Go to CDJ appt with fiance ??????

[Mishu]

I am wondering whether or not I should go to CDJ with my fiance for his appointment (assuming we are approved and actually get an appointment ?!?!?).

I am assuming it is not necessary because this kind of visa is meant to bring the fiance from another country to the U.S. i.e. the couple is not currently physically in the same place. He will also be turning in a waiver through the pilot program (hopefully!?!) So other than help with any problems that come up, probably I won't be needed there. Right???? I wonder if anyone has any personal experience or opinion.

[SHELLYFCO]

I went with my fiance because I was able to and in case he needed something while at the Consulate. However, he was never even asked if I was there. He did end up having to file an I-601 waiver though they told him he had to come back the following week. I understand that Info Pass Appts. are now available though.

[kitkat1]

Fiances and spouses are not allowed inside the consulate. Chances are 99.9% you will spend the day outside the consulate waiting. It's up to you if you want to be there.

[Mishu]

I did read here on the site that fiances and spouses were not allowed into the consulate. I thought maybe someone had some insight into whether or not it was worth the trip to CDJ. I am concerned about the money for the trip but if my presence their could be useful for my fiance, obviously I will go. What kind of things could go wrong that I could help him with ????

[SHELLYFCO]

True, only the applicant is allowed inside. As for how you could be useful, as long as you send him with any and every possible document he might need (including extra copies), he will be fine on his own. I've read how some forgot to take specific documents and their wife/fiance had to bring them from the hotel. Most people accompany for moral support only.

[princesa]

I went with my husband and had to wait outside. Although I went back to the hotel for a little while for breakfast and then drove back in our car, but I had to wait until like 3 pm.

[Mishu]

I guess, from the responses, as long as he takes absolutely everything with him (originals of everything we already sent, photos, all of the waiver documents etc.) and he takes them to the consulate. There really isn't much else I can do there, other than wait.

Anyone know if there is an internet cafe somewhere close to the consulate? In case, I would need to send him some digital pictures or something that we might have forgotten.

[Jancy]

I went with my fiance because I could and I knew I could help with getting everything completed. I didn't expect in a million years the consulate would call me in, but they did. They gave my fiance a pass for me to go in with him, but this is very rare and they didn't really ask me anything. I think they just wanted to toy with my fiance and make sure I really existed. When they asked him where I was and he said I was just puttering around outside they decided to drag me in there I guess.

[Mishu]

Jancy, they didn't ask you anything? How strange that they would give you a pass to come into the consulate just to make sure you existed. They didn't give a reason?

[Adriane]

They called me in with my husband, too. Don't know why, they didn't really tell or ask me anything. Good thing I brought something decent to wear!

I know they also asked to see the spouse in another case where there is a 25 year age difference. I guess if you have a situation with something that might raise a red flag (we don't just un-lucky, I guess) then it could be a good idea.

Good luck!

[Mishu]

That is funny that you mentioned age. I am 8 years older than my fiance....Goodness, it sounds even worse when I write it?!?!....so, depending on whether or not they consider this a big age gap. They could also ask to see me.

[inlimbo]

I have something to add now that my fiance went to the consulate for his visa interview yesterday!

He got back to the hotel at 5 PM with a pass to return the next day with a letter from me stating that I am aware of his ineligibility (unlawful presence & deportation) but that I want to file waivers. He had to go back this morning and is at the consulate going through the rest of the interview stuff today. Not sure what they would do if I hadn´t been there. I guess you can beat them to the punch and write a letter for him to take with to the appt if you can´t be there.

Oh, and apparently that´s only something they do with fiances, not spouses.

[Jancy]

Ya they just gave my fiance a little paper that gave us a time and window to come to. We met with a adjucator/officer at a window and he asked me a few things and told us that my fiance was not eligible for the visa at the time due to EWI but was eligible for the 601, he explained it would take 6-8 months for an answer and said if that is what we wanted to do then please sign (a paper saying that is what we wanted). I said YES OF COURSE! and signed away, he gave us information to proceed with the 601 and had us move along to another window. Yah weird to call me in but I was glad I was there.

[Mishu]

Inlimbo, I was just reading your post about signing a statement. That is exactly the kind of thing I am afraid of. If I don't go, something like that will come up.
If you hadn't been there, maybe he could have faxed it to you, you could have signed it, then faxed it back. Do you think they would have accepted that?
But in the end, I guess it is better to be safe (and go) than to be sorry (don't go and have your visa delayed).
Good Luck! I have been watching your posts anxiously, since I will be going through this same situation soon.

[kitkat1]

Mishu, it's not a big deal. If you are not going with him, send a letter stating you are aware that their policy prohibits you from entering the consulate, you are aware that he needs to file a waiver, you support him, blah blah blah

[SHELLYFCO]

I went with my fiance because I could and I knew I could help with getting everything completed. I didn't expect in a million years the consulate would call me in, but they did. They gave my fiance a pass for me to go in with him, but this is very rare and they didn't really ask me anything. I think they just wanted to toy with my fiance and make sure I really existed. When they asked him where I was and he said I was just puttering around outside they decided to drag me in there I guess.

Jancy, was this for your first appointment or to pick up the visa?

Shelly

[kitkat1]

Jancy is talking about his original visa interview in August 06. No spouses or fiances are required to be at the visa pickup.

[SHELLYFCO]

Jancy is talking about his original visa interview in August 06. No spouses or fiances are required to be at the visa pickup.
Kitkat, I'm still trying to learn more about other K-1's experiences that had to submit a waiver...just can't seem to find anyone that has gone for their 2nd Interview. I went to Service Center today to make absolutely sure I am sending everything Pancho needs and they were useless and inaccurate (one officer told me that I had to marry within 120 days - hah!). If I only send what the letter lists then I only need a DS-156, valid Mexican Passport and the visa fee. The immigration officer told me to only take the items listed in the letter though I've heard so many stories of K-1's and AOS's going to CDJ and the consulate asking for documentation outside of items listed.

[kitkat1]

There have been NO K1 approved waiver pick-ups here so there's no reference information. I would just be 100% prepared. Take a copy of every single item you had to submit at the original interview plus any updated information i.e. 2006 taxes if they were not available when you originally filed.

It's unlikely they will ask for anything since it has been less than one year, but it sure makes sense to be well prepared and better safe than sorry. (And I would never rely on information provided directly by any USCIS employee - you can see they are clueless and counting on them to tell you what to do is a recipe for disaster - sad, but true).

[SHELLYFCO]

Much appreciated Kitkat. I'll take your advise and send everything as if I'm filing for the first time (minus the I-129)...and I agree, I'd rather be overprepared than not. Just think, and this is just the beginning as we're not even married. Next course, AOS! Speaking of which, are those interviews (if required) only given in CDJ?

[kitkat1]

Much appreciated Kitkat. I'll take your advise and send everything as if I'm filing for the first time (minus the I-129)...and I agree, I'd rather be overprepared than not. Just think, and this is just the beginning as we're not even married. Next course, AOS! Speaking of which, are those interviews (if required) only given in CDJ?

AOS interviews have nothing to do with the consulate. Once you get his visa, you are done with them forever, thankfully. At the point of AOS, he is adjusting his status from that of a person who entered as a Fiance of a USC to that of a conditional legal permanent resident. They are handled by USCIS at the local office.

[SHELLYFCO]

That is absolutely the best news I have heard all day - THANK YOU! Then I have the displeasure of working with the other side of the spectrum, immigration officers at the Service Center!

[kitkat1]

Since AOS interviews are at local offices, the "service level" is generally much higher. I would start researching about the AOS process now - there is a very particular order of doing things and lots of rules.

[SHELLYFCO]

Since AOS interviews are at local offices, the "service level" is generally much higher. I would start researching about the AOS process now - there is a very particular order of doing things and lots of rules.
My experience today was frustrating. The officer had the nerve to tell me that I had too many questions. I've begun compiling my next list of questions.