Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	1-29F Form-question 18	QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Feb 17 2009, 08:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Feb 17 2009, 08:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (pushbrk @ Feb 16 2009, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Most likely an RFE will come. Did you submit evidence of meeting during the past two years? Thanks for replying. No-the "yes" box was checked-the "describe how you met" portion was left as is, and that was it. So-if we do get the RFE-how long does that push things back? We got our NOA1 Dec. 1, 2008-I am *hoping* everything gets approved/out of the way for this summer... heh-in light of the situation I described, is this a reasonable expectation based on everyone's knowledge and/or experience? Thanks in advance for any information! The NOA1 acknowledges USCIS received your petition, it means nothing else. It also means nothing that they cashed your check, except to reduce your bank balance. If you did not answer question 18 and did not provide some supporting documentation you, about the time you would normally get an approval, receive an RFE asking for more information. Your case will be delayed until they receive what they need. You can cross your fingers and toes, but your petition will not be approved without this information, they never forget things like that. PS..."hoping" will get you nothing in this process and things DO NOT have a way working out. You need to provide each and every answer and supporting document required. Question 18 was answered--it was replied "yes". Description was not put in-this, I realize now of course, will likely be asked about, etc.... Just a generic timeframe is what I'm looking for, with this bump in the road... I wish being a Canadian citizen made a difference re: timeframe, but from what I can see, people from the Phillipines get faster approvals than us Northerners do-incredibly weird... and discouraging.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-02-17 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	1-29F Form-question 18	QUOTE (pushbrk @ Feb 16 2009, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Most likely an RFE will come. Did you submit evidence of meeting during the past two years? Thanks for replying. No-the "yes" box was checked-the "describe how you met" portion was left as is, and that was it. So-if we do get the RFE-how long does that push things back? We got our NOA1 Dec. 1, 2008-I am *hoping* everything gets approved/out of the way for this summer... heh-in light of the situation I described, is this a reasonable expectation based on everyone's knowledge and/or experience? Thanks in advance for any information!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-02-17 08:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	1-29F Form-question 18	Hi there- The "yes" box was checked on our form, however, the box under this portion (copied and pasted below) was not filled in- Describe the circumstances under which you met. If you have not personally met each other, explain how the relationship was established. If you met your fiancé(e) or spouse though an international marriage broker, please explain those circumstances in Question 19 below. This was sent 2 and a half months ago-my question is this: -will this cause issues RIGHT NOW? I assume they will ask for more info, which we can and will do, but will it slow down any progress? If the answer to the above question is yes, it will halt any progress, any suggestions re: submitting more info to them right away? Thanks in advance for any assistance in this matter.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-02-16 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Traveling to see each other (US and Canada) after...	why would you say anything, though? Purpose of visit: holiday. Just visit and be merry! As a Canadian citizen, you're allowed up to 180 days of vacation time in the US. Edited by M613, 26 February 2009 - 02:28 PM.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-02-26 14:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Surprisingly quick (if it happens!)	Not to be a jerk, but even with all of your i's dotted and your t's crossed, there's no way the process will be in weeks' time. You may want to question your lawyer as to what they had meant with respect to their statement.... That said, yes Texas IS hot.This Canadian has been in Austin for 2 weeks now, and I've survived only courtesy of air conditioning and a pool....	M613	Female	Canada	2009-05-30 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	question	I don't know what a secondary check is either. That said, I waited until I had my certified marriage license (mailed to me by the county after I got married) to obtain my SSN in my married name. I went to the SSN office, brought a copy of the license, did what needed to be done, and had my SSN in hand within a week.	M613	Female	Canada	2010-08-05 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Job loss in middle of K-1 process	You can definitely go through work transitions (changing jobs/lay offs/etc)-so long as you of course get another job (to maintain the financial requirements). My husband (American sponsor) changed his job during our K-1 process and it was fine. Just make sure to remember to keep all of your W2s/tax information handy for future use post-K1 process! Small aside: I am sure you will find something soon I work with folks who get laid off, and by my day-to-day point of view, the economy is what you make of it. Best of luck and enjoy the K1 ride!	M613	Female	Canada	2012-09-13 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	The RFE Master List	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 24 2009, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There are no example forms for affidavits from family members/friends. I'm unsure whether or not it should be notorized. I wouldn't think so but it couldn't hurt either. Since Canada is our closest neighbor, many CAN/US couples have encountered the same issues as you. You will be best served to visit the Canadian Regional Forum here on VJ and have those fine folks give you some advice. it's sure to help you through the rest of the process. good luck! I'll go with a generic template from here and fill in the blanks... Question, however, has been copied and pasted into said forum accordingly-thanks!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 07:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	The RFE Master List	Just got our 1st RFE, as predicted, proving we've met. Due to a lack of passport stamps of him having been here within two years before we sent our K-1 stuff, I am going to have my friends who HAVE met him to sign affidavits, per the RFE's list of things they want. I've looked through the example forms section and cannot find an affidavit template to fill out/have my friends sign. Also (and this will sound really lame)-must I have it notarized? Sorry, likely an easy answer to it, but I work in politics, not law! Thanks so much! ~M Edited by M613, 24 March 2009 - 07:48 AM.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-24 07:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	The RFE Master List	Wow-this totally *was* the wrong thread -both links you provided are/were precisely what I needed. Thank you so much!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-20 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	The RFE Master List	Advice needed: I'm Canadian, and my fiancée is American. The thing is-we met in person by driving-NOT flying. My passport has nothing on it, as Canadians never get stamped going into the US-esp. via car. So, we have pictures of us together, emails send to eachother pre-sending in the I29-F and that's about it. Is there anything else I can and should provide as evidence considering the above? Any thoughts and/or solutions would be most appreciated. Thanks!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-19 07:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Behavior you (USC man) find odd	While I (Canadian) have a number of cultural differences compared to my American fiance, I find this totally fascinating... Might be that I'm fascinated with Russian and Eastern European culture in general, but still-made for an interesting read!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-09-19 20:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	National Geographic channel	I saw it and thought it was relatively interesting... It was odd being able to relate to/knowing the immigration and visa regulations when they mentioned them!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-09-17 21:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Not Applying For Citizenship - anyone else doing this?	Ok, so why would you think anyone else would be doing this? That's the point of your thread, right? A bit odd to ask for companionship on your bid to abandon your residency in a forum where people are banding together to seek advice on citizenship.   On a side note (and none of my business, of course), permit me to say that your strategy is a little short-sighted. A couple with dual citizenship from Canada and the United States will not only open up their travel and employment opportunities more broadly than any one citizenship alone, but will confer unique immigration advantages on any children they may have together. Saying Never in this rapidly-changing society where labour mobility is stronger now than it ever was is rather unwise considering that all that is needed from you to take this opportunity are six hundred and eighty dollars, and a few months of your time.   Good luck in Canada! Great country.   eep-I will address this in the order with which you, ah, responded.   1- You never know-a million things happen to a million people... I've been on here for 5+ years and have found both companionship and understanding in the quirkiest of situations. So my question is: why not ask it? I enjoy the comraderie and information on here: you never know if someone is in the same situation, now or later...   2- Your side note is completely understandable-I can appreciate where you were going with it. I have absolutely no plans to have children; if I did, the US would be out of the question for many reasons. Regarding employment, my education and experience has taken me across many borders in the past-again, the US isn't an option. I have zero concerns re: my employability without US citizenship. I may be in the minority here, but barring visits to my US husband's family and our mutual American friends, there is zero lure for anything longterm. It's a mutual and very well thought out longterm decision on both of our parts....   Canada's not for a few years yet, but thanks-it is marvelous	M613	Female	Canada	2014-04-01 07:15:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Not Applying For Citizenship - anyone else doing this?	When we leave, we will be leaving for good/never living in the US permanently---we will only be living in Canada (and doing the reverse, i.e. getting my American husband his Canadian GC and yes, citizenship). So with no interest and/or plans to ever live in the US permanently, we thought it best to not go for citizenship.   I am keeping my US GC until I leave here for good (and yep, abandoning it when I move!)	M613	Female	Canada	2014-03-31 15:32:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Not Applying For Citizenship - anyone else doing this?	Hey everyone!   I got my 10 year GC last Fall and, based on my US husband and I's longterm goals, we will be going to Canada permanently within 2-4 years. That said, not sure if this is the correct discussion group (you'd think I'd know after 5 years on here.. ha), but I wanted to see if anyone else is just riding the 10 year GC wave as well?   Just wanted to check in/say hi	M613	Female	Canada	2014-03-31 14:32:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	QUOTE (Emancipation @ Apr 21 2009, 03:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (chadlaure @ Mar 25 2009, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Mar 25 2009, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (chadlaure @ Mar 25 2009, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Affidavits MUST be notarized in order to be accepted by USCIS Can I see where that's stated? Thanks We filed with a lawyer and that is what they said about the letters from friends and family for the RFE Ahh lawyers.. they think they know everything about USCIS.. cute really haha lawyers heart notarizing things... I know mine did	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-21 14:20:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	*bump* Sent our stuff for the RFE last week/they got it on Thursday.... Any idea re: when we receive notification that the evidence is good/things move along to the next stage? per usual, this place is a plethora of ideas, info and most importantly *experience*; thanks for the (ongoing) assistance n' stuff.... ~M	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-21 14:13:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	QUOTE (eyoa @ Mar 25 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If you submitted your petition on Dec 1st, then evidence of a trip made afterwards at Christmas is not going to help prove the meeting requirement. I'm very much aware of that-hence the affidavits from friends re: having met him in September. Per advice here and some research on my end, got a lawyer to draw up/notarize said affidavits. It's really all I have, aside from our own detailed accounts, to help contribute towards the RFE request. Christmas and the other trips aside from then are being submitted too, if only because there's an uber amount of paperwork (now that we *know* there should be... didn't think about anything in Sept.). Also, I would think, is a good idea so as to substantiate an "ongoing relationship"... Can't hurt. Any other suggestions/ideas are always welcome	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-26 09:36:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	QUOTE (chadlaure @ Mar 25 2009, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Affidavits MUST be notarized in order to be accepted by USCIS Can I see where that's stated? Thanks	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 10:16:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	Here's the template I came up with, tailored for the circumstances...-any amendments/ideas is most appreciated: This letter will confirm and attest to the fact that NAME AND NAME have known eachother and have met within the last two years. 1. My name is FRIEND NAME and I live at CITY, PROVINCE, CANADA I was born in CITY, PROVINCE, CANADA, on FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY. I have personal knowledge of the facts set forth herein. 2. I have been a close personal friend of NAME since she was XXX years old. She met FIANCÉ in person when he traveled to CITY, PROVINCE, CANADA during the period of September XXX to September XXX 2008. 3. I have been aware the NAME AND NAME had been on close communication terms via internet, phone, and letter, for a number of years. I was also made aware that NAME made arrangements to drive from CITY, STATE, USA, to CITY, PROVINCE, CANADA, for the purpose of meeting and spending time with NAME. CANADIAN FIANCÉ was advised of this visit by AMERICAN FIANCÉ on DATE. CANADIAN FIANCÉ then advised me of this visit. I have entertained them in my home and maintain regular contact with them. They demonstrate an ongoing sound, felicitous relationship and I anticipate their marriage will remain a lifetime commitment. Pictures attached to this affidavit were taken in my home, at CITY, PROVINCE, CANADA, and are dated VISIT DATES The above noted is true and factual to the very best of my knowledge and personal first hand experience. Signed, _______________________________________________ FRIEND	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 09:04:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Mar 25 2009, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> also definitely submit the details from your Christmas visit with an additional letter explaining. That's a fabulous idea-thank you!!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 08:20:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	Hm-won't allow me to edit my own message... Here's a directquote from our RFE re: affidavits: Affidavits from others must (1) identify the affiant and state the nature of the affiant’s relationship to either party, (2) set forth the basis of the affiant’s knowledge, and (3) contain a statement of the facts the affiant knows regarding your meeting ...So-considering all of the pre-submitting circumstances (post submitting the K-1 is totally fine), I really have to do the affidavits...	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 07:57:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	QUOTE (trailmix @ Mar 25 2009, 08:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Mar 25 2009, 08:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just got our 1st RFE, as predicted, proving we've met. Due to a lack of passport stamps of him having been here within two years before we sent our K-1 stuff, I am going to have my friends who HAVE met him to sign affidavits, per the RFE's list of things they want. I've looked through the example forms section and cannot find an affidavit template to fill out/have my friends sign. Also (and this will sound really lame)-must I have it notarized? Sorry, likely an easy answer to it, but I work in politics, not law! Thanks so much! Hi there, I don't have an affidavit example, but I was just wondering - do you have any other proof? Pictures together, a copy of his ticket or boarding pass, did he make any credit card or ATM purchases when he was visiting you? Hey- He just drove up here, and it was a few days in length only.... We took a whack of pictures, though-that and there are phone bills showing we called (and the giant bills that resulted in-ha!). All we have receipt-wise is him having purchased his plane ticket to visit up here for christmas (we submitted the 1-29 on Dec. 1st 2008). For that visit, we have a hotel bill, pictures, etc. So this is why I'm asking for the templates, due to the lack of "paper" during our September visit. My friends and family who met him in September can and will gladly sign and attest to that... I'm scrambling to ensure I have as much as I possibly can-I wish they stamped US/American passports when driving through!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 07:50:00
Canada	Affidavit template (re: them having met fiancé)for family and friends?	Just got our 1st RFE, as predicted, proving we've met. Due to a lack of passport stamps of him having been here within two years before we sent our K-1 stuff, I am going to have my friends who HAVE met him to sign affidavits, per the RFE's list of things they want. I've looked through the example forms section and cannot find an affidavit template to fill out/have my friends sign. Also (and this will sound really lame)-must I have it notarized? Sorry, likely an easy answer to it, but I work in politics, not law! Thanks so much!	M613	Female	Canada	2009-03-25 07:22:00
Canada	Packet 3 Checklist	QUOTE (Kimbear @ Apr 27 2009, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> congratulations! thanks! all I can say is everyone was right--submitting way more than enough is the way to go. onward and forward into the waiting game...	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-28 14:16:00
Canada	Packet 3 Checklist	little update... RFE submitted April 14th was accepted--got our notice of approval April 25th *happy dance*	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-27 11:31:00
Canada	Packet 3 Checklist	QUOTE (JillA @ Apr 21 2009, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Apr 21 2009, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JillA @ Apr 21 2009, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Apr 21 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Apr 20 2009, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You also need to arrange for a medical with a USCIS approved civil surgeon. There is one in Vancouver, one in Montreal and one in Toronto. Hope that helps! ack..! Is there not one in Ottawa??? No, unfortunately not. You'll have to go to Montreal. good grief-that's good to know! I'm at the sent-the-I29-package-got-an-RFE-sent-the-evidence stage. And I want to be prepared. I have the birth certificate (long form!), fingerprint/background check, blah blah, so the next thing on my list that I wanna inform myself on is the Dr.'s appointment. Do they send you info re: as to whom and where you go in Montréal? Anything one brings to this appointment...? Sorry re: the tonne of questions... must be informed so as to maintain sanity... haha Yes it's a pain, they used to have more doctors that provided immigration medicals but for whatever reason, they've whittled it down to a few cities. Causing lots of extra $$ for those who need to travel. If you have your MTL case # you can make the appt.... I know some people go to Montreal and do the medical one day and the interview a few days later.... Yes they do send you the doctor info, but if you do a search on here you'll find the Doc in Montreal who does it.... I don't know as I went in Toronto.... You have to bring passport photos, your case #, passport, $$, etc. to the medical but there is more detailed info that you will find out. Thanks so much! i'm still waiting on my NOA2, assuming my RFE reply is all tickety boo... Not sure how long it takes to get my NOA2 assuming all is well...? But that info is excellent-exactly a semblance of what I wanted to know... Montréal's only a few hours away from here, so it's not much of an issue (appointment then a smoked meat sanwich-ha), but yeah... funny the skip the capital of Canada all together	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-21 18:16:00
Canada	Packet 3 Checklist	QUOTE (JillA @ Apr 21 2009, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Apr 21 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Apr 20 2009, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You also need to arrange for a medical with a USCIS approved civil surgeon. There is one in Vancouver, one in Montreal and one in Toronto. Hope that helps! ack..! Is there not one in Ottawa??? No, unfortunately not. You'll have to go to Montreal. good grief-that's good to know! I'm at the sent-the-I29-package-got-an-RFE-sent-the-evidence stage. And I want to be prepared. I have the birth certificate (long form!), fingerprint/background check, blah blah, so the next thing on my list that I wanna inform myself on is the Dr.'s appointment. Do they send you info re: as to whom and where you go in Montréal? Anything one brings to this appointment...? Sorry re: the tonne of questions... must be informed so as to maintain sanity... haha	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-21 14:18:00
Canada	Packet 3 Checklist	QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Apr 20 2009, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You also need to arrange for a medical with a USCIS approved civil surgeon. There is one in Vancouver, one in Montreal and one in Toronto. Hope that helps! ack..! Is there not one in Ottawa???	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-21 13:57:00
Canada	Medical and interview	QUOTE (mjk1 @ Apr 30 2009, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Apr 29 2009, 10:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Bringing my fiance to the interview was a really great idea. He helped calm me down when I started to get nervous, and the interviewer seemed to like him being there. I was nervous and he took my hand and held it and I saw her smile a little What a cute, touching moment. If you are 110% confident you have all the requirements and nothing will be wrong with your medical, you could probably limit yourself 4 days in Montreal. You want 1 day for the medical, 2 days for it to be processed, and then the interview the next day. Since you are in Nova Scotia, I would definitely wait, taking an extra trip would be a lot more time and money. The only thing I am unsure of is the immunization shots and am going to docs to have them before the medical exam...just to be on the safe side. I am trying to be completely prepared...and this board is turning out to be invaluable! I hunted and found this.... brought a print-out to my MD yesterday, and she signed/sealed a letter stating I had had all of the required immunizations... http://www.panelphys.../Pages/Age6.htm	M613	Female	Canada	2009-05-06 07:47:00
Canada	Medical and interview	QUOTE (Krikit @ Apr 30 2009, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (M613 @ Apr 30 2009, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ack-which vaccines? Take the vaccination list to your GP and have them do any boosters. Keeps the cost down. Required Immunizations Awesome-thank you SO much. I have an appointment next week with my doctor, so a printout of this is totally accompanying me	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-30 11:08:00
Canada	Medical and interview	ack-which vaccines?	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-30 09:50:00
Canada	Medical and interview	Speaking of the medical exam-how much is it? I know my visa fee to bring with me to the interview is gonna be approximately $360 something... Anyways, I've tried looking this up to no avail, so I thought I'd ask... thanks, for the 50th time, in advance	M613	Female	Canada	2009-04-30 09:02:00
Canada	People who refer to a father figure as "daddy"	...fun word to use in bed when you're feeling a bit more than naughty every so often... hahaha. ahem.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-05-20 11:57:00
Canada	Montreal interview costs	Just wanted to know from the usual suspects re: costs.... I know a few, but thought a small amalgamated list of the two most obvious/substantive costs would be handy. Here goes (if I'm missing anything-I likely am, please let me know!) Medical: Visa itself: Merci en avance, fellow Canadiens(nnes)	M613	Female	Canada	2009-06-16 16:24:00
Canada	Letter of Intent-pls see attached template	Thanks H! Not the first time you've answered my questions on here (and likely not the last.. heh)--it's very much appreciated.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-09-16 10:27:00
Canada	Letter of Intent-pls see attached template	I found the attached via searching here-just wanted confirmation from the usual (already interviewed) suspects that this-or its gist- is the template to go with.... Thanks! ~M  Fiance_Letter_of_Intent.doc   25KB   27 downloads	M613	Female	Canada	2009-09-15 18:52:00
Canada	Got my interview letter-just a few days shy of the 3 month mark of MTL receiving my package	I'm by no means an expert, but Embassy staff are federal government workers. By my experience, things get super rushed through to around December 20th, then lull out to post New Years, where the action starts all over again.	M613	Female	Canada	2009-09-17 18:31:00
Canada	Got my interview letter-just a few days shy of the 3 month mark of MTL receiving my package	Federal workers LOVE their holidays, and use them up accordingly! the fact that peoples' futures lie in the in (or out) boxes bears no impact on time off Going by logic, MTL got my stuff June 15th. I banked on an answer in September (which happened). As with any office, esp. federal ones, there's always a tonne of stuff to catch up on in September, what with people away, others covering for others, etc... Based on everything I've looked into/based my guesstimate re: receiving P4 for myself, I would think July and August folks might be looking at November/December replies. re: the 6 months noted in the P3 letter--has anyone ever heard of it taking 6 months to get an interview letter???	M613	Female	Canada	2009-09-16 10:32:00