ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAOS'rs...

Did you maybe forget to sign something?


Despite my near-OCD checking of everything before sending it all off, I fear exactly that :/
M613FemaleCanada2010-08-06 19:41:00
CanadaAOS'rs...
omg-you were talking about *that* medical package being lost..! I was talking about the DS-3025. bah!

It makes me want to swear up a storm just reading that...grrr.
M613FemaleCanada2010-08-06 14:07:00
CanadaAOS'rs...
I can't believe they lost the whole damn thing.

I'm curious: did you label every page w. your name/alien number etc....? I'd think doing that would sorta safeguard from any "loss" per se. Then again, I trust nothing on that end of things :lol:
M613FemaleCanada2010-08-06 13:23:00
CanadaAOS'rs...

I know right?!?! People have no idea what it's like to get paperwork here. We're treated just the same as every country. There isn't any special pass for Canadians (except when just visiting).


that's exactly why I think they assume the paperwork should be "fast" and/or "easy"--it's based on their border experience :lol:

That said, I sent that additional vaccination stuff-we'll see how it works out.
M613FemaleCanada2010-08-06 13:14:00
CanadaAOS'rs...
Wow. I keep telling my friends and family that no, it's not "easy" for Canadians to get their paperwork down here-it is, based on what I see in the other forums on here, almost an even bigger pain in the a$$. *argh*

Chicago got my AOS/EAD/AP on July 22nd... and I'm hoping to have my AP to go back home for a visit October 8th or so... After checking everything here, I, uh, feel kinda discouraged.

re: the RFE's: did any of you guys do the vaccination supplement (i.e. Form I-693)? Curious to see if sending that in, along with the medical done for the K-1, was helpful or not....
M613FemaleCanada2010-08-06 09:25:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Thanks! I really want people who have upcoming interviews and stuff to know it's not that bad at ALL.

As I said, all info via this place had me more than prepared and confident. It's really a tonne of waiting, and if you have nothing to hide and everything's kosher, it pretty much ends up being an experience on par with dealing with border agents when you travel.
M613FemaleCanada2009-10-02 06:52:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Had my interview-fabulous experience, minus the screaming children that were pretty much ignored by their (likely stressed) parents... I cursed not having my ipod. For those waiting, it all goes down WAY easier than you may anticipate. And I got my K-1, -all alone I might add-and was ok with that because of ALL of the help/information I've recieved on here... I was uber (over) prepared, and as such, it was super easy smile.gif

re: the interview itself... the following took 4 hours total (90% of it waiting)

The long and short of it:
-go through security
-go up to the 19th floor in a freight elevator (seriously)
-wait in line
-get 2 deli ticket-esque papers with an alphabetical and numerical number (ex. mine was "C7"). They also give you a sheet of paper requesting your medical results., police cert., passport photos, passport, letter of support, letter of intent.
-wait
-when number is called, you give this stuff to the lady at the wicket
-I was then told to fill in the D-156 forms using the computer in the waiting room, followed by paying the cashier (in the waiting room) my $130.00.
-wait
-was called to go to a room
-dealt with the odd consulate fellow... the interview lasted all of 2 minutes. Some of it was factual, the rest was joking/sharing anecdotes re: our significant others, etc...

On that note, this interview was on Monday... I had stated my departure date is October 4th. Consulate dude told me I'd def. get my visa before that date... It's Friday and I'm beginning to trip out a bit about the arrival of my passport/visa shenanigans.

I'm in Ottawa-i.e. not far- right now waiting for it... any info would be greatly appreciated!!

Edited by M613, 02 October 2009 - 04:11 AM.

M613FemaleCanada2009-10-02 04:11:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
re: the daily Department of State call-doing this is very much worth the while. I found out my interview date a week before I actually received the letter. They run on a database, so whatever info is inputted into the database via MTL is immediately accessible to the DoS staff a.k.a. the people you speak to when you call...

M613FemaleCanada2009-09-17 18:13:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Jul 11 2009, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hapycloud @ Jul 11 2009, 04:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (M613 @ Jul 11 2009, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So... I know posts have been made re: contacting the Montreal Consulate regarding their interview date (before the interview letter is sent out).
My question is this: do I contact this email address-Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov (with my case # etc...)? Or is there a better way to go about finding out my interview date?

Any and all info is appreciated-thanks!



The consulate will not tell you your interview date via e-mail, they just send a standard reply that your package 3 has been received and that you are on the waiting list. Best way to find out about your interview date is by calling the Department of State. Sorry I don;t have there number right now, but will repost it later, unless someoen else has it first smile.gif


Actually, If you e-mail the consulate and ask if you have an interview date yet, and you actually do, they will tell you!

But, a better way is to call DOS: 202-663-1225


thanks to you both-a grand number to have. they have my stuff, it's approved (words the DOS lady used) for further processing as of June 16th... Now it's just waiting for the letter.

How much notice to they give people re: the letter? A week's notice...a month?

M613FemaleCanada2009-07-14 14:17:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
So... I know posts have been made re: contacting the Montreal Consulate regarding their interview date (before the interview letter is sent out).
My question is this: do I contact this email address-Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov (with my case # etc...)? Or is there a better way to go about finding out my interview date?

Any and all info is appreciated-thanks!
M613FemaleCanada2009-07-11 13:30:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (July09Bride @ Jun 20 2009, 06:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (M613 @ Jun 20 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My certified birth certificate took less than two weeks (the registrar's office is in Thunder Bay, I think)... RCMP check was a week (though my mailing address was Ottawa).

Related interview question (that's likely been asked 80 000 times already): Is it mandatory that the US citizen attend the interview? Circumstances may dictate that I do it alone, which I'm cool with, but still-wanted to ask/be aware of ahead of time...

Thanks smile.gif

Nope. The USC does not have to go. I think they (interviewers) like it, because what better proof can you show than a real live breathing human being??!! But, it is not required.

I went (I'm the USC), b/c I'm nosey. laughing.gif I also wanted to know what he was going through and what the experience was like for him. But, we also deal with the good and the bad better when we're together. PLUS, I'm the paper organizer of the bunch. So, without me, he would have been screwed. LOL


haha-I gotchya re: being the official filing cabinet between the two of you smile.gif

I'm all good to go/have stalked the info via this site to feel pretty ok going this alone if circumstances dictate that that's how it's gotta be... I just wanted to know if being alone at the interview will present an issue and/or is unusual... kinda can't find too much about that happening, so curiosity hath kicked in.

M613FemaleCanada2009-06-24 14:46:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
My certified birth certificate took less than two weeks (the registrar's office is in Thunder Bay, I think)... RCMP check was a week (though my mailing address was Ottawa).

Related interview question (that's likely been asked 80 000 times already): Is it mandatory that the US citizen attend the interview? Circumstances may dictate that I do it alone, which I'm cool with, but still-wanted to ask/be aware of ahead of time...

Thanks smile.gif
M613FemaleCanada2009-06-20 17:37:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (poprocks @ Jun 2 2009, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (M613 @ Jun 2 2009, 09:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just sent my checklist/DS-230 form and stuff to the Montreal consulate today... Have everything-now it's just a waiting game.
Lame-o questions, answer I couldn't quite cipher perusing are: What's the average re: the consulate getting back to you with an interview date..? That and when you do get the letter, how much time/advance notice does one get between receipt of the interview and the actual interview date?

Info/experiences are of course super welcome... thanks smile.gif


Average wait time from sending checklist to interview is 2-4 months. Notification between when you find out and actaul interview ranges from 2-6 weeks. Letter is usually sent a week after your scheduled. Letters have been known to get lost, so I would call around the 2 month mark, or sooner if u want wink.gif

Hotwire.com has cheap hotel rates. Go to mapquest and put in address for consulate, you can then cross reference that with hotel area on hotwire and get a good idea how close your hotel will be.

Good luck!


Thanks PR! I sent in the whole kit and caboodle (completed forms/checklist included-as I've had everything they needed for a while now)...so yeah-I guess it's just a waiting game. 2 to 4 months though?! holy eff....

re; where to stay-I'm from Ottawa, which is an hour and a half away from MTL, so I'm good to go... I'm strategizing and curious right now, however, because I'm currently staying in Austin, and therefore wanna sorta have a timeline whilst out and away from my homebase smile.gif

M613FemaleCanada2009-06-03 12:05:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
I just sent my checklist/DS-230 form and stuff to the Montreal consulate today... Have everything-now it's just a waiting game.
Lame-o questions, answer I couldn't quite cipher perusing are: What's the average re: the consulate getting back to you with an interview date..? That and when you do get the letter, how much time/advance notice does one get between receipt of the interview and the actual interview date?

Info/experiences are of course super welcome... thanks smile.gif
M613FemaleCanada2009-06-02 20:38:00
CanadaMoving to the US Summary List/ Canadian Immigration Guide
I know this is important to me (and I didn't see it... maybe it's here-heh), so I thought I'd contribute:


VOTING FOR CANADIANS LIVING OUTSIDE OF CANADA

Edited by M613, 18 August 2010 - 02:01 PM.

M613FemaleCanada2010-08-18 13:59:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionweird-I got a reminder to file my I-751

Yes,I've gotten one too.They have sent it to the old address first (even I have
changed my address right after I've moved),then they've resent it to my new addreess
along with a letter stating that it came to their attention that I have moved
and I need to change my address.They included a change of address form as well.
The opened envelope that has been sent first to my old address and had the 2 letters addressed to me
has been inserted in a new envelope with my new address.I don't know how they got
my new address...maybe the post office returned the letter back to them stating the new
address.
Anyways,everything has been straightened out.



Yep-exactly what I got--thanks for the reply! They must just use the same address you had received your permanent resident card at. I mean, I did all of that online in the wee timeframe (10 days after moving) that you're legally obliged to... It's silly to think of how backlogged they are. But I digress (sorry).

So hm-- did you send the new address form to them?
M613FemaleCanada2012-06-19 10:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionweird-I got a reminder to file my I-751
howdy-doo:

got a letter yesterday (to an OLD address, despite my filing my change of address *twice* since the address they used) reminding me to file my I-751. What gives? I thought peeps weren't getting these....

anyone else get one?

fankoo!
M613FemaleCanada2012-06-19 08:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion90 days? -My brain isn't getting it

This is a handy tool for calculating dates. If you apply for N-400 you can use this too. :)

http://www.uscis.gov...Calculator.html



yay thank you! (a month later-sorry!)
M613FemaleCanada2012-06-27 11:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion90 days? -My brain isn't getting it
holy geez-and here I was spazzing out about having it by May 30th. the wording totally diskembawbled me! thank you thank you thank you--this is why I love this place
M613FemaleCanada2012-05-29 11:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion90 days? -My brain isn't getting it
Howdy doo, VJ!

I think I just massively misunderstood as to WHEN one needs to file their removal of conditions. My "anniversary" date on my card is September 30th---I think (or thought) that that means I need to file AFTER May 30th---ie within the 90 days BEFORE the anniversary date.

Am I right? Wrong? I'm not usually so braindead on things, but for some reason the wording really is really not processing in my head-heh. Any and all 2 cents (or more!) is super appreciated!
M613FemaleCanada2012-05-29 10:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTax Transcripts or Returns as evidence?
Thanks :) -I just figured since we've used tax returns for all other steps of our visa journey (badoomboomching!) it'd be fine now.

Just to circle back, guess I'm alone in sending everything in the week before it's due? It is what it is... I figure the package getting there September 25th when it's due the 30th can't be the end of the world. Or I hope it isn't. :/

Edited by M613, 13 September 2012 - 02:29 PM.

M613FemaleCanada2012-09-13 14:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTax Transcripts or Returns as evidence?
Thanks so much everyone!

We had a wee change in plans re: when we are sending our stuff: we will be sending it on Monday, September 24th overnight to the Vermont Center (from Austin) rather than sending it next week. This allows me a bit more time to collect more (and more!) evidence. I know it's cutting it close (card expires September 30th)--has anyone else gone super close to the wire?
M613FemaleCanada2012-09-13 09:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTax Transcripts or Returns as evidence?
Howdy doo:

I got super excited in this post re: the idea of tax transcripts submitted as evidence (My link). I called, and it's an IRS-bot stating it will take 5-10 business days for the transcripts to be mailed. That's kinda fine (deadline to get my stuff is Sept. 30th), but it occurred to me: we already have all of our joint tax returns from the last few years at home, a.k.a. I could should this out early next week as planned. Are tax returns from jointly filed taxes ok? Advice? Heckling? Any and all comments appreciated--thank you!
M613FemaleCanada2012-09-12 15:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAffidavit from friends

What sort of info should be in these letters? Other than the dates regarding how long we've known our friends.. like "they are a loving couple, we take trips together, bbq together etc" ?



That's what we had our friends write up; we also made sure to notarize them.

The opening line written by one of our friends on one of our addidavits read as follows: "I first heard of her (that would be me, the permanent resident) when Matt (my husband) started working here-he would not stop talking about her, and mention her constantly. He still mentions her 2 years later"-lol. And he's serious (Matt is a big moosh). I hope whoever reviews my file has a sense of humour...bahaha. It cracked me up.

Edited by M613, 28 September 2012 - 10:48 AM.

M613FemaleCanada2012-09-28 10:48:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHow long for changing conditions for GC renewal
Hm-it's always nice to have a ballpark figure... I dunno though-barring travel and stuff, I (personally) don't understand why there's a hurry for being approved. I guess I keep thinking of waiting for the K-1 visa=EVIL. Being with your spouse, living life and sending them more paper and money=infinitely more civilized.

I feel like I'm alone saying that, but there it is. heh.
M613FemaleCanada2012-09-28 16:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionLetter from Immigration- Any ideas
definitely likely a reminder-they sent one to me as well :)
http://www.visajourn...-file-my-i-751/
M613FemaleCanada2012-09-28 14:33:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 September 2011 Filers

Please post that Bio date in September 2012 Filers thread ;)



omg! ah, wrong *year*--sorry you 2011ers!! that's what happens when you post from your phone/super tired-lol.
M613FemaleCanada2012-12-07 09:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 September 2011 Filers
aww- congrats Flicker! For all the questions, waiting, diskembawbulation and uncertainty posted here (which is why we hop on here- yay web therapy and actual advice!), it's so great hearing good news such as yours- hurray!

My only update is I had and went to my biometrics appt here I Austin on November 1st. Sorry for not posting sooner- I got a promotion and have been on alot of planes (in the US only- my passport is expired- waiting on my new unexpired permanent resident card to submit as proof of identity to get a renewed passport. whew- that was a mouthful).

That said: yay progress! I hate waiting, but I love that everything is gone and in a box somewhere for now :)
M613FemaleCanada2012-12-06 19:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPlease Help! Arrested with no charges..
Overcome your fear and google the county clerk where you live. Ask them for a records search- they can do that in the phone inmost counties. Again, for a tiny fee ($5-10 bucks), you can then request that this be certified (important) and mailed to you. The county clerk can't and would never "remember" or arrest you; the only folks who would are the the cops that show up for something and run your name. So- lesson learned. Chill out, gather your brain, and pick up the phone :) If you're ever out partying in the future, and feel yourself getting really ###### up, remember your spouse. Remember the horrid K-1 process and waiting and wondering... Just remember what's important, and have a great life with your partner:)
M613FemaleCanada2012-10-05 19:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPlease Help! Arrested with no charges..
Been there-and it's scary as all hell (especially in Texas, where they can and do haul folks in with zero evidence. fun!). Anyways, fear/remorse/hangover aside, please DO contact the criminal court in the arresting county; courts hold all records if charges are filed in any way (these go back to the 70's here where I am). At your request (and for a nominal fee), the county clerk provides an original certified statement stating that no charges exist in their systemm; I know that on my letter, they state that they went back in their records to the 70's--hence my earlier notation of it. So the answer "yes" is checked on the form re: ever being arrested, and the original letter from the court system here is going into my 1-751 packet next week.

-From my understanding, barring any insane terrorist/government downfall/drug charge shenanigans, you will be OK provided you ARE actually married and that you did indeed enter the marriage in good faith/blah blah. As with anything in life, honesty is the best policy.
M613FemaleCanada2012-09-18 08:48:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionStressed about not having enough proof of co-mingling

Your list looks great! Keep scouring on here to get some ideas--alot of folks do the usual (that you've listed), but literally, the more the merrier!

 

Also-don't stress about getting an RFE! It's the officer's job to carefully review every package that comes in! You're here for a legit reason (ie yay getting married!) so prove it; you have absolutely nothing to lose if you came here in good faith!

 

All of the above brought to you by someone who did recently get an RFE (and submitted what they wanted) :)  -I'm here with my fantastic husband, and I am more than happy to let them know it-I even offered to go to an interview and/or provide more evidence if they wanted in my cover note w. my RFE evidence :) It's all good! Chin up, hug your spouse, and enjoy!!!


M613FemaleCanada2013-07-03 16:17:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 May 2012 Filers
Is it just me or do alot of Canadians get "randomly selected" for interviews on here? My eyeballs have noticed this, but I might be wrong.

-What kind of stuff are they requesting in their RFEs? re: the interview: any idea as to how long that could take?

Sorry for the random questions: A September 2012 filer here, and I poking around and am curious.
M613FemaleCanada2013-04-22 14:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly 2012 filer - I've made 3 service requests with the USCIS to give me the status of my case

Thanks-already done. It's odd, though, that this is the third e-service request I have made and each request has resulted in different answers


M613FemaleCanada2013-09-09 09:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly 2012 filer - I've made 3 service requests with the USCIS to give me the status of my case
blarg- I'm a September 2012 filer! Sorry- brain was distracted while posting!
M613FemaleCanada2013-09-06 17:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJuly 2012 filer - I've made 3 service requests with the USCIS to give me the status of my case

Request 1: robo response via email.

Request 2: (was to expedite request for work--I travel alot, blah blah)--no dice. Email received said my rationale was not a "valid" reason to expedite the request. Alrighty.

 

Request 3 came today via email--and this is where I am completely baffled. The request was made to inquire re: the status because they are *way* overdue on processing times. Note: I already made a cautionary infopass appt made BEFORE I got this email (to get another extension while I wait... at almost a year now). Check this out---has anyone gotten this before? It's so... bizarre. At least it is to me.

 

Any and all info and insight is appreciated!

 

 

On September 4, 2013, you or your representative contacted USCIS concerning your I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence to notify us that you believe your case is outside of our normal processing time.

Below is a summary of what we found and how the issue has been or may be resolved.

Please be aware that USCIS cannot confirm or deny the existence of your petition or application over the phone, in email, or through a service request (SR).

What You Can Do
Please schedule an INFOPASS appointment by visiting our website at www.uscis.gov and bring evidence that USCIS accepted your petition/application and fee.

We hope this information is helpful to you.










 


M613FemaleCanada2013-09-06 17:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSeptember 2012 Filer-I got an interview notice
I think they sent it as service request harassment revenge- I have called them 5 times i the last month. ha.

Date is September 30th. We have all of our package with evidence, and much more to bring (photos, tix for the 3 trip have taken this year, new lease from July, etc). We are legit, happy and yet I am sweet and sour on this: finally, some movement and hopefully a decision and yet... interviews weird me out. Any info or advice from folks who have went through it? I've looked at a few threads on here, and they're helpful, but any more info is welcome. Thank you!


M613FemaleCanada2013-09-15 13:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhat happens after you file for Battery ROC?
I'm always sad to see how terrible circumstances can be and is for so many people. Check out the Effects Of Major Family Changes forum on this site:

http://www.visajourn...ation-benefits/

Scour that forum-many people have been through what you are going through (and worse)-- there is a huge amount of info and support to be found in the posts.

I would consult an attorney when you're ready to do so--information is a powerful balm in hard and scary times.

Edited by M613, 30 September 2013 - 05:53 PM.







M613FemaleCanada2013-09-30 17:52:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussioninterview completed or approved and waiting for GC or letter.

Nice-and congrats! In my many calls with the National Service Center, I learned that they only update the site/case statuses once a month or so.

 

I had my interview September 30th, was approved/it was an awesome experience, but still no word re: production (surprise!).


M613FemaleCanada2013-10-14 15:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPretrial diversion before removing conditions. Help!

you will be fine. when sending your ROC package, remember to:

 

- check "yes" for being arrested on the form;

- send in all relevant certified documents proving all charges were dropped and that you were not convicted. This includes the letter from the Director you mentioned, as well as any certified court docs (usually from the court in your city/county) showing you are not convicted, certified police reports of the incident--everything. Include it all in your package--this will prove that yes, you were arrested, but no, you were not convicted (they look for convictions; if you were arrested, they want to know why). Sending this in your initial package will avoid you getting an RFE asking for all of it--esp when they see the yes box ticked beside the "have you ever been arrested" question on the form.

 

Remember--this process is to prove you entered the States and the marriage in good faith :)  Congrats getting this all straightened out in the eyes of the law too--it's scary, but it looks like you're taking the right steps to move past this.


M613FemaleCanada2013-10-21 10:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHow to check status of green card production?
Small update: this morning, I got an email stating the USPS had picked up my card and that I should receive it within 7 days. They also provided a USPS tracking #.

Wanted you to know so that you know what to expect. After months of nothing happening (if you see my posts here, they went wayyyy over processing time, I had an RFE and an interview-sigh), all of these happy updates are a bit overwhelming.


M613FemaleCanada2013-10-26 08:53:00