Girlfriend turned down for TOURIST VISA today

oldbongo says on Jan 5, 2005, 20:06:

condolences... the hidden agenda??

just multiply 120 times $200 times .....everyday.

the canadians do the same.

you would be wise to deposit money in her account now
and let it sit 'til the next time.they don't say how much
because it is not fixed,...but imagine, $2000 may be
percieved as little enough reason to return.

looks like you get to go to locolombia..

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joser says on Jan 6, 2005, 09:05:

soory to hear I believe that obtaining a us visa is sometimes due to luck. A friend of mine just got her, and her kids visa two months ago. She works for a senator but makes probably 500000 pesos a month, no bank account, definetily no land or anything else to vouch for her, other than a letter from her job that she had been there 6 years. She went in, had the interview and in ten minutes received the visa. I even had to lend her the money so she could get her passport and pay for the visa appointment. Goes to show you, all about luck

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zambo says on Jan 6, 2005, 09:08:

Boo Hoo, Cry me a river, then build a bridge and get over it.

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toneloc24 says on Jan 6, 2005, 09:37:

Sorry to hear I've often heard that the tourist visa is a crap shoot, nothing objective. I know several more-than-qualified candidates who've been rejected as well. It's a common tale.

She's been working for the gov't for 10 yrs. Perhaps she may need to call in some favors. Never know what may happen in 6 months.

At least you get to go back to Colombia, LOL!!!

Good luck.

"PBH is dead!!!!"

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Miguel says on Jan 6, 2005, 10:35:

Hey Zambo You have just won the ASSHOLE OF THE DAY AWARD.

"There is nothing lower than the human race...except for the French." - Mark Twain 1878-79

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Bruce V. Shrader says on Jan 6, 2005, 10:36:

tourist Visa In my opinion, the U.s. Consulate (Embasy) service,
in Bogota, SUX! I never deal with them.
I have heard stories like this before.
The immigration INS. here in the U.S. is
the same way. Took me and my wife two years to
get her Resident Card.
WHY? ...... Government Bureaucracy, that's why!

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Skippy says on Jan 6, 2005, 10:57:

Zambo I don't know where you are from, I am assuming it is the States or Canada. I hope one day someone denies you a visa for no other reason other than the fact that you're a butthead foreigner. If you are from Canada, I am ashamed to call you a fellow countryman.
PETER. GET RID OF THIS GUY PLEASE. Thanks.

Yup

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michaelz says on Jan 6, 2005, 10:59:

visa My girlfriend has been trying to get a fiancee visa for 2 years. Last time she was at the embassy she talked to a girl who has been MARRIED to a gringo for 3 years, and still hasn't gotten a visa.

She says the whole visa thing is operated as a money-making venture to subsidize the US embassy (on the backs of some of the poorest people in the hemisphere).

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ARMacleod says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:08:

ACB. My sympathies, it's a real pain. I have been through the same nonsense.

I know exactly how you feel and I know exactly just what you would like to do and to whom you would like to do it.

Resist the temptation, these mindless freaks have the power in their hands, empty los órganos reproductores and hard hearts.

They are classed in England as ‘Civil Servants' they are neither civil or are they servile.

You have the right to appeal against their decision but don't hold your breath waiting for an answer.

If you are with the lady during the application, there is a 90% better chance that it will be accepted.

Smile, keep your voice low, be diplomatic, humble even.

Make a pencil drawing of them, or better still if you can get a picture of them, take it home with you and whatever the outcome of the interview, stick pins into it whilst mumbling mystic gibberish

It works. If it should fail, you at least will feel much better.

Ah, I almost forgot; ZAMBO, YOU ARE A MORONIC IMBECILE. Try grabbing hold of your ears and pull your head out of your arse.

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions. ¡El diablo me hizo lo hago! But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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G-Capo says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:09:

I dont get why they do this to Colombians It's not like we are terrorist like certain people {cough cough mid east cough}

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Skippy says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:17:

So... I hate to hear the stories of some of my students who have family in the USA and can't see them.

When I got my visa to go to Brazil everything is clearly marked what you need, no mystery. Pay your money and you're off.

In the US, it seems to be the mood of the agent at the moment. If she didn't get cream for her coffee someone is going to pay for that. What utter poo poo.

Yup

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untreated says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:26:

Don't worry, Zambo We still love you!

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zambo says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:37:

Miguel, Mario, Shane, and JamesVH. oh noes, i have been e-insulted. My e-dignity is now hurt. FCUK off and grow up. Thank GOD i am not canadian, eh?
again, to all you losers that got people with visa denied cry me a mother-*insert insult here*- river, then, build me a bridge and get over it.

untreaded, sup big man? thanks for the love

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fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:39:

Sounds like your girl got screwed. Sorry to hear that.

In reply to some other comments: I don't think the world hates the U.S. because they deny tourist visas! I am sure they deny visas for ridiculous reasons all the time. However, would you have the U.S. government approve a visa for every schmuck wanting to come here?

They are most likely denying tourist visas to Colombians, not because they are afraid they will bomb the freakin' White House, but because they know there is a good chance the person will overstay the visa, or never go back at all. Very simple.

Why should it be so damn easy for a foreigner to get in the U.S.? If there wasn't such a long and well documented history of people coming here on tourist visas and never leaving, maybe it would be different. Oh, and Canada? Please. I have personally met many people (mostly Brazilian) that could not get a tourist visa to come to the U.S., but they were able to get one from Canada. They go to Canada, walk across the border, and schazam, they are in the U.S. never to leave.

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miamimike says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:46:

US Visa Issuance follows no logical course ABC, sorry to hear of your misfortune however it is not surprising. Read on the internet some months back that the US Govt. was assuming responsability for Tourists Visas from Bogota to Wash.DC but according to your story that hasn't transpired. It should, then maybe guidelines would be followed as to who and who doesn't recieve a visa. These shenanigans have existed at the US Embassy in Bogota for years with 1000s of stories like yours. Colombia is not included in the Current Visa Lottery and one reason given is that Colombia has many overstays or people simply NOT returning home to Colombia before their Visa Exp. date. These absconders lower the chances folks like your LF in getting a visa. All these numbers are factored in formulating numbers for visas to be granted. If you really want to bring her here-why not give her a fiancee visa-the fact she was turned down for a tourist visa will have no bearing on you applying for a Fiancee visa. She can stay up to 90 days and can be brought back again via the same manner but with a new fiancee visa application and repaying for the I-135(visa fiancee) My neighbor here in Miami brought his colombian LF 3 times via the fiancee visa route. Good luck and don't give up--look at other avenues for getting her here.

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 11:54:

Couldn't respond last night Sorry I couldn't respond last night...something wrong with the board otherwise I would have immediately asked what got up zambo's ass to make him such an indifferent prick. I wasn't asking for a shoulder to cry on; I was just getting back to folks that asked to be kept informed but still he has no idea how difficult this has been on both sides of our families.

Thank you all for your responses and yes, I have heard these stories before too but I thought it was a slam dunk given her government position. It really is a crapshoot because some people without jobs or funds get a visa immediately and some with the best history and references don't.

What was obvious was that my GF did not get interviewed at all. The consulate girl just looked at a bank statement and denied her right away. I'm just pissed that if that were the sole criteria, my GF should have been informed in the first place. That fact that it all happened this way and the embassy keeps the $200 has undertones of scandal and it is worsened by the fact that $200 is a lot of money to earn on top of regular salary even for a gov't worker.

I know the US can't let EVERYONE in who wants it but there is no sense in how they descriminate the applicants. Odd that all a Cuban has to do is put one toe in the sand on some Miami beach and they're in...no paperwork.

Has anyone heard of any recourse? My GF wasnt' interviewed; she was flat out scammed. At this point, I'm thinking of heading back down to Bogota for an extended stay (2-5 months) and wondering if I should go with the K-1 beforehand or the K-3 while I'm there. I hear it is illegal to marry while on a tourist visit to Colombia but I know people do it all the time.

Also, I hear that there isn't direct consular filing anymore unless I were a resident of Colombia but that's not going to happen. I'm just thinking the K-3 might be easier, even if it has to get filed in Nebraska anyway, because we would be married and it would be harder to turn us down than with a K-1. Anyone with recent experience please reply.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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cremaster says on Jan 6, 2005, 12:29:

Zambo... That was incredibly rude of you. What if Miguel, Mario, Shane, and JamesVH don´t believe in crying rivers or building bridges? How insensitive of you to push YOUR beliefs on them.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas,
Patrick

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paisa29 says on Jan 6, 2005, 12:29:

Colombia doesn´t apply for the visas lottery

"Fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" Conrad Hilton

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juanalejo says on Jan 6, 2005, 12:47:

Visas I have also heard lots of stories about the embassy denying visas to people who have had it for a life time, my grandmothers sister got hers denied about a year ago after having it for many years. I wonder if they thought she was going to work illegally in the US.But I have one thing to say about Americans, at least they do give multiple entry visas for lengthy spans of time, which does make life simpler, and in that sense I guess they should look closer every time they renew it. Canada is a joke, you have fill a booklet telling your life´s story and that of you whole family (no joke) and then you are given a visa por the exact period you are going to be there. Mexico let us not talk, they asked me once to see my company´s bank statements (back then I worked for a very well known American multinational) to see if they could afford my trip. And the European ones it gets worse, the Spanish insult you in your face, the French are not as bad, and the British think Colombia is part of their colonial realm. AC sorry for your gf, better luck next time. I have also heard stories of people who simply reapply for the hell of it and the second time they are given the visa. Like said before, it is pure luck.

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ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 13:32:

Thank you Juanalejo I just spoke with a consul at the embassy and my GF had a gov't official call this morning also. They're going to try for an appeal on the grounds that the interview was lacking or at worst, derelict given that the consul girl didn't conduct and interview in the first place. I'll know more later tomorrow given that the embassy is closing in 20 minutes.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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Lionheart says on Jan 6, 2005, 13:50:

it pays to complain I had to complain to various consuls in Germany about their rotten lazy subordinates in the Consulates General of Frankfurt and Hamburg, even had to write a formal complaint to D.C. once ... and I was US citizen living in Germany! And it only concerned me and myself at the time.

Then I was married to my German wife for 5 years, had 3 kids with dual citizenship, all well documented, but when we put in for residency in the USA she was treated like dirt at the consulate, including the medical examination. Later immigrations in Chicago were even worse. Welcome to America!

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fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 14:23:

I don't think you should judge the entire country because of the workers in the embassies or consulates. These are just regular people and some are assholes and some are not. I don't believe the person who 'interviewed' AC's novia was following some official embassy policy. They are probably given a huge amount of latitude in their decision making process. Like miamimike said, it follows no logic course. Each person at the embassy that interviews may have different ideas about who gets approved and who doesn't.

Oh and Shane. Your little comment: "The American government wonders why everyone hates them. Land of the free and home of the afraid." Shut the hell up. When was the last time Canada was attacked or threatened with attack? Are there tens of thousands of people flocking to Canada everyday from all over the world because they want a better life? Canada would just be used as a staging point for the people to come to the U.S. Please show me the numbers that compares U.S. and Canadian immigration and non-immigrant visitors(tourists).

I do not see how anyone can compare the process to get in the U.S. to any other country in the world. Anybody with some sense would agree that the U.S. is unique in the world when it comes to immigration and non-immigrant visitors. The sheer numbers of people wanting to come here for whatever reason is unlike anywhere else. Take a look at the numbers. They speak for themselves. http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/aboutus/statistics/index.htm

Take a look at this little document. http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/aboutus/statistics/Ill_Report_1211.pdf

The 2000 census showed that 2.5% of the population was living here illegally. This of course is just an estimate. It would be nearly impossible to know for sure. An even better number for this forum is that people from Colombia were 4th on the list for countries where the illegal folks are from (Canada was 15)(see page 9 of doc for this table).

AC, I will say again that your novia was screwed over in this deal. Hopefully when I need a visa for my novia I will get someone having a good day that uses some freakin' sense! If not, I will be here bitching and moaning like everyone else.

I will stop now. Getting all worked up.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 6, 2005, 14:35:

The strangest thing is this thread was your comment, AC, that you thought it was a slam dunk. Why on earth would you think that? I have heard so many stories of tourist visa denials that I know it is a crap shoot. Pure and simple. I met a woman on the plane once who had one, no job, no property in Colombia, relatives in the US yet she managed to get a tourist visa. Maybe she paid somebody off. When I went with my wife to get her K-3 visa we saw probably over 100 people applying for tourist visas. In the afternoon, there were maybe 5 people who were successful. Pretty much everyone in Colombia knows that a US tourist visa is impossible to get.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Skippy says on Jan 6, 2005, 14:45:

Okay man.... take it easy. I edited my comment. Perhaps I was a little harsh with my words, but you don't need to freak out on me. Sorry man. I will use a better choice of words next time.

Yup

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fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:06:

Shane I took a pill. I am better now.

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miamimike says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:11:

Colombians not in Visa Lottery Why do you think they aren't in the Lottery??--Too high a percentage of Overstays or no-returns on tourist's Visas. Think this does not affect who can and cannot enter the Visa Lottery? Think again. And these people Ruin it for someone going by the law-they get denied because of the LawBreakers.

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:16:

Again I thought it would be a slam dunk because of my GF's priximity to government and the president. Even without those, she still has an excellent history. She even avoided the obvious pitfalls of mentioning a boyfriend here. Remember, she wasn't actually interviewed. The consul girl looked at a bank statement and turned her down. There was no interview. For $200, she should have at least said good morning. Seriously, if she was supposed to be interviewed, she should have been but she wasn't. Okay, even if it wasn't a slam dunk, at least deny her on solid gounds, not the 2-second glace at her bank statement and the rude dismissal. This is the part that angers me and others here. I don't think anyone here believes all applicants should get automatically approved just because they apply and pay a fee, nor should they. However, there's something to be said about being empathetic enough to the applicant's struggles just to pay for the appointment and all the costs and time paid for just that 5-minute interview.

We pay good tax money for professionalism from our gov't workers and the consul position is a pretty good one. I almost did it but ended up working for another federal agency. Even still, I would treat each person with respect because they deserve it and them wanting to visit the U.S. is a compliment. No matter how monotonous the job, people deserve respect. Americans are not snobish, crass assholes as a whole but our consuls represent us and this is not the indifference and performance I expect and pay for.

This is my second time around. The first time, after marrying, my wife and I went to the embassy for the K3 and walked past all the tourist visa applicants...and of course, there were many. My wife got an appointment for two weeks later and was literally handed her permanent residence card, no mailing it to her Bogota address. They really didn't interview her either, just took the papers and automatically gaver her the card. From wedding to residence card took three weeks.

This is my second time around and we're taking it slowly. I want my GF to visit and see how she likes things and how we get along before jumpling headlong into marriage. Unfortunately, the US doesn't offer a 'try-before-you-buy' visa as that would really help things. I guess the fiance visa might suffice given that you have 90 days to marry.


Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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untreated says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:38:

Utopia cowboy wrote: "Pretty much everyone in Colombia knows that a US tourist visa is impossible to get."

That is totally untrue. My friend Jose Alejandro Vanegas just got a tourist visa for the US, and Ricardo's Vasquez' s mother just got one also, from the US Embassy in Bogotá. Miguel Angel's brother was turned down, though, more's the pity. Sopa, say hi to Migue for me!
Why does he post such a completely false statement, I mean, anyone who makes such a stupid and mistaken assertion is just displaying ignorance.

Family experience with US Embassy in Bogotá is that they do an excellent job, my hat is off to them, they have to deal with so many LIARS every day.

Did this 30 yr old woman actually tell them that she was going to Disneyland? Oh., come on, she could have done better than that. The first rule is, don't lie. She can apply again, because as my mother used to say, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. If ACBlessing loves her, he will help her get the FIANCEE visa, not the tourist visa, she obviously was coming up to meet him, and lied about it to the Embassy staff. Don't forget to mention that little fact when you complain, counsellor. You can NOT get married in Colombia on a tourist visa, period. Do things the right way and you will have a better chance at success in life.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:45:

It is clear to me Untreated that you have either: 1- never been to the US embassy in Bogota or 2 - it was a damm long time ago. Everyone I have spoken to in Colombia hates that place. I hate it! Sure some people get tourist visas, even the day I was there there were a couple of people who received them. But the facts are the facts - very damm few people get one. And no, AC, there is not usually an interview - usually they don't even ask you any questions. They just deny you.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:48:

I hear you Gringoinbogota Yep, we're trying even today to get the appropriate people in contact with eachother due to the recency (yesterday) and hopefully someone will reexamine the application. I know that doesn't mean an automatic approval and in my last post I sound naive enough to think that all should be polite and easy because the reality is just the opposite. I guess it is just because of my vested interest in this one, GF and all that her app should actually be looked at which it wasn't.

Speaking of letterhead, she has a letter from Uribe himself along with the base commander at CATAM but the consul girl didn't even look at them. We're hoping phone calls from the right people with the direct phone numbers can at least earn an actual interview much less an approval. That's all we want, just a fair interview that anyone applying should get.

If not, I'll catch up with you in Bogota and we'll share some Aguila and talk about plan B...and I'll have to change my name to "anothergringoinbogota"


Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 15:48:

P.S. 90 days? Are you sure about 90 days? I thought it was 6 minths?


Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:08:

Hey untreated... If you took the time to read instead of pontificate, you'd see that I mentioned I wanted to take it slow and have her come here as a tourist to check things out first, not to come here so we can marry and circumvent the process. If and when we are ready to marry, of course I would apply for the fiance visa.

However, if you'd ever care to visit the embassy, you'd know that there is a basic strategy and part of that is not to mention you know someone in the U.S. The visa application is an adversarial process and it is wise to stick to the plan and not elaborate about things. Just like you wouldn't wear a T-shirt that says "Osama bin Laden is one cool dude," you'd never bring up the fact that you know someone here. This is smart...not lying.

Coming into this discussion and calling people's experiences stupid and ignorant relfects more on your own stupidity and ignorance about how the system acutally works. Like I said, one of my many visits there had been for a permanent residency matter and I personally saw huge numbers of people there for visas and being turned down...that doesn't even include the line formed around the fence of the embassy of people waiting just to apply. I'm not going to throw around numbers but few people out of all the applicants are granted visas....so as per your suggestion not to forget to mention that to the interviewer, no thanks, THAT would be fucking stupid and an automatic denial. By the way, I think my life is successful enough, at least for me and I made it all this way without your shortsighted wisdom in fact.

We are being very careful about obeying the laws and yes, if she would have gotten here, it would have been so we can hook up with my parent's in Florida and yes, visit Disney which she has wanted to do since childhood.


Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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kernow62 says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:09:

AC my wife's sister spent a fortune trying to get a tourist visa, she went 4 times and was denied each time. She had plenty of money in the bank, a good job, a home but was denied. I realise why they did it and even though they were wrong, it made sense to me why they acted that way. After 9 years she was allowed to move here to the US on a permanent basis.

So if fzrdan is correct (I have my doubts) tell her to get a visa to visit Canada, you aren't far away. Heck she can just waltz in across the border if she likes.

Hope it works out for you, but at least you have some options.

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kernow62 says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:11:

Hey Juanalejo if the Brits really think Colombia is part of their commonwealth, it should be great news. Real easy to get in.

Unfortunately I have known many Colombians who were caught out by immigration at the airport in London, so I suppose at least a few must know where Colombia is.

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fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:12:

Oh Canada Maybe it is not easy to get a visa to Canada any longer, but it used to be. Seems strange that I met quite a few Brazilians that got to the U.S. following the path I laid out earlier. I hope that Canada tightened things up a bit due to certain events.

I better do some work and stop posting here now.

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Skippy says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:31:

I agree... Canada has had some very lax immigration laws. It may have to do with the fact that the population is going to drop by 2012. We are talking about the second largest counrty in the world with only 32 million people. Apparently, the birth rate just wasn't happening so Canada put some programs together for Latina Americans as well as other nationalities to come and make little babies. I don't know where it stands post 9 / 11 which changed everything. I do know that Canada closed the door on China a while ago and were more focussed on Latin America. I even met a couple of new Landed Immigrants from Colombia on the beach in Vancouver a week ago. They were drinking rum on the frozen beach celebrating. Whoops, coffee time.

Yup

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latingirl says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:46:

Airfare Ok have to go to Cali on an emergency basis, abuela esta en una clinica. What is the best airline to use from Charlotte to Cali. Man US airways has outrageous fares despite the fact that they are facing shutdown.....

Have any suggestions. I know Avianca sounds good from MIA to CLO, but other than that I do not where else to look

Thanks in advance.

mishelle

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Gomezman5 says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:51:

EXTERNAL FACTORS to consider At this point I don't think I can contribute much from what has already been said. Except to say, Fzrdan was right on point when he speaks about the number of colombians that come here and overstay their visas. These days, the numbers are incredibly high. I by no means am saying that this is true in all cases.

While the proccess may appear to be arbitrary and have an element of luck, I will not subscribe to the notion that the entire decsion is contingent upon the mood of the embassy counselor/interviewer on a given day.

One thing that has not been mentioned here as of yet, is that there is a distinct possibility that the embassy "profiles" the candidates at the time of the interview. AC, while $$, ownership of property, stability in your job, assets in general, children (ages), and marital status are all factors to be taken into consideration, the counselor, is given a certain set of variables that only he/she is familiar with that he/she uses in combination with the above, to assist that person in making the final decision as to whether to grand or deny a visa or renewal of that visa. We will never no what these other variables are.

AC, I doubt very much, given her excellent history, that your depositing another few hundred or even thousands in her account would have made much of a difference.....IN FACT, the embassy officials knows very well that these days this is a common tactic that people use to give the impression of wealth, where in fact it does not exist. And given that fact, it is probably more likey, that they will rely on these other variables that they use in their decision proccess to assist them in their final determination. I'm a lawyer, and I used to be a hearing officer in the government. Often the factors that assited me in my decision making proccess were those that were unrelated to the facts as they were presented on their face. Matters such as veracity and truthfullness had to be determined by presentation, appearance and related....even eye contact was something to be considered.

In summary, there is little I can say accept to point out that there are those who prevail and those that don't, and ultimatly what criteria are used to determine who will and who will not prevail probably will not and should not ever be within our domain of knowledge.

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Gomezman5 says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:02:

And Zambo........as to you While honestly I have a difficult time believing that you are truly insensitive to this persons plight, what I am wondering is why you would post a comment that clearly was designed not so much as to insult AC, but above and beyond that, you had to know that you were going to be subject to a lot of ridicule from other people.

In short, if you were looking for attention, you succeeded. But why not seek attention from others in a constructive context? I think you will find greater satisfaction in doing so. If I may add, you never no when the day may come, when you too will find the desire to come to this forum for comfort. At this point, should you ever do so, it is not likely you will find much comfort coming your way....

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latingirl says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:04:

same experience my cousin ran across the very same thing about a couple of months ago...

paid all the fees, had supporting information, hefty amount of pesos in her account. And as she told me in an email, " y la veraca vieja no quiso mirar ningun papel ni me pregunte nada." I thought after this that this was standard, Consulates manipulating the situation in Colombia....


I didn't know that there was an appeal process..........

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viewpoint says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:13:

AC It has been about 5 years since my last visit with someone to get their tourist visa so I may not be up to date. First anything but a yes (approval) is viewed by the Colombian woman as a denial of their visa request. Unless the procedure has changed the embassy has to send a letter within two weeks stating the reason why the visa was denied. The embassy in some cases will accept supplimential information and another appearance at window 16 (working from memory) on certain days and times. Depending upon the wording in her denial letter she may be in the gray area of being able to appear again with supplimental information to support her application within a week after her letter is received.

Finally, a supporting letter from the president of Colombia would have resulted in the issuance of her visa. She should have gave that first before or with the bank statement. I have seen them in action at that embassy and they are butual.

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cremaster says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:24:

fzrdan ¨When was the last time Canada was attacked or threatened with attack? Are there tens of thousands of people flocking to Canada everyday from all over the world because they want a better life? Canada would just be used as a staging point for the people to come to the U.S. Please show me the numbers that compares U.S. and Canadian immigration and non-immigrant visitors(tourists).¨

Glad to see that you and Shane have made up. But, to answer your questions:
1) The last time Canada was attacked was the War of 1812. We were attacked by America. Canada won that war. It seems to have been glossed over in American History books.
2) Yes, there are tens of thousands of people flocking to Canada everyday from all over the world because they want a better life? Canad admits approximately 1 million new residents a year. And, has been doing so for about 10 years. Which for such a small population base is a lot to absorb. The reason behind it is the declining population rates (linked to high taxes) were going to be too low to pay the retirement benefits of the yuppies.

But you are right most Canadians should ´shut the hell up´ until the country carries it´s own weight internationally. As it is, Canada has a disfunctional military, but a shrill voice blathering about how good Candians are and insulting Americans out of the other side.

Patrick

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untreated says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:27:

I said "anyone who makes such a stupid and mistaken assertion is just displaying ignorance". I did not call anyone's experiences stupid and ignorant.

Utopiacowboy, someone once said, "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing." The last time I was at the US Embassy in Bogota was in May 2000. I have been there quite a number of times over the past years. I got my latest US passport through the US Consulate in Barranquilla, though, it only took 4 months.

ACBlessing, how do you know that "there is a basic strategy and part of that is not to mention you know someone in the U.S"? What terrible advice to give her!! In other words, you TOLD her to lie. The US Embassy staff, whom you have never met, but describe as "some teenager-appearing, young, blond girl" (hearsay evidence)" is actually very good at her job of spotting LIARS. If your girl friend had told the TRUTH, that she wants to visit you, Alex Blessing of Spokane, and that YOU invited her to DisneyWorld or wherever and to meet your parents, instead of PRETENDING that she doesn't even know you exist, she probably would have gotten the visa.

If you really wanted to know what went on at the US Embassy you should have taken the trouble to get on a plane and go with your girlfriend to the interview.

You could make a start by RESPECTING the people who represent the US in Bogotá, believe me it's a dangerous and often thankless job.

You know NOTHING about what goes on at US Embassy in Bogota, whereas I am an expert on that subject. By the way, I have been on this forum for a number of years.

Hey, sopa, Cougars beat Louisville last night! Go, Coogs!!

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isaactraveler says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:32:

hi ac. sorry for your bad luck I also heard that it can barely be called a crap shoot trying to get a tourist visa, which is why I am willing to pay so that my future mother in law can go to bogota to apply for one HAHAHA.

seriously, the fiancee visa was a costly route, but at least it was easy. I would head over there and hang out for a month. leave me your keys and I will feed your dog.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:35:

I believe that you are right, Gomezman, that there is a screening process in place and the actual "interview" is not really an interview because the decision has already been made. This was certainly true in the case of our K-3 interview.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 18:07:

Hello Patrick Maybe I should start another thread. Or even go to a different forum for this but I can't get away from this Canada thing today.

My 'shut the hell up' comment was a bit much I admit.

I would agree that if Canada was absorbing 1 million immigrants per year in addition to new births by citizens, that is a tremendous amount. However, numbers from the Canadian government do not match that figure.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/monitor/issue06/02-immigrants.html

According to your own government, there were only 220,000 immigrants (legal) in 2003.

Here is another great website about Canada immigration. This website gives information that the Canadian government will cap immigration in 2005 to 225,000 people. Not quite 1 million.
http://www.workpermit.com/canada/canada.htm

Wait a minute. This is a forum about Colombia. I will take my own advice and shut the hell up now.

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Gomezman5 says on Jan 6, 2005, 20:15:

fzrda, you make some valid points and..... you made some clear and realistic assessments as to why our friend's
GF could not obtain her visa...Good contribution

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fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 20:25:

Gomezman5 Thanks. I will be asking lots of questions of you folks so I will try to provide good information when I can.

Speaking of questions. I have another one. Time to start a new thread.

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ACBlessing says on Jan 7, 2005, 01:47:

untreated Look, I posted this info because people wanted to know and asked me to post when I found out. I am not asking for advice or sympathy although I appreciate the comiseration of other folks here who have gone through the same ordeal.

I am not here for your cross examination in the courtroom of your own mind so this isn't a matter of hearsay or debate. I didn't tell my GF to lie, moron, I said she wasn't going to mention that I would meet her in Florida. I don't know what kind of expertise you claim to have but I'm going to assume that it isn't law since you missed what I've said entirely for the sake of throwing yourself out here as if you know something.

In fact, my GF ended up not answering any questions, much less about Disney or about me because she wasn't asked any. If the question came up, she was to tell them that she had me and my family to pay for the food and shelter for her visit and that she wouldn’t be lacking for money, not that she was only coming to see a boyfriend and never leave like you assume. The consul is going into this interview assuming certain about the applicant and it is the applicant's duty to tell only the truth and not volunteer more for the risk of giving the consul reason to deny the application. That isn't lying, stupid.

She also had an invitation from my parents and me to show but never got the chance. Oh, and the money in her account was what she saved, not from any that I ever gave her. Yet, the consulate asked nothing, didn't look at any document except the bank statement and denied her.

Given that you struggle to read people's comments before vomiting your diatribe all over the place, you could have saved yourself the trouble of capitalizing ‘liars’ and ‘pretending.’ Oh but I forget you’re the consummate expert in something. I guess everyone else who has ever gone through this is just imagining things and that perhaps we should have come humbly on our knees to beseech your all-knowing wisdom…that is if you could pull your head out of your ass long enough to say something intelligent.

Lastly, you self-important piece of work, I do in fact know a hell of a lot that goes on within the embassy as I have been in places there and worked for people that you couldn’t get near or else I would know you. I have known good consuls and now a rather bad one…yes the “teenager-appearing, young, blond girl” my GF described. There are reasons I’ve been throughout Colombia and the embassy before this recent venture into the tourist visa…and it wasn’t because one day I decided to take a trip to Colombia just for the hell of it. It just blows my mind how you call yourself some kind of expert yet without knowing a thing about me, you have the stupidity to claim I know “NOTHING” about what goes on at the embassy. I mean really… what a dipshit. Who knows, maybe you worked there too but at least I’m not going to assume you know nothing and trash you on the discussion because I don’t know anything about you aside for your obvious need for attention and propensity for drama.

Now why didn’t I think of your advice and fly down to Bogotá for the day? Jees, that’s brilliant. I guess because I have to work every day and cannot simply hop a plane for Bogotá made your dim-witted idea slip my mind. Instead, I must trust my government workers are giving people a fair shake and cannot just whiz down there to supervise a visa interview. On the military side, I sometimes have a thankless job given my decisions don’t always make people happy but I have to follow through anyway. I can empathize for both sides and I think I’m pretty well qualified to tell dereliction of duty when I see it. In your case, you certainly deserve the contempt you create here.

By the way, who gives a shit if you’ve been on the board a number of years or a number of hours anyway? Better to be thought of as an imbecile than typing it and proving it. Too late for that now. Whatever the case, I'm not on trial here, especially by you. If you have a problem with everything I say, simply screw off and find another discussion to harrass.

To the rest of you normal folks, thank you for your input into the matter and for your experiences as well. I’m not sure what all this has to do with Canada and The War of 1812, but it’s interesting. Gozeman, thank you for the feedback but I did not deposit any money in her account and as I said earlier, there wasn’t an actual interview where her answers might have affected the decision. The consulate girl simply looked at the bank statement and that was all, no questions. It is that simple distinction that I’m stuck on. I have considered many things but keep returning to the realization that this wasn’t a fair interview or even an interview at all. It seems Latingirl’s cousin experienced the same thing.

I see a couple time that people suggest I go with the fiancé visa instead but as I said, I want to take things slowly this time so the K1 wouldn’t apply here. Jees, I’m not sure about using the K1 over and over again as a tourist visa but I guess it could work. I think I will be pretty certain after the tourist visa if I want to follow through with the K1. At this point, I might have to cash in my vacation time and take a leave for Bogotá. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.


Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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isaactraveler says on Jan 7, 2005, 05:35:

"They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance."

Use the quote correctly. AC, you have no need to defend yourself to that guy. The minute someone claims to be an expert in ANYTHING, he becomes suspect in everything.

This is actually the first time I saw anything on this board relating to a general Visa, so I consider it very helpful. The beauty of the Fiancee visa is this: It isnt immediately permanent like actual marriage outside the U.S. is. Including the cost for travel to Bogota and documents to be copied/translated, I think the ordeal cost me about $600.

The upside:
-I got to work on this project with Angelica, and see how she functions when dealing with beaurocratic red tape.
-It gave us both time to get to know each other better
-It STILL gives us 90 days to decide if marriage is good for us.
-The Fiancee visa is currently taking about 8 months from start to finish to complete
-If they will give it to her based on "MY" support, they will give it to just about anyone.

Downside:
-the money
-the time
-the responsiblity for that person the moment they set foot on U.S. soil.

Use the time it takes to complete the process and get to know her well.

(and dont let her show the embassy your photo, there is a restriction on granting visas to girlfriends of ugly guys). ok just kidding here you arent ugly, but I dont want to get TOOOOOOO serious with my posts.

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paisa29 says on Jan 7, 2005, 08:05:

there are another ways to get marry with a colombian woman without making her upset through the humiliation to go to the embassy to get the K-1 visa means, in addition that is a long and expensive proccess.
The best thing to do is that you get a Colombian visa at the colombian consulate in your area and to come to marry in Colombia.
if you can´t come there is another way called something like: public document of marriage by power, the information is available at the Colombian consulate also.

"Fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" Conrad Hilton

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 7, 2005, 08:06:

Untreated, so the last time you were at the embassy was in May, 2000. The last time I was there was in April, 2004, almost 4 years later! If anyone has been there more recently and has different experiences with them, I shall certainly admit that their more recent experience probably has more validity than mine. BTW, your advice on the tourist visa is appallingly bad. You have such a high opinion of the embassy staff yet you are almost alone in this opinion. I think they do a horrible job much like the job you do on this board with your advice. As further ecidence of this you say, AC should have gotten on a plane and gone with her to the interview. WRONG! You can't take anyone with you to the interview for a tourist visa. Read the embassy's own web site. And you call yourself an expert.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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zambo says on Jan 7, 2005, 08:21:

hi everyone I know i should not say it but i am gonna anyways.
Too bad that your SO was rejected.
untreated is the man.
people in this board take shit to the ultimate-fucking-level of seriousness. WTF?

i, in no way feel offended by any of the shit you people say here.
on the subject of attention, lol, it just makes my day to see how people are so easily pissed off at a bunck of letters.

of course, i am gonna get another email from the admin and his almighty words of advise and peacefulness towards other members, but why should i? while i did not make any personal aggressions towards anyone, many have been made to me.
i had an spectacular x-mas, though i think jesus is overrated.
i have been to the embassy myself several times and it is a fucking joke to see the amount of people that are just standing in line waiting to be rejected.
My best friend came over on a tourist visa. he was 20 at the time. No job, no money, no nothing. He was hungover the day of the interview, and ABC, surprise surprise, he wasnt asked any questions!!!! they just told him his visa should be in the mail shortly. guess your SO didnt deserve to come here after all. sucks for you, sucks for her, but come on,,, start building the brigde so that you can cross the river you have been crying me.

my $.02

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tzion says on Jan 7, 2005, 10:18:

ACBlessing: I am sincerely sorry for you and for your girlfriend. It was a humiliating and
disheartening experience. I know because it happened to me with the f*cking teabags at one point.
It is enormously frustrating to have some semi-literate idiot treat you like dirt because you
happened to have been born in the "wrong" place and hence have the "wrong" passport. I was
stubborn like a son of a bitch though and procured for myself...shall we say...a
"second passport." I came to Britain, had a picture taken in front of the State Department, made
it into a postcard and sent it to the f'wits who'd turned me down along with a little message in
which I questioned their parentage. A "second passport" would work in this case though. Well, it
would but it would be far more trouble than worth. Just try again.

Alternatively, do you have some company in the US which could sponsor her for a business
meeting, conference, presentation or similar? If she works at such a prominent post, she could
pull of attendance at pretty much any higher profile event as connected with work. With
business visitor visas they don't have as much discretion.

Good luck and don't give up. They're not worth it.

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greenday says on Jan 7, 2005, 10:30:

sorry AC Blessing sorry things didn't work out. I must say from my point of view, $2000 isn't a whole lot of money, and that is probably why she was denied. I'm sure they have minimum amounts that they look at, and after the embassy worker saw that she didn't meet the minimum amount, there was no need to go further. I don't think you should necessarily blame the embassy worker.
Listen, why not just start processing the K-1.....it is basically a sure thing, and if you start tomorrow, within 6 months she'll be in the US. 6 months goes by fast, especially if you can swing a few trips down there in the mean time. You have 3 months after she arrives to get married, if not she can go back. In the mean time she could try for another tourist visa (this time make sure she has ALOT more cash in her account). If after the 3 months, for some reason, you decide you're not ready yet, she would return, and if you all change your mind and want to get married, you could marry her down there, then bring her up on a K-3 visa.
Why not start today with the K-1 visa?? Turn this negative into a positive!
Good Luck!!

P.S. a K-1 visa is not an expensive under-taking

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tlop says on Jan 7, 2005, 10:33:

Untreated, what are you talking about? You either have no idea what you are talking about or things have changed since your last visit. As a U.S. Citizen, you are not allowed to accompany a Colombian to the Visa Window for his or her interview. If you try, it almost guarantees a rejection.

Tlop

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greenday says on Jan 7, 2005, 11:37:

tlop you are correct........however if the visa is a K-1 (fiance) the boyfriend is allowed to accompany his fiance to the interview. In fact it is recommended.

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Miamigo says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:07:

K1, AC I'm not sure why you didn't go for the K1 visa to begin with. It's colloquially called a fiance visa, but it's also for precisely what you intend to do -- get to know your fiancée in the U.S. and decide if you want a future together. Three months (it's not six) should be enough time.

The only downside, I suppose, is that it's not a multiple entry visa -- she gets to use it once and cannot go back and forth during those 90 days. Which means, I guess, she would have to get a leave of absence from her job for 90 days or quit outright.

A visa denial to a young woman with only $2K to her name is not at all unusual, no matter what supporting documentation she might have. A visa denial to a 50 year old woman with $200K in the bank would be unusual.

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ACBlessing says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:18:

Miamigo I know...I just didn't want to jump headlong into a marriage situation first. Hence, the tourist visa. It would suck to have to get a K1 for every woman I'd like to know better. And as for the $ figure...they should tell you how much they expect to see in your account before the interview. The way it is now, they give you a checklist of the things you'll need to bring to the interview but not a word about how much money you should have. It's rather deceptive. Incidentally, they keep the $200 application fee...a steet price for most people there.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:19:

Some good advice here from the guys about the K-1. I agree with them completely.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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ACBlessing says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:24:

Thank you all....ahem, isaactraveler First I wanted to respond to isaactraveller who for some uncanny reason discovered the truth of the matter. Yes, my picture fell out of my GF's purse and apparently she was immediately disqualified because I am ugly. Then I found out the US has a new ugliness policy and I didn't meet the standard given that we would probably procreate and make some ugly babies! Damn. I can only be approved if I'm better looking that my GF and that's never going to happen so I'll give up on that. ;-)

On the other hand, thank you guys for the feedback. I guess I will have to go the K1 route even though I wanted to avoid that direction for now and thinking the tourist visa would be good for her to come here and check things out first. Maybe Paisa29 has a good point about marrying in Colombia however the nearest Colombian consul is in San Francisco so what do I do? Askt them for a marriage visa application? Is there a fee and waiting time?

Some of you cought that detail about not being able to attend the tourist visa application with the applicant. Good catch...not only that it wouldn't be wise to sit there as a couple while she is applying for a tourist visa. I'm sure they'd wonder why I'm there and if she had plans to return.

Zambo, you create a problem where there is none. I mean really, your first post was about me shutting up and not crying you a river basically. Dude, I didn't come to you...you volunteered to post here. And I'm not crying a river nor asking anything from you. I posted my info becuase people asked me to. If you feel strangely committed to post here and/or help, please don't let the door hit you on the way out. If you don't like this discussion thread, jump to one of the other hundreds. It's like a T.V., just change the channel...but then you know that anyway. You and untreated are the only ones taking everything to a new level of drama here. Cry you a river? Give me a freakin break...I wouldn't ask you for the time of day. Even though you imagine people here are seeking your graciousness and advice, I can assure you, I certainly wasn't. Man, what an ego.

Tzion, I'll skip the work invitation and probably pursue the K-1 at this point but you had a great idea. Thank you. Greenday, I'm not actually angry at the consul, my point is that if they have a set dollar amount an applicant should have before the interview, they should say so. It is crappy to send someone all over town for documents, photos, translations, proof of this and that, work overtime to have more money to show...I mean a real ordeal if they're just going to turn the applicant down. I know family and boyfriends are likely to inflate the applicant's bank account if they knew the dollar figure but where do you actually draw the line?

Incedently, having grown up in Florida (Panama before that), I know there are TONS of Colombians and other hispanic folks who come to Miami to buy things and even go to Disney. They all pretty much go home after the buying spree and/or vacation. Florida very much wants them too as tourism brings in a lot of money into the state. To automatically assume every applicant who says they want to visit Disney is immediately suspect just isn't right.

So, I've told everyone what's happened so now I'm asking advice. K1 or K3? Do I really need a Colombian marriage visa to marry there? I ask this because I was married once before in Colombia while on a visit....no such marriage document.

Thank you all.



Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:28:

AC, if you got married in Colombia before without the TS visa then you lucked out. It is still possible but it depends on the notaria. The TS visa is free to Americans and it is a bit of a hassle getting the paperwork done.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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greenday says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:34:

marriage visa you can find notories who will marry you without the marriage visa. Of course basically you will be paying them a bribe to do so. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000. But the key is finding a notory who will do so. I think Calipro knows of a notory in Cali who will marry you this way. You might try e-mailing him.
Hang in there Alex.....in the long run things will work out just fine and one day you'll look back on this as just being a small speed bump in the road. Marrying a foreigner is not easy at times, but of course, you well know it will be worth all the effort and sacrifice.

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Gomezman5 says on Jan 7, 2005, 12:53:

AC..... I kind of offered some different perspective on this procedure on page 1. It related to the fact there are variables that are considered that cannot be quantified in a checklist....I'm not saying its definitive, but......it offers a slightly different perspective on as to what criteria are used in the visa proccess...Check it out.

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Lionheart says on Jan 7, 2005, 15:43:

greenday I assume with a good bribe and a notary who really doesn't wanna know, Elmo could get married to his favorite burro ...

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Hunter says on Jan 7, 2005, 15:55:

cremaster What do you mean Canada won the war of 1812.

The British won the war, a few Canadian colonials helped us win the war.

Hunter

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Kloodin says on Jan 24, 2005, 12:26:

girlfriend turned down for tourist visa tsk tsk..." said all the right things, that she wasn't going to visit a BF in the US..." yet, that is exactly what she was trying to do and now you are mad because the "teenage" consul figured it out.
As for not asking any questions, well, that is ludicrous. They may not have to ask many, but zero? No way.
Money in the bank does not, repeat, does not prove intent.
There is NO specific sum one can have in a bank account that will "guarantee" visa issuance. so adding more will just be seen as the transparent effort it is.
After you have interviwed several thousand people for visas, perhaps you might have a better idea of the process.
But many posters are right - when there is a high overstay or abuse rate, well, all subsequent applications will be looked at very closely, even before the interview. All of your complaining won't change the decision. Invest the time and get a fiance visa.

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Cerealkiller says on Jan 24, 2005, 13:56:

Embassy Perhaps because I wasnt really doing anything consullar or because i am not Colombian -just fixing something green card related- I didnt find the embassy that horrible and that was on Jan 19th 2005. I did not see a lot of people crying or getting their visas turned down. I guess it all depends, its really sad to hear all these stories about decent people getting their visas turned down. Makes you think how is it that Mulas and other indesirable individuals seem to get theirs so easily.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 24, 2005, 14:07:

They get theirs through bribery or forgery.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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