Colombia Club

[Omar and Jennyfer 0]

I say Bahia Honda State Park... I remember that fishing area is prone to shark sightings quite often... then we could go all Guajira and make Shark Pinchos...

HAL 9000 can dream of warmer climates...

I believe you probably won't regret the CR-1 route... but compare the paperwork side by side and the benefits to both...

Question.....I always heard that the K-1 visa is the fastest way to get your loved one to the US. I've seen this written on some attorneys sites...and I have direct experience with a nephew whose CR-1 took over two years (they eventually divorced)..... is this your experience?

Well we did K-1 because we were in no hurry to get things done on the visa side. It took us, from a Nov 2006 petition, to a Feb 2007 approval, to a June 2007 Interview at the Embassy, August 2007 POE by choice... not too bad. The slow part in that process was waiting on CSC to approve the petition.

Of course, if you are a US Citizen living for a minimum of 6 months in Colombia, you could try Direct Filing but I am not sure if Bogotá handles those anymore.

Hello Colombia Club, I originally was pursuing the K-3 route, but decided to change to CR-1 instead. I had to postpone my wife's K-3 interview which was scheduled end of October 2008, to pursue the CR-1 route instead. The CR-1 route and benefits far outweight the K-3 route. All the paperwork, Affadivit of Support and AOS fees, was approved late October 2008. My wife's new appointment is scheduled for the 21st of January 2009. Thanks to all of you for your support and help, specially Diana AKA: mononoke28.

Edited January 2, 2009 by Omar and Jennyfer

[HAL 9000 96]

Very Good, Omar. Your wife will hopefully be with you soon then.

[jpcanon 0]

Ha- thanks HAL! I think I may have heard it!!! Just packing now here in Pereira and have to head back to Los Angeles.... I had a nice Christmas here and New Year's, but back on the Avianca to L.A. in a few hours- all good things must come to and end, so they say...

Joe

P.S. I hope the holidays was good for all

[subguy812 1]

I have looked at almost every possibilty to be able to attend this interview on the 28th. I am seriously stressing because the chance for me to attend is looking more distant. I know it is a gamble to not go, or am I freaking out more than I need to?

[Mononoke28 135]

I say Bahia Honda State Park... I remember that fishing area is prone to shark sightings quite often... then we could go all Guajira and make Shark Pinchos...

HAL 9000 can dream of warmer climates...

I believe you probably won't regret the CR-1 route... but compare the paperwork side by side and the benefits to both...

Question.....I always heard that the K-1 visa is the fastest way to get your loved one to the US. I've seen this written on some attorneys sites...and I have direct experience with a nephew whose CR-1 took over two years (they eventually divorced)..... is this your experience?

In my opinion the only reason why a K1 is faster is because you can file at any time without having to get married first. That's all. The service centers handling the approval of each petition may vary but not by much. But I have to be honest and say that in all this time I've been part of VJ, I can't honestly understand what the hurry is to get a loved one here and not wait a few more months for a better visa. You have no idea how many posts I get to read every day where people are miserable waiting for a work permit, or because they're not allowed to get their driver's licence, or because they can't even go to school until they have their AOS approved or if they can having to pay out of state tuition because of this. It's not fun having to wait 3, 6, 9 or more months for your green card and many of those months having to sit at home because there is nothing you can do.

My advice is, if you can wait it out 1 or 2 months, then go for the CR1 unless you want your family here in the US to be present at your wedding. Other than that, again in my most humble opinion, makes no sense hurry things up just to get here faster.

Diana

[Mononoke28 135]

I have looked at almost every possibilty to be able to attend this interview on the 28th. I am seriously stressing because the chance for me to attend is looking more distant. I know it is a gamble to not go, or am I freaking out more than I need to?

Troy, don't sweat it. If you can't go, you can't go and your fiancé needs to make sure she lets the CO know that you couldn't make it to the interview. Many people go to their interviews by themselves and are approved if they have solid cases. If you're one of them, then don't worry about but just remember that the CO has every right to request your presence at a later time.

Diana

[Mononoke28 135]

hello happy new year my name is erika im ususally at the spanish forums ,i to just had a bad experience with that guy that danny and brillit had i had my interview on 18 of december he demanded a dna testing of my daughter which is his but she was registered under my ex husband took her when she was born (long story) well also he requested a dna of his daughter for the fact that she was just registered ,my worried here is what if that result comes neg what will happen ,anybody knows ? i think they should replace that guy he told me he didnt think my 4 yr relationship which i showed pic and all 50 q he asked me a my fiancee was fake but for the reason that colombia is number 1 in frauds and that everyday theres 20 case of frauds he had to make sure and that im not in those 20 per day i swear i wanted to punch him .well anyway any advise on what to do ,the charging me 850 dollars to do the testing plus what ever fees bogota has to put on top , all help is appreciated happy new years guys

Hello Erika,

If the result for his daughter comes back negative then her visa will be denied and there is nothing you can do. A visa can only be granted to him and his biological children.

As for your comment to replace the CO, you can't take it out on him and instead put yourself in his shoes. If you're the CO and a couple comes to request a K1 visa for him and a daughter they recently registered as his, what would you think? Of course there would be doubt about it since in Colombia anybody can pay a few pesos to a Notary and have the birth certificate done with whatever info you want in it. I still don't understand why he requested a DNA for your daughter as well since she's already a US citizen, but as far as his daughter goes, I totally understand where he's coming from.

Diana

[artigano 1]

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on the marriage interview in Bogota? We were married on 4/4/2007. I filed the I-130 in 3/2008 and am now waiting for the interview. My wife is in Medellin. I am planning to attend the interview with her, but am not sure what kinds of questions they will ask.

We have a joint bank account and I filed a joint tax return for 2007, but we don't have much else together, since she is living in Colombia and I'm in Miami. I've been to Colombia many times since we were married, and she's been to the U.S. once since we were married. Our wedding was in Medellin.

What worries me is that they may be suspicious about the marriage for the following reasons:

1. There is a big age difference.

2. We waited almost a year to file the I-130.

3. She went to Argentina for 6 months (to study) while we were married.

Any advice?

[HAL 9000 96]

I have looked at almost every possibilty to be able to attend this interview on the 28th. I am seriously stressing because the chance for me to attend is looking more distant. I know it is a gamble to not go, or am I freaking out more than I need to?

If you can't then you cant... just don't pass on that stress to your SO.

[Mononoke28 135]

Bring as much evidence as you can possibly bring such as pictures (as many as you can), e-mails, chats, birthday cards, love letters, etc. Anything that can prove you have had a bona fide marriage.

As far as questions, be ready to answer any question they may ask. These can vary but can be anything regarding each other's personal tastes, especial dates, lifestyles to the most mundane things like what you had for breakfast, what's your favorite song, etc. Things married couples should be aware of.

Diana

[james&adry 3]

I have looked at almost every possibilty to be able to attend this interview on the 28th. I am seriously stressing because the chance for me to attend is looking more distant. I know it is a gamble to not go, or am I freaking out more than I need to?

Subguy, I really feel for you man. Sometimes money and the demands of work can really stamp into your plans. My own job in the military has hampered many of my own personal endeavors as I have to put Uncle Sam first. I have to agree with everyone else though that you should stop stressing and worrying and just have faith in what you and your wife posses. Love is all you need. And if it is shown in your pictures and all the activities you shared throughout your visits and time spent together when together or apart then it should shine through.

Omar and Jenny, I was putting my heart into a K3 VISA because being apart from a loved one is so difficult but now with everyone saying CR1 is so much better I have to agree. I looked at your timeline and was very impressed. Not too shabby i take it. I wish you also the best of luck.

Artigano, hey guy I saw your questions and was thinking of how I would answer some of your questions, specifically the wait on the C130. Wouldnt that be because you wanted to be sure where you wanted to live at? What if you saw great opportunity in Colombia instead of the US and wanted to wait? Thats my take. Also how did you get a shared bank account? I imagine its a US bank. Does she take money from it every now and then? I guess thats a good record keeper right there. A woman diving into my bank account should be sufficient for a bonafide marriage alone hehe (no offense to the ladies). My ex was very notorious for plucking and sabataging my money I earned while working two jobs while she splurged on new cell phones and stuff we don't need. Ugh.

Also is there anyone in the military or former military that can answer whether or not you recieve spousal BAH dependent pay for your spouse even if they are still awaiting their visa approval abroad? Or do you have to wait till you get permission from Uncle Sam? I have been hearing that even if you marry abroad your marriage does not even count until uncle Sam says it counts. I am in the Air Force serving in Key West and part of my mission is anti drugs. Of course Colombia has a past history of all bad things concerning narcotics. Just wondering if anyone has dealt with that? Thanks all.

James

[HAL 9000 96]

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on the marriage interview in Bogota? We were married on 4/4/2007. I filed the I-130 in 3/2008 and am now waiting for the interview. My wife is in Medellin. I am planning to attend the interview with her, but am not sure what kinds of questions they will ask.

We have a joint bank account and I filed a joint tax return for 2007, but we don't have much else together, since she is living in Colombia and I'm in Miami. I've been to Colombia many times since we were married, and she's been to the U.S. once since we were married. Our wedding was in Medellin.

What worries me is that they may be suspicious about the marriage for the following reasons:

1. There is a big age difference.

2. We waited almost a year to file the I-130.

3. She went to Argentina for 6 months (to study) while we were married.

Any advice?

They let you file married filing jointly even though she doesn't reside in the US?

[HAL 9000 96]

James... until you can process your wife Stateside, you won't have much luck collecting that BAH.

Until your next review you may want to not mention your wife all that much in case you have a clearance at stake... although obviously that always comes up. Don't worry about the drug issue. That is pretty much all drama and nonsense.

I am wondering if you asked for a military expedite on your K-3 paperwork.

[james&adry 3]

James... until you can process your wife Stateside, you won't have much luck collecting that BAH.

Until your next review you may want to not mention your wife all that much in case you have a clearance at stake... although obviously that always comes up. Don't worry about the drug issue. That is pretty much all drama and nonsense.

I am wondering if you asked for a military expedite on your K-3 paperwork.

No Hal we have not even begun to drink enough Club Colombia to get married that quickly hehe. Still sawing out our details for a Spring wedding in March in her home town of Barranquilla. Of course i like getting started as early as possible.

Anyway I have a feeling my clearance will be an issue but I am positive that I will survive any blow thrown at me. I have not heard of the military expedite process. Wow?? If it is significantly faster than maybe I'll skip the CR1 route but only if it is marginal mas. How do you go about the military expedite and what are the requirements? I live in Key West its not like I am stationed in Colombia having orders to move away from her. But still this would be a sweet deal.

James

[HAL 9000 96]

James... until you can process your wife Stateside, you won't have much luck collecting that BAH.

Until your next review you may want to not mention your wife all that much in case you have a clearance at stake... although obviously that always comes up. Don't worry about the drug issue. That is pretty much all drama and nonsense.

I am wondering if you asked for a military expedite on your K-3 paperwork.

No Hal we have not even begun to drink enough Club Colombia to get married that quickly hehe. Still sawing out our details for a Spring wedding in March in her home town of Barranquilla. Of course i like getting started as early as possible.

Anyway I have a feeling my clearance will be an issue but I am positive that I will survive any blow thrown at me. I have not heard of the military expedite process. Wow?? If it is significantly faster than maybe I'll skip the CR1 route but only if it is marginal mas. How do you go about the military expedite and what are the requirements? I live in Key West its not like I am stationed in Colombia having orders to move away from her. But still this would be a sweet deal.

James

Ah right- the CR1 vs K3 debate... well... indeed- more Club Colombia is always a requirement for any wedding as well as just about any birra drinking occasion. In fact, I am going to put more on my to acquire list for the next trip or when one of my new relatives makes a trip this way.

So... I think you should check with USCIS directly. Back when it was INS, there used to be a liason officer that oversaw military immigration issues. This have changed somewhat but I think they should still be active. I think that you should have an on-base liason officer that can request the expedite on your behalf. This of course can flag you for that clearance issue although other VJers with active duty jobs/rates/etc that require clearance haven't had problems with that. I suppose depending on each individual assignment and the sensitivity of the information handled.

You may want to email the USCIS military assistance team at militaryinfo.nsc@dhs.gov or call the military help line at 877-247-4645 with more questions.