VENEZOLANOS - General for Venezuelans 2015

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

Hello there,

I saw another thread of Venezuelans going through several different processes and helping each other, but it got so large that it was closed down, plus it was very old and some of the information didn't apply anymore. (Please keep posts short and sweet, and post important information, not just an "ok" or "thanks", to keep the post count small)

Please feel free to include here any information that might be useful to other Venezuelans going through any of the following processes (but keep the questions/comments specific to Venezuela and not specific to the type of visa/process, so that it is not moved elsewhere).

- Nonimmigrant Visa Categories (Not a complete list)

A Diplomat or foreign government official

B-1 Business visitor

B-1 Domestic employee or nanny - must be accompanying a foreign national employer

B-2 Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor

C Transiting the United States

F, M Student: academic, vocational

H-1B Specialty occupations in fields requiring highly specialized knowledge

I Media, journalist

J Professor, scholar, teacher (exchange visitor)

L Intra-company transferee

O Foreign national with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics

P Performing athlete, artist, entertainer

Q International cultural exchange visitor

R Religious worker

V Nonimmigrant (V) Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

- Immigrant Visa Categories (Not a complete list)

Immediate Relative & Family Sponsored

F1 Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens

F2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

IR1, CR1 Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (Immediate Relative / Conditional Resident)

IR-2 Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen

IR-3 Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen - Learn More

IR-4 Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen - Learn More

IR-5 Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years oldCertain Family Members of U.S. Citizens

K-1 Fiancé(e) to marry U.S. Citizen & live in U.S.

K-3 Spouse of a U.S. Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition

Employer Sponsored – Employment

E1 Employment-Based Immigrants, including (preference group):

E2 Priority workers [First]

Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees and Persons of Exceptional Ability [second]

Professionals and Other Workers [Third]

Employment Creation/Investors [Fifth]

E3, EW3 Certain Special Immigrants: [Fourth]

SD, SR Religious Workers

Other Immigrants

DV Diversity Immigrant Visa

SB Returning Resident

Venezuelan Specific Topics

- Direct Consular Filing (DCF)

- Consular Processing

- Venezuelan Consulates/Embassies in the US

- Venezuelan Consulates/Embassies Closed Down in the US

- Venezuelan Consulates/Embassies in Miami

- Venezuelan Passports

- Venezuelan / Dual Citizenship

- Remesa Familiar

- Remesa Estudiantil

- CADIVI

- Currency Exchange

- Moving from Venezuela to the US (shipping/currency/pets, etc)

- Required Documents and where to find them, translate them, apostille...

Since there are a variety of topics, please be specific about your case when you ask a question/comment.

Please write in English if you know english so others can search and find a topic inside this forum.

Edited October 13, 2015 by VZLAN-US-Citizen

[NickD 203]

Petition is getting very old for my stepson, NVC only alloted at total of 2,500 visas for all of Latin America. Life is really miserable for the people down there, super long lines to buy needed items. He already knows not to show any form of opposition, can either be tossed into their filthy prisons or get shot with an AK -47.

Been a constant form of stress for my wife and myself. No congressman nor senator can help us, say its all under the executive branch, Same guy in charge is talking about giving green cards to people that came here illegally. But he doesn't answer our pleas.

Whoever came up with this law that an unmarried son slightly over 21 cannot be petitioned by the US citizen sponsor, me in this case, was a dependent at the time. This has been dragging on for 12 years for us.

Never met some really nasty people that call themselves the NVC. Very rude, but have to be nice, or we will never get him here.

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

NickD,

Thank you for starting up the conversation. I agree, some of the rules from USCIS make little to no sense. For example, as a US Citizen, I have to wait around 2 years for parents and 11 for sister, whom I consider immediate relatives. Also, right now, according to the visa bulletin, it is taking a year longer for adult children of US Citizens than it is taking for adult children of Legal Permanent Residents. That, to me, makes no sense. I think the categories are not being considered properly and it is taking way too long.

I also agree with you on this new proposed bill that will let Venezuelans who came here illegally to stay and become legal, which is great for them, because I agree that they should not be forced to go back to our country, the way it is now. However, what about those of us who are trying to do everything legally. A while back, my mother and sister visited us and where looking into staying. I opposed to the idea, because back then I was unable to petition for them, so I advised them to go back and wait so we could do it properly. Now, the government is basically saying if you did it illegally, you are safe. If not, you are screwed and have to wait for regular processing times. Again, makes no sense. I think the most logical thing to do is to advance Venezuelan cases to the front of the line, at the very least. However, I am sure people in other countries that are worse off than Venezuela would probably disagree.

For those of you who don't know about the bill NickD and I are talking about, check out this article in the Sun-Sentinel:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-venezuelans-immigration-relief-20151012-story.html

Edited October 14, 2015 by VZLAN-US-Citizen

[Arelys Weimer 6]

Well I'm venezuelan and I'm looking to expedite the process once it reaches the NVC.

The grounds for the expedite is the current humanitarian crisis.

Has anyone done this, or has any advice regarding the Caracas embassy and their procedures?

Thank you!

[NickD 203]

Stepson can't even get a tourist visa to come visit us, doesn't own any property. There are high risk ways, go to Mexico, hire a coyotie for around 7,000 bucks to cross the border. But may risk his life doing this. Chavez kicked out the US ambassador in Venezuela, Obama returned the favor by kicking out the Venezuelan ambassador from the US. Our leaders just can't get along, we can, but they can't.

My wife did own an apartment in Caracas, we sold that about two years ago, but could only get around 10 cents on the dollar, we gave that money to him, Bolivar is worthless anywhere else. She also owns a nice condo where he is staying, but Venezuela also has a no-fault divorce law. We tried our best to get his biological father to sign over his legal half of the that condo to his son, but he refuses to do so. And is not living in Venezuela anymore, and doesn't have a dime in that condo, but is their law.

We are willing to let that go, just to bring her son here. Doing it legally, we will also be liable for his support for the next ten years with that I-864 plus will have to pay for his health insurance. Wife works at the local hospital and is aware of illegals getting free healthcare. This is totally unfair.

If there is a way to bring her son here legally, we are not aware of it, Maduro is insane for what he is doing to his own people, wife still has friends there can cries after she talks to them.

All I can say about Obama, he sure likes the middle east and Africa, so I can't say I really like him, he is in charge of the state department. And I hope to God, he or one of his aids reads this. I would certainly like to speak to him in person. I am a veteran of a foreigh war, he is not.

He lies when he says he responds to letters or emails.

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

Well I'm venezuelan and I'm looking to expedite the process once it reaches the NVC.

The grounds for the expedite is the current humanitarian crisis.

Has anyone done this, or has any advice regarding the Caracas embassy and their procedures?

Arelys,

The NVC states very specific rules on expediting cases. It must be a life or death situation, with proof from doctor, or medical facility. I highly doubt that you can get your case expedited on the basis of Venezuela being in the situation it is right now. Unless you happen to have read anything different anywhere else?

What their site states is:

If a visa is available for your relative’s category, and their case involves a life or death medical emergency, processing of your case may be expedited. To request a review for expedite, please submit a letter (or statement) to the NVC from a physician (or medical facility). The letter must include the physician’s (or medical facility’s) contact information, and declare a life or death medical emergency exists. This documentation may be in the form of a scanned attachment to an e-mail.

What basis or proof would you use to make your case? I'm just curious. I know other people like US Military members have had their cases expedited, because they were about to be deployed, but that is understandable even though it is not a life or death emergency. But if they expedited your case based on the current situation in Venezuela, they would have to expedite all Venezuelan cases... this falls into what NickD and I were debating before. The international community hasn't really declared any sort of "crisis" or "war" in Venezuela, therefore, if other countries are also in similar crisis, where would they draw the line? they would have to expedite everyone's cases as long as there was some sort of situation in their country. That is why it is so important to make the situation known and have other countries pay attention.

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

Stepson can't even get a tourist visa to come visit us, ...

Our leaders just can't get along, we can, but they can't....

Wife works at the local hospital and is aware of illegals getting free healthcare. This is totally unfair....

If there is a way to bring her son here legally, we are not aware of it...

I am a veteran of a foreigh war, he is not....He lies when he says he responds to letters or emails.

NickD,

I understand your frustrations. It is difficult to have a close relative so far away in those horrible circumstances. I speak to my mother everyday and I also hear her stories, first hand, of everything she has to go through to just get her morning cup of coffee (this is just a minor thing, not counting her heart medication, my grandmother's pension, food, electricity, internet, etc. etc. etc.).

All we can do is wait and support those in office who merely 'promise' to change immigration for the better... However, I would like to turn the attention back to the forum's purpose, which is to help each other however we can, with information. Let's try to keep the politics aside... trust me, you don't want to start a political debate with Venezuelans on a forum... we would get up to 100,000 pages in one day

Hope your wait is over soon.

[NickD 203]

USCIS approved of my wife's petition for her son a very long time ago, like eight years ago. Then it was turned over to the USCIS, he did finish college and is a professional architect, but can't find employment.

He was turned over to the NVC around seven years ago, and all we can do is wait. Exhausted every possible means we could think of, and as I mentioned, my congressman and senator are helpless. But do give us sympathy and have many other people seeking help.

Hearing stories about we opening our doors to Syrian refugees, granted they are in worse shape, but also hearing politicians disagreeing to this, each person must have a background check or will be bringing lots of ISIS people here.

Unfortunately, this whole situation is politics with guidelines made by those we elected.

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

...Exhausted every possible means we could think of...

I am sure, you've thought of this before, but how long until your wife can apply for and become a US Citizen herself?

Also, have you looked into work visas for him? As a professional architect he might have a strong possibility. Or Visa lottery?

Edited October 14, 2015 by VZLAN-US-Citizen

[NickD 203]

He tried the visa lottery several times, they don't give the odds like this, but feel its tantamount to the Powerball.

Not giving the full story, he also fell in love with a girl down there and doesn't want to leave her. So did try to find him a job here on a work visa. But I also fell in love with a girl down there and we had to wait over a year before we good get together. As long as he can come here legally, can get his green card, marry her, then petition for her and also wait around a year like we did.

He also has a younger sister, she came here with her mother, been here 13 years already and like her mom, a US citizen, they are both very much American, but not South, North instead, we kind of joke about we calling ourselves Americans.

Just waiting for another day.

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

Venezuelan Specific Topics

- Venezuelan Passports

Does anyone know how long does it take for your to get a passport renewal appointment, in Caracas? I know you have to go to the SAIME website and request an appointment there online. But how long from the moment you apply online for an appointment, until the actual appointment, and how long until you actually get your new passport. I am filling out DS-260 on the NVC website, and petitioning my mother, but her current passport expires in March next year, so she will need a new passport for the visa process...

She also heard you could do it through the phone, get the appointment over the phone, they give it to you for 3 days later after the call, and you get the passport after 8 days... but I couldn't find a phone number or any information on that process online. Does anyone know if this is true?

This would be for the new 2015 Venezuelan passports that just came out. I think they are blue and say 'Mercosur' at the top.

[PilsenC 33]

Venezuelan Specific Topics

- Venezuelan Passports

Does anyone know how long does it take for your to get a passport renewal appointment, in Caracas? I know you have to go to the SAIME website and request an appointment there online. But how long from the moment you apply online for an appointment, until the actual appointment, and how long until you actually get your new passport. I am filling out DS-260 on the NVC website, and petitioning my mother, but her current passport expires in March next year, so she will need a new passport for the visa process...

She also heard you could do it through the phone, get the appointment over the phone, they give it to you for 3 days later after the call, and you get the passport after 8 days... but I couldn't find a phone number or any information on that process online. Does anyone know if this is true?

This would be for the new 2015 Venezuelan passports that just came out. I think they are blue and say 'Mercosur' at the top.

It take s15 days max,you can see n Twitter -> @RedsocialSaime

PS: YOu-re right, new passport are blue and say "Mercosur".

http://pasaporte.saime.gob.ve/?q=office/office&target=3&lType=OfficeClass

[VZLAN-US-Citizen 11]

It take s15 days max,you can see n Twitter -> @RedsocialSaime

PS: YOu-re right, new passport are blue and say "Mercosur".

http://pasaporte.saime.gob.ve/?q=office/office&target=3&lType=OfficeClass

Vtzae,

Thank you for your reply... I went to the SIAME Twitter account you gave me and had to read through their tweets to find any kind of info on the Passport process... I did find what I was looking for. Here is the info in case anyone else is in the same situation.

According to the SAIME Twitter page you can now make an appointment to renew your passport by calling the number 0800-SAIME-00... There's a video and everything:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpPdDQ12M10

Also on their twitter page they say that you must pay is 12 U.T. (Unidades Tributarias) which is equivalent to 1.800 Bs. They also state that if you are in Venezuela there is no need to bring the form for the passport on the day of the appointment.

Here is a link to look at the locations: http://www.saime.gob.ve/?post_type=oficinas&tipo=16&sestado=-1

And another link to the bank accounts information to make the deposit: http://www.saime.gob.ve/faqs/bancos-y-numeros-de-cuenta-para-cancelar-tramites/ & here https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CHOnXRHWkAAQ-rP.jpg

Hope it helps anyone else looking to renew their Venezuelan Passport in Venezuela.

[Arelys Weimer 6]

If youre going to renew it because it expired then you will be getting the new Blue one with the Mercosur stamp on it.

It would take you about a month to get it back. I say this because my mom renew it and it took a month for her. Which in venezuelan terms its pretty freaking fast lol.

Also, if you are renewing it but it hasnt expired. Its not necessary unless its not the biometrical one. You would know this because of a rectangular symbol in the front of it, a the bottom of the passport.

I hope this information was helpful.

[Arelys Weimer 6]

Arelys,

The NVC states very specific rules on expediting cases. It must be a life or death situation, with proof from doctor, or medical facility. I highly doubt that you can get your case expedited on the basis of Venezuela being in the situation it is right now. Unless you happen to have read anything different anywhere else?

What their site states is:

If a visa is available for your relative’s category, and their case involves a life or death medical emergency, processing of your case may be expedited. To request a review for expedite, please submit a letter (or statement) to the NVC from a physician (or medical facility). The letter must include the physician’s (or medical facility’s) contact information, and declare a life or death medical emergency exists. This documentation may be in the form of a scanned attachment to an e-mail.

What basis or proof would you use to make your case? I'm just curious. I know other people like US Military members have had their cases expedited, because they were about to be deployed, but that is understandable even though it is not a life or death emergency. But if they expedited your case based on the current situation in Venezuela, they would have to expedite all Venezuelan cases... this falls into what NickD and I were debating before. The international community hasn't really declared any sort of "crisis" or "war" in Venezuela, therefore, if other countries are also in similar crisis, where would they draw the line? they would have to expedite everyone's cases as long as there was some sort of situation in their country. That is why it is so important to make the situation known and have other countries pay attention.

Hi, sorry I didnt't reply before.

Well the evidence I have is the warnings on my husband's emails. Also the ones in the department of state.

Such as news in english and spanish from multiple countries addressing the news that the venezuelan media isn't covering. Such as murders, kidnappinds, executions and such.

I have over 150 news reports, including videos of whats happening here.

Yes, there's a downside. The venezuelan government and media refuse to admit we're in the middle of an humanitarian crisis but it is happening. I understand that its important to make people listen and be aware of whats happening here, but we can only do so much. Besides, how can we do that if everytime we try we get put in prison or killed?

Look at what happen to Leopoldo Lopez.

I might not get the expedite approved but it wont hurt to try. I just have to try it.

If I seat here thinking, it wont work because of this and this and this I'll come up with a million reasons why not to do it when the truth is I only need one to try it. I'm not safe here and that's putting a lot of stress in my husband. I can't really worry about how others expedites have been denied for others reasons, because I have seen some approved.

Tocar, no es entrar.

Saludos.