possibel to switch from K1to spousal

[Celt]

... in response to Re: Re: possibel to switch from K1to spo..., posted by mudd on Jan 29, 2003

As for the documents, the Bogota embassy webpage has the
list of documents you need for the case of Colombia. You
have to make the initial trip, and your wife can go alone
the second trip.

I submitted by paperwork, and paid my submittal fees on
December 30 at 1:15. I got on a plane at 3:00 that day.
My wife went to her two mandatory medical appointments--
blood testing and physical well-being--and will return
for her post-background check appointment on Feb. 11.

That is a five week turn-around, assuming that all the
paperwork is approved.

Some members have written that you do not need 3-years
of tax documents. At my window on Dec. 30th, the consular
officer counted to make sure there were three-years of
documentation.

One thing is for sure: the consular officers appreciate
courtesy, tire of complaints about bureaucracy, and
appreciate a customer whose paperwork is neat and orderly.

[lswote]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: possibel to switch from K1to..., posted by Celt on Jan 29, 2003

When you submitted your paperwork to the embassy, did you have to include a photos of yourself?  The checklist I was given doesn't include a requirement for photos, but the I-130 form talks about submitting a 3/4 frontal view passport sized photo.  What is correct?

[Golden]

... in response to Embassy paperwork, posted by lswote on Jan 30, 2003

Yes you need a photo of yourself paper clipped to the 325A Bio Form you fill out...same goes for your spouse. You can go to http://www.k1faq.com/ and click on the blue hyper text named "M-378 Color Photograph Specifications" in section 1.0 of that quesitons and answer site. Dont forget to write your name on the back of the photo, again same for spouse. ....Dont freak out about how detailed they get, ...when I had my photo made i got damn close to what the wanted, but if is off 1 or 2 mm no biggie....just do what i did and go to place that takes passport photos there in Columbia and you'll be hooked up.

[Jebster]

... in response to Re: Embassy paperwork, posted by Golden on Jan 30, 2003

In the same block as the US Embassy in Bogotá there is at least one photo shop who knows exactly what the Embassy requires and they take exactly the photos you need. And, they do them quickly.

[Celt]

... in response to Embassy paperwork, posted by lswote on Jan 30, 2003

The consular officer I had was very thorough. I told her
that the website instructions were unclear, and contradicted
by other parts of the website. She admitted its incorrections.

So, I went with every possible document
mentioned from every source I found, including the
archives from this website. I had I-130s, G-325a (for
both of us),I-864s, etc. She very kindly went through
my whole pile and divided them into three categories:
(1) things she wanted now; (2) things my wife needs for
appointment #2; and (3) rubbish, which included the
G-325as.

You may wish to ask them if you have all your dox for
visit #2 when you go there for #1.

They will also return e-mails. You may wish to just
send them a list of documents you think you need,
and they will confirm it for you. Their e-mail
turn-around was a surprisingly quick 24-48 hours.

Remember that your burden is light: the tax documents,
proof of employment and bank records; the form of
financial support and the basic petition. Your wife's
load is heavier. The website does make that pretty
clear.

And yes, you will need photos.

[Golden]

... in response to Re: Embassy paperwork, posted by Celt on Jan 30, 2003

Yeahhh I was thinking of the 325A after I read your post. I think I know why the lady at the Embassy put the 325A in the rubbish pile as she called it ...its kind of like a credit application you would fill out when you go to get a car....your basicly just putting your info on there so its like a quick reference for the real info they want to dig up when they do a background check on you....