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Married in Colombia and Direct Consul Apply question for marriage Visa to USA...

I am from Miami and moved to Cartagena, Colombia in September 09 to live with my fiancee... We will be married in 3 weeks and will live here together until we get a marriage visa for her to come live with me in Miami... I was told here that new rules are we only need to live together when married for 2 months in Colombia for her to be eligible to go to USA on a marriage visa, and that all we need to do is go to Bogota after marriage and us living here 2 months to Direct apply with Consul and that we will have no problems getting Visa right away....

My question is I want to know if this is correct because I had thought I needed to live here 6 months with her, but my friend says laws have changed recently....??? I researched this info with no luck so any help would be much appreciated !! We just want to be together and start our new lives ASAP in Miami... Also, after we marry here, I am under the assumption I can apply for a marriage Visa for me to stay here without having to leave or renew my tourist visa,,,, correct?? Thanks again.... :-}

By FIFFJTW24 on Oct 4, 2009, 03:22 in Visa & paperwork.

kikolina0920 says on Oct 4, 2009, 08:35:

There is a great website called visajourney.com where all of your questions can be answered. The forums are very interesting and informative.

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Gator says on Oct 4, 2009, 09:28:

THAT is NOT correct! Marriage visas are K-3, IR1 or CR1. The last two are immigrant visa, the first requires adjustment of status after entering the USA, the last two do not. You are not eligible for Direct Consular Filing (DCF) with the US consulate unless you live in Colombia as a resident for a minimum of six months-this is the fastest path but hard to obtain.
Questions are now answered by e-mail to the consular section. It may take awhile but you will eventually get an answer. Six months on as a tourist, student, work, etc.,etc., will not satisfy the requirement for a DCF

IVBogota at state.gov

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Gator says on Oct 4, 2009, 10:09:

" If you are planning to stay in Colombia for over 6 months anyway..."

AS A RESIDENT!! You MUST show the intent to be a resident and not temporary visitor.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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sanandressi says on Oct 4, 2009, 13:22:

my advice for you would be to cancel the wedding in Colombia and get her a K-1 Fiance Visa and bring her to Miami for a trial period. You can always return to Cartagena for a big wedding later if she loves you friend? Unless you really know this woman.........??????? Your call obviously.....what happens if Miami is not what she expects? Has she been there before?

Good luck with your decisions.....

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geoff71 says on Oct 4, 2009, 15:22:

just get married on san andres isle.. i hear the only thing you need is your passport

one day at a time

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 4, 2009, 18:13:

Gator, what does the US consulate consider a resident in Colombia? Does a temporary work, 2 year visa work?

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Gator says on Oct 4, 2009, 21:30:

You beat me to that Greg-the same rules apply in San Andres for marriage as in the rest of Colombia

Gamm2. The word "temporary"attached to that visa should be the first clue.The embassy in Bogotá requires at least 6 months in Colombia and living actively as resident requires things such as paying of local taxes and generally speaking, possession of a Colombian resident visa or other long term visa. This policy does change so contact the embassy for more specifics on what is required for the U.S. Citizen to legitimately "qualify" as a resident of Colombia. This is courtesy and a discretionary process

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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