biggish data

Medical and Interview

I just went through the whole interview process last Wednesday,September 28th (and received my visa packet on Monday October 3rd here n Kitchener). It seems that what you have listed is what you bring. Just as a reminder, DO NOT forget to bring your medical results. Also remember to bring as little else with you as possible and do not bring any electronic devices (cell phones, mp3 players, remote control for cars, etc.) and don't bring any huge bags. If you did your visa application online (ie. you completed the DS260 form) you will still have to do the DS230 form. I found this out the hard way even though the State Department website said don't do the 230 if you have done the 260. Bank statements shouldn't be necessary as long as your I-864 form is complete with copies of previous income tax.

As for a cheap place to stay, I myself stayed at a hostel (HI-Montreal on Rue Mackay). I was in a dorm, but they do have private rooms available. The cost for my dorm for 7 nights was about $250 taxes included. The hostel is only about a 20 minute walk from both Medisys and the US Consulate. (I'm assuming you are going to Montreal). And it's not far from other amenities like restaurants, bars, grocery store, gas station, banks. It's a good place: it's clean, the staff are super friendly and very helpful and it's relatively inexpensive. It's costs $5 more a night if you're not a member of Hosteling International. Other than that, I'm not sure of other cheap places.

Hope this helps and all the best with the medical/interview!

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-10-05 15:14:00

Try to schedule a medical exam in Toronto, no one answers the phone?!

Not much has been posted about making a medical exam appointment. I have called many times and was directed to the voicemail all the time. Anyone had similar experience?

It depends on who you called and where your medical is. I called the panel physicians (Dr Seiden's crowd) in Montreal the day I got my letter stating when my interview was. Almost FOUR WEEKS later and 3 or 4 messages left, I still hadn't heard from them. My wife emailed Medisys in Montreal just before the close of business one day and the first thing the next day they CALLED her back. She let me know and I made the appointment with them for my medical. Then about 3 days before I left, the other crowd called me. I didn't answer. They left a message but I didn't call them back. They couldn't bother calling me back in a timely manner, so I extended them the same courtesy. And from what I could find out, I saved myself $40-$50 by having my medical done at Medisys versus the Panel Physicians and I had the results just as quickly.

I know each case is different, but that was my experience. I personally recommend using Medisys if you're going to Montreal for your medical.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-10-05 11:58:00

Passport delivery from Montreal

Thanks for sharing this, I guess you were one of the lucky ones. This email that you posted above was from CSC and not the Montreal embassy, correct?

Correct. I received this email from the CSC and not the Montreal embassy.

Hope you receive a similar email soon!

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-11-04 11:28:00

Passport delivery from Montreal

I had my interview in Montreal on September 28th of this year. From my own experience, I did receive an email with the waybill number in the message, which I got on September 30th. Here's the email I received (I've deleted my name, pickup address and waybill number):

Dear Mr. XXXXX,

Your passport has been picked up from the Consular Section and within the next few days you will be able to pick it up at:

DHL Your Town HOLD FOR PICKUP
123 Any Street
Your Town, Your Province

Your Waybill Number is XXXXXXXXXXXX.
Please click the link below to track your passport until it is ready for pickup:
http://www.dhl.ca/ca...r=XXXXXXXXXXXXX

You can take advantage of having your documents delivered to an address in Canada for an additional cost. If you are interested, go here to learn how:
http://usvisa-info.c...ier_information

Regards,

U.S. Visa Information Services
http://canada.usvisa-info.com

As well, when I went on the CSC site, the waybill number was also there. Once I had this number, I simply was able to track it on dhl.ca and once it showed it was delivered to the location I chose, I simply went and picked it up. Whether or not it does it for everyone I'm not sure. I personally had no issues.

Edited by The Getty, 04 November 2011 - 11:21 AM.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-11-04 11:17:00

Finally in the USA

Congrats to you! I made my POE at the same place with my CR-1 visa back in October. I found, like you, that the border officials weren't familiar with processing the visa and I spent over an hour waiting. But I finally finished processing and was on my way.

I'm not familiar with the K-1 visa, but I would imagine that you got a stamp with the date of your POE on your visa. I would suggest looking at it to ensure it's correct. As I said, I POE'd on October 11, 2011. However, the date of the stamp was October 11, 2010. Unfortunately, it wasn't until I received my permanent green card that I noticed this, at which point I had to call USCIS to explain the error. This resulted in me having to complete an I-90 application to replace my green card (luckily, due to USCIS error, the $450 fee was waived). I just had my biometrics January 25 for the replacement card and am waiting for it to arrive. Posted Image

So, as I said, just have a look to see the date is correct...it'll save you a whole lot of grief and frustration. Cheers!

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-04 22:22:00

Am I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA

I'm fairly certain back in 2005 when I came on a CR-1 visa that I didn't have my SSN when I started collecting Ei. Oodles of posts on VJ on what to do when ur SSN does not arrive soon

I know there have been a fair # of people on VJ that have started to work as well without a SSN--they just didn't get paid until they provided the SSN

Back in 2005, it may have been the case that you didn't need your SSN to start collecting EI and perhaps things have changed....I don't know. All I do know is when I arrived in the US just 4 months ago, until I had my SSN, I was not paid any EI from Canada as I was considered to NOT be available for work. This came straight from the agents who actually review and process the EI applications. I had to be ready, willing, and capable of working to receive EI benefits - capable of working meant being able to legally accept work in the US, and not having an SSN was deemed to not be able to legally accept work.

As for the second part of your response, from my own experience, before I had my SSN I was told point blank that without an SSN, my application wouldn't even be accepted/reviewed. maybe this was just the businesses where I tried to apply, or maybe it was because of the state in which I live; your guess is as good as mine.

To the OP:
In my honest opinion, you would be better waiting until you had your SSN before applying for EI benefits from Canada. As I've posted, without my SSN I was deemed to not be available to legally accept work in the US, thus, not eligible for EI until I had received my SSN. If you want to try with just your green card, by all means try. And if you are successful, then all the more power to you. I'm just relaying personal experience from 4 months ago.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-19 12:59:00

Am I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA

I should qualify my previous post. As a CR-1 visa holder, you can apply and are eligible to work in the U.S., but you will need to have your SSN first.

Service Canada will see you as not eligible to work with only a green card as you cannot legally accept work without a SSN.

A green card alone does NOT make you eligible to work in the U.S.!!!!! Until you receive a vaild Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration that does not have a restriction preventing you from working (which it shouldn't on a CR-1 visa), you CANNOT LEGALLY accept work in the U.S., and thus will be deemed by Service Canada as NOT being able to work and not eligble for E.I. benefits.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-19 02:07:00

Am I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA

You should be able to claim E.I. no problem while in the USA provided you have enough hours (which it appears you have) AND you are ready, willing, and capable of working/accepting work. You can call Service Canada's toll free number and speak to a representative. Better yet, call the Interstate Department - they are the ones who deal with E.I. claims OUTSIDE of Canada. Their number is 1-877-486-1650. This is a voicemail only number, so you can leave a message with your name, SIN, and contact phone #, and someone will call you back. Then you can discuss it with that person and they will give you the proper information.

I moved to the US in October 2011, and I had no problem getting my E.I. down here. You will get cards in the mail, and you will not be able to file your report on neither the internet nor using the automated phone system. (Once I received my cards, I just called the Interstate Dept. phone # and left my name, SIN, contact phone # , and report on the voicemail, and they were able to process it for me.)

One thing that I must point out is that in other posts I have read in response to your question, you have been given wrong information, namely as follows:

"You just need to prove you are eligible to work in the US. Which you will be able to do with your greencard after you cross,"
"Usually you're eligible to collect as soon as you can prove that you're able and willing to work i.e. you have your green card,"
"As a cr-1/ir-1 ur eligible right away when u enter the USA, as these visa come with you being able to work right away"

A green card alone does NOT make you eligible to work in the U.S.!!!!! Until you receive a vaild Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration that does not have a restriction preventing you from working (which it shouldn't on a CR-1 visa), you CANNOT LEGALLY accept work in the U.S., and thus will be deemed by Service Canada as NOT being able to work and not eligble for E.I. benefits.

Edited by The Getty, 19 February 2012 - 01:21 AM.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-19 01:19:00

Packet 4

Hey th

Edited by The Getty, 06 November 2011 - 12:00 PM.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-11-06 11:57:00

WHICH IS THE RIGHT AOS FORM TO FILL OUT

You CANNOT use the I-864 EZ form. You HAVE to use the I-864 form.

Who May Use Form I-864EZ?
You may use Form I-864EZ IF ALL the following conditions
apply:
1. You are the person who filed or is filing the Form I-130,
Petition for Alien Relative, for a relative being sponsored;
2. The relative you are sponsoring is the only person listed on
the Form I-130 petition;
3. The income you are using to qualify is based entirely on
your salary or pension and is shown on one or more Forms
W-2 provided by your employer(s) or former employer(s).

http://www.uscis.gov...orm/i-864ez.pdf

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-11-08 16:44:00

DS260 vs DS230 at Interview in Montreal

As Saylin said, fill out the DS-230 BEFORE you go. I too did everything online and had my DS-260 printed and did no fill out the DS-230 (as indicated on the website instructions). However, they would not take it and wanted the DS-230. (Apparently, the online submission is an option for Montreal and according to the guy at the consulate they weren't able to retrieve it which, in my opinion, is complete BS as they retrieved all other documents I sent electronically). Anyway, they want the DS-230 form. Luckily, they had one to hand to me and I was able to fill it out there. However, because of this, it resulted in my time at the Consulate being extended by 45 minutes to an hour as I had to wait for my number to be called. Had I known to fill the DS-230 out beforehand, I would have been done my interview in about 30-45 minutes from the time I entered the Consulate until I left (my number was C-1).

The Getty

Male

Canada

2011-11-02 08:16:00

Processing times of ir1/cr1

Hello i am new to the group and really need help

I have been married for two years and just filed our papers last week, we recieved our i-797c yesterday. Is that considered as our NOA1?
Im concerned how long processing of papers take? Does IR1 visa processing longer (like mor steps?) than CR1 visa? Or is it the same?

Thank you very much

Yes that is your NOA1... it should say something like your I-130 application was received and being processed, blah blah blah. Hopefully your NOA2 will state that your I-130 was approved and forwarded to the NVC.

The IR1/CR1 is actually the same visa application.
The difference is that the CR1 (conditional visa) is if you were married less than 2 years, in which case you will receive a 2 year green card and would have to remove conditions starting 90 days before the green card expired (or risk being deported). The IR1 is if you've been married for 2 years or more. In this instance, you would be given a 10 year green card.

I believe the processing time would be the same for both, and the required documentation would also be the same.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-01-27 10:00:00

Need some help/advice

We decide to wait until summer and just have her come to the US and do the marriage here, she has a little left before she gets her degree. Yes, we will both file a G325A, so I assume your saying that means it's asking for my parents on my form and her parents on her form.

She can certainly get a copy of the proper papers, she just had that already and wondered if it was enough.

Thank you.

Here's the link to the USCIS website for the I-129F:

http://www.uscis.gov/i-129f

it gives the link for both the application and instructions, as well as what documents are required. Just follow the instructions.

And you're welcome. I'm not an expert, but I try to help when I can, as does everyone here on VJ. Posted Image

Edited by The Getty, 10 February 2012 - 11:44 AM.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-10 11:43:00

Need some help/advice

Everything has gone good so far. We are now preparing for I-129F and I have a question on the G325A form. It asks for Family name and father and mother(maiden) names in the second set of boxes below the first, but the example document doesn't make it clear whether that is me and her or my parents, I'm guess my parent but have to be sure. Anyone?

Also to prove divorced what does a to show? She has a paper from swedish tax agency with her name, birth, citizenship and then it civil status as divorce on such and such date, is this enough? Because her previous husband name isn't there nor place of marriage.

Thank you for any help.

I was reading your previous posts where you were planning on getting married in Sweden, then you were returning to the US. IF you are married, then you need to complete the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The I-129F is a Petition for Alien Fiance(e)

Either way, both you AND your spouse/fiancee are each required to complete a form G325A.

I would imagine that they would be required to get a certified copy of the divorce decree from the courts or appropriate authority, but I'm not sure as to how they would go about that. Perhaps if you post in the Sweden forum someone there may have better information.

Edited by The Getty, 10 February 2012 - 11:24 AM.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-10 11:22:00

Opened Yellow Packet now what?

No it's not a "copy" it's the original. It's the ENTIRE immigration file.

Well, not everything in mine was original. Even though I completed EP and did my DS-260 online, I still had to fill out a DS-230 at my interview as Montreal wasn't entirely set up for EP processing. This was filled out in BLUE ink, yet at my POE, the form was in BLACK. And I know I didn't complete more than one...just saying. But this is not related to the OP's original post so I'm just going to end it here.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-02 16:38:00

Opened Yellow Packet now what?

Out of curiousity - what exactly is in those envelopes?

So, how bad do you want to know and what's it worth to you, hmmm??!?! Posted Image

Well, I was wondering the same thing when I got mine. Then, at my POE, all was revealed. The big secret is.....it's just the IV application and documents that were submitted, along with the information they enter at the consulate when you're interviewed. And that is the mystery surrounding the sealed "DO NOT OPEN" envelope.

Now that you know, try to act surprised, mmmkay?

Edited by The Getty, 02 February 2012 - 04:23 PM.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-02-02 16:20:00

Bona Fide Relationship requirements??

My wife (the USC) and I were married in November 2010. Within a week of our marriage, we went to a TD Bank branch here in Connecticut to open a joint account. My wife just provided her SSN and CT driver's license, and a certified copy of our marriage certificate.

As I was not yet a US resident, I had no SSN or ID from the US at the time. The bank employee just filled out a special form for a foreign spouse, and I had to show my Canadian passport as primary proof, along with one other piece of ID. We had no problem getting the bank account opened in BOTH our names, even though, as I said, I was NOT a US resident at the time. And this was done about 3 months BEFORE my wife even submitted the I-130 petition.

So a joint account CAN be done without the foreign spouse having an SSN. Whether or not it depends on the country the foreign spouse is from, I do not know.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-03-09 11:16:00

Super quick form G-325A question

You will have to sign the G-325A that you filled out, as it's your information.

If memory serves me correctly, I believe I checked the 'other' box and put I-130 in the space. Sorry I can't remember for sure as I filled mine out back in January 2011. If anyone knows which is better, please advise.

Hey guys,

At the bottom of the G-325A form, it asks if you the form is being sent in connection with an application for naturalization, permanent residency or other. My husband put other -I-130 (as he is already an american citizen.) Do I put "permanent residency" or "other- I-130" as well on mine?

Also, does he sign on my G-325 A where it asks for the signature, as he is the petiitoner? Or do I still sign as it is my info on the form?
Thanks!

Taylor

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-09-11 11:17:00

Montreal interview dates 2012

Wonder if anybody is having luck in scheduling their Montreal interview for end of this year/2012? I only ever receive "There are no available appointments at this time". We have to get our interview done this year or our Visa application will be terminated/expire. Tips? Suggestions?

You don't need to schedule an interview in Montreal if you are going through the CR-1/IR-1 process (spousal visa)....the NVC/Consulate schedules it for you, unless this has changed in the past year. I went through the CR-1 process last year and had mine scheduled for me.

I believe you would only need to schedule an appointment for Montreal for a K-1 (fiance) visa.

If this is wrong, someone can correct it.

The Getty

Male

Canada

2012-09-11 10:54:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

my date also changed today with no contact...

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-11-18 11:53:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Its very random but you are correct that Ready means that you are scheduled for an interview. But folks have reported that their status changes to Ready a day or so prior to Visa Issue from AP. Ready to me a dud status.

As far as I have researched. Ready is when NVC has completed the case and is ready to send it to Embassy. after then interview and then AP occurs. so ready is before AP stage. after AP it will be Issued.

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-11-12 03:23:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Has your date changed since then?

i did email and they replied case is stil under Ap,after sending passport 9 days after it was showing READY but nxt day to still is AP showing

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-11-12 02:43:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Has someone called American Express in Lahore etc to see is any Immigration cases are being received? I tried calling today without luck...

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-11-07 10:05:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Ayan & Ahmed Jutt my sympathies. Maybe you have had better luck than I.

I asked my company to assign me to an overseas project which they did and brought my wife and son (awaiting AP) after recalling the passports. One week together abroad and the embassy recalls the passports for my wife and son. I send back my wife and son to Pakistan to submit the passports in the hope that the embassy is finally ready after 3 years to issue the VISA. But NO! they have been sitting on the passports for 3 weeks now and my family is again not with me. Does it get more cruel than this? WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU RECALL THE PASSPORTS IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO ISSUE THE VISA!!!!!!!!!!

This immigration process is a joke! It rewards the folks who somehow managed to cross the border illegally by offering a path to citizenship but penalizes those who take the legal route. UGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

RIDICULOUS.

Edited by junglegym, 04 November 2013 - 10:42 AM.

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-11-04 10:41:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

I received a response the next day via email that my passports have been received but are pending review. 4-5 weeks.

Did they email you about passport receiving or u confirm it from DOS?

when i asked them about passport receiving, i get the below email, DOS also don't have any other info thn this email..

"

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you very much for the information about submission of the required documents. Our records, at this time, do not show the receipt of the documents, however those might be received in our office but would be in the pipeline to be reviewed for further processing of the case. The average time to review the received documents at our office is 3-4 weeks.

Please contact our office after 3-4 weeks for further updates about the submitted documents

You may also check on the status of your case at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/

We hope that this information is helpful to you in responding to you client.

"

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-10-31 11:54:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

When you send passport?

Monday last week

When you send passport?

I am following your progress as a good sign for you might mean something good to follow for me INSHALLAH!

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-10-31 08:59:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

I submitted passport on 7 OCT 2013 and they don't yet confirmed, that they received it and no status update. ... also now my job is at stake .. what should i do.....

This is reduculous ayan. I am so sorry. I am in the same boat as you but they did confirm they have received the passports. Saying its a 4-5 weeks queue before they get to it (((

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-10-31 08:43:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

gets this reply from embassy, which might helpful to some....

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""''

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you very much for the information about submission of the required documents. Our records, at this time, do not show the receipt of the documents, however those might be received in our office but would be in the pipeline to be reviewed for further processing of the case. The average time to review the received documents at our office is 3-4 weeks.

Please contact our office after 3-4 weeks for further updates about the submitted documents

You may also check on the status of your case at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/

We hope that this information is helpful to you in responding to you client.

Immigration Unit,

Consular Section, U.S. Embassy,

Islamabad, Pakistan

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Thanks Ayan. When did you submit your documents? I submitted this Monday but no change....

junglegym

Not Telling

Pakistan

2013-10-25 09:22:00