DeParaquedasBrasi

On 7/28/2022 at 12:51 PM, Mwamba said:

Technically, she's my wife - only waiting to officialize it! I consider her my wife.

“Technically”? Bro there’s no technically with immigration. It’s either Yes or No. and if she is your wife then you would be charged with fraud for lying and getting married again and doin an AOS. Not trying to be rude but your case is all over the place. I strongly recommend you clear your head completely of everything you think you know and start over. Start by accepting that it’s going to take at least 1.5 - 2 yes for them to come. 

Oi pessoal, I just wanted to give a review of how our interview went this week. Please feel free to ask any questions.

I sent 4 Expedite requests last year with no luck at all. I emailed my senators and congressman but since I live in a republican red state they were all busy with Trumps impeachment and never responded to any of my emails.....thanks for nothing guys!!!! 

In January 2021 I decided to send another expedite along with my psychiatrist letter saying I was going crazy, but I didn't have much faith in it since I had already sent that letter before and it was denied. To my surprise I got an email about a week and a half later saying it was approved. 

After I got the Approved email I also got the same email others got saying my appointment was canceled, even though I never had one to begin with. The day my expedite was approved two other friends who never asked for an expedite also got the email saying their appointments were canceled. This lead me to believe maybe my case was pulled randomly like theirs and my expedite was "approved" since my case was chosen....im not 100% sure. My two friends went on to have their interviews on the 14th of March and ours was scheduled a week later on the 22nd of March.

I immediately flew to Brazil to be with my wife at the interview. We emailed the doctors in SP and Rio to see what would work for us since she lives in Santa Catarina.

We chose Dr Garrido in Rio for these reasons:

According to the email from the Dr in SP (And a friend confirmed this), you must remain in your underwear/lingerie throughout the exame and he inspects you all over.

This made us uncomfortable since according to the NVC website the Dr is only supposed to check for what the immigration law says in needed....and nowhere in the law does it say the DR is supposed to check you for bumps or anything that requires you to be basically naked. He's supposed to check you bloodwork, urine results, X-rays, and other basic stuff like weight and blood pressure. 

Im not accusing the DR of anything, im sure he's a nice man, but we simply didn't see the need to go thru all that.

We arrived at Rio and did the blood, urine, and X-rays exams all on Monday the 14th (the results came back the same day), took advantage to tour Rio all week since it was our anniversary, did her fingerprints at CASV and the DR appointment with Garrido on Friday the 19th. DR Garrido was very nice and very quick. Literally 5-10min (it was the quickest and most expensive exame of my life lol). She needed a flu shot so he sent us to the clinic that is in the same building as his office. Once we were done his receptionist, who is a very nice lady, had already sent our results to the consulate. Thats another negative point about the DR in SP. I know of 5 people who had the exame with the DR in SP 2 weeks before the appointment and he never sent the results to the consulate which delayed the result of the visa.

The following Monday we had our interview at 8am. we arrived at 730 and were let in a little bit before 8. Leave your phone with the "Chaveiro". He sits right by the entrance door with the guard and his stand is around the corner by the exit door. Leave it with him because the guards who watch the exit door also watch his stand and the phones so its super safe.

Like most people have already said, you walk in, the staff tell you how to organize the documents, then you're called to a quiche where they confirm each document one by one.

OBS: You MUST take you antecedentes Criminais updated AND updated tax transcripts of your spouse/fiancé AND any joint sponsor. I was told they weren't asking for them but my gut said to take it and im glad I did cuz he asked for them. 

After that person reviews the docs you sit back down and then they'll call you for the actual interview. The interview is simple and quick....a few basic questions and boom you're approved . We were given the option to return at 15:00 since the Correios isn't sure how long it'll take to deliver.

If you have any questions please ask...ill do my best to answer.

Abraços.

3 hours ago, 1700Hope said:

 

Usually the applicant get an updated information about it since it follows US official table: https://br.usembassy.gov/visas/medical-examination-instructions/ : "The doctor’s fee is paid directly by the applicant. It cannot exceed the amount listed in our schedule of fees. Laboratory fees are also paid by the applicant." See the last one:

Costs to be paid at the Medical Offices (per person):

Description	Value (US$)
Medical examination:	$180.00
Lab tests (if necessary):	Varies
Vaccinations (if necessary):	Varies
DNA test (if necessary):	$360,00

Source: https://br.usembassy.gov/visas/schedule-of-fees/ Feb,2021.

 

In Rio de Janeiro/Brazil , it was converted USD>BRL currency and charged around R$850 , CASH only (March, 2021) for an IR Immigrant Visa 

 

Additional Information https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/medical-examination-faqs.html 

yes that's exactly what happened. We only found out when we went to schedule our medical exam

1 hour ago, 1700Hope said:

Hi,

It may be helpful:

1. I found this link that helped me to know about this medical examination (Test cost may changed)  https://docero.com.br/doc/vevn18 ( translation: https://translate.google.com.br/?hl=pt-BR&sl=en&tl=pt&op=translate)

2.  If you ask about IV - "Note: Immigrant visas interviews in Brazil are conducted only at the Consulate in Rio de Janeiro." ( And you have to do biometrics and photo at RIO's ASC prior 1hour of your interview date. (You might be required to register it on Yatri System once you get an email from US Consulate with directions of your interview date and time ) 

https://br.usembassy.gov/visas/frequently-asked-questions-immigrant-visas/

     If you ask about NIV - see https://br.usembassy.gov/visas/frequently-asked-questions-non-immigrant-visas/.

 

About the medical exam fees, I can confirm that the "Consulta" has gone up about 80 reais. I had left my wife money last year that was the exact total, and now that we have to pay it went up about 80 reais.

Just to confirm what I had posted earlier about the CASV appointment. The consulate replied to my email and said this about the emails saying you must go to the CASV 1 hour before your appointment,  "The one hour before option is sort of a general option if you don't find an option in the system that can better fit your needs."

Fica a dica kkkk

2 hours ago, AlfredoM2021 said:

Hi everyone,

two questions on my mind:

1. any ideas what type of medical exams are being done for this CR-1/IR-1 process? Are they looking for certain pre-conditions or just STD or respiratory diseases?

2. anyone else used a different ASC location for picture and fingerprints? or it must be done at RIO's ASC?

 

Thanks,

A

Currently the only ASC that's available for pictures and fingerprints is the ASC (CASV) in Rio. When you finally get your interview, you'll have to register you appointment one the Yatri system (AIS website). The ASC in SP, Brasilia etc will show up but won't have any available times and dates, meaning you'll have to select Rio. As far as when to go its a bit confusing because the Yatri system gives dates when to go, but the Interview Letters being sent out from the Consulate are saying to go to the ASC 1hr before your interview to get your picture and finger prints taken.

3 minutes ago, raphy2021 said:

No, however I brought both 2019 tax return and 2020 tax return just in case. I didn't have to bring any police records as I am 16 and only people 18 or older are required to bring them. 

Awesome. Thanks

@raphy2021 Did they ask you for any updated documents at the interview? Like updated tax returns or updated antecedentes criminais? 

55 minutes ago, raphy2021 said:

There's no way to schedule your medicals if not through the Consulate, they have to send an email to the clinic of choice telling them that you are allowed to do your medical exams.

 

On January 21st the US Consulate asked me where I was willing to do my medical exams and I chose to do them in Brasilia. I had to do them first in order to have the Consulate schedule my interview. So after the Consulate got me in touch with the doctor, the doctor told me that she was available on January 29th. I asked her if I could go ahead and get started on some of the bloodwork and other exams before the actual consultation to save time and she actually said yes. I had to go there twice. 

 

On February 2nd the US Consulate contacted me and they told me that they received my medical exams and that my interview date was on February 08th at 10 am.

Things changed in the last week apparently because the group of us that received interviews all got emails stating our interview date and saying we needed to get in contact with the doctors to get our exams. The Dr now have a list with names and if your name is on it then you schedule your exam. 

Thanks for the info.

4 minutes ago, Jizreel Fonseca said:

In the WhatsApp group, someone had "regular" interview today. According to her report, she was at the consulate from 8:00am to 01:00 pm and in the end they told her that her passport wouldn't be ready today because it was a little late, but on Wednesday would be.

Interesting. Thanks for the info 

21 hours ago, raphy2021 said:

BTW the only reason they checked if I could have my visa issued on the same day was because I asked. Had I not asked who knows when I would have gotten my passport back. So make sure to ask, worst case scenario they say no. if you have any other questions let me know

One more question. Where did you do your medical exams and how many days before your interview did you do them? Im getting too many mix messages about how much time I need. Some say do it one week before others say do it 2weeks before. Its so frustrating. kkkkkkk

13 hours ago, raphy2021 said:

BTW the only reason they checked if I could have my visa issued on the same day was because I asked. Had I not asked who knows when I would have gotten my passport back. So make sure to ask, worst case scenario they say no. if you have any other questions let me know

ótimo!!!! I’ll be sure to ask. Thanks for the information. 🤙🏻

23 hours ago, raphy2021 said:

Timeline: I was DQ and my case was stuck at NVC since May 2020

• December 29th 2020   Expedite Request sent to NVCExpedite@state.gov
• January 08th 2021 NVC acknowledges that they received it and are reviewing it
• January 16th 2021 US Consulate accepted my expedite request
• January 19th 2021 I got an email from NVC saying that my immigration appointment was cancelled even though there was no such appointment scheduled in the first place
• January 20th 2021 NVC sends an email saying that my case was expedited and sent to the US Consulate 
• January 21st 2021 US Consulate contacts me and asks where I am willing to do my medical exams (Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Sao Paulo or Rio)
• January 22nd 2021 US Consulate gets me in touch with physician of choice and authorizes me to do my medical exams.
• January 29th 2021 Medical exams were completed
• February 2nd 2021 US Consulate contacted me after receiving the medical exams and scheduled my interview to February 08th 2021 at 10am. Also they instructed me to go to the RIO ASC at 7am to have my biometrics/fingerprints taken.
• February 8th 2021 I went to the RIO ASC to have my biometrics taken at 7am and I had my interview. Visa was approved and issued on the same day. The officer who interviewed me even danced after she saw I got it on my passport. 

How exciting!!!! I just have two questions.

Did everybody get the option to wait and get there passport back the same day?

Did other people get Instructions to go to the ASC the same day also? I find that odd because some people have interviews at 8am, so going to ASC at 7am seems kinda hard.

Congratulations!! 🎊 🎉 

12 hours ago, Mercedeslorry said:

Long story short - my husband and I got married in October of 2020. He lives in Pakistan, and has never visited, or lived in the U.S. I am in the process of filling my taxes (I am a U.S citizen) and have been told I can file as single since my husband has never lived here in the U.S with me, and does not have a SSN, or a ITIN number. However, I asked if it was possible to file as married for immigration purposes and I was told I could, but I would have to go through the lengthy process of having my husband get a ITIN number.

 

SO my question is does it really matter if my taxes are filled as single or do i have to go through this process of my husband trying to get a ITIN number (I prefer not to)? 

 

THANK YOU for your help and time.

Let me jump in here and give you some personal experience and advice from a tax agent and a person I know within the SS office. 
Some people are telling you to file MFJ and that’s actually incorrect as well. 
1st. You ask will it cause any problems. Well, I stressed out greatly by this when I filed my I-130 because we were married 2 years already and I had filed as single since she wasn’t here. (I, as well as MANY others, didn’t have any issues with USCIS). USCIS is actually very familiar with this problem, that actually needs to be addressed and fixed. 
2. I’ll explain why you’re NOT supposed to file MFJ while your spouse lives abroad. Two different tax agents warned me that MFJ is only for couples who live in America. If your spouse doesn’t live here, nor earn and money, they are NOT a dependent nor do they qualify for the tax credit. That’s why they ask if at any point during the year the person lived somewhere else besides with you. You didn’t spend any money on them IN America therefore they don’t qualify to get that credit. If even we pretend they were to arrive tomorrow, you can’t file MFJ this tax season because they didn’t live here last year (2020). You may file MFS if I’m not mistaken because you don’t receive the grand tax credit. 
3. People will say no 100% to filing single, but reality is you have 3 years and a couple months to amend “any mistakes”. I have yet to hear anyone get in trouble because of this. I certainly didn’t. 
If anything you’d get in trouble for filing MFJ and taking money that doesn’t belong to you. The IRS is saving millions when people file single...... believe us, they know about it and don’t mind keeping the money even though we sent money over seas to help our spouses. It’s the same for undocumented immigrants, they pay billions in taxes and get no refunds...... don’t think the IRS doesn’t know what’s goin on. 

So to clarify what’s going on I’ll explain what I found out. I know of 7 people, some had approved expedites and some didn’t even ask for one, they all received an email saying the appointment was canceled even though they were still at NVC. Turns out that the consulate is starting to pull cases out of the NVC so they can eventually schedule them. When your case is pulled out of the line the system automatically assumes there was an error and send you that email. Bottom line, if you received that email then congratulations because the Consulate pulled your case. You might not get an interview immediately, but shortly you will. This has been a VERY exciting week for us Brazilians waiting. 

On 2/5/2021 at 8:15 AM, LOUHAMILTON said:

They are scheduling it today:
DQ 20/02/2020 - rescheduled interview 31/03/2021

Is this someone else’s DQ that they shared with you?

I already got my wife’s Certidão Antecedentes Criminais renewed yesterday just in case they want new ones lol. Technically the Consulate only accepts ones that are a year old, so it was needed. 

16 minutes ago, LOUHAMILTON said:

Yes, great news!!!!
I am very happy
My QD March 18, 2020
They also said they will process the spouse and children visa first. Then K1 etc...
And it will be in order of DQ anyway. 

We have the same exact DQ date. 👏🏻 

4 minutes ago, jan22 said:

You will never see a K1 or K2 visa issuance on the above referenced site.  While processed by the immigrant visa staff, the visa is actually issued by and printed in the non-immigrant visa system.  You, therefore, need to look at non-immigrant visa data at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/nonimmigrant-visa-statistics/monthly-nonimmigrant-visa-issuances.html.  It shows one K1 issued in Rio in December 2020, for example.

Thanks for clarifying that, I only follow IR1 visas clearly, but it’s good to see that someone was lucky enough to get one. K1 have been discriminated against horribly this whole time. 

6 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Not really.  Think about it.  Number of visas issued does not include the number of denied visas or number of cases which went into extended administrative processing after the interview.    I would think that only some internal log would truly indicate number of interviews.

 

Well obviously the log doesn’t show all the interviews taking place, especially the denied ones. My point is (and I’m speaking only for Brazil), that the Rio consulate has canceled every single interview from March to current date. The number of issued visa has slowly gone up since March due to some expedited request being approved. I’m in several Whatapp Brazilian  groups so we know when someone receives an approval and it always reflects on the log the following month. As far as administrative processing, well that’s not the case in Brazil. Since Brazil is under a travel ban the consulate won’t approve any visas, even ones stuck in AP, unless the person is approved to travel prior to issuing the visa. So even if there’s 5 denied visas out of 20 we know that at least 15 people had interviews. Obviously the full number of interviews isn’t reflected here, but it gives us a very good idea of how many people are interviewed per month. 

2 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Oh...OK.  Visas issued.....not interviews conducted.......thanks.

Visas are only issued thru interviews, so yes, the log obviously reflects how many interviews are taking place each month. 

4 minutes ago, J+J said:

Seeing some information here that does not match up with my expedite experience so I will chime in.   Keep in mind this probably varies from embassy to embassy.

 

My case was also at NVC for 10 months, and we finally decided to request an expedite at the Bangkok embassy. We were told by the embassy that because the case was at NVC, we had to file an expedite with NVC.  We did so, and one week later NVC replied with a copy/paste saying that the embassy is not accepting K-1 cases at the moment.  So in our case neither the embassy nor NVC was willing to consider expedite - at first.  I pushed on NVC again with another email requesting case review for hardship (medical in our case) and this time they replied that they would review the case, but also said that even if NVC approves the expedite, the embassy then has to accept the case.  

 

So end of the day for me, BOTH NVC and embassy had to accept our expedite justification, but we had to start with NVC.  The whole process took one month by  the way, and our case did eventually ship from NVC, but I do not know if it was due to the expedite being approved or K-1's finally starting to get processed.  

You are correct. I don’t think people understand how an expedite request from the NVC works. If your case is at NVC you must email them the request and they will send it to the embassy for the embassy to except or deny it. The embassy analyzes it and sends the acceptance or denial to the NVC and the NVC will then inform you of their decision. That’s why if you send two expedite requests with the same reason the NVC won’t even forward it to the embassy because that reason was already used once before. 

3 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Where would I find this log of interviews?

3 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Where would I find this log of interviews?

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/immigrant-visa-statistics/monthly-immigrant-visa-issuances.html
 

Each month has two logs, one the shows each outpost visa issuances, and the other logs shows visa issuances per country as a whole. Most people don’t know about this but it’s amazing. 

21 hours ago, damienmh said:

Thank you! Fingers crossed that this will at least help. It can't do any harm, at least.

Let me explain since I have already been down this road with my wife currently stuck in Brazil. Emailing the consulate WONT do you any good. Our case got stuck at NVC the very same day everything closed last year. I emailed the consulate begging them to interview my wife since she is legally entitled to come. The consulate sent a blunt email saying any and all expedite request should be sent to NVC and NOT them. 
2. Mentions of how it’s hard on your fiancé won’t do you any good. They won’t to see YOUR hardship because you’re the American, not him. I have sent 3 requests with doctors notes specifically saying about my health and they all have been denied “tô be fair to those who are already in line waiting”. 
Im sorry to say it but Rio currently isn’t not doing anything. If you look at their log of interviews for the past year, they haven’t done a single K1 interview (if they have I overlooked it). 
if you do decide to ask for a request, it has to be about YOU and your emergencies. Also don’t send a second request with the same exact reason. If you do the NVC won’t even forward it to the consulate for analyzing since they have already denied that reason before. Good luck. 

1 hour ago, Ad & Ga said:

He didn't file for 2017 and 2018 even though he was required to. The wages transcript would be to back file those years.

If he was “supposed to”, then he needs to bottom line. NVC doesnt care why he didn’t. Unless he has an exception with a written statement as to why he didn’t need to legally file his taxes. Otherwise he needs to file them before being able to move forward. You have 3 years to amend a mistake, but I’m not sure how much time they give you to file late. 

Just now, R😍S said:

Now the calendar is open for November.  Let me know if you want to join the group on Whatsapp in Brazil.

Yes definitely. I’ll inbox you my number