galenjr

You can do the doctor appointment prior...i.e. you don't have to wait until 2 days before...we did it a couple of weeks early.

Angie you've got a long long way to go...patience is the key. It's also important to follow the instructions. You shouldn't have problems with the petition...it's the interview at the embassy that's critical...make sure he's there. Take a deep breath and before you realize it you'll be in the United States adjusting your status.

You won't have a problem at the interview...your problems would have been trying to get the child out of Colombia, but since you've already done that you don't have any worries. You have no need to worry about the issue for your interview...as the U.S.A. does not care about the child's father.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

Physical Presence in the United States

“Physical presence” means that you actually have been

present in the United States. If you

are a permanent resident at least 18

years old, you must be physically

present in the United States for at

least 30 months during the last five

years (or 18 months during the last three years, if married

to a U.S. citizen) before you apply for naturalization.

18 months.

Sent you the translator info...hope it's not too late. And it doesn't matter if the notario thinks you're married...it only matters what the embassy thinks. Everything will be okay...hang in there.

Hope you all can work things out.

I'm not sure what has to be apostilized since you were married in Colombia...you do need English translations along with the original Spainish documents. We had a guy named Sergio...in Bogota...translate stuff for $20. I don't have his contact information here at work...but do at home. We used him a couple of times. He's approved by the embassy and does the work within a day or two. Send me a message if you want the info. Save yourself some money and don't use the notary to translate.

You can use either line...but stay with your fiance, i.e. don't get into one line and her in another. We went through Orlando in October and it's not bad. Keep the medical documents sealed...as they will take them. Be patient as it took about 45 minutes for us to get through, for they'll make you go to a room off to the side. She will be questioned while you wait in the room. And they'll let you put your luggage outside on the other side of the glass. Congratulations!!!

We went for our AOS interview last week, and the only thing they asked to see was my drivers license and her passport. I had every document imaginable ready...but they didn't ask for anything! Of course when we paid, we used a check with both our names listed and we submitted w2's with both our names in the packet. I really don't think they are looking for a lot. I thought it was odd...but we got approved and that's what matters.

Your best bet at this point is to do as requested. It may slow down the process...but the process is still moving. Patience is very important in this process. You'll be with your loved one soon.

I bought tickets for my fiance and children in October, one-way, online from JetBlue...no problema. We flew from Bogota to Orlando. One-way tickets will always be cheaper. If you buy the tickets online you'll have no trouble...just put their names on the tickets.

Dave, The US embassy is concerned with paperwork on your wife not you, as you're a US citizen already. Your information will only be scrutinized when you apply to adjust her status in the states, i.e. criminal history. At this point...it's all about your wife...in regards to DAS records.

You might just want to call the National Visa Center, for they can tell you the date of your interview. I forget the number and process...but if you search the forums you'll find it. I think it's less stressful than waiting for the list to be posted. You're in the tough part of the process...hang on...for your loved one will be with you soon.

You have to pay for each person. For instance, if the filing/visa fee is $500, then you pay $500 x # of persons you are petitioning. It gets expensive when you're dealing with more than one person. This will also be the case when you adjust status, but you'll get a small discount for the child. It's all expensive...but it's well worth the price. Good luck.

This is just my opinion...I think it's wrong for people to try to game the system. You were planning on getting married and then you he suddenly popped the question and you got married. I wish the USCIS would stop people from adjusting when they come to the USA on a tourist visa with the intention to get married. And then you want people's advice on how to make sure you get to stay. Something is wrong with this picture.

I suppose it's also dependent of the child's age, as a child under 14 doesn't have to attend the interview. My wife's child did not have to attend the interview.

Dan is right...you'll need no letter for the interview at the embassy. You only need a notarized letter/agreement from the father to present to DAS when leaving Colombia. Keep in mind...every time you leave Colombia with the children you'll need the document, as DAS keeps the one you present at the airport. It's the same document...just a new one you pick up at the notary where it was signed. We were told it can not be older then a week old. I'm not sure how this works when the document is prepared in the US...as Dan & Jenny had done. We'll know more when we take our first trip back to Colombia this summer. Good luck.

You get all the shots you need when you visit the doctor in Bogota. For instance, we couldn't find my step-daughter's vaccination records, so the doctor gave her what she needed, i.e. 4 shots. They'll give all the shots in one day, as they understand the time constraints. Good luck...and I'm sure everything will be fine for you.

And in Colombia...there are only two doctors you can visit. I'd go to the man if possible...as I've heard he's better than the woman. We went to the male doctor.

Here's a couple of options to help you and your wife. Going to church is a great place to meet people and to find other Spanish speaking women, e.g. speak with the pastor or the pastor's wife about your situation. Another option is encouraging your wife to enroll in a ESOL program at the local Community College...this is usually free or very inexpensive. I'm sure everything will work out.

Think it would help people help you...if you filled out your timeline and profile.

I'm speculating that part of the delay is the geographical location. Juarez is in the news all the time, which is probably a red flag on processing your petition. But who really knows?

You will not have any problems as long as the name in your passport matches the name on your airline ticket. When one travels in the USA Homeland Security just wants to make sure the two match.

Admittedly, the instructions are a tad bit confusing. By the way, I really like your graphics Barbara.

Here's what the instructions for the I485 say regarding a Fiancee K1 or K2:

8. Fiance(e)s

If you are a K-1 fiance(e) or K-2 dependent who had a

medical examination within the past year as required for

the nonimmigrant fiance(e) visa, you ONLY need to submit a

vaccination supplement, NOT the entire medical report. You

may include the vaccination supplement with your Form

I-485.

I inserted CAPS on "only" and "not."