Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	My Montreal Interview CR1 Review	No not annoying at all! Our lives and relationships are at stake and we are all WELL invested into the process and its our main purpose to happily share what we can to make the journey easy and informative for others Original Birth Cert, Certified Marriage Cert and AOS (possilbe copy) was given back to us. Anyone else wanna add their returns? Oh that's interesting, they gave you back the affidavit of support - so I assume they gave you back the photo copy you sent and kept the original? Sorry if my questions are annoying, just think it helps the folks that interview to know what to expect in terms of documents being returned Thanks!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-28 11:54:00
Canada	My Montreal Interview CR1 Review	Thank guys! Very happy to finally be able to share the experience! Trailmix: I received my original Birth Certificate back, the Certified copy of our Marriage Certificate and the AOS my wife sent. That was it. Good Luck to you all!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-28 11:32:00
Canada	My Montreal Interview CR1 Review	Hello Everyone! Sorry to take so long for my interview review but we had a night of Foie Gras at Au Pied De Couchon Restuarant in Montreal last night as our CELEBRATION! Here's my review step by step: Woke up SUPER early, set my cell phone clock wrong and woke up at 345 am...haha...couldn't sleep anyway... Got to the US Consulate at 645am to line up and not a soul in sight, yay I was first in line! My sister lived 4min away from the consulate by car so we are lucky! It was cold, thank God for my parka, us westcoast Vancouverites aren't used to this kind of cold, but considering the weather I was lucky it was this mild. Sent my wife and my sister to Tim Hortons (1 Block away) to get some coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Just after 7am a few more people started showing up and by 715am the line started to grow. 745am: Security Guard came down to unlock the doors told us to line up on the left side of the doors (the side where the driveway/garage door is) so my sister took our junk and headed off to Tim Hortons to wait for us, I told her we should be out of there just after 9am, as pre-determined time according to LGG - thanks! 750am: Went in the doors, security guard asked who are you with, I said my Wife and I, he asked to see my interview letter and both our passports and gave us a checklist cover sheet of things to prepare to have out - PLEASE NOTE: we had sent ALL our paper work to the NVC prior our interview so this may not apply to some people! 1. Passports 2. Photos (please print names on back) - They didnt ask for any from me 3. Medical Report ( please remove the report from the x-ray) - They take the envelope separate from you so pry it off the x-ray. 4. Update Police certificate - they didn't ask for mine 5. Updated Evidence or support (I-864, most recent taxes, I-134 or job letter) - they didnt ask for any of this 6. Return Envelope / Xpress postmailer (please add your return address) - glad to stop holding that and gave us the letter "A" Next: went to the next set of doors, 5 steps away, and the next security guard asked us to come in and put all our junk on the counter and empty our pockets into the trays for them to be x-rayed, as well as to remove our jackets and everything in our pockets and directed us through the metal detectors. Next 8am: We were directed to go down the flight stairs to the next waiting room (just a room full of chairs and an instant photo booth, in case you forgot to get photos) and wait for another security guard to take us up to the 19th floor to another waiting room, where he said to wait and they will call you. Next 810am: My wife and I were the only ones up there, it was kinda funny...we waited and watched an elevator FULL of the others in line come up, however they all went to the other side of the waiting room - maybe K-1 visa'ers? Seemed like we were the only CR1's so far, but who knows Next 835am: They called my name to come to window 11, where they took my passport, got me to verify and sign that the info on my previously sent in DS230 Part 1, then the lady took my fingerprints and then asked for my Xpress postmailer and the Medical Exam Envelope (without the x-ray) Next 845am: The very nice lady asked us to go and sit again to wait and they will call my name for the actual interview Next 9am: They called my name to room 7, an actual room with a nice lady behind some glass, asked us the raise our right hands and take an oath. She asked me: When you did you meet? Where did you meet? You have been together ever since? When did you propose? When did you get married? What do you do for a living and do you plan to do something similar in the US? Where do you live? How far is it from where I live? Asked my Wife: What do you do for a living? Do you have medical insurance and can your husband be put on it? Where do you live? How far is it from where you live? and that was it ...she then stated she had nothing else to ask but to say Welcome to the United States of America. I asked if she was gonna take my x-ray and she said no, its yours, you paid for it so you might as well keep it. I dragged to all the way from Vancouver! hahaha 9:10am outta there! Other than that, that's what I can remember, if there's anything I forgot I will post it. Thank you all for your tips, support and direction, the journey has been worth it all! We are spending a couple more days in beautiful Montreal to spend time with my sister and her husband and we are back to Vancouver on Friday to await my Passport in the mail and prepare for my POE. I'll check back in....gotta get over my Foie Gras hangover....best meal ever!!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-28 11:14:00
Canada	How long...	Mines on the move too!!!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-29 15:32:00
Canada	Good Luck Today Biglos	Haha...thanks guys for all the well wishes, sorry I missed this posting...I am currently eagerly awaiting my Visa now, hopefully next week it shall arrive! Good luck to you all as well! I'll keep you posted!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-30 15:41:00
Canada	POE process question	Oh okay, not super specific...groovy...	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-01 01:20:00
Canada	POE process question	How itemized does your list have to be? Every DVD title Im bringing over or just a number of DVDs, for an example? Same with books? Electronics I understand... When you cross you will pull up to the border and inform them you are activating your visa, they will probably ask you a few questions (like if you have your packet) and then direct you to a building that you will go into to have the paperwork finalized. For moving your stuff, if you are bringing it with you, just make an itemized list (I did mine in excel) with everything on it that you are bringing, serial numbers for the electronics. They barely glanced at my sheet but its all you need. Anything you are sending with a moving company you will need to fill out a seperate form (CPB Form 3299 for unaccompanied items) to send with the stuff so they have a list of whats there and you won't get taxed on it (its all personal belongings). If you plan to import your car at the same time, bring the paperwork you get from the car dealer (the DOT letter and the recall letter) and you can do it all at the same time. Its all fairly easy and painless if you get someone who isn't grumpy!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-01 00:54:00
Canada	POE process question	Great info! Thanks guys! God Bless!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-31 00:19:00
Canada	POE process question	I'll be crossing my POE (Blaine Truck Crossing into Washington State) as soon as I get my Visa, does anyone know what the process maybe when you cross. Also, where can I find info about moving my stuff, about inventory list etc etc. Anyone? Thanks!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-30 16:02:00
Canada	What Happens if Customs is Cranky??	Yea, Alaska airlines is the way for us when travelling in the US, did the whole cheap flight on Allegiant Airlines to Las Vegas from Bellingham, didn't like it. My advice and any advice I have for everyone is be there for your flight as early as possible, Air Canada is known to loose luggage as well (Used to work for them, I know what happens to your luggage! Lol) as for missing a connecting flight...Im sorry to hear that crappy experience, nobody wants to go through that. Be really bold with them next time Zansgirl!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-02 11:25:00
Canada	I just bought my first house	Congratulations! We are thinking of Las Vegas for buying a house, I wanna a swimming pool! You got a really good deal!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-02 12:37:00
Canada	Wooohhooo!!!	Thanks Hugglebuggles!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-02 13:32:00
Canada	Wooohhooo!!!	Zansgirl, Im in Burnaby, Im leaving ASAP...maybe the weekend...I want to across asap so I can get my SSN and Green Card going...need to find work and set up my compnay and start looking for medical! I'll come back for my stuff later, Im only 2 hours away! Thanks LGG! Im waiting by the mail box!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-02 12:06:00
Canada	Wooohhooo!!!	Yea on the way to Montreal there was a lady with a baby pitbull in her bag on the flight, I thought that was awesome. I am flying with Air Canada... I also booked my kitty her spot on the plane too -- they let you fly with your cat in the cabin with you (in a carrier of course) but I have to be the only person with a cat on the flight so.... just booked her in this morning. Very exciting. I know you're a little blue about leaving Florida and all... but Maryland is really gorgeous... My packet is in Richmond this morning! Might show up today!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-02 11:07:00
Canada	Wooohhooo!!!	yay! Thats AWESOME! CONGRATS! I can't wait til mine shows!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-01 20:20:00
Canada	appointment in Montreal	Yes, Montreal is Beautiful. I suggest you eat at Au Pied De Cochon for some Foie Gras and Dunns for a Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich! make sure to stroll through old Montreal and downtown Montreal underground. Thats my experience, we were there two days more after our interview to enjoy! Good Luck and many blessings!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 01:56:00
Canada	Car has U.S. EPA NLEV Compliant Sticker under the hood	B.C. Drivers abstract costs nothing to get right??	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 19:20:00
Canada	Car has U.S. EPA NLEV Compliant Sticker under the hood	Fooey! Ok ok...I'll go get one...probably better anyway...	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 19:14:00
Canada	Car has U.S. EPA NLEV Compliant Sticker under the hood	My 2001 FORD TAURUS has a U.S. EPA NLEV Compliant Sticker under the hood stating that my car is compliant, do I still need to get a compliance letter?	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 18:48:00
Canada	Good Luck, ZansGirl!	Good Luck #3!! and Pre-congrats!!! Full report please!! #1 out!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-04 12:02:00
Canada	Got my US Visa Today	Thanks everyone! packing sucks! Good luck to you all as well!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-04 16:25:00
Canada	Got my US Visa Today	Thanks everyone! I live only 2 hours away from where Im goign so I wont have to stock up on any Canadian snacks when I can just drive up and grab some, plus I got my wiife hooked on Areo and Coffee Crisp sothats a guarantee we'll be picking up snacks all the time! and we do have better sushi, chinese food and Churchs chicken!!!...so yeah, I'll be up to get my Canadian grub on! I'll keep you posted on my POE process too!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 12:58:00
Canada	Got my US Visa Today	haha, sorry for the blunder, I received it today, I will be crossing this weekend.	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 02:01:00
Canada	Got my US Visa Today	So I had my Interview in Montreal for my CR1 Visa on Jan 27th and received my Passport with 6 month temp Visa sticker in it and the packet to give to the Border when I cross at my POE today Feb 02. Not bad at all! I thought I would have to wait longer but its here! Tracking at Canada Post wasn't too bad and I signed for it because I waited outside like a child waits for his school bus for the postman. I told the postman I've been waiting for that,its my passport, he said, "thats a pretty big passport!" Lol. Anyway, to all who awaits, good luck, many blessings and make sure you have all your paper work in line, oh yea and If you live on the westcoast, and have to go Montreal, check the weather before you go and dress for it! Scarf, gloves, toque/beanie, boots!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 01:52:00
Canada	Good luck to all the Canadians with interviews next week!	Good Luck and many blessings to you all, it'll be a breeze! For Montreal interviewees dress warmly!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-01-31 00:16:00
Canada	ZansGirl and the Consulate	Congratulations! Time for the Puyallup fair! Many blessings and happiness! let's keep each other posted for our adjustments in Washington State!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-06 00:48:00
Canada	My POE Experience	Thanks everyone! Im happy to be home, now to try and money some US Dollars!!!!! LGG Cant wait to hear your POE review!!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-08 18:35:00
Canada	My POE Experience	Yea, I was a bit weary about crossing so late in the evening but overall its wasn't bad at all. I say if you are used to the Peace Arch, go through there, but if you are used to the Pacific Highway Truck crossing go for it. Either way, you can't predict what officer you are going to get. Also, they did seem rusty but the process wasn't too difficult for them to get on track with. They did everything vocally on the computer, as the older officer was getting a re-fresher, from entering data, to activating the visa, to stamping and fingerprinting, it all seemed pretty straight forward. Good Luck! You will be so relieved when its all said and done!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-08 13:41:00
Canada	My POE Experience	Hello everyone! Here is my POE experience. Originally from Burnaby, British Columbia, for the duration of my relationship we have used the Pacific Highway Truck Crossing in Blaine Washington so naturally I chose this border as my POE. Had a hard time packing, streamlining my stuff as my car is STILL out of commission, so I had crossed with my wife and my step daughter in her car. Sunday night about 7:30pm, 5 minute wait at the border, approached the female officer in the booth, whom I've recognized over the years of going back and forth and I remember she's a nice border officer from a conversation we've had a one point. I gave her my wife's and step daughters passport IDs and showed her my Visa stating that' "I get to go home today!!!" She said "so your are immigrating today?", I said yes, so she wrote me an orange piece of paper, stuck it to the windshield and directed me towards the building where I am to park and take my DO NOT OPEN packet and orange slip into the building where they will process me and that she will keep the IDs and my passport and another officer will come and get the IDs from her. So we went into the building and waited for an officer to call us, it wasn't busy at all but we waited about 5 minutes, most of the officers were just sitting around and talking to each other. After a few minutes, an officer called me up and I showed him the packet and orange slip and he said "Whoa! I don't process immigration packets, I haven't done that in a long time, you might want to wait for a senior officer." Okay, I so I went back in line for a moment(we were the only ones in line) and then a younger looking officer had called us up. At first, he slammed down our IDs and my passport. he seemed annoyed and confused and had an annoyed tone with me, took a few glances at the visa in my passport as well, I think he was thinking I had immigration problems and approached it that way, he asked me, where's home? What do you do for work? what is your intention today? I was a little confused myself, but I answered him as best I could. He also asked, if I had owned my home in Canada I said no, that's my fathers house. He asked what my plan was, I said to tie up my life in Canada asap and register everything with my US permanent address. After that weird beginning, the officer seemed to bring me up on the computer and his attitude changed, the original older officer that had called me up had came by to watch my officer process me to refresh his knowledge of the process which kind of relaxed the situation as he was chatty and more friendly. Next my officer opened my DO NOT OPEN packet and all the paper work we had sent to the NVC originally was in there, including the pictures we sent as well. He was surprised as all the photos that were in the packet, including my wife's photos too. He was like, "So many photos..." He proceeded to look through the papers, took a look at the medical records from the medical exam I took in Vancouver and was impressed for some reason, I'm assuming because my medical records were complete. He even stated,"Wow, look at you, all complete". From there on he was quite friendly. Another older officer walked by and asked what the other officers were doing and the officer taking the re-fresher, told him that he hadn't done an immigration packet for a long time and the other officer said you need to remember to do to three things, do the paper work, stamp the passport (the I-94), and sign and do the fingerprint for the green card. So my officer then said, "okay,we'll get you processed and get you on your way." I was very polite and thanked him. He took a brief look at my inventory list and asked if this was all the things crossing with me today, I said yes and he gave it back to me. He said my wife and step daughter can go and sit while he processed me. He stamped my passport with the I-94 stamp, then took out another form which is for my green card, he walked me through the steps of having to sign the form and do an index finger fingerprint with ink on both sides. He then asked me what kind of car I had back in Canada, I stated it was a Ford Taurus. He then said "oh okay, it's an American Car." so I guess whatever he was going to say didn't apply, so he continued to tell me about importing the car and it was duty free and the time frame I have to bring it over as well as the rest of my personal belongings. He then briefly told me that the conditions of my Visa and the I-551 is good from one year from today's date, my POE date and NOT the visa issued date on my passport and that the Visa is good to work, live and reside in the USA. Also that my green card should come within 6 months, because the Government is slow but if I haven't received it in 3 to 6 months that I should start making phone calls to find out what going on. Then he asked me to take a seat as he finished up the paper work. After sitting for a few minutes and monkeying around with my step daughter, the older officer called up my step daughter and asked her name, drew her a mouse on a piece of paper and stamped it and said here's your own I-94....it was a cute gesture. A couple minutes later, my processing officer approached us with our IDs, pointed out on my passport the "registration number" on my Visa is known as my "A" number and that number is the one the government will know me as, so that if anyone asks me about my "A" number that's what they are referring to. He then said, That's it, Welcome to the Untied States. I was so relieved and happy, so was my wife! We head back to the car, which wasn't inspected at all, considering I had packed it to the brim with all my stuff, it would have been a mess if they did take everything out and we head home to Everett. Glad to be home, POE was great after we got passed the confusing beginning, officers were very friendly and now its time to settle into my young adult dream coming true of living in the USA. AMEN!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-08 13:28:00
Canada	Milk in Bags	I was in Montreal for my interview and my sister and her husband had Milk in a bag! I haven't seen that since I was a kid, I'm from B.C.....by the way, when you move to the USA, PLEASE don't Dairygold Milk, it claims to have no hormones etc BUT the milk is mysteriously good for 2 months...thats not right! Milk should only be good for 2 weeks...goodness! Drink it if you want a thrid eye! LOL	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-06 03:54:00
Canada	Patriotic Tattoo	Im already covered with tattooes but definitely thats an idea! Hmmmmmmm...	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-03 17:55:00
Canada	Washington State Medical Insurance for Diabetics Experience	Good stuff guys! Thanks for the great info!!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-19 11:01:00
Canada	Washington State Medical Insurance for Diabetics Experience	I'm still waiting for my SSN, just made my POE a week and half ago. Anyone have any experiences they want to share with finding medical insurance in Washington state? I have asthma and Diabetes.	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-18 11:40:00
Canada	Good Luck, Froggie!	Good Luck LGG!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-26 12:53:00
Canada	Got SSN Today!	Maybe give it til Next Monday, that should be the full three weeks, yes? Then raise hell!!!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-03-01 13:59:00
Canada	Got SSN Today!	Got my SSN today! POE was in Blaine Washington, Pacific Highway crossing on Feb 7th and received it today Feb 22, about 12 days(minus holiday and sundays) after my POE. Just have to wait for My green card now. Good Luck everyone!	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-23 00:46:00
Canada	People? I POEd...	Congrats LGG!!! Good to be home huh?	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-02-28 22:59:00
Canada	Got a I-797C	Got a I-797C stating they have received my packet from my POE....Does this mean my Green Card might be on the way?	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-03-05 18:44:00
Canada	POE Question	No worries, I left my car and other things in BC as well just to finally cross...going back to cross with my car in a month and more junk...just make sure you bring your compliance letter for your car and a general inventory list of stuff bringing over.	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-03-05 19:12:00
Canada	American Banking	I opened an account at Wells fargo with no problem, without an SSN, you should have no problems...just bring ID, passport and drivers license.	biglos	Male	Canada	2010-03-09 14:31:00