Packet Four Contents

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OUR PACKET 4

Hello all, I am sorry I am posting this out of order, since we already got our visa, but I am sure there will always be curiosity as to what to expect. Keep in mind some of this might also be specific to our country of El Salvador.

First of all I recommend you call if you have not received this packet. In our case it turns out packet four was sent to our co-sponsor. (Long story). Anyway, the packet was not really a packet. I am not sure if it’s the same with all embassies or our embassy does not have money to print paper. It is only one piece of paper with a link to go to their website so you may print it yourself.

This is what it says (it’s in Spanish so excuse any mistranslation):

Esteemed Petitioner of Immigrant visa:

This office is prepared to initiate the final transactions? on your immigrant visa petition. To obtain the list of documents that you need to present on the day of your interview you will need to access the following link on our website. (Link)

Please follow meticulously the instructions that are detailed so that you may obtain all the documents you will need at the moment you call t make your interview appointment. It is important that at the time you call the Visa Information Center to make your appointment you have all the documents in the order of the enclosed list; this will facilitate the verification of all the information? when you call.

Beginning the first of March 1 of 2008, make sure the operator you call provides you with 2 appointments, which should be a week between each other. Keep in mind that you must present yourself to two interviews in order to prcess your immigration visa, if you fail to do this your case may be delayed for several months.

It is recommended you begin to prepare all the documents as soon as possible. Not having all documents prepared may delay your interview date, perhaps for several months.

Warning (This is the same warning in packet 3 about some agencies that claim to help you with the immigration process and that the US embassy is not affiliated with them and that any assurance of expediency is fraudulent)

Then the number of the case is at the bottom and the name and date of birth of the applicant and the category of the visa application.

Then you go to the website and print the rest. The first page you print is actually a repeat of the one in the letter except it’s not addressed to you.

The next page says that these instructions indicate the steps that you and them members of your family that appear on the letter will have to make before scheduling your appointment for the immigrant visa.

STEP 1: Medical Exam

Please read all the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. You will find the detailed instructions with relation to each medical exam that all petitioners of immigrant Visa must make. (Bold print) Remember to take the first page where your name and case number is the day that you decide to have your medical exams.

Attached you will find the addresses and medical centesrs authorized by the embassy to have your medical exams for the immigrant visa. When you go to your medical exam please identify yourself with 1) passport 2) letter from the embassy stating your appt. (I think they mean the first page sent in packet four) 3) your vaccination registry. If you don’t have a registry of vaccination the doctor will work with you to determine which vaccinations are necessary for you.

The approximated cost for your medical exams is $250. It’s important to note this cost is an approximation and it depends on your medical history, and the cost may reach 600 per applicant. All petitioners need to present themselves before 10 am for same day results. (Our cost was 190 for the Medical exam, and $25 and $28 for the X-ray and blood work approximately).

This is followed by a list of medical centers and list of doctors authorized by the US embassy.

STEP 2 List of Documents:

All the following documents that are being asked for must be originals and recent (read each note next to each document). When you have all the documentation at hand call the Visa Information Center and the operator will confirm the day and hour of your interview . Do not call if you do not have all the documents ready. The operator will not schedule your interview if you do not have all the documents on hand. (Mark with an X each box when you have each document on hand).

All applicants must present:

Payment for visa of $400 or the added $45 (not sure what this means)

Birth Certificate. Original and recent (within the last three months)

Two recent photographs. (Color photos 2x2 inches with white background taken within the last six months. ) This is followed by an explanation on the requirements for this passport type photos.

Valid Passport. (with an expiration date no less than six months away)

Form DS-230 Part I and II (unsigned)

Medical Exams

I-864 Affidavit of support. And any docs of co-sponsor if primary sponosor does not qualify.

Proof of legal residency or citizenship.

Tax filings even if earnings not sufficient. And those of co-sponsor if applicable. Documents must be signed.

W-2s for the last year.

Needed for only some applicants

Are you between 18-80 years old?

If so you must present a Policia Naciona Civil “solvencia” (issued within the last six months and valid)

Have you ever been married?

If so you must present an original marriage certificate (issued within the last three months)

Have you ever been divorced?

If so you must bring a divorce certificate (issued within the last thres months)

Death certificate (if it applies)

Have you ever been arrested?

If so you must present your criminal record and any person has been convicted for any crime must present a copy of the sentence emited by a judicial authority even if you have been given amnesty or any other act of clemency.

Have you ever been deported?

If so you must present the deportation for the documentation. Anyone who has been deported or excluded from the US must obtain Form I-212 aproved by the dept of National Security. (DHS)

Have you ever belonged to the armed forces?

If so you must present documentation proving this. And you must show from some authority if you are serving of are on leave.

STEP 3 VISA COST

Beginning January 1 there was an increase o the immigrant visa from $380 to $400. Each person that is asking for an immigrant visa regardless of age mus pay $400. Payment may be in cash or credit card (Visa, Master Card, Express, Discover and Diners Club)

Once you have made the arrangements for the visa payment mark the box for step 3 and follow to step 4.

STEP 4 HOW TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT

When the beneficiary and not the petitionary calls the Visa Information Center please give your name and case number as it appears below. Please have in mind that if you do not have all documentation on had that is asked when you call you will not be able to program you interview. You are encouraged to make your appointment within 2 weeks maximum. Read with attention the following info and follow the instructions that are detailed. It is important that you have all your documents on hand. It is important that you present the first page where all our personal facts (name and case number) the day of your interview.

Once the beneficiary has in his power all the documents detailed in the instructions please contact the Visa Information center to schedule your interview. Have on hand you case number and your name as it appears on the appt letter.

If you are not prepared with all the documentation required you will not be allowed to schedule your appointment.

From El Salvador: You may call 900-6011 from any line that will allow you to dial a 900 number. This number cannot be dialed from public telephones, cell phones and some phones have that number blocked.

You may also buy a special card call VISA USA at any Telefonica branch, and follow the instructions to call the visa center. (I personally do not recommend this because it is only 8 min long and it is not enough time)

From the USA

You may call 1 866 730 2089. The cost is charged to a Visa or Master Card.

After making your appointment check the box for 4 and follow on to step 5.

STEP 5 THE INTERVIEW

The day of your interview you must present yourself to the Embassy with the letter you were initially sent. You must be there at least 30 min early . In the waiting area you must turn in your letter and be later called by name.

You cannot know if you will be approved before hand. The Consular officer will decided if you are eligible to obtain a visa. Generally a visa is valid for 6 months so you must be in the US within that period.

All people that come to residency interviews and are approved will have their visa sent by courier with Cargo Expresso. The cost for this is $13 and you must bring this payment.

All members of your family applying for residency younger than 21 and single named in this letter must be present at the hour indicated. If they are not present on the day of the interview the visa process will not be completed. If you are not able to assist to your appointment please contact the visa information center to reschedule your appointment.

If it was needed to present additional documents you visa would not be approved the same day of the interview but you would be advised when you would submit these documents. You should not make plans to travel to the US because we cannot guarantee your visa will be approved.

(That’s it for packet 4) Hope this dispells some of the doubts about what to expect!