rjstuff has left 575 comments

rjstuff comments on Important Changes to US Tax Law Will Affect Expats

Yes docwilliam is right also - some military pensions are non-taxable and also if the pension is below a certain amount it is non-taxable; but for us civilian types earning a somewhat bigger pension - its all taxable.

rjstuff comments on Important Changes to US Tax Law Will Affect Expats

sloopskipper says on Jun 17, 2008, But if I can understand a little of this bullshit, you only owe the IRS if you earn more than $80 or 84,000 abroad. Yes, but you can only exclude 'earned' income - you will still be taxed fully on passive income like pension, interest on bank accounts and capital gains (sale of property like your house). But I believe its status quo for most pensioners and you have to self report things like a 'foreign bank account' - the penalty for non reporting is severe (like $10,000) but you only need to worry if you have ties to USA (if you do not intend to have any ties with USA then probably it doesn't matter). I need to find the form number for this but not till later.

rjstuff comments on Chivas whiskey in my checked bag???

If you have a connection - buy your Chivas from a military store (i did that last year when traveling to India) - they were far cheaper than at the duty free store at the airports (they have no taxes on them at the military store to begin with - so they are 'duty free' at the very least). I just placed the two bottles (in their little cardboard packing) between clothes and they arrived safely. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Important Changes to US Tax Law Will Affect Expats

I couldn't find anything of value in this long post (didn't look too hard either) - Seems like for someone like me - who has his retirement from US sources (many expats might fall into this category) - we continue to pay taxes to US Govt. in nay case and this maybe only targeting those that earn money outside of USA but do not pay US taxes - many of us do not intend to fall into this category in any case. I expect to keep paying US taxes (federal only) on my retirement income and any interest income I make on my assets in Colombia (once I move there) - hence I belive this does nothing to people like me. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on

Costa Rica (Well in Central America but still wonderful climate) Bucaramanga in Colombia for temperate climate throughout the year?

rjstuff comments on Colombian visa - any trouble with immigration into USA ?

I am an Indian with a US passport but I never would allow someone to scare me into traveling where I want to. If you come across as a sneaky person they might be suspicious and question and search you - but its your demeanor not your passport that determines how they treat you. And by the way in Colombia - when you are returning - they will search every inch of your baggage - but thats normal for both Colombians and non-Colombians. Enjoy your trip and try out the Empenadas - they are like samosas and very tasty! Ah yes and you need at least one Aguilla for one Empenada!

rjstuff comments on State Department double standard?

I knew this about the consulate in New Delhi, India - but it was perfectly understood - apartment rentals are sky high in Delhi and for a foreign national - they will need to pay the top price (Indians will manage to find something cheaper or may already be living in the city); foreigners will have a very hard time traveling in buses - locals are already doing it (I wasn't able to use the bus system in India - not strong enough to hang by the side of the buses) so the foreigners pay much more for commuting (maybe 4 to 10 times more); Local food - yes, some foreigners love it but others may have to find imported canned goods to survive. I absolutely agreed that a US working in New Delhi should be paid at least 3 to 5 times more than an Indian there - by the way even the Indian salaries were very attractive to the locals (who tried to get those jobs any way they could) - yep, unemployment has always been very high and working in an air-conditioned office at good salaries are always considered better than working for an Indian employer in a lousy, hot and humid office (unless you can get a job with IBM or something). Perhaps things are somewhat similar in Bogota?

rjstuff comments on AMAZING: Make Popcorn with your cellphone

I often make Pizza with my cell phone - Domino's is on my speed dial.

rjstuff comments on Salarios en colombia

I am an athiest, so Rikito, or Rubito or Simon - who pays more Catholics, Protestants, Slaves ... ? And who gets paid the most in Colombia - Catholics, Protestants, Slaves or MBA, MD or ...?

rjstuff comments on Only 16% of Colombian travelling to the US go for business reasons

Could it be that this statistic is 'made up' and people from Mexico and Brazil are just marking it 'for business' when in fact they are going for visiting (and migrating) also, just like many Colombians are?

rjstuff comments on

Last year my wife and I went to India for 6 weeks and came up with the same issue - however, if you check that you will pick up the accumulated mail yourselves (in other words for the USPS to hold your mail for you to pick it up in person) - then this works. You can talk to your mailman also to confirm this. But it did work for us - and the extra two weeks mail was also held with the rest - yes there was a lot of junk mail. I am very sure that it will work for 2 months but not too sure about 3 months. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Salarios en colombia

crisaldana 2 or 3 mil a month is good money but 'not good enough' - if you are living with your parents (or rent free) then its real good money for Colombian standards. Most household if both husband and wife work and make 2 or 3 mil each - they they have a great life, otherwise it can be a struggle especially in expensive cities like Bogota. As with any place if you can land a starting job in a big corporation (utility, phone, mining, oil etc.) then your path to large salaries is possible - depending on how well you prove yourself. But the best would be - if you can think of a business and start a business of your own - then the limit on your earning is set by you. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Use of American Dollars in Colombia? Quick!

adrimm - I believe the best way to withdraw money in Colombia is by ATM (the worst by getting dollars converted) - this is borne by my three trips there, and by my wife's experiences while living there. The best way to send money (on a regular or irregular basis) is dinero seguro (or moneygram). This has been our experience.

rjstuff comments on Questions about K1 (fiance) Visa process

I agree with Colombianogringo in that she should finish her masters - for three reasons. 1) It is very hard to go back to school if you quit now and it will be very difficult to get into a US school for the same program both in terms of admission and costs 2) Its always good to have a masters degree because it makes it easier to get into another masters program here in USA and perhaps a post doctorate program (Ph D) 3) If things don't work out at least she will have her masters degree to fall back on (if she were to go back to Colombia) Its always hard to get jobs in USA without a US degree (in my experience) but others have had luck. My sister who had a French teaching certificate from Paris (France) and teaching degrees and experience in India couldn't get any teaching jobs in USA except for subbing for minimum bucks. A friend of mine with Masters in Chemical Eng. and 5 years experience in Petroleum industry couldn't get a job in USA (he finally got a Masters in Chemistry here and was able to do alright). I myself realized that early on and did my MBA from a US Univ. even before looking for a 'proper' job. However, I myself will be willing to hire best qualified (and legal) candidates but still see others hiring US graduates first and foremost. Foreigners with foreign qualifications are almost always the last to be considered in industry.

rjstuff comments on Use of American Dollars in Colombia? Quick!

I disagree with adrimm. I tried travelers checks, dollars etc. and the exchange rates and fees are between 4 to 12%. The best is to use ATM cards and get pesos - fees only 1% (on my ATM card). After my first trip - I (and my wife) only use ATM cards for cash and visa card for charges and it has just been 1% fee - and its been the best rate for us (when we compared). A few places in Cartagena and Barranquilla (hotels and such) accepted US dollars but they were charging too much fee on exchange (I found this true also in Mexico, Costa Rica, India etc.)

rjstuff comments on land travel from baq to ctg

It may or may not work to just hop onto a normal bus - my friend from New Jersey did this from Santa Marta to go back to Barranquilla. They took a cab to the bus terminal in Santa Marta, then took the bus to Barranquilla and then a cab from the bus terminal to home - it cost them more time and money than our van that picked us from the apartment in Santa Marta and dropped us to our home in Barranquilla.

rjstuff comments on land travel from baq to ctg

There are many van services and most pick you up from your hotel or home - we have done both. The driving time is about 1.5 to 2 hours but if they are picking up a lot of people then you may have to wait. You can call them from the airport and they will pick you up at the airport - here are two Inter Tours 362-1209 or 369-3725 Invertours - 360-4359 (www.invertours.com) Have Fun. The cost is about 25.000 pesos (15 dollars) or you can take the whole thing by yourself for about 200.000 pesos (125 dollars).

rjstuff comments on What happens to the original nationality for naturalised US citizens?

Actually many countries allow dual citizenship - but it may be more complicated than just renewing your other passport. For example - India gives you a 'citizenship stamp for life' - in your US Passport (costs $250 - basically $50 a year for 10 years- same as visitor's visa fees). India doesn't just let you keep on renewing your old passport (wonder what will happen if some one did - that's a lot cheaper than $250 - It's only $40 for a ten year passport). Other countries do not recognize US citizenship as anything - so my Iranian friend is always Iranian (and subject to their military rules similar to the US selective service requirements). Each country handles it in their own way but its a lot more common to allow dual citizenship - that oath really doesn't mean that much, yes, you are affirming it but then you can turn around and denounce US citizenship also.

rjstuff comments on Permission for Children to travel from USA to Colombia and then back - parents split

Thanks for all the info - I have forwarded it to the mother; Also my wife was able to get some info off the DAS website. Hopefully it will all work out. Thanks a lot

rjstuff comments on Colombian citizen visa requirements to travel to Costa Rica or Panama.

The Delta airlines website shows that no visa is needed for Colombians traveling to Panama but needs visa for Costa Rica. My wife and her friends have traveled freely to Panama from Colombia.Costa Rican rules (new) allows greencard holders to travel to Costa Rica without a visa, but I think your girlfriend doesn't fall into that category. I don't think any inoculations are required. http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Barranquilla

What the heck is a 'Bonga'? My wife who is from Barranquilla doesn't know what a Bonga is? Enlighten please

rjstuff comments on any help out there?

sananderessi - a USC can petition mom, dad, brothers , sisters etc. - If your wife has had her greencard for three years - she can apply for citizenship and once she is a citizen, then she can file for her parents - no waiting - and her brothers, sisters - substantial waiting - 5 or 6 years or more. The question is - do they really want to come to USA - most older folks don't want to break their social circles back home - my parents just liked to visit us in USA for a month or two - no more - there life back home was much more rich and satisfying. You can or your wife can look into this - not uncommon.

rjstuff comments on Immigration scumbag in Miami

My wife's friend came through Miami on labor day - it seems they busted a pilot and an employee at the Miami airport for drug smuggling - it caused a lot of commotion and she was questioned for about an hour in Immigration - most times they just spend a few minutes but I think they were trying to be extra cautious that day and perhaps everyone was questioned thoroughly. As a result of the semi-shut-down at the airport, her flight to New York was canceled till after midnight. If this happened the same day My 26th, then I understand why everyone might have been pissy. That said, I always act cordial but notice people' names and write them down later for follow up - I believe a sufficient number of complaints will get his boss to put him on notice. We need to do this with cops, immigration, govt. employees and yes even private employees.

rjstuff comments on Visa time table from PBH members..

Its never a good idea to buy tickets till you have visa in hand - But if you want to do it - just buy completely refundable tickets; that way you can cover yourself if the visa is not granted or has some problem. Many of us did this and were OK. Don't just look at the bad side but figure out how to make it all come out OK for your case. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Andres Oppenheimer Lites Fire With Illegal Immigration Column

Many people develop complexes where they hate their own kind; like Hitler hated the jews though he may himself have been a jew - he wasn't a blue eyed, blond aryan - the race he was trying to create/maintain! Huskie seems to have acquired a sort of 'superiority complex' - from what I see of her language - many illegals work the farms and restaurants - if you don't know how much they earn - try and figure it out - it may be less than $2. And who cares what you call "ILLEGAL" Isn't the Bush presidency absolutely, completely, fraudulent - even though it was legitimized by the Supreme Court! Its an ILLEGAL presidency with no morality or ethics. The word Illegal is made insulting by people who hate other races - which among you have not been (or done something) ILLEGAL - Have you not Jaywalked, Have you not speeded, Have you not driven while under the influence, Have you not failed to stop completely at a stop sign, Have you not stolen a paper clip from your office/school etc. - To somehow wear the mental of Legal versus illegal is absolutely scumlike behavior. Grow UP!

rjstuff comments on Student Visa Granted. How many "processing fees" are there?

Yikes! My nephew just got his student visa - total paid $247 as Gator has described (I paid the SEVIS fee here in USA for him). Someone is taking her for a ride - as long as she can pay more - why nor ask for more? The only thing she needs to pay next is for her airline tickets and then her tuition at the school. She needs to demand her $700 back. Seems to me that she hasn't filed for her student visa and is going through a schmuck who is hustling her. Did she get her I20 already or not? Just file your own visa its very simple.

rjstuff comments on Andres Oppenheimer Lites Fire With Illegal Immigration Column

I am surprised at the hatred that's brewing in USA against all immigrants especially non-whites. When I walk or drive down the street - how can you differentiate me from an illegal (I am a US citizen). The illiterate segment of the population is easily riled by these hate mongers which was the very basis of Nazis and the rise to power of Adolf (not Coors - Hitler). One thing I laugh at is how these idiots hate the illegal Mexicans working in fields or restaurants or mowing lawns - but they don't think about the legal workers taking over high tech jobs! You want to get upset about a person making $2 an hour (or a little more), a Job that almost no US citizen wants, but no one is upset over a legal worker (H1 etc) thats taking away the $40 an hour plus jobs! I think their anger is misplaced. The only place I understand there anger is they don't like construction jobs going to illegals - thats an easy $10 plus an hour jobs that many US citizens love - no education needed for these. But they do not have the aptitude to study to get the High tech jobs or physicians jobs or thousands of other high paying jobs like those. Its pathetic and I pity those fools (down Mr.T.)

rjstuff comments on

Decameron - all of them are OK for one night but after that I hate the same old food - good but not great - I have stayed with them in Panama and Costa Rica and try to avoid them. I like the freedom to go and eat some place different every time - to see the city and surrounding areas - they are too much cookie-cutter hotels. OK for one night (especially if everything else is booked up) but then its too predictable and boring and the food is really terrible after the first couple meals. Cartagena has all kinds of hotels and I would stay in the old city a few nights at least; to enjoy the open air dining thats the best part of Cartagena. The new part is OK but not my favorite.

rjstuff comments on Help me with a general itinerary

I have always enjoyed the beaches in Santa Marta - Playa Blanca, Playa Crystal; also enjoyed Cartagena and the islands around there - but in my experience costs are closer to $100 a day (more likely $180 a day), however, the locals may know of cheaper places. Have Fun

rjstuff comments on How is it to live in Barranquilla?

My wife is from Barranquilla and still loves it - but agrees that its too hot and too humid. It seems that its about 90 degrees F every day of the year. You must - must - must - have A/C. My wife would often flag a taxi and then not get in if the A/C wasn't working. The city is very crowded and the traffic is pretty bad (if you are going to be driving) but buses and taxis are easily available to go where you want. They have some nice malls - I like Buenavista - its cool and has a nice foodcourt there. Santa Marta is about 2 hours away (by van) and is fun to go to. For me, Barranquilla is not livable but she loves it. We are actually going to visit Bucaramanga next year to see if we might move there (from US).

rjstuff comments on

tigre, you fill out a form that has the Colombian contacts name and phone number (and your contact info also) - The money is available to be picked at any of the three banks and their branches - I think the banks are Bancolombia, Davivienda and ??? You may need to call the Post office's number to get the info - they have a toll free number for the dinero seguro info. They charge $10 for the first $700 after that its $15 up to $1500 or so. Once you pay the Post office they give you two sets of numbers (on a long receipt) one transaction number and one confirmation number; you can email these to your contact (or call them) - who goes to one of the branches of these banks in his city and shows them his cedula and gives them the transaction and confirmation numbers and collects the money - the money gets there in fifteen minutes. My wife's brother picks it up in Barranquilla from a Davivienda bank across from his place of work. Have not had a problem - beens sending money periodically for about 3 years. One thing, not all US Post offices provide this service - so you need to call and find out which one does - lucky for me, the one main office close to our house does it. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on American to charge for checked bags

Hey Diana I have flown American/Avianca from Denver to Miami and then on to Bogota and then to Barranquilla. For departure you just need about half an hour - you have 2 hours too much. For arrival it depends on time spent in Immigration/Customs - so I like to have about 3 hours there but have done it in an hour or so each time. Don't worry about the distance between the American and Avaianca terminals - it doesn't take that long (you have to catch a fast train for the short last leg). I have done it twice.

rjstuff comments on Dental work

Colombian dental prices were about 75% of what I pay here. My wife had some crowns done and was charged about $480 each in Barranquilla - the bad news - she has been back for three months and now needs two more crowns - so the dentist didn't do all of the crowns needed or missed couple of those that should have done and did others that could have waited. She is a friend of my wife's so maybe next time we won't use her. The prices are not a big savings from what I see. Good Luck with the implants - I wonder if they are going to charge you as much as US prices. Go for a vacation any way and if you have the time and inclination get Dental work done - don't go for dental work and try to make a vacation out of it - not worth it in my opinion. Entiende?

rjstuff comments on

I sent my fiance a couple checks that she deposited in her bank account - even after clearing from my US bank - they local banks took another 4 to 6 weeks to give her the money after imposing a fee - so since then I just use Dinero Seguro with the post office - the money is there in 15 minutes - an ATM is better though and I use whenever I travel to Colombia. Like someone else said, have somebody deposit your check for you and use the ATM. If you are moving out to Colombia - then consider keeping your US account and opening a Colombian bank account once you get your cedula etc. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Selling a house in USA to move to Colombia...

The housing market is in the toilet - here in Denver also. The house as I see it; is way way overpriced. The home facing mine was on the market for almost a year plus. It went from 255,000 asking price to 165,000 sold price; its over 1750 sq ft, 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 baths etc. etc. I am talking Denver market prices, but look at the asking price and sold price - $90,000 less in the end! Now, other solutions and possible problems with it - You could rent the house and wait for the market to improve. If he owes a lot of money on the house - then he may never recover his equity. If he has a large equity then he could recover it but when? 2 years, 3 years or more. If renting the house, it becomes a commercial property and is subject to capital gains taxes when you sell it. (If you do not rent it, then you can pocket all your gains for selling the primary resident (as long as you held it for long enough etc.)) As some one else said, if he owes a lot of money - then he could walk away from it. His credit will be done and he will be subject to collection form the mortgage company but then there are many others doing the same thing. One question - this is a very small house - but you say it has a pool. Is it an above ground pool - 8 feet Diameter type or something else? Yikes the Powerline in the back! Subtract $50,000 more from the selling price - just for that. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Advice needed for relationship

Though this figures in this relationship - it happens in all relationships - do you love her enough to be with her the rest of your life? Are her tastes more expensive than yours (my wife's are!) Are you two willing to adjust to each others life styles, financial situation, family needs etc.? My wife's mother passed away in February - she ended up spending more than $10,000 in that trip - would I argue with her over this - NO! It would be the same if it had been my mother (though she died 10 years ago). However, I did have to get her to spend less on clothes, jewelery and shoes (oh I forgot purses)! The first 4 months she spent almost $5000 on these but now its more manageable. Good Luck with your choices

rjstuff comments on Are we screwed or what?

Some people use a lot of documents like Onehappyboy others use the minimum possible - I filed for my fiance with one line on how we met (on I129f) and sent two pictures of us together - approved; for the interview she took 4 or 5 copies of emails and chat records (nothing else) and they looked at one email for 3 seconds - approved in five minutes. Money paid to lawyers etc. ZERO! I did the AOS (geeencard) after marriage also - money paid to lawyers ZERO; I just filed for removal of conditions (10 year greencard) - waiting for approval any day - money paid to lawyers - you guessed it - ZERO! Visajourney is a good forum, spend some time reading guides and examples and you can do it for free. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Passport for the I-129F

azul - you should do what makes sense to you - It made sense to me that I didn't need to renew my passport. Some of the posters seem to be angry at the US consulate staff in Bogota; my wife and I had no problems with them. Sometimes if you treat others with respect and friendliness you get the same back. Reminds me of the adage not to get too angry at your waiter - you may be eating his spit in your food! Good Luck to all of you in this hard process. Remember - an Aguilla a day (or is it an hour) keeps the blues away!

rjstuff comments on I-134 Evidence for a K-3

RJ (huh them's my initials too) - I also didn't add her to the deed of my house but the rest of it - yes - its a big pain but one needs to do these to make it appear 'normal' in the eyes of USCIS. My wife got her first greencard without too many hassles (other than the trips to the banks, SS office etc. and all the paper shuffling) - the interview wasn't too bad; now waiting for the 10 year card - had to do even more paper work for this! Good Luck to all of you starting this - I am almost finished with it.

rjstuff comments on Passport for the I-129F

I disagree - your passport is unexpired! And the validity period is 10 years - You are in the same boat as I was - my passport was only valid for an "additional" 2 years when I filed for my fiance back in 2005. You are OK. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on I-134 Evidence for a K-3

Ok - maybe its easier for you - but for me getting 40 more pieces of paper, arranging them and describing them (and the first part of adding the wife to all these) was a lot of work. For example, if I got married to a US resident or citizen, I wouldn't do anything about adding her to my insurance or bank or mortgages or utilities etc. unless it made financial sense - but you have do to these to make sense to the USCIS folks. For example who cares if my wife is on my water or gas bill - but for USCIS, I had to call and send over SS information to get her added - a hassle for no reason other than for USCIS. And since you are doing so much more, its definitely not easier than K1 - its at least a little harder if not a lot. But some people like this stuff - I would rather have another Aguila instead. :LOL:

rjstuff comments on India Colombia trade target set at USD 2 bn

Yes, just a mile or so east of I25 and on a strip mall off of Hampden, its at the back of the old Benihana (closed now). You can do a mapquest or google for directions also to 'Indias'. Have Fun

rjstuff comments on six months in colombia and six months in usa

tomtom wrote : If at some time in the future I get bit by Colombian taxes badly, I will pay. Then I will assess my future options. Actually you do not need to worry about this at all. When you are taxed by Colombia, you can take a tax credit for the taxes paid to Colombia on your US return (so in fact you avoid double taxation). Its not too hard from what I have read so far. For people staying 6 months or under - you avoid the hassles of doing this - calculating the moneys you made in Colombia, number of days you lived there and filing US taxes and filling out forms for exclusion of foreign income and tax credits etc. But if you are already part of this as tomtom is, then you are OK without worrying too much about more taxes - as a matter of fact, if you move out of USA completely, you do avoid State income taxes (we have them in Colorado - Florida, Texas and a couple other states do not have these. So, some people become residents of Texas or Florida for tax purposes if they are choosing to live 6 months in and 6 months out - savings of about $1500 for me if I were to do this - but I am not there yet.)

rjstuff comments on I-134 Evidence for a K-3

AOS is much harder in the sense that you need to show proof of co-mingled lives. Meaning you need to add her to your bank account, your mortgage or lease or rental agreements, your credit cards, your utility bills, your health insurance; need to get life insurances in each others name and so on and on. Read up on the guide on visajourney and you will get some hints. You do not have to do all of these things but enough of them to show that you two have a 'valid' relationship. Its harder, because you have to do many more things than just an I134 with tax returns. You will also need to get her a SSN before you can do any of these -most banks and insurance people want a SSN to add her to your account. Interviews themselves are not hard, but she will need to learn enough English (or you can get a translator). Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Driver's license

I have used my US license to rent and drive in Costa Rica, Panama and Europe. I believe it would work in Colombia too. Unless you have the motorcycle notation - obviously, its not good for motorcycles.

rjstuff comments on India Colombia trade target set at USD 2 bn

Diana, go to India's in Tamarac Square for Lunch - they have an excellent buffet (around $7 or 8) - you can try many dishes including Tandoori chicken, sag panner, Naan bread and chicken curry, daal and some veggies too. I go once every three or four months when I want some Indian food (I am from India) and they are the best in Denver that I know of. You can try some Indian beer too - Kingfisher or Tajmahal are both pretty good. Have Fun - oh yes, most of the dishes are fairly mild and they do have some pickle to heat up your food if you want to.

rjstuff comments on

you seem to be a good story teller - try your hand at fiction - may make a nice bit of money. I just watched the Colombian movie about the group of soldiers who found money belonging to FARC - it was kind of fun - a reverse, reverse justice of sorts - you might be good at such plots. Well done, I enjoyed the story.

rjstuff comments on Debt... Can they track me down in Colombia?

If you are ethically Ok with stealing money from the bank - no matter how bad they were it to you, doesn't make it right to be bad to them - then it doesn't matter where you want to live or not live. Many people do it by filing for bankruptcy in USA after spending money like there was no tomorrow. I couldn't do it - It wouldn't feel right to cheat someone else even if I had been cheated. I found a twenty dollar bill outside the grocery store and took it back and gave it to the manager (or assistant) - I hoped that the person who lost it may ask them about it and get it back. The loss to someone of $20 is too big for the negligible gain to me of $20 - in my sense of justice, it wouldn't be right and I can never do it. I know of people who boast of having done this in USA (moved to India); in Colombia (moved to USA) - and I couldn't believe their justification for their actions, but then I don't have to worry about their conscience or lack of it.

rjstuff comments on I-134 Evidence for a K-3

You do not need to sign these - I never did - But as I have suggested to others on VisaJourney - if you are so inclined - you can write - "not signed - filed electronically" - just to make it clear to the Bogota people why these copies are not signed. Again - as I told someone today on Visajourney - 'permanent' doesn't mean anything - you could be fired in a day or your company can go bankrupt or close. None of my employment letters ever said 'permanent' - I think you worry too much - this stuff is routine - there is harder stuff later on - e.g. AOS and removal of conditions. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Can I retire at my age with my savings

I think many posters are misleading - they are basing things on their own or their perceived lifestyle. It depends on your lifestyle; how much it will cost to live in Colombia - I have seen this in discussions about many countries - Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, India and USA - some people told me I couldn't live in India at $3000 a month - what nonsense, I live in USA for $3000 a month! Corey can do what he wants to do as long as he maintains his current or slightly higher or slightly lower lifestyle, carefully look at business opportunities and take some risks. For us - if we move to Colombia, I expect to live a higher lifestyle for one very simple reason - currently our health insurance costs us approx $800 a month (for two - we are quite healthy). This will go down to around $150 a month in Colombia - that alone gives us an extra $650 a month. Add to that lower cost of living, lower property costs etc. and I think we would have at least $1500 a month more in Colombia than here in USA. We will continue to live at or around the same level of lifestyle as we do here and most probably higher - I do not see any problem with that. We do not want to become jet setters or Hollywood celebrities - we will remain what we are and continue our fun life style within our means - our means would definitely expand more when we are in Colombia.