K1 Visa received, opened wrong envelope

[SuperDuper! 230]

You obviously don't understand the severity involved.

The envelope contains her entire immigration file, in the original, of which no copy exists. Did she remove a document? Did she add one? Did she switch something?

They will have to look at every document and basically start over from the beginning. If they are unsure, you will have to resubmit documents in the original, to be inspected.

The resealing cost $1.00. The $299.00 is for tampering. Add a few hundred dollars for extended waiting and I hope you understand now why resealing is not really what this is all about.

Bob, you really nailed this one. Yea, the authorities need to confirm EVERY document inside. What if a terrorist tried to claim he opened it accidently and then slipped in some phony docs. A $300 fee is justified given what is at stake, and by means no simple process in revalidating all the contents of the envelope. I really think they should make the DO NOT OPEN instructions in day-glow neon pink, so we are SURE to see and understand how serious it is. OP, may your loved one get thru this setback on his Visa Journey, and good luck.

[belluco86 3]

Is this for all consulates you receive a sealed letter you need to present at POE? I thought the consulate sent you only your passport and visa and that was the only thing. I was not aware about a sealed envelop that needs to be handed at the POE. Is this for K1 visa? Can someone elaborate I was not aware of this.

Thank you,

[sara..... 371]

Is this for all consulates you receive a sealed letter you need to present at POE? I thought the consulate sent you only your passport and visa and that was the only thing. I was not aware about a sealed envelop that needs to be handed at the POE. Is this for K1 visa? Can someone elaborate I was not aware of this.

Thank you,

when u receive ur visa u will receive an envelope that is sealed it does not matter what visa u applied for..you can not open the envelope you have to give it at time of POE

sara

[Darnell 8,478]

Is this for all consulates you receive a sealed letter you need to present at POE? I thought the consulate sent you only your passport and visa and that was the only thing. I was not aware about a sealed envelop that needs to be handed at the POE. Is this for K1 visa? Can someone elaborate I was not aware of this.

Thank you,

all embassy, all consulate - K-1/K-2/K-3/K-4, CR-1/CR-2, IR-1/IR-2/IR-5 visa types.

[Corinthians 7]

Any idea what the direct number would be? The only number I found was to the automated system...

You can try this email: immigrationrio@state.gov

Trying to get them on the phone is brutal; sorry I don't have the number. We had better luck with email. June 11 is pretty optimistic for a flight.

[FrancElsie 6]

Seconded. +1

I agree with "Just Bob"...and frankly, the severity of this is addressed time and time again on this forum.

At our interview a month ago, the San Jose Embassy emphasized this with BLUNT CLARITY along with a printed form which was given to my fiancee' at the interview. The form specifically stated: "Al momento de su ingreso, recuerde que es necesario presentar su pasaporte visado y el sobre de manila que le fue entregado por el Consulado de Estados Unidos en San Jose. El sobre debe mantenerse CERRADO y en perfectas condiciones y debe ser entregado al Oficial de Inmigracion en el puerto de entrada de EE.UU. que usted seleccione. A su entrada a los Estados Unidos, el sobre de ser llevado en sus manos, NO dentro de equipaje."

The underscoring is mine but the translation is as follows: The envelope must be kept CLOSED and in perfect condition and must be given to the Immigration Official at the port of entry into the USA that you selected."

All I can say is good luck...this problem that this created will cost you lost time and more money...

[Corinthians 7]

Stuff happens, cut the guy a break. None of you guys are offering advice and/or support.

Is this for all consulates you receive a sealed letter you need to present at POE? I thought the consulate sent you only your passport and visa and that was the only thing. I was not aware about a sealed envelop that needs to be handed at the POE. Is this for K1 visa? Can someone elaborate I was not aware of this.

Thank you,

As far as I know, yes, everyone gets one. It's your SO's immigration file.

[minme 0]

First off, thanks for everyone that replied. Some posts were more polite and more informing than others. My first step was to call the consulate number listed on the website, where I got the email address that applied to me. I immediately sent them a message, explaining what had happened, and they replied first thing Monday morning. I then told my fiance what she needs to do, which was:

Good morning,

The applicant must send us the package as well as the passport with the visa and an attached letter explaining in which situation the envelope was opened or damaged. After sending the mentioned items to our office, you will have to contact TNT to pay for the return of the passport and the envelope. As soon as we receive them, all documents will be reviewed. When we receive the TNT payment notification from them, we will send back the envelope and the passport to the address you informed TNT.

TNT telephone numbers are:

0800-979-6979 / (21) 2187-6073

Regards,

Consular Communications Office

United States Consulate General

Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil

Was our information useful? If you have any complaints or suggestions, please send us an e-mail.

Essas informações foram úteis? Se você tem alguma crítica ou sugestão, por favor, envie-nos um e-mail.

She sent the package today with her explanation. I found it strange that there was no mention regarding the fee. I decided not to ask, since it wasn't mentioned. I was not able to find any posts in the forum that indicated whether or not someone had to actually pay that fee. I am curious if they will contact us regarding that.

I sent the information to my fiance regarding the closest TNT office, and she will go there tomorrow to pay for the return.

Honestly, some of the posts here were more frightening than the email reply from the consulate. I wish people here were a bit more supportive rather than threatening. I will update this thread as I have updates, so hopefully it will help someone in the future.

Wish me luck!

[Darnell 8,478]

Hey ! Good Luck !

re: being scared - sorry - it's a big deal to open the sealed envelope.

But - if is 'easy path' for you, for resealing - hey- run with it !!

Consider yourself blessed, IMO.

[menina 50]

First off, thanks for everyone that replied. Some posts were more polite and more informing than others. My first step was to call the consulate number listed on the website, where I got the email address that applied to me. I immediately sent them a message, explaining what had happened, and they replied first thing Monday morning. I then told my fiance what she needs to do, which was:

She sent the package today with her explanation. I found it strange that there was no mention regarding the fee. I decided not to ask, since it wasn't mentioned. I was not able to find any posts in the forum that indicated whether or not someone had to actually pay that fee. I am curious if they will contact us regarding that.

I sent the information to my fiance regarding the closest TNT office, and she will go there tomorrow to pay for the return.

Honestly, some of the posts here were more frightening than the email reply from the consulate. I wish people here were a bit more supportive rather than threatening. I will update this thread as I have updates, so hopefully it will help someone in the future.

Wish me luck!

Good luck! It sounds like the consulate knows how to handle this. I'm glad you were able to contact them by email. We have had a good experience with email communication and receiving timely responses from them. I think everything will be okay since you submitted things the way they requested. Have a smooth rest of the journey!

[DoneWaiting 15]

First off, thanks for everyone that replied. Some posts were more polite and more informing than others. My first step was to call the consulate number listed on the website, where I got the email address that applied to me. I immediately sent them a message, explaining what had happened, and they replied first thing Monday morning. I then told my fiance what she needs to do, which was:

She sent the package today with her explanation. I found it strange that there was no mention regarding the fee. I decided not to ask, since it wasn't mentioned. I was not able to find any posts in the forum that indicated whether or not someone had to actually pay that fee. I am curious if they will contact us regarding that.

I sent the information to my fiance regarding the closest TNT office, and she will go there tomorrow to pay for the return.

Honestly, some of the posts here were more frightening than the email reply from the consulate. I wish people here were a bit more supportive rather than threatening. I will update this thread as I have updates, so hopefully it will help someone in the future.

Wish me luck!

My personal opinion.. If I was you or your fiancé I will go to the embassy rather than mailing the package specially. You have an email from them advising the ok to return documents. The timing and money you may be facing is just part/consequences, take it as an experience and don't dwell on it. Not sure how long it will delay your process if you sent it by mail [TNT], but I think his presence may help in providing a faster return.

[minme 0]

Got a reply from the consulate today! Looks like we will have it much sooner than we thought. Thanks for those who were supportive! I will update this thread once I receive it, and hopefully it will ease someone else if they get into a similar situation.

Dear Sir or Madam:

The package will be return through TNT until tomorrow. Please, wait.

Regards,

This email is UNCLASSIFIED

Immigrant Visa Unit

United States Consulate General

Rio de Janeiro - RJ -Brazil

[DoneWaiting 15]

Got a reply from the consulate today! Looks like we will have it much sooner than we thought. Thanks for those who were supportive! I will update this thread once I receive it, and hopefully it will ease someone else if they get into a similar situation.

Good to hear.. best of luck

[Darnell 8,478]

Yay !!! Smells like easy resolution. She's very lucky, some 'good karma' that day.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Is this exact wording you received in the email from the Consular?

The package will be return through TNT until tomorrow. Please, wait

The reason why I am asking is because the grammar and spelling is off. Very un-professional for a US government agency.

Edited June 10, 2010 by LIFE'SJOURNEY