emiami has left 22 comments

emiami comments on A Question for Those Who Have Been a Part of a Lady Qualifying for a Tourist Visa

Tell the truth Best of luck

Be honest, only respond to questions, ask nothing and be calm. I just got married, and tried to have her mother and sister come to the wedding and they were denied twice.

Having a second wedding in Bogota next week.

Best of luck on your journey!

emiami comments on Bogota Nightlife

Gringo in Bogota Sorry, Zona Rosa has many places that are lounges, restaurants, that are "miami" wannibees. Been there many times, expensive for Bogota.

Andres C is the best, call in advance for reservations-great chicas-if you are single

emiami

emiami comments on Already Married in US, but she is here on Expired VISA... what's next?

Secure a immigration attorney If your girlfriend entered the US on a tourist VISA and you decided to get married that is Ok, however, I believe the law is fairly clear, if you enter the US to visit, that is your intended purpose for the stay. If you intend to marry and enter the US, you need to process a fiance VISA which is a K1 VISA prior to your fiance coming ot the US.

Since you are married, you can either file for a CR1/IR1 or a K3. However, to do this, your wife will need to return to her country to complete an interview after you process the VISA. To just adjust status when the intention of the visit was tourist and then got married, I believe is not legal. I am not an attorney, but I am going through the same process after I married in the US. My wife is back in Colombia and I am undergoing the long CR1/IR1 and K3 process.

Check out visajourney.com, great site. Below link is info on your issue

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=i130guide2

In summary, get legal advice ASAP and get an attorney who was recommended by a friend in your area of residence

Best of luck



emiami

emiami comments on How much coffee can you bring back to the US legally if at all

brought back 20 bags Traveled from BOG to MIA last month with 20 bags of coffee, no hassles, did not open or poke bags

Customs asked and told the truth and no problem

Purchased for 3 dollars a bag in BOG in small local market

emiami

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

If you go the K 3 route-what are options to get married If going the K3 route, does the US citizen need to go to Colombia to get married ? or can Colombian while visiting in US on a tourist Visa get married to US citizen?

Appreciate any input/advice on the law as applicable.

Thanks in advance
emiami

emiami comments on TV dating show in COL(justed aired) with chicas and gringos

Poor gringos? If you have to go on a TV show to meet a woman, no matter what country, you are a BIG loser
emiami

emiami comments on lessons in navigating bogota's airport for a gringa....

Just ask questions Just got back from Bogota yesterday evening. Second trip. Use street smarts as you would in any major US City
1. Ask questions of the airline personnel you are flying on if you are lost. Most speak english
2. Keep your baggage with you at all times.
3. When leaving Bogota allow enough time for the following: pay airport tax (price is dependent upon your length of stay), security/passport check, baggage search, seat assigment, immigration, another baggage check and final ticket/passport check at the gate. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 to 3 hours prior to flight.
4. Exiting airport take cab only from person next to cab with cab that has numbers of the cab. Make sure you have address written down where you are going if you do not speak spanish. Each cab has rate card for different zones (no tip needed). Better if you have somone to greet you at airport.

This is advice from a person who has visited Bogota twice, does not in any form speak spanish nor look spanish.

No need to worry, just ask. Plenty of airline attendants to help you through the process.

emiami

emiami comments on DEBIT CARD QUESTIO

Just returned from Bogota-was not charged ATM fee from Wachovia Just returned from Bogota, just checked my balance and I was not charged an ATM fee for using Wachovia ATM card at Banco Colombia
emiami

emiami comments on TV dating show in COL(justed aired) with chicas and gringos

Is this the show that aired on September 5th in Bogota? If this was the same show that aired in Bogota on September 5th, I saw the show while visiting. Four men from the USA, a couple of the men were from Florida. They were asked silly questions and had to each dance with the woman.

The man that won spoke spanish and that is the reason he won.

Funny thing, on my return flight back to the US, he was on the plane and overhearing his conservation as he spoke about Colombian woman was funny.

I should on screamed out, "Were you the Gringo that was on the dating show this morning in Bogota."

emiami

emiami comments on DEBIT CARD QUESTIO

ATM card I have a Wachovia ATM card and used it in Bogota at 3 to 4 banks. Did not have a problem. I would suggest you call Wachovia and let them know the dates you are in Colombia so they do not put a hold on the card. Did this last time I visited and had no problems.

Am going this Thursday for my second visit.

Have a good time!
emiami

emiami comments on How do I write a letter of invitation to get a visa for my girlfriend?

No need to write letter I agree, writing a letter probably will not help her. Concentrate on getting originals (with copies) of tax returns, copies of deeds/titles (if she owns apartment/condo) or rental contract (if renting), bank accounts, car title, copies of previous passport with stamps indicating visitation to other countries outside USA (if applicable), etc.

These documents went a long way in getting my girlfriend her recently approved travel VISA.

FYI-She is not employed.

Best of luck.
emiami

emiami comments on Visa-Free Travel for Colombians

Aruba requires VISA for Colombians Colombians are required to get VISA for travel to Aruba.

Just got back from Aruba with Colombian girlfriend, she had to get VISA.

She came to USA to visit me, then we both went to Aruba for vacation. Took about 1 week, require same paperwork as to get USA VISA. Just happened to have a copy of all her paperwork in USA so was not a problem, but we found out VISA was required after she was in USA.

Also, she could not return to USA since she left USA, she had to return to Colombia.

fyi

emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

similiar situation She basically spoke the truth, had all her papers in order-neat presentation. Her papers included all bank accounts, proof of ownership of condo, copies of her past 3 years Colombian taxes, forms filled out correctly in her own handwriting, previous employment records/pay stubs (she presently is not working-was laid off)

She had difficulty because she had money in the US and the embassy was concerned about this account. However, after checking with bank in US, was not a problem and she was issued a VISA for 5 additional years.

Be truthful, have papers in order (read other posts of other itmes folks have taken) and do not be nervous in presentation

Best of luck!

emiami

emiami comments on Colombianas in comparison to the American ( or gringa ) Woman

Colombian woman are great! I am a US citizen and have lived and traveled all over the world. In places where the most beautiful woman reside. I have dated my share of woman worldwide in long term realtionships and I met a great woman from Colombia about a year ago. She is caring, intellectual, ambitious, honest, devoted, passionate about life in every way, affectionate and attractive beyond your expectations. And, no she is not young and I am not old, we are both in our 40's. Hands down I think Colombian woman are fantastic.

She is not the first Colombian I have dated, I meet her in the mecca of where beautiful woman visit and reside and could not be happier.

emiami comments on Tick Tock

Positive attitude I am sorry, every airline has its bad apples, I welcomed the security traveling from Bogota to the U.S., my flight was 100 dollars cheaper that Continental or AA. Gladly fly AVIANCA any day.

With reference to ATM's, just be street smart and stop being paranoid.
Get a positive attitude, life is to short

emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

thanks-I agree immigration is not bad I appreciate your comments!
emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

Thanks New VISA was for 5 more years. She was extremely happy.

emiami

emiami comments on Tick Tock

Just returned from Bogota and Cartagena I just returned from Bogota and Cartegena yesterday. My advice is since you are with the family, just ask and be smart and avoid the areas the locals do not go as you would in any other U.S. city while walking around or venturing out. I felt safe both during the day and evenings.

In Bogota, call for a cab and get the number of the cab, do not pick up a cab off the street. I walked and ventured out with my girlfriend during the day and evening hours, not a problem at all. ATM's are safe and some banks only limit you to 200,000 pesos but you can make as many withdrawals as you want.

In Cartagena it is even safer, walked through the old city and downtown outside the old city (day and night)with my girlfriend and I am 6'1", white male and stood out like a sore thumb. Felt extremely safe. With reference to cabs, learns the rates to destinations (ask within the restaurants and hotels) and always ask for the rates prior to getting in the cab. Negociate your price. We always asked for the rate and if a driver does not want to give you the rate, another driver will gladly take your rate. Cheaper during the day and more expensive during the evening hours. Some cab drivers will even point you to a cab and walk you over someone who will honor your rate.

All in all I felt safe in both cities and had a great time!

Just a note, get to the airport at least 3 hours prior to your departure when retunring to the US. The security for returning to the US is tight, baggage was xrayed 4 times, passport was shown 12 times, baggage was hand checked in detail 3 times. Get your passport stamped to allow for a lesser airport tax when leaving Bogota. I missed my first flight because I was not at the airport 3 hours in advance, but Avianca was great in getting me on the next flight.

Have a good time!
emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

tourist visa granted! The Embassy contacted here within 4 weeks, set up a time for the follow-up interview, she was in and out in one hour, reviewed all her paperwork and you will be happy to note she got her tourist VISA!

I want thank everyone for the comments recieved, some of which are very positive and helpful and some of which were very negative, especially to those who above indicated she is "screwed" in getting a VISA

Best of luck
emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

thank you for your comments! emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

thanks Thanks for the perspective, I would note that to break the stigma that COLOMBIANS are not all in the drug trade, its needs to start on this board

Thanks again!
emiami

emiami comments on U.S. Visa Interview process question-investigation by U.S. Embassy

she is my girlfriend
She is my girlfriend
Thanks
emiami