Juarez Consulate

[tglea 0]

Hello,

We haven't gotten the interview packet from the Juarez Consulate which they supposedly sent to both my fiance (in Mexico) and I (in the USA) on Feb. 17, 2009. They were able to tell us by phone this date that they sent it and said that it would be fine to download the paperwork from the website and then go to Juarez and have the information window print off our appointment letter. I read that someone has done this and has had success, but I'm still nervous about it. Does anyone know what the issue is with the packets not arriving?

Also, I read that they opened up a new consulate in Juarez. Is this where my fiance will have to go for the interview process? Have the locations for the medical exams changed as well or are they the same?

Thanks!

There is a new medical facility next to the new consulate. If they get too busy, they bus you over to the old location. Stay at the holiday inn express. My fiance said it was great. The included breakfast was decent and they have a gym and a happy hour(she didn't discover this until the last 3 days) where they provide free refreshments/beer and snacks for one hour each evening. Not to mention it's only two blocks away from the consulate.

[limejello 0]

Well, I took the leap and booked the flights and part of the hotel stay today, we're leaving Merida on Saturday, staying one night in Mexico City, then heading to Juarez on Sunday. We're going with AVIACSA airlines, which has semi-decent prices and gets a lot better reviews than Viva Aerobus (which, based on everything I've heard, I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole). We'll be at the Holiday Inn Express. I don't know, now that we've actually planned it, the real nervousness is beginning to set in! I think I might have to take advantage of that happy hour at the Holiday Inn...

[In NYC 0]

Hi everyone! I'm back from spending some wonderful days with my fiance and of course, with some doubts that popped out while going through everything together.

He was telling me that since he paid some money when sending the packet for the first time, he's not sure we have to pay the $400USD when I go to Juarez. Could you please let us know if we have to pay those $400USD too? Thanks!!!!!!

[vivamex 0]

Well, I took the leap and booked the flights and part of the hotel stay today, we're leaving Merida on Saturday, staying one night in Mexico City, then heading to Juarez on Sunday. We're going with AVIACSA airlines, which has semi-decent prices and gets a lot better reviews than Viva Aerobus (which, based on everything I've heard, I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole). We'll be at the Holiday Inn Express. I don't know, now that we've actually planned it, the real nervousness is beginning to set in! I think I might have to take advantage of that happy hour at the Holiday Inn...

Good luck to you!! We go to Juarez this week as well. The nerves are starting to kick in for us as well!! I'll be sure to post the experience once we return. I don't think we allowed for enough time. I booked our flights before they started using DHL so we are scheduled to fly out the morning after the interview, but I bet we have to change the flights. There goes another $300 down the drain. She is going to ask if there is any way she can leave the consulate with her visa in hand, but I doubt they allow that. You never know unless you ask right???

[vivamex 0]

Hi everyone! I'm back from spending some wonderful days with my fiance and of course, with some doubts that popped out while going through everything together.

He was telling me that since he paid some money when sending the packet for the first time, he's not sure we have to pay the $400USD when I go to Juarez. Could you please let us know if we have to pay those $400USD too? Thanks!!!!!!

No, you don't have to pay $400 again. That was the initial fee for processing the petition. You will have to pay for the medical exam (approx USD $150) and the visa appointment fee, which used to be $131, but I hear they raised that by a few dollars.

[cici_ortiz 0]

Hi everyone! I'm back from spending some wonderful days with my fiance and of course, with some doubts that popped out while going through everything together.

He was telling me that since he paid some money when sending the packet for the first time, he's not sure we have to pay the $400USD when I go to Juarez. Could you please let us know if we have to pay those $400USD too? Thanks!!!!!!

No, you don't have to pay $400 again. That was the initial fee for processing the petition. You will have to pay for the medical exam (approx USD $150) and the visa appointment fee, which used to be $131, but I hear they raised that by a few dollars.

Hey!!

I will be flying out on wed!! and my wedding is on sat!!! yipppy!!!!!

PS:

The appointemt fee is about 161 now

[TwoInLove 0]

Remind your fiances that no matter what during the medical to never ever admit to trying any drug throughout their lifetime no matter how much pressure the medical puts on them, you will be denied. My fiance admitted to smoking pot 6 months before the interview and we were denied and given a 3 year ban so make sure your fiance's are prepped for this, I did not prep my fiance before the interview, it didn't even enter my mind so - PREP YOUR FIANCE'S!

[In NYC 0]

Hi everyone! I'm back from spending some wonderful days with my fiance and of course, with some doubts that popped out while going through everything together.

He was telling me that since he paid some money when sending the packet for the first time, he's not sure we have to pay the $400USD when I go to Juarez. Could you please let us know if we have to pay those $400USD too? Thanks!!!!!!

No, you don't have to pay $400 again. That was the initial fee for processing the petition. You will have to pay for the medical exam (approx USD $150) and the visa appointment fee, which used to be $131, but I hear they raised that by a few dollars.

Thanks Vivamex!!! It's so good to know we don't have to pay that. I'm still wondering on when to go to Juarez. My fiance got the letter that was suppoused to be sent to me Now I just have to get some days off work to go there.

[In NYC 0]

Hi everyone! I'm back from spending some wonderful days with my fiance and of course, with some doubts that popped out while going through everything together.

He was telling me that since he paid some money when sending the packet for the first time, he's not sure we have to pay the $400USD when I go to Juarez. Could you please let us know if we have to pay those $400USD too? Thanks!!!!!!

No, you don't have to pay $400 again. That was the initial fee for processing the petition. You will have to pay for the medical exam (approx USD $150) and the visa appointment fee, which used to be $131, but I hear they raised that by a few dollars.

Hey!!

I will be flying out on wed!! and my wedding is on sat!!! yipppy!!!!!

PS:

The appointemt fee is about 161 now

Cici, I'm so very happy with the good news! I hope you'll share your wedding experience here

I can only wish you the BEST!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[limejello 0]

Well, I took the leap and booked the flights and part of the hotel stay today, we're leaving Merida on Saturday, staying one night in Mexico City, then heading to Juarez on Sunday. We're going with AVIACSA airlines, which has semi-decent prices and gets a lot better reviews than Viva Aerobus (which, based on everything I've heard, I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole). We'll be at the Holiday Inn Express. I don't know, now that we've actually planned it, the real nervousness is beginning to set in! I think I might have to take advantage of that happy hour at the Holiday Inn...

Good luck to you!! We go to Juarez this week as well. The nerves are starting to kick in for us as well!! I'll be sure to post the experience once we return. I don't think we allowed for enough time. I booked our flights before they started using DHL so we are scheduled to fly out the morning after the interview, but I bet we have to change the flights. There goes another $300 down the drain. She is going to ask if there is any way she can leave the consulate with her visa in hand, but I doubt they allow that. You never know unless you ask right???

I know we probably went a little overboard but we're arriving in Juarez sunday night, *hopefully* getting the letter printed and doing the medical on Monday, then interviewing on Tuesday. I was worried about the consulate closing at random which is why we planned extra time, plus we know it's closed at least on Friday because it's the last Friday of the month (then of course Saturday and Sunday). We've planned for 9 COMPLETE days in Juarez, including the weekend and the Friday that it's closed. So that's 6 days just in case of hiccups. We haven't booked the entire stay at the hotel, though, just through Wednesday. With AVIACSA it's 600 pesos to change the flights (per flight, per person), which is still cheaper than booking the whole 9 days in the hotel. I'd rather plan for longer and change the flights because it took less time than vice versa.

Viva: I don't think it'll hurt anything to ask if you can do it the same day, but just be prepared for them to say no.

Best of luck to you, too!

Edited April 13, 2009 by limejello

[JenandDavys 0]

I know we probably went a little overboard but we're arriving in Juarez sunday night, *hopefully* getting the letter printed and doing the medical on Monday, then interviewing on Tuesday. I was worried about the consulate closing at random which is why we planned extra time, plus we know it's closed at least on Friday because it's the last Friday of the month (then of course Saturday and Sunday). We've planned for 9 COMPLETE days in Juarez, including the weekend and the Friday that it's closed. So that's 6 days just in case of hiccups. We haven't booked the entire stay at the hotel, though, just through Wednesday. With AVIACSA it's 600 pesos to change the flights (per flight, per person), which is still cheaper than booking the whole 9 days in the hotel. I'd rather plan for longer and change the flights because it took less time than vice versa.

Viva: I don't think it'll hurt anything to ask if you can do it the same day, but just be prepared for them to say no.

Best of luck to you, too!

If you're staying at the Holiday Inn Express, rebook your room online versus extending it at the front desk. We had to extend our stay because of the random Wednesday closing issue and the front desk quoted us $80 USD per night. Expedia gave me a rate of $52 per night. While it's not a huge difference, 9 days is a long time...

Davys is at the Consulate now...he's been there for 6 and a half hours...waiting and not knowing what's happening is driving me crazy!

[limejello 0]

If you're staying at the Holiday Inn Express, rebook your room online versus extending it at the front desk. We had to extend our stay because of the random Wednesday closing issue and the front desk quoted us $80 USD per night. Expedia gave me a rate of $52 per night. While it's not a huge difference, 9 days is a long time...

Davys is at the Consulate now...he's been there for 6 and a half hours...waiting and not knowing what's happening is driving me crazy!

I know I'll be in the same boat in a week and a day, and I still don't know how I'm going to feel during the time he's in the embassy. Right now I'm trying not to psych myself out and just remain as calm as possible (plus, the more nervous I am, the more nervous he's going to be!). Lots of good vibes, deep breaths, and happy thoughts!!!

[tglea 0]

I've posted bits of info about our experience last week so this post isn't going to be really long. I can't say much more than cici did in her post about the overall time line and procedures at the consulate. My fiance actually printed out her post to study while she was in Juarez. I'll give a little info about the questions that were asked at the interview.

1. Where did we meet.

2. How long have we been dating.

3. What state would she be living in in the USA. She didn't have to give the full address but I've read that they can ask and you should have your fiances memorize it!!!!

4. Questions about our son. Where was he born etc

5. Has she ever been to the USA. Not even illegally?

6. What was she going to do in the USA? She wrote work on the DS-156 and she had an offer of employment letter.

For proof of relationship, they didn't ask to see anything but pictures. That still seems crazy to me given this day and age of digital pictures and powerful computers. It's not that hard to doctor photos. She also looked at our son's birth certificate so maybe that was considered as proof of relationship too.

For those of you who are getting nervous about your upcoming trips, post some specific questions and I'll give you an answer(if I know the answer of course). Be prepared that things are expensive in the hotels and stores/restaurants close to the consulate. There isn't any sort of Wal-Mart close either. If you have extra room in your bags, pack some snacks and water unless money isn't an issue for you. Don't be so nervous about the violence. The locals told her that things have changed dramatically in the last month since the arrival of more military. Men should be prepared to be stopped at random by military and asked for ID and being questioned.

Good Luck to all!

[tglea 0]

I've posted bits of info about our experience last week so this post isn't going to be really long. I can't say much more than cici did in her post about the overall time line and procedures at the consulate. My fiance actually printed out her post to study while she was in Juarez. I'll give a little info about the questions that were asked at the interview.

1. Where did we meet.

2. How long have we been dating.

3. What state would she be living in in the USA. She didn't have to give the full address but I've read that they can ask and you should have your fiances memorize it!!!!

4. Questions about our son. Where was he born etc

5. Has she ever been to the USA. Not even illegally?

6. What was she going to do in the USA? She wrote work on the DS-156 and she had an offer of employment letter.

For proof of relationship, they didn't ask to see anything but pictures. That still seems crazy to me given this day and age of digital pictures and powerful computers. It's not that hard to doctor photos. She also looked at our son's birth certificate so maybe that was considered as proof of relationship too.

For those of you who are getting nervous about your upcoming trips, post some specific questions and I'll give you an answer(if I know the answer of course). Be prepared that things are expensive in the hotels and stores/restaurants close to the consulate. There isn't any sort of Wal-Mart close either. If you have extra room in your bags, pack some snacks and water unless money isn't an issue for you. Don't be so nervous about the violence. The locals told her that things have changed dramatically in the last month since the arrival of more military. Men should be prepared to be stopped at random by military and asked for ID and being questioned.

Good Luck to all!

One other thing!

After several times of referring to me as her fiance, the CO suddenly referred to me as her husband and my fiance said: "Don't you mean my fiance". She said the CO's reactions was sort of weird about that and my fiance really thinks she was trying to catch her calling me her husband. We have been living together for over 2 years so perhaps the CO thought we were already married. Drill it into your fiance's head that they need to refer to you as their fiance. I know in Mexican culture, it's common for people to refer to their significant other as husband/wife even when it's not legally the case.

[cici_ortiz 0]

I've posted bits of info about our experience last week so this post isn't going to be really long. I can't say much more than cici did in her post about the overall time line and procedures at the consulate. My fiance actually printed out her post to study while she was in Juarez. I'll give a little info about the questions that were asked at the interview.

1. Where did we meet.

2. How long have we been dating.

3. What state would she be living in in the USA. She didn't have to give the full address but I've read that they can ask and you should have your fiances memorize it!!!!

4. Questions about our son. Where was he born etc

5. Has she ever been to the USA. Not even illegally?

6. What was she going to do in the USA? She wrote work on the DS-156 and she had an offer of employment letter.

For proof of relationship, they didn't ask to see anything but pictures. That still seems crazy to me given this day and age of digital pictures and powerful computers. It's not that hard to doctor photos. She also looked at our son's birth certificate so maybe that was considered as proof of relationship too.

For those of you who are getting nervous about your upcoming trips, post some specific questions and I'll give you an answer(if I know the answer of course). Be prepared that things are expensive in the hotels and stores/restaurants close to the consulate. There isn't any sort of Wal-Mart close either. If you have extra room in your bags, pack some snacks and water unless money isn't an issue for you. Don't be so nervous about the violence. The locals told her that things have changed dramatically in the last month since the arrival of more military. Men should be prepared to be stopped at random by military and asked for ID and being questioned.

Good Luck to all!

One other thing!

After several times of referring to me as her fiance, the CO suddenly referred to me as her husband and my fiance said: "Don't you mean my fiance". She said the CO's reactions was sort of weird about that and my fiance really thinks she was trying to catch her calling me her husband. We have been living together for over 2 years so perhaps the CO thought we were already married. Drill it into your fiance's head that they need to refer to you as their fiance. I know in Mexican culture, it's common for people to refer to their significant other as husband/wife even when it's not legally the case.

Oh MY! The OC did the same thing to me too!!! Twice!! And he looked at me funny too (Very funny)!!!