What to Do after receiving your NOA2

[MrTee12 64]

Is it required to get vaccinations??

Is it required to get vaccinations??

Yes, for K1 Visa holders.

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/examination-vaccines-e.html

[reese1 68]

Just an FYI for those that do not receive your packet 4 in the mail. Before you make the trip to the Embassy to get your packet 4 that they say was mailed but you never received(if you are not in a rush). Check with the local post office for your area. My fiance went to the post office today and picked up his packet 4 that had been sitting there since Monday(was mailed from Embassy on 11/16). They said the city listed was not correct, even though our electricity bill gets delivered no problem with the same city listed as I did on the application. But it saved us a trip to the Embassy and having to wait until two weeks before our interview date. Just thought I would pass this information along and hope it helps someone else.

[MrTee12 64]

NEW USCIS Immigrant Fee

The USCIS Immigrant Fee is now in effect.

Any individual who on or after February 1, 2013 receives an immigrant visa package from a United States consulate or embassy abroad (including Canada and Mexico) must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee.

Children who enter the United States under either the Orphan or Hague adoption programs, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, returning residents (SB-1s), and those issued K visas are the only immigrant visa cases exempt from paying the new fee.

When and How to Pay the Fee

Submit your payment after receiving your visa package from DOS and before you depart for the United States.

Pay your USCIS Immigrant Fee online. You will need to complete the electronic form and provide:

the Alien number of the applicant

the Case ID number of the applicant

your checking account information, or

your debit or credit card information.

All check payments must be drawn on a U.S. bank.

If you are unable to make this payment, another person can make this payment on your behalf.

If you are making this payment on behalf of another person, make sure you enter that person's Alien number and Case ID number.

For questions or technical help paying your fee, please call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Failure to Pay

You will not receive a green card until the required USCIS Immigrant fee is paid.

Failure to pay does not affect your lawful status. You will have your passport stamped showing your lawful admission and permanent resident status. This stamp is valid for one year but it is strongly advised that you pay the immigrant fee as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving your Permanent Resident Card.

About the Fee

Foreign nationals who seek permanent residence in the United States and receive an immigrant visa will need to pay a USCIS Immigrant Fee beginning February 1, 2013.

The new fee of $165 was established in USCIS’s final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions announced on Sept. 24, 2010. USCIS has worked closely with the Department of State (DOS) to implement the new fee which allows USCIS to recover the cost of processing that is performed in the United States after immigrant visa holders receive their visa packages from DOS and are admitted to the United States.

Applicants will now have to pay both the DOS visa application processing fee and the USCIS Immigrant Fee.

What the Fee Covers

The immigrant fee will cover the cost of USCIS staff time to handle, file and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident card.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3a2bb75e8109b310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=fe529c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Edited March 8, 2013 by MrTee12

[MrTee12 64]

^^^^

My last post above, only applies for Marriage Visas (immigrant visas). Like CR1/IR1. It is not for K1 visa holders, since they are considered non-immigrants, until they adjust status.

[kingsley 1]

This information is priceless!!! (exactly what i was looking for)

Amazing! Thank you very much.

I will make sure to go thru your step by step guide.

Thanks a ton and thanks for reaching out to help

members like myself that are in process.

regards

John

After Receiving the NOA2

(The information below is specifically for those acquiring K1 Visas in the Dominican Republic; those who are obtaining Cr1/Ir1 Visas may find “some” of this information useful as well.

CONGRATS ON YOUR PETITION APPROVAL!!! Below are the steps you need to take next. Be ProActive! Don’t wait for anything! Please read the steps below. And don’t forget to BREATHE before reading this, it’s a lot.

K1 Flowchart: Here is a timeline of the K1 Process

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Dominican Republic Embassy Information

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Dominican%20Republic&cty=Santo%20Domingo

*NOA2 Received

After your case is approved it’s sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) where its re-checked and packaged. It’s then forwarded to the Embassy in Santo Domingo. You can now begin gathering evidence for your case and the "required documents" needed for the Interview. The wait time for your Interview is “usually” 2-3 months. The Embassy will then send the beneficiary (Dominican born) a list of K1 Visa INSTRUCTIONS for your upcoming Interview (Cita). Follow them exactly. The instructions on the Embassy’s website are nearly identical to the instructions the beneficiary will receive by mail (inside Packet 4). The link is below:

K1 Instructions

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/k1-k2_instructions.html (MOST IMPORTANT!!!!)

Additionally, follow the steps here. Again, it's a lot but, it’s worth it! After your case is forwarded to the Embassy in Santo Domingo most people just wait “unsure” of what’s going on. For you to get valid information just wait 1-2 weeks after receiving your NVC notice and call (toll-free) to the Visa Specialist (Department of State) in Washington D.C. (202-663-1225). Press Option 1 then Option 0 to speak to a visa specialist. (Do not waste your money calling the Embassy or Mexico Hotline number). The Visa Specialist will tell you when your case was mailed to the beneficiary and when your interview (Cita) date is scheduled. Also keep checking the Interview List to see when your interview is scheduled. The interview lists are posted 2 months at a time. Make sure you have Adobe Reader so you can view them. Once you open the file just type in the Case # that was printed on your NVC notice. Ex: NVC Notice (SDO2012...) to find your Interview date. If your date is not listed check the following month’s list.

Interview List (It’s updated the last week of every month).

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/scheduled_appointments.html

Your packet (Packet 4) will be mailed by the mail service in Dominican Republic (Inposdom). Which may take forever (or it may never arrive at all). The mailing system in the Dominican Republic is “very bad” and many people never receive their packets. The website below may be of some help. Remember there is no Packet 3, only Packet 4!

Dominican Republic mailing system (Inposdom):

http://inposdom.gob.do/

In the meantime (DURING the WAITING PERIOD), just keep calling the Visa Specialist and checking the Interview List. Since some people never receive their packets, you need to be proactive! This is huge problem for many Dominican residents who are in the visa process. You wait and wait and wait for something “so important” to arrive and it may never come. Follow these steps and take care of your business.

#1: Follow the K1 Instructions posted on the Embassy’s website

#2 Keep calling the Visa Specialist

#3 Keep checking the Interview List

If you receive your Interview Date before you receive your Packet 4 and your Interview Date is approaching (2 weeks before interview), you need to call the Embassy and schedule a day to pick up a duplicate Packet 4.

In order to knockout 2 birds with 1 stone, you need to plan wisely. When you go to pick up the duplicate Packet 4 from the Embassy, it is wise to go immediately to the Medical Office (Consultorios De Visa) and get your medical exam done. The medical cannot be done if you do not receive your Medical Appointment Letter that comes inside of Packet 4. The Medical results need to be picked up the day before your interview and taken with you to the Interview the next day.

*Preparing for Interview:

Follow the K-1 Visa INSTRUCTIONS. Your Dominican born fiancé/fiancée (beneficiary) needs to begin completing the required forms (for specifics, check the Interview Checklist further down).

Since you have at least a couple of months (varies from 1-3 months) before your interview, you can practice filling out the required forms and finalize them later; they are available on VJ and USCIS). Next you want to get the birth certificate (legalized long/extensa version), passport, passport photos, etc. If your partner does not have their Dominican passport yet, read “How to Obtain Dominican passport” below:

http://www.dr1.com/forums/legal/97423-getting-dominican-passport.html

My fiancée and I did all of these things while waiting. Try not to drive yourself crazy. Just use this time to prepare. In addition, gather all the evidence you will need for your interview (phone records, emails, pics, travel documents, receipts, etc). The last thing my fiancée and I did was update/finalize our forms. She got her police report (30 days before her interview date), reprinted visa forms, and I updated my income/employment documents. NOTE: We decided to type (PDF file) all of our information instead of handwriting, it makes things a lot easier to read. My fiancée went to a local notary and had them type in her information and print.

I had everything done 1 month before the interview but had to get new letters (dates closer to the interview). Remember, some interviews are scheduled much faster than others so you may have less time. U.S. citizens need to bring all documents for the interview with them. If possible, you may need to meet your Dominican-born fiancé/fiancée 1-2 days before the interview to double-check everything before traveling to the Embassy. Hotel accommodations and links are posted below if you plan on staying in a hotel close (and reasonably priced) to the Embassy.

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Dominican%20Republic&cty=Santo%20Domingo

Finally, during the waiting period, you should also be practice “interviewing” each other. Sample interview questions are posted further down. Make sure you know enough about each other. Names of close family members, first date details, how you first met, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It’s really important both of you have at least one common language that you communicate in. At the interview, they ask you which language you prefer to speak in (English or Spanish). Interview Experiences are also posted further down.

*The Medical Exam

The beneficiary’s medical exam will be completed by Consultorios De Visa in Santo Domingo (a few miles from the Embassy). The Medical exam must be done at least 5 business days before your scheduled interview. You will need to take with you the following: Dominican passport, your Cedula (national ID), 3 passport pictures, and your Medical Appointment letter. My fiancée was there ALL DAY (7am-5pm). It’s crowded and very busy. Make sure you bring the exact amount in US dollars (prices vary by age/gender) so you avoid any problems. It’s strongly recommended that you get your vaccinations too. For more information, check the links below. Remember results must be picked up the day before the Interview.

Medical Exam info:

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/examination-vaccines-e.html Prices of Exam & Vaccinations

http://www.consultoriosdevisa.com/index.html Consultorios De Visa official site (Includes videos)

Financial Docs: (Affidavits)

Once your NOA2 arrives, you need to complete the affidavit and get a letter from your current employer (stating you have a job with them and you make $$$ a year), also you need a letter from your bank (stating how much money you deposited in the past year), and also 3 months of your most recent pay stubs and last 3 years of tax returns. There are 2 affidavits (I-134 and I-864). The I-134 is very easy to complete and is usually needed for the K1 interview. The I-864 takes longer to complete and more evidence and its usually only needed for AOS but sometimes asked for during the K1 interview. For more information on the Affidavit of Support, see the link below:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/support

To be safe just do them both and prepare. When your fiancé(e) gets his/ her Interview Packet, it will tell you what forms you need to bring to the interview. For now I would just complete them both and wait until 2 weeks before the interview date to get a letters from your employer and bank.

*The Interview

Interview Experiences: (PLEASE READ!!!)

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Dominican+Rep&cty=&dfilter=5

Interview Questions: (Not Dom Rep. specific)

http://www.visajourney.com/content/exampleq

Note: If you are suspected of Visa Fraud, the questioning with be very, very personal and INTENSE! Dominican Republic is a High-Visa Fraud country, so be truthful!

Santo Domingo Embassy contact info:

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-contact-e.html

*Things to Know on Interview Day:

-The interview line gets crowded pretty fast. People arrive in line as early as 5am. Just be careful and make sure there a policia in sight.

-Both beneficiary and petitioner must be there! (Automatic denial if both are not there)

-NO electronics are allowed (http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/prohibited_items-e.html)

- Interview Documents & Evidence can be carried in many different ways (I used plastic seal-able organized folder with labels for each section). Bottom line is BE ORGANIZED. Know were your documents are and have them ready.

-It's best to be prepared because they look for organization and how well you interact with your partner (who must be there).

-Beware of the buscones! They are not Embassy employees and they will rip you off. Ignore them!

-Ask the guard outside what line you need to be in. There are separate lines for each visa-type. Men & women are separated when they enter the Embassy. You will go through metal detectors.

-You will receive a ticket but they are called in “random order.” So your interview time is not really important. Just don’t arrive too late because your number could be called at anytime.

-There are cameras there (and I think they watch how you couples interact with each other) so be aware of that. You may be there anywhere from 3-6 hours.

-Despite the many fans and water fountains, it gets hot in there and a bit uncomfortable (especially the benches). There is a cafeteria where you can buy food and drinks which is good.

-Dress appropriately...Suits for a K1 Visa is probably not necessary and you will may be too hot. I seen people who were very formal and some who look like they were going to a Club. Business-casual or Job-Interview-style is fine.

-Lastly, RELAX! If you’re a “real” couple and you have your things in order you should be fine. Interviews usually last no more than 5 minutes. Unless you’re at WINDOW 11 (Investigations for Fraud). If your case is sent to Administrative Processing, it may take from 6 months-2 years for approval.

-After you’re approved, pay your Domex fee and CELEBRATE! Felicidades!!!

K-1 Visa Interview Checklist

Beneficiary's Documents

- Birth Certificate Inextensa

- Police Certificate

- Passport

- Cedula (National ID Card)

- Medical Exam/Vaccination Results

- Banco Popular receipts ($350-visa + $16)

Effective Friday June 04, 2010, the application fee for K visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens will be $350, US$140 dollars to be paid at Banco Popular and US$210 to be paid in the Consular Section on the day of the interview.

- Two 2x2 photos (with name printed on the back)

- Letter of Intent (dated)

- DS-230 Part I (filled out and signed)

- DS-230 Part II (filled out - to be signed in front of CO)

- DS-156 (2 copies signed)

- DS-156K (1 copy to be signed in front of CO)

-DS-157 (for males only)

-Cita appointment letter/packet

-Any Marriage or Divorce Decrees from previous marriages.

Petitioner’s Documents

- I-134 (also I-864 Affidavit of Support)

- Tax returns for (Last 3 years)

- Letter from Employer

- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months - 6 total)

- Bank account information

- Birth Certificate

- Passport

- Letter of Intent (dated)

Other Documents

- Copy of I-129F packet sent

- Original and copy of NOA1

- Original and copy of NOA2

- Original and copy of NVC letter

Evidence

- Trip receipts (boarding passes, luggage airline stickers)

- Hotel/resort receipts, reservations

- Cell Phone bills

- Calling Cards

- Western Union/Money Gram receipts

- Windows Instant Messenger/Vonage phone bill

- Emails

- Printed out text messages

- Separate photo binder (with pics on a sheet put in plastic sheet protectors for easy removal)

- Last but not least - all of your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Expenses:

- Medical Exam = $180 USD

- Vaccines = $109 USD (optional, but highly recommended) Prices vary based on age.

- Banco Popular Visa Application Fee = $156 USD ($140 + $16 service fee) – 2 separate payments, 2 separate receipts

- Visa Fee paid day of interview at Consulate = $210 USD

- DOMEX Courier Service to approved Visa = $ 9.50 – 16.00 USD (depending on delivery location)

- Travel & Hotel Expenses = Varies

*Receiving K-1 Visa (Domex)

After your Visa is approved, you have to pay Domex (counter located inside of Embassy) to deliver your Visa, Passport, and Medical Results to you. To track your Visa you can use Domex’s website: (make sure you know your tracking #)

http://www.domex.com.do/domexrapido/index.html

Also, NEVER purchase airline tickets for your partner until they have the VISA IN HAND. Once they receive their K-1 Visa from Domex make sure they understand the requirements. They can only use it once to enter the U.S.; and they have 6 months to use it. There will be an expiration date on it. Accompanied with the K-1 Visa is a sealed packet that must not be opened. It will be brought with them to the U.S. and given to the Customs agent once they arrive in the U.S.

Many beneficiaries have to travel to the States alone (unless accompanied with a child) and you meet them at POE. They should be fine going through Customs; just make sure they understand the LAW (you have to get married within 90 days of entering the U.S. then adjust status.) Let your partner know to “tell Custom’s agent” they are “entering on a K-1 Visa.” Make sure they do not lose their I-94 (stapled to passport), they will need this later for their Social Security card, Driver’s License, and AOS.

*Point of Entry (POE) Reviews:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

After you are arm-&-arm with your loved one (you better be after all these months of waiting), relax and enjoy each other. Read up on how to obtain your partner’s Social Security Card and begin planning your marriage/wedding. Read up on State laws for Marriage Licenses. After you are legally married, you can immediately file for Adjustment of Status (AOS).

Note: K-1ers cannot legally work, go to school, or travel outside the U.S. until they receive legal documents (Work Authorization Card, Travel Documents and/or Green Card) through the Adjustment of Status process.

How to K1ers Get a Social Security Card:

This can be troublesome for some. Make sure you follow the link below. Around 7-10 days after arriving in the U.S. the K1ers status should be stored in the system. If you go too early, the Social Security office may not have your records. Since you are not married yet, your fiancée will have to get their Social Security card in their birth name. They can change it only after they get married and your have you marriage certificate. Make sure they bring the following documents (K1 Visa, passport, I-94, 2 proofs of address, SS-5 form).

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

Hope this helped. Have a great journey!

NEXT STOP ON YOUR JOURNEY: Adjustment of Status (AOS) -> -> ->

[MrTee12 64]

This information is priceless!!! (exactly what i was looking for)

Amazing! Thank you very much.

I will make sure to go thru your step by step guide.

Thanks a ton and thanks for reaching out to help

members like myself that are in process.

regards

John

No problem at all.

Keep in mind 2 things have changed;

1) The medical exam records are now being sent over to the Consulate, so you will not have to pick them up the day before.

2) Change in Fees:

Before the Interview: 2 separate payments of $160us & $15us at Banco Popular. Make sure you bring both receipts to the Interview.

Day of the Interview: Pay $80us. Pay Domex $9.50-$12(visa delivery service)

[kingsley 1]

Hey,

Thanks a ton for the feedback.

After the NOA 2 approval, about how long does it usually take for my fiancee to receive the Packet

to her house in the dominican republic?

Do i also receive a letter from NVC?

BTW,

While we wait for that, i had her go get her Birth Certificate updated and

also her passport.

Is there anything else you think i should have her do while we wait

for her to get the Packet?

No problem at all.

Keep in mind 2 things have changed;

1) The medical exam records are now being sent over to the Consulate, so you will not have to pick them up the day before.

2) Change in Fees:

Before the Interview: 2 separate payments of $160us & $15us at Banco Popular. Make sure you bring both receipts to the Interview.

Day of the Interview: Pay $80us. Pay Domex $9.50-$12(visa delivery service)

[MrTee12 64]

Hey,

Thanks a ton for the feedback.

After the NOA 2 approval, about how long does it usually take for my fiancee to receive the Packet

to her house in the dominican republic?

It varies; anywhere from 8-12weeks. Keep in mind, some people never receive it, so it's to be proactive. Use the online version of the K1 Instructions, so when you finally receive Packet 4, all you will need is the Medical Appointment letter.

Do i also receive a letter from NVC?

Yes, you (the petitioner) will receive it.

BTW,

While we wait for that, i had her go get her Birth Certificate updated and

also her passport.

Yes, you will need both. I attached a link on how to obtain a Dominican passport. For the BC, make sure you get the Legalized/Extensa version.

Is there anything else you think i should have her do while we wait

for her to get the Packet?

This is further down the line, but it wouldn't hurt to get any high school/college records. Extra copy of her BC. Settle any major debts. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know.

Edited March 20, 2013 by MrTee12

[kingsley 1]

Thanks again.

If the packet 4 takes anywhere from 8-12 weeks, does that mean that

the interview will be scheduled after the packet is supposed to be received which

is anywhere between 60-90 days?

I notice that most people receive their interview around 60 days after NOA 2.

How do i find out when they schedule the interview at consulate in case packet 4 never arrives etc?

Can i call that washington DC phone number that you suggested in your guide?

If so about how long should i wait before i start calling that number?

I also spoke to my fiancee and she said that their is a phone pin number that you

purchase at the bank specifically to make a phone call to consulate specifically

to find out about interview. Wondering if you are familiar with this process.

[MrTee12 64]

Thanks again.

If the packet 4 takes anywhere from 8-12 weeks, does that mean that

the interview will be scheduled after the packet is supposed to be received which

is anywhere between 60-90 days?

Just keep checking the immigration timelines here. There's no exact answer.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=4&op2=d&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5,6,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,108,110,111,208,210,211&op6=All&op7=Dominican%20Republic&dfile=No&adv=

I notice that most people receive their interview around 60 days after NOA 2.

How do i find out when they schedule the interview at consulate in case packet 4 never arrives etc?

Can i call that washington DC phone number that you suggested in your guide?

If so about how long should i wait before i start calling that number?

Yes, About 60 days. Yes, keep calling the hotline each week. (but not everyday) try to be patient but not a pest LOL. You can call as soon as you recieve your NVC Letter, that's when you will have your NVC Case #. Your case won't be there too long, unless there's an issue. They are going to forward it to the Consulate in Santo Domingo. From the time they get it and update the system (so the NVC knows) and schedule the interview is up to them. They have a lot of applicants (of all visa types). That's why it may take up to 60 days for you to get your interview date.

I also spoke to my fiancee and she said that their is a phone pin number that you

purchase at the bank specifically to make a phone call to consulate specifically

to find out about interview. Wondering if you are familiar with this process.

Yes, its how you contact the Embassy/Consulate. It will cost you money each time you call. Most people just call the NVC, but some members here on VJ have called using the pin. It's really up to you. The information is below.

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-contact-e.html

Edited March 22, 2013 by MrTee12

[kingsley 1]

Hey,

Just looked at all your information.

You are an absolute pro with this process.

Very grateful for your help!!

I will keep you posted on any updates.

-Wanted to clarify the timeline for interview:

Lets say that in 30-45 days my fiancee receives the packet4 with interview date.

Currently about how far out would you say that the interview dates are scheduled?? Within a couple weeks or month etc?

My understanding is that the Interview date itself is approximately 60 days from the time the NOA2 is received.

-Also i looked at the K1 application docs on the santodomingo/usembassy website you provided (Awesome)

What i will probably do is fill these on my fiancee's behalf and then mail or bring them to her in DR

for the time of the interview.

Form DS-230 Part 1

Form DS-156

Form DS-157

Again... very grateful

gracias!

[MrTee12 64]

Hey,

Just looked at all your information.

You are an absolute pro with this process.

Very grateful for your help!!

I will keep you posted on any updates.

-Wanted to clarify the timeline for interview:

Lets say that in 30-45 days my fiancee receives the packet4 with interview date.

Currently about how far out would you say that the interview dates are scheduled?? Within a couple weeks or month etc?

My understanding is that the Interview date itself is approximately 60 days from the time the NOA2 is received.

It varies. Could be a month? The best thing you can do is have all the documents ready and when the Packet arrives, all you will need to do is complete the medical exam.

All you can do is compare you case to those being processed on VJ. Keep checking the timelines to see when others are receiving their Interview dates.

-Also i looked at the K1 application docs on the santodomingo/usembassy website you provided (Awesome)

What i will probably do is fill these on my fiancee's behalf and then mail or bring them to her in DR

for the time of the interview.

Mailing them may not be the best choice. Does your fiancee have access to a computer/printer? The forms are available on pdf files. You can email each other back-and-forth and maybe you can print them out and bring them for the interview. Just a suggestion.

Form DS-230 Part 1

Form DS-156

Form DS-157

Again... very grateful

gracias!

[MrTee12 64]

UPDATE 2.0

After Receiving the NOA2

(The information below is specifically for those acquiring K1 Visas in the Dominican Republic; those who are obtaining Cr1/Ir1 Visas may find “some” of this information useful as well.

CONGRATS ON YOUR PETITION APPROVAL!!! Below are the steps you need to take next. Be ProActive! Don’t wait for anything! Please read the steps below. And don’t forget to BREATHE before reading this, it’s a lot.

K1 Flowchart: Here is a timeline of the K1 Process

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Dominican Republic Embassy Information

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Dominican%20Republic&cty=Santo%20Domingo

*NOA2 Received

After your case is approved it’s sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) where its re-checked and packaged. It’s then forwarded to the Embassy in Santo Domingo. You can now begin gathering evidence for your case and the "required documents" needed for the Interview. The wait time for your Interview is “usually” 2-3 months. The Embassy will then send the beneficiary (Dominican born) a list of K1 Visa INSTRUCTIONS for your upcoming Interview (Cita). Follow them exactly. The instructions on the Embassy’s website are nearly identical to the instructions the beneficiary will receive by mail (inside Packet 4). The link is below:

K1 Instructions

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/k1-k2_instructions.html (MOST IMPORTANT!!!!)

Additionally, follow the steps here. Again, it's a lot but, it’s worth it! After your case is forwarded to the Embassy in Santo Domingo most people just wait “unsure” of what’s going on. For you to get valid information just wait 1-2 weeks after receiving your NVC notice and call (toll-free) to the Visa Specialist (Department of State) in Washington D.C. (202-663-1225). Press Option 1 then Option 0 to speak to a visa specialist. (Do not waste your money calling the Embassy or Mexico Hotline number). The Visa Specialist will tell you when your case was mailed to the beneficiary and when your interview (Cita) date is scheduled. Also keep checking the Interview List to see when your interview is scheduled. The interview lists are posted 2 months at a time. Make sure you have Adobe Reader so you can view them. Once you open the file just type in the Case # that was printed on your NVC notice. Ex: NVC Notice (SDO2013...) to find your Interview date. If your date is not listed check the following month’s list.

Interview List (It’s updated the last week of every month).

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/scheduled_appointments.html

Your packet (Packet 4) will be mailed by the mail service in Dominican Republic (Inposdom). Which may take forever (or it may never arrive at all). The mailing system in the Dominican Republic is “very bad” and many people never receive their packets. The website below may be of some help. Remember there is no Packet 3, only Packet 4!

Dominican Republic mailing system (Inposdom):

http://inposdom.gob.do/

*FYI

Just an FYI for those that do not receive your packet 4 in the mail. Before you make the trip to the Embassy to get your packet 4 that they say was mailed but you never received(if you are not in a rush). Check with the local post office for your area. My fiance went to the post office today and picked up his packet 4 that had been sitting there since Monday(was mailed from Embassy on 11/16). They said the city listed was not correct, even though our electricity bill gets delivered no problem with the same city listed as I did on the application. But it saved us a trip to the Embassy and having to wait until two weeks before our interview date. Just thought I would pass this information along and hope it helps someone else (From Reese1...THX)

*Waiting Period

In the meantime (DURING the WAITING PERIOD), just keep calling the Visa Specialist and checking the Interview List. Since some people never receive their packets, you need to be proactive! This is huge problem for many Dominican residents who are in the visa process. You wait and wait and wait for something “so important” to arrive and it may never come. Follow these steps and take care of your business.

#1: Follow the K1 Instructions posted on the Embassy’s website

#2 Keep calling the Visa Specialist

#3 Keep checking the Interview List

If you receive your Interview Date before you receive your Packet 4 and your Interview Date is approaching (2 weeks before interview), you need to call the Embassy and schedule a day to pick up a duplicate Packet 4.

In order to knockout 2 birds with 1 stone, you need to plan wisely. When you go to pick up the duplicate Packet 4 from the Embassy, it is wise to go immediately to the Medical Office (Consultorios De Visa) and get your medical exam done. The medical cannot be done if you do not receive your Medical Appointment Letter that comes inside of Packet 4.

*Preparing for Interview:

Follow the K-1 Visa INSTRUCTIONS. Your Dominican born fiancé/fiancée (beneficiary) needs to begin completing the required forms (for specifics, check the Interview Checklist further down).

Since you have at least a couple of months (varies from 1-3 months) before your interview, you can practice filling out the required forms and finalize them later; they are available on VJ and USCIS). Next you want to get the birth certificate (legalized long/extensa version), passport, passport photos, etc. If your partner does not have their Dominican passport yet, read “How to Obtain Dominican passport” below:

http://www.dr1.com/forums/legal/97423-getting-dominican-passport.html

My fiancée and I did all of these things while waiting. Try not to drive yourself crazy. Just use this time to prepare. In addition, gather all the evidence you will need for your interview (phone records, emails, pics, travel documents, receipts, etc). The last thing my fiancée and I did was update/finalize our forms. She got her police report (30 days before her interview date), reprinted visa forms, and I updated my income/employment documents. NOTE: We decided to type (PDF file) all of our information instead of handwriting, it makes things a lot easier to read. My fiancée went to a local notary and had them type in her information and print.

I had everything done 1 month before the interview but had to get new letters (dates closer to the interview). Remember, some interviews are scheduled much faster than others so you may have less time. U.S. citizens need to bring all documents for the interview with them. If possible, you may need to meet your Dominican-born fiancé/fiancée 1-2 days before the interview to double-check everything before traveling to the Embassy. Hotel accommodations and links are posted below if you plan on staying in a hotel close (and reasonably priced) to the Embassy.

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Dominican%20Republic&cty=Santo%20Domingo

Finally, during the waiting period, you should also be practice “interviewing” each other. Sample interview questions are posted further down. Make sure you know enough about each other. Names of close family members, first date details, how you first met, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It’s really important both of you have at least one common language that you communicate in. At the interview, they ask you which language you prefer to speak in (English or Spanish). Interview Experiences are also posted further down.

*The Medical Exam

The beneficiary’s medical exam will be completed by Consultorios De Visa in Santo Domingo (a few miles from the Embassy). The Medical exam must be done at least 5 business days before your scheduled interview. You will need to take with you the following: Dominican passport, your Cedula (national ID), 3 passport pictures, and your Medical Appointment letter. My fiancée was there ALL DAY (7am-5pm). It’s crowded and very busy. Make sure you bring the exact amount in US dollars (prices vary by age/gender) so you avoid any problems. Although vaccinations are optional for K1 visa holders; it’s strongly recommended that you get your vaccinations too. For more information, check the links below.

Medical Exam info:

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/examination-vaccines-e.html Prices of Exam & Vaccinations

http://www.consultoriosdevisa.com/index.html Consultorios De Visa official site (Includes videos)

*Financial Docs: (Affidavits)

Once your NOA2 arrives, you need to complete the affidavit and get a letter from your current employer (stating you have a job with them and you make $$$ a year), also you need a letter from your bank (stating how much money you deposited in the past year), and also 3 months of your most recent pay stubs and last 3 years of tax returns. There are 2 affidavits (I-134 and I-864). The I-134 is very easy to complete and is usually needed for the K1 interview. The I-864 takes longer to complete and more evidence and its usually only needed for AOS but sometimes asked for during the K1 interview. For more information on the Affidavit of Support, see the link below:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/support

To be safe just do them both and prepare. When your fiancé(e) gets his/ her Interview Packet, it will tell you what forms you need to bring to the interview. For now I would just complete them both and wait until 2 weeks before the interview date to get a letters from your employer and bank.

*The Interview

Interview Experiences: (PLEASE READ!!!)

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Dominican+Rep&cty=&dfilter=5

Interview Questions: (Not Dom Rep. specific)

http://www.visajourney.com/content/exampleq

Note: If you are suspected of Visa Fraud, the questioning with be very, very personal and INTENSE! Dominican Republic is a High-Visa Fraud country, so be truthful!

Santo Domingo Embassy contact info:

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/iv-contact-e.html

*Things to Know on Interview Day:

-The interview line gets crowded pretty fast. People arrive in line as early as 5am. Just be careful and make sure there a policia in sight.

-Both beneficiary and petitioner must be there! (Automatic denial if both are not there)

-NO electronics are allowed (http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/prohibited_items-e.html)

- Interview Documents & Evidence can be carried in many different ways (I used plastic seal-able organized folder with labels for each section). Bottom line is BE ORGANIZED. Know were your documents are and have them ready.

-It's best to be prepared because they look for organization and how well you interact with your partner (who must be there).

-Beware of the buscones! They are not Embassy employees and they will rip you off. Ignore them!

-Ask the guard outside what line you need to be in. There are separate lines for each visa-type. Men & women are separated when they enter the Embassy. You will go through metal detectors.

-You will receive a ticket but they are called in “random order.” So your interview time is not really important. Just don’t arrive too late because your number could be called at anytime.

-There are cameras there (and I think they watch how you couples interact with each other) so be aware of that. You may be there anywhere from 3-6 hours.

-Despite the many fans and water fountains, it gets hot in there and a bit uncomfortable (especially the benches). There is a cafeteria where you can buy food and drinks which is good.

-Dress appropriately...Suits for a K1 Visa is probably not necessary and you will may be too hot. I seen people who were very formal and some who look like they were going to a Club. Business-casual or Job-Interview-style is fine.

-Lastly, RELAX! If you’re a “real” couple and you have your things in order you should be fine. Interviews usually last no more than 5 minutes. Unless you’re at WINDOW 11 (Investigations for Fraud). If your case is sent to Administrative Processing, it may take from 6 months-2 years for approval.

-After you’re approved, pay your Domex fee and CELEBRATE! Felicidades!!!

K-1 Visa Interview Checklist

Beneficiary's Documents

- Birth Certificate Inextensa

- Police Certificate

- Passport

- Cedula (National ID Card)

- Medical Exam/Vaccination Results (may be there already, check before attending interview)

- Banco Popular receipts ($160-visa + $15)

Effective Friday April 13, 2012 the fee to process the immigrant visa applications decreased from US$330 to US$230 and the fees for Fiancee visas (K) decreased from US$350 to US$240. The fiancee applications needs to pay, the day of the interview, the non-refundable fee of US$80 at window # 12 of the Consular Section.

http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/k_visa_fee_decrease.html

- Two 2x2 photos (with name printed on the back)

- Letter of Intent (dated and signed)

- DS-230 Part I (filled out and signed)

- DS-230 Part II (filled out - to be signed in front of CO)

- DS-156 (2 copies signed)

- DS-156K (1 copy to be signed in front of CO)

-DS-157 (for males only)

-Cita appointment letter/packet

-Any Marriage or Divorce Decrees from previous marriages.

Petitioner’s Documents

- I-134 (also I-864 Affidavit of Support)

- Tax returns for (Last 3 years)

- Letter from Employer

- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months - 6 total)

- Bank account information

- Birth Certificate

- Passport

- Letter of Intent (dated and signed)

Other Documents

- Copy of I-129F packet sent

- Original and copy of NOA1

- Original and copy of NOA2

- Original and copy of NVC letter

Evidence

- Trip receipts (boarding passes, luggage airline stickers)

- Hotel/resort receipts, reservations

- Cell Phone bills

- Calling Cards

- Western Union/Money Gram receipts

- Internet Messenger service logs (AIM, Windows, SKYPE, etc)

-International phone bill (Vonage, Magic Jack, etc)

- Emails

- Printed out text messages

- Separate photo binder (with pics on a sheet put in plastic sheet protectors for easy removal)

- Last but not least - all of your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Expenses: (as of July 2013)

- Medical Exam = $180 USD

- Vaccines = $110 USD (optional, but highly recommended) Prices vary based on age.

- Banco Popular Visa Application Fee = $156 USD ($140 + $16 service fee) – 2 separate payments, 2 separate receipts

- Visa Fee paid day of interview at Consulate = $80 USD

- DOMEX Courier Service to approved Visa = $ 9.50 – 12 USD (depending on delivery location) or ask to pick up from Consulate or Santiago.

- Travel & Hotel Expenses = Varies

New Immigrant fee ($165) is only for Marriage Visas (CR1/IR1) not K1.

*Receiving K-1 Visa (Domex)

After your Visa is approved, you have to pay Domex (counter located inside of Embassy) to deliver your Visa, Passport, and Medical Results to you. To track your Visa you can use Domex’s website: (make sure you know your tracking #)

http://www.domex.com.do/domexrapido/index.html

Also, NEVER purchase airline tickets for your partner until they have the VISA IN HAND. Once they receive their K-1 Visa from Domex make sure they understand the requirements. They can only use it once to enter the U.S.; and they have 6 months to use it. There will be an expiration date on it. Accompanied with the K-1 Visa is a sealed packet that must not be opened. It will be brought with them to the U.S. and given to the Customs agent once they arrive in the U.S.

Many beneficiaries have to travel to the States alone (unless accompanied with a child) and you meet them at POE. They should be fine going through Customs; just make sure they understand the LAW (you have to get married within 90 days of entering the U.S. then adjust status.) Let your partner know to “tell Custom’s agent” they are “entering on a K-1 Visa.” Complete the I-94 electronically (no longer on paper), they will need this later for their Social Security card, Driver’s License, and AOS.

http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/

*Point of Entry (POE) Reviews:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

After you are arm-&-arm with your loved one (you better be after all these months of waiting), relax and enjoy each other. Read up on how to obtain your partner’s Social Security Card and begin planning your marriage/wedding. Read up on State laws for Marriage Licenses. After you are legally married, you can immediately file for Adjustment of Status (AOS).

Note: K-1ers cannot legally work, go to school, or travel outside the U.S. until they receive legal documents (Work Authorization Card, Travel Documents and/or Green Card) through the Adjustment of Status process.

*How to K1ers Get a Social Security Card:

This can be troublesome for some. Make sure you follow the link below. Around 7-10 days after arriving in the U.S. the K1ers status should be stored in the system. If you go too early, the Social Security office may not have your records. Since you are not married yet, your fiancée will have to get their Social Security card in their birth name. They can change it only after they get married and your have you marriage certificate. Make sure they bring the following documents (K1 Visa, passport, I-94 #, 2 proofs of address, SS-5 form).

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ssn

*What to Bring to the States:

-High School Transcript and/or copy of Degree (official)

-College Transcript and/or copy of Degree (official)

-Extra Birth Certificate (legalized & extensa) & accompanying children

-Divorce Document/Decree

These documents will be needed in America if they wish to enter any type of educational program or gain employment.

Hope this helped. Have a great journey!

NEXT STOP ON YOUR JOURNEY: Adjustment of Status (AOS) -> -> -> (send me a PM for this guide)

Edited July 7, 2013 by MrTee12

[MrTee12 64]

To check/track your Visa Case Status after your interview has been completed, use the link below:

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

[mavmb 0]

Thank you so much. This has been so helpful! My fiance and I have our interview date in October. She still hasn't gotten anything in the mail from the embassy nor a call from the embassy. I called and they said the package was sent to her beginning of August. I suppose she is going to have to go to the embassy to get the package.