new rules and easiest way for american citizen to marry colombia lady

bigtexas1974 says on Aug 24, 2008, 09:25:

www.visajourney.com

"Sex is one of the most wholesome, beautiful, and natural experiences money can buy." - Steve Martin "You don't appreciate a lot of stuff in school until you get a little older. Little things, like getting spanked every day by a middle aged woman."

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 24, 2008, 09:34:

The easiest way to get married in Colombia is to go to San Andres. Their documentation requirements are less demanding. Check out www.saiweddings.com.

As a foreign citizen born outside of Colombia, you only need a passport to get married. Anyone born in Colombia, regardless of citizenship, must present a valid "Cedula" and a "Registro Civil de Nacimiento con Notas Marginales".

This will probably not be cheaper than marrying in a notaria on the mainland, but it is a lot less hassle.

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Gator says on Aug 24, 2008, 09:50:

First, decide where the ceremony will take place-San Andrés Island is the least "hassle" but you must factor in travel costs. Aero República, RT from Bogotá, $880.000 pesos; From Cartagena $862.000 pesos. If this strikes you fancy have the novia check with some travel agencies who offer some good packages to this destination.

If it is not San Andrés then have your novia shop around for a notary either to perform the ceremony or do the paperwork to record the marriage-the requirements and paperwork can and do vary depending on the individual notary.

BTW, looking at a possibility of $1.740.000 pesos for air fare alone for two make sure that "hassle" is maybe worth it-find the right notary. U.S. Birth Certificate (certified), Previous Divorce Decrees (certified), Certificate of Singlehood, copies of your US Passport.(certified). The notary you chose can guide you on what for she/he requires.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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calipro says on Aug 24, 2008, 15:49:

George

I think you might get more helpful advice if you said where you are in Colombia.

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lpdiver says on Aug 25, 2008, 03:12:

It depends on what is important to you and your fiancee. Do you want her family there, does SHE want her family there. It really isn't difficult getting married on the mainland (depending on your individual circumstances).

I would be extremely wary if she has no desires or wishes concerning the details of her wedding.

TS

"cook some rice!"

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gringo george says on Aug 27, 2008, 10:01:

truthseeker - why easiest while on tourist visa ? will that violate any laws coming back into usa ??

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 27, 2008, 10:11:

That is terrible advice. If a person enters the US on a tourist visa with the intention of getting married to a US citizen for the purpose of getting a permanent visa, it is considered visa fraud. That is a federal crime.

These types of cases tend to draw extra scrutiny. Some people do get away with it, but they can just as easily be denied Adjustment of Status. The petitioner and beneficiary probably would not be prosecuted(although they could be), but the beneficiary(visa seeker) would be deported and could be given a 10 year or lifetime ban on entering the US.

On top of that, the likelihood that a single Colombian woman would be given a tourist visa is not that great.

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El Polo says on Aug 27, 2008, 10:25:

CG I sent you a PM

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 27, 2008, 10:39:

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 27, 2008, 10:47:

I would think so. This only really applies if you are trying to adjust status to permanent residency from a tourist visa.

You are certainly free to marry in the US. However, if you ever want to reside in the US at a later date, you will have to apply for a CR/IR-1 or K-3 visa for the foreign spouse.

The good thing is that once you have resided in Colombia for six months, you are eligible to to a Direct Consular Filing of your CR/IR-1 at the US embassy in Bogota. This process is much faster than going through USCIS.

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paulr says on Aug 27, 2008, 11:00:

Marry in Vegas, you can marry your pet parrot dressed as Elvis if you like, all you need is a voucher from Micky mouse and your all set.

"paulr threatens me with death !" pobrecito

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mranderson says on Aug 27, 2008, 11:27:

Can you explain this direct consular filing? I´ve been living here in colombia on my marriage visa for over a year now so I assume I qualify.

Is it the same process only faster or is it completely different? As far as I can figure out, the only way I can bring my wife to the u.s. is if I go back first and wait there while she waits in colombia for all the paperwork. Like 6 or so months right?

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 27, 2008, 11:38:

Direct Consular Filing means that you submit your visa petition directly to the US embassy instead of going through USCIS. This should normally cut the time to an interview in half. I believe you get a CR/IR1 which results in a green card so you avoid the expense and hassle of Adjustment of Status. It is probably the fastest legitimate route to a marriage visa for your situation.

It is limited to US citizens who have been in Colombia over six months(maybe a year) so you should qualify. Be prepared to show proof of the length of your residence in Colombia

For more info see...

VisaJourney DCF Guide
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=dcf

VisaJourney DCF Forum
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=82

FYI: VisaJourney is really slow today, but it is not normally like that.

Good luck,
CG

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gringo george says on Aug 27, 2008, 13:29:

ok , so now we plan on getting married in san andres next question is Can my new wifr travel on her visa to america as new citizen as soon as marriage compleated ? thanks

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tomtom33 says on Aug 27, 2008, 13:40:

The marriage does not confer a VISA. She will not have any VISA after you marry unless the US issues one to her.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Aug 27, 2008, 15:11:

gg,

Once you are married, you can petition for either a K-3 or a CR-1 spouse visa. This process normally takes between six months to a year. Your wife will not be able to legally enter the US until she is granted a visa. Sadly, there are no easy shortcuts.

Check out VisaJourney.com to inform yourself about the process.

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truthspeaker says on Aug 27, 2008, 16:37:

So, truthseeker, the question is: are you finally going to marry or not?

Remember, I can only tell the truth. No more Sex Tourism in Colombia.

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lpdiver says on Aug 28, 2008, 16:59:

DCF if you qualify is the ONLY way to go. You prevent a lot of time waiting for things. You save a lot of money PAYING for things, and save a lot of headached. If you qualify...DO IT!



ts

"cook some rice!"

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