Translated Documents, Time Sensitive? and Divorce (Ecuador)

[Milagros11 1]

Background: I sent my I-129F yesterday (7-29-13) and wouldn't you know it, today I figured out I may not have sent the right information to prove my fiance is divorced. I sent the final judgement from the judge who presided over the case, the stamps and signatures of the judges in Quito who acknowledged and approved it, and a newly issued copy of my fiance's ID card showing his civil status as divorced. Today, I came across the official requirements of the embassy in Guayaquil for when we have our interview (research for nearly a year and couldn't find this a day sooner?). They require a document from the civil registry (which I have and didn't send! *face palm*). It is a very ugly, messy document that looked like nothing more than a receipt from the civil registry to me, but it turns out it is what passes as the divorce certificate in Ecuador. So, I am going to have it translated and anticipate an RFE.



Question 1: Are translations time sensitive? If I translate the document now and get an RFE in 5 months and send it then will the translation still be considered valid or is there a 30-day (or similar) rule?


Question 2: Any chance that the final divorce judgement with ID card will pass for evidence for USCIS and I can just bring the other document to the interview at the embassy? I realize an answer to this would be purely speculation. I am just wondering how closely USCIS works with each embassy regarding required evidence and if there is any chance USCIS may be satisfied with what I have sent even though the embassy will want the additional document.



Thank you!

[TBoneTX 44,690]

Translations aren't time-sensitive. Just include the "translator's certification statement" (available here on VJ).

The divorce materials that you sent might satisfy USCIS, but pray that they don't, and that you receive an RFE. The RFE will enable you to respond to the USCIS requirement and to add copious "evidence of bona fide relationship" to your petition package. USCIS won't care about the latter, but they'll send it to the Guayaquil consulate, and this is crucial.

Guayaquil has been one of the worst "#######" consulates in the world. Things have seemingly gotten slightly better since those of my era were so thoroughly hosed there, but that could be because so many VJ members have followed our sadder-but-wiser advice. No one should take any chances. See here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/110313-us-consulate-in-guayaquil-ecuador/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/180306-guayaquil-consulate-administrative-process/

Although the consulate may evade or downright lie about the subject (as they have), the truth is this: The petitioner's presence is required at the beneficiary's interview, or the visa runs a 99.44% chance of being refused.

[Milagros11 1]

Thanks for the response TBone! I actually sent about 3inches thick worth of evidence (facebook, Skype logs, several bus tickets with both our names, passport stamps for my 6 visits since meeting 2 yrs ago + six month visa for my most recent stay, photos, wedding dress receipt, and western union receipts). I hope the bona fide relationship bit won't be a problem. I have also been reading VJ for about a year now so I do have you vets to thank for your Guayaquil embassy advice and will be present at the interview when we get to that point. Since the divorce document I didn't include in the packet is listed on the GYE guide for what to bring for the interview, I was hoping that if it does pass USCIS that the consular will just take it from me at the interview. But maybe not. I was hoping to avoid the delay of an RFE but better delay than a no at the embassy I suppose. Thanks for your input!!

[TBoneTX 44,690]

Messages like yours gladden the heart, si man. If you do get the RFE, fatten the petition with recent material.

Also, MoneyGram seems to be cheaper than Western Union between the U.S. & Ecu.