ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAdoption Decree
I interviewed in Montreal and brought my adoption decree to the interview but I was never asked for it. The last name on all of my documents matched my birth certificate, since it was redrawn at the time of my adoption. I think it may be for name discrepancy purposes, or, it may be geared towards accompanying children who are not the biological children of the beneficiary. If it's available to you, you may want to bring it for peace of mind, but I doubt you'll need it.

If your short form birth certificate is in your current last name, your birth records should have been modified, meaning there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get your long form BC in your current name as well.

I'm not stalking you, I promise, I just happened to see this topic on the "recently added" list :lol:

Edited by Hugglebuggles, 30 March 2010 - 10:23 PM.

HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-03-30 22:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about Fees - Canada
Aside from the filling fee, the medical fee, and the costs associated with obtaining your BC, police clearance, missing immunizations, etc. There are no fees to worry about until you reach the interview stage. At the interview you will pay $131 for the processing of your visa, that's it. :)
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-04-07 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling back and forth from Canada to the U.S. during visa process??
There is no law that you cannot visit your fiance in the US while your K-1 is pending. As a Canadian citizen you are technically allowed to remain in the US as a visitor for 6 months, regardless if you have a visa petition being processed. It is always up to the discretion of the officer at the POE to let you in, and be aware that they can limit your visitation time by issuing you an I-94 with a set return date on it.

You absolutely cannot stay in the US for more than 6 months. Technically you can come back to Canada for a few days then try to cross back into the US and stay for another 6 months. However, in reality very few people get away with this. Again, the decision weather or not to let you in the US is discretionary, and if the CBP feels as though you are spending more time in the US than Canada and thus attempting to take up residency without the proper visa you will likely be denied entry.

Having very strong ties to Canada will help you in your efforts to visit while your visa is being processed. This usually comes in the form of a letter from your employer with an expected return date, evidence of a lease or mortgage, a return plane ticket to Canada, etc. If you are asked for ties to Canada and are unable to produce them, you may be denied entry, especially if you are intending on staying for a long period of time.

Come visit us in the Canada Regional forum, these questions about visiting come up all the time :)
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-04-10 00:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Friend's Fiancee was Adopted
I was adopted and put my birth name as "other names used" Because, at one point, I did use that name.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-04-13 17:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplication might be at Montreal Embassy
When we were going through the process I called DOS a few times and they had no problems talking to me and giving me information. I never tried calling NVC but I can't imagine that it would be any different. The number for DOS is 202-663-1225.

Keep in mind that there will be a few things you'll need to have done from within Canada before your interview takes place. You will get your P3 in the mail at your Canadian address, and then need to complete those forms and mail them back. You will also need to go and get a police check done (if you haven't already) in person, in Canada. And then there is the issue of the medical that will need to be done sometime between receiving your P3 and the interview. You need to complete it at least a few days before the scheduled interview, as it takes a while to get the results. You'll either need to wait and do these things before you leave, or return early to have these things done. Also, your interview letter will be sent to your Canadian address, so make sure someone is checking your mail regularly to let you know if it has arrived.

Crossing the border with an open return date is a really bad idea. Having a fiance in the US may already raise a few eyebrows, and if you do not have a set date for return with a return flight, that is going to raise even more suspicions. Of course this decision is completely up to you.

You'd be able to get more specific advice from other Canadians who have done the same thing (visiting during this state of the process), and a better idea of how long Montreal is presently taking, in the Canada regional forum. Perhaps you can post this in the Canada forum? Or maybe a moderator would move it for you.

Good luck! :)
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-07-11 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApplication might be at Montreal Embassy
Hi Erin.

It is very possible that your application has made it's way to Montreal. You can try to contact them via e-mail by putting your MTL case number on the subject line. Unfortunately, Montreal is very slow at responding to e-mails and often doesn't respond at all, and they don't take phone calls. You can either call NVC to see if they have sent your case off to Montreal, or you can call the Department of State (DOS) for case updates. They would be able to tell you where your paperwork is.

Montreal will be sending you your P3 with forms to complete and send back. This can take a few weeks to be sent out and received, as any mail coming in or out of Montreal is rather slow. After you fill out the forms and send them back, you'll be put in line for an interview. That will likely take anywhere from 2-5 months. Unfortunately your interview will likely be several months from now.

Montreal's E-mail: Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov

Edited by Hugglebuggles, 10 July 2010 - 09:03 PM.

HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-07-10 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230
To echo Canadian wife, they do mean all visits. Personally, I made a very long list with all the trips I could remember in recent memory, with a note explaining that I am from a border town and have crossed frequently since childhood. At my interview the IO actually thanked me for going out of my way to compile a list. There have been others in the Canada forum who just put things like "multiple trips since 19xx" or just wrote in their last 5 trips in the space available on the form. Nobody has ever reported an issue in doing this. So just do whatever you feel comfortable with. As far as the visa part goes I just put "none" since I always crossed by land and was never given a passport stamp or an I-94. If you have some that indicate "B-2" I would put "B-2" for those trips and "none" for the others (if you are going to make a list that is).
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-07-25 14:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAge
I was 21 at the time of our interview and It never came up. Best of luck to you! :)
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-07-30 20:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 sent from America OK?
I sent our packet 3 from the US. I brought it to the US so my husband (then fiance) and I could fill out the forms together. When we were done, we sent them to Montreal via USPS. It certainly wasn't a problem for us.

Edited by Hugglebuggles, 10 November 2010 - 10:49 PM.

HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-11-10 22:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo we have time?

Everything is a risk, but there's never a guarantee for anything.

We were one of the couples who took a chance and had our entire wedding paid for before he even had his visa in hand. I'm not saying it was the right thing to do, but we planned far enough out and made sure we were prepared in case of RFE's. Thankfully, we didn't have one and everything worked out, but just because it did for us doesn't mean it will for everyone. We filed in September 2009 and he had his visa in hand well in advance before our wedding on June 26th of this year. My advice is to plan enough time for processing and in case of delays. We had one minor bump in the road because he didn't write his apartment number on the Xpresspost envelope for his visa and that set us back a month, but it still worked out.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!


We did the same thing. We filled in October of 2008 and had a wedding planned for the first week of August 2009. At the time we were both a little naive as to the different hiccups that can cause the process to take longer than normal. In the end, I had my visa in hand the first week of May so there was plenty of time to make the wedding date.

As everyone has said, there is a level of risk involved. You just never know what will happen. I say there is a great possibility you will have the visa in time, but nothing is a guarantee. I think you need to be completely prepared to move the date if you need to, and lose some of that deposit money if that's what needs to happen. Every vendor we booked was asked what would happen if we needed to move the date. They all said it was fine as long as they had an alternate date open we wanted. I would double check with anyone you book to make sure they have a similar policy- you may be surprised how willing they are to work with you.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2010-11-16 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview, who should answer?

You're overthinking it. It will be obvious who should respond. They'll direct inquiries to both of you. It will be like a conversation between acquaintances. Go with the flow...


Exactly. They will address the person they want to respond. Personally, at my K-1 interview, my husband (petitioner) was asked the the majority of the questions. I don't think that's a typical experience, however.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-12 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting majorly baffled as to how to assemble our I-129F package?

Put it all in a neat stack and slide it into an envelope. Seal it. Send USPS delivery confirmation (you do not need a return receipt, you can check delivery online) use a personal check for payment. When it arrives it will be disassembled and put into one of their folders.


Agreed. I just organized mine in a pile and put it into an envelope. No clips or staples or anything. Its not necessary, they will just take it apart and organize it how they want. No point spending time and effort fastening things together.

A lot of the stuff you mentioned are things to bring to the interview. All you really need to prove at this point is your meeting in the last 2 years. It certainly doesn't hurt sending additional documentation, its just not necessary, not for the UK.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-16 22:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWedding Plans (Cancel?)
We pulled this off in 2009. We knew it was risky but we took a chance. Worse case scenario, you move the date and lose your deposits. Risk it or don't, its up to you and what you're comfortable with.

What part of Canada is your fiancee in? If she is in the west she will interview in Vancouver, which is very quick. But if she is east of Manitoba she will have her interview in Montreal. Montreal can be painfully slow depending on the time of the year and how busy they are... you may end up waiting 3 months for an interview date. So definitely watch time lines to give you an idea. If you wont make the date you will likely know months in advance.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-11-08 15:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresany opinion?
QUOTE (Penguin_ie @ May 15 2009, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think the guy would be very silly to take her back.... Younger and richer is better, and love doesn't factor into it?
If he does take her back though, other than a few extra questions at the interview as to why the first K1 wasn't used for marriage, I don't think there will be any problems.


I agree~
TheKimsFemaleSouth Korea2009-05-15 23:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMilitary Expedite
I applied for a military expedite using the military hotline and they didn't ask for any further information. Of course I'm not approved yet but my case has been touched everyday this week. When I called to request the expedite they sent me and email that said your petition has been placed in line for adjutication. Please wait 30 days..Something of that nature. I'm going to call tomorrow and check out what is going on since the online case status isn't that great. I'll be sure to keep everyone update on my expedite.
TheKimsFemaleSouth Korea2009-05-20 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHand written dates ok on g-325a?
Everything I sent off was hand written as well. good.gif
TheKimsFemaleSouth Korea2009-05-31 20:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Hi there all,


I took it upon myself to Email the Ombudsman 3 days ago, pre-empt my own 5 month mark. To this point, I still have yet to hear anything back from them. I was polite, explained what was going on, to include the fact that the case was transferred to TSC from CSC, and even the case number. I was hoping that they would have gotten back to me, but there hasn't been any contact from that office at all. Not even a automatic thank you from them.

Today is the 5 month mark for me and my wife, and of course, no touches since November 29. I'm getting concerned about the appoval date now. I was able to visit my wife about 3 weeks ago, and of course we're going to be parents now, so my worry and stress are a little higher now then normal. I'm going to give it the weekend, and then Monday, I will be on my way to my Senators office, to sign the release in person. I don't have faith that I will hear anything from them before Monday at all. So now it's off to the Senator, and perhaps he can figure out something. Because if they follow suit on what I have read here, by the time we finally get thru the NVC process, our newest addition will be born... due on August 8,2011. And I'm not sure that my wife will be able to travel if it takes them the 60 days they are asking for, and then the NVC process which at that point I am sure will be bogged down. It's probably going to be another trip down to see my wife before I finally get to bring her home.

Wish they would get there heads out of there... well... :devil: and get the approvals running already.

Keep yer heads up gang.. and get with yer senators and congresspeople.. it might be the only route to get your loved ones home.

:dead: :oops: :protest:
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2010-12-09 14:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Well... in about 48 hours, my 5 month waiting period will be up. So I'm hoping to hear something from TSC pretty shortly. I know that paitence is a virtue, and that good things come to those who wait. But mine is almost gone. I have a positive attitude about things, as I know that even if it gets approved, we won't get to the NVC before the first of the year, but to hear something would be better then hearing nothing at all at this point. So in about 72 hours, which will be Friday, I will be calling for the first time to check on our case. And yes, I will be polite, and quite frank about it.

Hopefully, I will get a straight answer about something. If not, then I will just stop by my congressmans office here in town, and talk to them. And see if they can move the process along a bit quicker. I have no faith in that either. I just keep faith in my love for my wife, and also depend on the strength of those going thru the process with us.

So here's hoping for something in the next couple of days...

Thomas
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2010-12-07 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Well, since my last post, there has been no touches on our I-130. So I'm in the same boat as all of you. But there has been one VERY positive development. I couldn't wait to see my wife again, so I went back to see her for her birthday and of course my own. I returned to the US from that visit on November 21.. wishing that I could have brought her with me. And we're staying positive, but now I can only hope that we are moving along. As she told me last night, I'm going to be a father.. :) Seems our visit was a bit magical!

Everyone keep being positive.. :D

At least I'm going to be more positive then ever now, Seems that my Christmas gift came early this year..

Keep smiling gang!

Thomas
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2010-12-06 00:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Well, I just got back from visiting my wife, was away for 3 weeks. We were moved to TSC ourselves, and have been touched. Haven't heard anything back from them yet. Of course now that it's December 1.. our 5 month date comes up in just a scant 8 days. Wish they would just say something!
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2010-12-01 07:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly 2010 CR-1 filers
Have faith Cad... seems there is a fire burning at TSC today. It's amazing what has happened in just the last couple of hours. Don't give up.. we're all in this together.

Thomas
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2011-01-25 13:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly 2010 CR-1 filers
Loto,

Our application was also transferred to TSC on November 18. I received the Snail Mail before the E-Notification. So we're at TSC with everyone else. It happened while I was visiting my wife. So with the 3 week visit with my wife over, and wishing that I could have just brought her home with me when I had to leave on the 21st, I'm just waiting on USCIS and the TSC to let me know something.
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2010-12-02 09:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly 2010 CR-1 filers
Another filer in July. Dropped the I-130 on July 9,2010 and received the NOA-1 on July 17. Now we're in the que.. waiting.. LOL.
:D
ThomasJonesMalePhilippines2010-08-08 18:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance's visit
I have already applied for the I-129F. Now I am wondering if it is possible to bring my fiance to the US as a tourist to stay here until our visa comes through...can he transfer and do the interview in the US without going back?
Thanks.
wrestgirlFemaleIraq2006-12-31 16:21:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionNo joint lease/joint property/mortgage. is it OKAY?
We don't have a joint mortgage/lease. We bought the house shortly after our wedding, but do to my lack of credit (and a few other things) they wouldn't approve the loan with me on it. I included a letter in the package explaining this. We were approved without an issue. But we did have plenty of other evidence to make up for it.

Do you have life insurance? Joint health insurance? Any trips taken together? Taxes filled jointly? Things like that are great evidence as well.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-14 21:44:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIs Alien # needed
Yep, the USCIS number is your A#.

On the old style cards it says A#, but now its labeled USCIS number. I think its their mission to confuse us.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-14 22:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionIs Alien # needed
Your A# is on your green card. Don't forget to include a photocopy of the card with your package!

I think your evidence looks great. :)
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-14 22:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDocuments Needed
We had a similar problem. We bought a house a few months after I moved to the US but due to my lack of credit, I couldnt be on the loan and we were never given the option to add me to the deed. We submitted a short letter explaining the situation with our packet. I think it would be a good idea for you to address it with a short letter or statement. Its up to you if you want to include the emails, but it couldn't hurt. If it makes you feel better, it wasnt an issue for us. You have plenty of other evidence, so I think you will be just fine!
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-16 23:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel to Montreal Exipired GC - My Experience
Glad you had an easy time!

Jo, you only need to show your GC if the Canadian side asks. I've travelled back several times and was never asked until my most recent trip. I handed her the GC after she already had my passport and told her it was expired. Her answer was something like "oh it doesn't matter" I asked if she wanted the extension letter and she said no. I asked why she wanted to see the GC and she said it was to make sure I can get back into the US... I found that odd!
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-22 20:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCanadian Passport expires in Sept, I-751 to be processed in April
In some cases you need to have a 6 month validity on your passport for international travel, or so I've read. I'm not sure how this would work as a Canadian going to Turkey, so I'm not much help there. On the other hand, you should have no issues going to Canada in August with your passport, which won't be expired yet, and then getting back to the US as long as you have your 1-751 extension letter.

Canada will not transfer your stamps into your new passport. What stamps are you referring to exactly? I have 1 in my passport from the whole process, the entry stamp from coming over on the K-1. If you have your GC (expired or not) and eventually your extension letter, this proves you are able to live, work, and travel in the US.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-03-30 20:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC: is this enough?
Personally, I would cut out #18 and then #35-38. I would also condense the pictures into one group, and limit them to no more than 15-20 or so.

I understand wanting to throw the kitchen sink at them, but remember quality over quantity. Also, the more unnecessary things you have in there, the greater the chance of of something important being passed over.

With that said, you have some great evidence and I doubt you'll have any issues being approved without an RFE :thumbs:

On bank statements, we sent in the whole statement, but only one for every 6 months of our marriage.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-02 21:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751

hmm I submitted copies of our tax return...I filed in september so no response yet but I was wondering where did you get the info that USCIS only accept IRS transcript....I might have to send them seperately! thanks.


Personally, we just sent in copies of our returns from Tax Slayer. We were approved without an issue.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-15 22:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionJoint Bank Account
Oh boy!

As an outsider looking in, it may seem to the IO you do not trust your wife. Not having access to your bank account or credit cards may be a red flag. I would be prepared with an answer in the event you end up with an interview. Adding her now would be better than not doing it at all. With that said, not having a joint account or credit cards is not an automatic denial, its possible to be approved without it.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-16 22:22:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAre e-files tax returns sufficient or tax transcripts are required
To ease your mind, we sent in tax returns (not transcripts) and were approved without an RFE :)
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-19 20:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSemi-Approval...Need help Please!
Hi Poprocks! Nice to see you around again :)

That's just crazy. I can't believe they would make you do all that for no reason. Congrats on the approvals!
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-24 20:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionREMOVE CONDITIONS ON RESIDENCE
There is really no need to send your marriage certificate, birth certificates, or social security cards. USCIS already has this information.

Your list of evidence looks great!
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-04-25 22:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 received in California today green card expires friday!
They go by the date of receipt. They received the petition before the deadline, so there should be no problems there.

You want to focus on "new" evidence, but you also want to show continual co-mingling. So for example, just because you may have presented evidence of joint accounts at your AOS interview, doesn't mean you shouldnt send anything now. You want to show you have maintained them. Just because you had a joint checking account in 2010 doesnt mean you have one now. The evidence should span the entire 2 years. A lot of people send more than they need to, but its always better to send a little more than not enough.

Pictures are nice, but secondary evidence. Not an absolute must.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-05-02 21:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionpls help.
If your green card expires on July 7th and you are going to file the second week of June, that's fine. Your card won't be expired, it expires July 7th. If you were to file AFTER July 7th than yes, that could be a problem.

Your foreign passport has nothing to do with ROC. It is up to you if you want to renew it. Of course, not having a valid passport prevents you from travelling out of the country.

You don't have an EAD if you have a green card. After you file for ROC you will receive an extension letter that extends your status for 1 year while your ROC is in process. Your expired GC along with the extension letter is your proof of status until the ROC is approved.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-05-10 23:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion6 months???

I believe Huggles got hers a bit ago and it took roughly 6 months. She filed back in September i think? and got approved in March or April?


Yep. My NOA was dated 9/19 and I got the approval email on 3/2. So just a little before the 6 month mark. That's a pretty normal time frame for CSC these days. I bet you'll hear something g soon! Not time to worry just yet.

Edited by Hugglebuggles, 09 May 2012 - 09:57 PM.

HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-05-09 21:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHow to assemble I175 documents? Getting ready for our ROC. PLS HELP?!
Don't over think it. Organize it in a way that is logical to you. Personally, we just slipped everything into an envelope with a binder clip. They will just take it all apart and organize it their own way, just like they did with your visa petition.
HugglebugglesFemaleCanada2012-05-19 23:44:00