ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
USCIS Service CentersAny I-130 May 2013 still waiting for decision?
Why oh why would any lawyer suggest filing a second I-130. That is completely ridiculous. My I-130 & K3 were filed early April 2013. I was transfered from California to Nebraska on Dec 5, 2013. Sent an RFE on I-130 in Feb 11, 2014. Got approval for K3 on March 25, 2014 & approval for I-130 on March 27, 2014. So I, "JUST" got approval from filing in April 2013. If you re-filed again, your lawyer just got you 6 more months to a year extra wait in your own country putting you back to start. We have a lawyer and I told her your story. Her comment was, that couple must have misunderstood what their lawyer told them because no lawyer would be stupid enough to set them back to start.
For god sakes, file an expedite on your origin application.

Edited by Bonnie&Bob, 15 May 2014 - 03:17 PM.


Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-05-15 15:15:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)another NVC beginner question
Your right it was the DS-260. I did also filed online the DS-160 is this mess of applications. My k3 has been in Montreal for 3 months waiting. They took my interview fee & then they cancelled it and now want to proceed with the CR1 that has been sitting at NVC also for the past 3 months. After 8 calls to NVC I can assure you that you do not have to enroll for email communication. This is all automatic once you file a DS-260 or DS-160 and she also said if you set up for email it will only send stuff twice. I paid for my CR-1 interview fee & AOS fee so now I just sit and wait. With any luck I will be home for Christmas this year.

Edited by Bonnie&Bob, 15 June 2014 - 08:36 AM.

Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-15 08:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)another NVC beginner question
After you receive your approval and your case goes to NVC you will be asked to file online for your DS-160. It will ask you for your email address. When you call NVC after that they will verify your email address during that call. All correspondence from that point will be done by email. You don't have to register on line for email delivery. I have never had to and everything comes to me, my husband, & lawyer by email.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-14 06:29:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I am SOOOO frustrated with the NVC not responding on time
I am also an April 2013 filer for a cr1. Ironic enough I sent in my AOS on June 11. Sit tight they are not doing anything. He did tell me they are booking interviews a month out. Today they are booking for Sept 2nd & 3rd. With any luck we will be home for Christmas. I am so pissed.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-07-28 17:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)IV Packet - Canadian Police Certificate
It can take 3-5 days for the payment to clear for the IV. You are not required to get the fingerprints for police clearance. Just the criminal record. They will more than have a good set of prints by the time your done at the consulate. A criminal report is only good for 6 months.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-09-19 18:21:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the LONGEST this can take? Getting tired of waiting...
We are at 18 months now and told it will take another 60 days to review our AOS & Civil docs. They won't allow me to visit the USA, so my husband has to come to Canada to see me. Neither of us have any criminal record. He's a pilot for god sake & I worked for the government. Our couriered AOS & Civil Doc paperwork was sent in on July 19, 2014 & signed for by NVC July 21, 2014. They lost our paperwork & found them after we sent a Senator after them. They found them on Sept 11, 2014, so they were entered in the system on that day. They then said we will wait 60 more days to review. We argued that they were received July 21st but they said not their problem. They were entered Sept 11, 2014 so it will be 60 business days from that date. We are completely fed up with the whole process. We also had a k3 visa at the Montreal consulate back in March that was cancelled because the I-130 was approved 2 days after the k3 but they waited for us to pay the interview fee of $240 before they cancelled. They will not refund any money on that. So we continued to pay the $230 I-130 fee & AOS fee $88 the same day in March and still sitting on our thumbs.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-10-08 08:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConfused with Packet 3 letter
Just scan the page with your picture, save, & send it.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-02 13:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConfused with Packet 3 letter
Filled mine out yesterday & emailed.
They want:

Check list signed & dated,
DS-160 bar code page,
DS-230,
DS-156,
copy of passport.







Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-05-31 22:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Fee payment receipt!
As long as you got the receipt number your good to go. Guard it with your life. You can not get it back if you lose it and will have to pay again.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-18 19:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionlabeling my papers
Pay it online https://usvisa-info....ca/selfservice/ or by phone. All the info is on Travel visa site. http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-08-08 13:34:00
CanadaCanadians! Waiting on interview scheduling in Montreal ....
You shouldn't have to schedule an interview for a cr1. The date should come in your packet 4. It is usually within 2-4 weeks.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-02-21 09:03:00
CanadaInterview location (living in Halifax)
Your "Only" option is Montreal. That is the Consulate for our area. I'm in Pictou, NS, my application has been approved & now waiting on the date for my interview. Not to discourage you but to add some more trauma & expense to our life living so far away from Montreal is having to go to Montreal for the medical as well. You have to wait 3 additional days after the medical exam for your results for a total of 4 days before the interview. So you can bet on at least 5 nights in a hotel in Montreal.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-16 18:27:00
CanadaSimultaneous resident applications US/Canada
You have to pick a permanent residence. You can't have both unless you are native. You could have applied for dual citizenship which takes a minimum of 5 years with your children born in the US or not qualify at all with just marriage link...but...Canada is trying to pass a new bill very soon that is trying to take dual citizenship away altogether. This means if you are born Canadian with dual citizenship but living in the US, Egypt, etc, that is where you stay. You are no longer a Canadian. Our lawyer told us this on Thursday because I wanted dual citizenship. I was completely flipped out.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-05-17 14:21:00
CanadaHas your visa wait time matched with published estimates?
Also filed in April 2013 and still waiting. K3 sent to Montreal which sat for 3 months there and cr1 stayed at NVC for 3 months. Paid interview fee $240 and they cancelled my k3 within 3 days after paying it and now proceesing with cr1. All pk 3 sent (aos, ds260, original docs.etc). They told me up to 30 days for review and I will get an email with my interview date for Montreal. Maybe we will get the same day.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-18 11:52:00
CanadaHow to Bend Time: The Paradox of Speaking LESS
It is not what you call normal to not communicate. This is the time you both should be learning about one another. The lack of daily info, personal history, and regular communication is going to hurt your interview with lack of evidence. One of the most popular questions at the consulate is how often do you communicate, how do you communicate, & how often do you see each other. The answer of "My fiance thought less communication would be better", is going to get you Denied at your interview. Without the need to speak often or see each other makes it look like your marrying him for a green card. Just saying.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-08-18 19:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCheck stil not cashed at VSC
Hang tight. They will not do anything with your application until that personal check comes back cleared by your bank. This could take 7-10 business days after they deposit it in their bank. It could take over 3 weeks to get NOA1 in the mail but it will come.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-28 13:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny I-130 case here got transfer to Nebraska Service Center
We have not heard anything on our case for 8 months after we received our I-130 receipt & our K-3 receipt. On Dec 4th got a text with update out Adjustment of Status Application was transfered to a service center for processing. Then Dec 5th early morning another text our Adjustment of Status was transfered to a Local Office, and before noon another text that our case has been transfered to a USCIS Office. Got in the mail Dec 10th, our case was transfered to Nebraska. Also, the lawyer expedited our k-3 and was transfered to an officer and would have a decision by Dec 7th (Saturday), the lawyer call on Dec 9th, got a rude reception and told we don't have an answer & have another 30 days for processing so call back in 30 days. Question....did no one show up for work at immigration in the last 10-12 months? This is getting ridiculous. Anyone else in the same boat?
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2013-12-11 08:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsBackground Security Checks on i130 Petition
I am an April 2013 filer. I've had my file transfered from California to Nebraska in Decemeber and a RFE request was sent to me on February 11 in which they received my response by February 14th. The letter said up to 60 more days for a response to wait for a decision. Then if approved, packet 3, packet 4, medical, interview, and then wait for my visa. I might get home by June/July for a grand total of 14-15 months.

You could have a long wait ahead of you. Sit tight, stressing yourself out it is not going to speed up the government, believe me, we have tried. Our lawyer tried everything.


Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-03-17 19:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApprox. time to get email from NVC re: doc. submission
A problem is exactly what I thought but they assure me there is nothing wrong. They are suppose to be swamped with applications and everything on my case is perfectly fine. I have called 3 times in one day and got 3 different people and told the same from each. Our lawyer just found out Friday that our k3 was cancelled and now they are going to proceed with the 130 that was also approved on the same day. K3 was forwarded to Montreal & 130 stayed at NVC waited until I paid all the fees $240 for the interview for the k3 and then cancelled. Then had to pay for the 130 interview fee $230 and the $88 for AOS. The k3 fee is nonrefundable even though they cancelled after the fee was paid. We are not at all impressed with any of it.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-11 18:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApprox. time to get email from NVC re: doc. submission
I have no idea. I've been waiting since Mar 27, 2014. Called NVC every week since. They keep saying another 30 days. It is absolutely ridiculous. They are taking more illegals in so sit tight. We were paying applicants and put on the back burner back in Oct so they are going to do it again. I have been in this process since April 2013. Getting very fed up with the whole process. My advise is...keep calling NVC until your fingers are sore like I do. They have got to get sick & tired of hearing from us and move this along. I'm starting to wonder if someone actually works there or its only a call center to annoy people.

Edited by Bonnie&Bob, 11 June 2014 - 09:56 AM.

Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-06-11 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHusbands I130 approved July 28, still haven't received
Sit tight. Got my I-130 approval in March 27, 2014. I'm still waiting and now have an expedite request for someone to get something rolling. We are at 16 months of this process now and its getting really old. Keep calling them.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-08-29 06:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Lost AOS documents
You are not alone. They lost mine twice. First sent AOS & supporting docs, then sent AOS with supporting docs & all civil docs because they said they never received the 1st package. I sent both by courier signature required and the NVC signed for the package twice and now they don't have it. We have both receipt notices that they have signed and date stamped. So we sent a 3rd time with copy of receipt notices and they didnt get that either apparently but sifned for it. Been dealing with this since June 2, 2014. Got our lawyer dealing with NVC Attorneys and also a Senator because we have gotten 3 different stories now. One from the NVC Attorney, another from a Supervisor, and another from Dept of State. We have been waiting 16 months now and back to square one. We are so fed up.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-09-09 16:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam in Nova Scotia? Need Info Please.
My interview will be in Montreal but I am in Nova Scotia. On the list of approved Dr's, they only have Montreal, Toronto, & Vancouver. The exam in Montreal takes 3 additional days after the appointment day. To achieve this, I would have to fly up & stay in Montreal for an entire week to attend the interview with the medical completed to get approved. There use to be a Dr in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, & Halifax which would have been perfect. Does anyone know if there are any Dr's in the Maritimes that are authorized to perform a medical for U.S Immigration.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2013-12-15 17:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Photos - US or Canada?
You must have had your medical done in Toronto. In Montreal the medical is in 3 different places which is absolutely ridiculous. Good luck on your interview.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-01-19 16:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Photos - US or Canada?
You need 3 US size passport photos for the medical. One for the examiner, one for your blood drawn in another building, and one for your x-rays. Also need 2 more US size for actual interview. For a grand total of 5 photos. If you don't have them at the medical it will hold up the process and if you don't have the 2 at the interview there is a machine to take them for you at $10 x 2 for each picture.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-01-16 20:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBefore we send in our I-130, I'd like your opinion!
If you don't have his birth certificate they will send it back and reject your application. MOST important piece of info they want is the birth certificate. If you didn't send in a divorce decree or something they would start the process and later send an RFE (Request for Evidence) to get that paper. Without both of your birth certificates with the application they won't even bother to look at it and just reject it.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-02-24 10:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Help!
I just had my taxes done in Canada a week ago. Was married Jan 11, 2013, so I explained my situation of being stuck in Canada during the immigration process since Apr 08, 2013. Last year the same people did my taxes and re-checked the tax laws again this year. They told me that I file as "Separated", because as of the end of the tax year being Dec 31st, I was actually separated from my spouse as we reside in different countries. They told me if I filed as "Single", for tax purposes, it will show to immigration I have intent to dissolve the marriage. Call someone at a tax centre & ask. If you filed wrong any tax place (ie.H&R Block), can am end it properly in 5 mins and give you a print out for your records for immigration. Don't panic, it can be fixed if its wrong very easy.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-03-09 08:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved for I-130 & approved k3. Why are the proceeding with K3?
We called and the file is in Durham and we will have an interview after my I-129 F in Montreal. They are doing this because we are so close to us being able to file for status for 10 years (2 months before our 2nd Anniversary). This is considered or going to be usual procedure for situations that are coming up for permanent residence filing for 10 years. Could wait up to 4-8 weeks for this interview in Durham when I get back.

P.S. This doesn't shock me. Nothing I have ever done in my life is what one would call Normal Procedure.

Edited by Bonnie&Bob, 08 April 2014 - 08:11 AM.



Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-08 08:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved for I-130 & approved k3. Why are the proceeding with K3?
The lawyer called about the I-130 and her exact words were, "What do you mean it has been transfered to Durham?". The woman on the phone told her the approval has been sent to that office for "Future" processing. Our lawyer asked why and she said s second jnterview
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-07 19:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved for I-130 & approved k3. Why are the proceeding with K3?
Nope. The letter sent from USCIS stated how it was going to happen. Got approval letters from both I-130 & I-129F. The I-129F started in Vermont, then transfered to California for approval, then to NVC. The I-130 started in California, then to Nebraska for a RFE, then 34 days later approval, and now to Durham.
I have never heard of anything so crazy.

RFE - I-130 (February 12, 2014) Nebraska
Approved I-130. (March 18, 2014) Nebraska
Approved I-129F (March 25, 2014) California





Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-07 17:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved for I-130 & approved k3. Why are the proceeding with K3?
I really hope your right. We have waited & waited. Then jumped all the hoops. I would just like for this to all be over as do many others. At this rate the kids will all be graduated from school and moved out for college before I get back. Hard to have a life with them over the phone.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-07 07:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved for I-130 & approved k3. Why are the proceeding with K3?
According to our lawyer this is the 3rd time this has happened this year with their firm and is expected to be seen more often. The K3 interview will be done in Montreal by myself and a second interview will be completed in Durham with both of us attending. They are aware that both applications were approved because it stated on the K3 approval that my I-130 has been sent to the local office (Durham) for future processing. So the K3 is not obsolete. Its alive and well heading for Montreal.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-06 23:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved for I-130 & approved k3. Why are the proceeding with K3?
Our cases have both been approved. The K3 was sent to NVC & our I-130 was sent to Durham, NC. They are proceeding with the K3 & sending it to the Montreal consulate for my interview. What happened to cancelling out the k3 when the I-130 was approved? Some on visa journey swear that a k3 doesn't even exist. I beg to differ, mine survived. Any info appreciated.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-04-06 21:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved. How much longer?!
That's impossible to tell. I filed in April 29, 2013 and got my approval on March 25, 2014. I just received my packet 3 yesterday. Its been 13 months & I have missed lots as well. The kids are with him in the US. Graduation for the oldest is June 13th. I will be still stuck in Canada. Keep faith, its coming soon.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-05-31 22:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the LONGEST this can take? Getting tired of waiting...
We are at 18 months now and told it will take another 60 days to review our AOS & Civil docs. They won't allow me to visit the USA, so my husband has to come to Canada to see me. Neither of us have any criminal record. He's a pilot for god sake & I worked for the government. Our couriered AOS & Civil Doc paperwork was sent in on July 19, 2014 & signed for by NVC July 21, 2014. They lost our paperwork & found them after we sent a Senator after them. They found them on Sept 11, 2014, so they were entered in the system on that day. They then said we will wait 60 more days to review. We argued that they were received July 21st but they said not their problem. They were entered Sept 11, 2014 so it will be 60 business days from that date. We are completely fed up with the whole process. We also had a k3 visa at the Montreal consulate back in March that was cancelled because the I-130 was approved 2 days after the k3 but they waited for us to pay the interview fee of $240 before they cancelled. They will not refund any money on that. So we continued to pay the $230 I-130 fee & AOS fee $88 the same day in March and still sitting on our thumbs.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-10-08 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproval Notice Expiration
Thanks for the reply. That's what customer service at USCIS said as well. Lawyer said we should be expecting an answer & the interview date in the next 14 days. I finally get to go home. Been a very long 11 months.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-02-17 09:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproval Notice Expiration
Did you have to book your own interview or did that date come with your packet 4? Seems that is really far off. USCIS said that wait time is 2-3 weeks for cr-1.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-02-15 20:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Advice and Peace of Mind
An Immigration lawyer will cost between $800-$1200. Payment plans I'm not sure of but call around & find out. You will get a free consultation. Put your cards on the table at that meeting. Every case is different so listening to each one of us with a different solution is not helping to ease your mind. That free consultation will lead you down the right path and get you started with your goal. There is always a way so don't get discouraged. I wish you the best of luck.
Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-02-18 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Advice and Peace of Mind
I had read your post and my immigration lawyer called about 2 mins later. I told her your situation and she said there is away around anything. You registered to vote at 19 but never actually voted. You would have broken the law if you actually attempted to vote so your name would be in the system but that's all. The overstay can be waivered. She said to find an attorney and they can handle issues like these.
Don't give up. Good luck.

Bonnie&BobFemaleCanada2014-02-17 18:54:00