Colombia Club

[Bill y Bella 0]

Congratulations Chester. You and Monica kept your cool and made it through a very tough interview.

Thank goodness you thought to bring a print out from that website. Also thank goodness that Buck shared his experience so that you could be as prepared as much as possible.

Every time I start feeling over confident I am going to read your post. That will straighten me out quick!

Thanks for letting us all know what happened and again, congratulations!

[TonyS 0]

Congrats Chester!!!!! You guys went through one hell of a interview and kicked culo! I guess the CO's assume a young pretty Colombiana working/visiting another country is.......well I will just say "doing unhonorable work". I am very happy for you two and it shows how it is better to "over " prepare for the interview. See ya on the AOS side.

[parkpapa 0]

Parkpapa just had my check cashed on 09/06 so I am sure yours will be cashed any day!

I hope so, Corey. Good to hear that there's some movement with these folks - finally.

Chester, I'm happy to hear that you got your approval. You guys are proof that there is no such thing as being over prepared.

[Mike and Adriana 0]

The I-693a is a form that is completed by a U.S. civil surgeon. If you think about it, you can get a copy of the vaccination worksheet from the Colombian doctor (DS-3025). The DS-3025 was helpful to us in proving vaccinations for registering my daughter for school. We also used it when we filed for AOS (and, as I reported before, we never got an RFE asking for the I-693a)...I included an explanation of why the DS-3025 should be accepted as proof of vaccination. However, when it came down to it (as I wrote in my AOS summary), I didn't want the hassle of a possible argument with the field officer, so a week before our interview, I had a I-693a prepared by the civil surgeon. So, in other words, the DS-3025 allowed us to apply for AOS without having to spend the time or money up front to get the I-693a, but eventually we did get I-693a and pay for it.

GOOD!!

Is that the I-693a?? Hopefully so...

Its nice to know one of the MDs may be catching on to correct vaccination guidelines in lieu of getting their friends hooked up for more cash.

What we have here with us is the DS-3025 that the doctor gave us. According to the assistant at the doctor's office, it's also included in the sealed envelope.

[Mike and Adriana 0]

Congratulations to you both.

These two items below are good reminders for those who have yet to interview:

1) The embassy in Bogota is still not using the bardcode technology for the DS-156. So, just use the regular old DS-156. I completed the Spanish version for my wife. As it turns out, the folks at the bank review the form, correct errors, and input information into the computer. So, that's probably why they don't want the English forms, because most of the probably cannot read the form.

2) While many VJers of late have had quick interviews, that is not always the case. We arrived at the embassy around 6:20 a.m., but we did not have our interview until after 11:00. Further, as noted previously, time of arrival and place in line has absolutely no correlation, from what I can tell, with your interview time.

Mike

September 3 - Went to the bank across the street to pay for the visa. They did not accept our printed copies from the US. The forms were complete, nothing was blank and nothing was wrong. The printed copies from the US embassy website were in English. The lady would not take them and gave the only reason that the barcode is only for the US embassy. Monica had to fill the forms right there at the bank. While doing so she made a mistake on my home address, this caused us to do another round of forms. This time I watched her intently. Finally, 220 mil pesos later we were done. A sticker is placed on the passport and they stamped the DS-156 with some numbers......

Interview after interview, I started to get worried past 11:00 AM. Since all the experiences I read here in VJ had their interviews done before 10:00 AM.

[Mike and Adriana 0]

I hope everyone keeps in mind that the embassy has a job to do and part of that job is protecting the legtimacy of the process and trying to weed out visa fraud. When the embassy sees "red flags" they have a duty to follow-up. And let's face it, K-1 visa applicants have risk associated with them, more so, IMO, than K-3 and IR-1/CR-1s. Just yesterday there was an article in my local newpaper about a local couple who were arranging false relationships for visa purposes. They were paying $1,000 to gringos and gringas to marry foreigners for purposes of getting a green card. Once the gringo or gringa married, he or she received $300 per month until the foreigner received the green card. Unbelievable, but true. No wonder our embassy asks so many questions.

I know it can be difficult to see our spouses/fiancees asked a lot of question, particularly if he or she is fragile. What we perceive as grilling I suspect the CO perceives as mere questioning based on some red flag he or she perceives. It's just part of the process.

After reading Chester's report, it was clear that there were some issues that needed to be addressed and that it was probably a stressful situation for them. However, IMO, I did not not lack of "fairness." Frankly, if I was the CO, I would have asked about the multiple trips out of the country as well. And if there were any confusion or any inconsistency in answers, I'd follow-up until I was satisfied. Ultimately, they did get the visa....and the CO did his due diligence.

Just my opinion, but sometimes I think we are a little hard on folks who for the most part, I believe, are just trying to do their job and protect the U.S. and the process.

Mike

Pardon my language Chester, that is bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is our responsibility to prove the reality of the relationship. It is the responsibility of the embassy to prove fraud. Not by trying to trick you, or anybody else by trickery or getting you to make one mistake to not give the approval. It is illeagal to deny the visa without proof of fraud. They can make your life hard. You do have the right if you feel you were not treated fairly to complain about the way you were treated. Any further promotions for the CO who investigated you can be in jeoperdy if they did not treat you fairly. The CO's are americans. I am very happy for you, but, I feel you were not treated fairly. The interview should be fairly short if you have the evidence and documents in order. The US embassy in Colombia is out of order.

[Mike and Adriana 0]

Tony:

I think you are "spot on" with your observation. Multiple exits to certain other countries is probably a red flag. Unfortunately, prostitution is big in Colombia (most likely because of lack of economic opportunity)....and it is very common for Colombianas to visit other nearby countries to practice their "trade." I've seen or been made aware of Colombiana prostitutes in several countries, including Aruba, Costa Rica, and Panama.

So, for those of you who have wives or fiancees who have made multiple trips out of Colombia, you may need to prepare them for questioning regarding the purpose of the trips, etc. Let's face it, the average Colombian does not have the opportunity/ability to travel much outside of the country, so it's not surprising that travel could raise a red flag at the embassy.

Mike

I guess the CO's assume a young pretty Colombiana working/visiting another country is.......well I will just say "doing unhonorable work".

[parkpapa 0]

We received the rejection notice for our AOS today along with all of the original paperwork. The rejection was because I had not submitted a check based on the new rates, even though our package was postmarked July 28. The package was received in Chicago on July 31, so they are apparently basing the rejection on the date received rather than the date postmarked. This is NOT what I remember the USCIS site saying about the dates. Anyone have any printed evidence about the details of the fee change date?

I will try to reach a live person with the USCIS on Monday. Quite frankly, I don't know how we'll pay the extra fees, if that's what we end up having to do. Lorena can't work yet and because of my job, I can't have a second job without approval. I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure thinking about it.

[Scott n Yenifer 0]

September 3 - Went to the bank across the street to pay for the visa. They did not accept our printed copies from the US. The forms were complete, nothing was blank and nothing was wrong. The printed copies from the US embassy website were in English. The lady would not take them and gave the only reason that the barcode is only for the US embassy. Monica had to fill the forms right there at the bank. While doing so she made a mistake on my home address, this caused us to do another round of forms. This time I watched her intently. Finally, 220 mil pesos later we were done. A sticker is placed on the passport and they stamped the DS-156 with some numbers.

Chester & Monica...1st of all CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I see that the bank did not accept the ds-156 with the bar code...Mike suggested (the "old" ds-156 in spanish). I've already brought Yennifer 2 copies each of packet 3 + 4 with the newest forms in them but if the ds-156 can't be used does anyone know where the old ones can be found?

Also...what was the 220 mil pesos for?

[lucho562 0]

Lucho,

I saw you put Td, Varicella, MMR.

but what about these others don't have to be done?

Mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis,

influenzae type B (HIB), Hepatitis B, Varicella, pneumococcal, and influenza.

and any word on any policies about vacunas ..I remeber you metion way back that you saw a change...

just making sure.

thanks

rafael

Rafael,

Td = Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine

MMR = Measles, Mumps and Rubella

Varicella = Chickenpox

These are the only vaccines needed in your age group.

[lucho562 0]

September 3 - Went to the bank across the street to pay for the visa. They did not accept our printed copies from the US. The forms were complete, nothing was blank and nothing was wrong. The printed copies from the US embassy website were in English. The lady would not take them and gave the only reason that the barcode is only for the US embassy. Monica had to fill the forms right there at the bank. While doing so she made a mistake on my home address, this caused us to do another round of forms. This time I watched her intently. Finally, 220 mil pesos later we were done. A sticker is placed on the passport and they stamped the DS-156 with some numbers.

The bank is very funny and actually very stupid. They contradict themselves all the time, 1 bank will say one thing and the next bank will say another.

I suggest to anyone, fill out the DS156 however you feel like, online or use the ds156 that will be mailed to the beneficiary. Sometimes the packets dont get to the beneficiary in time so there is no option but to use the online version, which is a GOOD version. The embassy accepts either or, it's the stupid bank that tries to make up their own rules and say that the online version isn't acceptable.

I'm glad everything worked out for you Chester y Monica. When is POE???????

Edited September 8, 2007 by lucho562

[lucho562 0]

We received the rejection notice for our AOS today along with all of the original paperwork. The rejection was because I had not submitted a check based on the new rates, even though our package was postmarked July 28. The package was received in Chicago on July 31, so they are apparently basing the rejection on the date received rather than the date postmarked. This is NOT what I remember the USCIS site saying about the dates. Anyone have any printed evidence about the details of the fee change date?

I will try to reach a live person with the USCIS on Monday. Quite frankly, I don't know how we'll pay the extra fees, if that's what we end up having to do. Lorena can't work yet and because of my job, I can't have a second job without approval. I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure thinking about it.

This is happening a lot. The package was suppose to be postmarked by the 30th, not received by the 30th. I do not a link on hand, but I know that it is postmarked not received. I too am waiting for a rejection from USCIS due TO THEIR MISTAKE! I can't believe this gov't agency makes so many mistakes.

You have three options.

A) Make a infopass appointment and take all the evidence that you sent it out prior to the 30th.

B) Submit the paperwork as is, with a cover sheet stating that you sent the package prior to the 30th.

C) Submit and pay the new fees.

USCIS is ridiculous that they cannot follow their own rules.

[Corey3368 3]

We received the rejection notice for our AOS today along with all of the original paperwork. The rejection was because I had not submitted a check based on the new rates, even though our package was postmarked July 28. The package was received in Chicago on July 31, so they are apparently basing the rejection on the date received rather than the date postmarked. This is NOT what I remember the USCIS site saying about the dates. Anyone have any printed evidence about the details of the fee change date?

I will try to reach a live person with the USCIS on Monday. Quite frankly, I don't know how we'll pay the extra fees, if that's what we end up having to do. Lorena can't work yet and because of my job, I can't have a second job without approval. I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure thinking about it.

This is happening a lot. The package was suppose to be postmarked by the 30th, not received by the 30th. I do not a link on hand, but I know that it is postmarked not received. I too am waiting for a rejection from USCIS due TO THEIR MISTAKE! I can't believe this gov't agency makes so many mistakes.

You have three options.

A) Make a infopass appointment and take all the evidence that you sent it out prior to the 30th.

B) Submit the paperwork as is, with a cover sheet stating that you sent the package prior to the 30th.

C) Submit and pay the new fees.

USCIS is ridiculous that they cannot follow their own rules.

Not sure this will help or just make people more confused

No Update Yet on AOS Filing Fees Post-July 30th

Written by Andrea Olivos-Kah

Monday, 23 July 2007

To date the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS) has not provided any further information about the filing fees that will apply to I-140s and other applications concurrently filed between July 31 and August 17th. The American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) has requested that US CIS clarify this and several other questions we have.

Many questions have been raised as a result of the US CIS announcement to rectify the immigrant visa availability as per the July Visa Bulletin. Some of those questions include what filing fees apply to concurrently filed applications that are filed with US CIS after July 30th. That is, it has been established that adjustment applications should be filed wit the current filing fee schedule and new filing fees will not apply to those. However there are still doubts about those other applications, including I-140’s, I-131s, I-765’s, filed between July 31 and August 17th. Or, whether applicants will be allowed to "opt in" to the new fee schedule during the period between July 30 and August 17. Yet another question is how filings will be handled where a new application relates back to an earlier-filed application (such as an I-485 where an I-140 is already pending with US CIS, or a request for Advance Parole or Travel Documents is later filed) where no receipt has yet been generated on the earlier filing. Unfortunately there is still no answer or guidance from US CIS on any of these points.

Another issue that is in question is whether US CIS will accept an I-485 filed concurrently with an I-140 filed after July 31, 2007, for an EB-1, Schedule A, or national interest waiver. That is, the question remains whether a priority date must still be established before the August 2007 Visa Bulletin (with all categories becoming "unavailable") goes into effect. Some of our colleagues believe that since the case would then have an August priority date and visa numbers are unavailable in August, then USCIS would reject those concurrent adjustment of status filings.

For now, it appears that the safest way to proceed is to file all applications prior to July 30th. And, since July 30th falls on a Monday, that really means that applications should be filed on either Friday, July 27th or by Fed Ex on Saturday, July 28th for delivery on Monday, July 30th.

We will keep following this issue and will post as soon as US CIS releases new guidance on this issue.

[Corey3368 3]

We received the rejection notice for our AOS today along with all of the original paperwork. The rejection was because I had not submitted a check based on the new rates, even though our package was postmarked July 28. The package was received in Chicago on July 31, so they are apparently basing the rejection on the date received rather than the date postmarked. This is NOT what I remember the USCIS site saying about the dates. Anyone have any printed evidence about the details of the fee change date?

I will try to reach a live person with the USCIS on Monday. Quite frankly, I don't know how we'll pay the extra fees, if that's what we end up having to do. Lorena can't work yet and because of my job, I can't have a second job without approval. I haven't cried yet, but I'm sure thinking about it.

This is happening a lot. The package was suppose to be postmarked by the 30th, not received by the 30th. I do not a link on hand, but I know that it is postmarked not received. I too am waiting for a rejection from USCIS due TO THEIR MISTAKE! I can't believe this gov't agency makes so many mistakes.

You have three options.

A) Make a infopass appointment and take all the evidence that you sent it out prior to the 30th.

B) Submit the paperwork as is, with a cover sheet stating that you sent the package prior to the 30th.

C) Submit and pay the new fees.

USCIS is ridiculous that they cannot follow their own rules.

Lucho, I believe the filing fees increased on 7/30....the application had to be postmarked before 7/30.

New USCIS Filing Fees Effective July 30, 2007 | Print |

Written by Weaver, Schlenger & Mazel

Thursday, 31 May 2007

We have more government updates to report. The United States Citizenship & Immigration Service has announced that its long-anticipated filing fee increase will go into effect on July 30, 2007. While this presents an average increase of 66%, small consolations include (1) the Service recently had hinted that fees would rise in June, not July; and (2) this is the first major increase since the late 1990s. We have highlighted below the most common cases affected by the fee increase, providing current filing fees and those filing fees for cases received on or after July 30, 2007.

It is important to plan now to maximize employers' ability to file cases before July 30, 2007 and avoid, where feasible, the increased fees. In this connection, we suggest you take the following steps to achieve cost effectiveness:

· Please contact us as soon as possible for new foreign national hires so that we may provide efficient legal analysis, strategic planning and case preparation. We will need to receive all requested documentation and information by July 9, 2007 for filing before July 30, 2007, in order to avoid internal expedite legal fees.

· For cases currently being prepared in our office, please provide requested documentation/information as soon as possible so that we may meet targeted filing dates.

Most Commonly Incurred USCIS Filing Fees

Petition

Filing Fees in effect until 7/30/07

Filing Fees in effect on or after 7/30/07

H-1B Petition

$2190 ($1440 if 25 or less full time employees)

$2320

H-4 Petition for Spouse and/or child

$200

$300

L-1A/L-1B Petition

$690

$820

L-2 Petition for Spouse and/or child

$200

$300

TN Petition filed in U.S.

$190

$320

Visa Petition Following Labor Certification

$195

$475

Adjustment of Status (AOS) Application (Adult)

$395

$1010

AOS Child filing concurrent AOS with at least one parent

$295

$600

AOS Child not filing concurrent with parent (Child)

$295

$930

Employment Authorization Document based on pending AOS application

$180

None. Incorporated in standard AOS filing fee.

Advance Parole Document based on pending AOS application

$170

None. Incorporated in standard AOS filing fee.

[lucho562 0]

Corey,

Yes thats what I thought I said, well at least meant to say. The fees had to be postmarked prior to the 30th of July. So looking at the calender, the last day to have mailed out your package should have been Saturday the 28th of July.

Our package was postmarked on the 27th of July, however USCIS didnt receive until the 2nd of August. This is why I expect our package to be wrongfully returned. Although, I will fight till the end to have them accept my application as is with the old fees. We had to have a shotgun wedding to beat the deadline. If I knew USCIS employees do not know the difference between postmarked before the 30th or accepted by the 30th, I would have waited and had a better, nicer wedding!