Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Canadian Mom - American Daughter and I-130	QUOTE (flames9 @ Jan 23 2009, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yep for the CR-1! If ya went the K3 route, since your in Alberta, you would goto Vancouver for the interview. I dont really keep up with the time frames, but at 1 time (probably still is) Vancouver used to be a lot faster at handing out the k1, k3 interviews than Montreal. Keep in mind, there are differences in the K3 and cr-1 visa, so one should educate themselves on those differences. This link compares the + and - of the visas: http://www.visajourn...mp;page=compare Cr-1 is a superior visa, and it costs less than the k3. But the k3 "SHOULD" be faster, but not always the case. back in 2004 we did the cr-1 and k3 at the same time. Theoretically the k3 should have been completed first, but nope! I was already living in the USA when I got the NOA stating the k3 had been approved. Look over that link and see what fits you better. Is getting to the USA faster more important(which th ek3 might not be faster!!), or being able to work asap more important????? and less paperwork with the CR-1, so less frustration,lol I'm all about the less frustration, less paperwork (= less to get wrong/lost/checked), less money route. I can't go to the US and not work. We have a child to support and living in Los Angeles will be expensive. So, I'd rather be able to go there and work right away, then go there and *HOPE* my K3 is finished in 2-3 months. From what I've been seeing, average time seems to be about 6-7 months for the CR1. We can wait for the sure thing, rather than gamble and spend extra money on the K3. The 6-7 months I've seen seems to be for countries like Asia, Russia, India - the Canadian applications seem to be processed a little faster, and being that we are already married, should be smother than the fiance route. Thanks for all the info, I'm anxious to submit the application and get started. I miss my love. <3	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-01-23 17:14:00
Canada	Canadian Mom - American Daughter and I-130	QUOTE (flames9 @ Jan 23 2009, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> the interview for a k3 would be in Canada as well--Vancouver or Montreal (depends where u live in Canada). All cr-1'ers ALL goto Montreal for interview! The Cr-1 comes with "work authorization" Welcome to VJ Seriously? I'll have to go to Montreal for the interview?!? I live in Calgary. SIGH.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-01-23 15:59:00
Canada	Canadian Mom - American Daughter and I-130	QUOTE (Krikit @ Jan 23 2009, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Cindy. Welcome to VJ. Does the I-130 require you to submit a G-325a Biographic Information for the child? If it does then the citizenship information will be noted there. If not, I would definitely include a copy of the certificate of live birth and passport. You can note it in your covering letter. What visa are you applying for? It may be better to ask these questions in the corresponding forum. Thanks for the welcome. Still finding my away around. The I-130 just says to submit a G-325A for the husband and the wife. Nothing is requested for the child. We are applying for a CR1 (I guess). Wife of USC living outside the US. I will do all my processing here and we will probably not persue the K3 Visa or work permit, etc. I hear processing is about the same, and I'd prefer to go to the interview here in Canada, than somewhere in the US. We have waited this long, we can wait a bit longer. As my application stands, I have noted it in the cover letter, and inserted the Certificate of Live Birth and Passport for the child. I want to be as up front as possible and not be seen to be hiding anything, so that was my rational, for including it, even though it's not requested anywhere. I'll send it this way unless someone on here advises to definately not do it from experience by the end of this weekend. The package is being sent on it's way Sunday.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-01-23 15:34:00
Canada	Canadian Mom - American Daughter and I-130	I live in Canada (CS) my husband lives in USA (USC). My daughter (not his bio) was born in Canada but is USC through birth because my ex (never married) is a USC. We are starting the I-130 and mailing it next week. Question: 1. We have to list all dependants. So I list my daughter and I've put int he cover letter a note about yes, she is listed there but she does not require sponsorship as she is a USC through birth. I also planned to include copy of her US Certficaite of Live Birth and US Passport. I'm wondering if I should even go there, or jsut wait for USCIS to ask me about it? My thoughts were that if I explained it up front there would be no RFE regarding it. Now though I am thinking that they may look at this and think, oh she was with a USC before and it didn't work out and now she is trying to get to USA with another USC. None of which is true - but I worry about apperances. What do you think? Explain it up front, or just list her as beneficiary's dependant and let them ask the questions? PS Since we are married now, but my husband has not officially adopted my daugther (yet).....is she considered his dependent and are we a family of 3 for purposes of the I-184 (when we get to that point)? Thanks for the help, we are just starting. =)	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-01-23 13:07:00
Canada	DS-3032 completion	You know on the DS-3032 it asks you to list all places you have lived for more than 6 months. So, I lived in "Toronto" for 3 years, but during that time had an actual address in "Toronto (1 yr)" "Mississauga (3 months)" and "Etobicoke (1-1/2 years)". Do I list the entire 3 years as "Toronto" as it's the Greater Toronto Area or do I list only "Toronto" and "Etobicoke". I have the same issue with living in "Montreal" for 5 years, but 4 different suburbs in Montreal during that time. Just want to avoid doing it wrong - any clue?	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-03-18 16:02:00
Canada	Medical	QUOTE (JillA @ Mar 18 2009, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Cindy & Greg @ Mar 18 2009, 04:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (TheATeam @ Mar 18 2009, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm pretty certain that you're right Jill, only Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto do medical exams now. Cindy- If you're going with a K1 or K3 visa then you would be wise to get the medical done at the same time as your interview when you're there. I mean, either way that's what you'll have to do, unless you can afford to make two trips! The doctor's office was very accomodating when I was there in April 2008. They usually only do appointments on Wednesday mornings though, so hopefully, if you have your interview in Van, it will be on a Tuesday or Thursday! Opps we are doing the CR-1, interview will be in Montreal, not Vancouver. Maybe you can do your medical in MTL the same time frame as your interview? Then not have to go to VCR. Maybe, that would make me so nervous though, that something would go wrong. I guess you get the results all in one day for the Medical? I'd rather spend the $250 bux and go to Vancouver and get it done in advance. When you get the NOA2 and subsequent packages - do you not have to mail in anything on the medical in respnonse? Or do you just get the medical and bring it to the interview?	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-03-18 16:24:00
Canada	Medical	QUOTE (TheATeam @ Mar 18 2009, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm pretty certain that you're right Jill, only Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto do medical exams now. Cindy- If you're going with a K1 or K3 visa then you would be wise to get the medical done at the same time as your interview when you're there. I mean, either way that's what you'll have to do, unless you can afford to make two trips! The doctor's office was very accomodating when I was there in April 2008. They usually only do appointments on Wednesday mornings though, so hopefully, if you have your interview in Van, it will be on a Tuesday or Thursday! Opps we are doing the CR-1, interview will be in Montreal, not Vancouver.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-03-18 16:17:00
Canada	Medical	QUOTE (JillA @ Mar 18 2009, 03:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The medical is valid for 1 year.... And I think, but I may be wrong, the medical can only now be done in VCR, TOR, MTL. Not Calgary. It used to be done in many more cities and for some reason they got cut down. Oh great - already bad enough to have to fly to Montreal for the interview, but now will have to go to (Vancouver?) for medical. BAH! LOL Where is there a list of Civil Surgens for Canada? I can't find one anywhere.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-03-18 16:15:00
Canada	Medical	We have received NOA1 but I've already asked for my police clearance now since it's valid for 1 year and am filling out all the forms they will send in order to have them ready when they ask. Can I do the same with the Medical OR should I wait until they tell me to get it? How long would the medical be valid for? Any idea who the Dr (Dr's) are in Calgary and if it takes a long time to get an appointment. I'm trying to get ducks in a row prior to receivings packets, so we can turn them around quickly and "beat the system" lol.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-03-18 16:08:00
Canada	Custody and Leaving the Country	QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 21 2009, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (NArocks @ Aug 21 2009, 08:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Please let us know how it goes at the interview. My question would be I have seen numerous memebrs who have the custody docs however NVC still asks for a recent letter from the other parent allowing the Child to immigrate to the US. Good Luck I think the difference here is that this isn't just a sole custody document - Cindy mentioned "the judge granted my application to leave the country with my daughter ". Absolutely!!....I anticipate no problems. It's actually states in the document "the mother shall be permitted to relocate anywhere in Canada or the United States of America with the child". It's a final parenting order, and there shall be no further ex parte orders. It's an original, certified copy so.....no, it won't be a problem. Anyway, fathers wereabouts are unknown, so it's impossible for me to get the letter. I've travelled with her frequently across the border, and they always ask to see the custody documents, but they never have issue. In fact they always so, "oh good, it's spelled out in item xx, that you can travel internationally". I think it's great that they check, I'm always pleased when they do.....no one should be able to travel across borders without a valid document releasing that child to the other parent. Oh and it may be a little differnt for me, as she is not being sponsored. She already holds dual US/Canadian citizenship. =) Thanks everyone!! CHEERS! Edited by Cindy & Greg, 21 August 2009 - 10:12 AM.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-21 10:11:00
Canada	Custody and Leaving the Country	Went to court a week ago and the judge granted my application to leave the country with my daughter (my ex is her father). So very happy to have that loose end tied up. He fought me over it, even though he hasn't seen in her 2.5 years. Now all I need is that interview date and we're good to go - we've been lazy about processing, but just send the DS-230 and AOS yesterday. See my other post about THAT fiasco! LOL	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-20 21:11:00
Canada	Banking and Building credit in the US	QUOTE (Colleens @ Jul 20 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am going to an appt at RBC tomorrow to open a US account there. Since they have branches in some of the states it looks like it will help build credit and such in the US. At the very least it will help cut down on the fees when traveling to the US and having to exchange money. And it will give me a US funds acct to deposit to when the exchange rate is good. Anyway to save a bit of cash during this time helps!! I am also hoping that it will give us an easy way to do money transfers back and forth without having to use western union, custom house etc. I will post more info tomorrow after my appt. We transferred money back and forth via www.paypal.com. It's free though it may take a few days to transfer money from one account to the next. This is the process: You each get a paypal account and link your bank account to it. You can either validate via a bank accoaunt or credit card, but transfers are instant if you validate the account with a credit card. Then you sent money to your hubby or vice versa. Once it's in the paypal account you transfer it back out to the bank account. FREE and EASY. The only problem we had is we have to plan to send the money, because sometimes the payment won't clear a CANADIAN bank for 4-7 days, but the US bank seems to clear in 24-48 hours.] Hope that helps. =) PS This is a trusted payment system used for most ebay purchases and actually is owned by ebay.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-20 15:37:00
Canada	DS-230 OPSIE	Update: So NVC got all 3 packages at once (I-864 / DS-230 / 2 PHOTOS). They must have matched up the DS-230 with the 2 PHOTOS because all I have got back is a checklist letter for the I-864 (have to send bank statements). Unless they havn't done the DS-230 yet - but I'm sure they have. I must say I'm impressed with the NVC - they have been quick to process what we sent, helpful on the phone, and when they have sent letters in the mail, we are always able to get the letter emailed as well, so we can print it and send it all back right a way.......Here's to further speedy processing!!! Hope to be in America by xmas......	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-09-10 09:15:00
Canada	DS-230 OPSIE	QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Aug 20 2009, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i hope u sent the pictures with name case no and dob on the back of the pic. and u have to include the cover sheet with every inquiry to NVC. otherwise they dont know who's photo belong to which case, good luck. abby n sheryl Nope I didn't write anything on the back of my pictures, all that info is in the cover letter.....There are NO instructions that tell you to write that info on the pics. I probabaly should have included the cover sheet again, but I didn't. Oh well. QUOTE (JillA @ Aug 20 2009, 09:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Damn, that sucks! But at least you realized the mistake the day after and sent them ASAP! Let's hope they put 2 and 2 together That's my hope as well, but I'm not holding my breath! LOL	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-21 10:07:00
Canada	DS-230 OPSIE	Oh gawd, I send the DS-230 and AOS packages on the 18th (seperate courier envelopes). On the 19th I went to work and someone handed me my passport photos out of the photocopier. I had copied the entire package the night before so I would have a record of what I sent, and I FORGOT THE PASSPORT PHOTOS. I immediately wrote a letter, and couriered it, with the pictures to NVC, explaining the misshap and asking them to match it up with my package. All 3 courier packages should arrive the same day, since it was sent afrter 5 on the 18th and at 10am on the 19th. OH GAWD OH GAWD OH GAWD, please let them match up the packages and not send me an RFE. It's not a total disaster if they don't manage to match it up and ask for RFE or send it back incomplete. It just adds time to processing. UGH. Anyway, if this is the only hickup we encounter, so be it.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-20 21:08:00
Canada	Montreal Interview Times?	I am a CR1 and my case was complete September 28th. I got my interview letter on January 11th for a February 9th interview. YUP Loooonnnnggg wait for Montreal. I am a CR1 and my case was complete September 28th. I got my interview letter on January 11th for a February 9th interview. YUP Loooonnnnggg wait for Montreal.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-01-21 17:59:00
Canada	Montreal Interview Scheduling	Hi It is currently taking around 4-5 months to get an interview date - after your processing is completed at NVC, this table will give you an overview http://www.visajourn...h...t&p=3630999 Also, if you call in February and do get an interview date - it doesn't necessarily mean they will have you scheduled for March - it could be April - they don't strictly schedule a month in advance. Also, it would be great if you could fill in your timeline. To do this, just click the My Assistant link - top right hand of this page, then click on Add/Edit my timeline. My case was complete Sep 29th and I got my interview email Jan 11th for a Feb 9th interview (which, by the way, is my birthday!)	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-01-16 18:13:00
Canada	First Year Filing taxes in US/Canada	Ok so file my Canadian taxes as I normally would, and check off the box regarding leaving Canada and becoming a US PR. Then, file US taxes, stating Canadian income and completing form for a foreign income credit. Since my husband owes the IRS, and I have a "complicated" first US return, I want to file married, but separate - do you think this is the most advantageous? Thanks for all your help. I'm nervous about messing up with the IRS. I've heard horror stories. I'm also trying to avoid paying the $700 I was quoted for a tax return. ARGH!	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2011-02-26 21:11:00
Canada	First Year Filing taxes in US/Canada	What about the Canadian CRA? Do I have to file taxes with them to? Yes. Because they want the taxes from Jan to Apr, Correct?	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2011-02-26 20:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Stagnant Status	Just curious...VSC got my papers on Nov 4th, My Biometrics was done on Dec 11th. From Dec 11th to Feb 16th the status has been Initial Review....Last updated date is the day I did my FP..... Since then there has been no touch, movement, or anything whatsoever..... Is that normal...has anyone else faced this...over 2 months of nothing...or did all your cases get 'touched' As creepy as it sounds Im dying for that 'touch'...lol My status has not changed since Feb, 2009, yet my case was complete in September 2009 and I got approved for my visa Feb 9, 2010. I wouldn't worry about it, sometimes it just doesn't update.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-02-16 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	advise	QUOTE (CTRL+ALT+DEL @ Jul 17 2009, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> so what was the big rush in getting married? didn't you want to atleast check the parents out make sure they were alright? mayb there was some family history of disease (hope not just making an example), mayb they're all extremely obese or they have several other children who are handicapped? some kind of a background check would help you assess the situation better. anyhow, i hope things go well for you. "Mayb they are all obsese"?? #######!	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-20 15:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	uscis phone number	QUOTE (samer @ Sep 30 2009, 07:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Visa j, I need some help please can someone give me the international phone number for the uscis in nebraska and california I am in jordan and i want to call the uscis but they have this 1800 number so anyone can help please? Thanks 1-603-334-0700 (btw - the cell phone worked from Thailand as it was US based - the 1-800 only works in the US, US Virgin Islands and Guam)	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-11-17 13:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864 Sponsor	So with the crappy economy my husband is not currently working (he was when we applied). Looks like we may need a co-sponsor. I want to clarify: Can my husband's father co-sponsor me? (He is USC) Do co-sponsor's have to have the same residence as the applicant? (My husband and his father DO NOT live in the same residence) Does the co-sponsor have to make 125% above the poverty guideline for 3 people (himself, his wife, and me) or does he have to have enough for 4 people (himself, his wife, my husband, and me?) I see conflicting information on this and just want to make sure. We just got our NVC case # so are expecting these next steps shortly. Whew - almost there!	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-04-24 14:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS-230 Clarifications	I am Canadian spouse of USC. My daughter (5 yeas) has dual US (through birth abroad) and Canadian (born in Quebec) citizenship (by a different father, not my husband). Just paid IV bill and doing the DS-230 packge. I need clarification on the following: 1. Question 31A asks persons named in Q. 14/29 who will accompany you to the US. My daughter is listed in 29. Should I clarify that she is US Citizen? I don't want them to start looking for a 2nd non existing application. SHould I clarify on the DS-230 or in my cover letter. 2. IV package says to submit " Original documents, photocopies, and translations of the following documents must be submitted to the National Visa Center for the applicant [u]and each family member who will accompany the applicant to the United States[/u]. I assume I have to include my daughters documents, even though she is dual american/canadian and does not require sponsorship. Should I send the American or the Canadian birth cert/passport or send both?? 3. Question 30 asks for all "places" I have lived. I'm not sure what to do here. I lived in the Metro-Toronto area for 5 years and during that time had addresses in "Kipling", "Mississauga", and "Toronto" proper. Is this all just considered TORONTO or do I need to be specific to the actual address. I have the same delima for Montreal. 4. All previous visits to the US. I have this nailed down however, as a child, we travelled numerous times across Canada and entered and exited the US along the way. I'm screwed if I have to provide this so please, tell me I don't! LOL Thanks everyone! Almost there!!!!	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-06-02 16:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Where are the CR1s from Cal Service Center	I filed at California, Embassy is Montreal. My case finished NVC on Sep 28th. The agent on the phone told me, I just missed October interviews and they were full, but that I would probably get one in November. That's fine, I have to fly to Vancouver to get the medical anyway so.....	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-01 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	BAD INTERVIEW!!! UGG	Further to this....my child has a different bio-father. They wanted to see my custody docs before issuing the visa. The reason is that they are hesitant to provide a visa to someone who may or may not be able to leave the country without their child or have trouble at the border. Thankfully, I had the forsight to bring it and I got approved on the 9th.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-02-10 20:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 APPROVED.	Congratulations Great review as well. Very interesting that they advised you not to process at your POE then return right back! When I moved last year I returned after a week and a half then again after a month to close the sale of my house. I had no issues although on my first return to the US I was questioned as to why I had returned to Canada so soon after my POE. Thank you! Yes, I guess technically once you have the visa, they can't deny your entry (unless you've become criminal) but that's what the interviewer told me, so we'll take his advice.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-02-10 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 APPROVED.	I got the visa. Almost a year from original filing. We no longer feel trapped. WOOT! I've posted review of Montreal consulate. They were awesome, but then again, we were legit, through and prepared. There were other people there that day, but I never got your names - what's the update, how did it go?	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-02-10 15:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 Conditions - 2 year validity	I got my greencard in the mail and it's valid for 2 years - til May 2012. When do I file to remove the conditions? Is it 90 days before May 2012? Or can I file to remove conditions once I've passed our 2 year anniversary (Jan - 2011). I'm a bit confused about the removing conditions thing. Thanks.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-06-23 13:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USC Hubby abandoned us (again) - CR-1 Visa and CRBA Approved	from what I see here it is multiple entry http://www.visajourn...mp;page=compare The CR 1 visa, itself, is a single entry use. Once it's used a stamp is placed in your passort which allows you to enter freely until such time as you get your green card.	Cindy & Greg	Not Telling	Canada	2010-02-18 15:48:00