After waiting for nine months, I finally had the interview for getting my spousal visa. Yesterday, my husband and I flew to Bogota and went to the USA Embassy for it. I knew that we had followed all the process very well and had met the requirements, but I felt a mix of anxiousness and excitement at the same time. Talking with the consul and getting in the building can be intimidating, mainly because the workers are rigorous in security terms. We waited until it was our turn. The consul official opened the curtain of a small window and waved us in, we got closer, and she indicated me to pick up a telephone that was next to it. Glass separated us, and it was very reminiscent of dangerous prisoners talking to visitors in movies. My husband was by my side the whole time, he could see the interviewer, but he could not hear what she was asking me.
After I swore to tell the truth, the questions started. The interviewer asked questions about our relationship, when did we meet, how did we met, et cetera. I felt comfortable answering that. However, there were two moments in which I thought I had told unfavorable things. The first one was when she said that I got married in the USA, and that meant I got married with a tourist visa. “Do you have a tourist visa?” She asked. I said that was correct, but that the government canceled my tourist visa. “Wait, why is your tourist visa canceled?” She asked. I explained that I assumed it was canceled now because I was going through the spousal visa process. I understood that I could not have two visas at the same time, but that I was not sure about that information.
The second situation was when I mentioned that my mother in law came one time to Colombia to meet my family. The consul asked me when was that, and my mind went blank, I could not remember that date. After some seconds in silence, I said that it was somewhere in 2018, probably January.
Many things were going through my mind, maybe I answered correctly, perhaps not; but I felt peaceful about telling the truth. I felt proud of the relationship between Steve and me and all the things we have been through together. If for one reason they did not approve the visa, it would be God’s will, but there was nothing else we could do. They already had our paperwork and evidence of our marriage.
The consul was typing something on her computer, and after a minute or two, she told me that my visa was approved. She passed me a sheet of paper under the window, and she told me to follow the instructions for the next steps. I said thank you, hang up the phone, looked at Steves’ eyes, and told him the news. We hugged, kissed, and praised the Lord in excitement. This moment meant so much to us!
If I can advise someone about applying for a spousal visa, would be to always, tell the truth to the government. Even if you feel nervous or if you think that saying something different is going to help you to move forward in your process, keep being honest, you will see the rewards at the end; it will bless you and your future tremendously.
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