DCF Mexico

[ulises 0]

Ok, so I'm getting everything together and preparing to file. I've been trying to go through this whole thread to find out as much as possible and it has helped a lot so far, but it's likely I'll post a redundant question or three in the coming months. Luckily, at least as of right now, we can take our time with this process and I'm hoping that makes it much easier on us. Our case is pretty straightforward and I'm hoping it should be a breeze (at least as much as it can be).

So I have a couple of questions right of the bat (dozens more to come, surely). I've called the Mexican Embassy and they were less than helpful (huge suprise there) and basically told me to call back and talk to the machine. Thanks for that, guys.

Anyway, number 1. is: We'll be going to the states on vacation in a month and I'm wondering if I could just do the money order while there. Frankly I'd feel a little better purchasing the money order in the states since it's not at all common here, so do you think Mexico City would have any problem with a money order from the United States?

2. It's pretty obvious to whom the money order should be made out, but if anyone can confirm the exact address to where all the docs should be sent to the embassy in Mexico City that would help a lot.

and

3. I read in some of the early posts on this thread that you have the option of getting all of the biometrics stuff out of the way beforehand at your local consulate (in our case Guadalajara) and thus saving you from having to do one more thing while in Juarez. Can anyone confirm if that is the case? Thanks!

Hi DerZinker (aka dhudson). As for number 1 I have no idea.

For number 3, yes I think you can do all the biometrics in Guadalajara, but you can call the us-visa number there in Guadalajara and ask about that.

Also, for the medical examination I would recommend you to go to the second one, the staff there is nice (at least in my particular experience, I posted time ago about this), at least they are not as rude as in the first one.

As for number 2, you can find address and phones here

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/einsinfo.html

Open to the public: Mondays and Thursdays (except holidays) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Our mailing address inside Mexico is:

BCIS Mexico City District Office

Paseo de la Reforma 305

Colonia Cuauhtemoc

06500 Mexico, D.F.

Our mailing address outside Mexico is:

BCIS Mexico City District Office

American Embassy-Mexico City

P.O. Box 3087 (BCIS)

Laredo, TX. 78044

You should call the extensions given there. That's what I did, of course it took me forever for someone to answer. And leaving messages is just useless. I would say you should try calling after 1 p.m. because they receive people from 9 to 1.

I would say there is no problem with bringing the money order from the U.S. But I don't know of anyone having done this before, so my advise is to call them, and get a hold of them.

Good luck with your interviews and the whole process!

[DerZinker 4]

Hi DerZinker (aka dhudson). As for number 1 I have no idea.

For number 3, yes I think you can do all the biometrics in Guadalajara, but you can call the us-visa number there in Guadalajara and ask about that.

Also, for the medical examination I would recommend you to go to the second one, the staff there is nice (at least in my particular experience, I posted time ago about this), at least they are not as rude as in the first one.

As for number 2, you can find address and phones here

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/einsinfo.html

Open to the public: Mondays and Thursdays (except holidays) 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Our mailing address inside Mexico is:

BCIS Mexico City District Office

Paseo de la Reforma 305

Colonia Cuauhtemoc

06500 Mexico, D.F.

Our mailing address outside Mexico is:

BCIS Mexico City District Office

American Embassy-Mexico City

P.O. Box 3087 (BCIS)

Laredo, TX. 78044

You should call the extensions given there. That's what I did, of course it took me forever for someone to answer. And leaving messages is just useless. I would say you should try calling after 1 p.m. because they receive people from 9 to 1.

I would say there is no problem with bringing the money order from the U.S. But I don't know of anyone having done this before, so my advise is to call them, and get a hold of them.

Good luck with your interviews and the whole process!

You the man Ulises! yeah, I changed my screen name Thanks for coming to check back on us, buddy. As far as getting the payment from the US, I have talked to a couple of other members who have done it that way and they said that it worked out ok for them. So I think that's the way I'm going to do it, since I just really worry about doing a money order or a cashiers check here in Mexico. Some way or some how it will get messed up LoL. But I'll try to get ahold of them again and when I do, I'll just tell them straight up, 'you're going to answer my questions.' Sometimes you get a nice person, other times you don't. In any case, my taxes pay their salary. So they can answer directly to me, or my congressman. I'm betting they'll chose me

I remember your post about the Medical Exam and that is really important. Last time we went my wife (then finace) felt very humiliated and rightfully so. I'm hoping that the experience will go more smoothly this time around.

What was the name of the 'second' Medical Place ? Just to be sure, that's where we'll go.

[ulises 0]

You the man Ulises! yeah, I changed my screen name Thanks for coming to check back on us, buddy. As far as getting the payment from the US, I have talked to a couple of other members who have done it that way and they said that it worked out ok for them. So I think that's the way I'm going to do it, since I just really worry about doing a money order or a cashiers check here in Mexico. Some way or some how it will get messed up LoL. But I'll try to get ahold of them again and when I do, I'll just tell them straight up, 'you're going to answer my questions.' Sometimes you get a nice person, other times you don't. In any case, my taxes pay their salary. So they can answer directly to me, or my congressman. I'm betting they'll chose me

I remember your post about the Medical Exam and that is really important. Last time we went my wife (then finace) felt very humiliated and rightfully so. I'm hoping that the experience will go more smoothly this time around.

What was the name of the 'second' Medical Place ? Just to be sure, that's where we'll go.

Hey,

We went to

Servicios Medicos de la Frontera.

Av. Prol. Ramon Rivera Lara #8950

Col. Partido Senecú

Ciudad Juárez, Chih., México C.P. 32540

Phone: (011-52-656) 688-2700

Fax: (011-52-656) 688-2701

The US Consulate is on Paseo de la Victoria #3650

The "Clinica Medica Internacional" are right in the corner of Paseo de la Victora and Ramon Rivera Lara. Don't go to this one, even the security guards are awful there. I remember that they didn't leave me to get with my wife and kids to help her. So we went to Servicios Medicos de la Frontera, and there was no problem at all. The staff was very nice, and my wife says the same. Besides less people go to Servicios Medicos de la Frontera, because people go to the first they find.

So go for Servicios Medicos de la Frontera. I hope your wife feels lees uncomfortable here.

[DerZinker 4]

Hey,

We went to

Servicios Medicos de la Frontera.

Av. Prol. Ramon Rivera Lara #8950

Col. Partido Senecú

Ciudad Juárez, Chih., México C.P. 32540

Phone: (011-52-656) 688-2700

Fax: (011-52-656) 688-2701

The US Consulate is on Paseo de la Victoria #3650

The "Clinica Medica Internacional" are right in the corner of Paseo de la Victora and Ramon Rivera Lara. Don't go to this one, even the security guards are awful there. I remember that they didn't leave me to get with my wife and kids to help her. So we went to Servicios Medicos de la Frontera, and there was no problem at all. The staff was very nice, and my wife says the same. Besides less people go to Servicios Medicos de la Frontera, because people go to the first they find.

So go for Servicios Medicos de la Frontera. I hope your wife feels lees uncomfortable here.

Thanks Brother. When the time comes, we'll definitely try that clinic as opposed to the other one. Just out of curiousity, around what time did you have to show up to the Medical? We went through this thing once and we woke up stupid early ... and I have read that many people wake up crazy early to go to the medical (and the interview, for that matter) but I am not really clear on how necessary that is. I'd really rather not be in a huge line at insane hours of the morning in the murder capital of the Americas, but hey, do what we got to do I guess. Do you think that we could just show up later in the morning like at 9 or 10 and be fine ? If you don't mind my asking, did they ask your wife to pee in the cup while being watched? That part seriously kills me. I read one Juarez review that was recently posted where this girl said a male nurse watched her pee in the cup. That is friggin ridiculous and grounds for legal action IMO, but whatever. Also, what about vaccines? Did your wife have to get the vaccinations (we're going for the IR-1 visa and I know it depends on what kind of visa) and if so, how much did they charge you for all that ?

I'll be prepared for that part because I know it's going to hurt a little. Just FYI, we're probably going to file in early January 2012 in order to move to the US in June 2012 (or right around then). Do you think that is realistic? Gracias Bro!

Edited October 1, 2011 by DerZinker

[Reepicheep 2]

A little bit of thoughts, prayers and support folks...I too am starting in on the DCF trail. Don't mean to bogart the conversation here, but hoping you guys can help me with a few questions I have before I send in the paperwork. My wife and I were married a month ago, and are finally ready to send everything in on Monday. WE have the certified copy of the marriage cert (with translation), but I am curious...does this need to be notarized beyond the certified copy? Do ANY of our documents need an apostille? Also...am I to understand we no longer need to send in her birth certificate any more? I think we have everything else ready...the check the forms filled out, the proof of relationship affidavits, etc....but the little niggling doubts remain. Any help? Any and all would be greatly appreciated. My time in Mexico is coming to a close in Feb, and I dont' want to leave without her...

[DerZinker 4]

A little bit of thoughts, prayers and support folks...I too am starting in on the DCF trail. Don't mean to bogart the conversation here, but hoping you guys can help me with a few questions I have before I send in the paperwork. My wife and I were married a month ago, and are finally ready to send everything in on Monday. WE have the certified copy of the marriage cert (with translation), but I am curious...does this need to be notarized beyond the certified copy? Do ANY of our documents need an apostille? Also...am I to understand we no longer need to send in her birth certificate any more? I think we have everything else ready...the check the forms filled out, the proof of relationship affidavits, etc....but the little niggling doubts remain. Any help? Any and all would be greatly appreciated. My time in Mexico is coming to a close in Feb, and I dont' want to leave without her...

What's up Reepicheep. Welcome to the journey, we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I have done a lot of homework on this and as far as I know none of your documents need an apostille or need be notarized. I've wondered about this too, because how do they know you have an 'official' translation if they don't really set any standards for it? The translated copy thing is hard for me to take seriously b/c I don't think they take it very seriously (at least nor for Mexico they don't), but we'll probably get the marriage certificate translated.

I know that with the initial hump you do need to send some kind of ID for her (the beneficiary). I have read that just the IFE or similar works and is what they are looking for. So no, I don't think you need her birth certificate anymore, but like with the apostilles or notarized copies, if you have it I'm sure it woudln't hurt your case either. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that having more is better than coming up short, even if you send stuff they don't necessarily need or ask for directly.

How do you guys plan on doing the payment? I'm trying to get info from different people on that since that part kind of worries me. I'm thinking of just taking out a Money Order while in the US and then bring it back to Mexico with me and then mail everything out to Mexico City.

Edited October 1, 2011 by DerZinker

[Reepicheep 2]

What's up Reepicheep. Welcome to the journey, we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I have done a lot of homework on this and as far as I know none of your documents need an apostille or need be notarized. I've wondered about this too, because how do they know you have an 'official' translation if they don't really set any standards for it? The translated copy thing is hard for me to take seriously b/c I don't think they take it very seriously (at least nor for Mexico they don't), but we'll probably get the marriage certificate translated.

I know that with the initial hump you do need to send some kind of ID for her (the beneficiary). I have read that just the IFE or similar works and is what they are looking for. So no, I don't think you need her birth certificate anymore, but like with the apostilles or notarized copies, if you have it I'm sure it woudln't hurt your case either. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that having more is better than coming up short, even if you send stuff they don't necessarily need or ask for directly.

How do you guys plan on doing the payment? I'm trying to get info from different people on that since that part kind of worries me. I'm thinking of just taking out a Money Order while in the US and then bring it back to Mexico with me and then mail everything out to Mexico City.

Danke, DerZinker...appreciate the encouragement. I thought the same about the apostille and notary, but just wanted to be sure. As for the official translation, we took our marriage certificate to an "official" translator. This is not just some person who translates from english to spanish, or vice versa, but rather someone approved BY THE STATE who does so, with an official seal and all. IT was a bit more, but it is nice to see an official seal (with a letter stating her "officialness" and title and everything) that is federally approved here in Mexico. We have decided just to send the legal certified copy of the marriage cert, with the translation, as well as a photocopy of the original marriage certificate (funny enough, they are a little different in layout), and all the other docs they ask for. As for payment, well, since I am planning on going through the Chicago Lock Box, I am actually sending a US personal check. I still have my account back home, and according to the site, they scan it and turn it into an electronic payment on the spot...so no hassle of waiting. This way I don't have to mess with cash at the consulate, or cashier's checks or what not. I guess we can only wait and see. I do hope that the upcoming holidays won't interfere TOO much with the process.

[DerZinker 4]

Danke, DerZinker...appreciate the encouragement. I thought the same about the apostille and notary, but just wanted to be sure. As for the official translation, we took our marriage certificate to an "official" translator. This is not just some person who translates from english to spanish, or vice versa, but rather someone approved BY THE STATE who does so, with an official seal and all. IT was a bit more, but it is nice to see an official seal (with a letter stating her "officialness" and title and everything) that is federally approved here in Mexico. We have decided just to send the legal certified copy of the marriage cert, with the translation, as well as a photocopy of the original marriage certificate (funny enough, they are a little different in layout), and all the other docs they ask for. As for payment, well, since I am planning on going through the Chicago Lock Box, I am actually sending a US personal check. I still have my account back home, and according to the site, they scan it and turn it into an electronic payment on the spot...so no hassle of waiting. This way I don't have to mess with cash at the consulate, or cashier's checks or what not. I guess we can only wait and see. I do hope that the upcoming holidays won't interfere TOO much with the process.

Oh ok, I see what you're saying. So just to be clear, you won't be filing DCF style then? I have several potential translators here in the Guadalajara area that other members have recommended to me, but I really don't know how 'official' they are. All I know is that they have worked for other people before me, so that's good enough for me. Whereabouts in Mexico are you (if you don't mind my asking)?

I'm kind of curious about the information I found here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_5162.html

It has to do with electronic processing and you can submit a great deal of your docs via the Net which would really help things out I imagine since we're in Mexico and sending things back and fourth can be stressful at the least or a colossal failure at its worst. Has anyone had any experience with the electronic processing and / or know how to get on that bandwagon?

Also Ulises, if you're reading this (or anyone else who might know how to answer) - I'd love to receive correspondence from the Embassy / USCIS at both my Mexican and US address for the same reasons I mentioned above (i.e. Mexican mail often doesn't get to where it's going). In this thread a lot of people didn't ever receive their packets or they were delayed like crazy because the Embassy sent them via Correo Mexicano and their packets got lost, etc.. But other people also got their packets at their US address which seems to be a good plan. I'm just not sure how those few people were able to get the Embassy to send info to their US address as well. Is there any surefire way to get them to do that? I was thinking of including a cover letter with my I-130 and just requesting it on the Cover Letter. Like, "please send all correspondence to both my US address which is as follows... and to my Mexican address which is as follows...." Any feedback on that would be awesome, thanks guys.

[Reepicheep 2]

Oh ok, I see what you're saying. So just to be clear, you won't be filing DCF style then? I have several potential translators here in the Guadalajara area that other members have recommended to me, but I really don't know how 'official' they are. All I know is that they have worked for other people before me, so that's good enough for me. Whereabouts in Mexico are you (if you don't mind my asking)?

I'm kind of curious about the information I found here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_5162.html

It has to do with electronic processing and you can submit a great deal of your docs via the Net which would really help things out I imagine since we're in Mexico and sending things back and fourth can be stressful at the least or a colossal failure at its worst. Has anyone had any experience with the electronic processing and / or know how to get on that bandwagon?

Also Ulises, if you're reading this (or anyone else who might know how to answer) - I'd love to receive correspondence from the Embassy / USCIS at both my Mexican and US address for the same reasons I mentioned above (i.e. Mexican mail often doesn't get to where it's going). In this thread a lot of people didn't ever receive their packets or they were delayed like crazy because the Embassy sent them via Correo Mexicano and their packets got lost, etc.. But other people also got their packets at their US address which seems to be a good plan. I'm just not sure how those few people were able to get the Embassy to send info to their US address as well. Is there any surefire way to get them to do that? I was thinking of including a cover letter with my I-130 and just requesting it on the Cover Letter. Like, "please send all correspondence to both my US address which is as follows... and to my Mexican address which is as follows...." Any feedback on that would be awesome, thanks guys.

Nope...to be clear, I AM applying for DCF. I am just not going to be dropping off the paperwork at the consulate. According to the new changes in August, you can either drop off the paperwork at your consulate for it to be forwarded to Juarez and the USCIS office there...OR you can mail/ship it to the Chicago Lockbox...where they basically do the same thing. According to the guy I talked to in Juarez, it is basically the same thing...but in his opinion, mailing it to Chicago is actually a bit faster. Basically they put everything in electronically, and send the "package" on through email to the proper authorities. Since I am living in San Luis Potosi, getting to Mexico City is a drag...and without time off, even more difficult. I have easy access to shipping things to the US through FedEx, so I will take advantage of it and be shpping my docs on Tuesday. Then I get my text messages (thank you Google Voice!) and emails and keep up with it online, until it is time to show up in Juarez. You did fill out the G-1145 form for electronic notification, right? Basically it gives permission for them to text and email you all the notifications. As for an address, I am going to use my US address, and just have any and all stuff brought down by my family and friends for the upcoming wedding (symbolic ceremony). Things were WAY easier in Guad, yeah, I used to live there too...but gotta make do with what I have now. As for the translators, just ask them if they are certified. They have to put seals and signatures and some sort of "proof" of their translator-hoodiness attached to all tranlations if they are worth their salt. I have a few that I can recommend as well that were used by the school (UAG) when I was there, if you need them. Let me know.

[DerZinker 4]

Nope...to be clear, I AM applying for DCF. I am just not going to be dropping off the paperwork at the consulate. According to the new changes in August, you can either drop off the paperwork at your consulate for it to be forwarded to Juarez and the USCIS office there...OR you can mail/ship it to the Chicago Lockbox...where they basically do the same thing. According to the guy I talked to in Juarez, it is basically the same thing...but in his opinion, mailing it to Chicago is actually a bit faster. Basically they put everything in electronically, and send the "package" on through email to the proper authorities. Since I am living in San Luis Potosi, getting to Mexico City is a drag...and without time off, even more difficult. I have easy access to shipping things to the US through FedEx, so I will take advantage of it and be shpping my docs on Tuesday. Then I get my text messages (thank you Google Voice!) and emails and keep up with it online, until it is time to show up in Juarez. You did fill out the G-1145 form for electronic notification, right? Basically it gives permission for them to text and email you all the notifications. As for an address, I am going to use my US address, and just have any and all stuff brought down by my family and friends for the upcoming wedding (symbolic ceremony). Things were WAY easier in Guad, yeah, I used to live there too...but gotta make do with what I have now. As for the translators, just ask them if they are certified. They have to put seals and signatures and some sort of "proof" of their translator-hoodiness attached to all tranlations if they are worth their salt. I have a few that I can recommend as well that were used by the school (UAG) when I was there, if you need them. Let me know.

Awesome, thanks very much Reepi. That sounds like a good deal, I might just take you up on the translators. But I there is one lady in particular here that I will probably contact that other members referred me to previously. Mainly, just because she is really close to where I live and in GDL I like to keep things close How long did you live here in GDL? It really is a great city. Maybe not the ideal spot to raise kids, but if it were up to me, I'd just stay here.

Yeah, I have Skype but am not sure if I can receive text msgs. on here. Skype has been a Godsend since I lost my Verizon service and it's what I use for just about everything. I haven't actually filed yet, but when I do, I'll definitely do a G-1145 so I can get all the notifications. I probably won't actually file until January, but I'm trying to get everything together right now and be ready to go as soon as we get back from vacation after Christmas.

As far as your case, I'm a little confused But then, maybe things have changed since August that I'm not understanding. It's just that if you're using your US Address on all the paperwork and sending everything through Chicago, then it's basically as though you are living in the US (and your spouse here in Mexico). Is that right? I mean, that isn't at all a bad thing, and you won't have any problem with proving domicile in that case, but IMO the whole point of DCF is to show that you the petitioner live in Mexico and have been here for awhile which thus gives you the right to file Directly through the Consulate (Embassy) and then in theory your case is processed much more quickly than those that are filed in the United States. I'm way suprised that the dude in Juarez said it would be faster to send your docs through Chicago too. Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising your approach at all and it's not like I think you're wrong, but just some of the points you laid out pretty much contradict everything I understand about this process so far

Is it your understanding then that the USCIS in Chicago handles cases differently / more quickly in which the petitioner lives abroad now?

Also, you don't necessarily have to travel to Mexico City in person to turn in your docs. Trust me, I sure as hell don't want to do that either. I plan on sending everything in via DHL which many have done before me and it seems to work out really well other than the part that I mentioned that the Mexican mail strugges to reach its goal when they start to send things back to you.

In any case I'm glad you told us how you're going to approach your petition and I'm really interested now to see how it works out for you and how quickly it all goes. Keep us posted here on how things go and when you get word back from USCIS after you send everything out. Do you guys have any tentative plan / dates set for moving or are you just going to roll with it? Oh congratulations on your wedding too BTW. We had our ceremony in July 2008.. Married since 06 though

Edited October 2, 2011 by DerZinker

[Reepicheep 2]

Awesome, thanks very much Reepi. That sounds like a good deal, I might just take you up on the translators. But I there is one lady in particular here that I will probably contact that other members referred me to previously. Mainly, just because she is really close to where I live and in GDL I like to keep things close How long did you live here in GDL? It really is a great city. Maybe not the ideal spot to raise kids, but if it were up to me, I'd just stay here.

Yeah, I have Skype but am not sure if I can receive text msgs. on here. Skype has been a Godsend since I lost my Verizon service and it's what I use for just about everything. I haven't actually filed yet, but when I do, I'll definitely do a G-1145 so I can get all the notifications. I probably won't actually file until January, but I'm trying to get everything together right now and be ready to go as soon as we get back from vacation after Christmas.

As far as your case, I'm a little confused But then, maybe things have changed since August that I'm not understanding. It's just that if you're using your US Address on all the paperwork and sending everything through Chicago, then it's basically as though you are living in the US (and your spouse here in Mexico). Is that right? I mean, that isn't at all a bad thing, and you won't have any problem with proving domicile in that case, but IMO the whole point of DCF is to show that you the petitioner live in Mexico and have been here for awhile which thus gives you the right to file Directly through the Consulate (Embassy) and then in theory your case is processed much more quickly than those that are filed in the United States. I'm way suprised that the dude in Juarez said it would be faster to send your docs through Chicago too. Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising your approach at all and it's not like I think you're wrong, but just some of the points you laid out pretty much contradict everything I understand about this process so far

Is it your understanding then that the USCIS in Chicago handles cases differently / more quickly in which the petitioner lives abroad now?

Also, you don't necessarily have to travel to Mexico City in person to turn in your docs. Trust me, I sure as hell don't want to do that either. I plan on sending everything in via DHL which many have done before me and it seems to work out really well other than the part that I mentioned that the Mexican mail strugges to reach its goal when they start to send things back to you.

In any case I'm glad you told us how you're going to approach your petition and I'm really interested now to see how it works out for you and how quickly it all goes. Keep us posted here on how things go and when you get word back from USCIS after you send everything out. Do you guys have any tentative plan / dates set for moving or are you just going to roll with it? Oh congratulations on your wedding too BTW. We had our ceremony in July 2008.. Married since 06 though

This is for anyone on here that might find it useful, but I saw the mention of Skype...you do know that they aren't the only kid on the playground, right? With Skype you can obviously video talk, but with SkypeOut you can have phone calls, and even get a US number to call in. I myself have used Vonage and currently MagicJack for US calls which gives me a US number for people to call. Waaaay cheaper, and just as easy to use, but much more versatile. What I mentioned before, though, is something that everyone might find interesting or useful: Google Voice. This isn't chat, but rather a call forwarding service. Basically you are assigned a US telephone number of your choice (you can even pick the area code and prefix, or try to make it a vanity number too!) and you can set it up ONLINE to forward to the number of your choice. The wonderful thing about this is that it even gives you texting capability too...even if the number you are forwarding to is a landline. For example...I have my Google Voice number forwarding to my Vonage account...but here in Mexico I can log onto the system and text message friends and family in the US almost like an email or IM account..and they text back of course through the number. Then if anyone wants to call me, they call my Google Voice number and I set it up to forward to me. When I am visiting in the US, I add the number for my parents house, or my US cell phone, and it automatically forwards there as well. VERY useful for the international traveler, I feel. Oh yeah...and FREE!!!!

Ok, enough of that commercial.

In response to your questions, DerZinker, long story short I studied in Guad for 4 years, and am finishing up in SLP. I still live here as a temp resident (FM3) but chose the Chicago Lockbox because I can ship everything there, and they take care of everything through them, the National Visa Center, and finally the USCIS in Juarez. I won't have to ship anything in Mexico, which as we know can take a while, be expensive, or worse get lost...and I won't have to wait for Mexico City to ship to the US...since I am taking care of this from the start. The changes in August are listed on the US websites, but basically say the Chicago box MUST be used for all countries that don't have a USCIS office, and those that do (like Mexico) can choose between Chicago and Consular/USCIS. When I spoke to the guy in Juarez he felt that since everything is done online nowadays, the Chicago route might be just a bit faster. Basically, DCF doesn't necessarily HAVE to involve the consulate any more. It USED to require the Consulate, but technology has taken it home once again. From what I understand, once the first step is approved, all the secondary forms and such are filled out online as well. Ain't tech great? Cuts MONTHS off the process, from what I gather.

[DerZinker 4]

This is for anyone on here that might find it useful, but I saw the mention of Skype...you do know that they aren't the only kid on the playground, right? With Skype you can obviously video talk, but with SkypeOut you can have phone calls, and even get a US number to call in. I myself have used Vonage and currently MagicJack for US calls which gives me a US number for people to call. Waaaay cheaper, and just as easy to use, but much more versatile. What I mentioned before, though, is something that everyone might find interesting or useful: Google Voice. This isn't chat, but rather a call forwarding service. Basically you are assigned a US telephone number of your choice (you can even pick the area code and prefix, or try to make it a vanity number too!) and you can set it up ONLINE to forward to the number of your choice. The wonderful thing about this is that it even gives you texting capability too...even if the number you are forwarding to is a landline. For example...I have my Google Voice number forwarding to my Vonage account...but here in Mexico I can log onto the system and text message friends and family in the US almost like an email or IM account..and they text back of course through the number. Then if anyone wants to call me, they call my Google Voice number and I set it up to forward to me. When I am visiting in the US, I add the number for my parents house, or my US cell phone, and it automatically forwards there as well. VERY useful for the international traveler, I feel. Oh yeah...and FREE!!!!

Ok, enough of that commercial.

In response to your questions, DerZinker, long story short I studied in Guad for 4 years, and am finishing up in SLP. I still live here as a temp resident (FM3) but chose the Chicago Lockbox because I can ship everything there, and they take care of everything through them, the National Visa Center, and finally the USCIS in Juarez. I won't have to ship anything in Mexico, which as we know can take a while, be expensive, or worse get lost...and I won't have to wait for Mexico City to ship to the US...since I am taking care of this from the start. The changes in August are listed on the US websites, but basically say the Chicago box MUST be used for all countries that don't have a USCIS office, and those that do (like Mexico) can choose between Chicago and Consular/USCIS. When I spoke to the guy in Juarez he felt that since everything is done online nowadays, the Chicago route might be just a bit faster. Basically, DCF doesn't necessarily HAVE to involve the consulate any more. It USED to require the Consulate, but technology has taken it home once again. From what I understand, once the first step is approved, all the secondary forms and such are filled out online as well. Ain't tech great? Cuts MONTHS off the process, from what I gather.

Nice, ok man thanks for helping me out there. I figured that the changes that went into effect in August switched some things up on me and I'm still struggling to understand those changes. I'm really interested to see how quickly they process your petition and how the whole thing works out for you overall so please update us here often. I definitely would prefer to hammer through everything online as opposed to shipping a bunch of paperwork around the world, so if you have a good experience I might go the same route as you (and may file even earlier than I had thought since I'll be going to the states in Nov).

Google voice sounds pretty awesome and I've had other people recommend it to me, but I haven't really ever looked into it since Skype works so well for me. I have an online number (US) as well that calls me right at my computer and the call quality is perfect. Better I would say than that of a cell phone. But I do pay, albiet not very much. The online number is a little pricey all things considered, but I pay like $5 a month to be able to call cells and landlines throughout the US and Canada and landlines in the major cities in Mexico. Hard to beat free though...

Stay safe up there in SLP bro.

[ulises 0]

Thanks Brother. When the time comes, we'll definitely try that clinic as opposed to the other one. Just out of curiousity, around what time did you have to show up to the Medical? We went through this thing once and we woke up stupid early ... and I have read that many people wake up crazy early to go to the medical (and the interview, for that matter) but I am not really clear on how necessary that is. I'd really rather not be in a huge line at insane hours of the morning in the murder capital of the Americas, but hey, do what we got to do I guess. Do you think that we could just show up later in the morning like at 9 or 10 and be fine ? If you don't mind my asking, did they ask your wife to pee in the cup while being watched? That part seriously kills me. I read one Juarez review that was recently posted where this girl said a male nurse watched her pee in the cup. That is friggin ridiculous and grounds for legal action IMO, but whatever. Also, what about vaccines? Did your wife have to get the vaccinations (we're going for the IR-1 visa and I know it depends on what kind of visa) and if so, how much did they charge you for all that ?

I'll be prepared for that part because I know it's going to hurt a little. Just FYI, we're probably going to file in early January 2012 in order to move to the US in June 2012 (or right around then). Do you think that is realistic? Gracias Bro!

Hi DerZinker.

I don't remember that my wife had to pee or provide any urine sample, but I'll ask her and let you know. They do take blood samples and x-rays. However all the nurses in the kid/women area are women, so I don't think you or your wife should worry about that.

About vaccines, they do varicella, and whatever other vaccine that she can't provide proof that she has already. I would say that if she can get any free one at IMSS or Secretaria de Salud you would save some money.

Dtap Actualmente no está disponible

Tdap $ 56.00

Polio (IPV/Salk) $ 50.00

MMR (rubéola / paperas / sarampión) $ 40.00

Rotavirus $ 72.00

Hib $ 32.00

Hepatitis A $ 32.00

Hepatitis B $ 30.00

Virus del Papiloma Humano $192.00

Varicela $ 55.00

Neumocócica (adultos) $ 30.00

Influenza (estacional) $ 26.00

Neumocócica (Pediátrica) $ 90.00

Meningocócica $110.00

Those are the prices you have to pay. I think "Virus Papiloma Humano" they only apply to girls who are not yet sexually active. They didn't give it to my wife.

The ones that your wife may have to get are: Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis A/B, Varicela, Influenza (in case you go in January she'll probably get it).

If she had her medical exams before, she probably has most of them, you just need to have proof of it.

If she doesn't have them, then go and ask at any public clinic there, and see which ones she can get for free. Influenza is probably the same cost any doctor in Mexico will charge for.

At any rate, those are the vaccines they will try to give her and charge you for if you have no means to prove that she already has them.

Here is the cost of the medical exam as of 2011

Required fee of U.S.D. $165.00 covering only the medical examination. No additional fee will be charged if supplemental examinations are required. Except for DNA testing, it will require that petitioner/applicant cover the expenses. The vaccination fee is separate from the cost of your required medical examination, see attached CDJ-439 form.

D. The cost of medical exams for those under 15 years of age will be U.S.D. $135.00.

E. A 10% tax (I.V.A.) must be added to the cost of the medical exam.

Not sure if prices will go up for 2012, but there is a strong possibility.

[ulises 0]

Hi DerZinker.

I don't remember that my wife had to pee or provide any urine sample, but I'll ask her and let you know. They do take blood samples and x-rays. However all the nurses in the kid/women area are women, so I don't think you or your wife should worry about that.

About vaccines, they do varicella, and whatever other vaccine that she can't provide proof that she has already. I would say that if she can get any free one at IMSS or Secretaria de Salud you would save some money.

Dtap Actualmente no está disponible

Tdap $ 56.00

Polio (IPV/Salk) $ 50.00

MMR (rubéola / paperas / sarampión) $ 40.00

Rotavirus $ 72.00

Hib $ 32.00

Hepatitis A $ 32.00

Hepatitis B $ 30.00

Virus del Papiloma Humano $192.00

Varicela $ 55.00

Neumocócica (adultos) $ 30.00

Influenza (estacional) $ 26.00

Neumocócica (Pediátrica) $ 90.00

Meningocócica $110.00

Those are the prices you have to pay. I think "Virus Papiloma Humano" they only apply to girls who are not yet sexually active. They didn't give it to my wife.

The ones that your wife may have to get are: Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis A/B, Varicela, Influenza (in case you go in January she'll probably get it).

If she had her medical exams before, she probably has most of them, you just need to have proof of it.

If she doesn't have them, then go and ask at any public clinic there, and see which ones she can get for free. Influenza is probably the same cost any doctor in Mexico will charge for.

At any rate, those are the vaccines they will try to give her and charge you for if you have no means to prove that she already has them.

Here is the cost of the medical exam as of 2011

Required fee of U.S.D. $165.00 covering only the medical examination. No additional fee will be charged if supplemental examinations are required. Except for DNA testing, it will require that petitioner/applicant cover the expenses. The vaccination fee is separate from the cost of your required medical examination, see attached CDJ-439 form.

D. The cost of medical exams for those under 15 years of age will be U.S.D. $135.00.

E. A 10% tax (I.V.A.) must be added to the cost of the medical exam.

Not sure if prices will go up for 2012, but there is a strong possibility.

I just talked with my wife. They didn't require a urine sample from her because she didn't had any tattoos. But for people with tattoos they do require a urine sample, although I'm not sure if a male nurse has to be present.

My wife said that she had a friend who had a tattoo (she made it for his husband), you can imagine where she had it, and yes, she was humilliated by having to show it, but again she went to the first Clinica Medica Internacional.

[DerZinker 4]

Hi DerZinker.

I don't remember that my wife had to pee or provide any urine sample, but I'll ask her and let you know. They do take blood samples and x-rays. However all the nurses in the kid/women area are women, so I don't think you or your wife should worry about that.

About vaccines, they do varicella, and whatever other vaccine that she can't provide proof that she has already. I would say that if she can get any free one at IMSS or Secretaria de Salud you would save some money.

Dtap Actualmente no está disponible

Tdap $ 56.00

Polio (IPV/Salk) $ 50.00

MMR (rubéola / paperas / sarampión) $ 40.00

Rotavirus $ 72.00

Hib $ 32.00

Hepatitis A $ 32.00

Hepatitis B $ 30.00

Virus del Papiloma Humano $192.00

Varicela $ 55.00

Neumocócica (adultos) $ 30.00

Influenza (estacional) $ 26.00

Neumocócica (Pediátrica) $ 90.00

Meningocócica $110.00

Those are the prices you have to pay. I think "Virus Papiloma Humano" they only apply to girls who are not yet sexually active. They didn't give it to my wife.

The ones that your wife may have to get are: Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis A/B, Varicela, Influenza (in case you go in January she'll probably get it).

If she had her medical exams before, she probably has most of them, you just need to have proof of it.

If she doesn't have them, then go and ask at any public clinic there, and see which ones she can get for free. Influenza is probably the same cost any doctor in Mexico will charge for.

At any rate, those are the vaccines they will try to give her and charge you for if you have no means to prove that she already has them.

Here is the cost of the medical exam as of 2011

Required fee of U.S.D. $165.00 covering only the medical examination. No additional fee will be charged if supplemental examinations are required. Except for DNA testing, it will require that petitioner/applicant cover the expenses. The vaccination fee is separate from the cost of your required medical examination, see attached CDJ-439 form.

D. The cost of medical exams for those under 15 years of age will be U.S.D. $135.00.

E. A 10% tax (I.V.A.) must be added to the cost of the medical exam.

Not sure if prices will go up for 2012, but there is a strong possibility.

You never fail to deliver, Ulisses. This information is huge! And going to IMSS beforehand is a terrific idea (and could save me hundreds and hundreds of dollars). We'll definitely explore that and try to get as many as possible before we go. She did have her medical done in Juarez in 2005, however for one she was pregnant and they didn't give her and shots for that reason but also because we were applying for a K1 and I believe that the Fiancee visa does not require any vaccines. Undoubtedly my wife already has all of these, but we have no proof

I also really doubt that they would give an adult woman the HPV vaccine, but we'll see if we can at least get the ones you mentioned (Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis A/B, Varicela and Influenza). As far as the Medical, I guess these things could be small potatos for some people but I do worry about mistreatment and humillation since my wife (then fiancee) was very embarrased and uncomfortable last time around. You can check another VJ members' recent review here to see what I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHzUBkONVYg&feature=BFa&list=HL1317668603&lf=mh_lolz

Got to do what we got to do I guess. Seriously though, thanks Ulises. I'm sure I'll have some other question for you in the next couple days or so as I continue the journey.