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| Dominican Republic |  Review on June 19, 2015: |
Deedee0613
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Hopefully this review helps those who has and is going through similar process...
Me and my husband got to the capital the day before our interview (we are from Valverde Mao). We met with our friends who are also from VJ! She helped me a lot and I will be forever grateful with her! We couldn't go to bed super anxious and excited. We woke up at 5 am and got there at 6:15 am. His cousin dropped us off and also stayed with our cell phones. Our appointment was at 7 am, where there were at least 100 people already ahead of us. We go to the VR line. There different line for different hours and different types of Visa (I helped a lot of people that were lost and were on the wrong line) I feel like the embassy should have more personnel outside informing people where they need to go for those that don't really understand this process.
Line started moving. The lady asked us for our appointment letter in which I handed her the appointment confirmation page that I printed out. She crossed his name that was actually on the first page. We proceeded to the first building which is security check. I had a small purse and had the documents, my husband went first and waited for me as I went through (no problem). As I go to the second building, I see people sitting outside to my right and realize that it was for those who applied for "Visa de paseo/tourist visa". As we got to a very short line, we were given number #192 and went ahead and sat down. At this point it was 7:15 and the embassy was not so full so there were seats available.
Me and my husband are very social so we started talking to different people and it helped with time going by fast  Embassy was very nice and clean, they have an area for children to play. A/C was pretty comfortable (yay!). Please eat something before you go to the interview. We were starving lol.
About 30 mins from when we sat down we were called to window #4. We were greeted by this dominican lady (early to mid 20's) She asked for the appointment letter, stepped out for about 1 minute and returned to her seat with our initial packet that I sent to USCIS. She asked for all legal documents. For ex: His birth certificate, police report, marriage certificate, DS 260 confirmation, his passport and his and my divorce decree. She didn't ask for the 2x2 picture, I offered and she said that she didn't need it. She then asked for his medicals in which she opened and handed back to me the envelope empty. She asked if he has ever been arrested or has had any legal problems and my husband said no. She then asked me for my AOS (My case at NVC was expedited so I never sent my AOS or my IV Paperwork and Fee). She said "Denise, I see that you haven't paid the IV, go to window #41 and pay the fee, when he gives you the receipt, please come to the window again", She also handed me a pamphlet about Domestic Violence and told us to please read as we were going to be questioned about it. We went to pay (no one was on the line) we were greeted by a dominican guy who was eating an apple lol. He asked if I was going to pay in pesos or dollars and I said dollars. I paid $325 dollars. I asked about paying the AOS fee and he said that AOS fee is not collected at the embassy. (I was confused about this because I didn't want any delay with my process). I went back to window #4 and gave her the receipts. I asked her about the AOS fee and she said not to worry that I don't need to pay that fee. (Yay!! extra one for us lol) We sat down and now the embassy was FULL, hardly any seats...
We were waiting and waiting made a few aquaintence and we were laughing and making jokes. My husband notice that everyone who was going to window #6 was being approved and he was really hoping for us to be called by that person. Our friend from VJ who also had an interview that same day joined us, which was even better. It was already 10:30 and we hadn't been called. I went to the restroom and to my luck they called our number as I was there lol. My friend went to the restroom and called me and told me "Dee your number was called" Uff I got so excited and got out and saw my husband SMILING, I noticed the monitor and noticed #192 Window #6!!! OMG OMG lol... they called us 3 times..we finally get there and was greeted by this young american female with glasses and very very friendly. She asked what was my name and then asked him what was his name. Swore us in and asked my husband to put his finger prints. Questions began everything in spanish...
CO: Did you read the pamphlet that was given to you?
BOTH: Yes
CO: How many times have you been married?
Him: 2 times with this one
CO: How about you?
Me: Same. 2 times with this one
CO: Do you have any children together?
Both: No
CO: Does he have any children?
Me: Yes, a daughter
CO: Her age?
Me: 7
CO: Does she have any children?
Him: Yes, 3 boys (He said this in spanish and it sound like he said 13 in spanish lol)
CO: 13????? WOW
BOTH: NOOO 3!! LOL
CO: She laughed, and said, I was about to say, she looks too young for so many children, and laughed.
CO: How old are her children?
Him: 6 who will turn 7, 9 and 10. (My opinion, info of the 6 yr old not need lol)
CO: How long you guys have been a couple?
Me: 1.5 years
CO: She said so you waited 2 years to get married?
Me: No, 10 months.
CO:Wow, you got married fast, don't you think?
Me: No, it's pretty average now a days
CO: Ok not bad, how many times have you traveled here since you met him?
Me: 6 times with this trip.
CO: Nice. as she typed something on her computer
CO: How did you guys meet?
Him: Social Media
CO: Oh, which one?
BOTH: Instagram
CO: Instagram? (At this point she noticed my english was good. She apologized and said "Oh I'm sorry, you speak english perfect?"
Me: Yes, I do
CO: I apologize, do you prefer english?
Me: Yes I do actully
CO: Ok good.
CO: Out of curiosity, how does one meet a person through Instagram? (Smiles)
Me: (This is when I go to my comfort zone and explained)
CO: She smiled and giggled and said, "I am going to have to try that". She reached over for a paper in which explained that we were approved and said "Felicidades, bienvenido a los Estados Unidos, su visa ha sido aprobada!!!
US: Wow!!! thank you!!!! We kissed and hugged each other and left...
14 questions asked by the CO and it literally took like 5-7 minutes. Amazing!! She was a blessing to be honest. Didn't ask us for noo evidence at all!!! Didn't even question me about my expedite.
I also greeted a other couple from VJ who's OP husband recognized my husbands face from our picture on our VJ profile
I was really prepared to be asked so many questions because of a previous K-1 visa that I had petitioned for. I cancelled that petition before he received his visa so even though I did everything legit, I honestly thought that we were still going to be questioned about it. However, I prepared myself so well in the I-130 packet. I sent every evidence regarding my conversation with the embassy when I withdrew that petition. Also she handed me back pictures that I sent in that packet along with my wedding invitation and wedding cards from friends and family and receipts of money sent to him.
As we left, one of the employees informed us about the issue with the visa being printed and told us that as of now, no visa is being issued until the problem is corrected. I am ok with it because everything is done for a reason and we are approved and that is all that matters!!!
I also wanted to let the ladies know, I went in cute and comfortable sandals. It's too hot and the line you have to wait on is a little uncomfortable to wear heels. I wore a light cardigan and a tank top under with a green khaki high waisted pant. My husband wore a striped navy blue button down collar shirt, with khaki pant and a black belt with black shoes. My suggestion is for the person being petition to go dressed as if they were going to a job interview! (My opinion
I wrote everything in detailed because I know that some people will appreciate it.
Thank VJ!! Good luck to all!!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17103