ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaHow long will MTL take to review after additional docs are submitted
For the K1 applicants...what did you have to submit as extra documents to Montreal? I am curious so hopefully I don't forget to bring it to interview
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-12 18:51:00
CanadaAffidavit of Support
Here's my situation:

Currently I make around $30K a year. I started this job December 2011 and its a full time job with a great company that I am plan to have until I die.

Last year for the taxes that I filed I only made $15K.

I have documents to prove my currently salary:
-Year to Date Paystubs
-Letter from my employer stating my income
-Offer letter from when I started in December
-2011 IRS Tax Transcript
-2010 IRS Tax Transcript

Does this sound like we will be ok as far as affidavit of support?

I do not have any dependents. Its just myself and my fiance.

Any advice would be good. I don't really have anyone that can also sponsor him so I'm on my own. But we are getting ready for the interview, just wanted to make sure as this is my biggest struggle.

Thank you!
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-19 18:14:00
CanadaPolice Certfiicate
I know! I was shocked when shes like "Sit right there, I'll have it back for you in a few minutes." Wow! I was expecting a week or two. 3 months though? Ouch :(
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-22 07:44:00
CanadaPolice Certfiicate
I am still worried about this police certificate I got.

We went to the Niagara Regional Police Department in St Catharines and charged us $40 and gave it to us about 10 minutes later.

Does this sound normal? Its just a paper we filled out with his information on the top and then they signed off at the bottom with a raised seal and checked the box that says NEGATIVE for any hits to the CPIC.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-21 18:47:00
CanadaFYI: Montreal
Yeah. I booked ours and it was around 73 days out. I booked mine a while ago though. REALLY sucks because NOA2 expires. Thats nerve racking.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-25 16:30:00
CanadaPOE Sarnia/Port Huron
Just some questions about POE at Sarnia/Port Huron

Do we need an inventory of what he is bringing with him?
Do we need to pay duty on items he owns?
Is there anything he cannot bring with me?

Any other information or advice would be great!

Thank you
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-25 18:16:00
CanadaNo original birth certificate; Montreal consulate no help

Update: Visa approved! They accepted the photocopy of notarial certificate of birth along with an affidavit from my mother.



Wonderful news!! Congratulations! Please write a review of the Montreal embassy when you get a chance! I'm curious to hear how everything went!
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-04 15:00:00
CanadaNo original birth certificate; Montreal consulate no help
I would call the DOS and ask them. If they can't help, ask to speak to someone directly at the consulate.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-09-20 11:00:00
CanadaMedical Toronto Dr. Seiden
Thanks. You too. And thanks for your advice and help! :)
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-10 10:56:00
CanadaMedical Toronto Dr. Seiden
Yeah he has lived in Ontario his entire life. Not the same city, but always in Ontario. I called Dr. Seiden and booked his medical for November 12th. His interview is the 19th. So hopefully he can get the records. I don't want him to have to go through more blood tests than necessary. But otherwise he'll have to do that. The lady that booked the appointment did say he needs a flu shot now. So I'll make sure he gets that. I also asked her about his pacemaker and she said as long as hes not on any medications (which he isn't) then he should be ok. He has a little bit of info from his doctor regarding it, but not much.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-10 08:39:00
CanadaMedical Toronto Dr. Seiden
Yeah I found that link earlier too. I am going to have him call the Welland office. Thats the closest to where he is. Hoping they just have the records. If he goes to the health place will they give him the vaccines as part of his health care insurance he has already? Or does he have to pay out of pocket?
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-09 21:15:00
CanadaMedical Toronto Dr. Seiden
On the form website it says to bring the interview appointment letter. But then it also states on another part of the website not to bring the emailed interview appointment letter because it doesn't have the MTL number on it. So should we bring Packet 4 letter that says we are authorized to schedule a medical and it does have the MTL number on the last page?

Also, if my fiance cannot get his vaccination records, what do they do?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you!
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-09 19:34:00
CanadaBrand new - lots of questions
Personally, we are doing the K1. We picked this option because we want to live together after we are married. Don't want to spend any time apart after the wedding. This will provide us the ability to be together while we AOS. It also gets the major background checks/medical/police clearances out of the way for AOS so you only have to do a few more things. Its far easier I think. Thats my personal opinion. We just didn't want to spend the first year of marriage apart. That was the biggest thing for us.

K1 route is more expensive. Because you have to file the K1 paperwork before the AOS. Its like an extra step. But, if you're married and they deny your CR-1 you're kind of screwed in a way. Going K1, its rare to have AOS denied unless you're a fraudulent couple and only entered into marriage for immigration purposes. Immigration for us has been hard. We only live 7 hours apart though so I've made the trips to Canada every 3-4 weeks to see him. That has made it easier. For couples who live on different continents their opinions might differ from mine.

For us, proving a bona-fide relationship has been easy for the K1. Going CR-1 route you have to prove a bona-fide marriage. From what I've read, thats harder when you live in two different countries. For AOS, we will have to prove that, but my fiance (husband when that time comes) will be living here and we'll have time to get his name added to bank accounts, beneificary for insurance, added to my health insurance through work, add his name to my car note...etc. Thats a lot harder when he lives in another country and doesn't have a Social Security Number. But not impossible either I guess.

For each couple, the reasons are different why they want a certain route. In the end, our main goal is to be with the people that we are in love with and want to spend forever with.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-10 08:52:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate Question
They can't tell you that you cannot lock your car. You can't lock your keys in the car thats pointless. lol
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-05 09:43:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate Question
Yeah from what I've read, they have like a security thing that you can leave keys and/or a cell phone and pick it up when you leave. I'm assuming they give you like a claim ticket or something that matches the bin your keys are in.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-05 08:58:00
CanadaWaiting for Packet 3?
I know. I have no idea whats wrong with Vermont. Besides being stupid. The only thing I can think of is that the states assigned to Vermont are too overpopulated so they are taking their time with immigration? I don't know. Thats just a dumb answer I pulled out of left field.

Good luck. You have more patience than I do. I was freaking out around day 80...
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-10 18:23:00
CanadaWaiting for Packet 3?
DOS told me when ours was sent and we sent our response the next day.

Keep in mind, Monday was Canada's Thanksgiving. So that will slow things down probably up to another week. Montreal is VERY SLOW! And when I say slow, I mean SLOW. We got our NOA2 August 3 and our interview isn't until November 19th. That was the FIRST AVAILABLE one. Not that we were waiting that long. That was the soonest when we went to book our interview.

Keep calling DOS. Call them first thing in the morning and before they close again. I called in the morning for P3 and it wasn't sent. When I called in the afternoon just becuase I had a feeling, they said it was sent earlier in the day.

I just checked...the next appointment for K1 interviews....ready for this? Note: The next available appointment for your trip purpose at this moment is: Tuesday 22 January 2013



So as soon as you can, get P3 in and get moving with all your stuff. You'll be waiting a while.

Good luck.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-10 16:43:00
Canadawhen to have medical
I booked my fiance's at Dr. Seiden's in Toronto for November 12th for interview November 19th. Only takes 2 business days and then DHL or we can pick it up on Friday before we head to Montreal. Either way...
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-15 14:11:00
CanadaProof of ties and extending stay?

I realize this is the least of your worries, and you may already have sussed this out, but be certain that it is legal to bring a ferret into any State and/or city here you plan to visit. California bans ferrets outright, while in NY, they are banned in the 5 boroughs, but legal in the rest of the State. It appears they are legal in Michigan, except in Grand Rapids, which defines them as wild animals which may not be kept. The laws regarding ferrets vary from State to State and city to city - some States require an import permit, others a permit to own, in some cities they must be spayed or neutered, etc. You might contact the American Ferret Association - although even their list of ferret laws by State and city dates from 2009. Fun!

Is it easy to cross a border with a member of the weasel family?


American Ferret Association, Inc.
PO Box 554 g Frederick, Maryland 21705-0554
www.ferret.org g afa@ferret.org g 1-888-FERRET-1

CR1 Interview date: LND 10/26/12 (can't update signature)



Ferrets are illegal within the City Limits of Grand Rapids! :) Born and raised just a little outside the city limits, but still! :)
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-13 14:25:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
Here is the link for the RBC USA Account information: http://www.rbcroyalb...al-account.html
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-09 09:43:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
Depends who you bank through, but I know RBC has a US account too. You can get the Canadian account and also a US account through them that is in USD. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but you can use the US account in both countries I believe. Transfering money is easy. If you have a RBC account you should check into it. My fiance is getting one of those too because he has a RBC credit card he still wants to keep open and make payments on.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-09 09:26:00
CanadaCanadian wanting to visit USA for 6 months then apply for visa
I would agree with the "take shorter visits if possible, rather than one long visit". I cross into Canada every 3-4 weeks. Sometimes they ask me more questions than others. Just never lie to them.

One thing I learned, is that if you have a DEFINITE date of return...say you are coming to the USA on November 1st and want to stay 6 months, have a certain date you are leaving. Such as May 1st or April 28th. Sometime within that 6 months window. Make sure you book a round trip flight. Having just a one way (even though may be cheaper) is not going to look good at the border.

I hope everything works out. Please let us know how it goes. #1 Rule: Never Lie to CBP though.

Edited by amberlynnloves, 11 October 2012 - 07:26 AM.

amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-11 07:25:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Yeah I have to physically go! So we are just hoping for the best! :) Thank you though!
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-19 09:51:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview

I had to get my passport renewed back in June and I tried to expedite a card (since I was only there for 3 weeks) they didn't tell me for 2 weeks that apparently only actual books can be expedited.

ANYWAYS, after hearing all of this, I'm glad I ended up with a book in the end. Amber, like you said, it's the experience of it all... that and I'd like to be present if my husband says something stupid during the interview.

I was freaked about all of this like you (and I haven't even filed paperwork yet!) but after reading reviews of the montreal interviews... I realized they were only like 5-10 minutes! They asked just a handful of questions and it was always APPROVED so as long as you have your proof, you'll be fine, even if he goes in by himself.

If you have the money, get a passport expedited. I can't remember exactly but I think it ended up being around 150 or 160 bucks or something. But, if not, don't even worry about it.



Well, I called the Passport Office here in town and they said it'd end up being like $250. Which I don't really have with expenses of Montreal/gas/hotel etc and Christmas and my fiance moving. So I think we'll just go in with my card and see. Worst case scenario they say no. I'll just wait outside probably smoke a pack of smokes while he's in there and then when he comes out it'll be like American Idol with the golden ticket! HAHA I told him that. We'll have our moment on the sidewalk hugs, kisses, LOTS of happy tears. All that good stuff. Its not the end of the world. :)
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-18 22:56:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Well, if it makes you feel any better...the answer I received was "yes". Just that. Nothing more nothing less. One word.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-18 12:51:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
For anyone that was wondering for themselves, I emailed Montreal Embassy regarding the Enhanced Drivers License and asked them if that was sufficient to enter the Embassy for my fiance's interview, they replied to me today saying "Yes". So it looks as if we are good to go! :) One less thing to worry about!
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-18 11:59:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
I'm not really worried about the interview itself. Its just nice to be reassured that everything will be ok.

As far as the enhanced ID/passport issues, I'll either spend the money to get one or just wait for him. Its the ability to experience the approval together as a couple. Its a personal preference for us I guess. Not really a HUGE deal, as I'll know the second he comes out the doors if he's approved or not.

Its just the way it is.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 15:49:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Well, now I am worried they won't even let me in the building to go with my fiance for his interview because I just have an enhanced drivers license and not an actual passport book. UGH! :( I just want to cry right now.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 15:11:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Dang it. Yeah I'll have to search for a number.

Thanks :(
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 14:10:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Petitioner has Enhanced Driver's License. Bene has regular passport book.

When we BOTH go to the Embassy for my fiance's interview, am I (as the petitioner) required to have a passport book or is the enchanced drivers license ok to enter the embassy.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 13:48:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
I have an Enhanced Drivers License.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 13:33:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
You'd like it would be sufficent as you can cross the border with it. And it shows you are an American citizen. And any American citizen is allowed into the US Embassy as long as they pass security checks. I don't know. I might call them. Thats interesting...
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 13:16:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview

Don't you worry. I did the same thing you did. I was happy to connect with some VJ members in the line up early in the morning. Freaked out about a little more, but felt comfortable talking with the others.

I'm sure you've read the reviews, but here is exactly what happened for me:

We waited there from around 6:30, the consulate opened their doors just after 7:30. You will be asked for the appointment confirmation, so have that ready, and your passport. You'll be ushered in the door and you'll present the confirmation and both your passports and they'll stick some of that information on the back of his passport. You'll go through security where you'll have to take off your jackets and that and then you'll turn to the left and go down some stairs. Like you've read, wait by the elevator, and you'll head up to the 19th floor I believe. Most awkward elevator ride of my life! That was so stressful being in there with all those people. You'll head to your left and around the corner on your left is the docket where you get your ticket number!

You walk past some kids toys and that's where you'll sit because the dockets are all the way to that end of the building (which would be straight if you were coming out of the elevator). It won't be long if you're early, and they will ask him for his 2 photos, the copies of his passport, birth certificates, the medical, the police certificate, your passport/confirmation letter again, and then they'll get busy sorting and typing stuff away. They take prints eventually, and ask for the affidavit of support. They basically fill out the same checklist that they send you. Checking them off as they go through it. Forget about an order though, because she asked kind of randomly. Then you sit down and wait a moment longer. The interview is just as easy, you answer some questions and just be genuine. I had a really nice man who made me laugh when I wanted to cry lol.

You'll will be JUST fine! You've prepared for this more than most people have. When I was there, tonnes of people showed up with haphazard folders and they had no idea what some of the forms even were!! Now, I don't know if they got approved or not, but from what I could see they were willing to work with people. Save yourself the stress that I wish I had! It's actually a painless process. If you have everything on your list, you're good to go! GOOD LUCK!!!! You'll be just fine.



Thanks for the info! Million dollar question....I don't have an actual passport. Because he's only 7 hours away, I drive so I just have a passport card that is like my driver's license but it allows me to go to Canada and back. Is that going to work or do I need to get a passport book thing to be able to go to the embassy?
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-17 10:39:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Oh trust me, after 11 years, its real. Haha I am just stressing too much I guess. I want it to be done like yesterday. This process definitely is a test of relationship though. I am thankful we've gone through it and are coming out of it even stronger than when we went into it.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-16 22:39:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
I guess I need reassurance. I am so scared for this interview. I will be going with my fiance. I have read so many horror stories about people being denied.

Is it rare to be denied in Montreal?

We have everything ready. Affidavit of Support. Supporting documents. Police Cert. Birth Cert. Everything.

I just need to be told it'll be ok. And that its rare for people to be denied in Montreal. PLEASE? But don't lie. If its really not that rare, be honest lol I need to know all that too.

Just going crazy trying to make sure we have EVERYTHING and more than what we need.
amberlynnlovesFemaleCanada2012-10-16 22:32:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaI130
This is what I found from the domincian consulate on that!

National Visa Center to Begin Immigrant Visa Document Collection and Appointment Scheduling for Santo Domingo

Effective immediately, Embassy Santo Domingo’s Immigrant Visa Unit is transferring the responsibility for immigrant visa document collection and appointment scheduling to the State Department’s National Visa Center (NVC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Until recently, the NVC was sending immigrant visa cases to Santo Domingo as they became current. The Embassy in Santo Domingo then worked with the applicants to ensure the cases contained all necessary documents and the Embassy scheduled the appointments. NVC will now assume those duties, ensuring that the cases are as complete as possible before sending them to Santo Domingo. NVC will also handle immigrant visa appointment scheduling, coordinating closely with the Santo Domingo IV Unit. As of March 10, NVC stopped sending cases to Santo Domingo.
NVC and the Embassy in Santo Domingo are still working on the details of this new policy, but we assure any petitioners and applicants with cases currently at post that the changes will not negatively affect their positions on the Santo Domingo appointment wait-list.
If you do not already have an appointment with the Embassy in Santo Domingo, your case may be held at the National Visa Center. To inquire about the status of your case, you may contact NVC by email at NVCinquiry@state.gov or (603) 334-0700.

Attached you can find the pdf document that I downloaded from the dominican consulate site, with translation to spanish!

Attached Files


Edited by wpaulino0613, 04 May 2007 - 12:51 PM.

wpaulino0613MaleDominican Republic2007-05-04 12:50:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaSoccer
OMG!!!!... can't even believe it!!!
wpaulino0613MaleDominican Republic2007-05-09 14:47:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaI ordered the sample for our engagement party invitations
Participamos - Anunciamos, compartimos

Therefore, you can say "We announce our future wedding on.... " - "Le anuncimos/participamos nuestro futuro matrimonio en... :

Hope that's helpful & Congrats on your future wedding!!!
wpaulino0613MaleDominican Republic2007-05-14 11:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHow soon can we mail Packet 3?
the best i can think of is requesting a PROVISIONAL FILE to be opened, until they receive the actial packet from NVC. If you already have all the documents ready.


Copy and paste to you browser to get the letter to request the provisional file... that would be the cover leter ofyour packet 3:

www.visajourney.com/examples/Request_for_Provisional_File.doc

Edited by wpaulino0613, 14 May 2007 - 11:39 AM.

wpaulino0613MaleDominican Republic2007-05-14 11:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaMy Timeline

From the timelines I see several in the 400-600 day range, from some of my readings in the posts The consulate in the Dominican Republic is the slowest of the consulates.

A few examples:

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=59514
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=27551

More good reading here:

http://dominicanstotheusa.com/


Thanks for the info!!... I'll keep buggin the system and I'll keep you posted.
wpaulino0613MaleDominican Republic2007-05-09 10:48:00