Lima Peru and other Q's

[Nibake 4]

The title and subtitle say it all, anybody applied in Lima, Peru? I'm nervous about all the things I read, I was kind of under the impression that the K1 means that if you present the basic things you need, you can't be denied. I sure hope it's not as arbitry, abusive, and undemocratic as tourist visas, among others. Nevertheless some of the things I've been reading are causing me a lot of doubts.

Please inform if you know about this consulate. Otherwise I have two concerns:

1. I will in no way be able to do the affidavit of support, I am depending on a family member or friend to do so. I work in Peru and my income is not "verifiable" nor is it substantial enough if it were.

2. I once was arrested w/o a warrant or reason, a total police department blunder. I was released the next morning (after missing work), but I know this is on my FBI record because it showed up when I got my residence here in Peru. Can this really be a red flag? If so, that is so disturbingly unjust.

3. My fiancee is HORRIBLE when it comes to expressing herself and doing interviews. She also frequently forgets and confuses chronological facts. Will that sink us in the interview?

Thanks everybody.

[pushbrk 12,878]

The title and subtitle say it all, anybody applied in Lima, Peru? I'm nervous about all the things I read, I was kind of under the impression that the K1 means that if you present the basic things you need, you can't be denied. I sure hope it's not as arbitry, abusive, and undemocratic as tourist visas, among others. Nevertheless some of the things I've been reading are causing me a lot of doubts.

Please inform if you know about this consulate. Otherwise I have two concerns:

1. I will in no way be able to do the affidavit of support, I am depending on a family member or friend to do so. I work in Peru and my income is not "verifiable" nor is it substantial enough if it were.

2. I once was arrested w/o a warrant or reason, a total police department blunder. I was released the next morning (after missing work), but I know this is on my FBI record because it showed up when I got my residence here in Peru. Can this really be a red flag? If so, that is so disturbingly unjust.

3. My fiancee is HORRIBLE when it comes to expressing herself and doing interviews. She also frequently forgets and confuses chronological facts. Will that sink us in the interview?

Thanks everybody.

The US Citizen's criminal record is not an issue in visa issue at the Consulate but the foreign fiancee should be fully informed about it.

Your are way off base thinking, "that if you present the basic things you need, you can't be denied" If that were the case, we would simply "register" instead of petition, apply and interview. The interview is primarily about your relationship though, so if you've been living together for months in Peru, that's pretty strong evidence.

Answers inconsistent with paperwork, can definitely sink you, yes. Time for some intense and effective interview preparation.

[Mike B. 231]

Check out http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Peru&cty=&dfilter=5 and feel free to ask me any specific questions since my wife came here on a K-1 issued in Lima.

Edited May 21, 2010 by Mike B.

[TracyTN 237]

Moving thread from K1 process forum to consular forum, as the questions are consulate specific.

[Matt & Bing 56]

Please inform if you know about this consulate. Otherwise I have two concerns:

1. I will in no way be able to do the affidavit of support, I am depending on a family member or friend to do so. I work in Peru and my income is not "verifiable" nor is it substantial enough if it were.

Why isn't your income verifiable? Don't you file a US tax return?

[Anh map 2,098]

Just an aside, have you considered all the options (K1 vs CR1 vs DCF) available to you? There are differing steps and costs to reaching the green card for your (then) spouse. For example: K1 requires adjustment of status (with accompanying fees) after entering the US and your spouse would be able to work right away. CR1 and DCF gives your spouse the Green Card upon entry into the US. All would require the interview in Lima.

Also, regardless of your income or location in the world you as the petitioner will have to submit an affidavit of support as you are always the primary sponsor.

Do some reading in the Latin America regional forum to see other VJer's experiences in Lima.

Best of luck.

[Nibake 4]

Well, today she remembered that our two year dating anniversary is coming up, so that's a good sign. LOL. Seriously, though, we can and will review all the dates and the history of our relationship before the interview because it would be really sad if she got nervous and confused during the interview and said something wrong

Speaking of the income, no I haven't filed US tax returns since I lived there, (the last two years, 2008-2009). All records of my income are my own receipts and records, since I independently teach private English classes.

Yes, I would really like to get a K1, especially since I'm already 5 months and a lot of $s into the process. We have been anxious to go to the US, travel, meet my family, etc. for over a year and I would hate to have to wait years longer.

As always, thanks for the comments.

[Anh map 2,098]

FYI, the US taxes on worldwide income. (There is a foreign earned income exclusion.)

Check the Lima website and with other Lima VJer's regarding the expectations for the I-134 Affidavit of Support at her interview. It would be unfortunate to experience a delay if you are able to prepare ahead of time.

Looking ahead to the I-864 Affidavit of Support (which is required at Adjustment of Status) you will need to produce tax returns or show proof of why you were not required to file a US tax return.