ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaHow big is big?
Good idea to leave the cellphone in the car. Although they will hold it at the security for you. There is a Tim Hortons on the next block from the consulate. If you stand on the corner you can see it at the next :-) Wishing you the best!
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-28 06:10:00
CanadaHow big is big?

Thanks everyone!

There's no zipper or pockets on the bag. It's as plain as a grocery bag, just made out of strong material and has longer straps. So glad everyone says this will be fine, phew.

And I'm planning on wearing no jewelery except a watch (I'm going to want to know what time it is). And I'm going to have nothing in my pockets. So, I should speed right through security.

Thanks for all the well wishes Posted Image


The bag will be fine. You can wear jewelry....I wore earring, necklace and 3 rings and did not have to remove any of them It is just like airport clearance....You would have to remove a belt, and jacket. I went through this morning. I took my jacket off, and put it in the tray. My paperwork in another. Then walked through the metal detector. Put my jacket back on and went down the stairs. It's very easy. The only bags they are worried about is big backpacks. Other women had purses with them, I didn't bother with a purse. One woman told me all she had in her purse was her wallet and they just looked in it and she was on her way. I think it is best just to leave the purses at the motel or wherever you stay. Good Luck!
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-27 13:39:00
CanadaPOE at Amtrak Train Station?
I didn't take the train but I flew out of a smaller airport. I was taken into secondary because that is where they process the visas. They have to open the package and look through it, verifying that it is in fact you and that everything is in order. The woman that processed me kept checking the steps in the binder that was there to make sure she was doing it correctly. She actually made a joke about the "cheat sheet" . It took her 20 minutes from the time that I went into secondary until I was out but when I called the preclearance a few weeks prior (when I was booking my ticket) they told me to allow 3 hours to get through checkin, security and customs. Most people I have talked to said their POE took about an hour. I would be afraid to take the train unless there were several trains a day so that you could catch the next one coming through.
Good luck!
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-27 05:57:00
CanadaNotice of Action ?

Thats a common problem. There are plenty of experienced lawyers out there who could write book on immigration law. However, the process differs so much between countries, not to mention the fact the the process is constantly changing! I'd imagine it would be hard to find a lawyer who has extensive experience dealing with a specific consulate, though to be fully effective, that's the lawyer you'd need!


Thankfully in most cases immigration lawyers are not needed :-) ....Money in our pockets instead of lining some greedy lawyer.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-17 16:03:00
CanadaNotice of Action ?

Congrats to you all!! ...and thanks for the advice....I get more from you guys on here than from our immigration lawyer :bonk:


Most people say that about their lawyers. Too bad you didn't find VJ before you spent money on a lawyer. We checked with a lawyer at the very beginning but after talking with him we realized that he had no idea about immigration from Canada to the US. That is when I started searching and found VJ.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-17 12:50:00
CanadaNotice of Action ?

So exciiiiting! The long wait is almost over, you'll never have to spend time apart like this again!! Congrats! :)


Thanks! ...Your day will sneak up on you quickly. Ok I better stop typing or I am going to start crying again. Emotional days here :-) ...Excited about Friday yet sad to leave.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-17 12:32:00
CanadaNotice of Action ?

Welcome on VJ!
Well, since Montreal tends to be slow with things -you'll find that soon enough! - they automatically extend the approval notice. I remember that my NOA2 was good up until July 7th and I had my interview in August... Not to worry, you'll be ok! Try to send to package as soon as feasible though, that's my advice!


pssst....I arrive in Richmond on Friday night :-) finally my POE is almost here. Sorry to interrupt the thread.

Agreed...Nothing to worry about with the date on the NOA2. Mine was expired by the time I interviewed and nothing was said. It is automatically extended.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-17 12:11:00
CanadaI864 for K1 visa ... Needed or Not
Hi....No it does not need to be completed for K1 for Montreal. That checklist is also used for other visas. It will be completed for AOS later. Good Luck!
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-07 06:48:00
CanadaK1 Packet 3
Mine came regular mail and my fiance also got a copy of it in the US.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-09 14:13:00
Canadatax returns
She asked me for the I-134 and tax returns. I asked her if she needed the original transcripts or if photo copies would do. She said copies would be fine. I handed over 3 years worth. She did not hand any back to me. So they kept all 3 years. It only takes about a week for them to come in the mail if your fiance calls and orders the transcripts. It would be best to have them with you and not be asked for them, than to not have them with you and be asked for them.

Edited by JeannieL, 12 June 2011 - 07:20 AM.

JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-12 07:19:00
CanadaCanadian 180 days exceptions
A letter from his employer stating his expected date of return to work is a big plus....A return ticket....Rental agreement or lease....Utility bill (not a cell phone bill)
They told me 30 days too....but where I had kind of an emergency with his mom passing away they paroled me in, they were still skeptical about doing that.
Good luck
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-14 08:39:00
CanadaCanadian 180 days exceptions
A waiver no...But he may have to pay for a parole into the US. I was denied at a land crossing in Dec of 2009. A few weeks later Kenny's mom passed away and I really wanted to be here for him. So I called the airport to see what I might be able to do. They told me I would need a return ticket, a death certificate, and proof of strong ties to Canada. I would also have to pay $65. for a parole which is a I-94 with a stamp in the middle PAROLED and the date that I would have to return by. I had to return that piece of paper when I came back through customs. The next time I went was in May (5 months later) I booked a ticket for 2 weeks. I took my ties with me. They did let me go in but gave me a I-94 again that did not say paroled on it, but had a date that I had to be back in Canada. I had to pass that in when going through customs again on the way back. The next time that I went was much easier, they just asked for my return ticket. They stamped my passport for 180 days after the date. So I could have stayed that length of time but I came back when I said I was going to with my return ticket.

You should think about applying for a visa. It takes time but is well worth it.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-14 07:40:00
CanadaCanadian 180 days exceptions
After being denied and finger printed and photo taken he will be flagged. They will require proof of strong ties to Canada for him to enter. I was denied access at a border crossing and had the same thing happen. I found out that I was yellow flagged. What I did was bought a return ticket to VA and stayed just the amount of time on that ticket. I proof of strong ties with me. They hummed and hawed about letting me go but finally they did. They gave me an I-94 in my passport that I had to return when I came back through customs. I did this a few times, each time it made it easier. It is entirely up to the officer at the time that he attempts to cross. Did they tell him that he shouldn't try to enter for a period of time?
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-13 15:25:00
CanadaKnocking on wood and crossing fingers and toes!
Congrats on getting the job :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-15 14:09:00
CanadaKnocking on wood and crossing fingers and toes!
Wishing you luck!
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-14 11:11:00
CanadaKnocking on wood and crossing fingers and toes!
You will do great :-) I will be thinking of you on Monday. Soon it will be me looking for a job in the area. Keep us posted on how things go.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-10 13:37:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!
Congrats!!!
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-25 18:43:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!
Congratulations on the interview dates :-) At least they opened up the dates again. Book your medicals soon, that way if one opens up you will have the medical ready.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-13 18:36:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!

My goodness you are a thorough one,,,AOS, adjustment of status, correct? is this when you become married?


Yes after you are married you will file for AOS.....Adjustment of Status because you are no longer a fiance :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-10 20:56:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!
Looks like I will be about a month ahead of your guys starting my AOS :-) I'll try to remember everything.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-10 16:47:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!

Excellent. My packet 3 was delivered to Montreal this morning, so I hope it won't be too long until I can book. Its just so tempted to book right now!! haha.


Wait until about the middle of next week and call DOS to see if it has been logged and if packet 4 was sent. You can call daily until they say yes :-) I hope they are speedy for you.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-05 16:38:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!

This is so encouraging!!! Congratulations to everyone who booked an appointment!!!

It is my understanding that I should wait til they send out my packet 4 before I book an interview, even though the website will let me book an interview already. Is this correct?

And when am I required to pay the application fee?

Again, congrats to everyone! SO EXCITING!


When you call DOS and they tell you packet 4 was sent and you are eligible to schedule you can do so. No need to wait for physical packet 4.
You pay at the time that you book the interview.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-05 16:30:00
CanadaFINALLY!!!

Yayyy for you too!!:dance:

actually it'll be my fiance' who will be at the appointment I'm the USC.....but I have fast internet access at work so I've been the one trying to book the appointment.... and yeah.. I thought it was weird it wasn't a morning appointment... he'll be happy he won't have to stay the night in Montreal this way, he can just drive up from Ottawa that morning.... where are you traveling from??


Even if it is an afternoon appointment he should be there early in the morning. It is first come first serve, it does not go by appointment time. I advise to be in the line outside the door no later than 6:30 am. Good luck! and Congrats on the interview date :dance:
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-05-05 15:17:00
CanadaNOA2 arrived today!!!!!
Congrats! I have been thinking of you two :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-25 06:02:00
CanadaMontreal
Too funny! I took the 747 bus too from the airport to La Tour. They didn't tell me that I had to press the button so I too got off at the next stop....Thankfully it was a nice day so the walk was enjoyable. I loved being right across the street from the consulate. The motel room was clean but I didn't sleep in the bed. I fell asleep on the sofa in the living room (I had a small suite) The bus driver I had took my ticket for the return the next day...I wonder why yours didn't? They told me within 24 hours.....Very odd. Either way $8. is way better than paying a cab fare :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-06-30 15:51:00
CanadaOh Canada!

thank you all.

(thought about being canadian before)


Just for the thought of being Canadian :-) Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to you too Jeannie.. and to all Canadians everywhere! :)


Thanks Shirley :-) It was great to talk to you yesterday.

And a Happy Canada Day to you and Canadians everywhere too!


Thanks Randy :-) Maybe we can all get together some Canada Day (or any other time) once Shirley gets here.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-07-01 09:04:00
CanadaOh Canada!

WHAT is the day about...?


Easier for me to just post a link for you to read..... http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Canada_Day
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-07-01 08:10:00
CanadaOh Canada!
Wanting to wish all Canadians and their families a very Happy Canada Day :-) ....Happy and Proud to be Canadian :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-07-01 07:44:00
CanadaHappy Canada Day!!!!!
Happy Canada Day! My first Canada Day in VA.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-07-01 07:39:00
CanadaForm DS-160

Thanks Piefre.

Some say the Book number or the Inventory control # is the same as the passport # and I got confused on what to write in that field.


Piefre,

I see that you're also going through the K-1 Visa process. Have you received your Packet 3 yet?

My petition was approved back in May 3rd, but still I have not received my packet 3 from Montreal consulate office. Since there is expiration on this thing, someone told me to just go a head, get the forms from the website and submit to the consulate.



Have you called NVC to get your MTL case number yet? If you have your MTL case number you can call DOS to find out if packet 3 has been sent. I am sure that the mail strike in Canada has held many of them up. If it has been sent you can send in your paperwork to Montreal for packet 3 without receiving the hard copy. This is the link that will help you with what to send to Montreal ....http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=immigrant_visa .
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-07-07 14:50:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

My interview went smoothly and great! It was painless and I wish I didn't worry so much. Both my fiance and I attended and we were out by 8:30. Only downside : my medical wasn't ready so I got a letter from Medisys instead and I will need to have it shipped to me then mail it to Montreal for processing. It will delay my visa issuance by about 2-3 weeks but back a month ago I thought I would be interviewing in July so... it's all good :)

They only asked me to provide the following :

- passport
- Packet 4 letter (which confirms you can book you appointment)
- birth certificate, a copy and it's translation
- Affidavit of support (i-134) and its supporting material
- Proof of payment
- letter of intent to marry from fiance
- medical packet
- police clearance

I received a FAQ sheet about K-1 visas and another sheet explaining how to complete my application (send in my medical) by mail.

K


Sorry to hear that your medical wasn't there :-( I hope that you can get it in quickly and they will process it right away. Did you have the medical just a few days before the interview?

I have everything that you listed there and a whole bunch more just in case they ask for more. I am going solo to the interview. So he won't be there if they ask for something more about him.

Thanks for the info :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-23 18:41:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap
That is great news SF2007 :-) How was your interview?
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-23 15:43:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

The person going to the Toronto Interview is probably doing DCF and I am pretty sure its Not the "real Interview" its just for paperwork etc. Then they will have there Cr-1/ir-1 visa interview in montreal.


That's what I am hoping...I was worried that they might have wrong information like many other people when they join VJ. I know when I first started here, I hadn't even filled out the I-129F. I thought I would be going through Halifax... Was I surprised!!! I never would have made it this far without all the help and support from the people here. :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-21 13:04:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

:lol: Better to have an overkill of paperwork than worry that you might have missed something. I brought way too much for my interview but I felt more secure that I did. Not sure if that made any sense. I hope you feel better for your interview! I'm pretty sure the elevator would be fixed by now. It's been a week. Then again, it's the Montreal Consulate.

Good luck!


That's what I was thinking....I am too far from home when at the interview to just go get something I forgot. So I am checking and rechecking everything. Even in the middle of the night I think of something and have to get up and check! I can't wait for that part to be over. You made perfect sense to me :-) ....I have the NyQuil and Kleenex now so I am all set for the road to recovery. Fingers crossed they have the elevator fixed. Looks like I am the only one from VJ that is interviewing that day unless of course some haven't updated their time line. So maybe it won't be a mad rush to the back of the elevator lol.
Thanks for the best wishes :-)
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-21 13:00:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

Hi again JeannieL, I was looking at my time line and I don't see Toronto consulate, where did you see it so I can correct it.


It wasn't your timeline that I was referring too...look at the thread that I responded to....When I did the replies to your post and their post it went in the same box...If you look though it shows that I was responding to their timeline.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-20 09:40:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap
Yes i am assuming it is another type visa. I was just hoping they weren't misinformed.....Thanks so much! I am ready....probably more than ready. I think I have overkill with the paperwork I am taking but better to have too much than not enough, right? Of course this week I am starting to get that cold/flu that has been going around. Grrrrrr. I have been popping Cold FX since Monday night when I first felt the sore throat coming on. I really don't want to be sick at my interview!!! I know it won't matter but just not pleasant. This time next week my interview will be all over....Or at least I would hope it will be...I plan on being the first person in the line up. I wonder if they got the elevator fixed at the consulate yet? I had everything down pat until I heard that news and how it frigs up the order.....I guess I will find out when I get there.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-20 09:38:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

No Visa interviews at Toronto COnsulate, when I first joined Visa Journey that was my first question, how come there is no drop down menu for Toronto Consulate? boo hoo, The NVC letter with our Case Number, indicated that the case will be processed at Montreal, so I assume that is where the interview will be, am I completely off here? But I understood thru this site, that the only consulates dealing with K1 visa our Montreal and Vancouver, not Toronto.


I know that there are none there but the people that I was referring to have Toronto as the consulate for the interview.....I was wondering if they just forgot to change it or if for some reason they got theirs at Toronto.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-20 09:24:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap
[quote name='ralyse' timestamp='1303256561' post='4618425']
I got my blood test done today (since my vaccination records are MIA in the Toronto area as well. Region of Peel, actually, but still.) They didn't specifically call it a titre test, but were checking my immunity for MMR, at least.

I do have a question regarding the original reason I started this thread... my head is having trouble working out when I have to sign up for the website & DHL and all of that. Is that when P4 is sent out?

We're on our way to Montreal, hopefully won't take long for P3 to get sent to me so I can send it all off :)

[/quote

You can register for DHL when you get your packet 3 or notification that packet 3 has been sent. At that time you will also fill out your forms (if you haven't already)....You do not have to wait for physical packet 3 to arrive before sending the packet 3 forms and checklist to Montreal. Have you called DOS to see if packet 3 has been sent?
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-19 18:54:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

Just had a titer test done this morning for measles and rubella, I am in Toronto ONTARIO, I believe the technician said it was a Titer test as she was drawing vile after vile of blood.


Thanks for clearing that up :-) I really hate when things get posted that are not true. Not blaming the people that posted it here, but the people that posted it where ever they read it. Glad you got it done, it will take a few weeks for the results probably. Mine took almost 2 weeks.

Just an FYI, I'm not sure where I read it on this site but it was in the last couple of weeks, apparently you can't get titer tests done for this in Ontario or Canada anymore. It may have been in the DCF forum..


I was reading your timeline....Your interview is at the Toronto consulate?
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-19 10:59:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap
I live in Canada and had them done recently so that is an untruth about all of Canada. I cannot speak for Ontario.
JeannieLFemaleCanada2011-04-18 21:23:00