flaleo has left 263 comments

flaleo comments on Car or bus travel to Armenia from Cali - how safe?

Thanks for more replies. I wear shorts, I want comfort. I wear shorts all over Colombia, I'm not worried about standing out, I'm not going to change my wardrobe or my 'look' just to fit in... I'm respectful and friendly, and I love speaking Spanish, and Colombians are so friendly in general, so I'm treated fine even if they know I'm a gringo. I'm not concerned about the petty crime, you have that anywhere, more or less... and I think there's less petty crime risk in a Colombian city than there is many other SA cities (like in Brasil, Mexico, etc.). I had asked about safety for traveling on the highways. Those collectivos get hot, so I'll be in shorts. As long as there's no guerilla activity, or other organizations that are out to make money by kidnapping, then I'll do the trip... maybe even hit Manizales if I have time (although my wife hates that city for some reason...). Again, thanks for your help!

flaleo comments on Car or bus travel to Armenia from Cali - how safe?

Thanks for your comments - much appreciated... But I'm also/more looking for news on dangers (guerilla, not petty crime, etc.) than on good experiences... I mean, anyone who had problems (kidnapping, murder... guerilla activity is the main concern) isn't here to post about it... seeing a number of people posting that they had no problems really doesn't provide any data about potential problems (even if there are basically none)... Again, I appreciate your posts, too, thanks.

flaleo comments on PHONE BILL EVIDENCE

Don't submit the phone records nor the receipts. All they want to prove is that you met in person, and kept up a communications/relationship. A couple of photos of you together, at different points in time (different hair style/length/color, other items to prove time) does the trick.

I submitted four photos and zero phone/email/messenger proof.

flaleo comments on Hotel near U.S. Embassy

If you search my posts I provided some detail on a few options.

flaleo comments on What is asked at the interview?

I was present at my fiancée's interview, they took one look at me (realizing I'm the American citizen) and told her congratulations... in other words no questions. OK, maybe there was one, non-memorable question. See my past post for a by-the-clock account of the interview day.

flaleo comments on "Fake" Marriage in Colombia

Tony, great idea - thanks, if he'll do it straight (non-religeous, as she and I have conflicting religions) :)

flaleo comments on The Pill

In Colombia, a common used "Pill" is marketed by Wyeth Labs and called Nordette. It sells for 9-10k COP in Carruja supermarket.

flaleo comments on 2 types of arepas?

not chocolo, choclo, there's a difference. i figured choclo meant corn, as i've seen the brand that uses a half-peeled corn cob with the word choclo on it... but i knew maíz meant corn.

i'm asking about how to make them, not where to find them. i'm in miami, is there a specific mix or corn flour that i should buy to make the moist, larger ones? or should i just have my girl use more water? she bought goya brand yellow corn meal ("masarepa" harina de maíz amarilla) at publix, i wonder if that's the right stuff if i want a soft moist arepa instad of the dry crunchy kind?...

flaleo comments on From a legal standpoint advantages/disadvantages of timing of wedding in USA

If she doesn't need a SS#, (e.g. has a Colombian DL, state allows marriage without SS#, doesn't need to work so soon), wait until after she's changed her name to apply. Changing the name after SS# is assigned has caused some (not all of course) people problems.

Other potential considerations:
Earlier gets her on your health plan. The earlier you AOS, the earlier you can obtain AP. Dependent status for tax filing only counts the year, not the month. If using a prenup it's best to wait 2-4 weeks after completing it. Later allows more time together to learn about each other, this is rarely a bad thing.

flaleo comments on Nonimmigrant Visa No.??

I'm using the number in red.

flaleo comments on Abnormal request by embassy?

Yes, the PIN process SUCKS!

But, you do have to send two different letters of intent. One with the 129-F, and a second in packet 4. Thus, if the one you did in April is the only one you've done, and you didn't do an updated one, then it's your missing form not there's. Otherwise, they are exactly the often rude incompetents UC and others think they are. If not, maybe they still are;)

flaleo comments on "Fake" Marriage in Colombia

Gator, thanks for the interesting stats - I had no idea about notaries...

But, there's no legal process - we don't want to do anything legal. We just want to pay someone to participate in our 'ceremony', someone who at least knows what to say and do in the 'role' or marrying official.

I was hoping someone here might already know of such a person in Medellin. Or, if not, they might suggest the best path for my research in finding someone.

Thanks

flaleo comments on "Fake" Marriage in Colombia

Damn, I though finding a notary willing to make some money on his time off wouldn't be so hard... maybe better I should try to find an actor willing to play a role?

flaleo comments on "Fake" Marriage in Colombia

UC, I don't think you understand...

We will have a real marriage in the U.S., with no one present other than the government official (notary?) in the city hall.

Then, in Colombia, even though we are already married, we want to have a "party". In the party, we want to "marry" in front of everyone. Thus, in Colombia, do we just have a non-notary fake running a "wedding" in front of family, or since a notary there already knows the procedure does someone think we can hire/pay him to do a ceremony for us even though it will have no legal meaning (as we won't be looking to have that ceremony signify marriage, we won't have the proper paperwork like certificates of solteiro, etc.)?

We don't want to use a church nor a preist - neither of us use the church. Like seam126, we just want a party, call it a bride's day, with her family, and nice "fake" "I-do ceremony" in front of the party.

flaleo comments on Documents Translation

Translating Colombian birth certificate here in U.S. Maybe this question is better here...

My girl is here in FL now, as a K1, the 90 day period ending in January. We didn't obtain translations of her birth certificate in Colombia, so here now she has two 'certified copies' (official copies?) obtained locally in Colombia (Manizales).

Can I just translate one of them? Or are they very strict on what they'll accept and I must go somewhere specific (here in Miami)?

mrgizmo seemed to confirm that this will work - anyone have any similar or opposite experiences?

Thanks!

flaleo comments on Visa pick up

I don't think LanChile flies it - I think they just code-share and that's really the AA flight? But, I'm only guessing so confirm...

flaleo comments on what do we need after k1

No translation of birth certificate My girl is here in FL now, as a K1, the 90 day period ending in January. We didn't obtain translations of her birth certificate in Colombia, so here now she has two 'certified copies' (official copies?) obtained locally in Colombia (Manizales).

Can I just translate one of them? Or are they very strict on what they'll accept and I must go somewhere specific (here in Miami)?

Thanks!

flaleo comments on Procedure after arrival with K1 visa

Sorry, you're going to be cold for a while.

My girl is from Cali, used to living with no A/C, sleeping in that heat there... and she's freezing here in Miami! Last night it got cold here, like low 60s (hahahaha) not only did I close the windows and doors for her but she put on her North Face snow jacket!

flaleo comments on Need Advise

The US government gives you little choice but to use the K1 as a test drive visa in this situation. Oh, maybe quitting your job and moving to Colombia is a choice? ...right. Each must decide for themselves what's right or wrong, how much they respect their government for interfearing in their lives (interfearance for what ever reasons, right or wrong, needed or not, to each his own) and what to do - but in the end you have little choice and using the K1 certainly functions.

flaleo comments on DAS criminal record: 2 types?

We looked at many of the DAS that we and others had - and none said "multiple departmentos" or "good for int'l travel" or anything like that... they all looked identical.

Just be sure you obtain the one that is for national - even though in our experience it won't say such - IF the applicant has lived in multiple departmentos since age 18. If the applicant has only lived in a single location, then any DAS will suffice.

flaleo comments on interview

1. yes, the pay for a pin system SUCKS!

2. yes, even though bucs beat the vikes, their losing to chicago SUCKED for vikings fans.

3. you can watch all your local games by installing a slingbox on your tv system. they sell these slingboxes at best buy among other electronic retailers. do a search and find the manufacturer's website - i use mine all the time (it works o.k.).

4. yes, i purchased my fiancee's plane ticket well in advance. you can always change the dates (for aa free if using miles, $50 it's a normal cheap restricted discount fare type). it would be foolish to wait, the cost of purchasing only a day or two before your travel date is typically super expensive!

flaleo comments on Open season on Pedestrians

I hate pedestrians that initiate their crossing of the street such that they can't clear the intersection during their green light. IMO one shouldn't start crossing if one can't complete it in time - wait for the next cycle.

flaleo comments on DAS criminal record: 2 types?

For K1 (and similar) you need the one for traveling outside the country.

My understanding is that "the one for traveling outside the country" is synonymous with "multiple departmento/jurisdictions" - which means somone only need the one DAS if they've lived in multiple locations since age 18.

flaleo comments on interview

hell, after the way you choked against the bears who needs them --signed a vikes fan looking for help (with the bears).

flaleo comments on Location of Lab and Dra. Consuelo?

I found all three to be far from the embassy - over 8k pesos and plan for at least 30 minutes in a taxi.

flaleo comments on YAY! Packet 3 sent!

I've been using Mega Clean and Stable for about 5 months now - it's the lowest per minute cost card to CO with no hidden costs (service fees, connection fees, mtce fees, etc.). And, unlike some others, MC&S doesn't show one per minute rate and then change the rate the following week (see the asterisk on some other cards!).

If you have a no long distance in US plan on your phone (like with cell phones) then having a Miami access number is no problem. In fact, even though I live in Miami, I use the New York City access number as it's easier to memorize!

flaleo comments on PLaces to stay close to embassy

Dan, wish I would have known about this place...

flaleo comments on PACKET 4 AND INTERVIEW DATE

Packet 4's are frequently lost in the mail.

Now that Nov/20 has passed, you may monitor the embassy website for your interview date. If you see that, then you know you need to send someone in person to obtain a copy. Interview dates are typically posted (at least recent months) on the 29th or 30th :(

flaleo comments on k-1 packet 3 ????

You don't need Packet 3, you don't need a OF-169. The DS-2001 replaces the OF-169, and you can get it online.

My fiancée received her Packet 3 after we already replied, after we were assigned an interview date, after she received her Packet 4.

flaleo comments on Packet 4 and tax transcript

We sent P3's by (1) by fax on the 19th and (2) overnighted for arrival on 19th.

We noted interview dates posted on the 29th or 30th. We received P4 on the 3rd of the following month - about 2 wks after their receipt of our P3.

flaleo comments on K1 Visa interview

My experience:

1. Anyone with a blue passport (e.g. the American citizen fiancé(e) )
2. Anyone with a letter (e.g. the Colombian citizen fiancé(e) )
3. No one else, like a mother (unless you may have a great excuse)

flaleo comments on Letters for K1 interview...

For the K1 interview?

There are no letters required. I read that it is recommended that you update and then sign (both of you) a letter of intent to marry. Now, I question how much that's required.

Are you speaking of letters written to each other in the past? To be used as proof of knowing each other and having an ongoing relationship? Then, yes, these letters would be most useful, almost mandatory IMO - unless you'll be there together in which case no one can question that you know each other!... so then no such letters are needed IMO.

flaleo comments on K1 visa..... Airline Tickets

I'll have to disagree with RJ, that is, if you have your shit together. If you follow all process and have no complications then you most likely will be granted the visa. Having an airline ticket 'in your pocket' won't affect your visa process in any manner. Your only risk, as I wrote, is a potential change fee and schedule availability issues. So, there are scenarios where even if you don't use the ticket it's better to buy it and change it than buy it later. You need to (1) have your visa process shit together, and (2) understand the airline's rules.

flaleo comments on how does the application looks like in sending it to the USCIS for K1?

Go to visajourney.com and see their example... for this step and all future process.

flaleo comments on Original documents

The letter I posted about was submitted as an original in my I-129F package to USCIS. I submitted updated letters at the embassy. I believe both were returned to us at the interview... but I'm certain that the former was indeed returned.

flaleo comments on Question about the $100 Interview fee at the Consulate

UC and C4C have posted exact answers. If you want more, search my post of my experience of last month - it would answer this exact question and maybe others you have.

flaleo comments on Moral support needed!!

You don't need moral support - you need information. Go online and check your status. Your case number can be found on the back of your cancelled check, or the NOA (if you have it). If you have already checked your status, and you're concerned with an 8 week waiting time, go to VJ and see what the USCIS waiting time is for your visa type (which you didn't tell us so it's difficult to say more). If it's a K1 - then you're 8 week waiting time is not yet outside the range of 'normal'.

flaleo comments on K1 visa..... Airline Tickets

It CAN'T affect you with regards to the visa - only with regard to your wallet.

Anyway, the considerations are mostly in the area of change fees, using miles versus purchase, schedule, etc... and all have been discussed in a very recent topic.

flaleo comments on Original documents

From a couple of weeks ago:

The only originals returned from the I-129F package sent to USCIS were the photos, promise to marry letters, and 'describe how you met' letter (use a separate page for question 18?).

They didn't return any originals included in the interview package (e.g. 230, 159, etc.).

flaleo comments on k-1 plane tik ?

I can't tell from what you've posted. They're exact same flight numbers, same day, same class of inventory (e.g. Q or N or V etc.) on each and every segment? Have you made it to the last "purchase now" page at Orbitz with that fare, as they may update it before that last page? Last, have you called AA Web Page Help - it's different than general reservations?

flaleo comments on k-1 plane tik ?

most the airlines, and hotels, basically guarantee that they offer the lowest price (if inventory is available)... not including the auction type sites. orbitz and the like actually always tack on a service fee ($5 at travelocity i believe).

flaleo comments on k-1 plane tik ?

oops, i guess i should have mentioned that the auction sites like priceline/skyauction do have cheaper prices, but your tradeoff is a whole new set of negatives and potential problems - caveat emptor.

flaleo comments on k-1 plane tik ?

it is NEVER cheaper to buy a tix from orbitz/travelocity/expedia, etc. there are very few other upsides to buying from them. thus, it's almost always better, and always cheaper, to buy directly from the airline.

imo, use those sites as portals or for their searching capabilities, but when you're ready to actually do the transaction, go directly to the airline's website and do it there.

flaleo comments on Fiance visa

I faced the near exact same circumstance (of waiting). My advice is to wait until your receipt date (as noted in the USCIS system) is 30 days earlier than the date they have posted in their "in process" dates table. Immediately then contact one of your Senators (contact both and determine which seems to be more helpful) and have them research it.

Call their office, ask who in the office handles immigration research/requests, and speak to this person (likely a staffer/aide) and they'll give a call to USCIS. My petition was approved within days of the Senator's office call.

flaleo comments on k-1 packet 3 ????

fyi, we did the k1 interview in bog in oct, having sent in the package in sep, using the ds2001 from el salvador site, in english, no problems.

flaleo comments on k-1 plane tik ?

2 one-way's are typically more expensive than buying a roundtrip, thus a dumb buy (in many cases). you need a round trip, specifically an open-jaw (into bog, out of clo). that resolves the city issue.

if you need flexibility on the date, you can pay more to have a ticket where changes are allowed, or maybe better you can just buy the ticket where no changes are allowed unless you pay a fee (on american, either $50 or $100 - depending on the ticket) and then just make the change and pay more. this latter plan is typically cheaper than paying more for a changeable ticket - although there are seat inventory restrictions which may effect you, or may not.

all of the above is about the same for award travel - except many airlines (aa included) waive the fee for date changes.

flaleo comments on Sharing our experience of the "embassy week" (K1)

We flew to the U.S. the following day after picking up the visa at 4p. As for our plans, my perspective is that we'll have a real wedding for love, that will be back in Colombia on OUR OWN timeline. The 90 day marriage is a technicality for the gov't - call it a visa extension - they require that in 90 days and we have no formal plan for that... some lame event in some government office I imagine. Yes, that will be an official government licensed 'event' - but it's not of great importance in my thoughts.

I remember a past post about a place outside of Medellin, with the horse-drawn carriage and nice food options out in a finca... I'm thinking we might like that set up.

flaleo comments on k-1 packet 3 ????

don't wait for packet 3 - there's no point in waiting. you can obtain all its contents online and from email from friends here.

the 20th is less than two weeks away. don't wait for packet 3!

flaleo comments on you think tourist visas are tough to get in bogota?

And with regard to travel... as if checking to see if I have an ID makes it anymore safe. Terrorists have IDs that could get past a metal detector. Oh, and removing my sandals or belt - neither have an ounce of metal or place to put a plastic explosive. But, this is off the topic for the post, sorry for my rant :)

flaleo comments on you think tourist visas are tough to get in bogota?

No, I want that our citizens would at least themselves want some ration, efficient, and ethical things from their government - whether it be even possible or only a fanatasy... but we don't.