Colombia Forum

bigjailerman
Joined 2014
Posts: 2231

9 years ago

Crappy visa experience @ US Embassy

9 years ago

The other day I traveled to Bogota with my fiance and her son for the Tourist visa to the states. All the forms were filled out correctly, there were two appointments, one for a photo and fingerprints and the second day was for the interview. She had practiced what she would say and understands that the most important things you have to project that you have ties back to Colombia and that you will return, family ties etc. The interviewer didn't ask too many questions and let her talk.
She explained that she had a big family here, very close, involved with our kids etc.we share a big house with her mother, 2 brothers and her grandparents, her,9 year old son and our new son who is almost 1. Her son goes to school obviously. We wanted to visit November, December and first week of January to get the kid back into the new school year. We support the house financially bill wise. She also informed him that my mom is suffering from Alzheimers and my sister who is her main care giver wants to go on a vacation and we were going to relieve her for a couple weeks. Also wanted to get my moms house back into shape before it fell into disrepair before the winter settles in. Also she projected to the interviewer that my family wants to meet our new son, my wife and her son because they only meet via Skype. Blah blah etc etc...
At the end of interview she was informed they wouldn't give her a tourist visa. Obviously she was pretty sad and felt she failed me somehow. As she was leaving many others were rejected as well. More than a few teary eyes were on display.
Before we went, we spoke to others who went through it in the past and the majority had no difficulty. I don't know why and if there is something going on. Any American citizen knows our borders have been wide open for a while and illegal aliens have been trotting in at a pretty good pace, given ss numbers, drivers liscenses etc. mostly are from Mexico and Central America. Now here we are, trying to do things the correct way, paying fees, go through truthful interviews with poor results. Disheartening and expensive.
Originally we opted for the tourist visa instead of the fiance or spousal k visas because it was cheaper, she wasn't looking for immigrant status (maybe one our two visits a year during school vacation time) and the time frame seemed faster... Also we were planning to marry here September of 2015.
Our net step now is to get officially married here civilly and go for the spousal visa..
Ok,.well I am venting and any informed comments are appreciated..

Have a good day

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