Ready to start the journey in Guayaquil (looking for advice...)

[Wildbill 0]

Hi Everyone,

I think we have all the paperwork together to start a CR-1 application for my wife. I have spent hours scanning this site and the Consulate website, but I still have a couple of questions.

1-Does anyone know the best way to submit payment to the Consulate? For the past denied tourist visa applications, we had to pay in a bank here and just take the reciept. Do we do that, or take a check with us, or cash?

2-We have a cover letter which says everything we are including, CR1 application, G325A's for both of us, copys of our passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate, photos, and translations of her birth certificate and our marriage certificate, also 4 notorized affidavits from people at our wedding. That is it......do we just stick all of this in a folder, and go to the consulate and hand it in to someone or what? I know we need an appointment, but am just wondering what to expect and I want to make sure we are prepared.

I am the US citizen, residing in Guayaquil and my wife is the Ecuadorian who has been denied a tourist visa 3 times. We got married in March after being together for 5 years.

I will start a timeline as soon as we turn in the application and keep it updated.

Thanks alot to anyone who responds!!

[TBoneTX 45,329]

pay in a bank here and just take the reciept.

It would almost certainly be this way. Is there nothing on their site about DCF, which it sounds as though you're attempting? If not, e-mail "IVGuayaquil@state.gov" to see if you can get a straight answer.

also 4 notorized affidavits from people at our wedding. That is it

If the affidavits don't also attest to the length & depth (validity) of your entire relationship, collect more, or you risk refusal of the visa. Again, e-mail the consulate.

I am the US citizen, residing in Guayaquil and my wife is the Ecuadorian who has been denied a tourist visa 3 times. We got married in March after being together for 5 years.

You'd better have boatloads of extra proof to turn in with your original package.

Thanks alot to anyone who responds!!

The e-mail replies will be nice enough (and almost always within 48 hours), but when you get there, expect to be treated like a criminal. Also, even if you give your package to a native (clerk), insist upon pointing out every enclosure, by name & type. Insist that the clerk acknowledge each item. Insist upon being told a date certain by which a consul will begin reviewing the package. Begin following up the day before that date, and do not relent. Keep us apprised.

[Wildbill 0]

Thanks alot T-bone,

I think you are the expert in regards to this consulate, and I appreciate the advice. I really have no idea what I am doing, I called the Consulate to find out if they had DCF and talked to a lady there. She told me that that that wasnt available there, but to justt fill out the CR-1 application, schedule an appointment and bring it in. SO, I'm not even sure if I have everything required. I will email them and see what they say.

Did you file all of your paperwork in the States?

Is there anyway to communicate directly with another memeber here? Maybe this isnt even the right place for this post.

I really appreciate your advice, I have read everything you have written at this site and you have us somewhat nervous.

Thanks again!

[TBoneTX 45,329]

I think you are the expert in regards to this consulate, and I appreciate the advice.

Thanks, si man... I'm just one of the more vocal of the many who have been thoroughly hosed there, and if I can save others from the same damnation, cool.

I called the Consulate to find out if they had DCF and talked to a lady there. She told me that that that wasnt available there, but to justt fill out the CR-1 application, schedule an appointment and bring it in.

I didn't think that DCF was available there, either. Their casual answer surprises me; I have a couple of theories regarding what they said, but I couldn't guess without more information. You ought to ask them what happens when you apply/schedule/appear, and that will answer a lot. In general, trust nothing that you're told by phone regarding procedures or instructions. Get all answers to all of your questions in writing, and ask the same questions a week or two apart; you may get wildly different answers from the anonymous staff there. Keep printouts of all correspondence that you have with them!

Did you file all of your paperwork in the States?

We were K-1, & si man.

Is there anyway to communicate directly with another memeber here? Maybe this isnt even the right place for this post.

This is just about the best place for your thread. Go to the top of the page and click "Portals" and see who comes up under Ecuador. I can let you know who some of the more responsive folks are.

I have read everything you have written at this site and you have us somewhat nervous.

If you're only somewhat nervous, then I have failed in my mission. Simply do not trust anyone there as far as you could kick them, and expect duplicity. If things happen to go smoothly for you, they've simply expended their evil for the day on someone else. Your "ace in the hellhole" will be to bring every iota of "evidence of valid relationship" that you can possibly scrape together; if you do this, and of course if you attend the interview, you have a legitimate fighting chance. Stay in close touch, si man. Edited September 11, 2009 by TBoneTX

[TBoneTX 45,329]

(Too late to edit above) Because DCF apparently isn't available, I wonder whether they're offering to take your complete application/file and send it to USCIS for you? That's one of my unsubstantiated theories. You need to find out exactly what they have in mind when they say for you to come in. Let me know.