Visa Approved in Colombia

[bigtex 0]

The Visa for my fiance' Laura and her two children, ages 2 and 8 were approved by the Colombian U.S. Embassy on April 6. We had permission of the father to leave and then after we had already cleared one set of checks at the airport something popped up that the father of the girls had signed an order preventing their leaving from Colombia. What a heart-wrenching day. Such good news and then 2 days later at the airport such saddness. My fiance decided to come ahead to the U.S. with me on the 10th of April leaving the girls with her family in Armenia, Colombia. We are pursuing legal action to again gain permission for the girls so please keep us and the girls in prayers for their soon travel to Texas.

Now as for the Colombian embassy. We were in line at 4:30 AM and #1 in the gate. There were perhaps 100 people in line by the opening time at 6:30 AM and quickly they made two lines--one of fiance' Visas and those visiting the U.S. and the other for work in the U.S. By the time we entered there must have been 1,000 people in line for all the different types of visas. Although we were #1 in the gate we must have been close to the last for approval as we only made it out of the Embassy about 11:30 AM. It appeared that probably 98% of the people there were denied since on the next day at 4:00 PM there were probably only 30 people to pick up their new Visas. By the way, there is NO need to bring children to the interview despite what you have heard. The important thing is having paperwork with you and in order. The first interview they make is to see any weaknesses in your application--if no common language, or whatever they see that stands out. Then at the final interview at the window (by the way, there is no sit down interview but between bullet-proof glass at a window speaking through a phone) they dig and dig more into that weakness or weaknesses making certain you are certain you can communicate with each other and will live together after arrival in the U.S. The 4:00 PM pick-up of the Visa was again a day of worry. The first twenty or so were called quickly for their Visas and then 10 people or perhaps 15 had not been called and one by one we learned they hadn't "finished the Visas" and we should come back the following Monday (it was a Friday). I asked to speak to everyone I can find and finally the Counselate who said there was no way on Friday to get the Visas. Well, after much talk and explaining we already had airline tickets for the following day, we had the Visas. Remind Colombian fiance's that the first interview is no more than to check if everything is in the packets and the lady who does the interview is a little tough. Even the second interview was tough. As the American Citizen I attended the interview with my fiance from Colombia and really doubt she would have gotten the Visa without me there for the interview. If at all possible go to the interview with the Fiance. I think it is important. If for nothing else it is somewhat of a scary experience and the reassurance you can provide is very important. If you have any questions please let me know. My fiance' and I are to be married this Sunday and to Hawaii for our honeymoon in two weeks. It is sad without our 2 girls but we will face each day for the good God has provided and with hope of re-uniting soon.

[MaryandMian 1]

Wow how heartwrenching it must of been. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck on the rest of your journey.

Mary

[PSoft 0]

Congrats !!!! :

[Jasman0717 9]

Wow, sorry to hear of your setback. Why adults act like children when it comes to the welfare of children never ceases to amaze me! I hope you are able to resolve this so the children came come too. Good luck

[Carola 0]

Sorry to hear about the bad news, wishing you all the best. Good Luck

[meddykomp 0]

Congratulations!

[Ladylethal 12]

It is indeed happy and sad. Hope things go well with taking the girls to US.

[iceyspots 0]

Good luck on getting the girls

CONGRATS ON THE VISA !!

[~*Dorothy*~ 2]

First, congratulation on getting the visa and I am sorry to hear about the girls...Really, what a heartbreaking situation...I hope that all will work out in the long run...stay positive and good luck with the rest of the journey...best wishes...Dorothy

[sjoefl01 1]

Congratulations,

Sounds like you need to move quickly on adjustment of status with AP so that your wife can travel. Remember that she shouldn't leave until she has it.

[Oly 0]

Congratulations for the visa you guys will be in our prayers and i know God will hear us and the girls will be soon there, have faith

OLY AND DIDIER

[Rocio 0]

you will me in my prays, good luck with legal action for the girls

[meddykomp 0]

Congratulations on the approval and I hope you are reunited with the children soon.