Married2aTico

My husband never received any forms when he did the medical exam in his country. However, we did have his original vaccination records from when he was a child. We took these to a Civil Surgeon in our area and he filled in the vaccination part of the medical form for a nominal fee (@$30).

We had no problems doing it that way and have just completed our AOS interview. Good luck!

An interview letter will not arrive. In Costa Rica, they will call you. You pick up the packet and then call to make your own interview appointment. It is much nicer than a lot of other countries!

Keep in mind that NO evidence is required for the AOS application. Evidence is needed at the interview, not for the application. Good luck with everything and try not to stress! Also, keep in mind that that you can often do walk-in biometrics as soon as you get the appt. letter.

I also sort of doubt this will be a big deal. Make sure you have it translated of course, like all the other documents. Unless they suspect his stay in Honduras, I doubt they will even look at that report more than a glance. After all, he was there as a student, right? Based on our previous convos, I think it's very obvious that neither of you are into illicit activities!

Keep in mind too that if they want to approve a case that has some missing pieces, they may just ask you to come back with what they want.

Just thought I would let everyone know my hubbie's Biometric appt. was set for 5/17 in East Hartford,CT , and we did a walk-in today with no issues. We just told the guy that we were planning to be traveling during that time, so we were hoping to get the prints done today or another day this week. No problem!

Thank you so much, it really helps to know that you have been there at that embassy. I know the different embassies vary in what they might think is acceptable so that's why I posted to the regional forum. Thanks also for the thoughts on the numbers.

Dad is planning on completing that joint sponsor form (I forget the number right now, maybe something about 325a??). Do you think he needs to have anything else filled out/notarized, etc before I leave? I would hate to have the interview and realize I needed something else.

I am not 100% sure, but I think the joint sponsor form may need to be notarized.

Thanks for this, I hadn't thought about it, but my mom is working on a photo book with pictures of us together so I can take it with me. This will include (among other photos) the newspaper announcement of our engagement, the church bulletin where he preached which announced our engagement, about 2 dozen photos of him and I together while he was here, photos of events with all my family who met him over the holidays, etc.

Do you think that type of evidence, along with transcripts of our Skype conversations, emails we've sent and letters I've mailed him thru the postal mail will be enough to convince them if I am there in person at the interview, also? If not, what else can we use? I guess my mom could write him a letter, too, they have a really good relationship and she does that anyway with emailing him.

We do have a ring, it is not a big flashy engagement ring as we're missionaries & just don't have the desire to buy a diamond ring. Plus I'm sorry to say I lost the receipt before I realized I needed to keep it. But I wear it all the time, that is my engagement ring. Just don't have a receipt.

Any other tips on proving our relationship is valid?

Not sure how far your mom has gotten on the album and regardless it will be meaningful to you, but a suggestion is to make an album through one of the online sites. A smaller size is good b/c you will need to hand all you evidence under the glass. I made an 8x8 of pictures taken over time with FAMILY and FRIENDS - pretty cheap and not too labor intensive. Be sure to put captions: what, when, who in picture - this makes it all very easy for the lovely lady at the Embassy.

If the agent does not suspect fraud, she will probably ask for very little actually. She may want to see both passports, as this is the only way to truly verify trips. She may ask some questions to either one of you about the other's family just to make sure you really do know each other!

Another suggestion - do you know who will marry you yet? Might be helpful to take a letter from that person. No worries if not! The ring is not important.

One of the most key things is being able to prove that you can communicate. It appears your fiance speaks English, so you should be fine there.

YES, definitely I will be there!!!! Did you have any options as far as your appointment date? Meaning, did they set your appointment date REALLY SOON after they received your packet? I'm wondering how much time I'll have to get a ticket and arrive there, as there are not a lot of flights from my area to San Jose. Have to be sure to plan ahead as much as we can. I'd hoped to fly Frontier but their seasonal flights to San Jose ends in August so since I don't know when we will have the interview, obviously it's too soon to buy the ticket.

Any flight or airline recommendations?

Thanks sooo much for all the help you have both given me, I'm feeling a little better now.

In San Jose, your fiance (or you, which is my suggestion) will call to set your own appointment. Generally the earliest would be within two weeks of picking up the packet, but you can push it out a bit more. They are pretty accomodating.

Make sure they have a good phone number for him b/c that is how they will advise him to come and get the packet. When they call, they will set a time for him to come pick it up. Everything that needs to be done can easily be done within two weeks or less.

Where are you flying from? I am within range of NYC, so I can fly direct with Continental and Taca. Will you be bringing your fiance back with you?

TRY NOT TO STRESS!!! It will all work out and, after all this waiting for the 3-5 minute interview you will likely have, you will laugh about it one day!

While finances were not an issue for me (been on my own working for a while), I tend to feel that the straight numbers should not be an issue for you. I would not turn down a career opportunity (internship) because you are worried about numbers. The Embassy is reasonable and will understand that you are a student, so obviously the majority of the income will not be yours. If anything, they may want to speak with your father via phone just to confirm he understands his commitment. Having parental sponsors is very common!

From experience (we were the last interview of the day and overheard almost every single one before ours), focus on proving the validity of your relationship over finances. You had a short courtship and are still completing your studies. None of these are bad things!!! Just be aware that the interviewer may question you about them. Both of you will be there, right? That is KEY in San Jose.

Is it possible the lost letter could be the NOA2? Work authorization does come a lot quicker than AOS, usually. If it is in fact the NOA2, that will allow you to get a SSN.

Having a SSN will generally allow you to be added to existing bank and credit accounts, which can be helpful "evidence" at the AOS interview.

if you have a fax machine then they'll send it to you right away

I second that thought!!!! Getting the transcripts faxed will save you a couple of weeks. When I called I was able to get 2009 too and all of them within 10 minutes. In the past, when I requested them, it took about two weeks to get them in snail mail.

Keep in mind that in most instances, as soon as the work authorization is approved, you can go to the Social Security Administration in your city and apply for a SSN. Since the work auth is usually approved at least several weeks before the AOS interview, you may have time to get the SSN on your insurance, bank and credit accounts, etc.

As far as insurance goes, do you or can you have online access to your benefits? I know my UHC is available online and has all the member info. Just a thought... Good luck!

That stinks! I have a feeling my hubbie will be receiving an RFE too for the medical, since it seems like the norm to lose them. At least you didn't pay too much - I looked into it here in CT and the doc wanted $450. Ugh. If we get an RFE, I will def. shop around!

You can try, but I am 99% certain you will be denied.

Before we filed our I-130 (after we were married, but waiting on marriage cert. from CR), my husband filed for a student visa. He had been accepted by UConn and everything was in order. However, once the Embassy saw that he was married to a USC, they informed him that he did nout qualify. They stated that he did not meet the no intent to immigrate requirement due to having USC spouse.

The requirement is the same for the tourist visa, so I doubt you can get one.

If possible, get copies of the documents to a family member in Costa Rica for translation. In the center of San Jose at the Casa Amarilla, they maintain a list of official translators. They're fast and pretty inexpensive.

seeing your timeline, I think is too soon to get the letter, you do not know how long take you get your NOA2.

I recommend wait until have the NOA2 and he can start with his immunizations, I think that is better if his vaccines are recent to the appointment medical

Agreed on the employment letter. Optimally you will want this within 30 days of the date of the interview. Remember the purpose is to show current employment. Recent pay stubs are also helpful to prove employment and wages.

It does not matter when the vaccines are done. If you PM me with your personal email, I can send you the list I received in May 2009. I don't think the vaccine requirements have changed since then, but you can always call the Embassy and ask them to email you a current list.

"A"

Thanks! Now we just have to track down my husband's birth certificate (I can'y believe we don't have a copy anywhere!) and we'll be ready to mail in all the AOS stuff.

Sorry to hear about your situation.

Note that you are not required to submit evidence of an ongoing relationship when filing the I-130. It is not even "required" for the interview, but is highly suggested. Since the goal is to get your wife home as soon as possible, simplify things and submit only the required documents so the ball gets rolling. You can get the other stuff together during the wait. Also, keep in mind that the interview for the spousal visa will be in Brazil.

Are you applying for a K3 or CR1? Did you file both an I-130 & I-129F?

I ask because there is no financial information required for the K3. It is suggested that you take tax transcripts, a letter of employment and W2's to your K3 interview. In your case, I would also take a sworn affidavit and tax transcript from the intending sponsor that he/she is aware of the commitment and has the income to support it. With the visa, you do not have to have the I-864 ready until AOS, which you can push out for quite a while after your spouse is admitted to the country.

A few responeses for you...

*What do I need for when I go hand in the I-130 at the embassy?

If you are in Costa Rica, go to the Embassy and get their literature on Direct Consular Filing. That will have the list. Among needed things will be certified, translated copies of marriages certs, divorce certs, birth certs, criminal record and a medical exam. The Embassy can fill you in on all the details. Also, remember to note the difference between required and suggested materials.

*What should I expect that day?

I believe DCF (Direct Consular Filing) cases are treated the same as other I-130 and I-129F interviews. Plan on getting there early and staying late. Take a snack and a sweater for your wife. The A/C is frigid inside. There is no privacy at all. You will be interviewed at a cashier window through glass.

*Can I move to USA and start working once we have the I-130 in?

*Do I have to come back for any additional interviews at the Costa Rican embassy?

Only if the application needs further processing. If she is approved at the interview, she can pick her visa within a few days and you will both be free to leave CR.

*Once the I-130 is approved will my US job's paycheck stubs be enough, making $500+ a week, or will I need a sponsor since I haven't worked in the USA for the last 2 years and haven't filed taxes?

Refer to the I-864 for poverty guidelines. Also, as part of the I-864 you generally submit the current year's tax transcript...not sure what you will need to do to proof eligibilty. If you have someone willing to sponsor, that may be your best bet. Just remember to make sure that person is aware it is a 10-year commitment.

*Will my previous divorce be an issue along with the fact that my ex-wife attempted to apply for this visa as well (and was denied)?

ABSOLUTELY! Plan on being asked about and explaining everything. Be frank and show any and all concrete evidence you have. Be honest. Make sure you take an ABUNDANCE of evidence to proove this marriage is not fraudulent: Pictures documenting the relationship over time. Pictures with relatives and friends. Affidavits from friends. Proof of cohabitation. Any intermingling of assets - joint accounts, etc.

*How much time am I looking at before I can expect my wife to join me in New Jersey?

I am sure I will have more questions but that is it for now, any additional info and guidance would be hugely appreciated.

On the I-485 form, what is the proper response to "Part 2. Application Type" for a K3 visa holder?

Thanks for your help!

I too had success getting my transcripts faxed to me - INCLUDING 2009 - and I only got my refund back last week. The agent was really ODD, but I got what I needed and super fast too. Just thought I'd share!

First, be sure to include copies of every page of ALL passports you have ever had. Make high quality color copies. Then list what you can remember. If you can't read dates, you can probably just list a month and year. Also, if you have any frequent flyer accounts or maybe even in email, you may be able to track down some more information. Good luck!

Jeremy - Thanks very much for the heads up on getting the passport and permission together. We will definitely go this route. My husband is now in the U.S. with me - any idea on what type of permission he needs to sign so his daughter can go alone with her mother to get the passport and permission?

Franc - Women do have LOTS of rights in Costa Rica. Men there must pay any court-mandated child support by the appointed date each month. If the money is not deposited, the mother simply needs to go and file a claim at the local courthouse. Then the father must present proof of payment or is subject to arrest. Also, women can periodically (once a year, I think) apply for a raise in child support. If the father has not made a salary filing (I forget the CR terminology for this), the judge can order the highest amount allowed by law.

I tell you all this because these are tools your fiance can use to "negotiate" with the child's father. 1. She could go to court any date and file for all the back child support and he could and in jail. 2. If he wants to be difficult, she can have his support raised (and probably still file for sole custody, as these are two separate issues).

Good luck!!!!

How would we know if my husband was supposed to have any more vaccinations? I am supposing "NO" b/c nothing was mentioned to us at the K3 interview or POE. My husband did however have another varicella in order to attend UConn. (Apparently CT requires two of these guys.)

At any rate, if he does not need any vaccinations, do we need to send any part of the I-693 at all? I'm just getting started on all this and would appreciate any guidance/advice.

Also, our 2nd anniversary is 5/8 (medical 5/4). How early do you think we can submit and get the 10yr GC? We really don't want to go through Removal of Conditions down the road. Similarily, if we have international travel plans in early July, is it safe to assume we should file the I-131 along with AOS? We are going to Europe and I really want them to let my husband back in the USA!

I think the idea to set up a chat is great! Just let me know when.

Sarita & Jen - so sorry I wasn't able to meet up when I was in your cities. Not sure when I'll get back out to Cali, but for sure will be in Philly again in a few months. P.S. Sarita - you did call the right number- it was my sister's line up until recently and I forgot to change the voicemail.

Hope everyone else is doing well! Diego and I are recovering from a long weekend. We were hoping that he could go down to Costa Rica for about 5 days, since he has vacation, but it's impossible due to the ridiculous CR laws regarding child support. Even though the deposit he made before we left has not been touched, he still has to go through a ridiculous process to get authorization to leave again if he enters CR. It is beyond frustrating.

In all honesty, since the submissions are still recent, I would only make a concise list of what is needed at this time. Do the research on how to get the items (what offices need to be contacted, fees, certified translators, how to get documents certified in each country, etc.). While policies vary from Embassy to Embassy, most do not accept documents/exams that are over 90 days old. Just have your list ready, so that when the time comes, the legwork will be done. Good luck!