Colombia Club

[HAL 9000 96]

If you have a question you do not see answered on the thread, either as it...or PM someone on the board whose previous posts seem to make sense. There are still many of us around who may not read the thread every day, but who will still receive and reply to PMs.

Good luck to all of you. See you on the Colombia Club thread on the AOS forum some day.

\

I second the motion on both accounts. Our AOS await!

[Mononoke28 135]

Thanks for the review Tommyesq73, I always enjoy reading other people's experiences when they go to Bogotá. I also liked the info on the Certificado Migratorio if you live outside of Bogotá, I never thought of getting it in either Cali or Medellín to pick it up in Bogotá, so thanks!

And finally, congratulations!!!

[lucho562 0]

I agree with Mike. Everything should have been covered already in previous posts. Be carefull and make sure you double, triple, quadruple check any information given here. No one means any harm if they give you wrong information. But is always wise to make sure any info you are given is verified with other members, embassy etc. Also, there are a variety of different visas, one thing may not apply to a different visa eg k1, k3, cr1 etc.

I have learned a great deal from this thread and its contributors. I am confident that I am 110% prepared for the interview next week. It is now in God's hands.

Thanks to all of you that have helped me out.

Edited June 27, 2007 by lucho562

[Mike and Adriana 0]

NEWBIES....

Lucho's reply raises two more points:

1) Don't always rely on the embassy website. It outdated in some ways (although recently got updated). Listen to what experienced folks are telling you.

2) This thread primarily deals with K-1 and K-3 visa. The process for the IR-1/CR-1 is different. There is a separate Colombia thread for those with questions about IR-1/CR-1. Don't read the info here and get confused. Also keep in mind that K-1 and K-3 visas are also different, so read carefully (for example, K-1s have to complete a DS-156K, but K-3 don't, because K-3s are already married....or K-3s have to submit a copy of the marriage certificate with the petition. K-1s do not....because they are not married yet).

Mike

But is always wise to make sure any info you are given is verified with other members, embassy etc. Also, there are a variety of different visas, one thing may not apply to a different visa eg k1, k3, cr1 etc.

[ColombianoGringo 0]

Hey folks,

I have a problem with an incorrect wedding date on our Colombian marriage certificate.

The issue is explained in the following post. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1012641

Thanks,

CG

[Mike and Adriana 0]

Stuff like that happens in Colombia. Can't say I'm surprised. Looks like you already tried to get it changed and could not. Unless you want to hire a lawyer, probably nothing you can do. However, I would NOT change your wedding date on your petition. Put the actual wedding date on the petition and then include a written addendum that explains why the date on your petition does not match your certificate. The bottom line is that you are married. The date of the marriage is off by one day...which I don't think matters to the U.S. government....unless they think you are trying to be evasive or dishonest. That's why I suggest writing the addendum. Chances are, they would not catch the date error on their own. But what is they did? And there was no explanation? They might assume an error. The might assume worse. So by adding the addendum, you are bringing the error to their attention, explaining it, and covering your butt.

Just my opinion.....as I have had to write a couple of different addendums on my wife's petitions to explain various things.

Mike

Hey folks,

I have a problem with an incorrect wedding date on our Colombian marriage certificate.

The issue is explained in the following post. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1012641

Thanks,

CG

[Mononoke28 135]

I would pretty much follow Mike's advice on what people ask him, he's already gone through this and it's pretty dead on on most of this stuff, so thanks Mike!

It is imperative and I always recommend to read the threads from page 1. Each person has contributed something useful throughout the process and please, please, please take notes. I have like 3 pages worth at home so it makes it easier to remember. If in doubt, go back page by page to find your answer, if not, you can post it and someone will answer it or refer you to someone who might.

[buck501 0]

Ok, I want to make sure I have this correct. I read thru past posts and things are still clear as mud.

Pkt 3..........We only send OF-169 and DS-230, correct? What about the birth certificates, police record and passport foto's? Do we take them to the interview, or send them with the documents? Everybody is talking about faxing Pkt. 3 in and then sending it snail mail. I can see faxing the docs, but the rest of the stuff? We are going to send a copy of her passport also as suggested.

I wish I could read spanish or get a copy of the instructions in English. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[lucho562 0]

Ok, I want to make sure I have this correct. I read thru past posts and things are still clear as mud.

Pkt 3..........We only send OF-169 and DS-230, correct? What about the birth certificates, police record and passport foto's? Do we take them to the interview, or send them with the documents? Everybody is talking about faxing Pkt. 3 in and then sending it snail mail. I can see faxing the docs, but the rest of the stuff? We are going to send a copy of her passport also as suggested.

I wish I could read spanish or get a copy of the instructions in English. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Buck,

Packet 3 is exactly what I wrote in post #1124 on page #75. Do not worry bro. Also, you can fax and or snail mail packet # 3. We faxed it and sent it to the embassy to make sure they processed us. Faxing it does work, because NVC new when our appt. was before the courier delivered them the packet.

All other docs will be needed for the interview.

[Mike and Adriana 0]

I think Lucho already posted this, but I'll post it again.

To get an appointment (assumes your petition has already arrived at the Bogota embassy):

1) Cover letter explaining the purpose of the fax/letter (to get an appointment). Include your case number that begins with BGT.

2) Copy of the bio page of the beneficiaries passport. Nowhere is it written that this is required, but that's what I was advised to do and that's what I did and that's what I tell everyone to do. Just makes sense to me.

3) DS-230, part I.

4) OF-169.

OF-169 is a one-page form that is very simple. By signing it, the beneficiary is indicating that he /she has gathered the necessary documents and is ready for an interview (although we all know that some of the documents cannot be gathered until after the appointment is acutally get). So, the list of stuff in packet 3 is actually the stuff you will need for your interview (birth certificate, etc.). You do NOT need to send any of that stuff right now.

When the interview is scheduled, she will get packet 4. That packet will include the appointment letter as well as information about the medical exam, the blood tests, immunizations, photos, etc. It will also include the DS-156 (and I assume the DS-156K for K-1s).

Do you really need the instructions in English? Frankly, I knew almost no Spanish in May, 2006. Once I met my future wife, I started to learn. I know enough to be dangerous now (really, to be functional). I had no problems getting the jist of the Packet 3 and 4 instructions. If you have trouble with a certain part, simply input it into a translation program, like one available on freetranslation.com.

Mike

PS - Buck, I see you are using a lawyer. If so, he or she should know all of this....and should have told you this already. I'd be a little POd. Honestly, you really don't need a lawyer to file the basic forms. A little late for me to be saying that now, but hopefully you'll at least get some piece of mind for you money. Do yourself a favor. After this part is over, can the lawyer. You can easily file for AOS on your own. It's very simple. Given that the fees are going way up soon, the money you save on a lawyer can help pay for the filing fee!

Ok, I want to make sure I have this correct. I read thru past posts and things are still clear as mud.

Pkt 3..........We only send OF-169 and DS-230, correct? What about the birth certificates, police record and passport foto's? Do we take them to the interview, or send them with the documents? Everybody is talking about faxing Pkt. 3 in and then sending it snail mail. I can see faxing the docs, but the rest of the stuff? We are going to send a copy of her passport also as suggested.

I wish I could read spanish or get a copy of the instructions in English. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Edited June 27, 2007 by Mike and Adriana

[lucho562 0]

I think Buck just needs what I spoke of before, triple and quadruple reassurance. I remember when I wasnt sure either.

[Mike and Adriana 0]

Maybe so.....but it is frustrating when you give answers over and over again, but people still want to hear it again. When I went through this, I relied on the guy who started this thread - Pete. That's it. No one else to rely on. I did just fine. Like I continue to say....find someone who's been through it and listen to him/her...period....no need to keep asking the same questions.

One of the biggest problem I've seen on the visajourney board (and this has nothing to do with Buck) in general is that some people are given clear instructions, but somehow fail to read what is written. I seen situations where folks have laid out an answer to question in a very logical and understandable way, only to have the person who posted the original quesiton parrot back something that was totally different than what was said - I've had that happen.....talk about frustrating. Maybe if I was a lawyer charging $250/hour, I would be happy about it.

I think Buck just needs what I spoke of before, triple and quadruple reassurance. I remember when I wasnt sure either.

[lucho562 0]

Yeah sometimes it is frustrating. However I like "giving back" to the community sort of speak. Since you Mike have helped me and greatfull for that and many others. I feel like it is my responsibility to help others out as well. Kind of like a circle of life sort of thing. I'll be going back to square 1 once I start AOS.

Edited June 27, 2007 by lucho562

[buck501 0]

Maybe so.....but it is frustrating when you give answers over and over again, but people still want to hear it again. When I went through this, I relied on the guy who started this thread - Pete. That's it. No one else to rely on. I did just fine. Like I continue to say....find someone who's been through it and listen to him/her...period....no need to keep asking the same questions.

One of the biggest problem I've seen on the visajourney board (and this has nothing to do with Buck) in general is that some people are given clear instructions, but somehow fail to read what is written. I seen situations where folks have laid out an answer to question in a very logical and understandable way, only to have the person who posted the original quesiton parrot back something that was totally different than what was said - I've had that happen.....talk about frustrating. Maybe if I was a lawyer charging $250/hour, I would be happy about it.

I think Buck just needs what I spoke of before, triple and quadruple reassurance. I remember when I wasnt sure either.

Mike, Luchco, Monoke. You have all been a big help and I thank you. You do not have to feel obligated to answear a question if you feel it has been covered many times over. There is a lot of conflicting and "grey" area post's on this forum. For someone who is going thru this it can be difficult to seperate the meat from the bones.

I have taken 3 spanish classes since meeting Paola in March of 2006. I am getting better, but can not read it fluently.

Luchco is correct, I do want to make 100% sure we are doing everything correctly.

I hired a lawyer because I am self employed, this is our busy season and I am working 14 to 16 hour days 6 to 7 days a week. I knew that comming into this. Time is limited for me to do a lot of research. When I do, I tend to be in a hurry. So I hired the lawyer. They have been a help, but when it gets to this point, they do not have the answears. In hind sight, not sure it was or is the smartest thing to do. For me the money is not an issue, I can afford it with no problem.

You do not have to read to many post's on this forum to see what happens when you leave something out or make a mistake.

The Pkt 3 we recieved is not like the one on the embassy site. It did not contain the DS230 form. It had a cover page with a hand scribbled case number on it, 3 pages of instructions and the OF-169 on the last page. Not in one place anywhere does it even have the address where to send the forms!!!!!!!!!!!!! On top of that is does not say what to return and what is for the interview. That is the reason I ask the questions.

I do sincerly love Poala, I want her here with me. Another reason to ask the questions.

I have never given any advice on this forum because I do not feel quailfied to do so. All of you are further along in the process and can give account of your experience.

What I hope to do is after Paola is here with me in the US, post a message that expalins oue experience in detail from beginning to clearing the POE. What I submitted and when, what challenges we faced and what we did to overcome them.

No less and no more.

Last, if you tell ten different peiople the same thing, those ten people will all hear something different. That is just human nature.

[parkpapa 0]

Mike, Luchco, Monoke. You have all been a big help and I thank you. You do not have to feel obligated to answear a question if you feel it has been covered many times over. There is a lot of conflicting and "grey" area post's on this forum. For someone who is going thru this it can be difficult to seperate the meat from the bones.

I have taken 3 spanish classes since meeting Paola in March of 2006. I am getting better, but can not read it fluently.

Luchco is correct, I do want to make 100% sure we are doing everything correctly.

I hired a lawyer because I am self employed, this is our busy season and I am working 14 to 16 hour days 6 to 7 days a week. I knew that comming into this. Time is limited for me to do a lot of research. When I do, I tend to be in a hurry. So I hired the lawyer. They have been a help, but when it gets to this point, they do not have the answears. In hind sight, not sure it was or is the smartest thing to do. For me the money is not an issue, I can afford it with no problem.

You do not have to read to many post's on this forum to see what happens when you leave something out or make a mistake.

The Pkt 3 we recieved is not like the one on the embassy site. It did not contain the DS230 form. It had a cover page with a hand scribbled case number on it, 3 pages of instructions and the OF-169 on the last page. Not in one place anywhere does it even have the address where to send the forms!!!!!!!!!!!!! On top of that is does not say what to return and what is for the interview. That is the reason I ask the questions.

I do sincerly love Poala, I want her here with me. Another reason to ask the questions.

I have never given any advice on this forum because I do not feel quailfied to do so. All of you are further along in the process and can give account of your experience.

What I hope to do is after Paola is here with me in the US, post a message that expalins oue experience in detail from beginning to clearing the POE. What I submitted and when, what challenges we faced and what we did to overcome them.

No less and no more.

Last, if you tell ten different peiople the same thing, those ten people will all hear something different. That is just human nature.

Buck, I can echo most of your concerns about trying to be certain. Of course, nothing in life is absolutely certain - except that government bureaucracies are frustrating and inane. I can also tell you that the Colombia Club, for all it's faults, is still better at giving and correcting information that most of the other threads I've checked out here. Lorena might still be in Colombia if not for the good advice of others here. I've tried to give back here also, but also try to indicate uncertainty if I have any in the answers I give. My personal preference is to point people to the "source" whenever possible, rather than relay potentially inaccurate information.

Right now, all I "need" is clear help with the AOS process, and that seems much more difficult to come by than the initial visa process.