ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaDual Citizen Baby
Hey everyone - long time no post. It seems like as soon as we were married we tried to forget all the hardtimes and work we went through for the immigration. You know, look to the future. Unfortunately that also seemed like it went with not visiting this site.

We will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary soon and shortly after that we'll have a little baby boy. I wanted to ask around here about some of the citizenship stuff. We originally talked with an immigration attorney, but she gave us quite a bit of mis-information so I just did all the paperwork and forms myself.

We know the baby will be considered a dual citizen, but at any time will the kid loose the Canadian citizenship? The attorney said that the kid could move to Canada without "immigrating" before he turns 25. Other than that has anyone gone through the process for doing the US and Canada passports for a baby? What about the NEXUS card? I know everyone in the car needs a NEXUS card, but do they even offer them for a baby? How would they do the interview in Canada for it?

We also need to find a store online that sells baby clothes with the Canada flag, etc :)
jonandmaryMaleCanada2010-06-23 07:58:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
---------------------------edited---------------

Edited by jonandmary, 05 February 2008 - 04:16 PM.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-05 16:15:00
CanadaCanadian Citizenship for Children
Just quick question if anyone has looked into applying for Canadian citizenship for their kids that were born in the US? I know our kids are entitled to it, but it sounds like to get the official papers processed they'd have to be living in Canada:

http://www.cic.gc.ca...ions/minors.asp

This application is for persons applying for citizenship for a child under 18. The child must be a permanent resident of Canada and have at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen or will become a citizen at the same time.


The main reason why I am looking into this is because my wife has expressed interest that if she takes the final steps to become a US citizen, she would want the kids to be official Canadian citizens as well.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2012-10-18 13:48:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion1 year extension.... what?

YES, that is the standard NOA1 form for I-751.. And YES it can take up to one year to process.

That has been noted toward the end of the VJ Guide: http://www.visajourn...ontent/751guide

And in the FAQ: http://www.visajourn...itions.html#7.9


I like to just double check sometimes. The guides are not always 100% accurate or up to date. And I didn't notice that all the way at the bottom about the one year extension. Thanks!
jonandmaryMaleCanada2010-12-29 18:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion1 year extension.... what?
Sorry guys, long time no post. We've been busy living our lives and starting a family.

I sent in Mary's I-751 3 times (once too early, then with the wrong amount some how, then again with the right fee amount). I just received our receipt for the request. It says "your conditional resident status is extended for a period of one year". It goes on to talk about a bio metric appointment and supplying them with supporting documents.

Just curious if everyone else's is like this? Are they so backed up that they just give you an extra year while they process this?

Our AOS went super smooth, we didn't even have to go in for an interview and really we never had any other problems. The stupid fees, especially the biometric fees annoy me. You have to pay even if they don't ask you to come in.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2010-12-29 17:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers K-1 California Visa Center
Name Sent I-129F CVS Received NOA1
Pinaylang------ ----------------7/28/07-------------------- 8/1/07-------
jonandmary------ --------------08/10/07-------------------XXXXXX-------
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-08-10 12:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsk1-visa NOA1 still waiting...
I feel better now ....

Packet mailed priority and delivered (confirmed) a week ago. I was thinking the check would be the first thing cashed.

The wedding is not for 419 days so we have time wink.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-08-18 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsaugust filed
I guess its no surprise that the answer I am getting is to re-file. They said they can't find it in the mailroom. And it has me somewhat concerned but hopeful that its hiding on someones desk and will just pop into the system any day.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-14 10:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsaugust filed
I wrote my congress rep. Just to ask them to check with the CSC to see if this will be a pattern for my petition or if this is just a one time snag.

They have been talking with the CSC to find it in the mail room. I gave them my USPS tracking #. I should hear back today or tomorrow. Even if they cant find it I still might wait a week or two before re-filing JUST in case it does show up somewhere.

This is so frustrating because until we get a NOA1 we have nothing to really reference with the CSC.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-13 13:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsaugust filed
32 days for me now. I really hope I the check is cashed soon - with out a case # I just feel like noone even knows about my petition.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-12 08:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsaugust filed
26 days - no NOA1 - no Check Cashed
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-07 13:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsaugust filed
QUOTE (cebu15 @ Aug 21 2007, 11:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
mailed my I-129F august 14,2007. they received it august 20.


Mine got there a week before yours. My check has yet to be cashed. I've been watching it like a hawk since they received it on the 13th.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-08-30 21:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsProcessing Times Updated - Finally
Sweet smile.gif we are nearing that 6 month window. If that pans out then we won't miss our wedding smile.gif

Yay.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-12-31 18:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filer with CSC and no touches
No touches here .... waiting for NOA2 .... sad.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-12-06 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
APPROVED TODAY biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif I called with the RFE trick, he told he it was approved today - it just hasnt hit the system yet smile.gif

I gasped when he told me, he completely shocked me. I was just expecting to hear "a few more weeks probably". He said "acctually, it was approved today".

I dont think I could have taken any more waiting smile.gif

I called up Mary and told her that I called the CSC, that the guy couldnt find the case. I made it sound worse then it was. And then I said that he found it and we are approved tongue.gif I had her going for a moment there.

Edited by jonandmary, 25 January 2008 - 06:14 PM.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-25 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
QUOTE (mox @ Jan 13 2008, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jonandmary @ Jan 13 2008, 05:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ftiw - we have now been waiting a full 6 months.

Your timeline says you filed August 10. (still 5 months, no picnic I agree. sad.gif )


Sorry, I meant that we are going on our 6th month.

The CSC has had our application for 22 weeks now. We really need to see a NOA2 very soon to stay on track for our wedding.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-14 08:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
ftiw - we have now been waiting a full 6 months.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-13 20:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
Nothing here yet.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-09 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
QUOTE (babblesgirl @ Sep 29 2007, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jonandmary @ Sep 29 2007, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
NOA1 was in my mailbox today smile.gif

Good thing because the WAC# was not readable off the check.


Oh cool! What is the receipt date on the NOA1? Have they backdated it?


Listed on the NOA1:

Received Date : Aug 13
Notice Date : Sept 26
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-29 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
NOA1 was in my mailbox today smile.gif

Good thing because the WAC# was not readable off the check.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-29 16:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
CHECK WAS CASHED!!!!!!

Took exactly 7 weeks.

I'm so excited I cant even read the back of this thing!
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-29 09:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
QUOTE (RosemarieL @ Sep 28 2007, 02:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We never received an NOA1 and as yet have not received the NOA2 either. Can you not get your case number from the back of your cashed cheque? If not then maybe call USCIS and get the case number from them. I wouldn't expect much to happen for a couple of months but it is good to have a number so you can look up your case status on the website.


Thats what I am waiting on ..... 7 full weeks now and no cashed check.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-28 06:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
I've already decided if something doesn't happen by the end of next week I am going to loose it. After that it will be 2 full months of nothing. Nothing as in no case number. Nothing as no identity within the system or progress forward. Nothing as in the petition might has well have just sat on my desk for the past 2 months.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-27 07:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAUGUST I-129F FILERS UNDER CSC
QUOTE (foxyroxy @ Sep 19 2007, 08:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys! i feel so blessed because my fiance mailed the I-129F packet sept 5, and he received the NOA1 sept 10. We filed it at the California Service Center. I don't know though whether the check has been encashed.


Let me be the first to say #######. So let me get this right......... my petition would have been processed sooner if I just held onto it for a month and then sent it?

Sorry foxyroxy - congrats to you ..... its the CSC that is causing me this grief.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-19 22:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
I'll update it when I get the notice smile.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-25 18:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
QUOTE (cshaw101 @ Jan 24 2008, 09:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jonandmary @ Jan 24 2008, 03:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What is the RFE trick?

I'm starting to get really depressed because we are running out of buffer room. If it gets held up for a month and MTL takes longer than 6 months we will not make our own wedding date sad.gif

Stressful does not begin to describe this process.


The RFE Trick: 1-800-375-5283,1,2,2,4,2,1,your case number,1,1

that is the 'rfe trick'. i dont know if it actually does anything, but at least you get to speak to a human. i called twice and they took the gentle droid approach. very professional and friendly, but very scripted.


APPROVED TODAY biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif I called with the RFE trick, he told he it was approved today - it just hasnt hit the system yet smile.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-25 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
What is the RFE trick?

I'm starting to get really depressed because we are running out of buffer room. If it gets held up for a month and MTL takes longer than 6 months we will not make our own wedding date sad.gif

Stressful does not begin to describe this process.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-24 15:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
QUOTE (StillThePrettiest @ Sep 23 2007, 03:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
it really does seem awfully hit and miss, doesn't it... I haven't been able to see many patterns in who's got their NOA1 and who hasn't (though someone posted some dates the other day - there was a period of around two weeks - I think - where no from from VJ has yet received an NOA1 or had their cheque cashed... people on either side, yes, but them no... ultra-weird)


tomorrow will be the start of my 7th week waiting.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-23 19:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
QUOTE (akamac @ Sep 18 2007, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So... they still haven't cashed my check. When should I start to worry? Is there someone/someplace I should call to ask, "Hey, did you loose the check, because it was attatched to the front of the application? Do you still have it ? Are you gonna cash it?"


Watch for a post from me saying that my check was cashed. They have had my application 1 week longer than yours. Still waiting over here.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-09-19 07:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
12 business days and check is still not cashed. helpsmilie.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-08-28 12:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust Filers
There was another thread back early August....

Mailed in August 10th ... Received August 13th..... (California)

Not a peep, check not cashed.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-08-26 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust and September Filers - NOA2 to NVC
I couldnt get thru on the phone so I emailed them. I'll call them next week if I don't hear back from them.

I'm glad I found this thread, I wasn't quite sure how the NVC part worked.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-01 11:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)

quick work! :)

we found the sample forms invaluable when getting our I-129F package together, and my fiance wrote his statement of meeting loosely based on the one there... link at the top of the page, or click here



If you wouldnt mind - I've been thru the guides and examples. I cant find anything that resembles the supplement. I understand everyone's meetings are different, I do not want a template. I just do not know if they are more concerned with times and dates, or frequency, or writing it more like a story.

Is it bad to have too much information?

So far I have:
10 photos taken over the past year
Passport stamps scanned
7 flight itineraries for me
3 receipts from one trip
6 scan of boarding passes for Mary's flights

As far as the ongoing relationship:
a card / envelope Mary mailed to me
three recent emails
engagement ring receipt
last 3 months phone bills showing calls to my calling card and messages from mary's cell

(Mary's phone records should show the most calling since she has a unlimited north American calling plan.)
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-30 07:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)
Thank you all very much. Between the guides and examples I have pretty much hammered the K-1 out tonight. I dont mind that the rates went up. It's still a lot less than paying the attorney to do the K-1.

The only thing that was not really documented in the guides is the supplement to how we met in person. I just wrote out a full sheet about a summary of the first times we met and how we have been meeting ever since. Also a brief explanation of the proof of meeting and ongoing relationship.

This is going to be one tall stack of papers. I assume its alright to paperclip and label things for the sake of organization.

Thanks again!

btw - I run my own large internet forum (600,000+ Page loads a day) .... so I really know how hard it is to put up with a newbie sometimes ;)
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 19:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)
quick question - I am going thru all the forms now. If Nebraska is no longer processing applications how do I know which center to send it to?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 16:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)
I am starting to get a handle on all this. The guides are great! I think I might do the K1 all by myself.

I am starting to gather all the info of trips, pictures, and all the data I need. :)
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 15:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)
This Montreal thing is making me question my faith in my immigration attorney. :(

In fact if this process could take 9 months on average but could easily take more I really have to get rolling soon with this.

For example: Jaseball posted that it is good for 6 months and you have to get married with in 90 days. I've read in other places and been told by my attorney that it is 4 months (and possible to get another 4 month extension) and then we have to get married with in 30 days of her arriving.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)

If she is living in NB the consulate for her interview will be Montreal. The service center refers to the US service center which will process your petition. Toronto does not process visa applications.... only Montreal and Vancouver do.


All the best in your process, Jon.


Sorry, I meant NE for Nebraska - where the application would go to (I thought since I live in IL). She lives in Toronto so wouldnt her interview be there? So if Toronto was not process visa applications that means she'll have to fly to Montreal just for the interview?

It looks like I might apply sooner than November to get the ball rolling.

Edited by jonandmary, 29 July 2007 - 01:37 PM.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)

The timing of your visa is tricky tho. Nothing is definite - she may get hers quickly or it may take a long time.

Once she has the K1 visa in her passport, she can only enter the US to marry & stay. She cannot visit after the K1 is issued - there is a very small chance otherwise - it is at the discretion of CBP.

Look here:
http://www.visajourn...amp;page=k1flow

:guides:

Search the timelines as well & filter for your service center (VT or Cali) & which Canadian embassy.



I didnt see that guide before - thanks! The service center is NB and there is not many people dealing with the Toronto Consulate here as far as I could see. Looking at the time lines makes me think it will be a good 6-7 months.


First, take a deep breath and relax. You two will be fine.

In your situation you are doing the right thing by starting the process. It is going to take 4-8 months on average.


Thank you! When you say 4-8 months do you mean just before the application is processed or do you mean until the interview? If I look at you time line it said 4-8 months at first and listed more wait times between processes.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe road ahead (K1)
If you don't mind I'd like to share my story just for feed back. This process is over all nerve racking and I and just very concerned that there might be road bumps in the future.

The story begins maybe 7 years ago when I started talking to Mary on instant messenger. We did not meet off a dating website, in fact I think it was our common tastes in music that really got us talking at first. She lived in Toronto and I lived in Milwaukee. We talked off an on, online & over the phone. We had other relationships, she went to college, I moved to Chicago for a better job. About 2 years ago we started talking almost daily over the phone and got the balls to finally meet in person. We really enjoyed each others company so we thought it would be a good move. I flew over to Canada in March of 06. We spent the next few months talking and thinking about it. She finally told her parents and since August of 06 we have seen each other at least once a month. Regular plane trips and I have started driving.

As things were progressing I found a nice Immigration attorney in my area that gave me a rundown of the process. We were talking about getting married and I saw the long road ahead. In April 2007 I proposed to Mary in Niagara falls. We were up in a tower were we could both see New York and Ontario. It was a great day - she kept shaking and crying (a good thing).

So here is where we are going from here. In the last week of November I am filing my petition for the K1 visa. Our wedding date is set for October 11th 2008. If the visa is issued early and not extended then we will have to get married in a private ceremony before the actual date.

Between my friends at Customs/Border Protection and the attorney I have been rather calm about everything . However reading online here and hearing everyones different stories it really gives me fear in what is really going to happen.

Once I apply for the K1 Mary still needs to be able to come to the US. I do not think that will be a big problem. My sister is getting married in March of 2008. I figure if she brings along a print out of the return ticket, a letter from her employer saying she is a current employee, and the wedding invitation that even if a border official questions her they would have no reason to refuse her entry.

I had thought that once the K1 is approved she would get her visa and then have 4 months to use it. What I read here tho is that she has 4 months to get the visa after being approved. Once she gets her visa is she forced onto a plane or something? If things happen too fast we need to be able to stretch the time out as much as possible. I want to apply early enough tho where any problems would not delay our marriage.

Once she is here and married it is my understanding that the following would have to take place. I don't mean each specific form or interview and what not - but more of a general task list:
  • Apply for adjustment of status
  • Get interviewed
  • Obtain a green card
  • Legally change her name? (confused as to when it goes into affect)
  • Apply for SSN
  • Obtain Drivers License
  • Get her on the auto insurance
  • Set up Joint Bank accounts
  • Apply for a Credit Card
  • Search for new employment
  • Go back and have a Reception in Toronto
I think the only other problems on my list will be the marriage license - there are notes about providing residency information (getting married in Milwaukee - no longer living in Wisconsin) as well as requiring both of us to bring our SS cards. I have written the clerk's office tho to get more information.

On the good side - I really enjoy reading other's posts here. We feel so 'un-normal' with doing this and reading other's stories really made us feel like we are not alone.

-Jon
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-07-29 12:48:00