biggish data

K1 visa and passport delivery question

Hi there,

I interviewed at the Vancouver embassy, however I think I can still give some insight. My situation is a little different because I had to separately courier my passport & I-134 (lawyer forgot to submit I-134 on our behalf), however, when I sent those items via Loomis, I had to give them my email address.

It took 2 weeks of admin processing before our approval; however, my passport with visa in it was overnighted to me via Loomis. I got an email from the embassy stating they had sent my passport via Loomis, and to expect an email from them (Loomis) when it was ready. In the meantime I was able to track the Loomis package on their website using the waybill number.

I would highly recommend contacting the embassy via email, especially if you do not have a waybill number to track your package on the Loomis website. The other option, as mentioned above, is to track your status on the CEAC website. Of course you could also contact Loomis to see if they have it or not. If they have not sent the documents to you via Loomis yet, certainly find out the waybill number. I would then call Loomis and give them your email so you can get email updates. I actually was called by Loomis to say my passport was ready for pickup.

Either way, you'll have it in hand soon!

Edited by sjs87, 24 January 2014 - 10:18 PM.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-24 22:16:00

Montreal Interview on Tuesday - Do I Have Everything? (Checklist)

wow, to me it sounds like you are really set! (And as I read your very thorough checklist, it made me second guess what I brought to my interview - ha!).

I am not sure what it is like in Montreal (I interviewed in Vancouver), but the only 'proof of relationship' the officer asked to see were photos of myself and my fiancee together. I brought visa bills, cell phone records, etc. but they didn't look at any of that. That being said, there is nothing wrong with bringing as much as you can. My fiance was unable to attend the interview with me, so I think that is why the officer wanted to see 'proof' - and I suspect, if your fiance is in S.C. and not with you, they will ask to see proof of your relationship as well.

Good luck -- and remember to breathe!

Oh, and one more thing -- again, not sure how it will be in Montreal, but my interview time in Vancouver was 10am, and I arrived at 930am. However, I did not speak to a consular officer until near noon, so I would highly recommend bringing a book to read, etc (cannot bring electronics/cell phone into consulate) to pass the time... I was staring at the wall while I was waiting several hours and time passed by S-L-O-W!!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-19 02:01:00

Woot - last leg of our immigration journey - daughter's citizenship!

Did you move to the US via K-1 fiance visa? I am so curious!

I am a CSC just approved through the K-1 visa. I was thinking about 'years down the road' if I could become a dual citizen. Are you dual as well?

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-26 15:39:00

Placed in Administrative Processing After Interview Approval

I wouldn't be too worried about the Administrative Processing status, from what I can tell that is pretty typical.

IN my case, we weren't approved at my interview because our lawyer failed to submit the I-134 form. So our status said "ready" for 2.5 weeks. Then suddenly it changed to "Administrative Processing" so I knew something was happening, I just didn't know what. Then a day or two after that, my status changed to "issued" and I got my passport back the very next day!

I would imagine your visa is being processed (hence "administrative processing"), and soon it will say "issued".

Congratulations!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-27 20:51:00

Case went to wrong Consulate?

Anytime I logged on, it always said "your interview is ready to be scheduled at the Montreal consulate". BUt, I also had a VAC number. I wouldn't be too worried, I am quite sure your case has been forwarded to the Vancouver consulate. That said, good for you for following up with both consulates.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-31 01:23:00

Vancouver consualte visa wait times

You just want to be careful because even though you think you'll get approved on the spot, they may decide to do post decision activity before giving you your visa. It doesn't mean you're denied, but they may ask for more information that could delay it.

The safest is just to wait for the visa. Or purchase a ticket with extra insurance that lets you change your flight. But I guess that defeats the purpose of you wanting a deal on airfare.

I hope, if you do buy a ticket, that it's refundable "just in case". I don't want to be a 'Debbie Downer' but it's risky to assume how quick (or slow!) things could go.

I know what it's like to be anxious to get the ball rolling and plan things and book things, but as I've learned, you need to expect the unexpected.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-31 23:54:00

Vancouver consualte visa wait times

I echo the sentiments of those above me... wait to book his flights. It might be cute and fun to have him there on you birthday (who wouldn't want that?!) but things can happen and delays can come up for one reason or another. I was in AP for 3 weeks due to our lawyer failing to submit the I-134, but once we were approved, I got my passport back the next day (less than 24 hours later!).

I know you probably want a 'good deal' on a flight, but should there be a hiccup and your fiance would not have his visa in time, then that flight is no longer a really good deal .

Keep checking the CEAC website for available dates. Back in November we were given a late January interview date, and I checked the website multiple times per day and was able to bump up my interview date by 3 weeks!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-31 01:20:00

SO I have my letter of compliance from Canada, with no recalls on my vehicle. Do I still need to contact US Acura for a letter?

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-02-17 14:26:00

You only need to get the letter of compliance if the vehicle has a sticker stating it complies with all Canadian regulations. If it has the sticker for US compliance, you don't need it. (Refer to sections 2A and 2B of hs799short.pdf)

There are 3 forms for importing a vehicle at the border, some border crossings will help you fill them out, others will expect you to do it. From there, you should be able to use these forms to register in Florida.

http://www.epa.gov/o...ents/3520-1.pdf

http://www.nhtsa.gov.../hs799short.pdf

http://www.cbp.gov/x...ummary/cbp7501/ - Don't forget VIN on this one. You may have to fill this out at the border as half of it they gave me a template to complete it.

You should also find your receipt for purchasing the vehicle, the Ontario registration papers weren't enough to get a title for the vehicle in NY, but that didnt stop us from registering it.

Are those above forms all filled out at the time of entry? Or must they be done ahead of time? It would be nice if there were "example" forms so we have a guide on how to fill them out!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-15 14:52:00

Just got off the phone with Acura Canada, and the gentleman I spoke to said I need a recall letter from Acura Canada first. He said without that letter, I would not be able to get the letter of compliance, which I will have to request from Acura US.

Should get the letter from Acura Canada early next week!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-15 13:31:00

I'm sure glad I searched the forums for this topic! I honestly never even THOUGHT about what had to be done about bringing my vehicle across with me when I move down, but now I am glad I have.

Forgive me if I repeat things written above, but I am only doing so for my own understanding:

I drive a 2005 Acura EL, a vehicle NOT sold or found in the US. As such, I just want to confirm that I will have to get a letter of compliance from Acura Canada. BUT, if the car does have a sticker stating US compliance, then I don't need the letter?

I suppose I should also talk to my fiance about adding my vehicle to his insurance. My insurance in Canada is due next month and I wanted to avoid paying the full price on the insurance. I guess I could pay monthly (in Canada) until I am officially added to his insurance.

Not sure I could find the receipt for purchasing the vehicle -- did that back in 2006!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-15 12:08:00

HELP! Car Import from Canada to U.S.

I will be moving at the end of next month, entering the U.S. on my K-1 Visa. While I have yet to fill out the government-issued paperwork for importing a vehicle, this is what I did to get the letter of compliance from Acura/Honda in the U.S.

1. I called Acura Canada about the letter (my vehicle, an '05 Acura EL, was only ever made in Canada). They provided me with a letter of compliance for Canada, but not the U.S. (see #2)

2. I called Acura/Honda in the U.S. about the need to import my vehicle and needing a letter of compliance. They needed the following documents to issue a letter:

a) copy of driver's license or passport

b) bill of sale from vehicle's original purchase

c) proof of registration/vehicle ownership

3. I called the dealership where I bought my vehicle 8 years ago, and they didn't think they still had the bill of sale (turns out they did). So, I called Acura/Honda in the U.S. back, and was told I didn't have to have the bill of sale.

4. I submitted copy of driver's license, vehicle ownership/registration (here in British Columbia, where I'm from, it's through ICBC who both licenses and insures vehicles), and also a copy of the Canadian letter of compliance.

I got a call in less than 24 hours from Acura/Honda in the U.S. that they have issued the letter of compliance and it will be in the mail today!

Here's a link to where you can find your car manufacturer's US representatives' phone number:

http://www.epa.gov/o...rts/manreps.htm

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-02-18 13:56:00

Help regarding Packet 3

Follow this VJ link -- it holds the answers to at least one of your questions:

http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

In short, though, you need passport photos that are 2x2". Follow this link for more detailed information about the photograph requirements:

http://travel.state....ral/photos.html

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-05-18 00:11:00

IMPORTING A VEHICLE FROM CANADA TO US

Hello VJers,

In two weeks' time, I'll be entering the US on my K-1 visa; because I live very close to my nearest POE, I will be driving my car across. I know I have to register it with CBP upon entry. As such, I've received the "Letter of Compliance" from both the Canadian and US Manufacturers of my vehicle. I've been reading about other paperwork required when 'importing' the vehicle, and according to the CPB website (, I will have to complete and submit two forms:

1. EPA form 3520

2. DOT form HS 799

I had read on the forums here somewhere that we should try to fill out the forms ahead of time. However, some of the information required on these forms will be specific to the port which I enter through (specifically, it asks for a customs entry number on BOTH forms).

For those of you who have gone through the process of importing a vehicle, were you able to fill out these forms at your time/point of entry?

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-03-16 18:31:00

Medical Examination (Dr Ian Zatzman) - What To Bring?

Hey again,

My medical exam with Dr Ian is in 4 days and I'm getting extremely nervous about the whole thing, as I've had quite a few complications along the way. I never received Packet 4 (along with my "interview letter"), even though the DoS told me they sent it out. I then tried emailing Montreal, asking for an email copy-- but only received an email copy of Packet 4 itself (which is already readily available online).. but no interview letter. I do however have a print-out of my interview details that I booked online, however there's no MTL# on the print-out which is what I think they're looking for.

I voiced my concern to the receptionist at Dr Ian's office, but she said as long as I have my MTL# then I'll be fine (NOA2?). Somehow I don't feel eased by that answer though.

On Dr Ian's site, it says to bring the following:

------------

- $300 CAD (Cash only)

- Appointment letter or other instructions that you received from the U.S. Government or your legal adviser that show your alien/case number. (Would bringing in a copy of my NOA2 suffice?)

- 4 Passport photo's

- Immunization record and documentation

- Photo I.D (Would passport suffice?)

- Birth Certificate of any child involved (Should I just bring mine anyways?)

- Documentation of Medical History
------------

Other than a proper appointment letter, I've gathered all of the things above. But still don't feel like I'm not seeing the whole picture. I read this recent review of Dr Ian Zatzman, and they seem to have done things differently. (Only 1 passport photo-- exact currency for certain parts of the procedure)

http://www.visajourn...-of-dr-zatzman/

------------

So, so stressed.

Hi Ethomps,

I was in a similar situation. I never received any letter of any kind, so I printed off the interview details from online (off the CSC website, I believe). In an earlier correspondence with the doctor (a different one than you are using), I had mentioned my Vancouver case number. I was still able to get my medical, and the key ingredient is the case number, but having the print out from the website where you booked your interview isn't a bad idea either.

You should be fine!

I did my medical here in B.C. with Dr. Cheema. They also only needed 1 photo... the other 2 passport photos must be submitted on your interview day at the consulate as they attach them to Visa papers.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-05 12:47:00

Canada Day

Hey Ontarkie,

How'd you get the free stuff? I went to the website and signed up to stay connected.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-06-28 10:43:00

Perfect, Thank you!

You're welcome!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-16 11:26:00

As far as I know, yes. My vaccination records didn't indicate whether I had chicken pox or not -- but as a young child I did have them, and he asked me that. I replied yes, and that was sufficient.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-16 01:19:00

I believe just the vaccination record, however, because of my health history (an illness that required intense treatment) I brought those records with me. Otherwise you would be find without them.

And as I said, Dr. Cheema didn't even look at the records of my health history from the clinic where I received treatment for my illness.

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-15 02:44:00

Yeah, I felt like I got the once-over and he didn't even look at my medical history I brought to him! I was in and out really quickly from Dr. Cheema's office. His exam was the fastest part of this entire immigration process - ha!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-13 02:04:00

This post has been inactive for a little bit, but I thought I'd do a brief update on interviewing through the Vancouver consulate and medical exam with Dr. Cheema.

1. The medical can only be done by Dr. Cheema - the only doctor in western Canada certfied to do medicals for immigration purposes. The rest of the doctors are in Ontario and Quebec. Dr. Cheema is located in Surrey, which is about 35-40 minutes from downtown Vancouver (this is not accounting for any vehicle traffic on the roads).

2.Vaccinations, and proof of having them, must be done prior to the medical. However, if you do not have them done ahead of time, or if like me you find out you weren't fully vaccinated as a child (my mother chose not to have me vaccinated for T-dap), you can try to book an appointment with a travel clinic to get your updated vaccinations. They fax the results directly to Dr. Cheema's office so he can complete the medical report -- but make sure you get Dr. Cheema's fax number from him if this is the case you face. They do not keep his fax number on file. I went to a travel clinic on the 2nd or 3rd floor of a medical building near Surrey Memorial Hospital, which is about 10-15 minutes from his office.

3. DS-160 is the only form you have to submit (versus the two other forms) as far as I know. We dealt with an immigration lawyer, and she submitted ONLY DS-160. Seems they have amalgamated some forms and processes.

4. Vancouver consulate will not allow you to line up earlier than 30 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time. Also, your scheduled interview time is NOT likely to be the actual time you speak to a consular interviewer. You first wait outside the consulate, and they only let 5 or 6. people in at a time. You pass through an initial security check outside the consulate, and a second one once you enter the building in a group of 5 or 6. When you wait outside, it is a covered area.

5. Bring a book with you because cell phones are not allowed (they do have secure/patrolled lock boxes outside and provide you with a key to leave cell phones in). I was in the building by 10am (scheduled interview time) but was not interviewed until about 11:45am or later. Time passes by slowly otherwise and you are only staring at other people waiting, or watching people come and go.

6. You will be told to go to "Window B" once you take the elevator to floor 21. You will be 'pre screened' where they ensure you have all your documents with you, and they will give you a number. You must wait for your number to be called before you can be interviewed.

7. The waiting is the worst part! I was giving number A95, and when I got to the waiting area, they were on number A84 so I knew I had a long wait ahead of me. It appeared each person called up took 10+ minutes each. Sometimes their counting systems skips numbers -- they skipped mine -- so I had to wait even longer to have my number called. As soon as I could find somebody to inform they had skipped my number, then (and only then) was I called up for my interview. Make sure you pay attention, and speak up if they skip your number. One man waiting was there for 3 hours before he notified somebody that his number had been skipped!

I think that's all the advice I can think of for now about the Vancouver consulate. My experience wasn't ideal, but that was because of a mistake on my lawyer's part that caused a 5 day delay in getting the consulate some missing documents. The consular interviewer was extremely pleasant to deal with, and asked very few questions (how we met, our ages, occupations, had we met each others' families, and also asked to see pictures of us since my fiance was unable to attend the interview).

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-09 01:52:00

Hello EVeryone

We have just started for our finacee visa and still on the stage of preparing all the documents so i still have nothing more to say. I hope that most of you will help us in our journey..Thank you in advance...

Good luck and best wishes! It is hard to wait -- and there is a lot of waiting involved -- but it will be worth it in the end. I hope you do not have to wait long, but if you do, the reward of being with your loved one will be that much sweeter!

sjs87

Female

Canada

2013-08-20 11:51:00

CEAC STATUS: Ready...What does it mean?

I'm in a similar situation.

Interview was January 2, but our lawyer FORGOT or LOST our I-135 Affidavit of Support.

The embassy received the document on January 8, and this whole time my CEAC Status says "ready". The "case updated" date has changed several times, but really there is no case update because my status always says "READY". It has NEVER said Administrative Processing, etc.

What is going on?

sjs87

Female

Canada

2014-01-21 12:37:00

hi frostysoftyeaton! yeah bt as far as i have known my fiance and as per him and his family his record is clean.

So i have faith everything's good.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 20:29:00

Hi Greenbaum! Thanks for the reply. I did ask my fiance about it right after the interview. and also his mom as well. his record is clean. No criminal case.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 20:19:00

Hello VJ! Im A Newbie here. I read lots of cases that uplifts my hope in the visa journey.
I had my interviewed last Jan.15. The consul asked me about if i know if my fiance has criminal case then i answered he doesnt have. then asked me again if sure then i answered yes no criminal case. Then the lady american consul said i cant decide as of today....
That gave me like a heart attack....
the person in the releasing window told me to wait two weeks if the visa will be issued. if not il have to call thwm to follow-up.
As per checking visa status at ceac website. its already "Ready" Status then theres saying check after two days. which comes weekend and a Martin luther monday so the embassy is closed.
Im still hoping the visa status will say "Issued" tom which is the 2nd day basing on business days....
anyone here experienced this kind?

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 08:08:00

Ready Status waiting for Issued Status

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 08:02:00

Marriage in the Philippines

i wasnt to be here i dnt knw why i got into this topic. my apology again.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 21:21:00

Marriage in the Philippines

You are new , so I will excuse this . However in the future make your own posting . I am trying to get answers for my questions and yours will just confuse it further .

Oh Sorry for that Tandag1025 didnt notice the topic.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 20:58:00

Marriage in the Philippines

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-21 20:32:00

STILL "READY" case open after 4 days

Anyone who experienced the same? Our CEAC status was last updated on January 15, 2014 to " READY" case open and it says check after 2 business days, its been 4 working days already and there's no update, ive been emailing the US embassy but i get the same answer every now and then " your passport is still with the embassy" please check at a later date.

Anyone who experienced the same? Thanks.

Case Creation Date: 15-Jan-2014 Status Updated Date: 15-Jan-2014

Your case is open. Please check your status after two business days via the CEAC launch page at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/.

For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy Manila.

Hi! When did u had ur interview?
mine was Jan.15 they made an update Jan17 to "Ready" status up to now no update again.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-22 08:27:00

Embassy isn't open on the weekends so odds are it won't be released to 2GO until next week, then just be ready for a text or call from 2GO

yeah comes the weekend so wait for Monday.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-24 10:22:00

There you are!! Now be patient for a couple more days as it has to printed then packages for 2GO!!! Congrats!!

dealing with the visa process will really make you patient

you think how many days will i receive the visa?
Thanks Hank!

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-24 10:05:00

Two weeks is what the embassy states is the approximate time for receiving the visa.

My wife did not receive her visa for two weeks... relax... go visa with family, enjoy the day. Next week at this time things may be different.

just checked today VISA ISSUED!

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-24 03:40:00

Two weeks is what the embassy states is the approximate time for receiving the visa.

My wife did not receive her visa for two weeks... relax... go visa with family, enjoy the day. Next week at this time things may be different.

for how long did ur wife got her visa?
thanks for the advice

Two weeks is what the embassy states is the approximate time for receiving the visa.

My wife did not receive her visa for two weeks... relax... go visa with family, enjoy the day. Next week at this time things may be different.

for how long did ur wife got her visa?
thanks for the advice

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-24 01:35:00

Just how long has it been since the interview? Was you fiancee given a 221g at the last window? If no.... just be patient a little longer.

i had thw interview last Jan.15 i wasnt given 221g. the releasing window personnel just told me just wait for two weeks if no visa arrived i have to call them for follow-up. this is the hard part coz u have no idea when will the visa issued and the waiting itself ur clueless coz thres no document asked to provide them.

NoOtherWoman

Not Telling

Philippines

2014-01-23 22:43:00