ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaFinal stretch: interview in less than month
QUOTE (Galateia @ Jan 13 2008, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's been more than a year since I sent in my packet 3, so I barely remember everything that needs to be done. The information is out there, but scattered all over and I can feel my stress levels rising, and I'm already leaving hoofprints behind me, pulling my wool out, and bleating fearfully.

I need your help! helpsmilie.gif

My interview is on Feb 6th. I plan to go up there via coach canada for $18 each way, and stay at the hotel across the street. Is it the:

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
MONTREAL CENTRE-VILLE

155 BLVD RENE-LEVESQUE EAST


Is that the right hotel?

Also, where can I find the checklist of what documents, etc, I am supposed to bring? I remember there was a form in my packet 3 I was supposed to fill out and bring, the DS 230?? Is that the form that my interview letter asks me to fill out online and print out and bring?

Also, my medical was on Feb 4th of last year. My interview is on Feb 6th of this year. This means my medical is expired by 2 days, right? I know I have to get another to file the AOS, but do I have to get another before my visa interview as well? MTL screwed up my file twice and my interview should have been in Dec or Jan at the latest, when my medical was still valid. What should I do?

My letter from MTL states I can purchase the FedEx envelope from them: "Discounted Xpresspost traceable mailers will be supplied in the Visa Section at the time of the interview; payment by valid credit card is required. The price for a next day Regional service is $6.66; the price for two day National service is 10.08, plus applicable taxes and surcharges." Does that mean that I can just buy the envelope there?

I'm already feeling my stress levels redlining. It's been a year since all this was fresh in my mind and I'm feeling a little panicked. Please help!


Hi,

Since April 2007, I have been going through this whole process thinking I was alone and here I stumble upon this forum and see how great it is to find ppl going through the same thing as me. Not only do I find that, but find someone who's interviewing in MTL the SAME DAY as me - that's just crazy!

I'm going through ALL of the SAME panick attacks as you are and I'm scared $h*tless about this interview. I don't even know how I'm going to keep myself composed when I'm being asked questions.

I am also going via Coach Canada as well!! This is so funny.

I'm so scared about this whole thing. I don't think i'll be able to sleep a wink that night...
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-01-31 16:24:00
CanadaHow long could an interview in Montreal take?
I had my K-1 interview in Montreal as well (also from Toronto) - got there bright and early at 6:45am to be first in line. When they opened the doors at 7:30am, I got letter A and was guaranteed to do everything first. I would highly recommend this b/c you don't have to wait for anyone in front of you!! Depending on your situation and your paperwork, it might take longer. My case was pretty cut and dry (I'm Canadian born, never married - my fiance is American - no complications) - so they didn't take long to review my paperwork. The interview for us (my fiance was there) took 5-10 mins max! We were out by 9:30am. But it doesn't hurt to book the later bus in the afternoon just to give you time to relax, eat, etc. After all the stress of the morning leading up to the interview - you'll definetly want to take time to breathe!

Good luck! good.gif
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-07 11:53:00
CanadaMuch Success! Approved!!!
Gypsyangel,

Many congrats on your approval. Many of us here have gone thru the exact same thing as you (Mine was approved on Feb 6, 2008 in Montreal) and the feeling that the burden is lifted is amazing.

It's funny you bring up that you wanted to visit before you actually want to move down, b/c I was going through the exact same thing - but never asked and decided on not chancing it. It was my fiance's sister's baby shower in Detroit last weekend, and I don't plan on moving until April. It's so frustrating that before, it would be a breeze going to the States when you're younger - travelling with your parents, friends, etc. But now with a Visa, prospects of getting married to an American, there's so much worry about getting rejected (i was once before).

It's exciting to know that we're not alone here - and there are many people to help us out star_smile.gif

And just when I thought it was all over after the interview (before joining VJ)...there's MORE paperwork to do after getting married. ARGH! blink.gif
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-20 10:38:00
CanadaThe, obviously wrong, feeling of time
QUOTE (DavidsPrincess @ Mar 20 2008, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
jess&andrew - It depends on which state you apply in if they take your driver's license or not. Most do, Illinois does(where I'm from), but not all. Also, yes you will still need to go apply for a SSN even if you check that box. It doesn't apply to K-1's no0pb.gif

I'm also pretty sure that you can't lose your Canadian citizenship once you aquire it... Someone can correct me on that if I'm wrong happy.gif


Lol - your reply came after I submitted my other one. smile.gif
Thanks for the info. What was the point of checking that box then!? SIGH!

So I'll always be a Canadian citizen in Canada's eyes then? Cuz I hear about that ceremony where they swear you in (in the U.S.) and you have to like, denounce your previous citizenship or something like that.
Someone needs to write a manual on this stuff - there's so much confusion.

kicking.gif TGFVJ (thank goodness for visa journey) kicking.gif
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-20 12:42:00
CanadaThe, obviously wrong, feeling of time
QUOTE (Leafgal @ Mar 20 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
jess&andrew the DMV in Virginia did take my Ontario DL. Yes so much more to do and spend once you get to the US. As far as AOS & EAD I am thinking that it is going to take 6 - 9 months for the AOS that way I am not disappointed if it happens earlier.


Leafgal,
That's so weird about the license thing. My sister, who's husband's family have a house down in Florida - she applied for a license for the fun of it, and they never took her Ontario one. The AOS I'm in no rush for, but the AP I am for sure (I need my family/friend fix! Not everyone will want to come visit me where I'm going to be in Michigan) and the EAD.

Anyone cross the Detroit border recently with their K-1? Did you get an EAD?
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-20 12:37:00
CanadaThe, obviously wrong, feeling of time
QUOTE (CBR @ Mar 16 2008, 11:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know what you mean melusine, I'm watching my file make its way to Montreal this weekend via DHL tracking. I happened to call the day they shipped it from NVC so I'm 99% sure it's mine biggrin.gif. And yea each day it's like C'mon package GET THERE!! lol. But in a way I feel like things need to slow down just a little so that we are for sure ready for the interview. I'm ####### about making my list and checking it 5 billion times and my fiance, let's just say .. isn't. So it makes me even more neurotic! But I'm doing my best to keep my cool and just so anxious to have him here finally!!

Just the opposite of you, we thought we'd have a 2-3 month wait (that's what everyone told us) and had no idea about the interview being in Montreal or even there being an interview. We were very very clueless. So being one of the last July filers to get approved after an excruciatingly long wait it just has been torture. We thought we'd be together soon and it's going to be close to a freakin year!!

In summary, I guess I have mixed feelings eh? I'm a little nutty myself after all this. wacko.gif


I agree - I didn't know this whole process would take so long, and the fact that there's so much more to do/spend after we enter the US. My whole K-1 process took a whopping 10 months (end of april - beginning of Feb) - I noticed a lot of ppl had less processing times - lucky them!

I'm going to be moving in 3 weeks, leaving my job in 2 weeks and I'm sad. I know it's for a greater purpose, but it just sucks having to leave everything behind and not being able to visit home for at least 6 months (Getting married at the end of May, filing the EAD/AOS/AP papers shortly after - and I hear it takes at least 3 months to process).

On a side note - anyone know if it's possible to stay a dual citizen? With such strong canadian ties (tons of family and friends) - I don't know if I can give that all up. Is it possible to keep my Ontario Driver's license? I hear they take that when you apply for a US one. And lastly - for SSN, if I checked off the box on a form to apply for one (i forget which form, but it was one I sent in for the K-1) - do I need to still apply for one after I get there? Or will that automatically get sent after I arrive?

Sorry for so many side-tracked questions!
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-20 11:57:00
CanadaCan I visit him while the K1 is in progress???
Cat -
Your response to the CO was HILARIOUS. Personally, I would have been sh*tting in my pants at this point b/c those ppl freak the ####### out of me, eventhough I have nothing to hide. I wish I would have had the guts to say something like that when I was stopped at the border.

Congrats on getting through!
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-20 11:15:00
CanadaCan I visit him while the K1 is in progress???
QUOTE (flames9 @ Mar 14 2008, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm sure it wi lgo well!! And there have been Vjer's that have been denied, and it was brought up at the interview and wasn't a problem,as long as ya tell the truth!!


I agree - I have been denied at the border before even applying for a K-1. I didn't show strong ties to Canada, had been staying with the boyf (at the time) a month at a time - but coming home every so often - and this was all before even knowing what a K-1 Visa was. I thought it would kill my chances at the visa, but it didn't. As long as you are honest during your interview and explain what happened. They know anyways - it's on their computer screen! My interviewer even said "It happens more often than you think". So take solace in that if anything does happen. luv.gif
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-20 11:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers

Just to update everyone, got an RFE today :( Not sure what else more they could want.


Hang in there - I also got an RFE, sent it in and now I have a greencard in my hand in only a few week's time.

For mine, they were missing the Tax return documents - did you include those? Then there's joint bills, accounts, I submitted a letter from my employer stating my husband is listed under my life and health insurance. Can't think of anything else at the moment.

But good luck!
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-04-25 16:10:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers
OMG - best news ever - I GOT MY GREENCARD IN THE MAIL TODAY!
I sent my RFE in early april and today I got the most wonderful envelope in the mail today - actually, 2 envelopes from USCIS. One stating they approved my status and to expect a card, and the second one was the actual card!! It was approved on 4/20/11.

SO happy! Thanks to all for the support and hang in there the rest of you - it will happen soon. :star:
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-04-25 16:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers

The only financial evidence we submitted was 2 joint bank accounts and 2009 tax returns. I figured since they already had 2008 from the AOS application, 2009 would be enough. But since you're responding to an RFE might as well be safe than sorry and send 2008, 2009 and 2010 (if you have it already). Good luck.


Unfortunately, don't have 2010 yet, so I'm just submitting 2008 & 2009. I never knew our CPA could email me our returns - how easy! One annoying thing though, is that they got my SSN wrong. I hope that doesn't matter to the USCIS people. In the RFE, they included a regular sized return envelope with their address on it. Clearly, I can't fit 2 years of Tax returns in that teensy white envelope. I thought that was a little odd. I will add a few more old credit card bills and joint bank acct statements just in case.

Thanks for the support!!
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-04-06 13:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers

I'm pretty sure that if you added the tax documents it would have been ok. As for telephone bills, those are usually considered secondary proof, so it makes sense they did not think it was ok. Also, with the insurance, you shouldn't get a letter from the employer but one from the insurance company/companies which states he is a beneficiary. Thing is, those things are very easy to make yourself, and that is probably why they didn't accept it.


Thanks JeroenAndMichelle - I should have included them, but after all the stress of getting everything ready last minute, going to CPA seemed like a big deal at the time. I learned my lesson now! Hopefully it won't derail the process too much. It's just annoying b/c we've already submitted tax documents before. :bonk:
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-04-05 12:48:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers
Received RFE on 3/28/11 requesting more financial proof that we're married. I had a feeling this would happen since I got lazy and didn't add the Tax docs. We live with my in laws still though, so I don't have a mortgage or utility bills in our name. We have a cell phone bill, which I will include many past invoices (I think I just included one), a joint account and a credit card. I guess a letter from my employer stating he's listed under me for my health insurance and life insurance wasn't enough. Sheesh - you'd think after spending years compiling so much information from them, that the last hump wouldn't require as much stuff.

I have until May 6th to send it all, hopefully will get the tax docs this week or next. :angry:
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-04-04 10:03:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers
Could someone please move my file from VSC to California? Also - my receipt date for NOA was 1/6/11. :)

Thanks!
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-02-19 11:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers

The current fee is $365 for form I-90 and $85 for biometrics. BTW just because you become a US Citizen does not mean you automatically lose Canadian citizenship. Instead you become dual citizen. Perhaps this page is helpful: Dual Citizenship FAQ


Thanks. :)
I think it's more like I don't want to study U.S. history and remember all these facts that most U.S. born people wouldn't even know. :blush:
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-02-16 13:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers

I read alot that they like to have shared mortgage or lease papers...It looks like from the NOA that you can still send stuff in if you feel like.


We still live with my in-laws, so we don't have mortgage/lease papers. Let's cross our fingers and hope they don't want that. Anyone have any ideas how long they might take to inform us if they want more info?
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-02-16 13:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers

I wanted to ask that when you all get a chance, please update your Immigration Timeline (http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/) since it'll be helpful for future users to view what the I-751 average timeline looks like without having to look at specific threads. :) I think it's another way to just help others.

Good luck to all! We are almost done with USCIS! Also, I'd like to remind everyone that if you decide not to go the citizenship route when you are finally eligible, the fee to renew a 10 yr card may increase... USCIS evaluates the fee schedule every 2 yrs, and sometimes increases the fees. Just a heads up! Good luck!


Would you happen to know what the current fee to renew the 10 yr card? I'm Canadian and I would prefer to stay Canadian.

Thanks!
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-02-10 09:03:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 January filers
Hello Fellow January Filers!

I haven't been on the Forum in FOREVER (that 2 year paperwork break was nice), and now I'm back on here. Sent my stuff in early January (I think Jan 5th) and had a sent next day with USPS. Got my NOA sometime while I was on vacation (Jan 12 or 13) and I now have my Biometrics appt in Grand Rapids on 2/14/11 - what a romantic way to spend Valentine's day, right?

Crossing my fingers for no RFE - but I was sort of lazy and didn't include a tax return, but I included one in the last package. I'm SURE I'll get an RFE now that I've just mentioned it. Any ideas on what they're looking for here, besides the obvious 'are you still married'? We had another much bigger wedding after the quickie wedding and I was sure to include the invitation, thank you card and cards from friends. Then I included a few bills in both our names, a letter from my employer stating my husband is listed under my health and life insurance, pics and travel documents of our trips together. What more could they want?

Good luck to all - it's nice to have people to gripe to about this never-ending process. :wacko:
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2011-02-07 15:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm Confused...
QUOTE (GlenAndLisa @ Mar 6 2008, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Steve @ Mar 6 2008, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

I assume with 'shipping things' you mean your fiance's personal belongings. If so, there is no restriction (at least not to my knowledge). I have started shipping clothes over to my fiance and I'm now planning to send other personal belongings over with a professional moving company. The value of the items needs to be declared on the documents and accordingly you/your fiance will have to pay customs. Don't worry about it. Your fiance will be alright shipping things over.

All the best!!!!!


Thank you. That's what I thought, but I read something on here about how someone was unable to do that... but maybe they didn't have their Visa yet.


Hello,
That was me you're talking about probably! smile.gif
What had happened was my fiance was visiting me, and I figured, on his way back he could bring some of my clothes (well, quite a bit actually). At the border, when they asked who all this stuff belonged to, he explained they were mine, and that I had a Visa, etc. They told him he couldn't bring the items without ME present. :| And he had to turn around, put my stuff in storage on the Canadian side and cross again, but w/out my clothes. (not before being questioned/detained for over an hour - my AMERICAN fiance...)

I suppose the border cops were following procedure by not allowing him to bring in my stuff before I go there myself. I wonder if my fiance had said a different story - things might have turned out differently...
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-06 22:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRefused at the border?
Kathryn - thanks so much for the rundown. It's so frustrating when you think you know it, then someone else tells you otherwise (border official), then you find out that you were right in the first place. I know we're all adults, but these processes can get so confusing and a little guidance is needed from time to time. Thank goodness for this forum - I'd be lost w/out it!

Granted, I am fortunate that I can still leave whatever isn't important in my parent's house still - and only bring the necessities (clothes, shoes, purses!). Isn't sending heavy items costly?

Has anyone here applied for the AP?
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-06 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRefused at the border?
I was under that impression too (regarding not crossing after receiving your K1)! But the border guy today told him the opposite. I'm wondering if they do that to just mess you up... unsure.gif

I am also doing the Vegas thing!! At the end of May this year. smile.gif
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-06 17:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRefused at the border?
There was no full bag search - he upfront told the guy what the deal was.

Ya, I guess we weren't aware of the whole "no items preceding you" thing. Ugh - so many rules and no one to tell them all to you until it's too late. Well, 2 years ago, I decided to take long trips (month long) to visit him and he brought some of my stuff over before - no problems. I guess the second he mentioned "visa" - that set alarm bells off or something. I am just frustrated with how things are not clear cut.

I had previously thought that after I enter the US with my K1 Visa, I am not able to enter back to Canada until after we got married. The border person told my fiance the opposite - that I can enter Canada after I cross the border initially - but that I can't enter Canada shortly after we get married until I get my papers. Which is correct?! Because it was based on the first theory why I tried bringing some things down there before I got there - b/c I was afraid I wouldn't be able to come back to get my stuff until months later! You can only fit so many clothes, shoes, purses in a small SUV. And 5 1/2 hrs isn't a fun drive several times.

I guess i really shouldn't have given my fiance so much stuff. I feel so bad that he had to go through that - his own border ppl gave him a hard time. Now we're looking into putting my stuff into storage so that he can finally go home!

Thanks to all for the tips.

P.S. - anyone know anything about Advance Parole?? Do i need that to come back home? Ugh - so confused by all of this. I thought the worry was over after getting the Visa...
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-06 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRefused at the border?
I recently had gotten approved for my K-1 Visa, but wasn't planning on moving until April 08. My fiance (american) was visiting me recently and on his way back, I decided to give him some things to bring back. Well, I didn't know I had to be there in order for him to bring my used clothes/shoes back. Is this a new rule? Or just a made up power-trip rule? Now he has to find a storage area on the Canadian side to store my things (the border is 3 hours away from where I live). Oh, and this wasn't the first time being rejected. I was previously rejected for visiting "too long".
jess&andrewFemaleCanada2008-03-06 15:31:00