CR-1/IR-1 Colombia Club

[bradyvicky 0]

Hola all

Just calling on the collective wisdom of this thread ( and the "Colombia Club" ). Anyone have a suggection for a apartment in Bogota? Tried www.welovebogota.com but they are booked up for february. Any suggestion would be appreciated .

Tony

Will post Part II soon, but stopped into a Cafe Internet solamente para unos segundos.... DO NOT BOOK THE APARTMENT AT WWW.WELOVEBOGOTA.COM.... I will give the info later, but right now I will do everything I can to take even $1 out of their pocket, and normally I am not this way....

[TonyS 0]

Hola all

Just calling on the collective wisdom of this thread ( and the "Colombia Club" ). Anyone have a suggection for a apartment in Bogota? Tried www.welovebogota.com but they are booked up for february. Any suggestion would be appreciated .

Tony

Will post Part II soon, but stopped into a Cafe Internet solamente para unos segundos.... DO NOT BOOK THE APARTMENT AT WWW.WELOVEBOGOTA.COM.... I will give the info later, but right now I will do everything I can to take even $1 out of their pocket, and normally I am not this way....

Thanks Brad and sorry for the trouble.

[bradyvicky 0]

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part I:

Finally a chance to update!!!! Ok...so I am REALLY freakin tired for many reasons, one would be the obvious in that I didnt get enough sleep. You figure that one out, since I havent seen Vicky for 3 months more or less!!!!! hahahah

So we arrive and the plane is late. After we do find eachother, we go straight to the apartment at www.welovebogota.com (which I thought was a retarded name anyway). The place is ridiculous hard for a taxi to find, is WAY off the beaten path, has minimal to nothing available in walking distance (one or two quickie convenience spaces is about it) and has security that is less than securing or helpful. Enetered the apartment to meet one of the guys involved in the scam, who is immediately brash with us and is trying to explain how we need to lock the bedroom door, not paying attention to the fact we rented the WHOLE apartment for a special (overpriced) price. I also ask about AC because when I talked to the owner in email, he said it had it. No big deal because Bogota is pretty cool, but on the 6th floor even with the windows open is wasnt ¨cool¨. So anyway, apartment didnt have it. So as we are trying to get past these two things, noticing that the apartment is about as big as my bathroom and you almost cant turn around in the hallway or get a big suitcase down it without scratching the walls. Then as Vicky is trying to expalin our quandry, and we offer 2 nights of pay up front and ask for 24 hours to make a decision on further nights, the ahole decides he is going to get snooty with my wife. OK...STOP...thats it. Nobody does this, at least not with me around. It took about 15 seconds to tell him what a ####### he was (in my best spanish) and get our bags outtathere! You would be absolutely wasting your time to rent at this place, and I am happy to take any money away from them that I can. I will tell you later where we stayed, for about 40 nightly for a nice room in a nice little Suite Hotel...but in case someone wants to get vindictive and sees this post I obviously dont want to give up my location while I am in it! hahahah

So anyway, PLEASE dont rent that apartment.

On to the rest real quickly...woke up REAL early to get the to 7am opening of the Lab. Got there at 630 to try and beat the line. We ended up as 7 in a line of 10 when the place opened. She was out in 25 minutes. I assume it could be worse, so still suggest you arrive early. You have to wait outside for opening, and the Beneficiary is not allowed in at all.

Then we went to eat.

Then we went to DAS to apply for that paper. It took longer to get IN than it did to get a notice stating she applied for it. The notice, according to DAS, is sufficient because she has no record. We paid for the applcation in a bank in Barranquilla before she left for Bogota.

Then we went shopping.

Then we went to the Medico. Beneficiary again is not allowed in. Brought all the paperwork as listed in Packet 4, however one girl was supposedly turned away for not havin 5 pictures....we thought it was three....and Vicky didnt get turned away. As I type, she is in the Medico and it has been about 2 hours.... The fiance of an acquaintance I made here got it all done in 3 hours, walking out with a sealed package in hand for the embassy tomorrow!

The next update will be Visa or No Visa. Wish us luck or pray, whatever suits you!

(Sorry for any typos...this damn keyboard is covered in saranwrap and is unusually annoying!)

Edited January 29, 2007 by bradyvicky

[thieving69 0]

Good luck with the interview brother and best wishes.......Congrats

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part I:

Finally a chance to update!!!! Ok...so I am REALLY freakin tired for many reasons, one would be the obvious in that I didnt get enough sleep. You figure that one out, since I havent seen Vicky for 3 months more or less!!!!! hahahah

So we arrive and the plane is late. After we do find eachother, we go straight to the apartment at www.welovebogota.com (which I thought was a retarded name anyway). The place is ridiculous hard for a taxi to find, is WAY off the beaten path, has minimal to nothing available in walking distance (one or two quickie convenience spaces is about it) and has security that is less than securing or helpful. Enetered the apartment to meet one of the guys involved in the scam, who is immediately brash with us and is trying to explain how we need to lock the bedroom door, not paying attention to the fact we rented the WHOLE apartment for a special (overpriced) price. I also ask about AC because when I talked to the owner in email, he said it had it. No big deal because Bogota is pretty cool, but on the 6th floor even with the windows open is wasnt ¨cool¨. So anyway, apartment didnt have it. So as we are trying to get past these two things, noticing that the apartment is about as big as my bathroom and you almost cant turn around in the hallway or get a big suitcase down it without scratching the walls. Then as Vicky is trying to expalin our quandry, and we offer 2 nights of pay up front and ask for 24 hours to make a decision on further nights, the ahole decides he is going to get snooty with my wife. OK...STOP...thats it. Nobody does this, at least not with me around. It took about 15 seconds to tell him what a ####### he was (in my best spanish) and get our bags outtathere! You would be absolutely wasting your time to rent at this place, and I am happy to take any money away from them that I can. I will tell you later where we stayed, for about 40 nightly for a nice room in a nice little Suite Hotel...but in case someone wants to get vindictive and sees this post I obviously dont want to give up my location while I am in it! hahahah

So anyway, PLEASE dont rent that apartment.

On to the rest real quickly...woke up REAL early to get the to 7am opening of the Lab. Got there at 630 to try and beat the line. We ended up as 7 in a line of 10 when the place opened. She was out in 25 minutes. I assume it could be worse, so still suggest you arrive early. You have to wait outside for opening, and the Beneficiary is not allowed in at all.

Then we went to eat.

Then we went to DAS to apply for that paper. It took longer to get IN than it did to get a notice stating she applied for it. The notice, according to DAS, is sufficient because she has no record. We paid for the applcation in a bank in Barranquilla before she left for Bogota.

Then we went shopping.

Then we went to the Medico. Beneficiary again is not allowed in. Brought all the paperwork as listed in Packet 4, however one girl was supposedly turned away for not havin 5 pictures....we thought it was three....and Vicky didnt get turned away. As I type, she is in the Medico and it has been about 2 hours.... The fiance of an acquaintance I made here got it all done in 3 hours, walking out with a sealed package in hand for the embassy tomorrow!

The next update will be Visa or No Visa. Wish us luck or pray, whatever suits you!

(Sorry for any typos...this damn keyboard is covered in saranwrap and is unusually annoying!)

[mystery 0]

Hola all

Just calling on the collective wisdom of this thread ( and the "Colombia Club" ). Anyone have a suggection for a apartment in Bogota? Tried www.welovebogota.com but they are booked up for february. Any suggestion would be appreciated .

Tony

Will post Part II soon, but stopped into a Cafe Internet solamente para unos segundos.... DO NOT BOOK THE APARTMENT AT WWW.WELOVEBOGOTA.COM.... I will give the info later, but right now I will do everything I can to take even $1 out of their pocket, and normally I am not this way....

Brad, so sorry you had such a bad experience with welovebogota.com buddy.....I kinda feel bad because I was the one that recomended it here. But my experience was totally opposite to you.

I had a good experience with the guy. He was nice, courteous and attended to anything that I needed. I booked it for $35 a night but only the Master Bedroom. (although the guy did tell me he was increasing the price). Its true no AC, but you don't need it in Bogota in my opinion. Opening the window is good enough for it to be cool and if you close it the temp is nice......

It is kinda small but I guess in my case I never expect too much of things in Colombia....Its not the US.

There is a shopping center across the street called Cipres Plaza (kinda diagonally from the apt). They have a Credit Union bank there and some nice cafe's and places to eat. In that Credit Union you can make your Visa payment, so that was very convenient for us.

It is not off the beaten path either.... Its 2 blocks away from the embassy. It is nicely gaurded also with many cops walking in the area because a government building is also across the way from the apt.....

But anyways I have no connection to the guy so I'm not trying to sell the apt to anyone. Just wanted to post that I had a good experience with the guy.....

Again Brad sorry it went bad for you man, my apologies since I was the one that recomended it on here.....And if he did disrespect your wife in anyway, then you were totally entitled to do what you did. I'm surprised because he was a very nice person to us and very attentive. But you never know who you dealing with.

And again I hope all went well with you at the interview buddy.

I arrived in Miami yesterday with my fiance. Folks, its the BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD. To have your wife/fiance finally with you.....

Good luck to all of you.

mystery

[bradyvicky 0]

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part III:

Fisrt of all, MYstery, no problem Man!!!! I had already booked it before I saw that you were there. Such is life, in that we all have different experiences...and I agree with you that AC is not always needed, but had that been the ONLY issue we would have stayed. In fact I couldnt even get the guy to take $100 USD from my hand without getting more attitude to at least keep us from having to search for a new place in the middle of the evening and while tired! At any rate, it is my pleasure to make them lose a little money...lol.. I am a cutthroat businessman and would expect the same if I treated anyone like this!

Now...as for Part III... APPROVED!

We got up really early after having gone to bed just as early. Went straight to the Embassy, which is NOT the main entrance. Our taxi driver larned this quickly, because if your taxi stops at the front entrance for more than a minute expect guns to get pointed at you...as you know our national security is something of a sight! hahaha So anyway, made it to the BACK entrance where you walk about 150 yards and get into one of three lines. For now, line 3 is for resident Visas. We got there at about 6:35 and they started letting you in at 7. Order in line means nothing really. First you have a group conference with a lady that expalins how to organize all your info in a packet. Then you are called, in order of appearence, to turn in all your papaerwork to one of four windows. This is the only time the order matters because people who turned in their paperwork AFTER us were later interviewed BEFORE us. After turning in the paperwork, you got to a different area and again...sit and wait.

We sat ffomr 830am to about 2pm, when we were called to window 3. We were the LAST couple to be interviewed, and had seen a string of denials right before us. The vice consulate asked Vicky to pick up the phone and then began to look at the file. It couldnt have been easier... He first asked her for pictures, and she handed him 8 packets of thumbnailed pictured printed on sheets of paper and organized by trip, with a title page and a big picture of the two of us on the front of each packet. They seem to be VERY interested in pictures together...this is all he was alooking for and we saw this MANY times with other interviews. He looked at about 25 percent of the pics and returned them. He then asked her how we met, how long we have been together, how many times I visited and what I do for a living. She answered all and after typing in the computer for a short time reached for the green ticket, split it in half, and gave one half to her telling her to return at 4pm to pick up her Visa!!!!! If he reaches for the WHITE ticket your denied!!!!!!

We returned SAME DAY at 4pm and picked up the visa, but not all of the approvals received same day..some had to return the next day. And again, they are VERY interested in pictues. We also saw several cases where one of the two had to walk away and the vice consulate talked to one at a time privately! However the vice consul did not even want to talk to me, but I grabbed the phone and thanked him anyway! hahaha

So....we are here for a few days then off to Barranquilla, and she will be moving to Miami with me in about 10 days!!!!

Thanks for all the input and support! We wont disappear here, and would love to maintain some of the friendships we have found along the way!!!!

[TonyS 0]

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part III:

Fisrt of all, MYstery, no problem Man!!!! I had already booked it before I saw that you were there. Such is life, in that we all have different experiences...and I agree with you that AC is not always needed, but had that been the ONLY issue we would have stayed. In fact I couldnt even get the guy to take $100 USD from my hand without getting more attitude to at least keep us from having to search for a new place in the middle of the evening and while tired! At any rate, it is my pleasure to make them lose a little money...lol.. I am a cutthroat businessman and would expect the same if I treated anyone like this!

Now...as for Part III... APPROVED!

We got up really early after having gone to bed just as early. Went straight to the Embassy, which is NOT the main entrance. Our taxi driver larned this quickly, because if your taxi stops at the front entrance for more than a minute expect guns to get pointed at you...as you know our national security is something of a sight! hahaha So anyway, made it to the BACK entrance where you walk about 150 yards and get into one of three lines. For now, line 3 is for resident Visas. We got there at about 6:35 and they started letting you in at 7. Order in line means nothing really. First you have a group conference with a lady that expalins how to organize all your info in a packet. Then you are called, in order of appearence, to turn in all your papaerwork to one of four windows. This is the only time the order matters because people who turned in their paperwork AFTER us were later interviewed BEFORE us. After turning in the paperwork, you got to a different area and again...sit and wait.

We sat ffomr 830am to about 2pm, when we were called to window 3. We were the LAST couple to be interviewed, and had seen a string of denials right before us. The vice consulate asked Vicky to pick up the phone and then began to look at the file. It couldnt have been easier... He first asked her for pictures, and she handed him 8 packets of thumbnailed pictured printed on sheets of paper and organized by trip, with a title page and a big picture of the two of us on the front of each packet. They seem to be VERY interested in pictures together...this is all he was alooking for and we saw this MANY times with other interviews. He looked at about 25 percent of the pics and returned them. He then asked her how we met, how long we have been together, how many times I visited and what I do for a living. She answered all and after typing in the computer for a short time reached for the green ticket, split it in half, and gave one half to her telling her to return at 4pm to pick up her Visa!!!!! If he reaches for the WHITE ticket your denied!!!!!!

We returned SAME DAY at 4pm and picked up the visa, but not all of the approvals received same day..some had to return the next day. And again, they are VERY interested in pictues. We also saw several cases where one of the two had to walk away and the vice consulate talked to one at a time privately! However the vice consul did not even want to talk to me, but I grabbed the phone and thanked him anyway! hahaha

So....we are here for a few days then off to Barranquilla, and she will be moving to Miami with me in about 10 days!!!!

Thanks for all the input and support! We wont disappear here, and would love to maintain some of the friendships we have found along the way!!!!

Way to go!!!!!! Congrats man! I'm happy for the both of you. Thanks for all the info. I will off to Bogota and Barranquilla in a few weeks too.

[florida-photo 0]

Brad:

Congratulations! Also, thanks for the info on your experience.

[mystery 0]

Brad, congrats buddy!!!! You did it!!!

[fredbird 0]

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part III:

Fisrt of all, MYstery, no problem Man!!!! I had already booked it before I saw that you were there. Such is life, in that we all have different experiences...and I agree with you that AC is not always needed, but had that been the ONLY issue we would have stayed. In fact I couldnt even get the guy to take $100 USD from my hand without getting more attitude to at least keep us from having to search for a new place in the middle of the evening and while tired! At any rate, it is my pleasure to make them lose a little money...lol.. I am a cutthroat businessman and would expect the same if I treated anyone like this!

Now...as for Part III... APPROVED!

We got up really early after having gone to bed just as early. Went straight to the Embassy, which is NOT the main entrance. Our taxi driver larned this quickly, because if your taxi stops at the front entrance for more than a minute expect guns to get pointed at you...as you know our national security is something of a sight! hahaha So anyway, made it to the BACK entrance where you walk about 150 yards and get into one of three lines. For now, line 3 is for resident Visas. We got there at about 6:35 and they started letting you in at 7. Order in line means nothing really. First you have a group conference with a lady that expalins how to organize all your info in a packet. Then you are called, in order of appearence, to turn in all your papaerwork to one of four windows. This is the only time the order matters because people who turned in their paperwork AFTER us were later interviewed BEFORE us. After turning in the paperwork, you got to a different area and again...sit and wait.

We sat ffomr 830am to about 2pm, when we were called to window 3. We were the LAST couple to be interviewed, and had seen a string of denials right before us. The vice consulate asked Vicky to pick up the phone and then began to look at the file. It couldnt have been easier... He first asked her for pictures, and she handed him 8 packets of thumbnailed pictured printed on sheets of paper and organized by trip, with a title page and a big picture of the two of us on the front of each packet. They seem to be VERY interested in pictures together...this is all he was alooking for and we saw this MANY times with other interviews. He looked at about 25 percent of the pics and returned them. He then asked her how we met, how long we have been together, how many times I visited and what I do for a living. She answered all and after typing in the computer for a short time reached for the green ticket, split it in half, and gave one half to her telling her to return at 4pm to pick up her Visa!!!!! If he reaches for the WHITE ticket your denied!!!!!!

We returned SAME DAY at 4pm and picked up the visa, but not all of the approvals received same day..some had to return the next day. And again, they are VERY interested in pictues. We also saw several cases where one of the two had to walk away and the vice consulate talked to one at a time privately! However the vice consul did not even want to talk to me, but I grabbed the phone and thanked him anyway! hahaha

So....we are here for a few days then off to Barranquilla, and she will be moving to Miami with me in about 10 days!!!!

Thanks for all the input and support! We wont disappear here, and would love to maintain some of the friendships we have found along the way!!!!

Brad,

Congratulations! I'm kicking myself for not sticking to CR-1 route since they both would have done around the same time. I wish you and Vicky the best in your new lives together in the States. Take care and God bless!

Brian

[dougyceci 0]

Brad and Vicky, congratulations. I wish only the best for you now and in the future. It is funny how much we share but how little we know of one another here. All day yesterday I was thinking of you two and wondering how everything went. Thanks for all the info too, main thing though is,

YOU GOT THE VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doug

[jediknight 0]

Brad, I'm really happy for the both of you. Was Vicky nervous? Thanks for all of the information you've shared with us. My wife and I wish you both the best with everything. take care and don't be a stranger. We'll have to plan a night out in Barranquilla, let me know when you plan to return..perhaps Christmas? Hopefully my wife will be here by then but the way things are going with Vermont I just don't know. Take care man

JK

[Looking4Wife 0]

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part III:

Fisrt of all, MYstery, no problem Man!!!! I had already booked it before I saw that you were there. Such is life, in that we all have different experiences...and I agree with you that AC is not always needed, but had that been the ONLY issue we would have stayed. In fact I couldnt even get the guy to take $100 USD from my hand without getting more attitude to at least keep us from having to search for a new place in the middle of the evening and while tired! At any rate, it is my pleasure to make them lose a little money...lol.. I am a cutthroat businessman and would expect the same if I treated anyone like this!

Now...as for Part III... APPROVED!

We got up really early after having gone to bed just as early. Went straight to the Embassy, which is NOT the main entrance. Our taxi driver larned this quickly, because if your taxi stops at the front entrance for more than a minute expect guns to get pointed at you...as you know our national security is something of a sight! hahaha So anyway, made it to the BACK entrance where you walk about 150 yards and get into one of three lines. For now, line 3 is for resident Visas. We got there at about 6:35 and they started letting you in at 7. Order in line means nothing really. First you have a group conference with a lady that expalins how to organize all your info in a packet. Then you are called, in order of appearence, to turn in all your papaerwork to one of four windows. This is the only time the order matters because people who turned in their paperwork AFTER us were later interviewed BEFORE us. After turning in the paperwork, you got to a different area and again...sit and wait.

We sat ffomr 830am to about 2pm, when we were called to window 3. We were the LAST couple to be interviewed, and had seen a string of denials right before us. The vice consulate asked Vicky to pick up the phone and then began to look at the file. It couldnt have been easier... He first asked her for pictures, and she handed him 8 packets of thumbnailed pictured printed on sheets of paper and organized by trip, with a title page and a big picture of the two of us on the front of each packet. They seem to be VERY interested in pictures together...this is all he was alooking for and we saw this MANY times with other interviews. He looked at about 25 percent of the pics and returned them. He then asked her how we met, how long we have been together, how many times I visited and what I do for a living. She answered all and after typing in the computer for a short time reached for the green ticket, split it in half, and gave one half to her telling her to return at 4pm to pick up her Visa!!!!! If he reaches for the WHITE ticket your denied!!!!!!

We returned SAME DAY at 4pm and picked up the visa, but not all of the approvals received same day..some had to return the next day. And again, they are VERY interested in pictues. We also saw several cases where one of the two had to walk away and the vice consulate talked to one at a time privately! However the vice consul did not even want to talk to me, but I grabbed the phone and thanked him anyway! hahaha

So....we are here for a few days then off to Barranquilla, and she will be moving to Miami with me in about 10 days!!!!

Thanks for all the input and support! We wont disappear here, and would love to maintain some of the friendships we have found along the way!!!!

Brad y Vicky:

Felicidades! I am so happy for you guys!

I am also very grateful for your detailed reporting.

My prayers are with you both for a smooth transition to the USA and continued happiness in your marriage!

[RabbitNYC 0]

The Complete CR-1 Bogota Experience - Part III:

Fisrt of all, MYstery, no problem Man!!!! I had already booked it before I saw that you were there. Such is life, in that we all have different experiences...and I agree with you that AC is not always needed, but had that been the ONLY issue we would have stayed. In fact I couldnt even get the guy to take $100 USD from my hand without getting more attitude to at least keep us from having to search for a new place in the middle of the evening and while tired! At any rate, it is my pleasure to make them lose a little money...lol.. I am a cutthroat businessman and would expect the same if I treated anyone like this!

Now...as for Part III... APPROVED!

We got up really early after having gone to bed just as early. Went straight to the Embassy, which is NOT the main entrance. Our taxi driver larned this quickly, because if your taxi stops at the front entrance for more than a minute expect guns to get pointed at you...as you know our national security is something of a sight! hahaha So anyway, made it to the BACK entrance where you walk about 150 yards and get into one of three lines. For now, line 3 is for resident Visas. We got there at about 6:35 and they started letting you in at 7. Order in line means nothing really. First you have a group conference with a lady that expalins how to organize all your info in a packet. Then you are called, in order of appearence, to turn in all your papaerwork to one of four windows. This is the only time the order matters because people who turned in their paperwork AFTER us were later interviewed BEFORE us. After turning in the paperwork, you got to a different area and again...sit and wait.

We sat ffomr 830am to about 2pm, when we were called to window 3. We were the LAST couple to be interviewed, and had seen a string of denials right before us. The vice consulate asked Vicky to pick up the phone and then began to look at the file. It couldnt have been easier... He first asked her for pictures, and she handed him 8 packets of thumbnailed pictured printed on sheets of paper and organized by trip, with a title page and a big picture of the two of us on the front of each packet. They seem to be VERY interested in pictures together...this is all he was alooking for and we saw this MANY times with other interviews. He looked at about 25 percent of the pics and returned them. He then asked her how we met, how long we have been together, how many times I visited and what I do for a living. She answered all and after typing in the computer for a short time reached for the green ticket, split it in half, and gave one half to her telling her to return at 4pm to pick up her Visa!!!!! If he reaches for the WHITE ticket your denied!!!!!!

We returned SAME DAY at 4pm and picked up the visa, but not all of the approvals received same day..some had to return the next day. And again, they are VERY interested in pictues. We also saw several cases where one of the two had to walk away and the vice consulate talked to one at a time privately! However the vice consul did not even want to talk to me, but I grabbed the phone and thanked him anyway! hahaha

So....we are here for a few days then off to Barranquilla, and she will be moving to Miami with me in about 10 days!!!!

Thanks for all the input and support! We wont disappear here, and would love to maintain some of the friendships we have found along the way!!!!

CONGRATS Brad and Vicky!!!!

I wish you guys the best on your new life here in the US!!

Well my wife has her interview for the IR1 on Friday... hopefully it goes as smooth as yours Brad!!!

Thanx for the input also... it will help us be prepared for Friday!!!

Good Luck and Best Wishes!

rabbitNYC

[anagd3 0]

Congratulations!!!!