ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
It's ok. My military spouse ID is the worst. I've never had any huge probs with IDs before. He showed me the pic before hand and then it printed onto the card it warped my eye so I look like frankenstein. No joke, people laugh when they see it.

I keep forgetting to go get my stupid license lol maybe next week......
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-18 13:58:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Ever since Nickbits got that I have been watching my account on USCIS like a hawk and have become obsessed with this site again.

PS: anyone else find US Thanksgiving gets in the way of getting excited for Xmas? I sure do... lol.. so I am making a huge dinner to give me a reason to like USTG too.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-17 14:29:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

I only just got touches on my biometrics days (11/13/2010) and today on my EAD and AOS...but my AP is still from the filing date. So I wouldn't worry too much Vero cuz I don't think you've had biometrics yet, right? ;)

And my AOS still says "Acceptance" its not even at Initial Review yet too...

My AOS and EAD both have touches on my bio days too... probably because they entered that I had them done... AP still has Oct 22 for me. All mine say initial review though. Probably just a website glitch because Wishing and I are pretty much at the same place in this process.

It's kind of like a race..... bwahahahaha

Good news for me, my sister got her van fixed and is able to come to the wedding.

:dance:

LOL thats ok! It took one hour for the appointment, 5 minutes to take the actual biometrics. Also I took a certified copy of my marriage license with me (for some reason didn't even cross my mind to take the original) they accepted it but had to go "verify" if first. I think that was part of my one hour wait...so if you think of it take the original (which I usually always do, but oops!).

I brought my original and they never asked for it. I had a military spouse ID though with my photo and they took that.

I brought my SSNcard and passport too but they didn't ask to see it.

EAD went to Card/ Document Production status today!!

This needs another :dance:

Edited by Tater&Bugger, 16 November 2010 - 08:35 PM.

Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-16 20:38:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
I can't have an MRI done anyways because I have screws in my knee. So no worries there haha. The earring can be taken out, we just have been unsuccessful and I don't trust my husband with pliers in my ear (we tried that and it was terrifying). I just need to go to a professional. It was screwed in too well haha once it's out the changeable earrings are easy. It's just the still one I had it pierced with.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-15 09:47:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
... and one last post in this favorite thread of mine while I am here haha... biometrics appointment was as easy as pie of course. They aren't kidding when they say it takes 5 mins. Drove over an hour to get there to pay for parking which put a whole 0.50c hole in my pocket LOL. The only weird thing is they make you take all your earrings out. One of mine (tragus, little piece of the ear that is technically part of your face) doesn't come out so I had a moment of panic but the girl said it's no big deal. She was the same age as me about (25) and had the same glasses. Pretty weird!

As for my case status. Last updates on AOS and EAD were on the 9th obv, and AP was last touched on the 22nd of Oct, which was when my notice was mailed out I think. I have a friend who lives near me from Russia who is going through the same thing and filed in Sept. She has her interview for early Dec in Buffaol (weird because thats not this areas office) and has no results about her EAD or AP. I really hope I get my AP before Christmas to I can go hope, and my EAD so I can get EI and start looking for work and get more money for prezzies. My husband as leave in Jan and we were hoping to take our honeymoon then since they didn't let him take time off after the wedding.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-14 18:26:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Wow, Valerie. Glad you're OK, and together; that's what counts! Just think of the stories you can tell now :)

I have a quick question about my AOS fees.. I'm submitting the i-485, and also the i-765 (EAD) .. does the new fee increase hit people who have filed their AOS package AFTER Nov 23rd? If so, the total amount I'm paying SHOULD be $1010, correct? (i-485 fee + biometrics fee)

Need some direction here..

I believe the $1010 covers AOS, EAD and AP (and biometrics of course). It's what I submitted and I never got a RFE for it (they are usually quick on that hehe)

Hey everyone. I havent been online lately. My soon to be sister inlaw and I have had a heck of a time trying to find her a nice simple brides maid dress. We finally found one yesterday, after 3 days of searching. Now my sisters van has broke down and she doesnt know if it'll be fixed in time to come to my wedding :( Which means I am out five members of my wedding party ( my sister is my maid of honor. brother inlaw is a grooms men, one niece is a Jr. brides maid and the other is a flower girl, then my nephew is a Jr. grooms men. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong with this wedding planning. Our minister (a friend of the family) had a stroke the other day and now we are not sure if he can marry us or not. Its been a really big headache planning our wedding. I am hopeing that my sister and her family will make it.

I am glad to see everyone is doing well. Valerie I am so glad you are alright. What a rocky start you guys had. Glad you both made it home safely.

J & J is getting married today :dance: Congrats J & J cant wait to hear how everything went for your wedding :D

I know the feeling! Hopefully she can just rent a car and come to the wedding... it's a pretty simple choice to make to me but I don't know the situation. Everything before the wedding can and will get so crazy. The most important thing is to not let yourself stress out and delegate what you can with who you trust. As much as it sucks now it's all part of the experience and the moment the wedding begins you'll forget all about it!
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-14 18:21:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Hey guys, sorry, no beach wedding, I was gonna do it, but what happens is that everyone was like don't, and i'm like why and they're like cause everyone who does it says that it's the worst experience as it's always so windy by the ocean that everything flys around. Lol.

But i'm enjoying myself here, where it's summer 365 days a year. Hope everyones process is going great... marriage count down is not officially 13 days.

Sorry I haven't been online as much lately... and why would anyone go against a beach wedding? Is it what YOU want? If so then do it. We had our ceremony along the St. Lawrence Seaway which is a very windy place on Sept 25. It was windy and chilly but I didn't even notice. I was so happy in our moment I felt warm and didn't even think that it was under 20C out. Please don't let other people tell you how to have your wedding... it's not their wedding.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-14 18:15:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Woohoo they finally let me change my SSN name! I feel like I am a real person with a name now haha. I've been denied everything left right and center since I've been here.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-04 14:34:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

My AOS still says Acceptance also, they probably just haven't touched it since the 21st...or its sitting a desk waiting to be updated. I wouldnt worry about it!


Mine changed to Initial Review when I got my NOA by email/text. The website is notorious for not making changes though. Annoying. I don't expect any more touches until after my biometrics though. The last touch was on Oct 22 which I assume was when the sent my info to Syracuse, NY. I really hope I can get my EAD soon so I don't have to use savings to buy Christmas presents and for my AP by Dec 1 so I can go to my friends wedding in the caribbean... which would also double as my husband and I's honeymoon haha. High hopes but oh well, no harm in being hopeful.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-02 15:01:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Gosh, two weeks! You guys must be so excited!!! Any family coming from Canada? I don't know if I've asked that before...

Halloween was fun, but I was a little shocked by the sluttiness of the average american woman... Most of them confused Halloween parties for Playboy parties...

Odd, I found them less slutty here haha. I dressed as a cooked egg, my husband dressed as bacon. We made an adorable breakfast.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-11-01 15:17:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Thanks mandaNchris :thumbs: I'm a little better today actually...

I was wondering if those of you who have received their biometrics letter, did you get a e-mail notification of it being sent?

I think nickbits has his appointment today, wonder how it went!

I didn't get a specific text or email from USCIS stating that my biometrics apt was made... however I did get 4 exact emails/texts stating they received my application blah blah blah... turns out it was 3 NOAs and an appointment letter.

Don't worry Vero, I am sure you will be fine. You're relationship is legit so it isn't too hard - you just need to be yourselves! Or cross your fingers you will get to skip the interview process. That's what I am doing!... lol

Also - I got a 'touch' on Oct 22.

Edited by Tater&Bugger, 28 October 2010 - 03:26 PM.

Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-28 15:24:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Haven't checked my status online yet...

I just help out with whatever is needed at the SPCA. Everyone starts off just cleaning but I've also been socializing the bigger dogs and grooming the cats. Today I helped with surgeries - mostly gather the animals, fill our their papers, hold them for their shots, cauterize a little because it doesn't involve being sterilized and then monitoring the animals as they wake up and become completely awake. I had a few passed out animals pee and poo on me haha. Definitely interesting, sad and rewarding all at the same time.

so spay and neuter your pet!
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-26 19:58:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
I was surprised too. They don't list Syracuse in the timeline guide though so maybe it's just not a busy spot. It surprises me though since we're so close to the border and have the base right here. There are a lot of foreign spouses.

Well I am off to fake work, aka volunteer haha. I've begun doing this on weekday mornings at the local SPCA.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-26 06:20:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Got my biometrics appointment on Nov 9th in Syracuse. Is it just me or was that quick? Either it way works pretty perfect for me!

**also to add to your list. My NOA for AOS, AP and EAD were all on Oct 19th.

Edited by Tater&Bugger, 25 October 2010 - 12:40 PM.

Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-25 12:39:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

My wife got rejected the first time she went too. 2nd time no problems.

At least it's not like Service Canada in Ottawa where you have to wait an hour or so to be helped... the room was empty and I was in and out in 15 mins haha. Not to mention every time I have paid for my SIN card at home I never received it.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-19 14:54:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Haha, :lol:

Got the e-mail yesterday confirming reception of our package! Should receive the NOA1 soon! Yeah!

Got the same today! Glad to hear your reception went well. I know exactly the feeling you mean about the second it starts the stress just vanished haha.

I applied for my SSN in my married name but was denied. The woman was pretty dumb saying I cannot have a SSN in my married name until I receive an approved greencard. She asked how long it takes and I replied "the website says 6months to 3 years"... she then said I will need to leave the country when my I-94 expires and contact USCIS about re-entering. I told her I was very familiar with the process and do not have to leave if my I-94 expires (I was getting annoyed because she was saying a bunch of other unintelligent things hehe) and said it's complicating but I know what I can and cannot do so am not worried... then I explained once INS confirms that I am recognized in my married name and not my maiden name I will come back for a name change... kind of annoying because I waited until after the wedding to apply for this reason. I hate it when government employees know their government less than a foreigner... :wacko:
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-19 13:08:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
I'm sure you're reception will go fine! I remember the day before the wedding (I planned it all, a complete full wedding hosting 70 people on a private island) and it was the craziest experience but was so great even the things that went wrong didn't really bother me until a few days later hahaha. I can't wait to get pics from the photographer to post for everyone.

I am looking forward to the EAD to continue getting EI and look for work, but more for AP by Dec so I can go to a friends wedding and also home for Christmas since both my husband and I were deployed last year. Can't wait till I get my first confirmation! Just to know it's real hahaha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-14 15:37:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Yay I'm on the list! Unfort the office in Chicago was closed on Monday so my package only arrived on tues, the 12th. But hey, at least it's there! I hope I sent everything in right. Now that I am in the country and married I found I paid less attention to detail hahahaha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-13 20:25:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Hi Rose416!!! Yep, my brother and his wife are coming down, very excited!!!
Tater&#######, good luck with the pup teething!!! You should see our back porch, the ENTIRE screen is destroyed, thanks to Tobias (yeah, goofy name for a dog... It's from a character in Arrested Development) So did you send your package today?

No my husband used my car to go to Washington last night and wont be back until after UPS closes, so tomorrow it is!
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-07 15:06:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

My husband and I adopted a rescue puppy last week, so my days are busy. She's a 4 month-old rott/hound mix and is so much fun.

We're having our reception/BBQ on October 23rd. My Mom, sister and best friend are flying out to support me. As much as I look forward to receiving my EAD, I really am enjoying being a 'lady of leisure'. (: Now all I need to do is train my pup to let me sleep in (:

Have a great time at your reception! Is any of your family from Canada going?

We just got a puppy last month! He is a 4 month old Olde English Bulldogge... looks more like an American Bulldog and Boxer though haha he still needs to grow. He's gonna be big. He is not enjoying me working on all this paperwork... especially since he lost his first tooth he keeps chewing on any paper he can find. So I keep all mine high and secure out of puppy reach. My husband jokes I am a stay at home mom to our puppy haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-06 17:00:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Upon further review of the instructions on this site I will not be meeting with the civil surgeon, but only copying proof of payment of when I had my medical done along with copies of my vaccine records. I think I read over #11 of the guidelines 100 times and I am confident that I do not need to meet with anyone to go over my documents. What a relief haha.

I am sending my package tomorrow. Annoying thing is had I read into it earlier I would have sent it off on the 27th! D'OH! Oh well.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-06 16:25:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Hey guys, I'm trying to go through all these forms but am confused by a couple questions on my first attempt haha of course... on the I-765, question #14 "manner of last entry" and "current immigration status", what is the proper wording I should be putting?

and what on earth does #16 mean? Its not even a question haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-10-05 14:53:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey
Hey guys! I am just getting all my shizz together and will be sending out my package on the 11th after my I-693 is completed. So far all I can say is the K1 was good practice for this stage haha. I am hoping to get my AP by the first week of Dec so I can attend a friends wedding, and go home for Christmas. My only concern is that my NOA2 from my petition back in the day was stolen and we wrote to USCIS explaining that we cannot afford the $340 fee for a new one and requested the fee be waived as it was stolen off of government property (US Army Base)... in the meantime we are making a claim through the base to get the money back for the stolen items, including the NOA2. My home insurance advised us to not make a claim because after the $1000 deductible, our home insurance would go up and we'd end up paying back triple what everything is worth. Good times. Hope the General is in a good mood when he gets our case haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-09-29 10:45:00
CanadaAffidavit of Support for IR-1?

The guide is not clear, which was why I asked. It is not listed on the checklist but is listed under forms. Nothing on the USCIS website says you need it. We submitted some photos and our daughter's birth certificate (she was US born) as proof of legitimate relationship. Looks like it is only needed once the case is transferred.


Edited by Tater&Bugger, 13 July 2014 - 09:35 PM.

Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2014-07-13 21:34:00
CanadaAffidavit of Support for IR-1?

Nevermind - I found my answer. The guide was no completely clear but the USCIS had the information listed.


Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2014-06-23 10:01:00
CanadaAffidavit of Support for IR-1?
I'm confused if the affidavit of support needs to be sent with the IR-1 petition. In the list of items to include (on the guide) it does not list it, but when you click on the link of forms required it gives it as an option. Do I need to send this in addition to the I-130 and our G-325a's?
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2014-06-23 09:29:00
CanadaBoth spouses apply in each others' countries? Canada/USA specifically

You can only get residence in the country you plan to LIVE in. We were going to get my husband PR in Canada but the wait time and requirements are much more tight than the US. Ultimately, for other reasons as well we decided to go back to the US. I wanted to keep my GC while waiting for my husband's CAD PR (I was in Canada) and had to abandoned my GC during the wait. 


Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2014-07-22 21:38:00
CanadaBest Way To Move Money To US?

I did a $60k wire transfer through ING Direct (now called orange or tangerine or something) once and it only cost $30. If the amount is less than $1000, I usually just write myself a cheque. They charge me a $2 fee and don't hold anything under $1000


Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2014-07-29 19:50:00
CanadaGot Baby? Avez vous un bebe?

Question. What do you do if you are expecting a baby and still living in Canada while DH is in the US? We were living in the US, where DD was born and planned to move back to Canada but it didn't work out so we are going back to the US. Since the wait for the IR-1 Visa is so long, it interferes with our plans. We were thinking of going ahead and having baby in Canada (I can visit for a few months up to 36 weeks)... then DH will take holidays near the due date and after baby is born we head back for a month or so until our timeline is near up. Obviously not staying in the US longer than allowed. I would LOVE to have our next baby in the US at the birth centre like with our first but the chances of our Visa processing quickly is unlikely. Not sure what to do. We don't want to NOT have another because of this, and we don't want to wait years because of it either. Has anyone else done this? Thoughts? Experiences? 

 

I lived in the US from 2010-2013 and had a K-1 Visa and 2yr GC. When we moved back I had to abandon it because I was knowingly residing in Canada, using healthcare etc.

 


Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2014-07-22 21:20:00
CanadaGot Baby? Avez vous un bebe?
Congrats on the recent baby gender news :)

We were going to start trying this month but I had to have some procedure's done at the doc's office so next month we begin! Wish us luck :dance: oh and I'll definitely be asking for the gender, I don't like surprises haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2012-05-28 12:21:00
CanadaGot Baby? Avez vous un bebe?
It's "bébé"..... but you're close enough!
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-19 21:26:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread
Nevermind. 1 877 486-1650.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2011-01-24 11:46:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread
Anyone have the NON 1-800 phone number? I had the regular line to KIngsotn back in Sept but god knows where it went... and I can't call the 1-800# from the US.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2011-01-24 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVermont or California Service Centre
I will go with CSC then, that way his mom can receive the paperwork in MI for him. When he is back she can just fwd his mail or we can pick it up when we visit, or we can list a new address afterwards when it's possible to do so.

A month is a huge difference to us. Long story haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-18 10:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVermont or California Service Centre
Do you think we should apply to VSC or CSC though? His 'home address' according to the military is MI, but he will be posted in NY when he is back and thats where we will live. I would prefer CSC because It seems to be quicker haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-18 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVermont or California Service Centre
sorry, I should add. According to the US Army, his home of record is 'MI' so I think thats the route we will take. Wht should I do about his letter of intent? He sent it to me with the VCS address on it. Can put a line through it and include a supplemental form on the back explaining he thought he has to apply to VCS because he is posted in NY, but really he has to apply through CSC? And state I cannot get a new form filled out because he sent these ones to me from Iraq? Sounds like the route I have to take.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-18 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVermont or California Service Centre
I posted this in the Canadian forum but have not received any feedback and REALLY need advice.

My fiance is currently in Iraq and now that we know when he is scheduled to return we can begin this process. I received all his papers in the mail Friday, and although he is stationed in NY and has an address there, he has a MI license and uses it for most of his documents and says it's his home address... but he doesn't live there, nor has he since 2007. His mom lives there. We will be living in NY but his application lists all his info for MI (and deployment in Iraq which is current)... which Service Centre to I apply to? I thought it would be Vermont but now I am confused. We prepared all the paperwork addressing the VCS office. He doesn't get back until mid May so it's not like we can just fill out a new letter of intent and cover letter. We've been waiting since last summer to be able to start this so I really don't want any errors to slow us down even more.

Where do you say we apply?

Thank you.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-18 07:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWEDDING
We have planned out what we want to do and what it'll be like with all our contacts ready to be called... once we know when it can happen it is just a matter of making the calls going down the list and get who's available. We had a wedding date in mind based on numerous reasons why we wanted it, but its unlikely we'll get that perfect date haha.
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-18 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBlue or black ink ?
I have heard arguments both ways but... pro blue or black. I agree with using blue for the reason mentioned above... but we only had a black pen so used that!
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-19 13:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa procedure once in America
... well a K1 visa is the visa that lets you enter the country with intent to marry. You are already in the country, so need to take a different route. Did you go to the US to marry but on a work permit?
Tater&BuggerFemaleCanada2010-04-21 12:45:00