tmanniii

My dual citizenship Colombian wife and I have stayed a week or so with her sister and family in Bogota for the last four years. We want to return the favor by hosting them here in Florida perhaps six months from now for 10 days +/-.

From what I have learned about the interview from these pages:

Good things- Ties to Colombia: possessions, employment, social and close family relationships, bank accounts, home or apartment, specific itinerary in USA, vacation letter from employer, and intentions to return to Colombia.

Not helpful things- aid or letter from Member of Congress regarding USA host, biography of hosts, and letter of financial/health support from USA host.

Neutral thing?- Using Colombian facilitator to help applicants.

The oldest of the three children will be eighteen by the time they arrive. Would it help, hurt, or make no difference if she planned to stay here one or two months longer to take ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes or tutoring? I understand non-credit educational courses of less than 18 hours a week are permitted.

Thanks to all for adding knowledge to this site!

I am not worried about them filing the application or the wait time. My concern is their success at the end of the interview. I am just seeking help in the process.

So, I guess no one has sought help from elected officials. If nothing can be done, so be it. Thanks.

Far from desperate. They have hosted us (up to 5 people) for the last 3 years during Easter week and we want to return the favor. The $800+ application fee is, shall we say, not insignificant. We want to do everything properly and are looking for advice from others on this site for help.

I do appreciate Supreme's concern, tks.

A few months ago my US Congressman's office told me to let them know when my wife's Colombian family get their file #. I assume to send some sort of comfort letter to the embassy. Any opinions?

We just want to have them put their best foot forward. They have not applied yet but plan to soon. We want to help in any way but the consensus seems to be the less said by us, the better their chances for approval.

We would like to have my Colombian wife's sister, husband and 3 minor children visit us in Florida. We heard that Air tours of Nieva can help with the interview preparations and other suggestions for what seems like a reasonable fee. Does any one have an opinion or experience to relate? The company was favorably mentioned by a Colombian family we are friendly with. My wife is a US citizen and we have visited her sister in Bogota often and want to return the favor by hosting them for 1-2 weeks here. I have heard that lately visa are a little more apt to be granted than before. Thanks.

Hello all...

I met a Colombian woman about 4 months ago on line. Last week I returned from a 9 day visit to Cucutâ and Pamplona and we both had a wonderful time. We are both marriage minded at this point, but I know that will be some time in the future. I want her to get a passport and a tourist visa to visit me for a week or two in Florida. I understand the passport is a matter of a few days and can be accomplished in Cucutâ.

My concern is that when she gets her tourist visa interview appointment at the Bogotâ embassy she has all the required information. I have heard that the biggest factor in granting a visa is to prove that she will return to Colombia and not stay in the USA illegally. Proof of home ownership, a job, family, etc. will not be a problem for her.

She has heard that a "letter of invitation" from a USA citizen is needed or is helpful for granting the visa. I would be happy to provide it, but I had not heard that it was necessary. Here is my question: is such a letter required or of any help in the interview process? What should be the content?

This is a little long-winded and I hope this is the most likely forum for a reply. Any suggestions or answers would be appreciated greatly. Thanks for a wonderful site for this type of info.

Sid

Hello all...

I am a new member and this is my first post, I hope it is in the right place!

My fiancée has a 6 AM appointment on October 6th to renew her Tourist visa. Her present one expires Sept. 24/08.

Am I allowed to accompany her into the embassy and/or the interview?

If not, is the area safe to wait for her?

Is there any things to do around the area while I am waiting?

Is the visa likely to be renewed?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated by us both.

A little background may be in order. My fiancee lives in Barranquilla and has family there and also in the Sarasota area. We were introduced by her daughter-in-law this January. After my trip to see her in Barranquilla and her trip with me to visit my family in Massachusetts we became engaged in early August. I will meet her in Bogotá and stay there a week with her. After the tourist visa is renewed we will start the K1 process. We would like for her to visit Sarasota around Christmas and perhaps again in '09. I understand the K1 takes 6 to 9 months so the Tourist visa will allow her visit while we wait. Pant, pant!

This site is a great resource and I feel fortunate to have found it.

Thank you all,

Sid