No Translator Needed for Havana interviews

[Barbara y Alexis 1]

hi folks,

i just visited the Havana "embassy" to ask a few questions.

one of which was, "Does my fiance need to bring a translator with him to the interview?"

The answer was NO. She said all the interviewers are bilingual.

I also asked about the affadavit of support...what if I have three years of tax reports but am missing the most recent one (don't have it now, but will by time of the interview, but don't want to pay to DHL it there if it's not needed). The answer was, they don't need any one thing in particular, just sufficient documents to show that I am financially able to cover both our expenses, in combination with evidence that he has a history of working. They don't want someone to come over who will end up being a public charge, dependent on welfare.

More clarity on bringing over his teen son later. The boy wants to finish high school there. She said it's simplest if the boy follows immigrant fiance dad within 12 months of dad receiving the Visa (not 12 months of immigrating). However, as long as the boy is still under 21, not married, and we have indeed gotten married, then I can apply for him as the step-child of a US Citizen. But be sure to give it the 8-10 months needed for the papers to process. If he turns 21 in the meantime, then it switches over to the other family reunification visa process which is up in the 5-10 year range.

I tried to ask about which exit Visa he should ask for from Cuba (the salida definitiva or salida indefinitiva) but she didn't want to offer advice on the Cuban process.

I asked about getting the Medical Exam -- she said go ahead and start getting it, since it's valid for one year.

I asked about getting the police certificates (Penales Antecedentes) -- she said the same, with our interview in June, to go ahead and ask for the documents. No worries about them not being current enough if obtained in March and used in late June.

Best wishes to everyone!

[David07 0]

hi folks,

i just visited the Havana "embassy" to ask a few questions.

one of which was, "Does my fiance need to bring a translator with him to the interview?"

The answer was NO. She said all the interviewers are bilingual.

I also asked about the affadavit of support...what if I have three years of tax reports but am missing the most recent one (don't have it now, but will by time of the interview, but don't want to pay to DHL it there if it's not needed). The answer was, they don't need any one thing in particular, just sufficient documents to show that I am financially able to cover both our expenses, in combination with evidence that he has a history of working. They don't want someone to come over who will end up being a public charge, dependent on welfare.

More clarity on bringing over his teen son later. The boy wants to finish high school there. She said it's simplest if the boy follows immigrant fiance dad within 12 months of dad receiving the Visa (not 12 months of immigrating). However, as long as the boy is still under 21, not married, and we have indeed gotten married, then I can apply for him as the step-child of a US Citizen. But be sure to give it the 8-10 months needed for the papers to process. If he turns 21 in the meantime, then it switches over to the other family reunification visa process which is up in the 5-10 year range.

I tried to ask about which exit Visa he should ask for from Cuba (the salida definitiva or salida indefinitiva) but she didn't want to offer advice on the Cuban process.

I asked about getting the Medical Exam -- she said go ahead and start getting it, since it's valid for one year.

I asked about getting the police certificates (Penales Antecedentes) -- she said the same, with our interview in June, to go ahead and ask for the documents. No worries about them not being current enough if obtained in March and used in late June.

Best wishes to everyone!

Hi Barbara...just a few comments:

There's absolutely no need for a translator. The interview will be in spanish.

In regard to the affidavit of support; it depends on your specific circumstances..but the "rule" is to show the three year of tax returns (ask for transcripts from the IRS..); bank statements, and a letter from your employer (unless you're self-employed) I don't know about his history of working deal; if he;s got one he's got to declare it...but I do not think that's an absolute must have...my girlfriend is a student; so she does not have a regular job other than professional practice training.

Most people do the salida definitiva (some others including myself have posted about this) You can do either one depending on the circumstances; but if he wants to go back to visit it's better to do it definitiva. He won't be able to go back in three years; or once every three years anyway...(don't know exactly how that works...)