I-601 via Lima Peru

[Spike]

Dear All,

For the 8 months I have used this site to gather info and prepare an I-601 for my wife, which was submitted in Rio in May 2007. I have witnessed many success stories and tragic outcomes of the 3/10 year bar. It's strange that once you become familiar with the situation of a complete stranger, it still evokes overwhelming emotion of joy or disgust when you hear of a positive or negative outcome. Anyway, upon miraciously finding this website, it has been the source and basis for good information and support. Until now, I have only been a visitor, but now, I hope I can give something back to those you require assistance or info.

[Spike]

By the way, timeline is as follows:

Jan 2006: Filed 1-30
Sept. 2006: I-130 Approved at Vermont
Oct-Dec 2006: Fees for I-864, DS-230, etc.
Jan 2007: Case forwarded to Rio for Consular Processing
Mar. 2007: Wife's first visa interview. Denied based on overstay
May. 2007: 2nd interview, submit I-601
Oct. 2007: 3rd interview in Rio @ request of Lima, substantiate information

Based on the time frame of 5-8 months for waivers out of Lima, I would expect that we would know something by Nov 2007-Jan 2008.

[Luckysprite]

Best of luck to you Spike. May the outcome of your waiver be favorable and you hear something soon! (and welcome to the site ... officially! :bounce:)

[Spike]

Thanks L-sprite! Probably like most people, overwhelming angst and a sense powerlessness can consume you. Now, we both have a positive attitude and know that we have done everything we could to rectify the situation. What comes next is out of our control. No sense in months of self torture. Appreciate the kind words.

[imisshimmuch]

Hi Spike, we also have to go through Lima. :shy: why did you have more then one interview ???

[Spike]

It's my wife that has the 10 year bar. But, the first interview was the visa interview. Even before she went to it in March, we knew she would need to file a waiver.

However, in Rio you can't submit the waiver application the same day as your interview. Upon her 1st visa interview, she was denied (as we expected) and she was informed that she would need to file a waiver. At that time, they booked her another date (in May) to come back and submit the waiver. The difference in time between the 1st and 2nd interview was exactly eight weeks.

She filed the waiver at the Rio Consulate in late May.

I called Lima in October to follow up on the waiver. They stated that they did not have it. My wife called Rio and they said they sent it. Rio contacted Lima for us to resolve this 'dilemma'.

Rio called my wife and said that Lima did have our case, as they were mistaken. But Lima requested that my wife go to Rio for another interview in order to substantiate that we have a valid relationship. She needs to bring with her photos of our wedding, any and all plane tickets or receipts showing how many times we have met each other abroad, and any other evidence (photos during visits) that we still maintain a strong relationship.

I am hoping that this is a sign that they are considering an approval. I figured that if they were going to deny it outright, they just would have done so already.

We've decided not to stress anymore about it. Take one day at a time, and go from there.