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| Belmopan, Belize |  Review on October 10, 2012: |
Monica G.
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My husband's interview went very smoothly. I had previously read that I would be able to go in there with him, but when we arrived, that was not the case. I was told I had to wait outside; if the interviewer wanted me, they would call for me. After about 15 minutes, I asked to go in and use the restroom; they told me I could go in and then stay with my husband.
The first person who called him up asked him mainly about his children (he is not bringing them here). There wasn't much else other than confirmation of how long we've known each other. Then the he sat down and was called up again; this person asked him some confirmation questions about me and then told him he was approved. It was surprisingly easy.
We had sent in a large amount of supporting documents when we submitted the original I-130, which I think really helped. I had brought a binder of documents I had collected since the original submission, but they did not ask to see this.
My four "lessons learned" to pass on...
1. I have no idea why I thought this, so not sure if anyone else will. For some reason, I didn't realize that fee I paid to NVC IS the visa fee. I've been to Belize almost 30 times and I've always seen the poster at Atlantic Banks talking about paying visa fees there. We went to pay the visa fee the day before the interview. They have the types and prices listed; the IR-1/CR-1 visa was not listed. Since I knew the price, I told them how much it was and we paid it. When we got to the embassy, they told us we didn't need to pay for it because we had already done so. We are still trying to get the money back.
2. There are two doctors in Belize City on the list of approved doctors; my husband originally went to the male doctor (I can't remember his name). He had made an appointment almost a week previously, and when he arrived for his appointment, the doctor was out of the country. He was told to come back the next day (Saturday), and the office was closed (shocking). When he went back the third time, they sent him to the other approved doctor (I think her name is Teresita something). He had a great experience with her. I would recommend going to her in the first place; the male doctor did not seem to be very reliable.
3. At the interview, my husband was told that they would call him when the visa was ready in about a week. I finally called them at two weeks and was told (from a different person) that he was supposed to have come back a week after the approval. Of course, when I called it was a Tuesday, and the only day you can pick them up is on a Tuesday at 10am; my husband just got his visa today, three weeks later.
4. Take a piece of paper to take notes when you go to pick up your visa. They give you a LOT of information, and it's hard to remember.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #10578