K-1 Interview Completed - Administrative Processing - Bogota, Colombia

[jesko1869 10]

My fiancee completed her interview Wednesday, January 22, 2020, in the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, and we sent it additional documents that the consulate had requested.

 

Our case is currently in refused status which I have read is similar to Administrative Processing. Our case was in administrative processing for approximately 45 days and then COVID-19 hit. My question is the following:

1) Does anyone have any idea when the US Embassy in Bogota open up for routine visa services?

2) Once the embassy opens up, what is the possibility/ probability that they will review old cases first? I know that this is insider information and this is more of an operations questions which no one may be able to answer.

 

I know that many of you are going through the same situation right now. If you can please keep me informed as to how your case is going, I would appreciate it. I will also keep you updated regarding my situation and if I discover any more information regarding Routine Visa Services in Bogota, Colombia.

 

On my last e-mail the the embassy: ivbogota@state.gov I wrote:

I hope that all staff is well.

My fiancee' submitted additional paperwork on January 29, 2020, she had her interview on January 22, 2020. I am wondering how this pandemic will impact her k-1 Visa Process. We have done everything according to US Law, and we want to ensure that her case is still valid. If there is something that we need to do, than I would like to know. If this is still a waiting game, than I also understand that. It has been over 180 days since January 29, 2020, that is the reason I am following-up. Can you please provide me with further instructions.

Thank you.

I received the following reply:

Thank you for contacting the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.

On Monday, June 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants and nonimmigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market following the coronavirus outbreak. Effective immediately, the proclamation extends the suspension of entry for certain immigrants (Presidential Proclamation 10014) through December 31, 2020.

The new restrictions imposed by the proclamation are effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 24 and expire on December 31, 2020, unless continued by the President.  U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and aliens who are or were inside the United States or those holding valid nonimmigrant or immigrant visas on the effective date are not subject to the proclamation.  

Visa services have been suspended globally since late March 2020.  We do not currently have an estimate as to when we may restart visa processing.  Exceptions may only be considered in life-or-death emergencies or when it is in the U.S. national interest. 

The full text of the presidential proclamations are available on the White House website at:  

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/

Please note:

• If the validation period for your K visa petition expires soon or has expired, the consular officer can extend this period by four months at the time of issuing the visa or the interview.

The panel physicians have also suspended operations until the conclusion of the nation-wide quarantine, currently scheduled to end on July 15, 2020.

• If your case is currently pending additional documentation, please note that we are NOT accepting or reviewing document submissions at this time.

You may check the status of your application online by following the instructions on our Visa Application Status page. Please use your BGT XXXXXXXXXX or CRSXXXXXXXXXX.

• https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx 

In the light of COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of applicants and Embassy employees is our top priority at this time. There are currently no routine U.S. visa services worldwide and the easing or ending of the quarantine in Colombia will not mean an immediate resumption in our operations.

As soon as we are able announce the  resumption of visa services, will be announced via our website https://co.usembassy.gov/ and social media.  Please follow these communication outlets for regular updates regarding our operating status.  

As of March 23, the President of Colombia grounded international flights. The Government of Colombia also declared the extensión of the national quarantine to last until July 31 that requires everyone to shelter-in-place. Following the President's orders, commercial airlines have suspended operations and are unlikely to resume prior to July 31, 2020. All national land, maritime, and riverine borders are now closed to citizens and non-citizens, including the border with Venezuela. Domestic air travel within Colombia has also been suspended until July 31 under nationwide quarantine procedures. If you wish to travel to the United States as soon as possible, please contact your airline to make travel arrangements for when flights become available. While we are exploring all options to address the current travel disruptions, we strongly encourage you to continue working with your airline and/or travel arranger. The Embassy is aware of the hardship border closures and flight cancellations are creating for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) and their families who need to get to the United States.

Sincerely,

 

Immigrant Visa Unit | Unidad de Visas de Inmigrante Embassy of the United States  Bogotá, Colombia  +57-1-275-2000 | IVBogota@state.gov https://co.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/ JL

[Greenbaum 12,259]

1) Does anyone have any idea when the US Embassy in Bogota open up for routine visa services? No one can say with any certainty. Have you gone to the embassy website as that is where they will make any updates or announcements?

 

2) Once the embassy opens up, what is the possibility/ probability that they will review old cases first? I know that this is insider information and this is more of an operations questions which no one may be able to answer. Some of the embassies are beginning to process CR-1's but there hasn't been any mention of those that had an interview pre=pandemic. 

 

Can I share somethings with you that I learned long ago about this process?

    • "the man with the gold makes the rules"
    • it will take as long as it will take 
    • no one with any certainty can tell you when some process will be completed
    • Your sense of urgency will never be equaled to what USCIS, NVC or your embassy demonstrates
    • Your journey is not going to mirror someone else's experience - yours and theirs are not the same
    • They only promised you a YES or NO answer. Never an exact time that their decision would be completed
    • Lowering your expectations will make you a much more relaxed individual

Good luck on your journey 
 

[jesko1869 10]

54 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

1) Does anyone have any idea when the US Embassy in Bogota open up for routine visa services? No one can say with any certainty. Have you gone to the embassy website as that is where they will make any updates or announcements?

 

2) Once the embassy opens up, what is the possibility/ probability that they will review old cases first? I know that this is insider information and this is more of an operations questions which no one may be able to answer. Some of the embassies are beginning to process CR-1's but there hasn't been any mention of those that had an interview prepandemic. 

 

Can I share somethings with you that I learned long ago about this process?

    • "the man with the gold makes the rules"
    • it will take as long as it will take 
    • no one with any certainty can tell you when some process will be completed
    • Your sense of urgency will never be equaled to what USCIS, NVC or your embassy demonstrates
    • Your journey is not going to mirror someone else's experience - yours and theirs are not the same
    • They only promised you a YES or NO answer. Never an exact time that their decision would be completed
    • Lowering your expectations will make you a much more relaxed individual

Good luck on your journey 
 

Thank you for your reply back. In digging more into this matter and going to the Colombia Embassy website (https://co.usembassy.gov/health-alert-covid-19-quarantine-update-and-extension-2/), I got retrieved the following information:

 

COVID-19 Quarantine Update and Extension:  As of July 21, there are 211,038 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia according to the Colombian Ministry of Health.  Nationwide isolation measures continue until August 1, with some municipalities enforcing additional measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

Nationwide Isolation Measures Until August 1:  On Tuesday, July 7, President Duque announced the extension of isolation measures in Colombia until August 1, with new exceptions only in areas with low rates of infection. International Airports and Colombian land and sea borders remain closed, but Colombia has resumed some national flights under a reopening pilot program.  For the President’s full announcement, visit the Presidency website.

 

So my best guess would be that August 01, 2020 (or next week) will be a key date. As someone who studies processes, I think it would only make sense to get old cases out the door first, and then to focus on new ones. Someone shared the attachment which says that 10 K1 Visas were issued in the Month of May by the post Bogota. I am wondering how is that possible?

 

Once again, thank you for your reply.

 

Jesus

MAY 2020 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class[2374].pdf

[Greenbaum 12,259]

10 hours ago, jesko1869 said:

Thank you for your reply back. In digging more into this matter and going to the Colombia Embassy website (https://co.usembassy.gov/health-alert-covid-19-quarantine-update-and-extension-2/), I got retrieved the following information:

 

COVID-19 Quarantine Update and Extension:  As of July 21, there are 211,038 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia according to the Colombian Ministry of Health.  Nationwide isolation measures continue until August 1, with some municipalities enforcing additional measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

Nationwide Isolation Measures Until August 1:  On Tuesday, July 7, President Duque announced the extension of isolation measures in Colombia until August 1, with new exceptions only in areas with low rates of infection. International Airports and Colombian land and sea borders remain closed, but Colombia has resumed some national flights under a reopening pilot program.  For the President’s full announcement, visit the Presidency website.

 

So my best guess would be that August 01, 2020 (or next week) will be a key date. As someone who studies processes, I think it would only make sense to get old cases out the door first, and then to focus on new ones. Someone shared the attachment which says that 10 K1 Visas were issued in the Month of May by the post Bogota. I am wondering how is that possible?

 

Once again, thank you for your reply.

 

Jesus

MAY 2020 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class[2374].pdf 157.76 kB · 1 download

They have not stopped all issuance of visas across the board. They still will process emergency visas. We don't know the circumstances behind the approvals that you are referencing but it's my bet that it for emergency visas. Stay tune the fun is only beginning. Your journey is not going to mirror someone else's experience - yours and theirs are not the same.

[jesko1869 10]

2 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

They have not stopped all issuance of visas across the board. They still will process emergency visas. We don't know the circumstances behind the approvals that you are referencing but it's my bet that it for emergency visas. Stay tune the fun is only beginning. Your journey is not going to mirror someone else's experience - yours and theirs are not the same.

In comparing May 2019 K-1 Visa issuances (124) with May 2020 K-1 Visa issuances (10), I can see that the K-1 Visas that were issued may have been because of emergency situations. Well, at this point I'm just hoping for the Embassy in Bogota to reopen soon for Routine Visa Services. It is what it is, and right now it is just a waiting game. I appreciate your time in replying back.

 

Jesus

[jesko1869 10]

For those who are interested in the latest development of the US Embassy of Colombia:

Event:  COVID-19 Quarantine Update and Extension to August 30

COVID-19 Quarantine Update and Extension:  On Tuesday, July 28, President Duque announced the extension of the isolation measures in Colombia until August 30.  As of July 28, there are 267,385 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia according to the Colombian Ministry of Health.  For the President’s full announcement, visit the Presidency website.

For additional information on restrictions by department please visit our resource webpage.

Travel for Humanitarian Flights:  During the isolation measures travelers ARE permitted to go to the airport to take humanitarian flights out of Colombia if flights are available.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to change with little or no advance notice.  If you are interested in returning to the United States, please take advantage of the humanitarian flights announced through the STEP program.  The U.S. government cannot guarantee the ability to arrange flights indefinitely.  U.S. citizens should return immediately to the United States unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

Visit the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Colombia’s Coronavirus Information Page for additional information on national measures and to register your contact and travel information.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-1

****************************************************************

Key Notes: Covid-19 Quarantine Extended to August 30 - How will this impact Routine Visa Services is anyone's guess. If you have additional information concerning the Routine Visa Services resuming in Bogota Colombia, please share.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

@jesko1869 You would have a better and larger audience for your post if you had posted in the sub-forum for your region found here" https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/96-mexico-latin-south-america/

 

Can you go back into your personal profile and select your country that you are applying at so that we can see a flag to which it makes it easier for us to respond with current information concerning your embassy. Thanks for keeping it real. Good luck and stay engaged. 

Edited August 3, 2020 by Greenbaum

[jesko1869 10]

1 hour ago, Greenbaum said:

@jesko1869 You would have a better and larger audience for your post if you had posted in the sub-forum for your region found here" https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/96-mexico-latin-south-america/

 

Can you go back into your personal profile and select your country that you are applying at so that we can see a flag to which it makes it easier for us to respond with current information concerning your embassy. Thanks for keeping it real. Good luck and stay engaged. 

Much thanks for your wonderful feedback. I will keep VisaJourney posted in regards to my case and my experience with the K1 Visa Process. In addition, as I discover more information, I will also keep people posted.

 

By the way, I made the updates that you recommended.

 

Anthony

[jesko1869 10]

I saw a conversation that mentioned that the embassy in Bogota may begin Routine Visa Services September 01, 2020. From what I read on a Facebook post, there are people making appointments for September 01, 2020. Just in case anyone is interested in this information.

[Louis61404 133]

On 8/7/2020 at 7:56 PM, jesko1869 said:

I saw a conversation that mentioned that the embassy in Bogota may begin Routine Visa Services September 01, 2020. From what I read on a Facebook post, there are people making appointments for September 01, 2020. Just in case anyone is interested in this information.

By any chance do you have the link to this?  That doesn't seem to be the case - they seem to post every day on their social media (since August 14th) they are resuming student visas only.

[jesko1869 10]

3 minutes ago, Louis61404 said:

By any chance do you have the link to this?  That doesn't seem to be the case - they seem to post every day on their social media (since August 14th) they are resuming student visas only.

Louis, I believe that I got the news from a conversation in a topic on the Embajada de los Estados Unidos Colombia FB page. I think that people were asking questions and that a moderator was replying back. I believe that currently (please do not quote me), people are able to set-up interviews, something that was previously not possible. My fiancee had her interview in January 2019, but her case wend in Admin Review - reason that I am not up-to-date with the setting up the interview process, I am just waiting for our case to be resolved.

 

From what I got from many websites (looking up "When is Colombia resuming International Flights"), is that there will start to be International Flights to Colombia during the beginning part of September (https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/). International flights opening should be correlated with the US Embassy in Bogota re-opening.

 

This situation cannot last forever man, it almost cost me my relationship with my girl friend. So what is your situation? Are you waiting to set up the interview?

 

Jesus

[Louis61404 133]

I see the plan

2 minutes ago, jesko1869 said:

Louis, I believe that I got the news from a conversation in a topic on the Embajada de los Estados Unidos Colombia FB page. I think that people were asking questions and that a moderator was replying back. I believe that currently (please do not quote me), people are able to set-up interviews, something that was previously not possible. My fiancee had her interview in January 2019, but her case wend in Admin Review - reason that I am not up-to-date with the setting up the interview process, I am just waiting for our case to be resolved.

 

From what I got from many websites (looking up "When is Colombia resuming International Flights"), is that there will start to be International Flights to Colombia during the beginning part of September (https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/). International flights opening should be correlated with the US Embassy in Bogota re-opening.

 

This situation cannot last forever man, it almost cost me my relationship with my girl friend. So what is your situation? Are you waiting to set up the interview?

 

Jesus

It looks like Cartagena will open international flights on September 21st, and other cities soon after - but every day the case go down in Colombia, so we're going in the right direction.  

 

We were DQed in May, waiting for an interview now, no information though sucks.  It does make the relationship difficult to manage.

 

Do you know why your case is in AP?

[jesko1869 10]

7 minutes ago, Louis61404 said:

I see the plan

It looks like Cartagena will open international flights on September 21st, and other cities soon after - but every day the case go down in Colombia, so we're going in the right direction.  

 

We were DQed in May, waiting for an interview now, no information though sucks.  It does make the relationship difficult to manage.

 

Do you know why your case is in AP?

We had to set up our interview manually and we did not get the instructions or email from NVC. When my girl friend went to the interview, she did not have her medical done and they needed my tax documentations. She was give I believe a 221 (g). If you are in the K1 situation, ensure that have all documentation ready and whoever conducts the interview may also check your fiancees' phone. Tell her to review her social media and to erase anything that may raise red flags. In addition to that, you may receive a call from the embassy while is at the interview or the following day. Make sure that the information that you give them (depending the question) is the same. If she goes to the interview with all documentation required, she should get her visa within 1-2 weeks. Avoid my mistake.

 

Jesus

Edited September 9, 2020 by jesko1869

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Check to see if your embassy is processing visas and which ones. If your results return 999 that indicates that they are still not processing that visa type. Your mileage may vary.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

 

For any questions, please review our information page at https://co.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/fmj-visa-information-during-covid-19/  or contact us at https://co.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/non-immigrant-visa-contact-form/.

Edited September 9, 2020 by Greenbaum

[jesko1869 10]

4 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

Check to see if your embassy is processing visas and which ones. If your results return 999 that indicates that they are still not processing that visa type. Your mileage may vary.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

Much thanks!