Two Questions

[Hiker]

I was married in Cali March 29.  We went to the US Embassy in Bogota on March 31.  She goes back on April 21.

Pending all goes well does she receive her visa that day?

What is a good safe time to allow between flights in Miami (her point of entry) to give her sufficient time to go through the process there.

I have kept very detailed notes and will post them soon for anyone getting ready to follow suite.

Thanks!

[cali outlaw]

... in response to Two Questions, posted by Hiker on Apr 8, 2003

My wife and I WENT THRU The Ins deal in Miami in Sept of 2001, the entire deal took about 30 minutes to verify her visa pack and we were happily on our way, being very nice and frienly to the agent helped, lots of smiles and yes maams helped a bit I think, passport stamp and instructions to get a ss number from INS where very helpful, just have a good attitiude and smile and hold your bride helps a whole lot, good luck and God Bless, Andy

[Hiker]

... in response to Re: Two Questions, posted by cali outlaw on Apr 9, 2003

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[lswote]

... in response to Two Questions, posted by Hiker on Apr 8, 2003

My wife's second embassy visit was March 17th and she got her visa the same day.  Her second appointment went from about 7:00am until 11:00am where she was instructed to come back after 3:00pm to pick up her visa.  I think most of her time in the morning was spent waiting and she said there were no problems.

I flew with her to the states that Friday.  At customs, when we got upto the immigration counter, we were escorted into a nearby room where the packet she received from the American Embassy in Bogota was processed and she received a 2 year visa stamped into her passport.  It took about 35-45 minutes for this extra processing.  After picking up baggage we cleared the rest of customs without having any of our bags inspected.

[Pete E]

... in response to Two Questions, posted by Hiker on Apr 8, 2003

If the embassy has everything it wants she gets the visa the same day as the second interview.
I met my wife in Miami when she first flew in to the US.I was waiting inside the terminal and she came out about 1-1/2 -2 hours after the plane landed.If you are with her you can use the citizens line and maybe it will be faster.This is not just a normal clearing immigration but her first trip through which requires more time of the agents.
Don't presume just because nobody at the embassy has told you you were missing anything that you are not.They sprang some things on my wife at the second interview.I had to fly home for more documents and send them to her,mostly but not all relating to extra documents needed for my step son.
I guess I'm saying don't book any non refundable flights untill she actually has the visa.

Pete

[Hiker]

... in response to Re: Two Questions, posted by Pete E on Apr 9, 2003

Yes, I am sure you are right about not buying the ticket just yet.  She wants to sell her car and take care of some other business before she leaves also.  I think we have everything they could ask for but it is very possible that they come up with the need for something I don't have.

[wizard]

... in response to Two Questions, posted by Hiker on Apr 8, 2003

I have read posts and heard from others that wifes are able to pickup their visas the day after the second interview...

It has also been quoted that clearing immigration in Miami takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on workload... With the new regulations since 9/11, she will have to gather her baggage, clear customs and recheck her bags again... Plus, she will have to navigate to another concourse too... Miami Intl can be a little confusing, even for the seasoned traveler... You should allow a minimum of 2 hours between connecting flights, 3 hours would be better in case they're busy...

My novia and I will be married in Bogota at the end of the month... I look forward to any details you have to offer...

Buen suerte...