crazi4cali has left 37 comments

crazi4cali comments on Experience with US Embassy in Bogota.

Going Rate? I thought the going rate was $10k... you trying to give papaya InCali? You have any pics to post of your friend? Not for me obviously, but... maybe my friend can help your friend! LOL

crazi4cali comments on Pissed & Frustrated!

Info for Dave! You brought up some interesting points & I wanted to comment. First, do not jeopardize getting Ruby here by having a wedding in Colombia and then going the K-1 route. Those Consulate Officers are good at getting info out of the ladies! Don't risk it.

With that said, I think getting married in Colombia is the way to go! It will be special for her and her FAMILY... and it will cost you a tenth of what it would be in the US! = ) Not saying because I'm a cheapskate... but, save a few thousand bucks and take her to someplace nice like San Andres for a honeymoon! = )

I went the K-3 route & before you do that, you must first apply for the CR-1 visa. It took 7 months for the K-3 interview... I received notice in 8 months for the CR-1 fee (meaning she probably would have had her CR-1 visa interview in 9 or 10 months.

You mentioned whether your 1 trip will be suffient to prove your relationship. My wife had my plane ticket, a ton of pics of our wedding, pics of our honeymoon, a few phone records & e-mails. She was initally turned away at the embassy and asked to come back the next day. The second day she was approved and the only thing she brought in addition was maybe 10 pics of ME with her family.

Ohhhhh, this is only my opinion... so take it with a grain of salt! Since you met Ruby online, they are going to be VERY skeptical of her relationship with you! Please, please, please document everything! There will be no such thing as overkill!!!!

Also, the civil wedding in Colombia can be a bit of a pain in the azz! You have to get documents translated into Spanish and get them apostilized! I'm a military brat so I was sending requests to 4 different states! All while I was working in Iraq! I am sure I gained a few more gray hairs because of the experience! You can fly to San Andres and get married with just your passports! Something to consider if you want easy! = )

Either way you go, good luck and keep us updated.

Nathan

crazi4cali comments on US OR COLOMBIAN LAWYER???

LISTEN UP BIV... I hired a Colombian attorney (and paid her a pretty penny) and she had my forms totally screwed up! Her mistakes cost me an additional 6 weeks minimum.

She made minor mistakes like putting my wife's first name in the "last name" box and a bunch of other tiny things that make a BIG deal to the people reviewing your papers!

My advice, do it yourself! If you have a 5th grade education and can follow directions (step by step) you can get through it.

If you still don't feel comfortable with doing it yourself... I can do it for the same price as the US attorney! Hell, I'll even give you a 20% discount! = )

My wife just got her K-3 visa and will be here in a week. I know you feel more secure with getting an attorney (been there and also felt that way!) Believe me when I say... save your money, do it yourself and use resources like this website and www.visajourney.com.

Trust me. You can buy me a beer one day with the money you saved!

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on How can they deny outright?

Sorry Divina! I read your story and wanna say "I'm shocked" but, I am not. They did the same thing to my wife but, her second interview went better and she was granted the visa. All she had was about 10 more pictures in addition to the stuff from the day before - but, I guess it was enough.

I called the embassy on the day of her second interview and spoke to a supervisor... she said there are a lot of cases of fraud so, they are very critical of people.

They act like the gatekeepers and I agree that the system needs some improvements! I don't know what the answer is but, I will say a prayer for you both!

If you can go down, I would... I bet it would help your case!

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on woohooooooooo!!!!!

Congrats! Congrats Fam... I know how it is to wait but, it seems like ur getting some closure! Good for you!

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on IN PAIN. Health question?

Elmodefoque... Don't give the false excuses in the name of proper hygiene... your moans of sheer delight make me believe the purpose of that 4"x4" paper and middle finger up your hindparts has another purpose! No need to justify it. You can lie to yourself but, don't lie to us all at PBH! = )Hahahaha

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY 7/14/06

Approved! = ) Visa approved! My wife's visa was approved today!!! She went back with 20 more pictures (like the first 30 were not enough!) But, atleast she recieved it. I do not know if they sometimes turn people away on day 1 to discourage them but, on day 2... it seemed like it was effortless.

She had my plane ticket, emails for the past 3 yrs, and a ton of pics from wedding, reception, honeymoon, etc and they turned her away yesterday. Talking about stressful when you think everything was perfect... maybe the first interview Officer was having a bad day but, it all worked out in the end.

Thanks for the support & guidance from my PBH family!

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on Pissed & Frustrated!

Update! Visa approved! My wife's visa was approved today!!! She went back with 20 more pictures (like the first 30 were not enough!) But, atleast she recieved it. I do not know if they sometimes turn people away on day 1 to discourage them but, on day 2... it seemed like it was effortless.

She had my plane ticket, emails for the past 3 yrs, and a ton of pics from wedding, reception, honeymoon, etc and they turned her away yesterday. Talking about stressful when you think everything was perfect... maybe the first interview Officer was having a bad day but, it all worked out in the end.

Thanks for the support & guidance from my PBH family!

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY 7/14/06

Hey Davina... It did not go as expected... according to my wife, they were rude & barely gave her chances to talk or explain. We had all of our documents in order & she had emails for the past 3 years, a ton of photos (wedding, reception, my trip to Cali, honeymoon in San Andres & pics of me with her family). They turned her away asking for MORE proof of our relationship and copies of our phone records.

She has to go back this morning (7/11). So, we spent half the night on the internet... me sending her 20 or so more pics. I use Skype for our phone calls so, I can't get a printout our phone records. So, we will find out in the next few hours if they will be in better spirits today and give her the visa.

In hindsight, I should have gone down to Bogota for the interview but, I thought she would have no problems down there.

I have only made 1 trip to Colombia (I was in Iraq for the past 2 years) and I wonder if making more trips would have "looked" better in their eyes!

I'll post an update later on today to express my happiness or sheer frustration in the "system"!!!

crazi4cali comments on Pissed & Frustrated!

Lessons learned... I have read that many people go, show a few pics and get the approval with ease... so, I didn't think it was critical for me to be there. But, in hindsight... I should have flown down to Bogota.

I have spent the past 2 years working in Iraq so, I only made one trip down. We married in November and I just returned back to the US six weeks ago.

She had photos of our trip, wedding, reception, honeymoon & emails over the past 3 years. They requested phone records in addition but, I have used Skype and there is no way to print out your call history other than doing a 'print screen' of each page of past calls.

I emailed her 20 morew pics for her to present this morning... pics of me with her family and of us together. Not sure if it will be enough but, we will see in the next few hours.

I agree that you give some people power and it goes to their head... but, why would you do it at the expense of keeping a family apart! I just don't get it. I'm trying to not take it personal - but, it is hard when you get hopes up and imagining having the family re-united again.

Thanks for the comments & support! = )

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on Immigrant visa or spousal visa? Pros/Cons?!?!

Hummmm... Well, my wife's CR-1 petition was approved... and her K-3. She goes to Bogota tomorrow for her K-3 interview. Her CR-1 interview I'm estimating will be in 45 days from now. We have been apart since November and we are both restless.

Common sense says to wait the extra time for CR-1 but, my heart says I need my Calena next to me ASAP! I'm prob not making the best decision but, we are at our wits end after 9 months of being apart.

crazi4cali comments on INTERVIEW ON FRIDAY 7/14/06

I have heard... My wife has her interview on 7/10. I have heard she can get it the visa that evening or the next day (7/11) if approved. Good luck and congrats... I know it has been a long journey for you.

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on

I agree Strobers! Strobers,

That is one of the most profound statements I have seen on PBH! Thanks for the insight & straight-shooting. I have the same opinion and also don't think you can make the generalizations many people make here. Colombiana's are good or bad... Gringo's want a young hottie that they would have zero chance of hooking-up with in the US. I married mine because she was looking for similar things in life... a caring person with strong family values and a good heart.

Crazi4Cali

crazi4cali comments on Immigrant visa or spousal visa? Pros/Cons?!?!

UTC.. I appreciate your feedback... you havew gotten me this far and I would have been so lost up until now! i want to go with the cr1 route... it seems like an extra 30 to 45 days but, I do not have faith in our system! I have been away from my wife since NOV 2005 and if the K3 can get her here in the long run a month or two quicker it is worth it to me!

I wish the system was better cause my pref is to go CR1 but, if K3 gets her here after the 7 months we have been apart so be it!!!

crazi4cali comments on K1 or K3 or both, need some good advise.

K-1 is a bit quicker! Speaking from personal experience... my buddy and I met some Colombianas. He went the K-1 route, I went K-3. My attorney said K-3 was faster. My buddy got his woman in the US in March... my wife has her embassy interview 7/10.

So, I would say the fiancee route is a faster - but, the bottom line is this... be thankful you found the woman of your dreams and the 2 or 3 month difference won't mean anything in the long term.

Best of luck,

Crazi4cali

crazi4cali comments on K1 visa interview in bogota was approved

Congrats! My wife has her interview on 7/10. Did they give your fiancee the visa after her interview or did it take a few days after the interview to receive it?

Crazi4cali

crazi4cali comments on Ways to say Novio

Mi pan dulce I tried GORDITA after reading a similar post not too long ago! My wife broke out in laughter... That God she is skinny and didn't take offense. = ) I had noooo idea what it meant until later.

crazi4cali comments on Viva el Sistema Postal Colombiano!

You are Lucky! I have sent several packages via USPS Air Mail and they seem to have a 50-75% chance of getting there. Last year, I sent Christmas gifts for my wife (then fiancee) and her son. The packages NEVER got to her. I have recently sent four small boxes on Dec 4, 10, 19, 28. Only Dec 4 & 28 have arrived to Cali so far! I don't have a bunch of options (I'm in Iraq now) so, I am very hesitant to send anything of value & don't claim the actual value on the outside of the box! = ( I wish i had YOUR luck "b bruce"

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Holes in suitcases?

My advice to you... Desi, Some people don't need the cutesy pink or royal blue suitcases to radiate CLASSINESS! I say, "leave the fancy stuff at home" and just throw everything into a hefty lawn trash bag. I bet they never poke holes in those damn things!

I don't think I fit the mold but, I wouldn't know a cartel guy if he stuck a straw in my nose & told me to sniff. = )

crazi4cali comments on Waiting time for a I-130 petition

Good Question! Good question... I was wondering the same thing. = )

crazi4cali comments on Holes in suitcases?

Happend to me in December! I was grilled in Cali upon my return to Miami. Had the new wife there & mother-in-law. They pulled me off to the side, ransacked my two suitcases. Sent my stuff through x-rays & searched again. A customs police officer then drilled 4 holes in my new suitcase - I was not amused to say the least. They opened all of my new & in the box, food products. I was so pissed - I was about a half step away from going to jail... not good when I had been married for only a week! To add insult to injury, they pulled me out of the gangway/walkway to the plane and asked me (like I had a choice) to consent to having my abdomen & stomach x-rayed. DO I LOOK LIKE A CARTEL GUY OR SOMETHING? = )

crazi4cali comments on ATM difficulties: PLUS vs Cirrus

No Problems I was in San Andres in November and used the ATM's almost daily. I only had a problem once. My card is on the Plus network - maybe I was lucky & only used the ATM's during the morning hours (after breakfast). Maybe I was LUCKY! = ) Cali was also NOT a problem - but, Armenia was next to impossible to find an ATM on Plus (or at least the places I went).

crazi4cali comments on Documenting my plastic surgery in Bogota

Thanks for doing this... LatinaLinda... i am sure you will get some crude & immature replies to this posting but, please just ignore then. I have great repect for what you are doing and apprciate you sharing it with us. My wife is REALLY wanting lipo (she doesn't need it in my opinion) but, if it makes her more confident 7 happy then I say "what the Hell!" I'm looking forward to your updates & thanks again!

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Spousal Visa ???

More Time... Yup, my suspicions were correct! They sent my ENTIRE package back... in all, it was probably best. I sent Vermont a bunch of stuff they don't want or need. I went back to www.visajourney.com and tripple checked everything this time. Today, I sent Vermont ONLY the stuff needed for the I-130. I mailed the package on Friday the 13th... I'm glad I am not supersttious! Hahahahaha I also have my I-129F all ready to go... I hope my NOA gets here soon! I wanna start the 3 month countdown for the K3! = )

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Websites and/or programs to teach Colombian spanish

Rosetta Stone! Rosetta Stone is by far the best out there... PM me if you have any questions.

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Spousal Visa ???

UC... I know! = ( I know! I put the horse before the cart! Actually, I think I meant to say the I-864 maybe? I'm not certain w/o having my copies in front of me. I think I meant to say the document Affidafit of Support. Either way, I got every form I could find and sent them to Vermont... a big mistake that I realized a few weeks later.

You corrected me and said I wasn't suppossed to send that crap to Vermont and my error is probably going to cost me a few months. I realize now that I should have only sent the I-130 to Vermont and upon receipt of my NOA... I send that form and the I-129F to Missouri via Chicago - along with all the other stuff I sent to Vermont.

I got caught up on the procedures for getting MARRIED in Colombia and I didn't really do my "due diligence" on the visa until I mailed a GIGANTIC packet to Vermont. I have since spent much time on VisaJourney.com and realized the error of my ways!

I had the attorney (Colombian) that presided over my wedding do our visa paperwork and she doesn't speak english. The instructions she gave me were ALL wrong... but, I take the blame because I had "blind faith" in her instructions and didn't double check on MY end.

I chalk it up as a valuable lesson learned!

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Wedding in Cali-Colombia

Private Message Me... I married an amazing woman in Cali November 12, 2005. We had a wonderful planner & attorney. We had a civil ceremony... did not wnat to do the church thing. If you want more details, PM me and I can give you contact info & prices.

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on The real scoop on Colombia. .

Elmo, you missed something! Elmo, You forgot one very important "reality" about Colombia in your posting! You didn't mention the total exaggeration (and misunderstanding) about safety & kidnappings! EVERYONE knows how safe it is walking through "El Centro" with BLING-BLING around your neck and holding an expensive video camera & that the chances of getting kidnapped is next to slim to none!

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Spousal Visa ???

Hey we have "another" crazy in the house! = ) We got married in mid November and I sent all the papers to Vermont in mid December. I was hoping my wife would get her visa in April but, it is the little mistakes that may cost me an extra month or two. I work as a contractor in Iraq so, mail takes 2 weeks to the US and 2 weeks back so each mistake adds an immediate month to my timeline.

I have made 2 mistakes so far. I sent in 3 documents which were in Spanish (wife's birt cert, her son's birth cert & our wedding cert). I got them translated no and will be sending them in once I hear back from the USCIS Service Center in Vermont.

I also sent everything but the kitchen sink to Vermont (I-130, I-485's, photos, you name it.) I later discovered that most of that stuff needs to go to Missouri via Chicago.

I called USCIS yesterday and they will NOT fwd the extra crap I sent to Missouri... they will most likely reject my entire package and mail me back everything. I will be extra careful and pay attention to detail THIS time!

For timelines, check out www.visajourney.com There you can see processing times from USCIS... good luck to you!

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on

Elmo... Say it ain't so Elmo! Your old lady broke all that stuff AND hits you in the head with shoes?!?! Are you sure it is 'cause she wants to move or is it the "quality time" spent with your burro? = P

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Spousal Visa ???

THANKS! Thank you both! = )

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on IT Jobs in Bogota

One source... Check out ITT Industries. I'm doing IT contract work in Iraq but, I know the company has jobs in Colombia. I was thinking about it myself but, my concern now is getting the visa for my wife and getting her to the US. Good luck to you!

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on SHIPPING

I've had 100% success! I have had 100% success with using USPS when shipping stuff from Iraq to Colombia. I did have 2 packages (out of about 10) shipped from the US to Colombia and they vanished into thin air! No return to the US... no customs problems... nothing!

DHL wanted $93 US to ship a padded envelope which would take 2 weeks. USPS took about a month but was $12. YOUR MILEAGE MAY DIFFER!

CRAZI

crazi4cali comments on AVIANCA airlines

Noooo Way!!! I hope I'm not correct in my prediction... but, I don't think you will make it. I flew into Miami from Italy and it wasn't even close! By the time I got off the plane in Miami - the other plane was pushing away from the gate. But, the good news is... Avianca will put you up in a nice hotel! I was able to see a Miami Heat game and saw some sights in Miami! = )

crazi4cali comments on Expected Timeline now???

Thanks UC! I guess I screwed up by sending that stuff early! I wonder if they will send it back to me or fwd it directly to the places that need it? I wanna SCREAM!!!!!!!!!! = (

crazi4cali comments on Cell Network in Colombia

Yes, it should! I have a 7710 Nokia phone (triband) and it worked in Cali. Your mileage may vary! = )

Crazi

crazi4cali comments on Confused about the K-3

Confused Now Also! = ( OK... Utopia, I'm REALLY confused now because of your statement "...get her faster while you wait for the I-130 to be approved." Are you saying that once the I-130 is sent out & is received - I will get a NOA1. I then complete the NOA1 & an I-129F. The I-129F can be approved in 6 weeks and then I can bring my wife to the US immediately after I-129F approval & wait on the I-130 to be approved? 6 weeks seems a lot faster than going k3. Or am I missing something? I just started my process last week and mailed I-130, G-325a & I-864 (along with wedding certificate, birth certificates, passport photos, banking info, w-2's/1040's for 3 years). Is this correct?