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Help- complicated question!

I don't know why that last post got moved from here but I'll try again.

I am a Canadian citizen living in NYC. I have been here since 1997 and have my green card since 2001.
My novia is Colombian, lives in Bogota, never been out of the country, no visa whatsoever.

I'm trying to figure out how the Christ we are ever going to be able to live in the same place permanently.

She has one kid, 5 years old, currently in a good colegio in Bogota. Neither of us want to subject the kid to the education system here. We woulnd't be able to afford a good school and since he doesn't speak English he'd be forced into the bilingual education program, which would be hell on earth for him, not to mention would guarantee he never learns proper English!
I have two kids up here with ex-wife, 4 years, and 7 months. The 4 year old is in an excellent Montessori program, but they are with ex-wife and so they are not going anywhere for the time being. Because of that, I would need to frequently come back here to see them.

She makes decent money in Bogota and loves it there, although she has a big travel bug and for a limited amount of time would live anywhere I asked her to, with the end of returning back to Colombia and her kid of course. She has a Masters degree in Forestry from a reputable school down there. Her English is far from perfect but she's studying every day.
I work as a professional musician and make pretty good money up here. I could also make decent money down there. I would love to give living in Bogota a shot actually. I could also only accept seasonal work up here or touring work and live part time in both places.

The tricky part is, how do I get legalized in Colombia while still being able to go back and see my kids? I heard you have to stay there for a minimum of six months.
The other tricky part is, because I'm not a US citizen, I can't marry her and have her come up here on a visa. I have the right to petition for it, but there is a 4 YEAR waiting list for non-citizens. I'm at least a year and a half away from getting citizenship still (if all goes well). BUT you can't be out of the country for more than six months at a time until you get your citizenship, or you have to wait 5 more years before even applying!! Getting citizenship is necessary because I own property here, and also for my kids (not in that order!)

Does anybody have any solid advice, especially on the subject of how I can legitimize myself in Colombia? I know I can work under the table no problem there, but I don't want to do that indefinitely either.

By Rubiazo on May 19, 2005, 20:33 in Visa & paperwork.

adrimm says on May 20, 2005, 12:02:

Tough Q From what you say, the only thing I can think of is you going there to get legalised, stay for the six mos and pay for your ex to bring the kids to visit you once or twice in Colombia. If your ex is nervous about the country, then a place like San Andres might be a good meeeting point. Paying for them to travel in a resort-package to San Andres (kids usually cost little), may work out to be most affordable for you.

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Rubiazo says on May 20, 2005, 22:36:

I can't go for six months Because then i can't get my US citizenship, and could even lose my green card, which is definitely not a good idea.
Moreover, I'm not going 6 months without seeing my kids.
There has to be some way to work around the process down there I HOPE!

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Rubiazo says on May 22, 2005, 20:40:

It's not the family thing It's more that she doesn't want her kid to get a shit education up here. I can't say that I blame her.

Looks like I may just have to live there part-time and work under the table. Good thing musicians are some of the last people on the planet who can still get paid cash everywhere they go!

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lpdiver says on Jun 2, 2005, 08:28:

From you last post The only real issue is education in the USA. There are options.

T

"cook some rice!"

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