obtain a health certificate stating my fiancé is up to date on everything and doesn’t have any diseases. I have a standard list of vaccines requieres in Nica but nothing specific to my fiance’s Records. His physical exam is set for Oct 31st and the lawyer hasn’t mailed the documents yet. I think we might have to push the date back also. For those that didn’t have the records, did you have to get a lot more vaccines at the exam?

Thanks everyone for your help. Below is the response from the Costa Rica Embassy: 

We understand that you want to have more information about your current K-1 Visa Application Process and if the situation with your Costa Rican Tourist Visa will affect this process. 
In response to your question, we would like to inform you that, Visa approval or denial is the sole discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and since your case is still at the NVC the embassy is not able to provide you further assistance until the Case got transferred by this department. 

I spoke to a couple of lawyers in the US and they do not think this will be a problem. Consular officers are to follow US laws and his status with Costa Rica is legal. We also have the law to reference and confirmation from a lawyer in Costa Rica.

@TM92 Thanks for the info. I called that same number today and the response was something like " the officer that reviews your visa petition can only provide this information". Very unhelpful. I will send an email tonight and try to call tomorrow.

I am in need of advised from anyone who has gone through a similar situation.

My fiance is Nicaraguan and we submitted the I-129F petition in March 2018. The US Embassy in Nicaragua stopped accepting non-immigrant (K-1) visas sometime between May-June due to civil unrest. At the end of June, he LEGALLY entered Costa Rica on a 90-day tourist visa.

On Sept 8th, he filed for a work permit in Costa Rica that is still pending today. We've confirmed with 2 Costa Rican lawyers that he can LEGALLY stay in Costa Rica until his work permit has been processed even though his tourist visa expired at the end of September. We received the NOA2 on Sept 20th and the I-129F petition is pending with NVC. We've confirmed the petition will be sent to the US Embassy Costa Rica for the K-1 visa interview once ready.

I've consulted 2 US lawyers today and don't feel 100% confident in an answer. Has anyone's fiance entered another country legally on a visa that later expired? He needs to stay in Costa Rica until his interview. We are concerned the officer that conducts the interview will only see the expired tourist visa and not understand his status in Costa Rica is legal due to the pending work permit. Can anyone been through a similar situation or know where I can find more information regarding legal status of country where interview is conducted? One lawyer told us they US Embassy in Costa Rica might only see that his tourist visa expired and nothing else. A paralegal with a different company said the US will only care that he entered Costa Rica legally.

If he goes back to Nicaragua we are worried that the Costa Rican consulate will not issue another visa (we're trying to confirm this). If they do not issued another tourist visa he cannot legally enter Costa Rica again even though his work permit is pending. US Embassy in Nicaragua started accepting non-immigrant visas again last month, but everything is backlogged and I already had the interview country changed from Nicaragua to Costa Rica.

Any information would be extremely helpful!!

@setsemas Unfortunately I don't think anyone knows. I have been receiving the email updates from the US Embassy in Managua since April and there's no sign they will be processing nonimmigrant visas in Nicaragua anytime soon.

We had submitted the petition in March 2018 thinking the visa interview would be in Managua. I mailed a letter to USCIS on July 25th requesting an address change so the petition would be sent to San Jose, Costa Rica. My fiancé also moved there at the end of June. USCIS' customer service isn't the best (even after going into a field office in OKC in August to confirm the change was made) and I even received different answers the first few times I called.

We received the NOA2 on 9/20/18 and I called NVC yesterday 10/5/2018 and confirmed the address was updated to Costa Rica and received our case number. The first 3 digits are letter (SNJ) indicating the embassy where it will be sent to.

If your petition is still at the service center (probably TX or CA), I am happy to send you the letter we sent to USCIS to change the address of the beneficiary. If you received the NOA2 in Sept, I would contact NVC to have the address updated to a nearby country. If your petition is already in Managua, I would contact the embassy there. Below is my timeline:

------

I have a question for the group: I now have my case number from DOS NVC, can my fiancé (beneficiary) go ahead and complete the DS-160 visa application without having the petition sent to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy yet? He also doesn't have the packet of requirements yet. I think I've noticed a few people are doing that..

Thank you!! We called the Nicaraguan Embassy in CR and they couldn't help with the certificate, but my fiance was able to get it today in Managua! Thanks so much for your help. He's heading to his CR visa appt now.

My fiance born in andcurrently lives in Nicaragua. We filed his I-129F petition in March 2018 and we're currently waiting on NOA2. Due to the civil unrest and violence, the US Embassy has closed down in his country. Tomorrow he goes to the capital (a very dangerous place right now) to get his visa for Costa Rica so he can move to CR and stay there until his petition is approved (hopefully). If approved he would have his US visa interview in CR instead of Nicaragua.

He's trying to gather all potential documents needed for the visa/interview before leaving the country because he might not be able to go back. Two questions:

1) Any advice for packet 4? Any documentation that wasn't outlined clearly in the packet that we should be aware of? 

2) Can he get the singleness certificate from a Nicaraguan Embassy in another country? It's suppose to be from the Central Civil Registry of Managua... Anyone dealt with a similar situation?

Just trying avoid any further complications for this process. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Have you made any progress here? I spoke to USCIS at the beginning of May, specifically in regards to the situation in Nicaragua. My fiance is currently there and we received NOA1 in March, and have some time to wait. USCIS told me if the US Embassy is closed in Nicaragua they would send the petition to the next nearest embassy. I'm assuming Costa Rica. They didn't mention anything about having residency or a specific visa.

I put our I-129F petition in the mail on Wednesday (FedEX) and I received a notification today that it was delivered and signed for.

I was looking over the instructions again today and realized I didn't sign and date the 6 supplement pages I included. We both did sign the supplement page that explains our in-person meeting, but the pages with additional info (ex: continued address/employment history) were not signed.

Has anyone done/experienced this before? I called the USCIS hotline and they told me it could get overlooked by the reviewer and accepted, rejected and returned, or accepted and a RFE. I'm freaking out..

Thank you to both of you for the help! I really appreciate it. The receipts will be secondary evidence so I don't think we'll translate them. Thanks again!

Hello - I have a few last minute questions before mailing my fiancé's petition next week:

1. Can anyone who are recently had their I-129F petition approved confirm that the G-325A forms are no longer needed or required?

2. From my understanding receipts are considered secondary evidence - how vital is it for hotel receipts (in addition to reservations in English), engagement ring receipt, gift receipts, etc. to be translated from Spanish to English? Should I be concerned if we don't translate them?

3. Anyone received a RFE for passport photos? We went to 2 places in Nicaragua and Costa Rica and we unsatisfied with the quality of the photos. I'm a little nervous about this. Also is their a requirement against taking a photo with a white shirt?

Any feedback would be appreciated!