ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaOld I-864
Yeah, I called NVC and they said it won't do any good sending in the old one, due to exactly what you said, they'll have to keep the file open anyway until the new one is processed. Frustrating. I thought I was doing a good thing by sending in the new form, but in hindsight, not the best thing. My worry was that by interview time (which would have been after the old form expired), Consulate was going to make a big deal about reviewing an old/expired form. Hope they process soon!
CM11MaleCanada2013-06-03 14:10:00
CanadaOld I-864
I'm sure most people are aware of the current delays if you sent in the new I-864 (if not, NVC is waiting on instructions from Dept of State on how to process the new I-864; DoS issued the new forms, but didn't tell NVC how to process *roll eyes*).

My I-864 package was received on May 7 (I received the "20 business days" email on that day) and I've called NVC 3x, but they can't do anything until DoS tells them how to process these new forms.

So I'm thinking of sending in the old I-864 form but I don't want to ####### things up.
1) So for those who sent in the old I-864 in the month of May, how many days did it take to process (ie. # of days between "20 business days" email and "I-864 processed" email)?

2) Anyone here sent in old I-864 after sending in new one? Any problems?

Thanks.









CM11MaleCanada2013-06-02 13:46:00
CanadaNew I-864 forms are starting to get processed!!!
Finally! Just spoke with NVC and they confirmed that they are starting to process the new forms now. They're backed up from early-May, so if you sent yours earlier in May, they should be processed soon. Great news!
CM11MaleCanada2013-06-07 18:49:00
CanadaMontreal Interviews 2013
Hi Hannah! I joined VJ last month and wondered the exact same thing. I was very anxious about the whole process and needed to know dates and timelines for everything lol. My file is currently with NVC (just paid AOS bill). I looked at about 10 people's timelines who had their interview booked recently and this is what I found:

From when your file reaches NVC to when it leaves, it's taking about 5-6 wks; however, this is assuming you pay the bills right away and that you send all documents requested right away. If anything missing, it can easily add 1-2 wks of processing time for NVC.

Once your file is completed at NVC, they seem to be booking interviews about 4-6 wks later.

Again, these are all based on about 10 people's timelines. Good luck!
CM11MaleCanada2013-04-23 22:03:00
CanadaCase complete at NVC! Any have a July interview scheduled for Montreal yet?

Congratultions,
I suppose you have sent the old i-864 version, happy for you, and good luck 


You sent the new I864 too? I did and delayed as NVC doesn't know how to process it. :(
If I sent old one, my case would have been complete 2 weeks ago.


CM11MaleCanada2013-05-30 16:59:00
CanadaRoad block: Strata Restrictions and moving abroad?
I am in the process of getting my Green Card via CR1 and just waiting for completion and interview. We have listed our condo in Vancouver since Feb and it's been so slow that we also looked into renting it out. We have 6 allowed in our building and currently all max. I also looked into it and saw the exemption rule, under financial hardship, via rule 144 of the BC Strata Act.

As you've probably read, the rule itself is merely a guideline, so the ultimate decision will be formed by your Strata. Rule 144(6) helps you out as well, as the Strata cannot be unreasonable in their decision. The most common cases are where the owner has to move for whatever purpose, and is forced to pay rent at that new place, while trying to maintain their current mortgage amount.

When I sent my request into my Strata, I merely estImated what my new income will be (based on job ads). I gave them these job abs to show approximate income. I also gave them some ads of rentals where we are planning to move. Finally, I provided our mortgage statement. If you can adequately show that maintaining the mortgage and new rent will take up most, if not all, of your potential income, then they should grant you the exemption.

Your situation is a little different though, as we've been trying to sell (ie. we have shown that renting it out is our ONLY option). Your strata may say that you really haven't exhausted all options and may deny your request. They won't care that you have a fixed mortgage or that renting it out is better for your cash flow (I hope that wasn't one of your points in your request). Keep in mind that rule 144 was formed to help those who have no alternatives and can't maintain 2 places. Good luck!






CM11MaleCanada2013-06-18 18:01:00
CanadaCrossing POE
When my Green Card is approved and I cross POE, does my US-citizen wife have to be with me? Or can she cross ahead of me?
CM11MaleCanada2013-06-26 23:36:00
CanadaInterview dates
Once your case is complete at NVC, what is/are the general guidelines as to when the interview will be? For example, seems that on average, interview dates are about 1.5 months after case completes at NVC. So if case completes early in month of, say July, when would interview be (approximately)? Or if it completes mid or end? Does the priority date play any part in this at all?

I received a checklist on June 21 and sent off the information requested on June 22...NVC needed more proof of my wife's domicile. I received email from NVC on June 24, saying takes 20 business days to process from when info is sent in to them. I'm just trying to gauge as to when my interview window will be, assuming that I don't receive any more checklists about domicile (which I shouldn't, as I confirmed on the phone what documents I'm sending).


CM11MaleCanada2013-06-28 01:13:00
CanadaVaccination Records
And if you have problems tracking down your records, you could always get a blood titer done.
CM11MaleCanada2013-06-22 01:14:00
CanadaProof of domicile
File has been referred to a Supervisor...they said that what I sent in should have been sufficient. Whew. Am to call again next week and check.
CM11MaleCanada2013-07-03 18:59:00
CanadaProof of domicile
Arrrgghhh, NVC is making me upset! I received a checklist on June 12, saying more proof of domicile is required. I had sent in my wife's school registration in Spokane, as well as an MLS listing of our place here. I talked to NVC and they said they don't even look at school registrations (what???)...she recommended my wife write up a letter, saying she fully intends to move there. So I sent that in, plus a letter written by her mom, saying we'll be staying with her and paying $500/month...plus letter from Bank of America confirming she opened an account in April 2013.

Today I get another checklist for the exact same thing!!! I don't know what else to send them...I've read and read the pinned section about this in this forum. I'm just on hold with them, so hopefully they can give me more info. So frustrating.


CM11MaleCanada2013-07-03 16:09:00
CanadaInventory list
When preparing the inventory list for household effects that are moving to the US, do values have to be provided for each item?

And do we have to specify the # of items? ie. 30 books, 10 t-shirts, etc?


CM11MaleCanada2013-06-26 16:54:00
CanadaUSC Wife & Permanent Resident of Canada moving back to the States
Declaring as to which country is her "primary residence" will be based on where more of her ties lie. Having the home is one aspect to consider, along wih where her main bank account is, if she has credit card here or there, where she holds her driver license from, where most of her friends reside (social ties). The fact that she has permanent resident card though, I would be swaying towards listing her as primary resident of Canada.

Declaring so is not really a big deal...it just means you'll have to provide proof of her US domicile (when you get to the I-864 form), which will be easy for her given her house there and I'm assuming voting records, bank accounts, driver license, and US-insured vehicle.

Good luck! And since you're just starting the process, I highly recommend you spend a lot of time reading on here...you'll learn a lot and will make the process a lot easier!




CM11MaleCanada2013-07-24 16:25:00
CanadaCase referred to Supervisor

Yup.


Thank you, thank you, thank you...I called, as you recommended, and my case was reviewed and completed the following day! Thank you very much!

CM11MaleCanada2013-07-26 11:36:00
CanadaCase referred to Supervisor

if you have something in for supervisor review
then
 
you (or the USCitizen Petitioner)
should be calling in, nightly, and inquiring for status,
from the same supervisor that you initiated this with.
 
 
<EOM>








Really? I wasn't told the name of the supervisor, so if I call in again and ask to talk to them directly, the agent will transfer me?

CM11MaleCanada2013-07-20 18:38:00
CanadaCase referred to Supervisor
I had actually received 2 checklists for the exact same thing...the 2nd one was when it was referred to supervisor. Initially, I had sent in a letter from my wife's school, confirming her registration as of Sept. I also sent in an MLS listing confirming that our house was listed for sale. I called into NVC when I received the 1st checklist and they said they don't even consider the school letter a supporting document. So I sent in a letter from her mom saying we're staying with her, plus a letter from Bank of America confirming we opened an account back in April.

I received the 2nd checklist after those documents, so I called in again. The agent asked the supervisor to take a quick look and supervisor said those documents should be sufficient. I certainly hope so, as I have nothing else to provide.


CM11MaleCanada2013-07-20 11:33:00
CanadaCase referred to Supervisor
I received a checklist 2wks ago to provide proof of my wife's US domicile. However, I had sent in 5 documents already, and based on my last phone call, a quick check by the Supervisor determined that those documents should have been sufficient.

So it was referred to a Supervisor on July 3 and still nothing decided today. Anyone have their case referred to a Supervisor and if so, how long did they take in reviewing?


CM11MaleCanada2013-07-19 21:35:00
CanadaWoo-hoo!!!

Congrats! good.gif You got your NOA2 in a little over a month?! Wow! what's the secret? smile.png
 
All the best in the final stage of your journey!


Haha I was actually very surprised that getting NOA2 was received that quickly...we were budgeting that that part was going to take 6-8 months. Thank goodness we were wrong :)

And thanks...I think the worst wait is over, all the anticipation of whether or not enough documents were sent in or if I forgot to fill out a certain space on a form.



CM11MaleCanada2013-07-26 15:59:00
CanadaWoo-hoo!!!
As of July 24th, my case was completed!!! Wow, what a relief...now just a little bit more waiting for interview date. I'm so ecstatic that I had to share haha. Have a great day all!
CM11MaleCanada2013-07-26 11:38:00
CanadaNeed link to guide...
Awhile ago, someone had provided me a link to a guide of the CR1 process, from start to finish. It's NOT the shortcuts that are in the Guides section. For the life of me, I can't find that thread...anyone know what I'm talking about? It was a very well written guide, providing step by step instructions.
CM11MaleCanada2013-07-27 16:15:00
CanadaVisa Approved - Montreal Too!!

 
Yeah, it is insane.  I have visa in hand in BC literally 24 hours after I left the Consulate in Montreal.


Congrats! And that's very comforting to know, that it's pretty quick to receive your Visa after the interview. I'm in Vancouver and chose to have it sent to Burnaby. Interview is on Sept 13 (Friday) and I booked a U-Haul truck for Thurs, Sept 19, so hopefully it all works out.

I can't wait to feel the relief and happiness you no doubt felt!



CM11MaleCanada2013-07-30 20:25:00
CanadaReceived interview date...wait for green card after?

The people who were waiting in Montreal were doing so as they were just continuing on their travels south and had it delivered to a Loomis location in Montreal.
 
Just to be perfectly clear though.  You are only receiving your passport with your CR-1 Visa in it, not your Green Card.
 
That will come some time after POE and you pay the Immigrant Fee.  I POEd on the 14th and am still waiting for my Green Card & SSN to arrive.




Yes, sorry, that's what I meant...my Visa. I ended up booking a flight home for the evening after my interview. I requested to have the Visa sent to Burnaby, so I can just pick up. I hope it's quick to get there after the interview.

CM11MaleCanada2013-07-30 20:16:00
CanadaReceived interview date...wait for green card after?
I received my interview date today, for Fri, Sept 13. I've been reading that most people wait in Montreal after the interview, as it takes 2 business days for the green card to be ready.

Is this recommended or would be ok to come home to Vancouver and just receive it via courier? If so, how long will that take?


CM11MaleCanada2013-07-29 18:39:00
CanadaApplying for jobs
Does anyone know if companies prefer that you have the physical Green Card and SSN before applying for jobs?

Or is simply receiving the Visa good enough to start the interview/hiring process? (And provide Green Card and SSN later)


CM11MaleCanada2013-08-02 13:46:00
CanadaI-130 received and accepted- Now what?
http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

Since you're still early in the processing, I urge you to read as many threads in here as possible. Use the search button for any questions you may have and if still unclear, post your question on here. As well, read the "shortcuts" under the Guides section...those 2 were written awhile back, but still gives you an idea of the steps to follow.


CM11MaleCanada2013-08-04 10:56:00
CanadaMoving Furniture Question
Why is this thread not closed yet? This has nothing to do with Visa Journey, IMHO.
CM11MaleCanada2013-08-05 23:49:00
CanadaMoving Furniture Question

 
I do have US Visa and am Canadian Citizen. Can I tell the customs that I am moving to the US? If so, what documentation do I have to provide?


What type of Visa do you have?

CM11MaleCanada2013-08-04 18:27:00
CanadaMoving Furniture Question
I think you're missing a very important point: you can't just move your furniture to the US UNLESS you are moving there under a US immigrant visa.

A moving company will NOT do it for you unless, again, you are moving there under a US immigrant visa. If you try doing it yourself, whether you're with your US-citizen brother or not, Customs will ask why you're moving your stuff there. If all you can tell them is that you want to store it there for 6 months while you're in the UK, they will tell you to turn around.

If you don't like the answers that you're being provided, then go ahead and try to move it there. Rent a U-Haul truck and try it. It'll be fun.




CM11MaleCanada2013-08-04 17:40:00
CanadaMoving Furniture Question
You indicated that you're moving from Canada to the UK? Did you mean US?

You can only move your stuff to the US duty-free if you are going there on an immigrant visa (or if you're a USC). If so, you just need to cross with your Visa/US passport and provide a list of your stuff (you have up to 10yrs to move your stuff, duty-free).

If you're really moving to the UK, I take it you don't have an immigrant visa to the US...which means you'll probably get questioned a lot as to why you're moving furniture to the US (they may think you are moving there illegally) and IF they do allow you, I'm pretty sure they'll charge duty.




CM11MaleCanada2013-08-04 11:01:00
CanadaInterview coming up
So my interview date is on Sept 13 and just making sure everything that needs to be done is done. My medical is this Wednesday and I've signed up for Loomis...anything else I need to do? By the way, after signing up for Loomis, anything else I need to do on that front?
CM11MaleCanada2013-09-03 00:42:00
CanadaOff to Montreal...
This seems to be the general sentiment, that the interview is quite easy. T minus 10 hours for me and hopefully I can agree lol. For now, just a little nervous :s
CM11MaleCanada2013-09-12 20:55:00
CanadaOff to Montreal...

My interview is before you on Wednesday. I am off to Montreal tomorrow morning. I am twice as nervous, but singing a soothing song really helps with calming my nerves, lol (just a tip). Good luck to you. Hope we both have a good news to share soon :)


I'll try the singing (I'm willing to try anything at this point) but it'll have to be my inside voice as I can't sing to save my life lol. I wish you the best of luck as well!

CM11MaleCanada2013-09-09 23:36:00
CanadaOff to Montreal...
Off to Montreal tomorrow bright and early and nerves are already starting to kick in lol...I can't imagine how I'll be feeling Thurs night and especially Fri morning. Triple checked that I have everything, so I guess I just have to leave it in God's will now. I can't wait til this is all done!
CM11MaleCanada2013-09-09 21:24:00
CanadaQuestion about Green Card Fee and POE
When I was approved, all the Consulate provided was a 1pg welcome letter but didn't mention anything about having to pay the Green Card fee. Does this fee apply to all who are approved?

As well, what should I expect when I cross POE? My wife and I will be moving all of our stuff via a uhaul truck and we have a list of all the stuff we'll be bringing. Anything else to prepare?


CM11MaleCanada2013-09-15 16:49:00
CanadaRecent shipment of Passport to BC
Loomis picked up on Monday and arrived in Burnaby location Tues night...picked up Wednesday!
CM11MaleCanada2013-09-24 11:40:00
CanadaRecent shipment of Passport to BC
I received the email from Loomis yesterday, saying that my passport was picked up from Lachine yesterday at 7:25pm. It's going to the Burnaby Loomis location. Is it a 2-day shipment?
CM11MaleCanada2013-09-17 19:00:00
CanadaInterview today: approved! Review of Montreal Consulate
Well the big day was today and I'm ecstatic to say that I'm approved. The interview wasn't a smooth one, but thanks to VJ and knowing to be overly prepared, end result was approval.

From airport:
As some have already mentioned, taking a cab from the airport will cost you $40. A cheaper way is to take the 747 bus, which only costs $9. It's meant to take luggage, so it's not a hassle at all to take it with all of your bags. Just google it before you leave home, to ensure you know the route and that your hotel is walking distance from Rene Levesque (which is the main road that the bus goes down).

Hotel:
I wanted something very cheap, so I picked Hotel des Arms on St. Dominique and Rue Ontario (Latin Quarter area). It was $70/night for Tues-Fri. Wifi is included, but at peak times, it's slower than dial-up. Continental breakfast was also included (toast, bagels, cereal, and croissants). It's about a 20mins walk to Old Montreal and about 20mins to Mont Royal Park. Within about a 10mins walk are very vibrant neighbourhoods (Rue Prince Arthur E and Rue St. Denis). Those are the good. The bad: you get what you pay for. The room was ok; stains on the carpet. The hallway smells old and a little dirty. Would I stay here again? If I was on a budget, yes.

Interview day:
Planned to be at the Consulate by 7am, so had a coffee at Tim Hortons at 630 (located on Rue Bleury near Boul Maissonneuve). From there, Consulate is a 5mins walk. Got there just before 7 and I was first in line. They let us in about 730 and by then, there were 4 people in line. There was no reception asking for passport, interview letter, and/or loomis registration but instead, straight through security. Once passed that, directed us to the door on the left, which leads downstairs. Sat right beside the elevator and waited til about 8. Guard came and asked us to form a line in front of the elevator and of course, go in and occupy the rear left. Door opens and turn left towards sign that says "14a/14b". Waited here about 5mins and lady there gave me C1 ticket. We were directed to sit and wait on the other end, til our number was called. C2 was actually called before me (who were a nice couple and she frequents VJ as well). C1 was called to Window 1 and here, lady verified all of my info and asked for my originals. This took about 10mins for me. I was instructed to sit back down and wait for C1 to be called again.

Interview:
I was interviewed by a very nice guy, who alleviated a little of my nervousness. I swore the oath and then another fingerprint. Now this where my interview could have ended up with a delay in approval. He thumbed through all of my documents and then asked, "Did you bring a joint sponsor?". So I said no. The question threw me off, as joint sponsors are only needed if income or assets required can't be met between the petitioner and the beneficiary. But I didn't want to interrupt the process, so I didn't say anything else. He asked me what I did for a living, how did my wife and I meet, and why I want to move to the US. Meanwhile, he's typing and looking through the documents.

Finally, he said that he's delaying approval because of 2 reasons: we didn't meet the income requirements of the AOS and we also didn't show my wife's domicile. I was floored...and livid. He went on to further explain that since income wasn't met, I can provide assets, so long as they're within easy access and is at least 3 times the income requirement amount. I was fuming inside, as I submitted proof of assets that was 5 times the income requirement. But I held my composure and asked why the savings statement I sent in wasn't being used. He said he didn't see that. I told him I submitted it to NVC (which is how they approved the AOS!) but thank goodness, I brought a copy with me. So I presented it to this, he looks it over, and says yes, that will work.

He then starts talking about the domicile and what types of documents to provide. So I asked him if a document from a school confirming my wife's registration, schedule, and tuition paid would work. He says yes. I told him that I submitted all of that, which of course he doesn't have. So again, thank goodness I brought copies with me and provided it to him. He says yes, those are perfect. He commended me on being prepared and having all of those on hand. He types more and asks me if I've had any troubles crossing the border before. He also asked if I've had any legal problems, arrests, or convictions. Finally, after another 5mins, he says those sweet, sweet words: "I'm approving your Green Card application". He says more stuff after but after that roller coaster interview, I tuned out and was too excited to listen.

In summary:
Many people say that the interview is easy and is more of a formality. I agree but only to a certain degree...if you are not overly prepared, the interview can be very frustrating. Keep copies of everything you submitted to NVC and bring ALL of those to your interview. When it comes to AOS evidence and domicile evidence, bring as much evidence as you can, EVEN IF NVC approved both already. If you submitted 3 documents for each, but you think bringing 3 more might help, BRING THEM. Be overly prepared and the interview is a piece of cake.

My process started in February of this year and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This forum was tremendous in providing info and I'm so happy that I stumbled upon it early on. Thank you to those who's posted before with your info and to those who answered the many questions I had. I apologize for the long post, but I just wanted to return the favour by those who have helped me by doing this exact thing. God bless those who are starting the process and wish you the best!





















CM11MaleCanada2013-09-13 09:09:00
CanadaIR-1 Interviews
If your case completed Sept 17, expect an interview date in November (mid to end). You should get the email next week.
CM11MaleCanada2013-10-02 22:55:00
CanadaAutomatic application for SSN
For those that opted to apply for SSN automatically, how long did it take to acquire the number and/or receive the physical card from POE?

I POE'd on Sept 18 and I checked with the SSN office last Friday but still nothing showing up as being processed. I don't know if this is usual processing time or if it's because of the current govt shutdown.


CM11MaleCanada2013-10-07 23:36:00
CanadaWhen to pay green card fees

You only need to pay the fee before you send in your AOS package once you are married.  Don't waste your money until you are ready to begin that process.  Green card fees have nothing to do with POE.
 
Worry about your I-94.  If you are flying it will be done on-line and you may have to go to a deferred location.  If you are driving make sure you get the white paper copy.


Umm, that's not accurate advice. For CR/IR1 applicants, AOS fee is separate from the Green Card fee. Once the Consulate approves the application and the temporary is processed, you can log in and pay the Green Card fee. However, you can also wait until you receive the bill after you POE, as the temporary is good for 1 year. You won't get your actual Green Card until this fee is paid.

CM11MaleCanada2013-10-02 23:04:00