ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaNEWBIE

When we crossed the border back into the USA after Christmas I was pulled into immigration where we explained that we would be starting the visa process soon but I know that I will of course have to leave here at some point and go home.

So I am just wondering if there is anyone out there who has been in a similar situation, or if there is anyone out there that has any information or advice that may be helpful to us. Also wondering if I am allowed to stay in the USA while our paperwork is being processed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Leah



Hi Leah,

1) When you were pulled into immigration, did they date stamp your passport or issue a date to depart?

2) While you were being questioned, was the IO typing your responses into the computer?

If either of these occurred, then make sure you follow the guidelines, as you don't want to be blackballed.

Best of advice I can give you on your comings and goings: if you fly...have a RT ticket in place, so if you are pulled into questioning again, you will be able to produce your intent to leave.

If you drive, travel the high tourist borders.

It's all at the discretion of the IO, as I am sure you are aware. Once you begin the paperwork process, keep a set of files in your (USA) home and in the vehicle you are driving to show intent to comply; should anything arise!

If you should perform a day trip to Canada to re-establish your stay in the US, make sure you use your credit cards and/or keep receipts, in case you must prove your last physical 'appearance' in Canada.

The key is getting the process rolling, so you won't have to live with this fear and worse, in solitary!!!!

Best Wishes and a Speedy Process!

Edited by leonsgal70, 08 March 2010 - 11:52 PM.

leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-08 23:51:00
CanadaUS exempts Canadians from $10 tourist fees
Wonder where the proceeds will be applied....who knows maybe they plan on handing out a complimentary map of the USA w/payment.... :jest:

Wow...great read...TY!!!!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-11 22:19:00
CanadaPurchasing Property in USA?
How difficult or is it even possible to use an RRSP for a portion of the downpayment for a home in the States? How would we go about having the RRSP transferred to the US?

Lily
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-11 20:12:00
CanadaAnyone done DCF Toronto recently?

Whooo!

Packet 3 arrived today! No 'approval' notice from Montreal per se, but I guess this is it. :D

Already have DS-230 roughed out in pencil, just transcribing it tomorrow and couriering it off. :)

Heh, Montreal is still saying 4-6 months for an interview date from when they receive this packet back. ;)



CONGRATS BirdNerd! I'm not too far off behind you...hoping to be in your dust soooon! :star: Very Good News! :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Have an AWESOME Weekend!

Attached Files


leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-26 22:02:00
CanadaK-1 Interview - Approved
[quote name='jmd77' date='26 March 2010 - 10:44 AM' timestamp='1269614653' post='3826023

Our advice -
1) have the right size Xpresspost envelope (12X15 minimum, prepaid)
2) write your name on your pictures before you get there (even though they didn't take our pictures)
3) Have everything organized in a binder/folder that you know right where it is, so when they ask you, it's easy to find.
4) MOST IMPORTANT, be there at 7... being early in the line was key. We left the hotel at 6:30, were approved, had breakfast, went to the bank, and we back at the hotel by 9:45.


[/quote]

Congrats jmd77!!!! Thank you for sharing and for giving the advice! I am taking notes for our big day! And shame on you for trying to use a counterfeit $5 bill! lol :rofl:
Best Wishes!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-27 07:47:00
CanadaOH YA BABYYYY!! APPROVED!!

What a long day!! But I just wanted to say that I was also approved!!! and what a feeling!! So incredibly happy!! Thanks to everyone who helped me on here. I would be lost without this site!! Wooo hoooo! Moving to Peoria, Illinois on April 17th. And yes congrats to Kimbear who I met at the Consulate! And congrats to everyone else! Great day!



CONGRATS!!!!! Best wishes for you in the Lincoln state :D Enjoy the sigh of relief! :star:
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-30 19:25:00
CanadaTransferring Currency
Also, you can always walk into your bank and request an American money order; to send abroad for deposit. Nows the time to buy US currency!

Hope this helps!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-04-10 15:04:00
CanadaNeed prayers
Best Wishes and God Bless!!!!! (F)
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-04-11 22:51:00
CanadaLate Nights on VJ?
Yes Indeed, VJ is definitely part of my every day life now.

From email to reading posts on VJ...the name could not be more suitable; Visa Journey!

I have gained and am continuing to gain so much information...thanks to all the senior members and even the ones a few steps ahead of me! I appreciate all the experiences, questions and answers shared.

TY to all of You for assisting me in reuniting my US and Canadian Family as 1! Though I'm still in the early stages...I've been able to prepare most of all that will be required for the remaining requests!

At this time, since I am not able to share 'my Visa Journey' intent with co-workers, VJ is like my channel to my excitement that is bottled up inside me and also a place where I know others understand how painful the wait can be.

KUDOS to ALL! (F)
Waiting patiently for my DH's MTL #,

Lily
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-04-23 17:35:00
CanadaFor Those Who Have Interviewed

:lol:

Told my husband I was thinking of bringing him a tshirt that had our twin granddaughters holding American flags with "Please let Grandpa come home" on it, but figured that wouldn't go over well.



I would have approved you on the spot with your passport! lol
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-04-23 16:50:00
CanadaInterview Tomorrow

The time has FINALLY arrived!!! My hubby passed his medical and is in Montreal awaiting our fate tomorrow. I thought I would be more nervous than I am, but maybe those nerves will kick in tomorrow while I am waiting for the post interview phone call. I will let you all know the results tomorrow and post a review. Wish us luck!!!


Best Wishes!!!! :thumbs:
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-04-26 18:48:00
CanadaVIA Rail Sale!! (60% off)

Hi,
Just wanted to let everyone know that VIA is having a 60% off sale if you book by the end of the day on Sunday for travel from now until July 31!

Great opportunity to save on your trip to the MTL or VAN consulate :D



Great Find and Post!!!! TY! :thumbs:
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-04-26 18:51:00
CanadaBorder guard used private info to woo women on Facebook
article linked
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-05-26 20:53:00
CanadaJUNE INTERVIEWS FOR MTL!!!
Congrats to All of You and Your families!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-05-10 12:21:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case

Hey all, dragging this up again...I was just told this same thing by DoS yesterday (and confirmed by another agent today) - they have my husband's parents names as petitioners instead of my husband. We are not using them as co-sponsors, and, like leonsgal, their names only appear on the DS-230 in the parents info section.

I was advised to contact the consulate to fix it. How's that been working out for you so far, Lil? ;)

What up, yo? Is someone in Montreal entering this info on the wrong line? Is someone at DoS reading it wrong? Are they just trying to screw some more with the DCFers? :P


Gosh Girl, I have sent over a dozen emails in regards to this situation...without a 'live' response. I haven't sent any this week as I was in route to the US; made it safe and sound. The last time I spoke to DOS...my sisters name is still listed as the Petitioner...and though I explained my contact efforts to the ladies at DOS...it's been shrugged off with...MTL is backlogged. I plan to print out the emails and bring them with me to the interview should this cause conflict. I have googled the news on Immigration to see if there is any explanation on whats happening in MTL but nothing comes up. Please let me know your outcome, as I wil keep this topic up to date, if I should hear anything.

Best Wishes! To You AND All of Us!!!!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-07-25 09:34:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case

I would think that putting "Error in petitioner's name MTL# ##########" would get a better response than "urgent" because everyone that emails Montreal believes their issue to be urgent and you want yours to be read and dealt with because they can do so without opening the email and just reading the subject line.



Duly noted and changed as suggested in my 3rd email sent out today!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-29 13:35:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case

I would keep trying, email Montreal every day. I would be concerned, mostly, because if they have the petitioner's name wrong, then they are not doing name checks on you, therefore when you get to the interview you will end up with a long wait afterwards. You have seen all the posts about how long it takes them to get anything done when they need additional information, anyway that's just my take on it.


Email sent...subject line read:

URGENT CONCERNS on case MTLxxxxxxxxxx

I will continue to send the emails each day.

Thank you for your input and direction Trailmix!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-28 08:13:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case

I received a reply that does not seem to be generic but no mention of the issue explained above:
(names changed for obvious reasons)

Jane Doe
Via Email: xxxxxx@hotmail.com


Dear Mrs. Doe:

This is in response to your email to the U.S. Consulate in Montreal, Canada concerning the immigrant visa application of your husband John Doe. Your email was forwarded to the Visa Office, Public Inquiries Division in Washington, DC for our response.

A review of Department records confirmed that your petition was approved. For future inquiries you may contact our office directly and a Visa Specialist will be happy to assist you. You may reach us at 202-663-1225 Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [8 U.S.C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such information must be solely for the formulation, amendment, administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and other laws of the United States under INA 222(f) and as specified in FAM guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review, retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.

We trust this information is helpful.

Sincerely,



Public Inquiries Division
Visa Services
www.travel.state.gov

So I phoned DOS moments ago...still no interview date and my sister is still listed as the petitioner...explaining the issue again to a different DOS rep...she explained MTL is backed up and if the names in the email are correct I have nothing to be concerned about...well the names are correct in the above email...however the petitioner is listed incorrectly in their system....I am at a loss. Ho Hum...



In phoning Wednesday...my sister is still listed as the petitioner...without response from MTL, other then what was posted above. Guess I'll bring my original email with us to the interview. Unsure what else to do.
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-27 15:42:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case
I received a reply that does not seem to be generic but no mention of the issue explained above:
(names changed for obvious reasons)

Jane Doe
Via Email: xxxxxx@hotmail.com


Dear Mrs. Doe:

This is in response to your email to the U.S. Consulate in Montreal, Canada concerning the immigrant visa application of your husband John Doe. Your email was forwarded to the Visa Office, Public Inquiries Division in Washington, DC for our response.

A review of Department records confirmed that your petition was approved. For future inquiries you may contact our office directly and a Visa Specialist will be happy to assist you. You may reach us at 202-663-1225 Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [8 U.S.C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such information must be solely for the formulation, amendment, administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and other laws of the United States under INA 222(f) and as specified in FAM guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review, retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.

We trust this information is helpful.

Sincerely,



Public Inquiries Division
Visa Services
www.travel.state.gov

So I phoned DOS moments ago...still no interview date and my sister is still listed as the petitioner...explaining the issue again to a different DOS rep...she explained MTL is backed up and if the names in the email are correct I have nothing to be concerned about...well the names are correct in the above email...however the petitioner is listed incorrectly in their system....I am at a loss. Ho Hum...

Edited by leonsgal70, 08 June 2010 - 10:01 AM.

leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-08 09:59:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case

Maybe try sending an email to Montreal? Put something like 'Error in petitioner's name' in the subject line (and your case number, of course) and explain what happened in the body.

Trust Montreal. :rolleyes:

Took them 4 weeks to just log/enter my DS-230! :blink:


email sent...just the generic reply...I'll update as soon as I hear something. TY Bird Nerd and Trailmix!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-02 14:10:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case
Just phoned and spoke to another person over the DOS line...she told me to contact Montreal or I could wait to bring it up at the appointment...

My problem with it is...I want to do what's right...to avoid delays! And to have this concern all the way through the waiting and anticipation of finally moving forward in life...will be a constant concern until the wait is over.
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-01 13:35:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case

Interesting, so it would appear that the person at the consulate entered the wrong name. From what you said it sounds like you submitted the DS-230 in Ottawa? I thought people who filed DCF submitted the DS-230 to Montreal, not the local consulate where they file the I-130.

If you did submit it, i'm just thinking that may be where the confusion came in, since they don't normally see that form.

Personally I would call DOS back and ask them what they think you should do about it. Once you have that information you can proceed as they suggest.



Sorry for the miscommunication:

the I-130 was submitted through Ottawa (in person) as well as supporting documents requested...then the DS-230 was submitted to MTL, upon MTL's request, through Canada Post.

In referring back to the first time I phoned DOS..I am 99.9% sure they requested the petitioners name...in which as today's phone call I answered with my name. However, today, they now have listed my sisters name...so I went through all the paperwork to see where she was listed and can only find her name listed on the DS-230 Line item 10.

Yes...I did discuss this with the lady over the phone and asked her how I should proceed...she explained to me that MTL would of entered in the information correctly and she did not think it was anything to be concerned about.

However, I was not satisfied with the response...so brought it here to the sounding board. My concern is the delay it could cause for the interview vs. bringing it to their attention in person...rock and a hard place.

Thoughts?
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-01 13:22:00
CanadaConcerned about Petitioner name changed on DH case
I do have concerns...while speaking to the lady at the DOS, today...she asked me for:

the case #
husbands name
the petitioners name

She explained to me the petitioners name was not the name I gave her; mine. I was dumbfounded. Somehow my sisters name; the sponsor is now listed as the petitioner??????

I am unsure why the change and how it was changed...the I-130 clearly has my name as well as the supporting documents, listed as the petitioner, in which I accompanied my husband in Ottawa.

The only place I see my sisters name listed in the forms of what has already been sent in, is on the DS-230 Line item 10. I have not sent in the I-864 as it was not requested, which would will have my sisters information.

Any thoughts on if I should intervene in this, which could delay the appointment scheduling or should we wait until we are in Montreal to bring it to their attention?

Please feel free to chime in.
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-01 09:56:00
CanadaQuestioning my Proof of Domicile-
I am now physically in the US. Though I am not at the destination of where my husband and I will begin our life, I have made a pitstop in another state, where my family resides and am currently interviewing for a job. My residence in this state is only temporary and will change as soon as my husband is given approval...upon POE we will travel to our destination state to begin our life.

Additionally, paycheck stubs, once a job is secured in the US...I still have the following:

USA based
a bank account; checking and savings
a registered car
vehicle insurance
401K plan
Drivers License; renewed last year
stocks
credit cards
proof of address; delivery of mail
a lease agreement between my sister and us (this is based in Texas, though I am currently not in Texas)
a tentative letter to our Canadian property manager on why we chose to go month to month vs. signing a new lease
statement to my soon to be employer as to my intentions on giving notice upon Visa Application approval...I am seeking temporary positions and have a job interview today.
UPack quote

Would I now meet the criteria in an IO's eyes of proving domicile? As far as cell phone, I am planning to purchase a smartphone...and not enter into a contract...

TY! Your advice is greatly appreciated.
PS Gosh I miss my husband!

Edited by leonsgal70, 26 July 2010 - 10:17 AM.

leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-07-26 10:13:00
CanadaQuestioning my Proof of Domicile-
Thank you both for your responses and direction. I have a few more questions: since we live near the Canadian and US border, if I should decide to get a job on the US side and a room mate through kijiji (location of the US side), would this subside for domicile. However, please note the items listed above bank statements, mail, etc., are based on Texas (would that reflect negatively)...and can the job I obtain be a job that is not in my area of expertise...like a service industry job?
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-05-31 11:23:00
CanadaQuestioning my Proof of Domicile-
I would like to get a few thoughts and/or suggestion on what we are contemplating.

Since my recent visit home, thoughts have crept in my mind about moving home as, I could very easily get a job, not a career job so quickly but hoping, but something to get us started with our future...a place to live, a job etc.

Present evidence proving domicile while in Canada and severing ties:

In the US, I have maintained for 10+ years:
a bank account; checking and savings,
a registered car
vehicle insurance
401K plan
Drivers License; renewed last year
stocks
credit cards
proof of address; delivery of mail,
a lease agreement between my sister and us
a tentative letter to our present property manager on why we chose to go month to month vs. signing a new lease
statement to my present employer as to my intentions on giving notice upon Visa Application approval
UPack quote
shot records for the cat
quote to transport cat by air

Should I choose to remain in Canada and from what I have listed are your thoughts that there is 'enough' evidence on proving domicile?

or

I could return to the US and secure a job and a place to live and still have the above evidence to offer as evidence and would return for the interview with my husband, as it shouldn't be too far off.

Presently, we are awaiting on the interview letter, which also has us on a stand still for the medical exam.

I'm just trying to reason the more secure way, though I know nothing is 100%, but which is more concrete? I have only held my PR in Canada for 6 months; that's minus 6 months my entire life born and raised in the US.


I appreciate everyone's thoughts, experiences and opinions.

Lily
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-05-24 13:58:00
CanadaInterview in MTL!!
Congrats on the fast interview and for MTL responding same day! Silly question, but which email address did he use? I just can't seem to get a response!

Best Wishes!!!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-07-27 16:34:00
CanadaDCF Interview

4 months for me. I haven't even bothered emailing, but ditto to not having heard anything. :unsure:

Maybe we DCFers need to email/write all at once, tell them 'hey - why are we being passed over consistently from month to month?'

Or something along those lines.


Set the date...I'm in! :thumbs: Maybe more then 1 voice will create a reaction. And I prefer to try then to not. :)
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-07-29 08:06:00
CanadaDCF Interview

^^^^^ Thanks for the replies, guys. :) Yeah, the DCFer seems to be a rare breed around here. Edmontongirl was lucky, she was done in 4 months, start-to-finish!

Ah, I see - I guess everyone's support info is brand new to the consular staff, as it would have been NVC who received all the paperwork. I was just wondering, because all they've received from us so far is the I-130 and the DS-230. (I'm still a little <_< that it took them 4 weeks for just the DS-230 to be logged in)

My fingers are still crossed to hear something date-wise this week. ;)



I just phoned DOS...nothing to report for us...the appointment has not been scheduled (yet)...tick tock, tick tock
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-06-01 09:37:00
CanadaPostcard Exchange!
Great idea...Count me in...I'm in for whatever is decided! I need the mental break from forms; immigration and work...lol!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-30 19:23:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview

Kinda disapointing to see no names on the bottom of that list have any interview dates scheduled. No interviews scheduled in Montreal(Minus Cndwife)

Lets hope those names get dates soon!



From your lips to Gods ears! 100% in Agreement! :thumbs:
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-05-11 17:49:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
Hi TrailMix and All other Fellow VJ'ers,

Please add me to the time line list! TimeLine in signature.

I contacted DOS this morning...Logged by Montreal, DH IS eligible for an interview date!

Thanks to All for sharing your experiences in making this process easier and understandable!

Excited and Anxious!
Lily

PS plz MTL...keep the June dates overflowing! :thumbs:
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-05-10 12:31:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner - Part Deux
Pizza Hut...cheese pizza w/pineapple and a tall glass of milk :)
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-12 21:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSome IR1/CR1 jokes
Thank you for the laughs and the breather from all the tiresome waiting...it's great o keep the humor in this wait!!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-07-28 15:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate in canada takes 120 days or so
This is a 'put my mind at ease' question.

Last week, DH and I went to the Commissionaires for hubbys name search, the Commissionaires explained to us that DH was required to have the Electronic FingerPrint submission. Yes, I knew what I read on here and the USCIS site...ONLY if he has a criminal record, which he has never been in trouble with the law. But the gentleman was adamant that for immigration purposes the fingerprints were indeed needed...so we were like no problem let's do it and let's perform the name search as well. (which he stated he's never heard of for immigration purposes...either way...they're $97.50 richer!)

Well, DH Canadian Police Certificate arrived today; yellow paper with the top box X'd: No record found. "Based soley yada yada yada~

My question is: is the yellow form enough for his background check or must we now wait the 120 days (or less) for the fingerprint check. I am asking in case we are requested to proceed with our DCF and the fingerprint results have not been returned to us?

Thanks for your help!
leonsgal70FemaleCanada2010-03-25 18:56:00