Craig_Karina

1) Use the VJ timelines to determine average timing for interview.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list...ia&dfile=No

2) K-3 is not work auth visa, so needs either EAD or Green-card in order to work and get SSN, (EAD can take up to 90 days or more to get after filing for it.

(This is a big reason I am a proponent of avoiding K-3 and going for the CR-1 visa if comparing K-3 and CR-1 shows not much difference in processing times for your country) CR-1 results in green-card upon entry, K-3 requires adjustment of status and/or filing for EAD in order to take a job.

IF work is a priority then don't file for a K-3

Hi Yu and Dan,

Thanks for your response. But, we are beyond the timelines because Karina's Packet #3 was lost in the mail and never received. So, we FAX'D in the documents anyway....stating that she was ready to have an interview scheduled. I thought the embassy FAX'D back with an interview date within a couple of days. We are now past a week and no date has been scheduled. I am calling the Embassy today between 2 - 4 PM to see if they can advise me. Others with similar timelines already have had their interviews and their spouses are on the way to the USA!

Gracias,

Craig

I would like to ask a couple of questions: NOTE: My family is coming on K3/K-4 VISAS

1) We are waiting to receive the interview date from the Embassy in Bogota. Karina has FAXed in the appropriate documents (DS-230s for herself and daughter and Form OF-169 plus copies of the main pages of their passports.)

My question is: How long until the Embassy sends a return FAX with the interview date?? We have all the Packet 4 information ready and waiting....we just need to know the date. Or, is the date available on the US EMBASSY website? When is it available?

2) After her arrival in the USA, does she have to wait for Adjustment of Status in order to work or will she be able to work as soon as she finds a job? She intends to work immediately but I am unsure if this can happen. Help Please? She wants to work and she needs to work. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Craig

Hi

Ours went from NVC to the US Embassy in Bogota on 12/12/07 and my wife's Packet #3 left the Embassy on the 17th of December...only 5 days. But, what happened after is a nightmare....she has not received Packet #3 in the mail and over 30 days have elapsed. We're getting stressed out about this situation. Others with similar timelines have already had their interviews and the spouses are on the way to the USA this month.

Best Wishes,

Craig

Hello VJ'ers

Packet #3 was sent from the US Embassy in Bogota on 17 December to my wife. She has not received it as of today. I received my copy of the "cover letter" that comes with the packet...dated 12/17/07. She has called the Embassy with little success about finding out where it might be???? They asked her to send a FAXed letter with her case # information and home mailing address. She did that 10 days ago...and, nothing has happened. I FAXed two letters asking the Embassy for a response.

She has the DS-230's and OF-169 forms completed. Everything is ready to FAX...but the packet I think is "lost" in the mail Should we just go ahead and FAX these forms into the Embassy? The contents of Packet #3 are well known and she has 99% of the information needed for her interview.

I'm looking for any suggestions about what to do...or not what to do!!

Thanks,

Craig

Hola amigos,

Does anyone have a link to the Packet #3 instructions in Spanish? I have them in English but have been unable to find them in Spanish. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Craig

Hello VJ'ers

I know that I will be taking some ridicule from some of you...BUT, I reconsidered my actions and I am glad to say that Karina and I are back together and happy again. Karina suggested a weekend together to discuss everything...ALONE...in Bogota. We had not been ALONE since our honeymoon ... always with family and friends who occupied all of our time!! We simply had no time to get to know each other as individuals because everyone else was in the way!! So, I credit her with the idea to meet alone for a few days to talk. She had a good idea and it probably saved our marriage.

I was TOTALLY wrong about her. Yes, she wants a better life...BUT she wants that life with ME! The "lies" that she told to me were not really "that" big or important. I know...a lie is a lie...but, she was afraid that I would be "angry" with her...and she does not know me that well yet. The truth would have been better but, I am satisfied that she will never do it again. I'm not going to go into the entire story about this because it would take up a lot of space to write it all out. Just "trust me" that we have this entire mess straightened out between us and we are proceeding forward. I rescinded my letter to the USCIS on November 18th and have an INFOPASS appointment to make sure that everything is back on track. I love Karina and she loves me. Thanks also go to two of my four sisters who convinced me that I was TOTALLY WRONG!!! When I am right, no one remembers....when I am WRONG, no one forgets!!!!

Our NOA-2 for the I-130 was approved on November 20th...wouldn't you just know it!!! I feel really bad for posting my "OPORTUNISTA" posting (again) and I am ready for the ridicule to be dished out by you Vj'ers....so have at it. I can take it!!!!!!!! Please be a "little" kind...this is a long and stressful journey for all of us. I am having a difficult time with it. I LOVE AND MISS MY WIFE!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Craig

Craig,

My sympathies in your time of lose and deception.

If your relationship is over, I recommend changing you profile and deleting her pictures. It sends a very different message than your posts.

Respectfully,

Banfield

Hi Banfield,

Thanks for your comments....I will get around to doing that...or just fade into the woodwork as a distant memory on VJ. But for the moment, I think I will just choose to leave this as it is...a memory of the happiest moment of my life...May 18, 2007. It is too bad the way things turned out. I still have love left in my heart for Karina...but trust/uconfidence and respect are missing. Without those three things in a marriage, it cannot survive. LOVE, TRUST and RESPECT

Best wishes to you,

Craig

I am so sorry for you. A lot of people go through the same sh*t, and whats worse is that some of them even tolerate it as long as they get paid or smtg of that sort. You have done the right thing legally, but the moral consequences of leaving your daughter with her irresponsible, untrustworthy mother is unimaginable. Give it a second thought. You may have avoided the worst from your (ex)wife but you could also be missing the chance of giving your daughter the opportunity to live a better life than what her mother can give her, one that she truly deserves. God bless...

Hi redoctober,

Thank you for your sentiments....but, I think you misread this entire thing. Maria is 14 years old and I married Karina in May, 2007. She is not MY daughter...she is Karina's. Had all this not occurred, Maria would have been my "step-daughter" when they came to live with me in Ft. Lauderdale. IF I could give the opportunity to live a better life to Maria, I would certainly do so. But, I cannot...she is Karina's daughter and must remain with her. Truly, I am sorry for her....but, my hands are tied.

Sincerely,

Craig

I will PM you privately....you make your own decision about me. OK

Thanks,

Craig

I have seen this post before, this guy keeps putting up these posts every few months, I don't why?

Here is one, supposed to be about his friend

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...c=80844&hl=

Yes, I did post this several months to help a friend who married with a woman from Estonia. His name is Arthur and he lives in Miami. Would you like his phone number? And, they are getting a divorce now. Why did I put the post up? To help someone who was hurting and to give him some advice from this wonderful forum...and because I am a nice gentleman. Is there a problem with this? If so, I will apologize. We are all here to help and support each other...aren't we?

Sincerely,

Craig

FOR THE RECORD: I did not say that the United States of America was the best place on earth to live. I said, I LOVE THE USA!!! And, I will add that while there are some faults within the USA, I do not see many other countries sending their citizens...men and women...to fight and die for the freedoms of citizens of other countries who are killed for their religion or belief, opressed, and forced to live in poverty, fear and despair. Maybe the USA is seen by some as the "Bully" of the world...but, I choose to believe that the USA stand for all "Good and Decent People" from all over the world. We believe in certain freedoms and certain inalienable rights that everyone should enjoy. IF the USA does not step in and "do something" who is going to do it? Our men and women of our armed services do a difficult job in difficult situations. They deserve our prayers and our respect for their lives are on the line for freedom...yours, mine and for everyone.

Thanks,

Craig

BTW, is the little girl your own daughter? What's going to happen to her?

No, Maria is not my daughter. But, I was willing to accept her as my own. I loved that little girl. Her "father" was never in the picture. I do not know what will happen to her. But, I am sorry...very sorry because I can only think that she will follow in the footsteps of her mother. I wanted to be a good father and raise Maria with good values, good life and a good education. But, all went down the tubes because I lose all my "confianza" in Karina...little by litte since our wedding. I wish BOTH of them the very best.

Dear Craig, while I feel sorry for you and I am glad you got rid of a liar,

it is not a sound advise to bug your SOs computer and to design certain "tests". One who approaches relationships from this angle will always lose!

As well, you have to realize that US is not viewed as The Greatest Country To Live In The World by everyone, and so generalizing may be found insulting by some aliens, hehe

I understand tho, it is your hurt talking.

Rika:

I am sending you a Private Message.

Thanks,

Craig

I have a pretty good life here in Brazil. I make my own living as software engineer and manage to make a pretty comfortable life. The weather is nice, the people are nice and my family that I love is near.

Honestly, as far as I care, you can keep your smelly country. It boils my blood when people imply I might have married Chris just to get a visa. It is actually a huge sacrifice I am making to leave this country that I love.... but I love him more

Hi....I do not think my country is smelly. I LOVE THE USA!!!! But, it boils my blood when someone takes advantage of a man (or woman) to improve their life by marriage with an American. Karina is a poor, but beautiful woman without a good job...earns less than $400.000 pesos per month ($200 US), without much education, a 14 year old daugher and a poor life with no future. I offered LOVE first but I do not like to be taken advantage of...and I DESPISE LIES...and I caught her in several. Honestly, telling the truth would have been so much easier and built my confidence in her. But, to lie to me in my face when I know the answer? What happens??? I sent $1.000.000+ more to her each month so she can party with her friends, drink, smoke and dance with other men? And, she dresses very sexily all the time??? What happens? That money was for necessities...not partying! NO ME GUSTA ESTO!!!

Hello Fellow VJer's!!!!

FINALLY, I figured everything out about my wife! I had many suspicions that she was only interested in a better life for herself and her daughter in the United States. But, I turned a blind eye to it because I was in love. But, being crazy in love does not mean being STUPID in love!!! I visited my wife, Karina, on November 1st...and was to stay 5 days with her. By the second day, our marriage was irretrievably broken. I caught her in several lies...and ONE was a really BIG LIE!!! How do I know? Because I decided to "test" her feelings and sentiments toward me. I devised a plan so I could see her reactions in certain situations. And, in each test...she failed. She told lies about her whereabouts on the weekends. And, I had evidence!! She told lies about many things. She even told lies when the truth would have sounded better! I cannot and will not be married to a LIAR. Was she unfaithful? I do not think so...but, really I do not know. How can you tell when you're 1500 miles apart in different countries? I thought I knew this woman because I had been to see her 10+ times. But, the "real" Karina came out on the night of 2 November...and I did not like what I saw. IT IS FINISHED FOREVER!!!!! NO LOOKING BACK!!!!

So, my advice to ALL of you on VJ is beware of your spouses/fiancees because there are ulterior motives from many of these women/men from other countries. NOT ALL...but, many want a better life and know that the opportunity exists with an American man or woman. They are willing to say anything, do anything (including getting pregnant) go anywhere for the privilege and opportunity of being in the USA!! It is OK to be in love with your wife/fiancee...but, do not be foolish. Devise some "tests" to guage their true feelings for you. Do not be afraid to put a "bug" in their computer to see what is being said behind your back about you. Learn their language so you can understand what is being said in conversations...when you are with them...or in e-mails to other "friends." YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW BECAUSE ONCE THEY ARE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES...THEY ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANY YEARS!!!!

Thank God, 2 friends in Colombia living in the same city and a few fortunate circumstances to show me the type of woman that my wife really was...an OPORTUNISTA. I was in this marriage for LOVE...she was in it for MONEY and the USA opportunity. Today, I mailed a letter to withdraw my petitions to USCIS...so a spot will be vacated and it will move everyone else up a notch!!! I am hurting a little from this bad experience but...not so much as I would be in 3 or 4 months when my wife and daughter were here with me. I feel sorry for the little girl because she will probably follow in the footsteps of her mother.

Good luck to all of you on VJ and I wish you much happiness. I know there is a good woman out there in the world for me...back to the search. Divorce proceedings have been instituted!! There is NO TURNING BACK ON THIS ONE!!! NO WAY!!!

God Bless ALL of you...and God Bless the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

Craig

PS Suggestion: Use the time between NOA-1 to Interview to know your SO...if you met only one or two times...and your're madly in love or already married...Ask Questions!! INVESTIGATE!! I did...and I got results. Not exactly what I wanted to hear...but better now than later!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS....I am particularly happy wnen I see another couple from Colombia get their approval. I am still a little confused about how the "days" of waiting are calculated. Filing date....received date....NOA-1 date? Which? Well...whatever...I guess ours will come in late November or early December. I HOPE!!!!

Have a great week!!

Craig

Hello and good question BUT...

The chances of that happening are almost NIL. Why? Because if that were the case we ALL would be having health issues!!! We are all SICK and tired of waiting. IF you want to give it a go...have at it. But, don't expect anything to happen but a denial. I've read it here on VJ and other places...the ONLY way you will get an expedite is IF you are active military and about to deploy.

Best Wishes,

Craig

Hello,

VERY DOUBTFUL that you will get any positive responses to your question. Once your I-129-f documents are files, you kiss your opportunities GOOD BYE for your fiance to visit. The problem is....many of these women/men have ABSOLUTELY no reason to return to their country when the person they "love" is here in the USA. I used " " on the word "love" because there is a lot of VISA FRAUD from some countries....some worse than others. I do not know where India ranks on the list but....I think it is fairly close to the top of the list.

Your Significant Other must have huge ties to their country....such as: Property, an ongoing and profitable business, a lot of money in the bank and other things to be determined. Save yourself time, money and frustration and be patient.

Regards,

Craig

Hello,

USCIS is fully aware that as newlyweds who have never lived together that you will not have many of these thing. Therefore, your wedding photos, e-mails, etc should be used. AND...you will have MANY MANY MONTHS (at the current pace of things) to save more "evidence" of your relationship which will be presented at YOUR INTERVIEW...not with your initial I-130 petition. Read the guides and you will see that this has been reiterated time and time again.

There is a gentleman on this site..."Pushbrk"....also, who eloquently mentions this many times. If there is anyone who knows things about the immigration process...I'd ask him FIRST. He is GREAT!!!

Good Luck on your VISA Journey,

Craig

Hello,

In my opinion you did not need to get either "officially" translated into English. I did it myself...but, I am reasonably competent in Spanish. You should not have any problems with "small errors" with name spelling...that is just a tiny error. Something like a "wrong" date of birth or marriage....maybe. Read the guides and follow the directions explicitly. Also, be aware that the Embassy in Colombia does NOT require translations...they speak BOTH English and Spanish there.

IF you want something done right...do it yourself!!!!

Good luck on your VISA Journey,

Craig

Yes....BIG problem.....HUGE!!!! Once you are married...you are no longer "fiance's" so...you must begin the process with a Spousal Visa. Good luck on your decision.

Craig

Hello Raquel23,

Nice to see a posting from you again. Checks are MUCH easier to track than Money Orders...the instructions on this site recommend checks because of this. Regarding the Customer Service...I cannot agree more with the other posters on your question. One person tells you one thing...another person something else. There is no unity. While I think it is USCIS policy to issue NOA-1's within 30 days, I do not think they are meeting their goals.

So, as a result of your decision to use a Money Order instead of a check, you are between a rock and a hard place. Paciencia, mi amiga...paciencia! Good luck on your VISA Journey. I hope you hear from your future husband MUCHO!!!!

Regards,

Craig

That is SOOOOOOOOO Great for you!!!!! Congratulations!!!!

Sincerest Regards,

Craig y Karina

PS Update your timeline, por favor.

I would have to agree...based on your adjudication date, you are receiving an e-mail notification of your NOA-1. It is "unreal" for your case to jump so far of others. But, good luck anyway...I and understand your excitement...but, I think it is premature.

Sincerely,

Craig

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC**********

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On October 22, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at