K-1 Visa Interview Postponement

[HAL 9000 96]

So... Bogotá has had our file for K-1 since early March 2007. Packet #3 is in my bride-to-be's possession.

Thing is: she has a nice job. So do I. And if I leave for more than one day off my work schedule, its basically a resignation. If we were to submit the Packet#3 papers to get our interview date, it would be in late May most likely given current interview setups at Bogotá. In order to maximize airmiles, we'd like to fly into the US from Colombia during the first week of July and thusly benefit on maximum fronts by having a June interview.

OK, for the situation described above- the question goes: " Have any of you sent in Packet #3 papers with a cover letter describing the employment situation and requesting that instead of assigning a 'next month' interview date that they push it out forward in time to a particular range of dates?" We are thinking, again, at maximum a one month forward push. We do not want to have our file sitting around the Embassy for much longer.

If so... any personal experiences would be kindly appreciated. Other embassies are OK for comparisons in case you have a story to tell.

Its ironic we were in such a hurry to get to the NVC stage after months at NSC and CSC... and now to want to push things against the current rush to get into the USA on the visa... but we feel that by prudently saving up a little cash we'd be able to better help pursue a nice wedding or at least start out our marriage on a better economical footing. Or to be able to compensate for current lack of processing skill when it comes to work authorization...

[TracyTN 237]

Once you receive the visa, you have 6 months before your fiance/e must enter the US with it. Is that not enough time?

Edited April 10, 2007 by TracyTN

[KathyB 0]

I think maviwaro would like to attend the interview in Bogota. Many of us going through Colombia have attended the interview. So taking time off to attend the interview would jeapordize his job and have both of them out of work when she moves to the US.

One detail you might need to consider, maviwaro, is that the NOA2 has a validity date of 4 months. Check the validity date on your NOA2; if I have read correctly, that is the date you need to send Packet 3 information to the embassy. Perhaps you can wait to send information back and see how late that moves your interview date out.

Kathy

[HAL 9000 96]

Well, I do know of the 4 month NOA2 validity period. We are actually not concerned about that since the only time lag between one option and the next is non-existent but for the actual request that they *reserve* an interview slot for us into June, hopefully during the last week or so, even though we'd be sending the required Packet #3 paperwork to actually qualify for a late May interview. Either way, we'd be covered under the validity timeframe for the NOA2 if that was ever an issue. That is the gist of my concern and hope someone, out there, can speak out on the matter.

As for the job issue its pretty much decided. I will quit my current position and strive to move into another one upon return- my name is being passed around a couple of places. All this will not really matter a whole lot since it is highly possible I return from a leave of absence at my grad school by September or January at the latest. I am just trying to cushion things economically until she can legally work.

[TracyTN 237]

I'm not sure I'm fully understanding your question but I'm trying!

I do know that one of the forms (can't remember which!) asks when you're planning to travel to the US - I'd put that on there. Also it couldn't hurt you to send a letter with the forms explaining your situation, and requesting the June date.

Surely they won't complain if you want a LATER interview. That means they can more likely accomodate those who might need an earlier date.

Edited April 10, 2007 by TracyTN

[phila 0]

I'm in exactly the same boat! The Ankara embassy says it is very favorable for both to attend the interview. Packet 3 was mailed to me two weeks ago (I've not yet received it, but have been working on all of the papers). We never expect all to go so quickly either.

It is impossible for me to attend the interview before June 22- I teach high school and can't quit my job.

I am torn between, mailing packet 3 in as late as June 15- hoping it will at least take 2 weeks to process.

OR,

(And this is the option I'm leaning towards) Mailing everything in the last week in April with a cover letter requesting and interview between June 22 and June 29.

They do have a link and directions to "reschedule interviews" on their website.

Some packet 3's in Turkey were processed and an interview scheduled within 5 days, others 2 months.

Fortunately, I will be in Turkey until late August, so I think requesting a reschedule is the best way to go.

I'm sorry I don't have answers, does the embassy have "rescheduling options' on their website?

[HAL 9000 96]

Wow Phila, that's more or less our situation, even though practically speaking we can get interviewed even sooner than I thought. Limitations abound, however, as discussed before- and it looks like we may just try to request it.

I'll start emailing the embassy this very week to see if I get a favorable response.

And then by next week we'll be sending them the paperwork. It could just work out for an early June date so perhaps pushing the date a week or two into the future would be easy for them.

Lets get it directly from the source.

Do any Bogotá filers have an email that gave success in reaching the embassy in a timely manner?

Thanks to all