Any hidden costs on CP?

A

Airetupal

Registered Users (C)
Hi,

Last week I found out my 1-140 was approved (EB3 PD 11/7/2002 AD 3/12/2003). Up until now my lawyer has not come back to me with any news. On the I-140 she selected Consular Processing to be done in Bogota (Colombia)

I was getting all the required documentation in order to go AOS, and only yesterday I understood the big advantage the PC brings which I'm pursuing right now. Anyway I have the following questions:

1) Besides the $335 is there any other fee I should be aware of?
2) Once all the PC process ends and the termporary immigrant visa is printed in my passport, how long should I wait until I can change employers
3) I know this may change from post to post: anyone to share experiences on medical examination and fingerprinting?
4) I've read in some cases the consular letter comes really on-time. Anyone with experience on some latinamerican consulate?
5) The pictures you have to bring are the same ADIT format the AOS process requires?
6) My wife is right now on H4. Once she gets her immigrant visa stamped can she apply for a SSN? What about work permit?
7) I'm not feeling well represented on this immigration matter. Is a lawyer really needed?


Thanks
 
Originally posted by Airetupal
Hi,

Last week I found out my 1-140 was approved (EB3 PD 11/7/2002 AD 3/12/2003). Up until now my lawyer has not come back to me with any news. On the I-140 she selected Consular Processing to be done in Bogota (Colombia)

I was getting all the required documentation in order to go AOS, and only yesterday I understood the big advantage the PC brings which I'm pursuing right now. Anyway I have the following questions:

1) Besides the $335 is there any other fee I should be aware of?

[ The visa issue fee is only $ 335. However based on the consulate you may need to pay for services like courier charges etc.


2) Once all the PC process ends and the termporary immigrant visa is printed in my passport, how long should I wait until I can change employers

[ There is no specified safe period. However 6 months is supposed to be a good length of period. But if would be better
if the employer lays you off , rather than you leaving ]

3) I know this may change from post to post: anyone to share experiences on medical examination and fingerprinting?

[ In the CP process the finger printing is done at the POE
when you enter US after the interview. Medical exams
are consulate specific. ]

4) I've read in some cases the consular letter comes really on-time. Anyone with experience on some latinamerican consulate?

[ No comment]
5) The pictures you have to bring are the same ADIT format the AOS process requires?

[ You need immigration style and regular passports ]
6) My wife is right now on H4. Once she gets her immigrant visa stamped can she apply for a SSN? What about work permit?

[ She gets the SSN, which allows her to work. Work permit
does not apply for CP cases]

7) I'm not feeling well represented on this immigration matter. Is a lawyer really needed?

[ It is a personal choice. Having an attorney is not mandatory]


Thanks
Click to expand...

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Raju
 
Last edited by a moderator:
More on the same

Raju595, Thanks for the input. More questions based on your answers and in your experience: regarding the medical examination I have learned it is done the same day you have the interview. Is this true? Is there any charge for this examination?

Anyone else to jump in?

Thanks again.
 
Medical exam

No. The medical exam is not done on the same day the interview is scheduled.

Medical exam report is required in the CP interview is done prior to the interview. The report as the resultant of the medical exam is to be submitted with other docs on the day of the interview. It is usually safe to have medical exam done atleast two days prior to the interview date.

Yes, there is a charge associated with the medical exam. The charge is depenedent on what is required/assesed by the physician. The charge by physician include the physician fee, cost of any immunization, cost of x-ray, etc.

Thanks & Good Luck.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Basically I concur with what cpDelhi said.

Medical exam does not happen the same day as the date of
inteview.

Actually when we say medical exam it consists of two parts:

1. Laboratory tests your immune levels with regard to some
diseases, x- ray to check for TB, HIV and so on.

2. The second part is taking these reports to the panel physician
who would then administer (based on the lab reports ) the
necessary immunization shots, physical exam etc.

Afterwards the physician gives his report which you would carry
to the consulate when you go for the interview.

You will pay charges both at the lab and the physician's office
based on the tests done and the required shots.

So based on the working hours and scheduling of the lab and the
physician's office, this process takes a minimum of 1 day to max.
of 2 or 3 days.

It is safe to complete all this atleast 2 days before
the day of interview, so if any tests need to be repeated , you
will have time.

Go to the website of your consulate and you should find the
consulate approved laboratory and the list of panel physicians.
[ As I said earlier the whole set up is consulate specific and it is
possible that the laboratory and the physician's office are at the
same place ].

Raju
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi all,


1. Can we take a cashiers cheque from US in $ rather than making a draft in India.

2. What is the total fees at the consulate for AC140 (no fees paid at NVC) and is the one mentioned on their website is for per person or per family.

3.Also which is the good Hospital to use in Mumbai for medical

4. Interview, letter not received yet for April interview. How can we obtain that. Can we obtain a duplicate in India if I am travelling to India before receiving letter.

Appreciate prompt response,
AGW
 
Some answers....

Originally posted by agw
Hi all,


1. Can we take a cashiers cheque from US in $ rather than making a draft in India.

[ I have heard of drafts taken in Indian rupees and US dollars
as the acceptable methods of payment. I have not come across
a situation of taking a cashier's check in US for a payment at
the consulate.

Maybe if any one did this, they would clear this aspect ]

2. What is the total fees at the consulate for AC140 (no fees paid at NVC) and is the one mentioned on their website is for per person or per family.

[ The visa issue fee whereever quoted is for each applicant,
and is $ 335 ]

3.Also which is the good Hospital to use in Mumbai for medical

[ You will find lot of posts with detailed experiences at different
places. The names I heard are Lilavathi and Beach Candy ]

4. Interview, letter not received yet for April interview. How can we obtain that. Can we obtain a duplicate in India if I am travelling to India before receiving letter.

[ See whether the Consulate has suggested alternate means
of obtaining the interview letter, in their web site ]

Appreciate prompt response,
AGW
Click to expand...
 
There were reports

of people who CP'd in UK or Germany where half of them had the medical in the morning and the other half had the interview. They switched places in the afternoon and collected their visas in the evening. So, while not the rule in India-probably because of the caseload, especially family based cases,- this may be happening at other countries. So, my answer to Airetupal is to check with the Bogota embassy. I could not find this info on their website.
 
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