2017 Post NOA2 for Cuba K1 - getting ready for interview

[forena99 74]

Hey everyone going for an interview in Havana, Cuba in 2017!

I decided to start a new forum for those folks whose interview is in Havana, Cuba, who want help on what to do after the NOA2 is approved.  

There seems to be a hold up of NOA2s pending to be approved (I think USCIS is working Nov 2016 cases right now - as I write this) and there are a few who recently submitted I-129fs who will soon (*I hope*) be on this track.  Hope this will help anyone getting ready for the interview process in Cuba. 

This forum is to:

        1. Share links and docs that help filers complete the necessary paperwork for the interview.

        2. Share information from various sources that help filers complete forms and gather additional evidence for the interview.

        3. Ask questions about the kind of information we need to gather evidence for the interview, especially questions pertaining to the interview process in Cuba.

 

Hope that helps clarify the objective for this forum.  

Let's get ready!

Forena99

 

Edited February 9, 2017 by forena99
wasn't finished

[058rocale 74]

Hello everyone! I wanted to let all of you know what I have found out about the Ds-160 application.

Ds-160 Application

I quickly started filling in with my fiance the Ds-160 Application for a nonimmigrant visa (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/). We need to bring a copy of the confirmation page to the interview, along with 2 2x2 pictures of the beneficiary. Here is more information on this form specific to Cuba (http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cu/cu-niv-ds160info.asp). Keep in mind that according to this last link "The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview" as well as payment of the nonimmigrant visa fee as stated here: " Applicants must make a successful payment before they are permitted to schedule their interview appointment ."

Payment

For the online payment of the $265.00 USD for this Ds-160 we as the benefactor follow the steps given here  http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cu/cu-niv-paymentinfo.asp under "Instructions to Pay your visa fee"

 

*Keep in mind that for K-1 visas we don't pay for the Issuance Fee (Reciprocity Fee). 

 

Hope this helps! 

 

[058rocale 74]

1 hour ago, 058rocale said:

Hello everyone! I wanted to let all of you know what I have found out about the Ds-160 application.

Ds-160 Application

I quickly started filling in with my fiance the Ds-160 Application for a nonimmigrant visa (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/). We need to bring a copy of the confirmation page to the interview, along with 2 2x2 pictures of the beneficiary. Here is more information on this form specific to Cuba (http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cu/cu-niv-ds160info.asp). Keep in mind that according to this last link "The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview" as well as payment of the nonimmigrant visa fee as stated here: " Applicants must make a successful payment before they are permitted to schedule their interview appointment ."

Payment

For the online payment of the $265.00 USD for this Ds-160 we as the benefactor follow the steps given here  http://www.ustraveldocs.com/cu/cu-niv-paymentinfo.asp under "Instructions to Pay your visa fee"

 

*Keep in mind that for K-1 visas we don't pay for the Issuance Fee (Reciprocity Fee). 

 

Hope this helps! 

 

 

 

I found this link useful for navigating the payment for DS-160 and the interview scheduling: 

http://dennyeyberg.wixsite.com/filipino-am-visa/scheduling-the-interview

 

I did all I could before getting an appointment but I saw that the earliest Appointment available is May 15! It's so far away :''( 

I read there is no difference between getting an appointment online or through phone... Have you hear anything about this? @forena99

[CubaAndChill 389]

Thank you for doing this! This will be really helpful in our journey, as I know Cuba is quite....... different... maybe difficult is a better word LOL. Es Cuba.. No es facil.

 

@058rocale I saw that too! Good luck on getting your NOA2 soon!!! I've read the same thing, that it doesn't matter what route you go down as far as the interviews go. It all depends on the consulate & the country. & thank you for all the links!!

 

Congrats on your NOA2 @forena99 !!! I'm praying my timeline follows yours when I finally send in my package. I'm flying out to see my fiance on Saturday, so I'll be sending it in once I come back (hopefully I'll be able to send it on 02/20).

 

I know that May date will change once I get my NOA2 and I probably won't get a interview until some time in September or October but I guess it's a good thing. My fiance's work is sending him to Argentina for 6 months and he won't be back in Cuba until August/ early September anyway so it may just work out. Lord willing I'll have him here by Thanksgiving/Christmas.

 

 

 

[TatiyPablo 32]

THANK YOU (!) for making this!! It is immensely helpful. I still have a ways to go as well (received my NOA1 hard copy on Jan 2) but will share anything helpful that I can in the meantime.  

 

Do you guys know if all of our Cuban partner's documents have to be translated and legalized before going to the interview at the US Embassy in Havana? Like their birth certificate, police records, medical records, etc? 

[058rocale 74]

1 hour ago, TatiyPablo said:

THANK YOU (!) for making this!! It is immensely helpful. I still have a ways to go as well (received my NOA1 hard copy on Jan 2) but will share anything helpful that I can in the meantime.  

 

Do you guys know if all of our Cuban partner's documents have to be translated and legalized before going to the interview at the US Embassy in Havana? Like their birth certificate, police records, medical records, etc? 

Hello TitiyPablo! Welcome

The documents will need to be legalized but not translated. 

[TatiyPablo 32]

On 2/9/2017 at 7:02 PM, 058rocale said:

Hello TitiyPablo! Welcome

The documents will need to be legalized but not translated. 

Thank you @058rocale! 

 

I'm sure you guys have a version of this, and forgive my neurosis, but I've been keeping a checklist of docs we will need for the embassy interview and organized it into three blocks. I'll list it below in case it is helpful for anyone, feel free to add/remove anything you see fit (or point out that I'm missing something!). xx

 

Interview:
Bring Documents in clear plastic folders. Bring US passport, drivers license, extra cash (CUC/USD).

 

I. Fiancé's Documents 

Birth Certificate for international use
Police Record
Medical exam & vaccination record
Single Certificate 
Updated Letter of Intent to Marry
(2) 2 x 2 photos - passport style
Passport
Affidavit of Support & Joint Affidavit of Support
DS 160 Confirmation Page printout 
Visa fee receipt

 

II.Continuing Evidence
Cover Page
Updated and notarized letter of intent to marry 
Photos 
Emails 
Phone records - Verizon, rebtel, and boss revolution
Facebook messages
Whatsapp messages

Facebook and Instagram posts 

Affidavit of Bonafide Relationship (2 letters from friends and family) 

 

III. Copy of I-129F Petition

[058rocale 74]

On 2/11/2017 at 9:56 AM, TatiyPablo said:

Thank you @058rocale! 

 

I'm sure you guys have a version of this, and forgive my neurosis, but I've been keeping a checklist of docs we will need for the embassy interview and organized it into three blocks. I'll list it below in case it is helpful for anyone, feel free to add/remove anything you see fit (or point out that I'm missing something!). xx

 

Interview:
Bring Documents in clear plastic folders. Bring US passport, drivers license, extra cash (CUC/USD).

 

I. Fiancé's Documents 

Birth Certificate for international use
Police Record
Medical exam & vaccination record
Single Certificate 
Updated Letter of Intent to Marry
(2) 2 x 2 photos - passport style
Passport
Affidavit of Support & Joint Affidavit of Support
DS 160 Confirmation Page printout 
Visa fee receipt

 

II.Continuing Evidence
Cover Page
Updated and notarized letter of intent to marry 
Photos 
Emails 
Phone records - Verizon, rebtel, and boss revolution
Facebook messages
Whatsapp messages

Facebook and Instagram posts 

Affidavit of Bonafide Relationship (2 letters from friends and family) 

 

III. Copy of I-129F Petition

2

Hello TitiyPablo,

Don't worry, I have the same neurosis when it comes to this interview. It's too important not to prepare and obsess about every detail haha

Your list looks great!

I.

Remember that before that for the official medical exam your fiance(e) medical records must also include previous x-rays and immunizations

Thank you for reminding me to make sure to bring his new medical exam and immunizations records with me to the interview.

**What do you mean by birth certificate for international use? Is it his normal certificate but legalized for international use? 

II. 

I like the idea of a cover page for the continuing evidence and the notarization of my intent to marry. I will imitate you. When you say the Affidavit of Bonafide Relationship, are those letter of your family talking about your fiance and wedding plans? 

I am also going to include here the receipt from our wedding rings, my dress for our City Hall ceremony, and receipt and a copy of the invitations for my after wedding celebration. I am even going to include the recipe and pictures of the new bed I'm buying for both of us haha 

II.

**Will you bring the whole binder copy of your I-129F petition? 

 

**When you find that clear plastic folder let me know. I have looked everywhere without success. 

 

 

 

 

[058rocale 74]

I have a question maybe someone has come across. I want my fiance to start getting his medical records, certificate of soletría and criminal records. I know he has to certify everything as well and that everything takes time. Now, considering my interview will probably be in May, should I wait a month or two before asking him to do this? are they time sensitive? That maybe, for example, they should be requested within the month of the interview? 

[058rocale 74]

On 2/11/2017 at 9:56 AM, TatiyPablo said:

Thank you @058rocale! 

 

I'm sure you guys have a version of this, and forgive my neurosis, but I've been keeping a checklist of docs we will need for the embassy interview and organized it into three blocks. I'll list it below in case it is helpful for anyone, feel free to add/remove anything you see fit (or point out that I'm missing something!). xx

 

Interview:
Bring Documents in clear plastic folders. Bring US passport, drivers license, extra cash (CUC/USD).

 

I. Fiancé's Documents 

Birth Certificate for international use
Police Record
Medical exam & vaccination record
Single Certificate 
Updated Letter of Intent to Marry
(2) 2 x 2 photos - passport style
Passport
Affidavit of Support & Joint Affidavit of Support
DS 160 Confirmation Page printout 
Visa fee receipt

 

II.Continuing Evidence
Cover Page
Updated and notarized letter of intent to marry 
Photos 
Emails 
Phone records - Verizon, rebtel, and boss revolution
Facebook messages
Whatsapp messages

Facebook and Instagram posts 

Affidavit of Bonafide Relationship (2 letters from friends and family) 

 

III. Copy of I-129F Petition

I found this useful, Maybe you will like it too http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/324161-how-to-organize-your-documents/

 

[CubaAndChill 389]

On 2/13/2017 at 1:29 PM, 058rocale said:

I have a question maybe someone has come across. I want my fiance to start getting his medical records, certificate of soletría and criminal records. I know he has to certify everything as well and that everything takes time. Now, considering my interview will probably be in May, should I wait a month or two before asking him to do this? are they time sensitive? That maybe, for example, they should be requested within the month of the interview? 

Hi @058rocale

I went to go see my fiance in Cuba this past week and we had that conversation. I asked him if he had gotten his birth certificate and his certificate of solteria yet, but he said they are time sensitive and are only good for 3 months (or was told this at the office where he gets them) so he hasn't gotten anything yet. My plan is to wait until I have the confirmation of the appointment for the interview and then 1-2 months from that date have him do his medical and everything else so once we go to the interview they'll still be valid.

[058rocale 74]

15 hours ago, CubaAndChill said:

Hi @058rocale

I went to go see my fiance in Cuba this past week and we had that conversation. I asked him if he had gotten his birth certificate and his certificate of solteria yet, but he said they are time sensitive and are only good for 3 months (or was told this at the office where he gets them) so he hasn't gotten anything yet. My plan is to wait until I have the confirmation of the appointment for the interview and then 1-2 months from that date have him do his medical and everything else so once we go to the interview they'll still be valid.

 

Thank you so much for this information!! I had looked everywhere and could not find anything. I will wait that 1-2 month timeframe before the interview date.

P.D: I am glad you had the chance to visit your fiance las week! Hope you had a wonderful time  I will be going in two weeks to see my fiance and I am so excited! 

[forena99 74]

HI Everyone!

I'm finally back!  Sorry, I've been MIA for weeks.  I've been waiting for my NVC case number/letter and have not received anything yet.  I've been trying to do other things to make the time pass faster, but now I'm done waiting and need to contact NVC.  The letter says wait 30 days, but others I've seen are only waiting 10-14 days.  Is the only way to know the case # is through the hard copy letter?  There is no email or text?

 

I wanted to put some links @058rocale gave me for the MEDICAL EXAM.  

HAV - Havana Examen medico.pdf

Examen Médico reglas.pdf

 

@TatiyPablo: love your list of documents, thank you!

And thanks everyone for the info.  Very helpful.

Cheers,

Forena99

[058rocale 74]

7 minutes ago, forena99 said:

HI Everyone!

I'm finally back!  Sorry, I've been MIA for weeks.  I've been waiting for my NVC case number/letter and have not received anything yet.  I've been trying to do other things to make the time pass faster, but now I'm done waiting and need to contact NVC.  The letter says wait 30 days, but others I've seen are only waiting 10-14 days.  Is the only way to know the case # is through the hard copy letter?  There is no email or text?

 

I wanted to put some links @058rocale gave me for the MEDICAL EXAM.  

HAV - Havana Examen medico.pdf

Examen Médico reglas.pdf

 

@TatiyPablo: love your list of documents, thank you!

And thanks everyone for the info.  Very helpful.

Cheers,

Forena99

 

Hi Forena!! 

Glad you are back  

From what I have read in many other post and information online, the NVC can give you your case # through the phone after 10-14 days. Let us know how it goes!

[forena99 74]

On 2/13/2017 at 11:29 AM, 058rocale said:

I have a question maybe someone has come across. I want my fiance to start getting his medical records, certificate of soletría and criminal records. I know he has to certify everything as well and that everything takes time. Now, considering my interview will probably be in May, should I wait a month or two before asking him to do this? are they time sensitive? That maybe, for example, they should be requested within the month of the interview? 

Hi @058rocale,

I agree, do the medical 1 month before (probably one of the last things to do).  My fiance was told to do it 1 month before.

Other docs like soltería and criminal records and photos expire in 6 months, I thought.

birth certificate does not expire, does it?