Juarez Consulate

[guguis 0]

jmmr good luck with your trip to mex i hope everything goes good also your fiance also gets the packet in mexico but you get it faster. i got mine like in 2 and a half weeks my wife got it like 2 weeks after the interview

good luck

[nm123 0]

Hello again! And hello CAITY! How is your vacation with your hubby? Are you having a great time?

I would like to start preparing for the interview.... It seems that NVC has shipped our case to CDJ (not 100% sure- I used the DHL website from another forum) ANYWAYS! After CDJ Receives my petition...how long after that will Jorge receive the packet. Another question...I talked to this woman lady who "helped" us at the beginning, and she told me that I'm the one who receives the packet, not him..... and that i HAVE to go to mexico. I'm probably going to end up going after all... on another (k1) forum, they keep telling me that I don't HAVE to go and that he does receive the packet. I just wanted to hear your guys' opinion as well. I am getting very excited but I keep looking at people's timelines from the past and it looks like it takes a month for him to get the packet after CDJ receives it? On several it was about 2 weeks. Does anyone have an estimate? I was hoping it would be like 1-2 weeks

So far the only thing I KNOW i have to prepare is:

Fiancée Packet

Fee Information, form CDJ 446

Instructions, form CDJ 400

Statement of Intent to Marry, form CDJ 402

Form DS-156K

Form CDJ 430

Medical Examination Instructions, form Mexwide 202 K

Public Charge Information, form OF-167

I copied/pasted that from the website.

is there anything I am missing? I think my affidavit of support? But anything else?

Thanks everybody!!!!! I appreciate any input.

Don't forget a copy of the NOA2

the open appointment letter

copy of your birth certificate and his original & copy

his passport (even though that's mentioned in the CDJ website's instructions, it's easy to forget; and a copy of your passport if you birth certificate doesn't make it clear that you are a US citizen)

yes to your affidavit of support (notarized, and even though it isn't required on there, it makes the the financial part easier) with tax transcripts and/or w2s with 1040 tax forms

his DS157 & copy (unsigned. it doesn't mention this on the CDJ site but it's needed)

his 2 passport style photos, which the consulate may or may not accept (there's a photo place across the street from the consulate to re-take photos that come with a guarantee that the consulate will accept them)

also your Intent to Marry, signed (his should be unsigned)

medical exam results

...and current letters/phone bills/photos/etc from the time you sent the petition to now. It'd also be a good thing to have old evidence you didn't include in the original petition just in case they have some weird issue about how long you've actually known each other.

As for you going to CDJ, it'll be nice for you to go for support, but US citizens aren't even allowed inside. In this thread, only 2 or 3 people got in because the consular questioned the validity of their relationship, and the next day the citizen came to prove they were wrong, and then the visa was issued. On average, it takes 4-6 wks for you to receive the fiance packet. It gets sent to both of you guys, but usually you only get it since the mail system in MX is bad.

When are you planning to go? Brian, Chaz, and I might be there around the same time or within just a few wks of each other.

[jmmr 0]

Thanks for that list. IT's great! I doubt I will be going down there. I can't afford it! I'm broke! No, seriously though. We have discussed this many times whether or not i should go, and so far we think saving the 700 dollars is a better decision than to spend it so that I wait outside. I have only been to MX once and it scared me a lot. I don't want to be by myself... ...... I am sure I can get the time off but it depends on whehter or not school starts at the time of the interview or not. (Sept 22). I wish I was going, but it looks like it ain't gonna happen!

4-6 weeks I don't want to wait anymore I'm feeling so frustrated . I actually thought it would be less than 6 weeks for him to arrive...but I'm changing that #.

I am happy that our case has now been forwarded to CDJ I confirmed it today by making a quick phone call! So happy about that. Caity-yours is on its way!

GOod luck everybody ! And thanks for your response NM123

[nm123 0]

Thanks for that list. IT's great! I doubt I will be going down there. I can't afford it! I'm broke! No, seriously though. We have discussed this many times whether or not i should go, and so far we think saving the 700 dollars is a better decision than to spend it so that I wait outside. I have only been to MX once and it scared me a lot. I don't want to be by myself... ...... I am sure I can get the time off but it depends on whehter or not school starts at the time of the interview or not. (Sept 22). I wish I was going, but it looks like it ain't gonna happen!

4-6 weeks I don't want to wait anymore I'm feeling so frustrated . I actually thought it would be less than 6 weeks for him to arrive...but I'm changing that #.

I am happy that our case has now been forwarded to CDJ I confirmed it today by making a quick phone call! So happy about that. Caity-yours is on its way!

GOod luck everybody ! And thanks for your response NM123

No problem! I can't remember if it was you or someone other girl who posted a question about safety in Juarez, but one thing you could do is just stay in El Paso while your fiance has his interview and then just be available if you're needed. And hey... I'm an advocate for smart use of credit cards, and I think this qualifies. It's not like you're going out drinking and partying with your friends, and buying crazy purses & shoes; you're out to get your man!

[caityrose 0]

Thanks for that list. IT's great! I doubt I will be going down there. I can't afford it! I'm broke! No, seriously though. We have discussed this many times whether or not i should go, and so far we think saving the 700 dollars is a better decision than to spend it so that I wait outside. I have only been to MX once and it scared me a lot. I don't want to be by myself... ...... I am sure I can get the time off but it depends on whehter or not school starts at the time of the interview or not. (Sept 22). I wish I was going, but it looks like it ain't gonna happen!

4-6 weeks I don't want to wait anymore I'm feeling so frustrated . I actually thought it would be less than 6 weeks for him to arrive...but I'm changing that #.

I am happy that our case has now been forwarded to CDJ I confirmed it today by making a quick phone call! So happy about that. Caity-yours is on its way!

GOod luck everybody ! And thanks for your response NM123

Hey Maria,

I know you are frustrated. But just keep apartment shopping in your freetime, it will make the time pass faster Also, we have to consider ourselves lucky- being approved only 4 months after sending the petition! Just think, with the way CSC had been moving previously, you could have been still waiting for your approval in September. Instead, Jorge will be going to CDJ for his interview

Thanks, I hope mine goes to CDJ soon also!

Take care!

[jmmr 0]

That is very true Caity. We all did get pretty lucky! Four months isn't that shabby!! I totally can see the safety being an issue in Juarez. We're so close. :)

[웃 910]

-NM123- Thanks for the post about Alfredo the taxi driver from El Paso, TX. He is going to take me first to Bank of America and then cross the bridge into Juarez for $20. That is not a bad deal.

Edited August 3, 2008 by thegreatgate

[nm123 0]

-NM123- Thanks for the post about Alfredo the taxi driver from El Paso, TX. He is going to take me first to Bank of America and then cross the bridge into Juarez for $20. That is not a bad deal.

Oh that's great! I have read so many good reviews about him at immigrate2us.net and they always talk about how safe they feel with him. He also knows the city really well and even though he's just a taxi driver, he seems to know about the immigration process really well.

They also say that if you stay at Los Cedros hotel, he can get you a 10% discount so you pay I think $45 or $50/night, since he has a contract with them.

Edited August 3, 2008 by nm123

[Marty80 0]

Good afternoon.

It seems as though the CSC has been processing K1 visas more quickly recently, within 5-6 months. Is it reasonable to assume processing times are speeding up?

Also, I am guessing it is a poor idea to have a religious ceremony before coming to the states on the fiance visa, despite it not being a legally binding marriage?

One last thing here, I had posted a question about a past problem with a tourist visa in another forum HERE. We would like to clear up any prior problems with this before the interview. My fiance had contacted a complaint line at the Monterrey consulate regarding her past problems with the tourist visa, and explained our situation. They only suggested attending the fiance interview, and said they did not have direct contact with the consulate. Does anyone know how to get in contact and solve past issues with documents regarding visas at the consulates?

Thanks, enjoy the afternoon.

-Marty

[nm123 0]

Good afternoon.

It seems as though the CSC has been processing K1 visas more quickly recently, within 5-6 months. Is it reasonable to assume processing times are speeding up?

Also, I am guessing it is a poor idea to have a religious ceremony before coming to the states on the fiance visa, despite it not being a legally binding marriage?

One last thing here, I had posted a question about a past problem with a tourist visa in another forum HERE. We would like to clear up any prior problems with this before the interview. My fiance had contacted a complaint line at the Monterrey consulate regarding her past problems with the tourist visa, and explained our situation. They only suggested attending the fiance interview, and said they did not have direct contact with the consulate. Does anyone know how to get in contact and solve past issues with documents regarding visas at the consulates?

Thanks, enjoy the afternoon.

-Marty

Hi Marty,

It looks like some of the newer petitions are being approved in about 4 months.

If you decide to have a religious ceremony DO NOT have your fiance talk about it at her interview or even present photos, even though it's not legally recognized in Mexico. Also don't get in the habit of calling each other husband and wife, since they'll assume you are already married and deny the visa. You've probably read about ChuckNTeresa who applied for a marriage license but never used it, and they had a huge problem at CDJ and had to prove that they weren't already married.

As for the other question about Monterrey... I don't know how to answer that. One thing I could recommend though is visiting immigrate2us.net and logging onto their weekly chat (Wednesdays but I don't remember the time). The chat is answered by Laurel Scott, an immigration lawyer who is also a member of that forum. If you look at the chat logs, you'll notice that most of the questions were short and so were the answers, so you'll have to present your question with probably just 2 sentences...

I'm so glad more of us are keeping this thread alive!

[Marty80 0]

Good afternoon.

It seems as though the CSC has been processing K1 visas more quickly recently, within 5-6 months. Is it reasonable to assume processing times are speeding up?

Also, I am guessing it is a poor idea to have a religious ceremony before coming to the states on the fiance visa, despite it not being a legally binding marriage?

One last thing here, I had posted a question about a past problem with a tourist visa in another forum HERE. We would like to clear up any prior problems with this before the interview. My fiance had contacted a complaint line at the Monterrey consulate regarding her past problems with the tourist visa, and explained our situation. They only suggested attending the fiance interview, and said they did not have direct contact with the consulate. Does anyone know how to get in contact and solve past issues with documents regarding visas at the consulates?

Thanks, enjoy the afternoon.

-Marty

Hi Marty,

It looks like some of the newer petitions are being approved in about 4 months.

If you decide to have a religious ceremony DO NOT have your fiance talk about it at her interview or even present photos, even though it's not legally recognized in Mexico. Also don't get in the habit of calling each other husband and wife, since they'll assume you are already married and deny the visa. You've probably read about ChuckNTeresa who applied for a marriage license but never used it, and they had a huge problem at CDJ and had to prove that they weren't already married.

As for the other question about Monterrey... I don't know how to answer that. One thing I could recommend though is visiting immigrate2us.net and logging onto their weekly chat (Wednesdays but I don't remember the time). The chat is answered by Laurel Scott, an immigration lawyer who is also a member of that forum. If you look at the chat logs, you'll notice that most of the questions were short and so were the answers, so you'll have to present your question with probably just 2 sentences...

I'm so glad more of us are keeping this thread alive!

Thanks for the advice. Glad to see processing times are dropping somewhat. I may check out the site you suggested one evening when I get some time. I'm also going to put some calls in to the consulate there and see if I can get in contact with someone and hopefully they will provide some suggestions on how we can resolve the past issues.

Thanks again!

[nm123 0]

Thanks for the advice. Glad to see processing times are dropping somewhat. I may check out the site you suggested one evening when I get some time. I'm also going to put some calls in to the consulate there and see if I can get in contact with someone and hopefully they will provide some suggestions on how we can resolve the past issues.

Thanks again!

Don't be too discouraged if the consulate gives you any problems or are rude, because they're usually like that (at least from what I've heard), and don't give consistent answers. Good luck!

[웃 910]

I'll be in Juarez for 2 weeks.

I leave Saturday, August 16 and return Saturday August 30.

Just about a week and 5 days left until takeoff.

I bought my plane ticket for $231 and the price has jumped to $391 since!!

[nm123 0]

I'll be in Juarez for 2 weeks.

I leave Saturday, August 16 and return Saturday August 30.

Just about a week and 5 days left until takeoff.

I bought my plane ticket for $231 and the price has jumped to $391 since!!

Have fun! I guess since Diana's appointment isn't until December, you'll just have a nice pleasant visit this time.

Edited August 5, 2008 by nm123

[brian87 0]

"How to add 2 months to the K-1 process" by Brian.

As some of you know, my K-1 was approved on July 3rd. I received an email on July 22nd, that my case was under further review. Then on July 26th, I get a NOA saying the earlier approval was overturned, and an RFE. Apparently I did not answer the Sec. C military section completely. So, I answer question 2, and send it back. And the RFE, said a decision would be forthcoming by August 26th.

I take responsiblity for the mistake. Though I still see why I made it. What makes me mad, is that if I had received the RFE on July 3rd instead of an approval, my file would be in Juarez by now. Instead, an extra two months has been tacked on.

Just venting. I made the mistake, and I will live with the consequences.

Brian