ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)STUCK @ NVC for AP
QUOTE (GTB - Michael @ Aug 5 2009, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif Just heard from the NVC that we're out of AP and our file has been sent to the consulate! "Only" 23 days later... wacko.gif

Finally, we are starting to feel like things are coming to a close and we can start living our lives together!

I hope everyone who is still stuck in AP gets their "good news" soon!


YAY Congratulations!! Onward to Vancouver!! kicking.gif Won't be long now!!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-08-06 00:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat to expect at the interview (K3) and after
QUOTE (andrea00912 @ Jun 9 2009, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Everyone,

Just found out about this website from the lovely ladies that were with me at my medical appointment. Going in for my interview in two weeks and getting really really nervous. Any advice as to what happens during the interview? How long does it take to get approval? Can my husband come to the consulate with me (Vancouver location)? Any information would be greatly appreciated or even words of encouragement would be great.


Hi there! The interview itself is pretty quick, just asked general questions. If there are no issues they will approve you and ask you to come pick up the Visa after 2pm the next day. Take a look at the Embassy Reviews for Vancouver, it will give you a good idea of what happens when at the Consulate. I do believe Vancouver allows USC spouses to attend, as another VJ member who interviewed a week before me was present during her husband's K-3 interview. Take a deep breath you will be okay as long as you have your paperwork in order, most of the time the people are very friendly. The embassy info page also has a breakdown of the forms that you need to bring with you.

http://www.visajourn...ex.php?letter=C

http://www.visajourn...views/index.php
minnewFemaleCanada2009-06-15 10:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Exam Question
QUOTE (paul. @ Feb 13 2009, 03:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I admitted yesterday that I smoked 4-5 cigs a day for 6 years and got told off, but not failed. Pot smoking should flat out be denied and you should have none in your bloodstream, to be honest. I don't use pot or any other drug, but they took blood from me, so it would be easy to tell if I had.


Thank you for your reply, I don't use pot or any other drug either. I've been told off by about everyone in my family to stop and of course my family doctor, but I told them it could be much worse, I could be addicted to smoking illegal drugs!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-02-13 04:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Exam Question
I am not sure if I am posting this in the right subforum but here we go...I tried doing a search to answer my question and some of the answers I was confused about whether they were talking about smoking marijuana or cigarettes.

Has anyone ever been denied a K-1 visa because of admitting at the medical exam current or previous use of tobacco (cigarettes)? I looked up visa inadmissabilities and all they talk about is alcohol and illegal drugs. I know that cigarettes are not an ILLEGAL drug but my concern was because of cancer causing affects and the whole likely to become a public charge. Which is debatable anyways because some people who have smoked for 40 years are still alive anyways, just wondering the answer to my question.

Thank you all in advance!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-02-13 03:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVancouver Consulate Question
I didn't want to make a new thread about this so i can am just going to add it to the original hoping I will get an answer. I received an information packet by email from the Woking Medical Services and I had a question pertaining to one of the requirements. I emailed the receptionist back with my question and she asked for my number to contact me directly, it has been 2 days and no phone call!

10. If you’ve been convicted of an offense (including DUI), please let us know when booking your

appointment. A different procedure is required. Informing us can save you a time & expense.


What type of offense are they talking about? I am assuming it has to do with questions related to the DS-230 about drug trafficking violations and crimes of moral turpitude? Can anyone share some insight to this?

minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-17 02:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVancouver Consulate Question
QUOTE (borderdriver @ Apr 9 2009, 01:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok my interview is tomorrow and i should be going to bed but i just cant laughing.gif i was freaking out today about the I134 so I decided to email the consulate (and i was kind of annoying and asked them basically the same question. lol. like i said i was freaking out)

this is their answer:

A K visa applicant and any accompanying children must meet the public charge requirement of INA 212(a)(15) like any other visa applicant. Evidence of support is usually requested by the consular officer. There is, however, no absolute requirement that an affidavit of support or other public charge documentation be presented. It is only necessary that the consular officer be able to conclude that the alien is not likely to become a public charge.

Applicants may submit a letter from the petitioner's employer or evidence that they will be self-supporting. The Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be required when the consular officer deems it useful.


I guess the checklist wasn't a typo..LOL...Interesting to see how they worded it that the I-134 is not REQUIRED but good to have if there is a question whether you would become a public charge. Anyways, get some sleep borderdriver! Good luck tomorrow and let us know how it goes!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-09 02:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVancouver Consulate Question
QUOTE (Steve&Shannon @ Apr 8 2009, 09:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry to see you have no answers, but I'd guess that you are correct that someone edited the I-134 out of the revision made on 3/30/09. I was wondering if perhaps they are sending the USC a letter directly to ensure the I-134 requirement is being completed. I dunno...

Have you gotten your Packet 3 letter in the mail yet?

Also, I should mention that I bank with USAA as well and the letter I got was a "Good Standing Letter" which details the balances and dates opened on all bank accounts but does not outline the amount of deposits over the last year. I will be providing statements to cover that portion of the requirement. Anyhow, they were able to mail that to me within 1 week. Hope that helps.


I have not received Packet 3 letter in the mail yet, hopefully by next week!

I was in NE last week when my fiance called USAA, I remember him talking about a letter of "Good Faith" when he was on the phone with them. I don't recall if he mentioned total deposits on the account or not, but hopefully it will not take the 6-8 weeks!

QUOTE (eyoa @ Apr 8 2009, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I sent the Vancouver Consulate an email questioning the omission of the I-134. Here is their response:

"To qualify, you must demonstrate to the consular officer's satisfaction that you will not become a public charge. The Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be required when the consular officer deems it useful. If available, we suggest that your bring a completed I-134, and all or any of the following documents – employment letter, bank statements, properties, tax returns, etc. to the interview."

So the letter may be requested in some cases, but is not necessarily required.


Thank you eyoa for emailing the Consulate!

minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-09 02:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVancouver Consulate Question
I have a question regarding the Vancouver consulate checklist (Package 3) that is available for download on their website. http://vancouver.usc...document=fiance

It does not list Evidence of Support (I-134) which I am assuming is an error as the last revision was 3/30/09?

My fiance will be providing me with I-134, tax transcripts for 05-07(which should arrive in 2 weeks), a copy of W-2 and 1040 for 2008, a letter from his employer, letter of intent, and servicemembers group life insurance certificate. He called USAA about his bank letter and was told it will take 6-8 weeks! I hope that was just a disclaimer to cover their butts like USCIS!! Has anyone successfully gone through an interview or interview in Vancouver without a bank letter?

I would like to schedule my interview in Vancouver for the end of May beginning of June at the latest and depending on the date I request and seasonal demand they schedule 4-6 weeks in advance.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-07 19:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 156
Looking at the DS-156 it has a barcode on the first page and on the third (supplemental). Does the consulate scan this document at the interview? If so, the handwritten information on the supplemental sheet would not show up? And the interviewer would have to enter it manually?

Edited by minnew, 22 April 2009 - 01:10 PM.

minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-22 13:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 156
I know mine turned out horrible too, I had them nicely spaced but then the supplemental form screwed them all up. It also did not let me enter as many visits as I have had. Kept on hitting enter and it would go nowhere! I listed them on the DS-230 and then had an attachment to it with all the visits...maybe that is good enough? LOL I had 3 attachments to the DS-230 when I faxed it in.

minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-22 12:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLove Wins, VISA APPROVED!
Congratulations!!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-21 19:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVancouver Medical & Interview
QUOTE (BradnKim @ May 13 2009, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Question #1 -
Does anyone know how much a taxi costs from the airport to the downtown area where the consulate and medical building are?

Question #2 -
Can I go with my hubby and wait for him at the medical exam appt. in Vancouver? Or will they only let him in the building? What has everyone else done?

Thanks!


Hey there! I can't answer Question 2, but maybe email the medical clinic and ask Laura directly. Question 1, I saw a website for the yellow taxi in Vancouver and it had approximate fares to and from destinations in the Vancouver area.
http://www.yellowcabvancouver.ca/
minnewFemaleCanada2009-05-13 15:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAnyone have Vancover interviews or Medicals soon?
QUOTE (BradnKim @ May 15 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey there,

Just thought I would share something that I found that will save a bit of money for the few days in Vancouver while there for the interview and medical. I purchased the Entertainment Book from their online website that has tons of coupons and 2 for 1 deals in it for places all over Vancouver. The book was only $15 with free shipping and if I use it even once for the buy one get one free Lookout Tower ($15 value) or for a buy one get one free dinner then I've broken even. We hope to use it for the Aquarium or Imax also which are buy one get one free!

After next week I will have no use for the book though... I wish I knew someone that was going to be heading there in the near future.

Here's the site if you wanted to get your own: www.entertainment.com

I would be willing to mail my book to someone after next week...it would have some coupons missing of course star_smile.gif


Hey there!! I will be in Vancouver a week after you!! PM me!!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-05-15 23:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 income question
I think this thread applies: Current year income vs Previous tax year income

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=209166
minnewFemaleCanada2009-07-24 12:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMy husband is no longer married to an alien
Congratulations Kathryn!!!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-08-26 22:47:00
CanadaImporting a Car
I'm a newbie here trying to figure out which route to go, I am already in the US on an F-1 OPT visa. Currently my boyfriend of 3 years and I are trying to figure out if to apply to adjust status before my Visa expires in May of 08 or return to Canada and do the K-1. Alot of it is financial a well.

If I did the I-130 route and stayed in the US, I have a question.
I bought my car in Canada and temporarily imported it to the US in October 07, is there a way to permanently import my car? I thought I read somewhere that there are no extensions on the temporary import, but maybe that meant it cannot be temporarily imported again, but could be permanently imported. If anyone could help me on this that would be great!

Thank you everyone!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-03-25 18:02:00
CanadaInformation sharing.
QUOTE (cattattude @ Oct 26 2008, 04:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
F-ing system. They screw us from every which direction here. I think whoever makes the rules about interviews and physicians hasn't actually taken out of a map of Canada and considered her sheer size and the problems traveling from oh I dunno Yellowknife, NT to Montreal, QC for the medical 1st and then perhaps for the interview.

With my spare time I am taking up writing a letter to my Senator and see what on earth the rationale for this is.


Wow that is ridiculous...I guess its not just Western Canada that is getting screwed. Someone needs to write and complain about the situation.
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-26 18:18:00
CanadaVisa mailed, FINALLY!!!
QUOTE (Pandora01 @ Oct 31 2008, 06:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (minnew @ Oct 30 2008, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations on getting your visa! Good luck with the big move to ND! I used to live there while going to school on F-1, its definitely a culture shock from living in a bigger city! Lots of open country! Where I lived in they still accept cheques for everything! groceries, gas, clothing! Its enough to drive a person mad waiting in line! Anyways good luck with your travels!


Thank you, minnew smile.gif

As far as I know, they still accept cheques. I know what you mean about the wait it creates, but on the other hand, for people who don't want to use a debit card and/or don't like carrying large amounts of money with them, or even if you have just ran out of cash, being able to pay by cheque is a plus in my book wink.gif

Yup, lots of open country indeed. Nothing to block the view and lots of wildlife smile.gif

We're leaving on Sunday evening, so should be home by Wednesday or Thursday. I can hardly wait! smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif


There were definitely some times that writing a cheque came in handy...waiting for payday! Haha! At some places they process the cheques electronically now (like a debit card) and give you the cheque back! Yes indeed, lots of wildlife! The opening of deer season is like a state holiday! Don't expect the kids in school and the spouses take their vacation time! I am definitely a city girl! LOL Anyways, good luck to you and your future husband!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-31 10:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOver 8 months of waiting...
We haven't had any touches either... It's hard to stay positive when we've been going through this for so long!
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-10-28 15:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC approvals / touches - Week of Nov 3
We just looked online and yesterday a notice of approval was posted for both our 129F and our I130's! I don't know how long it will take for the paperwork to follow but finally!!!!!!!! We've been waiting so long it hardly seems real.
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-11-04 11:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to keep your relationship strong?
We talk on skype when he gets home from work in the evenings and we stay on all night so we can talk when either one of us wake.... He can hear when our 5 month old daughter wakes. He talks to her sometimes when she won't settle. Skype is our lifeline. We're not in the same room but we go about our lives together.
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-11-23 21:28:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPackage 3 Questions
I'm so excited - we just received a call & a email - our interview is scheduled for January 7th!!!!

Wow no one was kidding the Dept. of State is so much faster!!!!!!!!
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-12-04 16:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPackage 3 Questions
QUOTE (hheaven67 @ Nov 26 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lawg @ Nov 26 2008, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry I'm one of these people who is always worried I'm not doing something right!

I just received my Package 3 in the mail yesterday. I have a few questions and I'm sure the consulate will be tired of me asking them! I am on E/I (maternity leave) so is my current employer the place I worked at - or is it EI? Also 10 years ago I was on EI for maternity leave with my other daughter - so is that timeframe listed as EI as well? My husband has no middle name so do I put n/a in the field? I don't plan on working anytime soon because of moving to a huge city and my kids are use to a small town. I'm staying home with them so do I put unknown in the box for intended occupation?
No, you're still employed with your company so list them - EI is not an employer, yes you can enter n/a for your husbands middle name, yes, enter unknown.
Do I fill out this form for my daughter as well... I don't think so but the instructions are vague and well - I'm paranoid! lol Also the filing fee that I pay at Scotia Bank - do I pay it for both of us or just myself? It really doesn't say and well I don't want anything to screw this up! We've waited three years to be together...
I know what you mean as my son is 16 and there's no real directions regarding kids. I went the K3 route & I had to pay for my son as well as myself, at Scotiabank (they interviewed him for about 30 seconds - no word of a lie - and it cost around $1000 to get him there for that!)
Please bear with me - I know I'm just driving myself nuts but I want everything perfect!
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions
Thanks
You're very welcome! Good luck!
** Sorry I forgot to ask.... do I fill out multiple page #2's for my travel to the USA or just put the extra lines on a blank page of paper? I have been to the USA 9 times but never for longer than a couple of weeks.. why do they only give you three blanks!!!



Thanks so much! I knew I was just panicing but I needed to hear I was reading things right!
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-11-26 23:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPackage 3 Questions
Sorry I'm one of these people who is always worried I'm not doing something right!

I just received my Package 3 in the mail yesterday. I have a few questions and I'm sure the consulate will be tired of me asking them! I am on E/I (maternity leave) so is my current employer the place I worked at - or is it EI? Also 10 years ago I was on EI for maternity leave with my other daughter - so is that timeframe listed as EI as well? My husband has no middle name so do I put n/a in the field? I don't plan on working anytime soon because of moving to a huge city and my kids are use to a small town. I'm staying home with them so do I put unknown in the box for intended occupation?

Do I fill out this form for my daughter as well... I don't think so but the instructions are vague and well - I'm paranoid! lol Also the filing fee that I pay at Scotia Bank - do I pay it for both of us or just myself? It really doesn't say and well I don't want anything to screw this up! We've waited three years to be together...

Please bear with me - I know I'm just driving myself nuts but I want everything perfect!

Thanks

** Sorry I forgot to ask.... do I fill out multiple page #2's for my travel to the USA or just put the extra lines on a blank page of paper? I have been to the USA 9 times but never for longer than a couple of weeks.. why do they only give you three blanks!!!

Edited by lawg, 26 November 2008 - 11:05 AM.

saskswanFemaleCanada2008-11-26 11:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWell, now that I have read most of this site I am freaking out
It's not terribly complicated it is just a wait for everything to go through. Hang in there - and just get your paperwork filed. The people here are great at answering questions.
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-12-04 20:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNov/Dec Approved K-3 filers- Please post updates here!
We received Packet 4 on December 8th. Our interview is scheduled for January 7th. We are so nervous. My husband extended his trip to Canada so he can attend the interviews with us. At the same time we will be reporting our daughters birth abroad and filing for her US passport. Cross your fingers for us that all goes well! There isn't much about what to expect in a K3 interview in Vancouver so we're heading into this pretty blind. We go to the Physical the moring of the interview. Again - we are so nervous! It's like this one day will decide our future. lol

star_smile.gif
saskswanFemaleCanada2008-12-31 10:52:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUS citizen Child born In Canada, How to obtain Citizenship?
We just went through reporting our daughters birth abroad. We were in a little different situation because we are married. You need to contact your nearest consulate. Vancouver allowed us to book our appointment online. The US Citizen has to be present. You can apply for your childs report of citizenship abroad, passport and ssn all at the same time.

They ask for proof of the US citizen's presence in the United states. So he will need a written letter from his employer's etc for the past 5 years. It has to be an original not a photocopy. Otherwise just the usual forms, birth certificates, id. I know they state they can ask for more than the regular stuff so please be sure to have proof of his being the father... written affidavit or something.

It was fairly simple. Take a medium sized prepaid express post envelope with you so they can mail it back.

If you file for your K1 visa just maybe include a letter from your doctor stating your gestation dates etc.... it helps as proof of relationship.

PM me if you have any questions..... I'm happy to help.

Good luck on your pregnancy!
saskswanFemaleCanada2009-01-26 11:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalization Question

I am in the same situation. My son is only 6-years old though. After I get my citizenship, can I just get him his US passport? His birth certificate, the Father section is left blank. So how do I go about getting him proof of citizenship other than the N600?

Thanks!



Just a note... when we moved here and I had to get my drivers license because I had a K3 Visa, my husband had to provide proof he was a US Citizen. They refused to accept his passport as proof. They said he needed to provide his birth certificate (if he was American) or his Naturalization certificate. So filing a N-600 might be a good idea.

My daughter's Birth Father isn't listed on her birth certificate either. They did try and question me about that at my original interview for our green cards. I can only think it may be an issue once again but hopefully we can get through it without an issue again.
saskswanFemaleCanada2013-03-20 18:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalization Question

No, you can't apply for somebody else.

The minimum age for naturalization is 18 years, so your daughter has to file herself once she's 18 and desires to become a US citizen.
If your daughter is under the age of 18 by the time you naturalize, she will come a US citizen automatically, by act of law, the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, whether she likes it, you like it, your husband likes it, or the Pope likes it. Nothing to do, nothing to file, nothing to decline, it's automatic.


I am only getting mine so she can have hers so that's great! :)
saskswanFemaleCanada2013-03-19 15:25:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalization Question
My daughter and I received our green cards almost 3 years ago (my husband is a US Citizen). Our other two children gained their citizenship through him. Because my daughter is his stepchild, can her naturalization application be submitted with mine? Or do I have to file mine then file hers after I receive my naturalization. Or should we consider my husband adopting her?

Has anyone gone through this? Any advice would be great!
saskswanFemaleCanada2013-03-19 11:16:00