Long wait for interviews CR1 IR1

[Marthaeu 39]

I'd like to know who controls the US embassies.  I know that due to the pandemic they were closed and reopened, but looking I see that everyone has continued to assign appointments except the Embassy of Bogotá in Colombia.  There are cases with DQ since November 2019 pending appointment for interviews.  We have written to the embassy and even the White House asking for help but there are no results.  hundreds of families separated by CR1 IR1 cases.  Any suggestions I appreciate.

[Crazy Cat 41,299]

Your timeline indicates your case was DQ'd in October 2020.  If so, you are probably still in the queue at NVC waiting for an interview.  I would assume that there are backlogs at NVC for all consulates.

 

Bogota issued 74 CR/IR visas in December 2020, so interviews are being conducted... and visas issued.

Sydney, Australia, by comparison, issued only 60 in December 2020.

Patience is the key.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/immigrant-visa-statistics/monthly-immigrant-visa-issuances.html

 

 

Edited February 12, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[pushbrk 12,611]

54 minutes ago, Marthaeu said:

I'd like to know who controls the US embassies.  I know that due to the pandemic they were closed and reopened, but looking I see that everyone has continued to assign appointments except the Embassy of Bogotá in Colombia.  There are cases with DQ since November 2019 pending appointment for interviews.  We have written to the embassy and even the White House asking for help but there are no results.  hundreds of families separated by CR1 IR1 cases.  Any suggestions I appreciate.

The US Department of State, controls US embassies.  Since there HAVE been spouse visas issued in Bogota in December and January, your assertion that appointments are not assigned is false.  You're in the queue.  Whether you wait patiently or not patiently, is up to you.

[Ryan H 3,810]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion.

[EA and MK 48]

2 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

Your timeline indicates your case was DQ'd in October 2020.  If so, you are probably still in the queue at NVC waiting for an interview.  I would assume that there are backlogs at NVC for all consulates.

 

Bogota issued 74 CR/IR visas in December 2020, so interviews are being conducted... and visas issued.

Sydney, Australia, by comparison, issued only 60 in December 2020.

Patience is the key.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/immigrant-visa-statistics/monthly-immigrant-visa-issuances.html

 

 

Problem is, these have all been emergency/expedited cases. The frustrating part with the Embassy in Colombia is that Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, etc. have resumed limited immigrant visa services specifically for IR1/2 and CR1/2 . I understand the only thing that can be done is wait, but it's just frustrating that every country around Colombia (except Brazil) has started to process spouse visas. Wish there was some transparency to understand if it's Colombia's health emergency decree that's still active and keeping the Embassy closed, or if there's a shortage in staff? IDK...

[Crazy Cat 41,299]

2 hours ago, EA and MK said:

Problem is, these have all been emergency/expedited cases.

Where did you find that information?  Official source?

Edited February 13, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Marthaeu 39]

13 hours ago, pushbrk said:

The US Department of State, controls US embassies.  Since there HAVE been spouse visas issued in Bogota in December and January, your assertion that appointments are not assigned is false.  You're in the queue.  Whether you wait patiently or not patiently, is up to you.

You cannot say that it is false because they themselves leave on the page that they are assigning only emergency appointments so there are delays of 14 months. It is a fact.  My DQ is Oct 7/2020 and I should be getting an appointment this month but now I am on a 14 month waiting line. Thank you for your comment.

[Marthaeu 39]

8 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

Where did you find that information?  Official source?

the website is the official source of the embassy and says "We resumed the process of some visa applications such as renewals of B1 / B2, students and emergency cases"

[Marthaeu 39]

10 hours ago, EA and MK said:

Problem is, these have all been emergency/expedited cases. The frustrating part with the Embassy in Colombia is that Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, etc. have resumed limited immigrant visa services specifically for IR1/2 and CR1/2 . I understand the only thing that can be done is wait, but it's just frustrating that every country around Colombia (except Brazil) has started to process spouse visas. Wish there was some transparency to understand if it's Colombia's health emergency decree that's still active and keeping the Embassy closed, or if there's a shortage in staff? IDK...

They are open but only resumed applications for student visas, B1B2 renewals and emergency cases.  Cr1 and Ir1 used to take 3 months maximum now the wait is 14 months of course it is frustrating because they are ignoring the right of a citizen to unify his family.

[Marthaeu 39]

8 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

Where did you find that information?  Official source?

the website is the official source of the embassy and says "We resumed the process of some visa applications such as renewals of B1 / B2, students and emergency cases"

[hannysgrammy@gmai 13]

15 hours ago, Marthaeu said:

I'd like to know who controls the US embassies.  I know that due to the pandemic they were closed and reopened, but looking I see that everyone has continued to assign appointments except the Embassy of Bogotá in Colombia.  There are cases with DQ since November 2019 pending appointment for interviews.  We have written to the embassy and even the White House asking for help but there are no results.  hundreds of families separated by CR1 IR1 cases.  Any suggestions I appreciate.

Egypt hasmt even opened there Embassy. My daughter was DQ in early April 2020. Still nothing. I pray u move quicker

[EA and MK 48]

9 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

Where did you find that information?  Official source?

On their website, the Embassy says the following:

 

The United States Embassy in Bogota remains unable to resume routine immigrant visa services.  In the light of COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of applicants and Embassy employees is our top priority.  The easing or ending of the quarantine in Colombia will not necessarily mean an immediate resumption in our operations. Please monitor our web site and social media for announcements of changes in our service.

 

The United States Embassy in Bogota remains unable to resume routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time.  We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date.  The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased until September 30, 2022.  If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow this link for non-immigrant visas or click here for immigrant visas to request an emergency appointment.  

 

It's quite a bit of IR1/CR1 cases they processed in December, but only because they are emergency expedites. 

 

I wish we understood what the true driving factor is, as all countries around Colombia have resumed limited IV processing to include IR1/CR1 cases... 

Edited February 13, 2021 by EA and MK

[Hilde 381]

16 hours ago, Marthaeu said:

I'd like to know who controls the US embassies.  I know that due to the pandemic they were closed and reopened, but looking I see that everyone has continued to assign appointments except the Embassy of Bogotá in Colombia.  There are cases with DQ since November 2019 pending appointment for interviews.  We have written to the embassy and even the White House asking for help but there are no results.  hundreds of families separated by CR1 IR1 cases.  Any suggestions I appreciate.

I'm right there with you on this.I feel that Columbia and Brazil are in the same boat. It really seems that they are doing expedite only. Brazil issued 7 IR1 in December... the website does not provide specific info on when it will resume regular services. I think our main frustration is the unknown and the lack of info on Colombia and Brazil's part. But likely they don't know either. I'm not sure where to find info but I totally understand your frustration.

[Marthaeu 39]

54 minutes ago, EA and MK said:

On their website, the Embassy says the following:

 

The United States Embassy in Bogota remains unable to resume routine immigrant visa services.  In the light of COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of applicants and Embassy employees is our top priority.  The easing or ending of the quarantine in Colombia will not necessarily mean an immediate resumption in our operations. Please monitor our web site and social media for announcements of changes in our service.

 

The United States Embassy in Bogota remains unable to resume routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time.  We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date.  The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased until September 30, 2022.  If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow this link for non-immigrant visas or click here for immigrant visas to request an emergency appointment.  

 

It's quite a bit of IR1/CR1 cases they processed in December, but only because they are emergency expedites. 

 

I wish we understood what the true driving factor is, as all countries around Colombia have resumed limited IV processing to include IR1/CR1 cases... 

It is true the CR1 or IR1 cases that have been processed are only for emergency .  

[Crazy Cat 41,299]

2 hours ago, Marthaeu said:

You cannot say that it is false because they themselves leave on the page that they are assigning only emergency appointments so there are delays of 14 months. It is a fact.  My DQ is Oct 7/2020 and I should be getting an appointment this month but now I am on a 14 month waiting line. Thank you for your comment.

In December 2020,

Panama issued 11 CR/IR visas. 

Lima, Peru issued 37 CR/IR visas

Colombia issued 74 CR/IR visas

It appears that Colombia is doing quite well compared to nearby countries.

 

I am looking at actual numbers....Patience is the key.  Good Luck.

Edited February 13, 2021 by Lucky Cat