Colombia Club

[CamyCar 0]

Congratulations Scott & Yenifer!

Bill,

Have you heard anything on your interview date? We are stuck in NVC hell. You and I received our NOA2 about a week apart and we have been sitting at NVC since the 11th of January. I call daily, but it has not been forwarded yet. Wishing you better luck!

Cameron

[SteveSandyHill 0]

!!!!Heads up on traveling with Fiance's with children thru Bogota Airport!!!!

Not sure if any others have had this problem: We nearly did not get through the DOS checkpoint at El Dorado Airport with Sandy's daughter! Reason being much to my surprise and Attorney never advising us, the document signed and notorized by the father to remove the child from Colombia, was done in October and apparently only good for 60 days! When I saw Sandy start to cry, I knew something bad was going down. They told me to go through and sent her off with some DOS woman who tryed to contact the father's cell phone, to see if he was still okay with her leaving, do you believe that? They where unable to contact him (cell phone off) and eventually allowed her through, this was the only problem we encountered and almost a major one!

As for Ft. Lauderdale as POE. This was a breeze, maybe it was timing, not sure. We entered the imagration line for the USA citizens, and the officer was fine with that. After quickly reviewing Sandy and her daughters documents, off to the interview room we went. There where several people waiting to be cleared, we where second one's called! Sandy was asked one question: When will you and Steve be getting married? Easy and promptly she replied "St. Valentines Day" February 14th. Thank you very much, from the time we deboarded till clearing imagrations, 35 minutes.

[Bill y Bella 0]

!!!!Heads up on traveling with Fiance's with children thru Bogota Airport!!!!

Not sure if any others have had this problem: We nearly did not get through the DOS checkpoint at El Dorado Airport with Sandy's daughter! Reason being much to my surprise and Attorney never advising us, the document signed and notorized by the father to remove the child from Colombia, was done in October and apparently only good for 60 days! When I saw Sandy start to cry, I knew something bad was going down. They told me to go through and sent her off with some DOS woman who tryed to contact the father's cell phone, to see if he was still okay with her leaving, do you believe that? They where unable to contact him (cell phone off) and eventually allowed her through, this was the only problem we encountered and almost a major one!

As for Ft. Lauderdale as POE. This was a breeze, maybe it was timing, not sure. We entered the imagration line for the USA citizens, and the officer was fine with that. After quickly reviewing Sandy and her daughters documents, off to the interview room we went. There where several people waiting to be cleared, we where second one's called! Sandy was asked one question: When will you and Steve be getting married? Easy and promptly she replied "St. Valentines Day" February 14th. Thank you very much, from the time we deboarded till clearing imagrations, 35 minutes.

I am glad to hear that things went quickly for you in Ft. Lauderdale, I guess I had bad luck the 2 times I landed there.

That must have been horrible feeling in the Bogota airport, but its all over now. DAS can be extremely strict so I am a little surprised they let the children leave with an expired permission letter from the father. Congratulations!

[Bill y Bella 0]

Well we finally have an interview appointment. The embassy told me at 4:00 on Jan 23rd that there was no way we would have a February appointment, and we are not on the February appintment list that was recently posted on the embassy website. However, DOS tells me this morning that our appointment is February 29th and Package 4 was mailed on Jan 23rd. I called DOS twice and I received the same information each time. Maybe the embassy had a change of heart after I hung up the phone.

Does anyone have any tips regarding strategy on booking flights? I'll do some research of course but I thought maybe someone might have some ideas I should consider.

• What options do I have if I book the flights and then we are not approved on the 29th? Can the flights be changed? What is the fee?
• I don't have enough frequent flyer miles to buy 3 tickets. Can I use the miles I have and pay the balance with a credit card?
• Unless the fares are very high at the end of March (Easter week) that is when Bella and the kids will probably travel to the US.
• I will go down for the interview at the end of February and then return to accompany them home at the end of March. That means an extra ticket but I can't spare the time to go for the interview and then wait around for the visa unless I book the flights very close to the interview. That means if there is a snag in the visa delivery we have a problem.

Thanks!

[snoopy 0]

Does anyone have any tips regarding strategy on booking flights? I'll do some research of course but I thought maybe someone might have some ideas I should consider.

• What options do I have if I book the flights and then we are not approved on the 29th? Can the flights be changed? What is the fee?
• I don't have enough frequent flyer miles to buy 3 tickets. Can I use the miles I have and pay the balance with a credit card?
• Unless the fares are very high at the end of March (Easter week) that is when Bella and the kids will probably travel to the US.
• I will go down for the interview at the end of February and then return to accompany them home at the end of March. That means an extra ticket but I can't spare the time to go for the interview and then wait around for the visa unless I book the flights very close to the interview. That means if there is a snag in the visa delivery we have a problem.

Thanks!

Congratulations Bill, about time.

The best way to buy a cheap ticket? you need to shop around, check www.travelocity.com / www.expedia.com (month calendar displaying low fares) farecast.com (will predict if fare will drop of raise) and my favorite to check between different airlines www.seatgaru.com if you find a good deal with an airline, check that airline's web site too, sometimes they offer a lower fare, you might be lucky.

If you want to use your mileage, I believe you'll have to use the airline's web site.

Good luck..... Ana

[margara&john 0]

Congratulations Steve and Sandy! Packet 3 has been sent from Bogota to Margarita! I made the $16 phone call today, and I am more confused now than I was before. Margarita's 8 year old daughter, Daniela, is listed on the same petition as Margarita. From what I understand from the Embassy website, Daniela does not need to go to the interview. During the phone conversation with the Emassy, I asked if I need to send Daniela's DS230 and passport copy when we send in packet 3. The woman told me that we only need to send Margarita's ds230 but that Daniela needs to go to the interview. I am really confused. I asked the woman again and told her that Daniela is only 8 and that she is listed on the same petition as Margarita. The woman told me that all children must attend the interview. Does an 8 year old really need to go to the interview if she is listed on her mother's petition? I don't mind bringing her with, but I thought she is not required to go.

[CamyCar 0]

Well we finally have an interview appointment. The embassy told me at 4:00 on Jan 23rd that there was no way we would have a February appointment, and we are not on the February appintment list that was recently posted on the embassy website. However, DOS tells me this morning that our appointment is February 29th and Package 4 was mailed on Jan 23rd. I called DOS twice and I received the same information each time. Maybe the embassy had a change of heart after I hung up the phone.

Does anyone have any tips regarding strategy on booking flights? I'll do some research of course but I thought maybe someone might have some ideas I should consider.

• What options do I have if I book the flights and then we are not approved on the 29th? Can the flights be changed? What is the fee?
• I don't have enough frequent flyer miles to buy 3 tickets. Can I use the miles I have and pay the balance with a credit card?
• Unless the fares are very high at the end of March (Easter week) that is when Bella and the kids will probably travel to the US.
• I will go down for the interview at the end of February and then return to accompany them home at the end of March. That means an extra ticket but I can't spare the time to go for the interview and then wait around for the visa unless I book the flights very close to the interview. That means if there is a snag in the visa delivery we have a problem.

Thanks!

Congratulations Bill,

Persistance pays off. I am glad that it finally worked out for you. As of my call today, we are still stuck at NVC, so I guess I won't be meeting you in Colombia. Hoping for a March interview at this point.

Cameron

[one350z 0]

Hello gentleman, just signed up. looking forward to trading stories about life with a Colombiana. Derrick

[SteveSandyHill 0]

Well we finally have an interview appointment. The embassy told me at 4:00 on Jan 23rd that there was no way we would have a February appointment, and we are not on the February appintment list that was recently posted on the embassy website. However, DOS tells me this morning that our appointment is February 29th and Package 4 was mailed on Jan 23rd. I called DOS twice and I received the same information each time. Maybe the embassy had a change of heart after I hung up the phone.

Does anyone have any tips regarding strategy on booking flights? I'll do some research of course but I thought maybe someone might have some ideas I should consider.

• What options do I have if I book the flights and then we are not approved on the 29th? Can the flights be changed? What is the fee?
• I don't have enough frequent flyer miles to buy 3 tickets. Can I use the miles I have and pay the balance with a credit card?
• Unless the fares are very high at the end of March (Easter week) that is when Bella and the kids will probably travel to the US.
• I will go down for the interview at the end of February and then return to accompany them home at the end of March. That means an extra ticket but I can't spare the time to go for the interview and then wait around for the visa unless I book the flights very close to the interview. That means if there is a snag in the visa delivery we have a problem.

Thanks!

Bill, Not sure where you are traveling from, yet here is the way I just did it and it was fairly inexpensive. I booked round trip flight to be in Bogota 5 days before the interview (help Sandy prepare, medical, etc.) and scheduled my return flight one week after the interview. Then I also booked one way tickets for Sandy and her daughter on the same flight I was returning to USA on.

My ticket was JFK to Bogota / Bogota to FLL $ 645.00 (all taxes included)

Sandy's Bogota to FLL $ 343.00 (all taxes included)

Her Daughter Vania (under 2 years) of age $117.00

I checked in case I would need to change my reservation (Avianca) Change fee $ 100.00 + differance in airfare from time of purchase for my round trip ticket, and $ 35.00 for Sandy's ticket.

[SteveSandyHill 0]

quote name='margara&john' date='Jan 28 2008, 05:08 PM' post='1531440']

Congratulations Steve and Sandy! Packet 3 has been sent from Bogota to Margarita! I made the $16 phone call today, and I am more confused now than I was before. Margarita's 8 year old daughter, Daniela, is listed on the same petition as Margarita. From what I understand from the Embassy website, Daniela does not need to go to the interview. During the phone conversation with the Emassy, I asked if I need to send Daniela's DS230 and passport copy when we send in packet 3. The woman told me that we only need to send Margarita's ds230 but that Daniela needs to go to the interview. I am really confused. I asked the woman again and told her that Daniela is only 8 and that she is listed on the same petition as Margarita. The woman told me that all children must attend the interview. Does an 8 year old really need to go to the interview if she is listed on her mother's petition? I don't mind bringing her with, but I thought she is not required to go.

John,

Thanks for the congrats!

If you check back through this thread you will fond directions on what and how to fax packet #3 to the Embassy. Most of us here fax the required documents once we know we are in the system, no need to wait for packet #3 to arrive. In fact the Embassy never even sent packet #3 to Sandy as we faxed them the documents the same day we where entered into the system in Bogota. It was a Wednesday (free call from 2 -4 PM) the woman said: Yes, we have recieved your fax, so there is no need to send packet #3.

(http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Colombia&cty=Bogota)

After confirming that the embassy has your package follow these steps. You do NOT need to wait until you receive package 3.

A. Prepare your package 3 response. It should include the following items only. There should be a total of 5 pages including your one page cover letter.

1. Cover letter

2. Copy of fiancée's passport (biographical data page)

3. DS-230 Part 1 (pages 1 & 2 only)

4. OF-169 (page 5 of packet 3 instructions)

The cover letter should include the petitioner's and beneficiary's names and the BGT case number. State that the beneficiary has all the required documentation ready and request the earliest available appointment.

B. Fax your response to Package 3 to the embassy at 011-57-1-(315-4155.

[Bill y Bella 0]

Bill, Not sure where you are traveling from, yet here is the way I just did it and it was fairly inexpensive. I booked round trip flight to be in Bogota 5 days before the interview (help Sandy prepare, medical, etc.) and scheduled my return flight one week after the interview. Then I also booked one way tickets for Sandy and her daughter on the same flight I was returning to USA on.

My ticket was JFK to Bogota / Bogota to FLL $ 645.00 (all taxes included)

Sandy's Bogota to FLL $ 343.00 (all taxes included)

Her Daughter Vania (under 2 years) of age $117.00

I checked in case I would need to change my reservation (Avianca) Change fee $ 100.00 + differance in airfare from time of purchase for my round trip ticket, and $ 35.00 for Sandy's ticket.

Thanks Steve, that is very helpful! I usually fly from Philadelphia through Miami or Ft Lauderdale via Delta, US Air/Avianca or American. American is my preferred carrier although there are certain times of year when their fares go through the roof. I have most of my frequent flyer miles with them.

[margara&john 0]

Bill, Not sure where you are traveling from, yet here is the way I just did it and it was fairly inexpensive. I booked round trip flight to be in Bogota 5 days before the interview (help Sandy prepare, medical, etc.) and scheduled my return flight one week after the interview. Then I also booked one way tickets for Sandy and her daughter on the same flight I was returning to USA on.

My ticket was JFK to Bogota / Bogota to FLL $ 645.00 (all taxes included)

Sandy's Bogota to FLL $ 343.00 (all taxes included)

Her Daughter Vania (under 2 years) of age $117.00

I checked in case I would need to change my reservation (Avianca) Change fee $ 100.00 + differance in airfare from time of purchase for my round trip ticket, and $ 35.00 for Sandy's ticket.

Thanks Steve, that is very helpful! I usually fly from Philadelphia through Miami or Ft Lauderdale via Delta, US Air/Avianca or American. American is my preferred carrier although there are certain times of year when their fares go through the roof. I have most of my frequent flyer miles with them.

Steve, thanks for the tip. I understand how to fax packet 3 to the embassy, but I don't know if I should fax ONLY Margarita's DS230, or her daughter's also. The woman on the phone told me that I only need to send Margarita's ds230, but she also told me that Daniela (the 8 year old daughter) needs to attend the interview. I read on the embassy site that a child under 14 years of age that is listed under his/her parent on the same petition is not required to attend the interview. I don't trust what the woman on the phone told me.

[Mononoke28 135]

Hello gentleman, just signed up. looking forward to trading stories about life with a Colombiana. Derrick

Welcome Derrick.

Feel free to start reading this thread so you can have most of your questions answered. Trust me, most answers are found right here.

Diana

[lucho562 0]

Congrats BIll!!

[Bill y Bella 0]

Steve, thanks for the tip. I understand how to fax packet 3 to the embassy, but I don't know if I should fax ONLY Margarita's DS230, or her daughter's also. The woman on the phone told me that I only need to send Margarita's ds230, but she also told me that Daniela (the 8 year old daughter) needs to attend the interview. I read on the embassy site that a child under 14 years of age that is listed under his/her parent on the same petition is not required to attend the interview. I don't trust what the woman on the phone told me.

As far as I know, you should send Part 1 of only the beneficiary's DS-230 when you tell the embassy that you are ready for the interview. It is not necessary to send the DS-230 for the child when requesting an interview. You notify the embassy that you are seeking a visa for the child on line 21a on the beneficiary's DS-230. You will however, need to prepare a DS-230 Part 1 & DS-156 (2 copies) for the child to be used later.

As to the requirement for the child to attend the interview, I do not think it is necessary for children under 14 years of age to attend the interview unless the petition was filed directly on their behalf. An example of this would be if a US citizen petitioned for their child living in Colombia. If the child is accompanying a beneficiary to the US, the child does not need to attend the interview unless they are at least 14 years old. It says this in the package 4 dated Jan 07 that I have in my file. Perhaps someone who has received a package 4 recently can confirm that this has not changed.

If you want to double check, you can also try emailing them the question also. Sometimes they answer and sometimes they don't. IVBogota@state.gov