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SFO visas approved!

7 years ago
Woo Hoo! The day I feared would never arrive is here! We received our visas! Just Monday, when I corresponded with Venceslau at the SFO Portuguese Consulate, I was afraid we wouldn’t make it before our scheduled departure on Nov. 8. She told me there was a question about our rental agreement and she had to resubmit it to Lisbon. I had asked if we should get our passports back and plan on going to Portugal without our visas and finish up the process there. She still held out hope that it would get done before we were scheduled to leave. I never expected to have the answer by the end of the week!

One thing that really set us back was the FBI background check. We didn't go through a channeler at first and that was a mistake. We started the process in May and still didn't have it after three months. We eventually went through a channeler anyway and it was done in a day.

Turns out that we were approved 7 weeks after our application, but I would recommend applying the full 3 months before expected departure date. They are very much backed up. However, Venceslau at the SFO consulate was very responsive and patient through our months of correspondence. She was awesome.

Thank you to all on this forum who shared so much invaluable information!

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SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

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SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

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