ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAddress for Montreal US Consulate

Thanks for your replies. Really appreciate that.

SO in the photos she needs to stand on the left door and not on right door, am i correct?


Yep! :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-15 14:34:00
CanadaAddress for Montreal US Consulate
First address is the mailing address, second is the physical address. The entrance to the consulate is in an alley/side street but the building is quite large and visible from the main street. She should line up at the doors that list the consulate hours and what things are permitted inside. They're two very large glass double doors.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-14 14:25:00
CanadaForm I-864 for interview
The checklist is for both K1s and IR1/CR1s. It's a bit confusing that way, but rest assured as a K1 you DO NOT need the 864- that is for AOS and for IR1/CR1s. Instead, you will fill out the I-134, which is similar. It'd be really helpful if Montreal would distinguish that for applicants but they don't. :/

Here is a guide for K1s going through Montreal: http://www.visajourn...guide-montreal/

I had my K1 interview in Montreal in August and brought the I-134 and was approved.

You will need at least the three most recent tax returns or tax transcripts of the USC. I suggest you get extra copies because you will need them again when you adjust status. If you bring tax returns make sure you bring photocopies of them including the W2 because Montreal wants to keep copies of it.

Edited by pocheros, 15 January 2012 - 08:37 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-15 20:34:00
CanadaMore relationship evidence for interview?
I wouldn't bother if you already have other evidence- electronic communication is further down on the list of evidence of a relationship. Photos, passport stamps, plane tickets, receipts, etc. and whatever the originals you sent to NVC were serve better as evidence.

If you want to bring it just in case just print off a few things here and there from different points of time- no need to print off 50 pages of the stuff.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-15 14:31:00
CanadaTranslation / background online
I *think* you will have to get two background checks- one from Brazil, and one from Canada. Getting one in Toronto is easy- just go to your local police station and ask if they do name-checks with the Canada police information centre (CPIC) or the national criminal records repository. If your local one doesn't do it they should redirect you to one that does. Note that this is NOT the RCMP check with fingerprints- that is unnecessary UNLESS you have a criminal history. Also my police check cost $50 for the first copy and $5 for every copy after that. I had to produce all the addresses I've lived in for the last 5 years.

No idea about how you go about obtaining a background check from Brazil while living abroad.

Translations should be certified. Make sure they look professional at least. I had my translation done by a member of the ATIO (association of translators and interpreters of Ontario) and then notarized by a commissioner of oath. The translation cost $80, the notarization was free. I have contact info for the translator's office in Mississauga lying around somewhere if you'd like it. :)

Edit: Here is some information on getting a police check from Brazil http://www.cic.gc.ca...amer/brazil.asp

Edited by pocheros, 16 January 2012 - 09:54 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-16 21:46:00
CanadaSocial Security Card - ID Requirements?
I only brought my passport with a valid I-94 and my birth certificate with its accompanying translation and that was enough.

Some other SSN tips:

1. Print off this memo http://www.k1k3.com/stuff/SSNMemo.pdf and bring it with you in case they try to deny her a SSN. As long as her I-94 is valid she is entitled to an SSN, but sometimes the SSA officers don't know that.
2. Check off "legal alien allowed to work," keeping in mind that she is actually only allowed to work when she has an EAD or her green card.
3. The SSN is delivered through certified mail, so if her name is not registered with the mailbox yet make so include "Care of <husband's name>" or something along those lines, else they'll return it.
4. It is advisable to wait about 10 days after your fiancee's entry into the US before applying for a SSN since she needs to be updated in the system. However, in my case I waited 14 days and when I applied I still wasn't in the system. This is okay but if you go ahead with the application at that point be aware that it may take a little while for them to get the SSN to your wife because they have to send a request to USCIS to verify her. In my case it took 4 weeks until my SSN appeared in the mail.
5. Make sure to apply within 90 days of her POE!
6. If you're going to put your wife on a health insurance plan you might have to do it within a certain period of time of your marriage (most often 30 days) and she may also need an SSN in order to do it. You'll want to double check on that to make sure you're not too late :) In my case I received the SSN one day too late an wasn't able to go on health insurance right away :bonk:

All I showed was my passport & birth certificate, as I didn't have a DL either. I had the health card with me (though technically it's not valid photo ID but that's probably not widely known in the US) but they never asked for more ID.


Acually, I believe it's not valid photo ID only in Ontario, but valid elsewhere. I don't know where I remember reading that, but I think people have used their OHIP card in other provinces because other provinces aren't as strict with their health cards being used as ID.

I may be completely wrong, however! If I am I'm okay with using it as ID in the USA and getting away with it most of the time ;) And yes I know this information is useless and :ot: Haha. I just wish they'd make the damn thing valid ID because it's a pain in the #### if you don't drive and don't want to walk around with a valuable passport all the time. Fortunately the dumb Ontario ID laws are behind me now :lol:

Edited by pocheros, 17 January 2012 - 12:25 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-17 00:21:00
Canadaan american in canada

thank you for all your help we have decided to try to avoid the time restraints for Canada and marry in the States instead...any opinions if we should go thru the process for us to marry in the states and live there should we do it ourselves...buy a kit...or get a lawyer have the feeling the lawyer will take a while to save up for....


Kathryn already answered this, but it bears repeating: do not hire a lawyer! They don't tell you anything that you can't find out yourself with the help of the USCIS and visa journey websites. It's a waste of money and the process is already expensive.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-15 02:01:00
CanadaDS-160 question and 1-134 question
1. Print off the DS 160 when you fill it out (it'll give you the option at the end) because Montreal doesn't have the electronic system completely set up yet. Not sure about the photos but it's probably important to include them on the DS 160. Also make sure that the bar code prints out clearly.

2. The instructions for the I-134 indicate what evidence is required. Bank letters are optional, as are employer letters, but it's a good idea to obtain them if possible. 3 years worth of tax returns or tax transcripts is the standard recommendation although the most recent one is the most important. It really depends on what kind of financial shape the USC is in. I recommend at least bringing 3 years worth of tax stuff, though. At my interview they kept copies of my husband's most recent tax return along with the employer letter, bank letter, and a printout showing his 401k. If you don't go with transcripts make sure to photocopy his W2s and returns since Montreal will want to keep them. For the stocks I don't know.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-20 03:38:00
CanadaInterview Payment??????
Did they change this recently? Just a few months ago there WAS a way to get around paying the fee online- it's a roundabout way though and I'm not sure how it works. I know people in the recent past have paid the fee in person but I can't remember who exactly...

I'm pretty sure you're still allowed to pay the fee in person but it has to be in American cash.

I did my interview at the Amsterdam Consulate and could not pay cash at the interview but had to do it through my bank account ahead of time and bring proof of the payment to the interview.

After I send package 3 back I received package 4 and that told me how much and to what account to send it.


The question is specific to Canada.

Edited by pocheros, 20 January 2012 - 07:18 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-20 19:14:00
Canadawheres my visa?
Also want to note that the CSC website has been known to not display the waybill number or to display it much later than when the visa arrived at DHL. I first found out about my visa when DHL e-mailed me to let me know my visa would arrive soon. Then they called me. I only saw the waybill number very briefly on the CSC website a couple days after I picked up my visa. That said ensure that the telephone number and email on the CSC website are accurate so DHL can contact you.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-20 15:56:00
Canadawheres my visa?
DOS means Department of State. They can somewhat view your case status (whether or not packet 4 has been issued, if your visa is printed yet etc.) but I would like to emphasize that the telephone specialists at DoS have been known to give varying answers as to what stage your visa is in after the interview. Someone will say the visa has been printed, while the person you get the next day will say it's in advanced processing (AP), etc. etc. Unless there is a good reason to suspect your visa is in AP (for example, you were born outside of Canada in a country in the middle east) chances are they're just saying it because they don't know what else to say. Department of State only has a limited amount of information so sometimes the answers they give sound a lot scarier than what's actually going on.

When you signed up on the website to book your interview it should've asked you to register with DHL. If you log in to the website and it says "DHL branch: <wherever you want it to go>" then you have successfully registered for DHL. If you haven't registered yet there should be an option somewhere in the menu to do so- do this ASAP.

I don't know what it's like to get in touch with Vancouver but they're probably more accessible than Montreal so I would certainly try calling them or e-mailing them (give 2-3 days for e-mail) and make sure to include your case number and contact information in the e-mail.

Edited by pocheros, 20 January 2012 - 01:06 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-20 13:03:00
Canadalittle confused with working medical in vancouver
Yep, it's not recommended that you book your medical before you have your interview date. In the meantime make sure you and your son's vaccinations are all up to date, and if either of you have any conditions you should get a letter from your doctor.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 21:15:00
Canadalittle confused with working medical in vancouver
Well, for my medical in Toronto they asked for packet 3 or packet 4 because it has your case number and name on it. Do you have a similar letter from the Vancouver consulate or an e-mail with that information that you could print out?
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 20:48:00
CanadaMoving US citizen before the Canadian gets his visa
There shouldn't be an issue since she is a USC. Obviously she just needs to make sure she has her US passport or proof of citizenship. If the Canadian is going to accompany her while moving her stuff make sure to bring proof that he has an interview for a visa coming up and is going to return to Canada after she moves her things because otherwise the guards might think he's trying to move in with her prematurely.

The guards also don't want to see the Canadian moving any of HIS stuff prematurely- I wonder if he accompanied the USC as she moved *her* stuff the guards might mistakenly think she's moving some of the USC's stuff as well? Not sure how that would get handled, or how customs would deal with it.

Not sure what other nuances there are to this procedure, but in principle it's sound- a USC is allowed to move back to their country of citizenship, of course! :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 19:43:00
Canadaphotos for P3, medical, interview
I also submitted different ones. They chose the least flattering one for my visa! Lol. Make sure to print your name and case number on the back.

Edited by pocheros, 22 January 2012 - 04:11 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-22 16:10:00
CanadaLots of things not making sense to me
You could also try for a short visit- a 2-4 month visit would probably be looked upon more harshly than a 2-week visit, and you can use your NOAs as part of your evidence. But yeah, you'd still need to be prepared in case you got denied :o There will certainly be quite a bit of time before you have your interview, so your hubby could also fly up and see you- US citizens can visit their foreign spouses much more easily than the other way around.

You should have at least a month's notice when your interview date is assigned to you (often more than a month) so that's how much time your hub will have to buy tickets to accompany you on the day of your interview. He can even come inside the consulate with you if he has a passport :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-22 00:15:00
CanadaLots of things not making sense to me
Thanks for the clarification, Kathryn :D Learn something new every day!

Regarding visiting your husband:

This may be a bit of a tricky situation if you're planning for a lengthy stay, for a few reasons.

The first reason is that it is unpredictable when your interview date will be assigned to you. Unlike a K1 you cannot choose your interview date, Montreal will pick it for you. Sometimes there's only about a month between the date you're assigned an interview and the actual interview day. You'd need to be able to scramble back to Canada when your interview is assigned to obtain a medical exam. You cannot obtain your medical exam before you have an interview scheduled.

Second reason, but I'm not sure about this one... How does a CR1 find out their assigned interview date? I know e-mails tend to be unreliable throughout this process. Do they find out through snail mail, or is Montreal pretty good about e-mailing people for interview dates? Because if it's through snail mail, the OP wouldn't want to be outside of Canada when their interview date is mailed to them. Would there also be potential for RFEs (requests for evidence) at this stage? Although they are uncommon if you include all the necessary forms you certainly wouldn't want to miss an RFE either.

Of course if they have someone to check the mail for them it might be okay, but anyways... I know, I'm probably overthinking this!

Third thing... I'm assuming you don't have a job since you said you're able to spend 2-4 months outside of the country. This may make it a bit difficult to prove your ties to Canada. Usually, showing documentation that you already have an interview date for a visa is helpful, but by the time your interview is assigned to you you may not have enough time to visit.

It is certainly "possible" to visit for 2-4 months while your case is being processed, but it's up to the individual border patrol officer. Many people who were not intending to circumvent the immigration process and brought evidence of their ties to Canada have been turned around. The fact that you'd be visiting for such a lengthy time only increases the likelihood that you would be denied at the border.

If you decide to visit your husband, here are my tips: (Also not saying whether it's a good idea or not to visit him, for the aforementioned reasons :P)

1. Have a return ticket. (Since you said your husband flies to see you, I'm assuming you'd be flying as well). If you do not have a return ticket this increases the likelihood that you'll be denied at the border, since they may think that you don't intend to return to Canada.

Of course, you'll want to return when you're assigned an interview date, if the interview date is relatively soon. I believe some airlines give you the option of changing the date of your return ticket- not sure how that works. You'd want to look into it since you may want to return at a date that's different from the one you originally purchased.

2. Get refundable tickets.

3. Pack "light"- meaning, don't bring stuff that makes it look like you're going to start permanently living in the USA. From the visitation guide:

"Your foreign fiance(e) should bring only the amount of clothing they will require for the length of the visit. If they are coming for a two week visit but are bringing enough items to cover a six month visit, they will give the appearance that they do not intend to return to their home country and risk being turned back.

If your foreign fiance(e) is refused entry to the United States, it will be up to them to cover the cost of the return airfare. For this reason, you should look into having them fly out of an airport where the U.S. POE is stationed within that airport. Pre-clearance locations are limited. Here is a list of airports where pre-clearance is available." Fortunately Vancouver and Victoria have pre clearance.

4. Bring proof of ties. There's a list of different things you can use in the Visitation I linked.

5. Have a plan in case you are denied at the border. It happens!

I hope that helped and didn't just confuse anyone further :blink: Certainly into typing novels lately...

Edited by pocheros, 22 January 2012 - 12:00 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 23:59:00
CanadaLots of things not making sense to me

As far as I understand that's how it works. They had the K3 visa back when it took CR1's about 2 years to process. Now that CR1's and K1's have similar time frames there really isn't much use for them. I've never heard that you file the I-130 and I-129F at the same time though (but never researched it). :innocent:


I believe that's what makes it a K3- filing both the I-130 and the I-129 at the same time, because then they could process either one, supposedly speeding up the process. Of course, that is no longer the case and actually does the opposite... Ah, bureaucracy!

Okay, after doing some sleuthing here: http://www.visajourn...content/compare It seems that the OP is able to abandon the K3 visa and convert to a CR1 like you said. Hopefully this is the case since it's faster and cheaper!

OP: FYI the medical at Woking costs $350 or $300 if you are pregnant. I believe the medical in Toronto/Montreal are much cheaper but not totally sure how much it is. If you're there anyway it may be cheaper to do it the day before your interview (since if you live on the island you would have to travel to Vancouver anyway).


I believe Montreal/Medisy's is $210 and Toronto/Dr. Seiden's is $275 (I should know, I went there, lol). However you have to factor in processing times- Medisy's is 3 business days I believe, which means if the OP had their medical done there they would have to pay for extra hotel nights, whereas if they had their medical done in Vancouver they get away with only paying for two nights at a hotel. Not to mention Working Medical is probably less of a hassle since it's probably not as busy as Dr. Seiden's and Medisy's.

Edited by pocheros, 21 January 2012 - 11:19 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 23:11:00
CanadaLots of things not making sense to me

I think they just convert K3's to CR1's after a certain point because the processing time is pretty much the same now.


Ah, okay, that makes sense. So, for all intents and purposes, can we treat the OP's case like a CR1?

It's good you didn't pay for a lawyer because usually they're not any better informed than us since the procedures for obtaining a visa change frequently ;) I'm sure your case has been proceeding smoothly as your case has been transferred to NVC already, and there is nothing to worry about now that you have the help of visa journey :)

Anyways, referring to your original post: yes, you will need to fill out the DS-230. There's one form that you fill out online where you're supposed to upload a scanned photo of yourself and it has a barcode (I forget which one it is- I think it's the DS-230). Try to print off this form if possible to bring to your interview even though it's supposed to be electronically logged.

Regarding the medical: be prepared to pay a fee (between the low and high $200's- I don't know how much the Vancouver medical charges specifically.) Although you cannot book your medical until your interview date has been assigned, now is a good time to look at collecting what will be necessary for it- most importantly, ensure your vaccinations are up to date, and if you have any medical conditions or take medication regularly you should obtain a letter from your doctor. Here is the link to the Vancouver medical website: http://www.wokingmedical.com/

Edited by pocheros, 21 January 2012 - 10:58 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 22:49:00
CanadaLots of things not making sense to me
Oh, I didn't notice that you said "husband." Although sometimes people mistakenly call their fiances their husband because in their hearts they're married, lol ;) So, have you legally been married and obtained a marriage certificate? Because then you most certainly will be interviewing in Montreal- as you noted, only Montreal processes immigrant visas (spouses) whereas both Vancouver and Montreal process nonimmigrant visas (fiances). Don't worry, you haven't messed anything up :) You can't transfer your case to Vancouver, either, so be prepared to buy plane tickets and rent a hotel.

It sounds like you petitioned for a K3 visa (where you submit BOTH the I-130 and I-129) which is a little unfortunate because it's slower and more expensive than the other visas. It's pretty much a dead visa now (most people go for K1 or IR1/CR1). I hope you didn't pay a lawyer to fill out the petition for you. Also, although the processes are similar, a K3 is not the same as an IR1/CR1 so be sure to identify yourself as a K3 when asking for help :)

I am not familiar with K3 visa procedures, so perhaps check the K3 guide here: http://www.visajourn...content/k3guide and the K3 flowchart here: http://www.visajourn.../content/k3flow There is also a K3 forum that you can check out. I'm not sure how helpful those are- it seems a little confusing in that the process resembles that of a K1. I'm really not terribly sure how it works with a K3.

Edited by pocheros, 21 January 2012 - 10:45 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 22:35:00
CanadaLots of things not making sense to me
First, are you applying for a K1, CR1/IR1, or a K3? (hopefully not K3) The advice will be different depending on what visa you're applying for.

1. You are absolutely required to fill out an affidavit of support and submit supporting documentation with it. If you are a CR1/IR1 (spouse) you will fill out the I-864, if you're a K1 (fiancee) you will fill out the I-134. These documents are very important and you will not have your visa approved without them.

2. You only need ONE certificate- it's country wide. If you were born outside of Canada I believe you need another certificate from that country. If you are a K1, you DO NOT submit your police certificate (or birth certificate, for that matter) with packet 3. I am not so sure about what you submit for packet 3 if you are a IR1/CR1. Hopefully someone else chimes in for that.

3. If you are a CR1/IR1, you will unfortunately have to interview in Montreal. If you are a K1, then they mixed something up and you need to look into having your case transferred to Vancouver. Did you move to Vancouver recently, or have you resided in Vancouver since the beginning of the process?

4. If you are a CR1/IR1 then you can expect 2-4 months before you receive an interview date from Montreal. If you are a K1 it will be much faster assuming you can get your case transferred to Vancouver, but keep in mind it will take some time for them to transfer your case.

It is possible for you to visit your husband but sometimes people get turned away at the border if they are in the process of obtaining a visa. My impression is that you are more likely to be turned away if you an IR1/CR1 than a K1 but anyone can be turned away if the border patrol officer feels they should.

In order to visit the USA while your case is being processed, you need to bring proof of ties to Canada- documents that demonstrate there's a reason you have to return and not prematurely start living in the USA. This might include things such as a return ticket, a letter from your employer, a copy of your lease, copies of your immigration paperwork, etc.

Always have a back up plan in case you get turned around at the border- for example, pay the extra $20 or so for a refundable plane ticket. In general it's easier for the American to visit Canada, instead of the other way around.

I recommend you fill out your profile (indicate what visa you're applying for) and your timeline- it will make it easier for us to help you! :) And welcome to visa journey.

Edited by pocheros, 21 January 2012 - 09:49 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 21:39:00
CanadaForms for the interview
The DS-230 is supposed to be signed at the interview. When you fill out the forms for packet 3, read them very carefully and they'll tell you whether or not to sign them- some you sign right away, some you don't, and there's sections on some of the forms that you leave blank for the interviewer to fill in.

The letter of intent and the I-134 are also signed before the interview. Make sure these are signed bu the USC- they're important! :) And while we're at it, when you get your medical exam back DON'T open the envelope or it'll void its contents.

Edited by pocheros, 22 January 2012 - 09:07 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-22 21:05:00
CanadaRECENT MONTREAL APPROVALS
There's a thread with a poll about it right here: http://www.visajourn...-from-montreal/

Looking at the poll, it suggests there's a 35% chance it'll take more than 7 business days for you to receive your visa.

Edited by pocheros, 21 January 2012 - 02:06 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-21 14:05:00
CanadaCriminal Record Check Question
Do you have a link to the form? When I filled out mine it asked for the reason I needed the check done and I just put "immigration." I doubt you need the address and postal code... Unless you're doing the different/more thorough kind of police check because you have a criminal history?

Also National Visa Centre is a separate entity from the consulate in Montreal. You deal with both of them, of course, but NVC isn't located in Montreal. You could simply say "United States Consulate General Montreal."

Edited by pocheros, 26 January 2012 - 04:01 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-26 15:59:00
CanadaMoving / changing address
It's probably best to wait until you receive your NOA2. You can call Department of State to inquire about packet 3 and packet 4, i.e. you don't have to physically receive them in the mail before putting together packet 3 or scheduling an interview. Not sure what forms Vancouver asks for in packet 3 (I believe they require less than Montreal) but your new address will be on those and also when you register with the CSC website to schedule an interview you will use your updated address.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-26 01:40:00
CanadaRandom K1 questions........
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to receive your visa in the mail. The amount of time it takes can be very random. Check out this thread http://www.visajourn...-from-montreal/ for information on picking up your visa and a poll on wait times.

Yes, you can change your name the day you get married. Note that most people just "assume" the name of their spouse when they get married and use the marriage certificate to change their name on other documents, it's not the same as a "legal" name change that would erase your maiden name but for all intents and purposes yes you can change your name when you get married :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-29 17:23:00
CanadaDo I need to submit a I 693?

My wife and her son went to a civil surgeon just to get vaccines check no physical they charged $25 to file out forms and son had to get a few shots. All you need is current vaccine report take your shot record to civil surgeon it took 20 minutes.


Often it's difficult to find a civil surgeon who will only do the vaccinations and not insist on re doing the whole medical, however. You could certainly trying calling around if you can't get the worksheet from Dr. Seiden's and maybe you'll get lucky.

Edited by pocheros, 30 January 2012 - 04:55 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-30 16:54:00
CanadaDo I need to submit a I 693?
The DS-3025 is the vaccination sheet they give you at the medical. It looks like this http://www.visa-21.com/DS-3025.pdf but it doesn't always say DS-3025 on it. If you don't have it you should call Dr. Seiden's and see if you can obtain it from them somehow.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-30 16:31:00
CanadaProof of meeting ? we only have pictures

totally disagree (read title).. they only have pictures.. these are just thoughts, called brainstorm.. let OP take information and toss it out the window if they want.. .

just cuz you didn't think about .. ;) :whistle: :devil:


The OP needs help proving that they've met in the past, before filing the petition, not that they maintain a relationship. They are two different things ;) A new passport stamp would not help them with the petition. It could, however, be used as evidence of an ongoing relationship at the interview at the consulate later on (although the Montreal and Vancouver consulates rarely ask for this.)

Thank you everyone for all the help and kind words ........... especially telling me I'm "such a nice mom" :) That touched my heart!


Anyways glad to see that this question has been mostly answered. The Canada forum folks are very friendly, so make sure to stop by here if you have any questions! :) There's a K1 guide for Montreal (if your daughter lives in eastern Canada that's where she'll be interviewing) that's helpful.

Edited by pocheros, 30 January 2012 - 07:43 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-30 19:37:00
CanadaThinking ahead of time

Cr-1 doesn't require AOS I thought. I was getting my MMR again since according the my vaccination record I have only had it once, 26 years ago.

I am a woman :)


Nope, you won't be doing AOS. Sorry, I remember checking what visa you had but I must've had a brain fart :blink: Nevermind me, lol.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-30 22:26:00
CanadaThinking ahead of time
It's probably a good idea to get a MMR booster too- though the consulate requires that you've only had it once, I believe USCIS wants to see that you've had one recently when you do AOS. It's also good to get an MMR booster if you're female (sorry, can't tell if you're female/male from this thread :) ) because immunity to rubella fades and it's risky if you get it while you're pregnant.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-30 16:34:00
CanadaThinking ahead of time
Also, I forgot to include this in my last post and the edit button isn't available on the mobile version of this site, but there's a link to medical review at the top of this website. There's also a link to my review of the medical in Toronto. These will give you an idea of what to expect. The medical itself is very easy- it usually consists of a chest x ray, checking blood pressure, height, and weight, a quick abdominal and breast exam and then just some basic questions (do you have HIV, are you addicted to drugs, etc.)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-24 16:39:00
CanadaThinking ahead of time
You need to obtain a copy of your vaccination history and ensure you have all the required ones. I'm typing this from my phone so I can't put a link but if you go to the panelphysicians website (the medical in Toronto) it will list what vaccinations are necessary. If you're missing any then you can either go to your doctor to get them or you can get titre tests to prove immunity. If you don't get them beforehand the medical will charge you extra.

If you have any conditions or take medication regularly then you should go to your doctor and obtain a letter from them stating how long you've been treated and that you're in good health etc.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-24 16:35:00
CanadaFor fellow Ontarians
Most places where you can get Canadian style passport photos will do American style ones. Just ask them for American photos. If they don't know what that is just say 2"x2". They cut them out themselves most of the time anyways.

I had mine done at Zellers, but many other places will do them too- Wal Mart, Shoppers, Costco, photo stores in malls, etc. If you have a printer that works with photo paper and a digital camera you could even do them yourself.

Edited by pocheros, 28 January 2012 - 05:37 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-28 17:37:00
Canadatrips to US on form DS 160

Superb idea, Pocheros!

I will do just that. Now another question...how did you fill in the part where i asked you how long you intended on staying in the US after you married? The fields wanted a specific number and duration. Do you remember this question? I filled in 100 and scrolled to years....not knowing how to complete the question. Would have liked to typed in an answer.


I asked the same thing when I filled out my packet 3 awhile ago and most people just put 50 years or something long like that. It's a weird question- as if we were just moving to the US to get married and then move back :lol:
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-31 21:40:00
Canadatrips to US on form DS 160
I just looked at my copy of the DS-160 (keep copies of everything, lol) and indeed I remember this form was particularly finicky to fill out with the fields. You can simply list the most recent ones, print it out, and then hand write in pen "see supplemental sheet" next to that particular question. Then, simply type up on your computer or handwrite very neatly some additional trips and then "Including numerous more trips, no longer than X amount of weeks, taken between the years of XXXX-XXXX." Include a header or title on this sheet that reads something like "DS-160 supplement for applicant <your name>, case number MTL20XXXXXXXX."

I typed up a few supplemental sheets for packet 3 using tables in Microsoft word and never had a problem. Just make sure it's very neat and includes the corresponding form and question number and your name and case number.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-31 19:42:00
CanadaDHL Brampton
Congrats! :) I picked mine up from Brampton and it took 5 days. The length of time can vary because Montreal ships visas out in batches. My interview was on a Thursday as well though, so maybe you'll get lucky too :)

Edited by pocheros, 01 February 2012 - 05:48 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-01 17:48:00
CanadaQuestion about K1 support forms in Canada!
Only the 134. The 864 you do after you enter the States and adjust your status. Make sure you have the three most recent year's tax returns ready as supporting evidence for the I-134.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-02 02:13:00
CanadaLast Details For Interview - Including DHL

also should offer letter/pay stub be notarized to prove financial support?


They do not need to notarized. They are not required but more evidence is is better than less.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-05 23:19:00
CanadaWant to or plan to go back?
It's certainly not in our plans but my hubby and I have discussed the option. We both love Toronto so who knows, maybe when we're older and have more money saved up.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-03 18:20:00