ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
USCIS Service CentersIs here somebody who is waiting more than 5 months (Texas Service Centre)

NOA1 Sept 23, nothing since - "in process since November 12".  Have put in close to a dozen service requests since the 5 month "normal timeframe" passed with not a single response.  Without any actual service standards and the rhetoric of "it is an average", I do not anticipate any response.


dburntMaleCanada2014-03-21 14:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 260 confirmation page

when you completed it online, it should have generated a confirmation page with an option for email; it also had a print icon.  Mine was emailed to my home email immediately, and the confirmation can be printed from there as well I believe.  Did you not print it when you competed it?


dburntMaleCanada2014-07-16 20:50:00
CanadaProcessing Statistics...consulate missing

great :-(

 

Another week off work just to travel.  Official cost of this process will be in the thousands.


dburntMaleCanada2013-09-26 14:52:00
CanadaProcessing Statistics...consulate missing

I see the Vancouver and Montreal consulates listed for Canada, but not the one in Toronto.  I am trying to determine average processing time from receipt to issuance of K1 visa for Toronto (it is the largest of the consulates in Canada...at least judging by the number of doctors supporting medicals there (4 to only 1 in the other two offices).


dburntMaleCanada2013-09-20 10:40:00
CanadaAMERICAN WITH DUI VISITING CANADA

we had no issues with previous visits...last Friday out of the blue, he was turned back at the airport and put on the next plane home for an old DUI.  No guarantees, but once warned, the flag is there.


dburntMaleCanada2013-12-13 21:23:00
Canadaplanning for medical/interview

I am still waiting for an NOA2, let alone a packet, but need to at least plan in my head.  I live in Southern Ontario, and had thought to drive/train to Toronto for the medical, then take the train to Montreal.  After reading a number of posts, I'm now not sure if I've planned properly...

 

Do I have to actually pick up the medical results personally?  I guess I assumed they would/could be couriered.

Do I have to wait around in Montreal after the interview for something (assuming an approval of course)?

 

I am limited in the amount of time I can book off work, and the travel to Montreal is not just a couple hours for a flight...it is a full 10 hours each way (domestic flight is completely unrealistic financially).  I was expecting to have to take 1 day for the medical, and 3 for the interview (assuming 2 travel days).  Do I need to plan for more?

 

I continue to be amazed that any government could devise a process as convoluted and ridiculous as this one, and more amazed that Americans accept it, but here we all are...


dburntMaleCanada2013-12-28 23:18:00
CanadaMedical complete - Review of Dr Zatsman
Really? Perhaps I have been looking at the wrong list? Do you have a link please? I have an appointment on Friday with my doctor (had a full immunization blood work up done but based off a list on CDC).

Thanks so much!


dburntMaleCanada2014-01-20 18:38:00
CanadaMedical complete - Review of Dr Zatsman
I also thought that immunization was not fully required until actual AOS. How can you get all the shots when the Hep A/B is a six month to a year series of shots?
dburntMaleCanada2014-01-20 16:07:00
Canadatranslation

the Dutch embassy is actually not very helpful unless you have an active application for services with them, but I will try.  At least they always answer their emails within 48 hours...wouldn't it be nice if all embassy/consulates were like that?


dburntMaleCanada2014-01-20 19:03:00
Canadatranslation

Does anyone know where in Southwestern Ontario I can get a birth certificate translated without having to send the document away?  The document is in Dutch and is pretty worn...I am afraid it will be damaged if I send it anywhere.  

 

I live between Windsor and London.  


dburntMaleCanada2014-01-20 18:43:00
CanadaDriving through boarder with k-1 visa

Also, you will want to check into your Canadian insurance...my company won't cover more than 60 days out of province.  I had to arrange for special coverage for 6 months, since I discovered that you cannot get insurance in Florida without registering the vehicle there (and you need proof of residence for that).

 

I am not sure about all of these forms that were linked previously...they seem to be more for purchasing a vehicle and importing it, rather than driving my car over for immigration.  Is there recent confirmation as to which forms exactly need to be completed if i have a compliance letter?


dburntMaleCanada2014-02-16 14:19:00
CanadaDriving through boarder with k-1 visa

I called Honda about this...I needed a letter from Honda Canada to show that there are no recalls on the vehicle.  I then have to send this letter with other documents (copy of my passport, drivers licence, registration, and bill of sale) to Honda USA and they issue the compliance letter.  Canadian auto manufacturers don't do this, the US ones do.


dburntMaleCanada2014-02-16 14:15:00
CanadaCanadian 2013 Filers

or even for an NOA2...


dburntMaleCanada2013-12-28 23:07:00
CanadaDid you sell your house?

I guess that might make sense, because when you move, it is no longer your primary residence...however, I would say that might not be 100% accurate as the K1 is not an immigration visa (despite it clearly being our intent)...if for example, you returned within the 90 days, that wouldn't be a "relocation"...the 183 days just sounds like 6 months after you become a non-resident.

 

My house took 4 months to sell, and while it wasn't a "loss" (i.e. I was able to pay my mortgage and realty fees) it certainly wasn't what I'd hoped.  We dropped the price 4 times based on what was happening in the neighbourhood, and gave up on Open Houses unless someone on the street had one too.

 

In any case, if the sale is after you relocate, it is still Canadian rules, and you may wish to consult with someone with international tax experience (not saying your accountant isn't, but mine advised me to see an international tax specialist when tax time rolls around after I move).  


dburntMaleCanada2014-03-11 12:20:00
CanadaDid you sell your house?

Sale of your primary residence isn't taxable unless you also used it to get rental income within the last year.  People sell all the time and switch to rentals (move into apartments, nursing homes, etc.) - that is perfectly allowable.  If you had been renting out part of your home, or had business use, it is different.

 

I researched when I sold my house last year...in anticipation of relocating, not realizing I'd be homeless for months waiting for the visa.  Oh well...


dburntMaleCanada2014-03-11 10:41:00
CanadaK 1 Visa - Ottawa, Ontario

I was denied twice.  First time, they questioned that I could have "that much time off" (it was for 3 months)...I went back with letters from employer etc., and denied again.  The second time, they made it pretty clear that it wouldn't change - it's a flag on your passport, and they didn't seem to think even flying with a return ticket would be enough.

 

Everything is up to the CBP and how they feel...I clearly got a &*&, since I also got searched before they let me go back to Canada.  Most action I saw for months.

 

Really looking forward to trying again with the visa...I have to admit it keeps me up some nights. 


dburntMaleCanada2014-02-15 20:51:00
CanadaK 1 Visa - Ottawa, Ontario

there are no guarantees.  I can only state my experience...I had a letter from my employer, bank records, everything possible with my Canadian address (bank, credit cards, drivers license, ownership, insurance), and the POE officer said (and I quote) "anyone can change their address to be whatever they want, that isn't proof".  Despite my pointing out that that would be illegal (i.e. lying about address on Health Card, Drivers License, Ownership, to your Employer), once they have made up their mind, there was nothing going to change it.

 

As Flames said, many have no issues, but many also do, and there seems to be a little more scrutiny in the past year or so (just going by stories on the news, in the paper and on these forums).  My advice is to try, make sure you are honest and truthful (always good advice), but be prepared to deal with it if it happens.

 

For us, since he can't come here, it means finding a third country to have a visit (we did Mexico last month), and let me tell you, finding flights that don't transfer in the US can be a challenge!  

 

All you can do is try not to let it get you down, and be prepared for a wait...I mean you could be one of the many that post with very short wait times.


dburntMaleCanada2014-02-14 20:16:00
CanadaK 1 Visa - Ottawa, Ontario

we filed last September 11...NOA1 on the 23rd of September, and still waiting for the NOA2.  No RFE, nothing.  Given the interview delays, it will be several months yet for us.  I am figuring minimum of nine to twelve months.

 

I had hoped to be heading down in April...at this point, I am now thinking it will be July or later, so I would not take chances delaying the application process.  Remember you have 6 months from your medical date to actually enter, so if you are lucky and get a fast approval, you would be able to delay your departure if you wanted.

 

I am also in Ontario (was actually living in Ottawa until I thought I'd be able to visit my fella...they won't let me in any more since I'm an "immigration risk", so I honestly thought I'd have a of months wait, and be gone.  Sad to say their wait times are worse than us waiting to see a specialist.

 

As previously stated, interview would be in Montreal, and that is the closest for you to do medical as well.  

 

Good luck.


dburntMaleCanada2014-02-13 19:49:00
CanadaDS-160

Finally...movement.  My fiance got a letter from NVC today saying our file is being forwarded to Montreal (yay) and for me to complete a DS 160.

 

Question...do I complete the form now, or do I wait for the letter and packet 3?


dburntMaleCanada2014-05-27 19:56:00
CanadaPhotographs for Canadian documents while in the USA

i had to get a replacement Canadian Citizenship Certificate last year.  I showed the print-out from the webpage, and when the agent looked at it, they were the same requirements as passport photos.  They no longer issue photo ID cards, only a paper certificate, so I don't actually know why they needed the photos.


dburntMaleCanada2014-05-24 21:04:00
Canadatimeframes

ah, ok.  It still says "no status", so guessing it will be a bit.  Hopefully, not too long...it feels so close to the end I can almost taste it.


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-02 21:43:00
Canadatimeframes

We just went through these steps very recently. It took 13 days for my case to reach NVC then another 12 days at NVC before they shipped it to Montreal. It only took 1 day to be delivered and then 2 days after that for our status to change to "READY." We just sent Packet 3 and are now waiting on Packet 4. From what I can tell, they are sending out Packet 4 in about 3-5 days then you can schedule your interview. Interview wait times seem to be 4-6 weeks right now. I know each case is different, but it may help you get a general idea. Hope this helps! :)

 where do you see your "status"?

 

I completed and submitted the DS160 online last week (the NVC sent the file to Montreal May 19).  Where would I see a status update (i.e. is that on the ceac site, or somewhere else?


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-02 21:12:00
Canadatimeframes

well that seems a little more encouraging...last time i checked Montreal was booking 3 to 4 months out.  The fact that we're already at 8 months is discouraging


dburntMaleCanada2014-05-05 20:31:00
Canadatimeframes

So, after 218 long days, finally got notice that the I129F was approved and the NOA2 was on its way (last week).

 

Just wondering, since I've heard some not very great things about Montreal, how long before I can expect to hear anything.  I know the file has to go to NVC and then to Montreal, but I need to have a feel for whether this is a 6 week thing or another 6 months.  Obviously, "4 to 6 months" for the first stage didn't work out so well for us (with no explanations at all), and since I am on a temporary assignment, I need to know how long to extend.


dburntMaleCanada2014-05-05 17:07:00
CanadaMtl wait times?

got my packet 3 today (actually unexpectedly quickly) so should be sending it in tomorrow


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-06 21:09:00
CanadaMtl wait times?

Anyone know what the current wait times are for booking a K1 interview in Montreal?  Am I likely to find a date before August?


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-02 21:05:00
CanadaHow Much Notice for Interview?

Just booked my interview today for K1.  July 15...

 


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-11 19:23:00
CanadaUgh, I need a rant...

I would be contacting the DMV of your state to see if you can still register a Cdn vehicle that still has an outstanding loan....as each states DMV is different.  And of course check to see if you the holder of your car loan will allow it to goto the USA

the issue isn't with DMV...it is usually within the loan contract.  Mine stated in the itsy bitsy print that i could not take it out of province or out of state for more than 60 days...

 

My fiance had a guy at work whose wife was from Canada and brought her car with her without paying off the loan. Somehow, they got wind of it, and they repossessed the car...so I contacted Honda Canada, and it was emphatic - pay off the loan or leave the car.  This is apparently in most if not all loan contracts

 

I assume it is because once you leave Canada, they have no way to get back their property if you default.


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-14 20:28:00
Canadahow long at consulate?

So, I have an interview on the 15th..and of course, everyone's appointment is at 7:40.  My question is this...how long can I expect to be in the consulate?

 

It seems that there are no rooms available on the 15th (I have a room for the 14th, which was my bigger concern).  Unfortunately, the last train from Montreal homeward is at 11:50...that seems like lots of time, but maybe not?  What are the chances of being done by 11 or so?


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-25 19:37:00
CanadaLoomis
Yes, that is the regular interview confirmation.

I called the consulate and they confirmed that as long as a loomis location is selected, that is all that is needed. The registration is only if you did not do the appointment booking yourself.

All good, and relieved...for now




dburntMaleCanada2014-06-29 12:30:00
CanadaLoomis

The Loomis link clearly states:

If you are an Immigrant Visa Applicant and your appointment was booked by KCC, NVC or VSC you will need to register for courier services before attending your interview. Follow these steps in order to register:

 

This does not apply to me as my appointment was not booked for me.  I assume this rule is because during the appointment selection, I selected a Loomis location, and if the appointment is booked for you, that selection could not be made by the NVC.  As the statement did not apply to me, I continued to the next step, which was to book the appointment.

 

I don't intend to have the papers delivered direct, as I can pick it up at the location I selected in the appointment booking. 

 

My only worry now was a random statement from a stranger that said the consulate would not even let you into the building without a Loomis Number (i.e. you can't even do the interview).  

 


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-25 20:00:00
CanadaLoomis

OK, so I had my medical today, and there was a fellow there talking about how things go at Montreal...he was adamant that you needed a "Loomis number" to even get into the building.  Now I do not have such a thing, and of course, based on the comments above, I didn't think I needed it.

 

In reading the material for Loomis, it appears that you must register for Loomis (i.e get a registration number) if your interview was booked for you, for an immigrant visa...please tell me I am correct that that doesn't apply to me, as I am doing a K1 visa (which is actually a non-immigrant visa) and I booked the interview myself?

 

Sometimes, people think they are being helpful, and end up just confusing us ;-)


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-24 19:45:00
CanadaLoomis

Thanks so much!  I knew I'd seen something before and my search turned up nothing (probably didn't scroll enough).

 

Will I need more, though, if i want the documents delivered to my home (Loomis is a 2 1/2 hour return drive for me)...pick up is doable, but not necessarily preferable.

 

Right now, I'm so excited to finally have an appointment, everything is freaking me out lol.


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-12 06:44:00
CanadaLoomis

I went online and booked my interview in Montreal today.  I selected the Loomis office closest to me...the note seemed to imply i could register for courier later.  When I try to register for courier service it tells me it will cancel my appointment...is this normal?  Am i doing something wrong?


dburntMaleCanada2014-06-11 19:25:00
CanadaImporting a Vehicle

 

Hi Sparkles.  If you are financing your car through TD Auto Finance, then you are in the same boat as me and their response to me when I asked them if I could take my car with them when I move was "no".  The loan documents you would have signed should state something to this effect, in that the vehicle is to remain in Canada until the loan is paid off. 

 

But ask and see.  Maybe you'll be lucky enough to take yours.

Same goes for Honda Finance.  I called as well...emphatic NO.  I was lucky and only had a few months left...


dburntMaleCanada2014-07-09 18:09:00
Canadachecklist?

I am maybe being a little too proactive, but...

 

My interview is next week, and I have already committed that (assuming a positive outcome) I would keep working till end August.  I just know that some things take time...

 

Has anyone seen a useful checklist of things to prepare/arrange specifically if driving from Canada to US?  I know I have to get compliance for car, arrange insurance and benefits, etc., but I am not sure what else I need to do in advance of driving down.

 

I love checklists :-)


dburntMaleCanada2014-07-10 12:47:00
Canadafinding pc food products in the us

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President's_choice

 

sadly, the link doesn't seem to want to work properly...you will have to copy and paste


Edited by dburnt, 20 July 2014 - 07:16 PM.

dburntMaleCanada2014-07-20 19:15:00
Canadafinding pc food products in the us

According to the wiki, PC products WERE actually sold in the US, as some of the grocery stores were owned by Loblaw.  It doesn't appear though that any contracts continued into this century...I think it is worth some more digging...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President's_Choice


dburntMaleCanada2014-07-19 19:18:00
Canadafinding pc food products in the us

i'd even settle for online availability.  Some of their products are just "unique" in comparison, but yes, very good quality.  The jams are great too.

 


dburntMaleCanada2014-07-18 20:31:00
Canadahow to ship items - Ontario to Florida

Thanks.  Yes, I went through all the threads, and couldn't find my exact situation.

 

No, my Honda doesn't have a trailer hitch, and installing one will cost $300 plus (assuming I drive an hour to find a U-haul (other quotes I had were closer to $500)), then another $300 to rent the smallest trailer.  I figure that I could ship almost a dozen boxes by UPS for the same price, and I have fewer than that.

 

As you say, the challenge for me is the fact that you must POE prior to the boxes hitting the border, and this is what I do not know how to do.  How have others managed to ship their boxes if they haven't POE'd?  How are they getting their boxes through customs? (just FYI, I did try sending 3 boxes a number of months ago, even with a nil value (it was clothing), and customs refused them entry without the form...they came back to me 2 weeks later much the worse for wear).  


dburntMaleCanada2014-07-30 19:58:00