dleeg

Hello all.......

Francys was approved at her interview on 6/22!!! WOOOOOHOOOO!!! We are very very happy as you can imagine!! All went great and I will post a review next week as we are sooo busy with other things. Thanks to everyone who answered my questions, it was a BIG help to both of us. I'm sure I'll have more questions and concerns when it's time for AOS.

Regarding DAS.....

I actually went to the DAS office in Bogota on 6/21 to inquire about a certificate for me the petitioner. The person I talked to was unaware about the update in packet 4, the one requiring the petitioner to have the certification. I decided at that moment to not pursue the certificate and go the interview with Francys without it. Days before her interview I also contacted the last few petitioners who were approved to see if they had the certificate. They didn't have it though they were approved so I felt like it was a good gamble. They never did ask for it and all went well. I recently got a link from a fellow V-J'r for DAS in case any petitioner wants to pursue it getting the certificate. It's http://www.certificadojudicial.gov.co/

Thanks All!!

Hello!

Well, it's a few hours before I start my journey back to Colombia, my flight leaves San Diego at 10:50pm. My fiance Francys and I feel pretty good about all the documents, certificates, etc. I just pray that everything goes well for her at the interview Wedsnesday. The only thing I'm a little nervous about is my spanish. I speak intermediate, maybe low level advanced spanish and Francys doesn't speak english. I just hope my brain doesn't draw a blank if they decide to question me....... Otherwise, feeling pretty good and looking forward to seeing my love and her family! Will post soon...... bye for now.

dleeg,

As for most instructions in English posted by the US embassy on their web site, they differ from the instructions found in the Spanish version. The Spanish instructions don't mention anything about bringing the original certificate along with a certified copy. The beneficiary only needs to bring the original or certified copy of their birth certificate. They can get it from the notary where the birth was registered and that's all they need because many times an original is close to impossible to get. I was born in Colombia and don't have my original birth certificate and every time I go to the notary I was registered, they only give me a notarized copy since the original is not available.

Diana

Thanks Diana!

Hi

I was reading packet 4 tonight to just make sure I know it inside and out (my fiance has her interview on 6/22). When I came to "List of Documents" I was a little concerned for the birth certificate. My fiance used a photo copy of her birth certificate when we first filed the I-29F, complete with folio and notarized in July 2010. But as you can see below (from packet 4 off the embassy website) it mentions "Applicants must present the first/original copy......." and so on. I assume what she used for the I-29F application will be fine for the interview? I can't remember is she has the original or not, I think not, It's too late to call Colombia at this hour and since I'm obviously obsessing about it I thought I'd ask.

Thanks!

BIRTH CERTIFICATES: Each applicant must present an original or a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate. A copy of the Folio is required. The date and place of birth, parents‘ names, and date the birth was registered must be included. We do not accept ‘short form’ birth certificates, as they are not official extracts from government records. Applicants must present the first/original copy of their birth certificate in addition to the replacement version if it replaced an older version. The visa will not be approved until the applicant brings copies of ALL the versions of their birth certificates.

When I got there it was apparent the situation was not good, and to make a long story short she passed away on 5/6. Of course there was a funeral to plan and a mountain of other things to handle. We had to cancel the interview, cancel flights, cancel everything because I was in Colorado until 5/21. So now the interview is set for 6/22. It has been an interesting journey no doubt. Francys has been my rock through everything and continues to be my biggest supporter though she is so far. We have become closer and more in love through all these setbacks. We have both been patient knowing our day will come. The crazy thing is that this has been the saddest time of my life losing my mother. We were very close, talked everyday and we had a great relationship. And on the other side it has been the happiest time of my life because of Francys. It has been difficult to find a middle ground. I am looking forward to my trip to Colombia and I hope to report good news soon!

This is similar to my story. My Father and I talked daily about my Wife and life in general. He watched after my dogs when I was in Barranquilla, brought in the mail, added chemicals to the pool, etc. He had been prompting me to send in my I-129F, but I had to wait for the extra money to do so. Just a few weeks before I was able to send in my initial Fiance Visa packet, he took ill and within 13 days lost his fight with Pancreatic Cancer. I tended to my Father throughout his ordeal in the Hospital, answered all questions and talked to him as he began to decline. 1 week after his funeral, I completed and sent in our K-1 Visa package. 9 weeks later, I took my Mother to Barranquilla to meet her future daughter-in-law. This really cheered her up through such a rough period of time. Here are a few pics, amigo!

Shopping at Exito with new family

Visiting with Maria - a friend in Barranquilla who does Translation and spoke to my Mother about Colombian culture and its' people.

Sweet pics man! That cheered me up a bit..... :-)

Sounds like you had a great relationship with your dad. Thanks for your words amigo.

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom!

The K-1 process is stressful enough and to have your Mom passed must have been really tough.

I wish you nothing but the best!

I'm sure you'll report "pink"

Thanks a lot, much appreciated.

I am sorry for your loss .

As painful as it may be, bring with you copies of your mother's obituary and death certificate. The Consulate may ask why you postponed your interview twice so you can present the certificate and obituary as evidence for the request.

My mother passed away the month my now husband and I became engaged. While she never had a chance to meet him, it made her happy to know that I had met someone and she felt she didn't have to 'worry' about me anymore . I'm sure your Mom was happy to know you had found that special someone in your life as well even if she didn't have the chance to meet her.

Good luck to you both - I hope your journey is trouble-free from here on in.

Got the info you suggested ready to go. Sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure you know how great it would have been for your husband to meet your mother. Your words are so true, she was very happy for me. Francys and my mother talked on the phone a few times but they never met face to face. My mom loves kids and we are planning to have a baby. It pains me to know that my child will not know her grandmother (and grandfather as well, dad passed almost 4 years ago). But I can try my best to tell him/her what a great and loving person she was. Take care, thanks for your kind words.

Good luck to you. Am so sorry for your loss. Your day will be here soon and yes bring the certificates to the interview.

Thanks you

I'm very sorry for you man, and I wish you guys the best of luck in your journey.

Thanks so much! I anticipate good things.

Hi everone.......

I just wanted to share my K1 visa journey because it hasn't been a normal one. And this is also for those who are waiting waiting waiting and putting in your time through this process. Keep the faith, have patience and know that each day is a day closer to your loved one.

Our I-29F was recieved on 8/13/10 and it was approved on 1/5/2011. The embassy recieved our case on 1/21/2011. We felt that it was important that I was with Francys (my fiance from Cali) for her interview but at that time I was in a work contract until mid March. Also from reading embasssy feedback stories about beneficiaries not getting visas because the petitioner wasn't present did not settle well with us (which by the way isn't fair, if they want the petitioner to be there then require it). But I guess they need to see if the petitioner is serious. So we decided to wait to send in the DS forms until the first week of March as we were hoping for a April interview date. On 3/7/2011 we faxed the DS forms from packet 3. On 3/20 when the embassy site posted April interview dates we were not on the list. So I decided to email the embassy to ask for confirmation if they had recieved our DS forms via fax. On 3/25 I recieved an email from the embassy saying that our interview had been scheduled for 3/31. Five days notice even though we were not listed for the April dates on the embassy website! Of course we had to ask to be rescheduled as it was not enough time to plan everything, get documents together, purchase airline tickets, schedule medical, etc. Finally when May dates were released on 4/20 our case number appeared for 5/11/2011. We got everything together and arranged. I live in California and on 4/30 I had to go to Colorado (where I'm from) because my mother was suddenly ill. When I got there it was apparent the situation was not good, and to make a long story short she passed away on 5/6. Of course there was a funeral to plan and a mountain of other things to handle. We had to cancel the interview, cancel flights, cancel everything because I was in Colorado until 5/21. So now the interview is set for 6/22. It has been an interesting journey no doubt. Francys has been my rock through everything and continues to be my biggest supporter though she is so far. We have become closer and more in love through all these setbacks. We have both been patient knowing our day will come. The crazy thing is that this has been the saddest time of my life losing my mother. We were very close, talked everyday and we had a great relationship. And on the other side it has been the happiest time of my life because of Francys. It has been difficult to find a middle ground. I am looking forward to my trip to Colombia and I hope to report good news soon!

Hi everone.......

I just wanted to share my K1 visa journey because it hasn't been a normal one. And this is also for those who are waiting waiting waiting and putting in your time through this process. Keep the faith, have patience and know that each day is a day closer to your loved one.

Our I-29F was recieved on 8/13/10 and it was approved on 1/5/2011. The embassy in Bogota recieved our case on 1/21/2011. We felt that it was important that I was with Francys (my fiance from Cali, Colombia) for her interview but at that time I was in a work contract until mid March. Also from reading embasssy feedback stories about beneficiaries not getting visas because the petitioner wasn't present did not settle well with us (which by the way isn't fair, if they want the petitioner to be there then require it). But I guess they need to see if the petitioner is serious. So we decided to wait to send in the DS forms until the first week of March as we were hoping for a April interview date. On 3/7/2011 we faxed the DS forms from packet 3. On 3/20 when the embassy site posted April interview dates we were not on the list. So I decided to email the embassy to ask for confirmation if they had recieved our DS forms via fax. On 3/25 I recieved an email from the embassy saying that our interview had been scheduled for 3/31. Five days notice even though we were not listed for the April dates on the embassy website! Of course we had to ask to be rescheduled as it was not enough time to plan everything, get documents together, purchase airline tickets, schedule medical, etc. Finally when May dates were released on 4/20 our case number appeared for 5/11/2011. We got everything together and arranged. I live in California and on 4/30 I had to go to Colorado (where I'm from) because my mother was suddenly ill. When I got there it was apparent the situation was not good, and to make a long story short she passed away on 5/6. Of course there was a funeral to plan and a mountain of other things to handle. We had to cancel the interview, cancel flights, cancel everything because I was in Colorado until 5/21. So now the interview is set for 6/22. It has been an interesting journey no doubt. Francys has been my rock through everything and continues to be my biggest supporter though she is so far. We have become closer and more in love through all these setbacks. We have both been patient knowing our day will come. The crazy thing is that this has been the saddest time of my life losing my mother. We were very close, talked everyday and we had a great relationship. And on the other side it has been the happiest time of my life because of Francys. It has been difficult to find a middle ground. I am looking forward to my trip to Colombia and I hope to report good news soon!

Congrats!!

Thanks Diana....... the place you suggested is booked for the dates I wanted. I found some other places so I'm making a little progress. It will all work out.......

Hello.....

I am not having luck securing a reservation for a hotel near the embassy in Bogota. The places I have tried are booked solid and my fiances interview is 3 weeks away. I tried the sites listed in the embassy info section of this site. My fiance is not from Bogota so she can't really look. Does anyone recommend a place near the embassy?

Many thanks!!

WOOOO HOOOO!!! Interview 11th of May!!!

Entrevista 11 de mayoooooo.................................. :) :)

Disappointed......... but keeping the faith

Hi everyone.........

I'm sure you have seen this kind of post many times before but I guess I just need to vent my disappoint. We submitted packet 3 documents by fax on March 7th hoping for a interview sometime in April. We could have submitted starting the 3rd week of January, but I was locked into a teaching contract through the 3rd week of March. The reason we waited was because I want to go to Colombia to be with my fiance for the interview process. We were trying to time it out, and after viewing other timelines for the amount of time between submitting packet 3 and a interview date, I thought it would work out in our favor. Well.... I just checked the newly posted April interview dates on the US embassy website and did not see our case number. Needless to say we are very disappointed. I was poised and ready in my own mind that I would be going to Colombia sometime in April. Especially since my fiance's mother, who is getting married, was waiting to know our interview date so she could schedule her wedding while I was there. The only thing I can think of is that the embassy is busier now and we have to wait longer. Or our documents never arrived by fax, though we have fax confirmation receipts that says the transmission went through. I wrote the emabassy so maybe they will respond.

Ok...... I feel a little better.... Thanks for reading my post, and most of all thanks for all your past advice.

Disaapointed in San Diego........

Hi everyone.........

I'm sure you have seen this kind of post many times before but I guess I just need to vent my disappoint. We submitted packet 3 documents by fax on March 7th hoping for a interview sometime in April. We could have submitted starting the 3rd week of January, but I was locked into a teaching contract through the 3rd week of March. The reason we waited was because I want to go to Colombia to be with my fiance for the interview process. We were trying to time it out, and after viewing other timelines for the amount of time between submitting packet 3 and a interview date, I thought it would work out in our favor. Well.... I just checked the newly posted April interview dates on the US embassy website and did not see our case number. Needless to say we are very disappointed. I was poised and ready in my own mind that I would be going to Colombia sometime in April. Especially since my fiance's mother, who is getting married, was waiting to know our interview date so she could schedule her wedding while I was there. The only thing I can think of is that the embassy is busier now and we have to wait longer. Or our documents never arrived by fax, though we have fax confirmation receipts that says the transmission went through. I wrote the emabassy so maybe they will respond.

Ok...... I feel a little better.... Thanks for reading my post, and most of all thanks for all your past advice.

Disaapointed in San Diego........

Hi everyone...

A lot of great info here and I have learned a lot. We are going to send packet 3 in on 3/7 and we hope to get a mid April interview. We'll see. My fiance is a concerned about her vaccinations. She doesn't have her records from childhood but she does have a card proving her tetanus shot dates (about 2 years ago) and one other vaccination I can't remember. I have read a lot of different things here about vaccinations, some people say it's good to get them before the medical, some say to wait and take whatever she has to show as proof and the doctor will determine what is necessary. I have read horror stories of how a lot of people are getting repeat vaccinations of shots they had weeks before from their own doctor in their hometown. I have also read good stories, but not many. Most of the information I read is a few years old on this site via forums. I guess I would like CURRENT info about this topic. I'm just trying to be prepared and remain informed like everyone else... anything is appreciated. If you can contribute thanks for your time!

All that hard work and patience has paid off......... congrats!!

Hi everyone

The embassy finally has our case/documents and we are ready to proceed with packet 3. I want to go to Colombia and be with my fiance for the interview and hopefully we can return together. My question is: after filing the forms for packet 3 how is the interview scheduled? Do they pretty much give you a date and that's it, or do we have a choice from availabale dates? My teaching contract doesn't end until mid March and I'm thinking if we file packet 3 now we might be given a interview date before my contract expires. I am specifically talking about the Colombian embassy as I'm not sure if the scheduling process is the same with all embassies.

Thanks for you time!!

Hi everyone,I know I am one of hundreds and hundreds and I guess I am just venting but I am so desperate to hear something soon.We filled in August last year (feels good to say this) It will be our fifth month of waiting next week,then we should probably start to be pests and start calling them.I just hate our lives on hold especially having all the exciting and fun plans that we have.We want to have our wedding on May 1st and I guess soon I will start to worry that we wont make it in time.Well hopefully we will :)Thanks to all of you being helpful and cheerful!I know this journey is worth it and I know I am lucky to have my fiancee visiting once in a couple months.I just want to start living like two normal people without being constantly worried about the whole thing not working out and even having to prove our love to someone who wouldnt care less if we will be together or not....you know what I mean

Wish good luck to all of you and have a good new year!!!

Hang in there....... we just got our NOA2 on January 5th and we filed on August 13th, only 8 days before you. I would guess any day now. But I do understand your restlessness. :-) Good luck

Super!! Congratulations and I wish you happiness in your journey.........

Hey that is awesome news cogratulations!! How exciting!! Good luck with the rest.......

Hi welcome to San Diego!! I am glad you are here with your sweetheart as I am waiting to get my sweetie here TO San Diego. Seems like you have a lot of good advice and I wish you luck with everything. Fun in the sun?? What sun?? Take care.....

Hi everyone!! Wow, very cool thread! It seems we can all agree that constant communication with our significant other is the biggest help of all. And since we are both waiting together and getting through this process together the end result will be more meaningful and joyous. We talk at least twice a day, emails and texts. And I get to see my fiance every Sunday (she doesn't have a computer so she goes to a internet cafe). I encourage her to enjoy her friends and family because things will change soon. Of course it's hard to wait. There are those days........ But we both see it as an exciting time. There is so much to look forward to with our futures. It's a personal journey for sure, but reading these posts makes me feel like we are all in this together. I work a lot so that helps. I love to oil paint, read and hit the gym. A good movie helps of course. But even during the aforementioned things that keep me busy, it comforts me that she is there with me spirit. And this is what keeps me going the most. And the fact that we will be together for Christmas and New Years.

Happy waiting....... there will be an end..... hopefully sooner than we think!!

Hang in there...5 months is normal for the NOA2...be prepared for up to 3 months for an interview appointment since Bogota is getting backed up more every month.

Thank you....... yep we're ready for the ride........... just have to wait it out like everyone else, the process, the waiting, etc.... At least I'm heading to Colombia for Christamas and New Years so hopefully within a few months after that we can have reason to celebrate some good news. Take care!