New here, with a question

[ian1006 0]

Hello everyone!

I have been a lurker on this site for the last six months, found some helpful information. I just wanted to make sure that I am doing this right and when my wife will get her visa appointment. Also, when she enters on a k-3 spouse visa, all we have to do is file for an adjustment of status correct?

This is what we have done so far...I dont know all of the official names and what not but hopefully my description helps.

The steps we took / are taking to receive Carla’s green card:

We first filled out our I-130 form with all supporting documents such as the two G-325a forms, marriage certificate with translation, copies of everything else required, etc. Along with the processing fee of $455.

About a month after sending in our I-130 form we found out we could apply for a K-3 Spouse visa with no fee. We sent in with all supporting documents with the I-129F form, with evidence of a filed I-130 form.

After only three months of processing for our I-130 it was approved at the same time as our I-129F!

The case was the sent to the National Visa Center for further processing and we had to pay $70 dollars.

Carla then filled out the form that allows for someone else to receive her notifications in the US and sent it back in, yet we have had no mail sent there or confirmation that the NVC ever received this form. Does this matter or no?

We then had to pay a $400 fee, no idea what it was for, confirmed payment three days later.

We then sent in the I-864 and I-864a along with all supporting documents on April 21st.

A couple of days after sending in the I-864 forms we sent in the DS-230 part one and two. Now we are waiting to hear from the NVC...how long does this typically take.

Thanks for the responses!

[milimelo 4,572]

Hello everyone!

I have been a lurker on this site for the last six months, found some helpful information. I just wanted to make sure that I am doing this right and when my wife will get her visa appointment. Also, when she enters on a k-3 spouse visa, all we have to do is file for an adjustment of status correct?

This is what we have done so far...I dont know all of the official names and what not but hopefully my description helps.

The steps we took / are taking to receive Carla's green card:

We first filled out our I-130 form with all supporting documents such as the two G-325a forms, marriage certificate with translation, copies of everything else required, etc. Along with the processing fee of $455.

About a month after sending in our I-130 form we found out we could apply for a K-3 Spouse visa with no fee. We sent in with all supporting documents with the I-129F form, with evidence of a filed I-130 form.

After only three months of processing for our I-130 it was approved at the same time as our I-129F!

The case was the sent to the National Visa Center for further processing and we had to pay $70 dollars.

Carla then filled out the form that allows for someone else to receive her notifications in the US and sent it back in, yet we have had no mail sent there or confirmation that the NVC ever received this form. Does this matter or no?

We then had to pay a $400 fee, no idea what it was for, confirmed payment three days later.

We then sent in the I-864 and I-864a along with all supporting documents on April 21st.

A couple of days after sending in the I-864 forms we sent in the DS-230 part one and two. Now we are waiting to hear from the NVC...how long does this typically take.

Thanks for the responses!

Congratulations, you're on the path to CR-1 visa! Your K-3 was "killed" - aka administratively closed as it was approved on the same day as I-130.

It shouldn't be too long before your interview is scheduled.

[LoveMyTico 999]

Congratulations, you're on the path to CR-1 visa! Your K-3 was "killed" - aka administratively closed as it was approved on the same day as I-130.

It shouldn't be too long before your interview is scheduled.

Costa Rica is very fast. When Our K-3 was approved, I called the embassy and sent an e-mail. They sent me the info my husband was supposed to pick up. He couldn't get there for a few days so they emailed it to me so I could get things rolling. We had an interview date a week later. You actually call and make the appointment. They will give you a choice of what they have open. I flew down and went to the interview with him. the woman who conducted the interview is from my area and knows my town well. She actually has friends who live here... I was amazed. The world is so small. She was very nice and only asked my husband 2 or 3 questions. We stood there for 45 minutes and she talked to me the whole time.

Good Luck !!!

[Lovebirds2009 3]

Hello everyone!

I have been a lurker on this site for the last six months, found some helpful information. I just wanted to make sure that I am doing this right and when my wife will get her visa appointment. Also, when she enters on a k-3 spouse visa, all we have to do is file for an adjustment of status correct?

This is what we have done so far...I dont know all of the official names and what not but hopefully my description helps.

The steps we took / are taking to receive Carla’s green card:

We first filled out our I-130 form with all supporting documents such as the two G-325a forms, marriage certificate with translation, copies of everything else required, etc. Along with the processing fee of $455.

About a month after sending in our I-130 form we found out we could apply for a K-3 Spouse visa with no fee. We sent in with all supporting documents with the I-129F form, with evidence of a filed I-130 form.

After only three months of processing for our I-130 it was approved at the same time as our I-129F!

The case was the sent to the National Visa Center for further processing and we had to pay $70 dollars.

Carla then filled out the form that allows for someone else to receive her notifications in the US and sent it back in, yet we have had no mail sent there or confirmation that the NVC ever received this form. Does this matter or no?

We then had to pay a $400 fee, no idea what it was for, confirmed payment three days later.

We then sent in the I-864 and I-864a along with all supporting documents on April 21st.

A couple of days after sending in the I-864 forms we sent in the DS-230 part one and two. Now we are waiting to hear from the NVC...how long does this typically take.

Thanks for the responses!

I JUST PAID 400$ FOR VISA PROCESSING AND SENT OUT AFFADAVIT OF SUPPORT...i did everything you did and that is the last thing you have to do before they call your spouse for an interview.TELL ME THOUGH WHAT IS I-129???? I've never filled that one,noone asked me to..what is that for????I only filled I-130(355$) affadavit of support(70$) and visa(400$) what is I-129????? Are you citizen??? Did you get merried out of USA???

[ian1006 0]

Congratulations, you're on the path to CR-1 visa! Your K-3 was "killed" - aka administratively closed as it was approved on the same day as I-130.

It shouldn't be too long before your interview is scheduled.

What do you mean killed? Is that a good thing? What visa does that mean we are applying for? Is there a place I can read more on this?

Calling tonight to find out any updates.

Costa Rica is very fast. When Our K-3 was approved, I called the embassy and sent an e-mail. They sent me the info my husband was supposed to pick up. He couldn't get there for a few days so they emailed it to me so I could get things rolling. We had an interview date a week later. You actually call and make the appointment. They will give you a choice of what they have open. I flew down and went to the interview with him. the woman who conducted the interview is from my area and knows my town well. She actually has friends who live here... I was amazed. The world is so small. She was very nice and only asked my husband 2 or 3 questions. We stood there for 45 minutes and she talked to me the whole time.

Good Luck !!!

I was under the impression since we sent in both part I and II for the GS-230 form the NVC would be making the appointment. Is this not correct? Will my wife need to go the doctor's appointment before going to the visa interview?

I JUST PAID 400$ FOR VISA PROCESSING AND SENT OUT AFFADAVIT OF SUPPORT...i did everything you did and that is the last thing you have to do before they call your spouse for an interview.TELL ME THOUGH WHAT IS I-129???? I've never filled that one,noone asked me to..what is that for????I only filled I-130(355$) affadavit of support(70$) and visa(400$) what is I-129????? Are you citizen??? Did you get merried out of USA???

Yes, I am a natural born citizen of the US. Yes, my wife and I live in Costa Rica, been here since we were married last year. The I-129 was a form for a petition for my wifes k-3 visa, but what was posted above suggests it is no longer a k-3 visa we are applying for. I dont know your specific circumstances so I dont know why you we filled one out and you didnt.

Thank you everyone for your responses! I think one of the biggest things I have learned through this process is patience, think I might have enough patience now to return to college!

[ian1006 0]

Just got word (Through my dad, he called them since I am out of the US) and they said everything was approved on the 5th of this month! They said they are scheduling the interview appointment. They said we will here this week if we get an interview in June or not and if we don't hear from this week it will probably mean the interview will happen in July. We are hoping to get an interview in June, hopefully they are not too busy at the embassy! Does anyone know if they will email us this information or send it snail mail the my US address?

Thanks!

[LoveMyTico 999]

Just got word (Through my dad, he called them since I am out of the US) and they said everything was approved on the 5th of this month! They said they are scheduling the interview appointment. They said we will here this week if we get an interview in June or not and if we don't hear from this week it will probably mean the interview will happen in July. We are hoping to get an interview in June, hopefully they are not too busy at the embassy! Does anyone know if they will email us this information or send it snail mail the my US address?

Thanks!

I don't Know about the Visa Center since I went the K-3 route. Nothing gets sent from the Embassy in Costa Rica, The mail system is really bad there, so the embassy calls the beneficiary to pick up the papers in person. You can e-mail or call the embassy and ask them to e-mail a copy of the packet to you.

Edited May 11, 2010 by ExEsposa

[ian1006 0]

I don't Know about the Visa Center since I went the K-3 route. Nothing gets sent from the Embassy in Costa Rica, The mail system is really bad there, so the embassy calls the beneficiary to pick up the papers in person. You can e-mail or call the embassy and ask them to e-mail a copy of the packet to you.

They said that the NVC would directly send us (sponsor,co-sponsor,and beneficiary) all the information through email. Just have to wait for our appointment to be made, hoping they make one for us this week.

[ian1006 0]

Just got notice in email! We basically only have two weeks! I hope this is enough time for the doctors appointment! It says be prepared to pay up to 400 for shots! Ouch, she also has no immunization record...June 2 is our interview date!

[LoveMyTico 999]

Just got notice in email! We basically only have two weeks! I hope this is enough time for the doctors appointment! It says be prepared to pay up to 400 for shots! Ouch, she also has no immunization record...June 2 is our interview date!

My husband didn't have to pay for immunizations at all... in fact...it was never even mentioned. We only paid for the doctor ( $40) and the x-ray( $60) and for the Visa. ( $131.) in Costa Rica. My husband doesn't have an immunization record as he is from the highest mountains in CR. ( HA HA ) You will have time to do everything... Don't worry. The doctors took my husband asap. The embassy gives you a list of doctors to call for everything you need. When you call for your Doctor appts, mention to them when your interview date is. They will work with you. also, The people at the embassy are really , really nice.

If there are any outstanding pension cases, be sure to get the written permission to leave the country before getting to the airport. They are strict about enforcing the laws and they will not let anyone leave the country without the permission.

Edited May 13, 2010 by ExEsposa

[ian1006 0]

My husband didn't have to pay for immunizations at all... in fact...it was never even mentioned. We only paid for the doctor ( $40) and the x-ray( $60) and for the Visa. ( $131.) in Costa Rica. My husband doesn't have an immunization record as he is from the highest mountains in CR. ( HA HA ) You will have time to do everything... Don't worry. The doctors took my husband asap. The embassy gives you a list of doctors to call for everything you need. When you call for your Doctor appts, mention to them when your interview date is. They will work with you. also, The people at the embassy are really , really nice.

If there are any outstanding pension cases, be sure to get the written permission to leave the country before getting to the airport. They are strict about enforcing the laws and they will not let anyone leave the country without the permission.

There was nothing that said we have to bring proof that we payed for the visa. I think since it is a CR-1 visa it was already paid for by the $400 we paid...I looked through absolutely everything they sent us and went through their checklists. We are calling this morning for the doctors, blood test, x-ray, and then the physical.

What do you mean pension cases? I drove a vehicle down on my last entrance to the country, havent officially sold it yet but my lawyer says it is fine and I can still leave the country. We were also in a car accident...no notifications so I think its going to suck for the owner of the car I borrowed and the other party, wasnt my fault though and wasnt too bad! Hopefully we can wrap up these loose ends.

[LoveMyTico 999]

There was nothing that said we have to bring proof that we payed for the visa. I think since it is a CR-1 visa it was already paid for by the $400 we paid...I looked through absolutely everything they sent us and went through their checklists. We are calling this morning for the doctors, blood test, x-ray, and then the physical.

What do you mean pension cases? I drove a vehicle down on my last entrance to the country, havent officially sold it yet but my lawyer says it is fine and I can still leave the country. We were also in a car accident...no notifications so I think its going to suck for the owner of the car I borrowed and the other party, wasnt my fault though and wasnt too bad! Hopefully we can wrap up these loose ends.

We went for the K-3. That is why I think we had to deposit $131.00 in the bank in Costa Rica and bring the receipt to the interview. When I say Pension, I mean child support or spousal support. I am just mentioning that because I know they will stop anyone in the airport if they don't have the permission to leave. Just trying to give you advance notice incase that might be your situation. Alot of people don't know the laws in CR. My immigration attorney wasn't even aware of it. I learned it from a friend who was going through the same thing. Her husband had to pay 13 months child support in advance and put it in an account and get permission from the child's mother to leave the country. And Airport security did find them at the airport and made them show the permission paper. They will let you go through airport security, it when you get inside is when they page you over the intercom and question you. Its just one more thingto be aware of. AGAIN, I don't know your situation. Just passing on some info.

Good Luck, the doctors appointments will go fast and you will have everything you need. Costa Rica is very good about all of that even though the normal thing in CR is to wait in line after line to get what you need. Ha ha.. Be sure you ask about translating your documents. We drove all around San Jose getting things translated. I think we paid like 16 dollars a page.

[ian1006 0]

We dont have those restrictions for pension on us...thank goodness! Thanks for the heads up though.

We have the blood test tomorrow morning followed by the x-ray exam and finishing off the day at the embassy requesting an official police record for my wife. Busy day! We had everything already translated and send into the NVC, from my understanding all of those documents should actually be here in the embassy. But we will double check and we have an official translator friend who does it for $5 per page! On Monday we have the physical exam and then we are back home until the interview appointment!

[ian1006 0]

Well I guess that I can update this as we go along. We got the blood test done with the results today and the same with the X-ray. Those were easy and we are looking forward to Monday's appointment, once again hopefully not too many shots!

We went to the embassy and waited for 3.5 hours almost just to get the request sheet for getting her official police record! We are also a little concerned about the "proof" for our marriage and that it was for love. We have known eachother for over 2 years and been married almost one year but we dont have bank accounts since I am not a resident here and she cant be on mine since its in the states. We also are missionaries so most of the places we stay are either free or we dont have receipts proving we lived together. We do have emails for the past year and our passports showing I have been in the country for a year and we went on trips to Panama together. So emails, a FEW receipts for housing, a journal we shared when we got married, passport stamps, photos for the past 2+ years...should this be enough for us still? That is what we are a little concerned about now, not too much but that seems like the biggest obstacle to clear now. Thanks for the thoughts all!

[LoveMyTico 999]

Well I guess that I can update this as we go along. We got the blood test done with the results today and the same with the X-ray. Those were easy and we are looking forward to Monday's appointment, once again hopefully not too many shots!

We went to the embassy and waited for 3.5 hours almost just to get the request sheet for getting her official police record! We are also a little concerned about the "proof" for our marriage and that it was for love. We have known eachother for over 2 years and been married almost one year but we dont have bank accounts since I am not a resident here and she cant be on mine since its in the states. We also are missionaries so most of the places we stay are either free or we dont have receipts proving we lived together. We do have emails for the past year and our passports showing I have been in the country for a year and we went on trips to Panama together. So emails, a FEW receipts for housing, a journal we shared when we got married, passport stamps, photos for the past 2+ years...should this be enough for us still? That is what we are a little concerned about now, not too much but that seems like the biggest obstacle to clear now. Thanks for the thoughts all!

you'll be fine. I had plane ticket receipts, a years worth of cell phone records, used calling cards, wire transfers and credit cards in both of our names. I submitted photos from all the trips to Costa Rica and our wedding. We also own a motorcycle together in CR. The interviewer was so nice. She asked my husband ( the costa rican citizen ) a total of 3 questions. They mostly talked to me. She asked me who was in the photos and asked me if I liked Costa Rica. The consulate was from my area in Pennsylvania and has family right in my town.... the world is so small... so we chatted about that for a little while. We talked about my daughters health condition and why I can't move to CR. All in all it was a really pleasant conversation. We stood there for about 45 minutes being interviewed. Our case is a bit different as my husband was deported from the US in 2007. All went smooth in the interview. You can read the embassy reivews on this forum. Click embassy info at the top. They have some recent reviews from Costa Rica.