ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaMontreal Consulate
APPROVED! They let him bring in his cell phone! You leave it at the front desk and pick it up after! I'll post his story soon, but for now-

http://www.visajourn...41305-approved/
LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-05 10:24:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate
Thank you guys!
It's not even me going into the interview and I'm so nervous! I will definitely revisit the topic and give you guys an update tomorrow! Let's hope this goes well!
LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-04 21:13:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate
You guys are so awesome! He got a regular ol'shopping bag it seems. I'm so glad I asked! I'm going to have him get there an hour earlier. I don't want to risk him being turned away since he'll have to pay for a taxi to go back and forth. Unless he goes to a Tim Hortons nearby? LOL!

Do you know if they will allow cell phones to be left at the front desk? What is their policy on that? I figure he can bring it so he can call me and the taxi and leave it with them when it's all done with. Would be easier. @_@

I wanted to be safe than sorry so he's bringing everything since a few years ago some chick in the Toronto customs gave him a hard-time about coming to visit me for Dec-Feb. The lady said it was "too long" and stamped his visa with a date change and let him into the States with a new departure date. Was rather lame so.. I said "better safe than sorry in case they don't like this".
LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-04 19:07:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate
My Husbands interview is on Monday and he brought up that he has all our documentation, proof of relationship (tons of letters, photos) and whatever else in his carry one since there's so many documents to carry. Are you allowed to bring bags into the Consulate? It's probably around a 20" over the shoulder bag from what I remember, but even that seems too large and he's being grumpy about there being way too much to carry in his arms.

Also, his appointment is at 10am- what time should he arrive?
LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-02 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportshow do you guys stay in contact with your significant other?
Personally, I prefer to use my home phone. I get unlimited international calling for $35.00 ontop of my local calls of $19.00 with AT&T. If I AM using my cell phone to say a "Hey, I'll be home late tonight- I'll call you at such and such time", I use SPRINT and have their International Plan that is an additional $5.00 a month and charges $10 a minute instead of the $45 a minute I'd get without it.

Other options is this little device called the magic jack! You buy it for $19 and it allows you to use your phone through the internet FOR FREE. Basically, it's a free land line phone you can use to call ppl international. My Step-Mother uses it to call her daughters in Brazil.

http://www.magicjack.com/6/index.asp

Another option is Skype! At the time I used it, it was FREE for international calls. It worked okay.

My Husband and I are both video game nerds, so we use the internet to communicate and spend time together A LOT by playing multi-player games online and use our web cams every so often with Skype.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-02-02 09:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespoverty guildlines
Oh, oh! Also...

Do I include copies of me W-2 forms AND copies of my filed taxes? (or both?)
I do not have transcripts from the IRS, just the e-files of what H&R block provided me and Turbotax.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-03-30 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespoverty guildlines
Before I continue filling out my I-864 form, I have a quick question.

I currently make 28k annually. I'm slightly confused however. Do I meet the requirements for the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a 2 person household in the States? I want to know if I need to include my assets or have to include a co-sponsor. I'm thinking I'm double the amount, but I suck at this stuff and wanted to be safe.

ANY help is great!
LuniFemaleCanada2011-03-30 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 form
I'm a bit confused with the DS-260.

Does my husband fill it out online and then mail out a package of the required documents? I'm not exactly sure what he needs to do at this point and I don't want to screw anything up. Which civil documents should I give him to send out aside from birth certificate, passport, and our marriage license? Are they able to be copies until his interview date?

I've read instructions and what not, but sometimes it's just better to talk to ppl who have experience with these things.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-06-06 14:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo we need to fill out a DS-230...?
My husband just finished submitting the DS-260. We e-mailed all Civil documents required and all fees are marked as paid.
Upon submitting the DS-260, he received an e-mail mentioning him to register with this link here:
http://montreal.consulate.gov. I also see something about filling out a DS-230 but not to submit it? I'm lost. Any help?
LuniFemaleCanada2011-08-26 14:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate
Does anyone have any idea what I could be needing??? (I apparently can't edit this..)
LuniFemaleCanada2011-09-02 12:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate
I got an e-mail today from the NVC stating that my Husband's Police Certificate was missing from the civil documents we sent (*a snippit of the text provided is below). Now... I called and they have NO idea why the police certificate I sent wasn't accepted and I have to wait for a phone call from a supervisor to find out why in... 15 days cause the lady on the phone couldn't help me. I wanted to ask you guys before I break the news to my husband and get an earful.

I provided the NVC with this form from Newfoundland's RNC:
http://img.photobuck...certificate.jpg

My husband has no records what so ever and this is exactly what the RNC gave him.


*
CANADA:
Inside Canada: Applicants who are physically present in Canada should contact their local police
service or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office regarding criminal record check
procedures. Applicants may obtain a certificate of no conviction issued by any Canadian police
service so long as it notes that Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or the national
criminal records repository was searched using the applicantname and date of birth. Applicants
should ensure that the search includes all names that they have previously used, including maiden
names, prior married names, or names used before Canadian naturalization. (Note: Because
records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those
based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants
obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP.)

Applicants who have been convicted of a crime in Canada must contact their local RCMP office
to obtain a Criminal Record Check,” which lists an applicant’s criminal history, indicating the
section of the Canadian Criminal Code under which the applicant was charged, the disposition of
the case, and the penalty imposed, if any. Obtaining a Certified Criminal Records Check requires
submission of a fingerprint chart; the RCMP could take between two and twelve months to
process a request for a Certified Criminal Record Check. (Note: If a namecheck by a police
agency reveals a conviction record, that agency may be unwilling to issue a certificate and may
refer the applicant to the RCMP for a Certified Criminal Record Check.)

Canadian pardons have no effect under U.S. law. Applicants who have been convicted of a crime
in Canada that was subsequently pardoned must contact an RCMP office to obtain both a
Certified Criminal Record Check and copies of their pardoned criminal record.
Outside Canada: Applicants who are not physically present in Canada must obtain a Certified
Criminal Record Check by sending a duplicate set of fingerprints (taken by a local police force)
to the RCMP. Fingerprint submissions must include the following:
· rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers taken with black ink (may use a standard FD-258
FBI fingerprint card)

· full name, date of birth, and sex of the applicant· the name and address of the police agency taking the fingerprints
· the signature of the official taking the fingerprints
· the reason for the fingerprint submission (U.S. visa)
· the processing fee of CAD 25.00 or USD 18.00, payable to the "Receiver General for

Canada" by certified check or money order.
Fingerprint submissions should be sent to: RCMP, Civil Fingerprint Screening Services, P.O.
Box 8885, Ottawa, ON, K1G 3M8.

Special note for applicants who reside or resided in Newfoundland and Labrador: The RCMP did
not operate in Newfoundland before April 1, 1949. Therefore, applicants who were age sixteen or
over in 1949 and who resided anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador for six months or longer
after reaching the age of sixteen must obtain a Good Conduct Certificate issued by the Royal
Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC). Applicants should inquire at RNC offices in St. JohnCorner
Brook, Churchill Falls, or Labrador City, or may contact the RNC at: Headquarters, Royal
Newfoundland Constabulary, 1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C 2G2, tel: 709-729-8000.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-09-02 12:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in aug 12 when to apply I-130
Start your I-130 now while you wait for her to arrive if you HAVEN'T met yet.

E-mails
Photos
Phone records
plane tickets

If you have already met and have photos- just go ahead and do it.
If she is here then you'll end up having to file for an adjustment of status

Edited by Luni, 02 September 2011 - 01:04 PM.

LuniFemaleCanada2011-09-02 13:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of citizenship
The bio page would prob be fine. Why would she send them blank pages of the passport?
LuniFemaleCanada2011-09-02 13:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Examination
Thank you, that is very helpful. I figured it would end up that way. The airport seems awfully far away from all that, but then again... it's google maps.

I see a good amount of hotels right by there and definitely see how close together these two buildings are. It'll all be up to him in the end I suppose! I wish I could easily do it for him.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-10-07 14:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Examination
My Husband will be needing his medical examination now that we received an e-mail indicating that our interview date should be expected. Now, he lives in Newfoundland which is preeeeetty much... an island. I called the NVC asking whether he can find a doctor in his area that would be able to do these procedures and they could not help me and directed me to the Interview Preparation PDF. These doctors are in Montreal.

Now, is he able to wait till after the interview to enter the States, can he possibly find a doctor closer to him that may be certified, etc.

This is quite annoying that he'll be needing to fly all the way out to Montreal twice to stay there for a day, paying for taxis.

Please help. =(
LuniFemaleCanada2011-10-07 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview- SUPER NERVOUS
I just got off the phone with the NVC and I wanted to check up with you guys:
She said a copy of the I-864 will be okay and said I won't need the DS-260 or the I-130.

From her end all she told me to bring was the original documents that I had submitted electronically. I can't seem to print out the DS-260 form but she said everything was forward over to the consulate...

She said that the 1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 1 & IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 2 is the DS-260.


I never filled out a 156 form or 134 form. I think those are for a the fiance visas?
LuniFemaleCanada2011-11-15 11:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview- SUPER NERVOUS
Here's what I have listed for him to bring:

  • I-864 (Tax forms, proof of income, etc.) (with copies..?)
  • Photos through the years
  • Letters/E-mails through the years
  • Ring receipts
  • Medical Exam papers
  • 4 Passport photos
  • Marriage License (with a photocopy)
  • Birth Certificate (with a photocopy)
  • Passport (with a photocopy)
  • Police Certificates (with a photocopy)
  • DS-260 form
  • Copy of my birth certificate?
  • Flight Itineraries?
  • Affidavits from friends?

I see that this is listed, but I'm not sure what it is:
1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 1 R
1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 2 R

Edited by Luni, 14 November 2011 - 09:37 AM.

LuniFemaleCanada2011-11-14 09:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview- SUPER NERVOUS
My Husband received his interview date for December 5th. It's not even me that will be going through this and yet I'm still so nervous just thinking about it. He's so shy and short worded so I'm so worried! We've been best friends since we were 14 and have been romantically together for over 8 years now and gah, it makes my heart go up into my throat thinking about this being an ultimate test.

He's booked his flight, made his medical appointment for Montreal. I'm so nervous I can't even THINK of what things I need to give him.
It's easier to just ask people who have been/are going through the same thing. If anyone has any advice on what question's they'll ask him, any tips and what I need to give him... I'd so appreciate it.

I'm so nervous and this isn't even my interview.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-11-14 09:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe required or updated documents
Marriage License as well!!
LuniFemaleCanada2011-09-02 13:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusband's off for his Interview
GUAH! So my Husband arrived in Montreal to prepare for his medical and his interview on the 5th. I'm so nervous. He brought all our letters I sent to him since we were 17 (we are now 25), tons of photos, affidavits from friends, flight itineraries and even a huge sketchbook full of drawings I did for him within an entire year (I am a comic book artist and he is a writer so something we always did together was collaborate).

I'm so nervous...and I know he is too. I'm scared he'll stutter and possibly get so nervous that he'll mix up my birthday for our anniversary date (both close numbers) or say something completely dumb and he won't get approved. I read other interviews, but... I guess I'd have to be there to understand.

UNNnngh. I'm scared and none of my friends know how to comfort me so... here I am.
LuniFemaleCanada2011-11-28 10:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal Consulate

Just a thought, you might get more accurate answers if you post this in the Canada regional forum?

Best of luck though!


That would be great. Thank you! I will do that

Edited by Luni, 02 December 2011 - 11:27 AM.

LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-02 11:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal Consulate
My Husbands interview is on Monday and he brought up that he has all our documentation, proof of relationship (tons of letters, photos) and whatever else in his carry one since there's so many documents to carry. Are you allowed to bring bags into the Consulate? It's probably around a 20" over the shoulder bag from what I remember, but even that seems too large and he's being grumpy about there being way too much to carry in his arms.

Also, his appointment is at 10am- what time should he arrive?
LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-02 11:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!
Bradley got approved! He went in around 8:00am with an appointment time of 10:00am! It is now 10:00am and I got his call a few minutes ago that he was accepted! He was a month or so off for his passport so all he has to do is renew it (which seems to be an quick and easy thing in Canada compared to the States.), send it in, and they'll be sending him his visa!

I'm so excited that I could cry. I can't believe how easy it was! When he calls back, I'll post his story!

Thank you all SO SO SO SO SO SO SO very much for ALL your help! We could not have done it without you guys. ESPECIALLY, Saylin. I have consistently been helped by her and she is so darn awesome!
LuniFemaleCanada2011-12-05 10:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere do we send updated passport?
My husband got accepted in December after his interview but had to get an updated passport since his was going to expire a few weeks off of their required time. SO...I've been trying to find where and how my husband should send his updated passport so he can receive his visa. I tried calling the embassy but they do not have any customer support. The lady at the embassy gave him a 3 page document, but it doesn't exactly state what he should do.

Can we just send it regular mail with our case# inside with the passport?

Please advise.
LuniFemaleCanada2012-01-04 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the I-130

You guys have an open option to visit at least and the cost to travel between Canada and the U.S is pretty cheap as well. :)
Think about others who are in a distant country, no visit visa and stuck for many more months to meet their beloved until IR1/CR1 completion. :devil: Only option for them is the petitioner to take the vacation and visit them in their country :star:

Loto


Cheap? I WISH! I fly out all the way to Newfoundland. The worst is 1k a pop lately. The flight prices are crazy. He has a good boss atm so I know his boss would vouch for him. Even so, he does have friends and family here other than myself so I guess that would be helpful in his defense?
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-03 07:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the I-130
Gosh, I wish it was that simple with my Husband. I actually think his whole office thinks it's this easy. It would've been so if friend's did not take forever to get me their affidavits and then send things to me. I swear it feels like this whole package has taken 5 years to complete on its own! Ahahaa! It's so very discouraging and I'm worried I won't get to see him at all until this whole ordeal is over. It's comforting to know I can come here for help though...

I can't thank you all enough so tons of thank yous WAY ahead of time.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-01 13:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the I-130
Thank you again.
My Husband seems to think that this thing will take a month to finish and so does his job. I can only sit here and put my hand to my head and sigh. He goes "Don't doubt" and I go "I don't doubt, I KNOW! These things are not instant!".

What types of ties would he need? I don't think I can stop him from putting in his 2 weeks notice or anything. Is there anyone in immigration I can call to let them know or?
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-01 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the I-130
All this Letter K-1200 R2D2 stuff is so confusing. Do I follow the same process I am doing with the I-130 and keep on chugging forward? I'm so confused. LOL

How long do these things normally take? 5 months or so? That feels like an eternity.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-01 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the I-130
So, today I am sending out my I-130 package for my Canadian Husband. I've pretty much organized this all by myself knowing I don't feel like paying a lawyer thousands of dollars to do it for me. Needless to say... I am VERY nervous.
My only question is this though...

Is my spouse able to visit me for a few weeks on vacation during the I-130 process? It's taken so long to just get this package together in general sending forms back and forth and saving money for the whole deal that I simply miss him terribly and want to see him before our first anniversary (Jan 1st!) I figured I might find comfort and answers here with people who know exactly what processes I'm going through.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-01 10:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmarrying family members for green card
What he'd be doing is FRAUD and an insult to ppl here that work and wait to be with their family and loved ones the right way. I don't think the US would even... allow a brother and sister to be married. They do background checks and everything. Does he honestly think that would get past them?

It may sound easy to him, but they'll investigate it and possibly find out. Explain to him the consequences.

Edited by Luni, 14 September 2010 - 01:23 PM.

LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-14 13:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHere's a silly question
Thank you! It appears I have been "touched" !
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-16 09:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHere's a silly question
Sweet! I don't always trust my e-mail completely and ...sometimes still don't even trust my mail man! I would prefer to simply have both. I'll go for it.
Sry, I feel so squeamish and unsure! I don't want anything to get messed up. =D Almost ####### actually.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-16 08:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHere's a silly question
Thank you! If I register through here, will I still receive confirmations, etc through regular mail? I wouldn't want to miss anything important. Or is this simply a way to check on the updates of your petitions?
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-16 08:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHere's a silly question
What is a "touch" ?
I see a lot of people putting that into their timeline after their NOA-1. Since I just received my NOA-1, I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something! This stuff seemed so hard to understand at first, but it seems to be simple in the end.
If someone could explain what I should expect at this point, I would be most grateful!

Much love!
LuniFemaleCanada2010-09-16 08:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCorrect Papers for Visiting while going through I-130

Letter should have an expected return date. Also a lease/mortgage papers would be good, banks statements, and utility bills or car payments would help too

Good luck


He doesn't have any lease/mortgages, but he could prob make some copies of his bank statements and maybe Student loan stuff.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-11-03 17:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCorrect Papers for Visiting while going through I-130
Hey Guys!
After starting our I-130 (Sept), we're playing the waiting game. Alas!
My Husband and I are planning on spending Christmas and our 1 year anniversary together and he's bought his ticket, etc.
He already asked his boss for proof of employment/proof he's on 2 weeks vacation, and I plan on sending him a copy of our NOA1.

Is there anything else I may need by chance and what should the letter from his employer say and be?
Just so I don't have to send things separately.

Thank you muches!! I can't wait! It's been shy of a year since he was last here.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-11-03 17:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting the US after filing I-130? And other assorted questions...

Thank you! That's helpful.

Also, I was just curious for everyone doing this process: did you get an immigration lawyer? I've heard some people say the process is pretty much impossible without one, but we certainly can't afford that. How about you guys?


Good morning
I did not use a lawyer. I found it a waste of time cause I don't believe my case is THAT complicated and I would rather trust myself then put something that means so much to me in someone else's hand. It was easy after finding instructions on how to do EVERYTHING and using this site for questions I may need. Unless you have like... terrible background, I don't see a need for a lawyer unless you have the $ to blow.



You can visit your husband for Christmas, etc. You can NOT work in the states (unless you want to do it illegally under the table) if you have no visa to work here. If you are going through the immigration process, I suggest stepping lightly. Have the required paperwork for "ties" to Canada. That's what I am doing for my husband. Making sure he has bank statements (like it was mentioned to both you and I) and a letter from his employer on when he is returning to work so customs will let him through and we can spend Christmas together for 2 weeks. I'm also giving him a copy of our marriage certificate and a copy of our NOA1.

Though... I'm not quite sure what the letter from his boss should say fully.

Edited by Luni, 04 November 2010 - 09:49 AM.

LuniFemaleCanada2010-11-04 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 WAS APPROVED. Post Decision Activity? Now what?
So what I will be relieving in the mail will be my NOA2? I'm sure they'll have instructions on what fees I'll be needing to pay and what not, yes?
I have a little thing from my step mother's immigration lawyer, but it may be out dated. All the huge steps with all the terms and not is simply confusing. I find it easier to HEAR it from someone. It makes it easier.
LuniFemaleCanada2010-12-02 21:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 WAS APPROVED. Post Decision Activity? Now what?
Now... what comes next? What should we be expecting? What almost exactly 4 months!

------------------------------
Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity

On December 2, 2010, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.


For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.
------------------------------
LuniFemaleCanada2010-12-02 21:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of ties to Canada
Hello there!!!
With the Holidays arriving, my Canadian Husband is a few weeks away from visiting for 2 weeks (yay! Our first anninversary too!). Needless to say, I am hella excited cause it's been since January. I wanted to be sure to give him enough ties to Canada so we wouldn't have any problems with customs.

ANYWAYS, aside from giving him a copy of our NOA1 (or possibly a copy of our approved I-130 that I'm waiting to get in the mail?), I want to have him get a letter from his company that he will be returning home within 2 weeks. Now, should the letter from his boss say anything specific? I imagine the date they expect his return, but I would appreciate it if anyone can give me some tips on what else to include or direct me to some examples of what to give his employer.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays!!!!

Edited by Luni, 06 December 2010 - 09:23 AM.

LuniFemaleCanada2010-12-06 09:20:00