Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Travel help...	Oh my gosh.... there are no worries to be had. Lots of people who don't/haven't lived in the city are surprised at this. Talk to me about the people in my office who live in Ajax or Oshawa! They're beside themselves with the fact that I don't own a car. They FREAK right out when I tell them that I ride a bicycle a lot of the time too. I know how to drive -- I did not say I was any good at it. I need a lot of practice! QUOTE (SomberCat @ Oct 15 2009, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Knowing where you live, I wasn't surprised that you don't own a car. Also, I realize there are many American cities where people do not own cars. Just because I live in flyover country doesn't mean I'm a complete rube. What I was questioning was that you don't know how to drive, but I see in your last post that you do indeed know how to drive. If you had never learned to drive, then I would have been shocked. Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-15 11:33:00
Canada	Travel help...	OH PS!!! I carpool to work every single morning but I walk about 40 minutes from my house to where the carpool meets. There and back everyday. Sometimes I ride my bike and leave it in a bike locker but I have to wear 'Business' clothes to work in so walking keeps my looking primped! I am also kind of freaking out about the whole driving thing but -- it's necessary and well, needs to be done. I like to think I do my part to save myself a lot of money and do my part in keeping the world a little greener. I am a hippy in business wear. I admit.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-15 11:29:00
Canada	Travel help...	It's true. I never have. I have never had a license. I also don't get driven around. I walk, take public transit, and mainly? I ride a bicycle. There I said it . I do know how to drive but I've never felt like I really needed my license. That though will change once I get to the US. We live in the country sort of and i'll need to drive. Is it that shocking? most people I know do not own a vehicle or drive. I also live in a major city and have since I was 18, public transportation takes you wherever you want to go in not time at very little cost. QUOTE (SomberCat @ Oct 15 2009, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You don't drive?	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-15 11:23:00
Canada	Travel help...	Well, it looks as though I won't be home for Xmas yet again so... I'm going to fly to see my husband over xmas. As you all must know, Air Canada blows big lumpy chunks when it comes to price and selection. What I was thinking of doing was taking the bus from Toronto to Buffalo NY -- Just found out it only takes about 2 hours using a company called Mega Bus and then I will fly out of BUF to BWI for about 200$ or less. Does anyone have any other ideas as to how I can go about this? I do not drive and thus, do not own a car -- I wish I did now but alas... How do you all do it? Anyone want to carpool? I am excellent company! just looking for other travel ideas that are cheaper and such. Also, if you have heard anything about the bus company I mentioned or have any other ideas as to how to get to Buffalo airport in safe manner? OR know of some cheap airlines and stuff that I may not have found. Thanks guys...	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-15 10:15:00
Canada	Question...	Oh becky07, it is SO Not your fault -- no need to apologize at all. It's Montreal's fault for being sucky. Can't very well shoot the messenger, can I? QUOTE (becky07 @ Oct 21 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lgg @ Oct 21 2009, 04:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ooooh becky.... that is the suckiest news to wake up to. Where'd you get this email from? I sent an email querying both NVC and Montreal and they basically said -- "No interview for you yet. Keep on waiting..." But they never broke it down into you'll be waiting for all eternity OR at least until the weather in Ontario/Quebec is as bad as it can possibly be for your move... Levity? Anyway... that's a huge bummer. While enormously happy for all the K1s I'm wondering why they wouldn't schedule us that way as well? There are almost 20 K1s scheduled for November and only about 5 CR1s. They should have a clearing house of all of us too! Clear us all out! /rant But good luck to all my fellow CR/IR1/5 and stuff waiting. Let's keep each other posted though this is feeling slightly futile... Sry lgg didn't mean to be a downer but it was actual fact's and an email that Montreal repied to our Congressman we wrote to, and their office forwarded a copy to us.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-21 11:15:00
Canada	Question...	Just wanted to say thanks for the crossed fingers, Carlawarla... for some reason it makes it a little easier when you have people adding a little to the 'come on,let's go' factor. I hope you're right. I would love a December interview -- it would screw up my xmas visiting plans but I don't care because then I'd be moving in January! I hope... anyway, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for all of us waiting! Thanks again... QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Oct 21 2009, 09:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would suggest that something has happened in Montreal. Remember another thread where they were saying there was a meeting going on in Montreal? I think they're trying to clear up the backlogs. I think they've notified people of K-1 interviews right now, and then they'll move onto CR-1/IR-1 interviews next. I think they're going to want to get a ton of these things cleared up by Christmas. Do remember that the people on visajourney only represent between 10-25% of the number of applicants petitioning for visas. I know that my K-1 journey was three years ago now, but when we were going through it, there was a huge backlog as well for months and months at one service centre, and they eventually added some dollars, and transferred some staff to that office in order to clear up the backlog. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-21 08:54:00
Canada	Question...	Ooooh becky.... that is the suckiest news to wake up to. Where'd you get this email from? I sent an email querying both NVC and Montreal and they basically said -- "No interview for you yet. Keep on waiting..." But they never broke it down into you'll be waiting for all eternity OR at least until the weather in Ontario/Quebec is as bad as it can possibly be for your move... Levity? Anyway... that's a huge bummer. While enormously happy for all the K1s I'm wondering why they wouldn't schedule us that way as well? There are almost 20 K1s scheduled for November and only about 5 CR1s. They should have a clearing house of all of us too! Clear us all out! /rant But good luck to all my fellow CR/IR1/5 and stuff waiting. Let's keep each other posted though this is feeling slightly futile...	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-21 06:49:00
Canada	Question...	Oh yeah... I know that! I was just wondering if perhaps in the frenzy of scheduling, they'd schedule a few more CR1s as well like, today? I noticed no one got the date I was DYING for. I was hoping for November 19th as uh, well, then we could interview and then spend our 1st year anniversary running around Montreal like happy monkeys!!!! It was a pipe dream,I know but it was MINE! QUOTE (Peachey @ Oct 20 2009, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There's some CR1/IR1s interviews scheduled for November as per your timeline I believe.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-20 14:07:00
Canada	Question...	in the midst of the doling out of so many K1 interviews that a few CR1s would sneak in there? I doubt it as the K1s have to call a totally different agency and from what I can tell they don't usually schedule both types of visas at the same time. Just wondering as seeing a bajillion K1s get interviews gave me some hope but I have to tell myself that it is NOT the same process at all.... Just asking....	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-20 13:32:00
Canada	Can outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?	Ha! You all is funny for a bunch of 'tards!!! QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Oct 23 2009, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Oct 23 2009, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Oct 23 2009, 01:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You two are tards. Kitty - apply for the passport and let us know how it works out. You need it if you can get it right? Having it will make life easier. I was going to say - half the time the government is stupid anyway and they don't know their right from their left.....your student loans may not even come into play and well....if they do, then so be it. You know they're outstanding, not like that's news to you. Did you read what I just wrote about being civil? I guess you didn't learn that when you took the short bus to school, I'll use a crayon font next time so you can sound out the big words. Besides it takes one to know one. I am entirely too young to know anything about Lanny MacDonald..or his big moustache	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-23 13:08:00
Canada	Can outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?	It's probably gone into collections now, Kittyfang... and one thing I do know is that a collection agency will tell you they want all your outstanding balance at once -- not true at all. You can negotiate to make a minimum payment. Also, I really don't think that it's going to effect your getting a passport -- I really don't.... They might be able to find you now, and call you adn such but I just can't see them withholding your passport.... QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 23 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Oct 23 2009, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There's no degree that isn't worth anything so don't tell yourself that. A degree is a degree and it will open doors for you somewhere. Has it been 2.5 years since you have been in default of your loans? I think you could call them and ask them for information about your case. Could your husband possibly help you with some payments right now? I would just apply for the passport and try. No, you're right. I agree. What I meant is that, when I chose what I was going to study, I wish I had given it more thought. Maybe chosen something that was a little more flexible. It has been about 2.5-3 years, yes. I will have to check on my case and make some kind of deal with them regarding payments.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-23 11:03:00
Canada	Can outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?	Agree with Sapphire here... Apply for your passport and then once you know w hat's up with that, move ahead with the rest. Personally? i can't see you NOT getting a passport, but do keep us posted, okay? It'll be interesting to see how the government works these things out... Also yeah, get your husband's stuff in order. He'll need all of his paper work too. I'm not sure how this works but does he have to prove the income thing like we had to do in our Affidavit of Support papers? Just a few more things to toss out there... QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Oct 23 2009, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OKay, well take a deep breath and take things one step at a time. First, get your passport. Before you even think about the immigration process, get yourself a passport and that will act as your valid ID. Or, if you need to take a step back and get ID for the passport, figure that out first. There may be some hiccups along the way, and just deal with those as they come. Once you get your passport, move on to getting yourself in-status in the United States. Ensure your husband has a passport/birth certificate as well for this step. Once you get all that sorted out, then you should start the AOS. You've made some mistakes and the only way to fix them is going to be to stop freaking out and get started on fixing them. Good luck. And, I seriously mean that. I'm not here to judge you. People make mistakes and that's okay. Now, you are in control of your own destiny, so if you want to gain respect from others you need to do everything in your power to fix things. You have the resources and information to fix this, so there is no excuse to hold off on things anymore.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-23 09:54:00
Canada	Can outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?	Man, Kittyfang... I feel bad reading this stuff. I mean that and it doesn't make me happy at all the world of trouble you have yourself in. I found this site, you might want to have a look at it -- it may help you... How to Deal with Canada Student Loan Debt ANd just so you know, we're a feisty bunch here and you really have made some crazy-bad decisions but I doubt anyone here really wants to see you fail. Just an FYI, I had student loan debt and other debt but I worked 3 jobs to pay them all off before leaving Canada (haven't even LEFT Canada yet, actually which sucks). I've been socking money away for a couple of years so I can be a viable asset when I get to the US. It's sh1tloads of work and I spend a lot of time wishing I were already with my husband but i'm glad I got it all sorted out before hand. It was a lot of work and a lot of heartache... I really am sorry for your situations -- I am finding it harder to be disgusted with you as it really seems that you flew by the seat of your pants, something i'm sure we all wanted/could have done too, and you really ended up in some hot water... Try that link I included here -- you might find out some good information. QUOTE No, that's the thing. I AM worrying about adjusting my status, but to do that, I need passport (or some kind of ID for biometrics). I AM freaking out. I know it was retarded the way we did it and I really wish I could go back and change some things, but I can't. I want to do things right, but nothing is working.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-10-23 09:11:00
Canada	Ever had doubts?	Very nicely put, Galateia... A thing to consider too, is that some of us ~ahem~ are a little older and have grown out of/paid off our student loans and have passed from working minimum wage jobs into higher paying positions and such but, that being said, adjustments still have to be made especially when both parties want to be together. As I said in my previous post, I have pared down my life a lot in the past year or so in order to prepare for this journey and the eventual move -- working A LOT, saving and scrimping and such, but it's SO worth it. And we've been together for years and years so that new, crazy flush of excitement at the very beginning has evolved into rationale and such, you know? I remember when we were first together, I wanted to quit my job, go down there and just stay and do whatever it took with no regard to savings, legality or anything -- it made us both a little crazy with want. But as adults, it soon became very obvious that there were some hurdles to overcome and things to take care of so that it made sense legally and financially and that is what we both decided to do. It is not easy, relationships aren't always easy and having a long distance relationship that eventually culminates in marriage and an immigration process makes it all a little more difficult. That being said? It is also the best thing I've ever done in regard to this relationship. I am pleased, honoured and thrilled to work hard and to do my part to bring it all together. I also have the support and help and understanding of my husband, who is my solid partner of many years. Yeah, I blabbed, what of it? I find this thread interesting and relevant as most people I know don't understand the the nature of a long running long-distance relationship and they understand even less the hardship and such that goes long with the immigration process so, this thread allows me to read and learn and to vocalize to those that do understand and in the case of the OP, those that don't, I don't mean that in a negative sort of way either, it's just in terms of a relationship, there is TONS to learn and in cases like this, much more so. I wish the OP luck and lots of us here are proof in the pudding that it CAN be done and it can be done well. Thanks for letting me ramble. LGG QUOTE (Galateia @ Jul 17 2009, 10:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We delayed our process for an additional 6 months so I could work and sock away some money to cover my student loans while I was down here. It was a really painful decision to make. We were both poor, him earning 1.3k a month on a grad student supplement, me working at a call center (for 11/hr gross, so like 8/hr net), and working a lot of overtime every week. I bore most of the cost of the process because I was working full time and he was a student, but he pinched every penny and managed to put aside some money as well; I have no idea how he did this, considering that rent is 500, tuition is 1k every 4 months, gas to school/utilities/phone/internet/food ... he was very thin when I eventually came down here, so I suspect that it came out of his food budget. He never went out with his friends, never drank, never ate out, didn't see movies or rent games, never bought new clothes. He skipped getting haircuts, and told people who asked that he was growing it out to donate it. This process requires financial sacrifice for most. We were more than willing to make the sacrifice for our relationship. I would hope that your fiance is equally willing to make things work by whatever means he must. Edited by lgg, 18 July 2009 - 07:43 AM.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-18 07:42:00
Canada	Ever had doubts?	I totally agree with this. We all choose our own paths and shouldn't require accolades for doing so, but being loved and respected as having that be part and parcel to what we are? Perfect. A little respect and love and compassion go a long way... The only crown I wear is the crown of thorns I came with!! Just kidding! QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 16 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I agree tmix. You are not entitled to special treatment just because you decided to give everything up. You are entitled to special treatment because you're loved. I would never demand my husband treat me like a "princess" because I did what I did. I don't wear a crown on my head, I do not come from royalty, therefore I am no princess. Don't treat me like one. Edited by lgg, 16 July 2009 - 12:48 PM.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-16 12:47:00
Canada	Ever had doubts?	I'll keep it short but it doesn't sound to me like you've known each other for too long -- this process is draining and difficult and in order to make it, I think, you have to have a pretty solid relationship underneath you, you know? My husband and I have been intertwined for 7 years almost and this step, though difficult is not really that much so compared to other things. Also? I've been working 3 jobs and saving my butt off so that I could be a financial asset of sorts. I paid off all my debt and have amassed savings but it was a lot of work and did not happen over night. Oh and the being treated like a princess thing? No. It's a relationship, you want to be treated fairly and with compassion and reciprocate in kind... Good luck, think of how you'll deal with yourself and your situations, let him work out some of his and then hopefully, you can merge that into a good life together. and FYI, you're never stuck anywhere, it's your choice to go where you will but you have just as much choice to come back. Good luck...	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-16 09:54:00
Canada	Applying for Canadian long for birth certificat	A guarantor? I didn't need one when I ordered my BC long form, I ordered from British Columbia Vital Statistics. I gave the the code number on my short form BC though.... Hmmm... QUOTE (toronto nonie @ Jul 30 2009, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i had to apply for a long form BC as well when i was completing the K-1 application in May. it took just 3 days for them to courier it to me and fortunately for me, they were able to send me a copy of the originaly form my dad had filled out 33 years ago!! You can also use a registered nurse or accountant as a guarantor - i used my aunt who is an RN and i had no problems. good luck!	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-30 18:23:00
Canada	Applying for Canadian long for birth certificat	I was born in British Columbia, got my long form in about 6 days and it was pretty cheap and good looking too... Aaaaaah, cheap and good looking...	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-07-28 21:51:00
Canada	Just some pictures I took	I like cows. I like steak I like Trailmix = WIN!!	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-11 13:10:00
Canada	Priority Date Question	Nooooooo! I like having stuff to read/stress/fret and ponder! Something has to take the place of my daily phone call to the NVC... Though I did call today, spoke to someone named Lisa who totally answered the phone, Good morning, NVC... I was like, um... "Want my case number?"... we had a laugh about how she's worked there for years, hadn't had any coffee yet... but she, like all the other hundreds I've talked to say, no scheduling 'til second week of the month. FYI... Anyway, hypothesizing works for me, I like to ponder. Take care all.. QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 27 2009, 10:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Jamaican JNR @ Aug 26 2009, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lgg @ Aug 26 2009, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mikey's theory and there's the mention of a 'priority date' that I don't think effects Cr1/IR1 and such but I'm curious as to what it does mean. On our NOA2 it says March 17, 2009 and yet, our NOA1 wasn't recieved until March the 24 and we were approved June 25 so... just curious if anyone knows, what this means... I know that Mikey and Trailmix ixnayed it as being a real relevance but I was/am just curious. So, if anyone has an idea, that'd be great as... inquiring minds wanna know. Just ignore the "priority date". You are in the IR/CR-1 category. It means you do not have to wait for a visa to become available. LOL, if this date had no significance for the processing of CR/IR it would not be there, and on top of it it would not be called 'priority date'...for whatsoever reason it is there (probably to control the total processing time in reporting statistics). I never said it's function is the same in all the categories. But I just said that it is probably one of the criteria taken into consideration while scheduling appointments, as I was told. I think MAST is the most controversial theory in the history of VJ if it causes so much anxiety, let's just wipe out the whole thread and use crystal ball instead, or palm reading, astrology or anything more esoteric	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-27 09:58:00
Canada	Priority Date Question	Thanks all... I realize that now and basically, just wanted to know what if was for and if it had anything to do with anything. I am well informed now which is what I was hoping to achieve... Mikey78 will probably be more interested in the priority date thing if he isn't already well in the know. Thanks again all... LGG	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-27 08:42:00
Canada	Priority Date Question	Just thought I would slap this in here for anyone interested: http://travel.state....letin_4427.html Not sure if I totally get what's going on there but I figured if I asked this question, someone else will and then they'll ask, what's the Visa Bulletin... Edited by lgg, 26 August 2009 - 08:46 PM.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 20:45:00
Canada	Priority Date Question	Aha... finally the answer! I guess it was mailed on the 17 of March and entered in on the 24th. So it's basically just saying, yep, here's the date you were made technically eligible for a visa? Or something as such... Thank you. That was exactly what I wanted to know. QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 26 2009, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The question is, what date did you mail or courier your I-130? Priority Date link In the USCIS Immigrant visa petition application process, the priority date is the date the petition was filed. If the alien relative has a priority date on or before the date listed in the visa bulletin, then he or she is currently eligible for a visa.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 20:39:00
Canada	Priority Date Question	Mikey's theory and there's the mention of a 'priority date' that I don't think effects Cr1/IR1 and such but I'm curious as to what it does mean. On our NOA2 it says March 17, 2009 and yet, our NOA1 wasn't recieved until March the 24 and we were approved June 25 so... just curious if anyone knows, what this means... I know that Mikey and Trailmix ixnayed it as being a real relevance but I was/am just curious. So, if anyone has an idea, that'd be great as... inquiring minds wanna know.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 20:24:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Thanks Trailmix... I know that VJ might make up only about 5% of the number of visas and stuff, but it strikes me that there are a very small number of us, really? Just sayin'... Thanks a lot for passing on what you found - anything is helpful... QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 28 2009, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So in looking this morning I see that there are 2 K1 visas scheduled for September. One in Montreal and one in Vancouver. The numbers are small, since it's only VJ people of course, however this kind of supports the whole, K1 visa interviews one month, IR1 the next. http://www.visajourn...l...l=&id=38713 http://www.visajourn...l...l=&id=62651	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-28 12:52:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Congrats Mikey78! Good to see you on the CR1 waiting for interview team ! Oh and here's my sadface at having to wait 'til December for an interview.... QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 24 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yeah...my case was completed just now so when I called the NVC today, the operator recited the whole NVC folklore "done scheduling for Sept call back 3rd week of next month for possible appointment in Oct"...and I was like "really? in Oct in MTL? they have no clue about the workload of particular consular posts. So I guess anyone completed in Aug. is looking at Nov-Dec interview...	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-24 13:07:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Bern??? Geez, I was confuzzled there for a bit (confuzzled trademarked to Mal) But yeah, I know, eh? it's a HUGE bummer. But I gotta be honest, I wouldn't mind the 2 or 3 months to interview from Case complete if i knew ASAP the date of the interview. This way, I can pack, send, organize and all that fun, fun, FUN stuff and have a really good idea of my time deadline. This way? It's too much like I'm at the mercy of someone else again . I know. I have control issues... SO? How're you doing with all your stuff? QUOTE (Ber + Ter @ Aug 19 2009, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So, on average, it can take 2-3 months to get an interview date after NVC finish? Wow, Montreal is slow...they should make another consulate issue CR-1's. Like Calgary, or Vancouver...>_< Thats kind of disgusting. LOL	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-19 11:51:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	I've been meaning to ask... what IS this priority date that I've heard people speak of and what, if anything, does it mean? I saw on our NOA2 we have a date of March 17 2009 and I wondered what that was as we weren't even entered until March 25 or something? Anyway, I'm trying hard not to get too stressed about the interview stuff -- I read the whole damn CR1 thread today just to see if I could come up with some sort of scheme that they follow but there's a really vague on at best...	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-18 19:54:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Awww... mebbe they just don't want us to leave??? Well... regardless... it is what it is but I sort of wondered as it's an easy interview for most of us -- it'd be nice to get it rolling... Thanks for your in depth response, TM... QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 17 2009, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lgg @ Aug 17 2009, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> One query I have though? I wonder why it is that consulates like Manila and such that have HUGE numbers of marriage-based immigration visas to process give out interviews like candy at a santa claus parade? Whereas here in Canada, we don't have a ton but t hey have us waiting for months? Just a curiosity that I have been wondering about... Thanks guys... LGG I have no idea! It's interesting though - some consulates do hand out interviews left right and center - some, like Montreal, with a relatively low number to process - take months. There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to this - well there probably is and we just don't know about it! I have been, several times, to the consulate in Calgary. It closes to the public at 1:00 every day and is not particularly busy when it is open. Now granted, they no doubt do a lot of work behind the scenes - but why they couldn't throw a few interviews in there - who knows. They used to and discontinued it 10 years ago. It seems to me that they just really don't give a damn. Obviously no one is putting any particular political pressure on the U.S. to provide decent service to Canadians. The interview wait times, the medical only available in 4 places, the huge trip to Montreal (for a lot of people) - says - we just don't care I just did a quick search on the Canadian immigration website, there are 2 'panel' physicians in Alabama for applicants immigrating to Canada - just doing a brief sampling - there is also one in Alaska, one in Conneticut - I mean they probably have one or two in each State - 10 in California, including 4 in L.A. alone.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-17 10:30:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	One query I have though? I wonder why it is that consulates like Manila and such that have HUGE numbers of marriage-based immigration visas to process give out interviews like candy at a santa claus parade? Whereas here in Canada, we don't have a ton but t hey have us waiting for months? Just a curiosity that I have been wondering about... Thanks guys... LGG	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-17 10:01:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Meh... of course there's conflicting information -- oh well, I am eager to finish all this stuff and I too would like a date -- make us wait for the interview, fine but at least give us a date so we can figure out stuff and plan and prepare... It's funny, eh? The inconsistency in their information? The thing is, i have had almost every operator tell me the same thing, not finished scheduling yet, blah, blah, blah and I have been calling since the 12th (save the weekends)... Anyway... just prattling... We'll keep each other posted and see how these chips fall... LGG QUOTE (Dalene @ Aug 17 2009, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lgg @ Aug 17 2009, 10:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey all... I'm new to the waiting for an interview in Montreal club... our case was just completed on August 12th... but I did call this morning, I call every day and they actually invite me to, and the woman with whom I spoke this morning said, 'well, we haven't' finished scheduling interviews yet, most likely by the end of next week...' not sure what this all means and I am NOT expecting to be scheduled an interview any time soon but just thought I'd let you all know what I found out so we can keep each other abreast of the situation? Best of luck to you guys... LGG Hi LGG, Thanks for the info. I just called this morning and the NVC guy told me that all September interviews were scheduled. I asked, "Are you sure," and he said he was. I swear, I think the people on the phone aren't given much info and they just sort of make stuff up to tell the callers. Anyway, I am a little less worried about WHEN it is, except that I'd like to have a date because I was planning to travel out of North America for a couple of weeks in October. I don't want to make plans until I have a date for fear the dates will overlap. It's frustrating to wait around, but I have it much easier than other VJ'ers since I can stay in Canada with my spouse. Good luck to you, too.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-17 09:59:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Hey there Steve... It's what I was thinking and to be frank? That'd be just fine by me... we have to remember, October is NOT that far away! Plus, I have so much stuff to take care of here, any sooner would flip me right out. Not to mention, I'm off off to see my husband for labour day so... Anyway... Let's all wait together,k? I find it helpful in this process to band with people in like situations, makes it easier... Thanks for your input... Best of luck to you and here's to your September interview! QUOTE (Steve Treible @ Aug 17 2009, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> LGG, I could be proven wrong, but my best guess is that your interview will be October. Hopefully. My wife's case was completed at the NVC on June 4th. We really hoped for an August interview, but it's going to be September, hopefully. We're still waiting to hear on an interview date. Based on the IR1/CR1 Montreal timeline posted elsewhere here I'm thinking it might be tomorrow that we hear, or next Tuesday (looks like everyone who had August interviews heard on July 23rd). All we can do is wait. *SIGH*.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-17 09:42:00
Canada	Has ANYONE received a September appointment for Montreal?	Hey all... I'm new to the waiting for an interview in Montreal club... our case was just completed on August 12th... but I did call this morning, I call every day and they actually invite me to, and the woman with whom I spoke this morning said, 'well, we haven't' finished scheduling interviews yet, most likely by the end of next week...' not sure what this all means and I am NOT expecting to be scheduled an interview any time soon but just thought I'd let you all know what I found out so we can keep each other abreast of the situation? Best of luck to you guys... LGG	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-17 09:26:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	Aww, poor, poor MAST! But Trailmix? Lovely job of reconnaissance, I must say... thanks for that! Since you're so good at this, can you call Operator 5 and say, Hey, where's LGG in that queue??? Thanks somuchIkid.... Thanks... QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 29 2009, 02:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> MAST is no more (I asked if the priority date had anything at all to do with when interviews are scheduled) Montreal, IV to me show details 3:18 PM (8 hours ago) No it does not. Appointments are scheduled once the file is complete (receipt of the DS-230 and document checklist) then it goes in queue and a date is assigned based on when the file was complete. Then it also depends on the volume of cases to schedule and the applicant’s place in queue. Regards, Operator 5	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-29 07:17:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	Trailmix, I know, this is what I think too. Fine, if the consulate doesn't have space for us all, at least let us know when we'll have the interview. A month isn't long to get everything ready and I know few people who want to wait for another six months after they get their visa, you know? Totally agree. QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 26 2009, 11:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dalene @ Aug 26 2009, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm with you guys regarding the wait. If I had a fixed date, even if it were two or three months from now, I'd at least feel better about things. We were planning to go on vacation out of the country in October, but have now scrapped those plans because we might be scheduled then. I just hate feeling of being in limbo. Totally understandable Dalene - the whole limbo thing is no fun, I always thought it would be nice if they scheduled a little further in advance, like you are saying, then you can at least go on holiday or whatever and not have to worry that you will be making plans in vegas on your interview date!	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-27 08:40:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	Okay Steve... your theory made made me laugh out loud! Well, I hope you get your interview soon -- I have stopped calling as well, what's the point? I have to be honest though? I miss it. I got really used to calling NVC every day and chitchatting with Molly or Steve or whomever, they'd fill me on our case update, we'd have a laugh, I'd thank him/her profusely and off I'd go... Now? I got nothing. Good luck Steve, get an October interview for us all, okay? Best, LGG PS And yes, it's the waiting -- I'd be okay even if the interview as a ways off, but it'd be good to know so I had a working date for all the other stuff that adds to the stress - leaving friends, leaving jobs, giving notice and stuff... as I am sure you well know. QUOTE (Steve Treible @ Aug 26 2009, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 26 2009, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 26 2009, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know, but I thought we poo pooed your priority date part of the theory....or are we waiting for MTL to confirm that? It's not really my priority date during one of these rare occasions when I called NVC I was given an opportunity to talk with a supervisor and she mentioned that they use different criteria when scheduling...priority date being one of them so... it is also possible that "priority date" matters for certain categories: it applies to family based preferences (all the F1, F2, F3...) but not CR/IR ...that would be called a theoretical extension of MAST OK, I have to ask. How the hell did you manage to talk to a supervisor!?! And for that matter, how the heck did you dig that information out of her!?! This is off the thread a little, but I did actually contact my congressman, who could do nothing for us (as expected), but did pass on this little nugget of information: that NVC won't budge on interviews for anything, not even a job offer with start date that you're going to miss, health issues, nothing. Either one of you has to be dying or about to be deployed. Those are the only two exceptions . . . He did also say that our interview should be October, but I'm not going to hold my breath on that one. So for those of you keeping track, that's June 4th done at NVC to October ?? (maybe). Four months. Sorry to all those who are a little way behind us, but I think the worst of this is not the delay so much as the not knowing when. Well okay. It's the delay too. My new theory of how MTL schedules interviews is that they sort by last name of the petitioner (begins with T), then the last name of the beneficiary (begins with W) and then country of citizenship of the beneficiary (begins with U for UK). So I reckon our interview will be sometime in mid-2010. Edited by lgg, 26 August 2009 - 07:20 PM.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 19:17:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	Okey-dokey, mikey... Will do. BUT, what the heck DOES that date mean on my NOA2? Out of sheer curiosity now... Thanks, guy... Oh and M.A.S.T has a great ring to it. QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 26 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> LOL, disregard the long version of the theory then. Take 'case completed' date and add 3 or 3.5 month and you arrive at a potential interview date...this is MAST in action QUOTE (lgg @ Aug 26 2009, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mikey/Mel... Gotta be frank, I don't get the priority date thing -- i have a date on our NOA2 that says March 17 but it doesn't make sense as our NOA1 wasn't received until March 25 and we were approved June 25th... you know? So, i still don't understand what the priority date means and what it's relevance is as, it makes no sense in our case? :| QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 26 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OK, now I wanna have my theory branded! just like LingChe's guide...I want it to be called Mikey's Appointment Scheduling Theory for short MAST ...just in case MTL should ever reply to email sent by Trailmix and let us know how it all works behind the scenes	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 12:30:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	Mikey/Mel... Gotta be frank, I don't get the priority date thing -- i have a date on our NOA2 that says March 17 but it doesn't make sense as our NOA1 wasn't received until March 25 and we were approved June 25th... you know? So, i still don't understand what the priority date means and what it's relevance is as, it makes no sense in our case? :| QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 26 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OK, now I wanna have my theory branded! just like LingChe's guide...I want it to be called Mikey's Appointment Scheduling Theory for short MAST ...just in case MTL should ever reply to email sent by Trailmix and let us know how it all works behind the scenes	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 12:13:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	Ah, Mikey... you didn't stress anyone out -- I think everyone just wants to get home, is all... sometimes hearing the inevitability of a longer wait is just hard, you know? You didn't, you're funny and hilarious and should continue on with all your theories and such -- keep us all entertained and stuff while we wait.. K? Good. And to everyone who's done with this process and have your CR1/IR1, maybe you could not make fun of us or chastise us for being 'stressed'? I'm sure you were once there too while you were waiting to be reunited with your family? It's not very productive and it's off-putting. K? Thanks... QUOTE (mikey78 @ Aug 26 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Aug 26 2009, 08:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Malrothien @ Aug 25 2009, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mikey, you've got me all stressed out now. I really want to be home by Christmas. /agree I take it the same theory applies for K1 journeys? It wasn't my intention to stress anyone I just thought that using what we already know to figure out how the process works will add a bit of predictability and help us waiting, saves us disappointments along the way...NVC never gives consulate specific info, all you get is a standard response...intuitively, looking at timelines the whole theory can be simplified to: take your case completion date add 3-3.5 month and that's approx your interview date...but then again I can be completely wrong and we all receive our interviews in Oct It should work the same way for all MTL interviews scheduled by NVC Edited by lgg, 26 August 2009 - 11:09 AM.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-26 11:08:00
Canada	Here's how NVC assigns interviews for MTL	hey Mal... Me too, my friend, me too... QUOTE (Malrothien @ Aug 25 2009, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mikey, you've got me all stressed out now. I really want to be home by Christmas.	lgg	Not Telling	Canada	2009-08-25 12:42:00