ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Question Clarifications

Hi, VJ. It's been a while since I last visited but I am in the process of filling out my n400. 

 

In the travel section, Part 7 it asks questions based on the previous 5 years but I am applying based on marriage and have been in the country less than 5 years. I've looked at the instructions and they don't seem to help much. 

 

Question A - How many days outside the US in 5 years? Is this since I have been officially in the USA upon coming on my K1?

 

Question B - How many trips outside the USA in 5 years? Is this also specific to since I have been here as well?

 

What is weird is that question C is quite specific to the actual trips taken since becoming a lawful permanent resident. 

 

It would not make sense to include the time I was in Canada before arriving on my K1 for questions A and B? Or am I missing something. 

 

Please advise or provide your interpretation. 

 

I appreciate your help. Nice to be back. 

 

 


seekersharerMaleCanada2013-07-21 22:44:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNew free tool for studying the 100 questions

Hi fellow VJer's. 

 

I just finished my interview yesterday and wanted to share something I did to assist me to study for my test. It is based on the whole concept of Pareto. What's the minimum I have to know in order to accomplish my result?

 

So, rather than try to study the "red book" which has multiple answers, or listen to the CD, or even use the multitude apps and resources out there,  I realized that I only needed to know "one" answer from each question, not all of them. I also realized that the same answer applied to multiple questions. So, in order to study efficiently, I created a single page document with all the single answers I needed from the 100 possible options. 

 

This made preparation really easy. One page to study. One page to carry around. 

 

http://tomadams.com/...ew-study-guide/

 

It is my suggestion that you "write or type" it out for yourself first. It's been clearly proven that there is a solid link between writing it by hand and how it connects to your memory. I wrote this first by hand, then made it into a digital document. 

 

I hope it can be helpful to you.

 

I am incredibly thankful for how giving this community has been and how much it has assisted me over the last 6 years. This is my small attempt to give back. 

 

Cheers! 

Tom Adams


seekersharerMaleCanada2013-10-12 13:12:00
CanadaNOA2 Recieved... Next Steps Now
Thanks for your feedback.

1. I'll add both boys in my forms as "will follow later" - just to give both the option.

Follow-up question: After a year, does my youngest (not yet 18) have easy access to the US despite missing the time line on the K2 option?

2. Still uncertain as to what to do here. I did a spreadsheet calculation to see how soon i should respond based on the quickest turnaround I had seen of 73 days. I wanted to ensure I don't have an issue with my April speech. Thus if I return my packet 3 even early in February, I don't think it will be an issue. Once I cross the border with my K1, I'll be happy to stay till I get my Advanced parole.

Didn't get a sense from anyone that it;s easy to change an appointment. So I'll assume it's difficulty and not beneficial.

3. I'll be careful in taking my things across the border. I have strong ties to Canada still. Lease on house and car. Ownership of a business. Separation agreement with shared custody of my kids. Thanks for your input.

Any other thots on 1 and 2 would be appreciated.

Tom
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-01-19 16:57:00
CanadaNOA2 Recieved... Next Steps Now
Hi...

This is my first post on VJ but have been a diligent seeker and learner from the boards for the last 6 months. Thank you immensely for all your help and community expertise. It made a huge difference in our application and more importantly our confidence in doing it.

We sent in our 129f application on October 31st and got our NOA2 last week. We were extremely surprised and were not expecting a 66 day turnaround on that. Yippee!!! Very excited.

Which leads to the next round of things to prepare and some questions based on my own situation.

1. I have two teenage sons. The oldest is 18 and attending university in the fall of 2009. My youngest is 16 - going on 17 in April (grade 11). I fully expect that my oldest will not follow... so I expect that he will not be included as such in my application. But my youngest... it's still uncertain with him. If I get my K1 by April or May, he is required to get his K2 within one year of my K1 approval... and then be in the US within 6 months of his K2 being issued. Thus I am planning on including him as one who will follow me.

My question relates to "will follow you" options.

a. If my son is expecting to follow me, am I required to submit all his documents etc at this time to Montreal with my P3...or do we wait till he goes for his K2 within a year? Is he required to have an medical and interview at this point? Or does that all wait till later?

b. Despite the fact that my oldest will likely not follow me, would it be prudent for me to at least keep the option open for him by saying he will follow me? (on the DS156 and DS230-1)

c. If neither son makes the decision to accompany me within the one year period, how easy is it to have them come at a later date? I have read that my youngest son, being under 18 when my fiance and I will be married has privilege that my oldest son will not have being that he would be 18 at the time we are married. Please help me clarify this if you can.

2. I am scheduled to speak at couple of pretty high profile events in the US that I cannot miss. One the first week of April, the second the second week of May. My concern is this... is there any possibility my interview will fall on either of those dates? I realize there is no answer to this question officially and it changes all the time ( 66 days for our NOA2 for example).

I notice that the Montreal interview is scheduled based on how quickly or slowly I return my packet 3. (is that right?)

Thus, based on the current average timeline from day packet 3 sent and the interview being 101 days (which is a sample of 10 recent K1 Montreal interviews from the time they sent their P3 in) if I receive my packet 3 in early February and return it mid to late February, does it seem reasonable to assume I wouldn't get an interview till mid May or later? The math works. But are there instances when it ends up being one month turnaround?

Bottom line, I can't afford to have an interview in Montreal and a speaking engagement in New Orleans on the same day. That would not be good. They are both first thing in the morning. Might not be able to do both. :-)

Which leads to my question. Should I postpone sending my P3 packet to Montreal to ensure I don't risk conflict with the April speaking gig? Or just send it ASAP and hope for the best. The possible worst case scenario means I'd have to change a consulate appointment? Has it been done? Are there consequences?

What is a better approach... respond later with P3 package or change the interview date?

3. I promise this is my last question tonight... but likely more to follow in the days ahead.

I travel to the US frequently for business purposes and also to visit my fiance. Can I start taking my personal things every time I cross the border? Nothing significant, but I do have books, picture, clothes and other personal effects that would easily fill a suitcase every trip. What do you think? Should I keep taking stuff across every time I go? Am I at risk doing this?

Thanks again for all your thoughts and advice. I appreciate them in advance.

Cheers!
Tom




seekersharerMaleCanada2009-01-18 18:44:00
CanadaDS-160
Thanks for the feedback.

I'd put 70 years, but at my age, even 50 years to stay might be pushing it.

And thanks for clarifying the petition number as well.

I'm a huge fan of all you VJ contributors.



seekersharerMaleCanada2009-02-08 17:46:00
CanadaDS-160
Just doing a dry run through the DS-160 in prep for Packet 3 to arrive.

On the Travel Information Page, about half way through it asks about Application Receipt/Petition Number.

Based on the letter my US Fiancee received from State Department, should I use the INS Receipt Number as listed on that form

OR the MTL case number, also listed on that form.

The wording leads me to believe it's the INS Receipt number and not the MTL case number? Any thots?

See the screen shot below.

Also, it asks if I have plans and how long it is I plan to stay...

I put 50 years - does that make sense?

Let me know if you can.

Thanks


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-02-08 16:09:00
CanadaCase number from NVC but no packet 3
So... officially we're in administrative processing - the dreaded blackhole of NVC.

I've done some searching on VJ and looks like AP leaves you uncertain of what is happening and really adds to the timeline. Weeks or even months.

Any others Canadians have experience with this?

There seems to be no answers at NVC or DOS... to what the cause or reason might be.

Very frustrating.

t
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-02-13 19:28:00
CanadaCase number from NVC but no packet 3
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Feb 10 2009, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do you know what date it left the NVC? I would call the NVC, they are very helpful and ask them when they sent it.


What's the best number to do that? Is that the 202-663-1225 x 1 then 0?


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-02-10 17:01:00
CanadaCase number from NVC but no packet 3
Hey VJ's

On January 15th my fiancee received the letter from NVC confirming they are forwarding the K1 application to Montreal.

It lists my INS receipt number and MTL number

Based on other timelines studied, it seemed like I should have the Packet 3 already.

So today I sent an email to Montreal consulate... here was their reply

We do not have a file pending in Montreal under your name or case number. As soon as the file is received we will mail the packet.

Regards,
Operator 5


Any suggestion as to what i should do?

Call NVC? what;s the best number? Can I do from Canada?
or just wait?

Something seems weird to me.

Would love to get your advice.

Thanks
t
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-02-10 16:44:00
CanadaChildren To Follow - DS-230 & DS-160
It's always nice to know someone has done it before.

My sincere gratitude to all those in the VJ community who make the process so much easier for those of following behind you.

Thanks again.

QUOTE (raymaga @ Mar 16 2009, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I replied to your PM to me giving you the information.

Let me know if you need any other questions answered.

I forgot to mention in my PM to you that after your children obtain their K-2 visas, they have six months to use them, just like the K-1 visa.


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-03-16 19:57:00
CanadaChildren To Follow - DS-230 & DS-160
Just received my packet 3 today and am confused as to what to do with forms related to my kids. They are listed on the letter.

I included both my children on our !-129f. But, they will not follow me till at least a year from now, and potentially not after that either.

Do I need to fill out a DS 230 and DS 160 for both of them now? Or do I do that once they choose to move forward?

Any advice on this would be appreciated.

Thanks


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-03-16 12:26:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
Unlike many of your stories, I met my fiancee almost 30 years ago.

We grew up in South Western Ontario. Our families attended the same church together. She was a couple of years older than me but I was completely infatuated with her. Her younger sister liked me and I have since heard she was always mad at her older sister for taking me from her. I wish I had known then.

There are a number of stories through those early childhood years. We went on a week long family boat trip up the Rideau Canal one year and during that trip my beloved dropped a necklace at a dock we were tied at for a day camping. I, ignored my friends and spent hours looking for it. I eventually found it. I gave it to her hoping to win her heart. In my dreams only.

A few years later when she was a teenager, she worked at Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream. After church on Sunday nights, we would go for ice cream. I would purposefully make sure I could always be lined up so I could get her to serve me. I loved getting ice cream from her. Rocky road, chocolate mint and anything else she ever gave me in those little pink spoons. And her very strong right arm. That impressed me. But she never knew how much I liked her. And even if I had, she was just that little bit too old for me. But in my heart she was my beautiful.

Our lives went from there... in very separate ways. For almost 30 years. And lots of story that affected our lives in the interim. Then about 5 years ago I was speaking at a conference in San Diego. One of my friends, who happened to be my beloved's cousin, suggested I look her up as she lived there. She thought we would understand each other a lot and have much in common. So I got her email address and wrote her. And we arranged to meet and have dinner.

Wow... the evening came and we met and talked for hours catching up... sharing our lives and where we had been in the previous 30. And it seemed like 5 minutes. She was a kindred spirit. A soul friend. We clicked. For the first time in my life I felt like this person actually got me. I felt so free with her.

But because our lives were what they were... with our individual families, in separate countries, we continued with our lives, not even assuming anything other than that. We didn't communicate for more than 2 years other than a couple of random emails. Mainly because each of us was embroiled and dealing with our own lives. But somehow, that single meal changed something.

And then one day, out of the blue I got an email from her. She was checking in with me. Just to see how I was. And in a wonderfully serendipitous way, we were in the exact same place in our lives. The timing couldn't have been more right. Through difficult days we supported each other remotely.

And then - the rest, as they say - is history. A story that is wonderful to remember and full of delightful anticipation for the future.

Today I am waiting for Packet 3 to show up from Montreal. In many ways I can't believe it and at the same time can't imagine it any other way.

Thanks for letting me share my story. And in some small way, share this journey of immigration with you.

All the best as you create your own wonderful story!

t
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-02-08 21:04:00
CanadaWhat to say in interview re: employment
Thanks for the information. I just have noticed in reading enough interview posts that it seems to come up. Hence my query. Thanks for all your advice.

t
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-04-28 10:24:00
CanadaWhat to say in interview re: employment
I'm preparing for an interview in Montreal. (the waiting is brutal some days)

As I read interview posts, it becomes apparent that the Montreal officials seem to ask/inquire about employment.

Here's my dilemma. I own my own corporation in Canada and am a significant shareholder and (unpaid) officer of a new US corporation that is getting started before I arrive so I have a US business to replace my Canadian one.

How exactly do I prove I won't be working? I won't/can't take a paycheck from my US company until I employment authorization. But, if they understand entrepreneurs, I work even when i am sleeping sometimes.

So if they say... what are you going to do in the US? I won't say "look for a job in X" cause that would be lying. If I say, going to set up a company... that's working isn't it - even if I don't get paid?

My Canadian corp will be shutting down by end of July... but I won't be taking a paycheck from it either cause officially, I can't work for it either in the US once I get me K1.

I'm uncertain as to what direction I should take if this question were to come up.

Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be appreciated.

Cheers!
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-04-28 00:03:00
CanadaOur Montreal Experience!
Great review... thanks for sharing.
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-04-30 22:16:00
CanadaCrossing into the US together while waiting for interview
Very cool. Glad to hear it went okay.

Carrying my documents every time I traveled definitely added confidence to every border crossing. And I do it a lot for business and visiting my fiancee.

Enjoy your time together.
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 22:05:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
QUOTE (JillA @ Jul 9 2009, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Jul 9 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just thought i'd report on my SSN experience. I went today at the local office here in Littleton and everything went smoothly. She took my application and my passport, typed in the computer for a couple minutes, had me sign a form and said I will have my card in 2 weeks or less.

Maybe this means I was actually in the system?


That's exactly what happened to me! You should have it real soon


I too went to get my SSN yesterday at office in Oceanside CA. Was in and out in 20 minutes. Two big factors made it easy said the social security employee who took my application.

1. I waited long enough to be officially in the SAVE system... ( just under 4 weeks is how long I waited)
2. they do enough K1's to know the procedure.

So I too was promised the card within 5-7 days.

I also got my biometrics notice today... so I have that going for me. Yay!!!!

Now to start studying for my California drivers tests. Yes, both a written and driven.

It's been almost 30 years since I took a drivers test.

Yikes.




seekersharerMaleCanada2009-07-09 17:17:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
QUOTE (poprocks @ May 28 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks guys! I'm just sitting here waiting for movers to arrive!

We are leaving tmrw morning. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

Trailmix is right, I'm not nervous or superly excited? I'm 'all business'! Lol'! I think once I cross, I'll breathe a sigh of relief! Right now it's kinda surreal smile.gif

My fiancé is here, so it is nice to finally be together! Mind you we will be apart again for my two week Disney vacation but that's not the same smile.gif

Nice to know that the 'apart' stage is closing in LOL! Yeay!!!!!


Poprocks... do well today. Moving days can be intense.

We're cheering for you.

t
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-28 08:49:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
QUOTE (poprocks @ May 26 2009, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeay JulyB!!! Another task off your list!

So my fiancé gets here tmrw!!!! I can't wait! We haven't seen each other since the interview!!!

Movers will be here on Thurs, then we are off Friday morning!!!!

My fiancé said on the phone 'I'm coming to get my bride!!!!' haha! So cute!

I have my last hair appmnt tmrw with my hairdresser too sad.gif I'm gonna go back to brown for a while...gotta find a new hairdresser...you girls know how hard that is! Lol'!


Congrats PopRocks... hope the next few days are really good for you.

Edited by seekersharer, 26 May 2009 - 06:24 PM.

seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-26 18:23:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
QUOTE (poprocks @ May 25 2009, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, I'm moving in 4 days
Any last minute reminders?
So far so good....I feel like something may be forgotten I'd missed?!


Wow... it's come quick hasn't it?

My advice... leave MIL, KID and SO in the other car... then for a while make sure your remember to bring a couple of CD's. Burn some if you need to. Turn them on and play them loud!!!! And sing like you can't help but sing.

Not sure what your musical style is but I have created a Ipod playlist for my wait at Toronto airport POE and flight to San Diego.

Some great traveling / emigrating and immigrating tunes.

That's my moving advice. (not likely what you were looking for)




seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 22:58:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
Yah... the list seems to grow longer the closer we get to moving. I've added at least 73 today.

So yes, you have to notify banks, mutual funds etc.

And if you do own anything... home, shares etc... then it gets even more intense. Two hours with the accountant yesterday were quite depressing.

My accountant is not a cross border expert either, but the details in the CRA guidelines are clear...

QUOTE
Generally, you are an emigrant for income tax purposes if you leave Canada to settle in another country and you sever your residential ties with Canada. Severing your residential ties may include:
? disposing of or giving up a home in Canada and establishing a permanent home in another country;
? having your spouse or common-law partner (see the definition in the General Income Tax and Benefit Guide) and dependants leave Canada; and
? disposing of personal property and breaking social ties in Canada, and acquiring or establishing them in another country.


CRA is Canada Revenue Agency.

Sigh!


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 22:37:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
I will keep searching. I am definitely buying and think it might be better to go the immigrant insurance way.

Not to change the subject, but since this thread was about preparing to leave and the AOS etc... here's another thing to consider.

I had a long chat with my accountant yesterday - yes double time fees yesterday - and he reminded me about filing my NR73.

It's that form that tells CRA that you are permanently leaving and changing your residency status.

http://www.cra-arc.g...73/nr73-08e.pdf

Just another item to add to the existing 7523 items on your to-do list.

happy.gif
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 22:12:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
QUOTE (poprocks @ May 24 2009, 01:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Technically you have to be a Canadian resident with the 'intent' of returning in order to qualify for provincial coverage. If we are moving with no intent of returning, in essence we are forfeiting our coverage. That being said, it is a grey area, as we technically have no status in the US when we arrive. If an insurance company was aware of this at the time they rec've your claim, it could be an issue. But, being that it is a relatively short period of time, it could go through with no problems.

And here's to hoping, none of us will have to use it!!!


The frustration of insurance. You don't buy it for the healthy normal, you buy it for the unexpected.

I guess my concern is... if in the 3 weeks before I get on my wifes plan I broke my arm (or worse)... and it cost me $1000, then is the $100 of insurance worth it?

Travel insurance requires a return to Canada... for treatment. If I refuse to return, I suspect not only do I pay the bill but might even lead to more issues. Is that worth $100?

I fully expect to flush that money down the toilet. But in the unlikely event I did need treatment, it was well worth the $100.



seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-24 12:10:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
Yep...extremely busy.

Just did a ton more looking and c9 is the right one. The a6 expires with the K1 after 90 days. Not so good.

Thanks Jill.
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-23 19:38:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
Hi all of those in moving mode, AOS/AP/EAD, and all other related issues prep.

I haven't got my K1 visa yet, but here is my own crazy timeline.

Montreal Interview - June 2
Expected delivery of Visa - June 9
Flight/Move to US booked - June 11 (should I be nervous?)
Wedding - June 13.

I might actually be getting married before some of you. Yikes, it's coming quick.

So I have the entire binder of stuff ready for Montreal interview and am now working AOS stuff.

As I am working through all the information, here are some questions I have that I hope you might be able to help me with.

1. On the I-765, question 16 asks about eligibility categories. The example form in VJ suggests ©(9) but as I read the instruction guidebook from UCSIS it seems to fit more with the (a)(6) category. K-1 Non-Immigrant Fiance of US Citizen. I've read both categories a number of times and can;t figure it out.

What are you putting? I'm confused.

2. If I don't have a SSN before I send AOS, do I just put "n/a" or "none" on the forms?

3. Place of entry? If I clear customs in Canada at Toronto airport, is that what i put? Or is the city the plane is flying to?

4. Finally, upon entry into the US, what are you doing about medical insurance. I can;t get on my wife's plan till July 1st. I searched for some options and found some plans for those involved in immigration. They are month to month plans. What are you doing in the interim?

Those of you who have said that this process is consuming and stressful, I couldn't agree more. I'm finding myself very weary about it all. but the good thing is what it all means... for that i am grateful.

Any advice on the above items would be appreciated.

Sincerely
Tom



seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-23 18:46:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
As trailmix says... it'll happen. Think clearly. Be strong.

The interview is easy if you are fully prepared.

All the best!!!!!
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-06-03 09:38:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Thanks... it is very exciting...

I really appreciate it.

seekersharerMaleCanada2009-06-03 07:55:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Hi everyone at VJ

Just wanted to let you know that we had our interview in Montreal yesterday morning and we got it!!!! YAY.

it all went as planned... just like expected. Nothing unusual or unexpected. In fact, waaaaaaaaaay prepared and glad of it.

VJ's first in line... with all the right stuff. Very cool.

Out by 10 am ( only because computer issues - likely would have been a lot sooner)

I'll do a separate review... but it'll be short as I am moving out of Canada on the 11th and getting married by June 13th.

So, again, thank you to all of you who have helped to this stage. it has been incredible.

AOS next....

Cheers!
tom
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-06-03 07:20:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Thanks for that. That was very helpful.

So they keep the police report original and all the form/prepared originals...

Bummer they kept the original translation with notary... that was the hardest one for me to get.

But they give you back all your own originals. Birth certificate, divorce certificate etc. Thats good.

Should I ask for them back? or is it just expected they keep them.

tom

seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-26 10:02:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Okay, that helps. I was getting concerned they would take and keep the original divorce certificates, birth certificates and the like.

As long as it is originals for forms then that's okay. I don;t want to lose any of those.

Thanks for the advice to have an extra copy JulyBride.. I have an extra backup copy of everything, but are you suggesting I take that one too? Wow, that's a huge set of stuff.

Poprocks??? Original I'd's? What do you mean by that?

I was feeling like I had absolutely everything and now I am starting to wonder again.

tom
seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 22:01:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Oh yes, that helps. Any other advice on layout of what worked for you would be greatly appreciated.

Do they keep all the originals? or after you give them originals and copies, do they give them back?

I am realizing that we need a lot of the same documents for AOS too.


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 21:47:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
I got my appointment for early June... I haven't found many others during that time.

See my timeline below.

So I have a question about paperwork for the interview.

I have all of the paperwork ready...

I have an originals binder and a copy binder... with every document in a plastic sleeve, and every section or specific document annotated with tabs like lawyers do. (My fiance administrates a law firm so she knows how to put legal looking docs together)

But I wonder if there is any way to prepare the stuff I have to be ready to hand in when they say "hand me your paperwork"

I have read they want some originals (police report etc) and some copies (passport bio page).

Do they need two of anything?

Does anyone remember the specifics?

BTW - You are all the best!!!!!!!!!

tom

seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-25 21:20:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
I too have learned the gift of letting it go. Not the easy way.

I spent some time obsessing over the timeline.

Heck, I had multi-tab spreadsheets with shortest to longest time lines... all related to VJ stats. I was calling once a day too. Every updated timeline adjusted my stats. While being an very infrequent poster, I was certainly around alot.

Then stuff happens and requires you to realize that you are not always in control and it's not what happens to you - it how you respond that counts.

Every page on my spreadsheets suggested we would be through State Dept/NVC and to Montreal after our NOA2 was approved in 6-9 days. There was pretty overwhelming proof here on the boards. Heck, we even got the form from them that said our application was forwarded to Montreal.

Almost 7 weeks later we got the Packet 3.

That tended to be a gentle {read - boot to the head} reminder that we do all we can to make the process work, and then let it go. We can't control it.

I like what poprocks suggests - use your energy in a positive way - although I suspect even poprocks believes it's easier said than done some days.

But, this I also discovered...

There's something magically delicious about letting it go for two entire weeks and not calling and stressing... letting the system work in it's own seemingly insane way... focusing attention on all the wonderful reasons we're doing this in the first place and then after that freedom, making the call to NVC only to hear the wonderful words of an NVC agent saying our interview got scheduled a few days ago.

That's sweeeet!!!!

Hang in there on this journey. Enjoy the ride. The destination is important, but getting there is where we learn alot about ourselves and our capacity to accomplish things.

Have fun.

Cheers!





seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-23 23:12:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Just wanted to let you know I found out about my appointment today. I called NVC - 1, then 0... and then she said...

Yes, you are scheduled for June 2 at 9am.

Wow... never knew how much that would affect me. I hung up, and called my beloved in California... still reeling. She is too.

What for weeks has felt like time was inching along at a frustratingly slow pace, all of a sudden changed. In an instant. Like the turbo boosters kicked in and now I realize that I have 1,389,563 things left to do and not nearly enough time. Interview prep is fine. I have that all ready. It's all the other stuff that now has a deadline on it.

Thanks for being such a huge part of the journey these last 10 months. I can't imagine doing it without you.

cheers!




seekersharerMaleCanada2009-05-01 09:10:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Hi all...

Just finished my medical this morning at Seiden. Thanks again for all the information in the posts. It was very helpful. Knowledge is power and having it in these situations makes the process so much easier.

Some thots and reminders.

1. I was there at 6:15am and was 4th in line. i would have been 2nd or 3rd but the Starbucks across the street was just too tempting having already driven 1.5 hours. The latte and poppyseed loaf hot the spot... and the clean bathroom.

The door was opened to Seidens office shortly after 6:35 and the receptionist let the 4 of us in.

Have your letter in hand. Very frustrating for those behind if you are not prepared.

2. Within 10 minutes I was called by intake secretary ( see #3) Then quickly to x-ray. Walked out of x-ray and receptionist was waiting for me and took me right into exam room. Everyone after me went back to waiting room. So, being one of the first 4 means you get one of the first waiting rooms it appears. So be within 1st four if you can possibly help it.

3. Have right bills for intake secretary who you see first. She told me how frustrating it is when people don't have the correct bills. I actually had two separate envelopes. One with $50 for Fedex and the other with the $275.

4. She also mentioned how many people don't listen to her on the phone. Having a simple way to give here everything she requested makes the process very easy. Passport - check, pictures - check, proof of immunizations - check, cash for medical - check, cash for fedex - check, address for Fedex - check!!

This all makes a happy intake secretary.

5. In the exam room I was weighed and measured by receptionist who let us in the office. I was told to wait to get my blood pressure done. 10 minutes later, a doctor came in and took it. He then asked me to get on the gown... and wait. I re-weighed myself with gown. A much better number. 4 pounds lighter than with shoes and clothes on. I also noticed how "drop dead sexy" I looked in my gown. biggrin.gif

6. 15 minutes later, next doctor arrived. Ran through immunizations, medical history in 2 minutes. Then onto the table for quick once over... done in 5 minutes. Be sure to have all proof. Nothing to report for this.

7. Then I waited less than 5 minutes for bloodwork. Into the chair... blood extracted.

8. Handed my little slip back to receptionist and then out the door. Time - 8:12am.

Easy and painless. But as I left I noticed the waiting room was packed and people were standing. You have to be there early to get out early.

Now, I too am waiting for my interview date in Montreal.

Hope that helps.

Be kind, be patient and find joy this day.

Cheers
tom


seekersharerMaleCanada2009-03-25 11:50:00