biggish data

Finally some good news!!

QUOTE (Jigi @ Nov 26 2007, 04:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi,

congrats.... can u tell me process to get interview date fast.....

Jigi

At first we called the NVC and spoke to a supervisor, who told us to email PI Sue at the NVC explaining why we were asking for an interview along with any documents that supported our request as it is a legitimate medical expiate. We then called again after waiting for a reply and were given a fax number, where we faxed all the documents and a letter pleading our case.
It also probably helped that we have contacts at the US Consulate in Toronto that have been speaking to Consulars in Montreal on our behalf.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-26 09:16:00

Finally some good news!!

Some of you may know about some of the timely delays we have experienced with our original IV bill being lost and our petition being returned to the CSC- well our case is finally complete and our request for an expiated interview was granted (because of the serious medical condition that our USC infant daughter is facing).

I don't know the interview date yet- but as you can imagine I am so thankful and rejoicing.

Thank you to everyone that has helped us along the well and told us to hang in there.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-21 14:28:00

valid reasons to expedite visa?

QUOTE (Scorpiankh @ Nov 26 2007, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I wasn't aware there was a way to speed things up in life or death situations. I posted ages ago asking if anyone knew any ways and everyone that replied said I would just have to wait.
My mother in law Alzheimers, a bad heart condition and a tumor in her throat and won't be around for much longer. My worst fear is that she will die and we'll still be here waiting for the paperwork to go thru and my husband will have to go through it alone.
Can some one point me in the right direction of where to find out about expediting things?

Where are you in the process?
I don't think there is a way to expiate processing at the USCIS stage other than child age outs and military deployment.
Once you are at the NVC stage, you should call them and ask to speak to a supervisor and explain the situation. They will direct you from there.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-26 20:33:00

valid reasons to expedite visa?

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Nov 26 2007, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Haole @ Nov 26 2007, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (john_and_marlene @ Nov 26 2007, 05:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Cassie @ Nov 26 2007, 09:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Military deployment (usually the USC) is the only time I have seen an expedited visa interview at the consulate.

We had Marlene's interview expedited at the Manila consulate for an emergent medical situation for the USC (me). They granted the expedite within 24 hours of the request. A January 2006 interview was changed to a November 2005 interview.

Must have been on your "death bed".

I don't think there was any malicious intent with the deathbed comment, as when you initially contact the NVC about an expiated interview they say- and I quote " Is it a life or death emergency?".

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-26 14:24:00

valid reasons to expedite visa?

QUOTE (trailmix @ Nov 26 2007, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is a Canadian who recently posted that she had her interview expedited at Montreal as her Daughter has a condition that requires early intervention that is offered in the State she is moving to. Anyway it happens but it has to be something pretty serious.

I would say and I don't know for sure, that financial hardship would not be one of the criteria used.

Correct- that was me.

Just to point out that our infant daughter is a USC which I am sure is significant and that if I sent my daughter ahead of me, we would be required to place her in daycare which could have potentially sever consequences as her immune system is suppressed because she is getting treated with steroids.
Also, we have contacts at the local US consulate who were making internal inquires on our behalf.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-26 14:20:00

Our situation

QUOTE (Izumisano @ Nov 27 2007, 07:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok, thanks.

I have another question -- my fiance and I probably cannot afford to have a wedding ceremony in Japan, where they are very expensive (her brother's last weekend cost $30K). If we don't have wedding photos, are we less likely to get her visa approved? I remember reading that they are very important.

The photos don't need to be professional quality that you would use for picture over the mantel, just a shot or two oon the wedding day and ones you her and the extended family will suffice.
They may or may not ask for pictures, it varies.

However, if your child will be born in Japan and you are planning to have your child be given US citizenship via you, it's best you get married before the birth. The tend be more suspicious of paternity when the couple isn't married.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-27 16:23:00

QUOTE (simple_male @ Nov 29 2007, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Nov 29 2007, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Misty1979 @ Nov 28 2007, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't forget to try the poutine and smoked meat while you're there. It's what Montreal is famous for!

Ick on the poutine but smoked meat sounds yummy

I also love the fact that you can bring your own bottle of wine to a restaurant if you choose.

QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ Nov 28 2007, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm guessing you haven't gone through NVC yet. Their fees are $70 for AOS and $384 for the IV Bill. Once you pay that to the NVC, you don't have anything else to worry about.

Diana

My husband paid an IV bill already. I am not sure how much though.

IV Fee is $380.00.

Is that the same bill my husband already paid and sent NVC or is this over and above?

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-29 22:24:00

QUOTE (Misty1979 @ Nov 28 2007, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't forget to try the poutine and smoked meat while you're there. It's what Montreal is famous for!

Ick on the poutine but smoked meat sounds yummy

I also love the fact that you can bring your own bottle of wine to a restaurant if you choose.

QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ Nov 28 2007, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm guessing you haven't gone through NVC yet. Their fees are $70 for AOS and $384 for the IV Bill. Once you pay that to the NVC, you don't have anything else to worry about.

Diana

My husband paid an IV bill already. I am not sure how much though.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-29 12:10:00

QUOTE (MarilynP @ Nov 28 2007, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you don't need to bring any money to the interview...

the money you payed to the NVC covers everything....

you will just need to purchase an express post envelope so they can send your passport with your visa and thebig envelope of stuff you need to hand over at the POE back to you....

Sweet.
Now I will have $100.00 US to go to a nice Montreal steak house.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-28 16:38:00

Hi all,
Now that it looks like I will be taking the CR-1 route after all, I was wonder how much US money am I suppose to bring to the consulate? I know the fee is $100.00 for the k3 but for some reason I think the CR-1 is higher.
I just want to make sure I have more than enough US funds with me.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-28 16:32:00

Tourist Visa Approved - CR1 Pending

QUOTE (MarilynP @ Nov 29 2007, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Zil @ Nov 29 2007, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (KIMF @ Nov 29 2007, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello

I am very happy to say that my husband had his tourist visa interview today and was approved, Meanwhile we have a CR1 petition pending.
He was very honest with the officer and we used the I130 petition in our favor.

He is a young male, we do not own property and we have middle class income and we still were

approved.

So I just wanted to say that it can be done and everyone who wants to apply for one should give it their best shot. It is surely worth the try.

In Spanish there is a saying:
"El peor intento es el que no se hace"

I do not want to discourage you but you are still playing with fire. The immigrant intent is clear, if it is discovered at the port of entry that he has a CR1 pending he will be sent back for sure.

why?? you can't say for sure... yes, it is up to the POE officer but it isn't a given that you will be sent back if you have a pending case... I think that might be more in your favour because it shows you are doing things the right way....

The last time I visited the US, with our then newborn and hubby by my side the CBP was actually more compelled to let admit me because we had all our paperwork with us. His exact words to my husband were " Well, you know what you have to do".

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-30 08:37:00

Medical Exam & Police Cert. Before Time

QUOTE (buffalobound @ Nov 11 2007, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all,

I’m new to this forum, and have been gaining very helpful information from you all over the past few days reading through your postings – thank you! My husband’s in Buffalo and I’m in Toronto. We recently sent in our AOS fee and are waiting for the AOS & DS-230 forms to come in.

I was wondering if its possible to get my medical exam and police clearance done (while we wait) before the official package comes in from NVC telling us to send them in.
Would I need to take specific forms from NVC to the RCMP and the doctor with me (i.e. official forms requiring RCMP, DR’s signatures) or can I just walk in and get all of that done and over with before the papers come?

If I have to take forms with me, where can I go to download them?

Any insight and advice would be groovy!!!

Thanks in advance

You can't book your medical until you have your package 3 or an interview date. They ask you to bring a copy of it to the exam.

You can get your police certificate anytime but it's only good for a year. With the long waits for interviews in Montreal and processing times at the USCIS and NVC, you don't want it to expire before the interview. Your best waiting till you have an interview date or your package three. It only takes about 5 days to get it , so you don't need much notice to have it ready for your interview. It's a good idea to have your NVC file case number with you so they can list it as the reason you are requesting the certificate, although it's not mandatory.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-11-13 07:00:00

CR1 January Interviews

Yay. Congratulations.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-12-01 22:19:00

Possible Interview date?

QUOTE (Len_and_Bren @ Dec 12 2007, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But how would Toronto tell you that if it is Montreal that holds the interviews for your type of visa? Confusing.
In any case, I am super happy for you!!!!

oh, and the baby looks sweet!

We know someone who works at the Toronto consulate on a personal level. We took our daughter there and explained the situation in regards to her health. They made internal inquires on our behalf.

Thank you for the nice compliment about my little angel pie

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-12-12 13:13:00

Possible Interview date?

QUOTE (trailmix @ Dec 12 2007, 11:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Dec 12 2007, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I pray this is true but our contact at the US consulate in Toronto emailed my husband and said my interview is scheduled for Jan 4th! I don't have a letter to confirm it but I pray that it's true. We have waited so long that I can't believe I am almost at the end of my journey.

wow, that's great news!! If you want to double check you can always call NVC and double check.

Expiated interviews are scheduled at the Consulate and not the NVC. But thanks.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-12-12 12:12:00

Possible Interview date?

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-12-12 10:40:00

Interview in Montreal

Hello,
Can anyone recommend any decent mid priced hotels near the consulate in Montreal? Also- any nice restaurants near by?

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2007-12-27 13:07:00

need info asap

QUOTE (mtracksport @ Jan 2 2008, 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sister in law just found out today that her husband of 10 yrs has left and went back to mexico leaving her and 3 children here in U S . Children were born here but sister in - law and my wife were brought to U S as children without inspection. what can she do?? ( if anything) any ideas?? am in process for my wife and will help anyway i can but she doesnt have many options . ( no family in mexico any more) any help would be greatly appreciated..

Short of finding her a new husband, I am not sure what can be done. I think this is probably best left up to a good lawyer.
You may want to consult one anyway, as I believe even your wife's situation will require waivers to be filed.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-02 01:23:00

IR VISA

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 1 2008, 12:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If son has one parent that is a US Citizen, then register the child's birth at the embassy or consulate, the child of a US Citizen is a US Citizen and will be issued a US Passport and will not be immigrating.

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwha003.html

Normally, the USC needs to appear before the Consulate to claim citizenship for the child. With the USC father being in the Military and currently deployed is there a different protocol?

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-02 01:29:00

Traveling to Mexico

QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 31 2007, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (rickmt @ Dec 31 2007, 05:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I am sorry she does have her green card...So that is all that is needed to enter mexico then?

Thanks,

Rick

Yes it is. Have a great time.

It seems to be that people are interpreting the question if as "Will she be able to get back into the US after visiting Mexico?" I think this question really is "What documents are required for a non US citizen to enter Mexico?"

e.g. Will she require a visitors visa issued by Mexico to enter Mexico or is she exempt?
China is not a visa exempt county for visiting Mexico unless her passport was issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

If not, she will need to check with the local Mexican consulate.

Edited by Dylan'sWife, 02 January 2008 - 09:26 AM.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-02 09:23:00

My Consulate Review

QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 5 2008, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey, congratulations, I knew it would be fine

Sounds like you had 'movie phone' guy. Have heard he sounds like the guy, you know when you used to call the movie line to see what time it started etc

Anyway, glad it all went well

I am sure it was movie phone guy too. He was VERY nice...
I wonder if there are any jerks that work there.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-05 21:41:00

My Consulate Review

Sorry if it's long folks but here it is anyway.

I flew into Montreal on Thursday afternoon and checked into the Hyatt Regency Hotel which is right around the corner from the Consulate. The hotel was nice and comfortable and well worth the extra few dollars I spent. After reading about the hotel fire started by drunken University kids at a cheaper Hotel, I wasn't about to take a chance in dealing with a similar situation.

I work up at 6:20am on Friday and got ready to my interview. I was out the door by 7:00am to make my way to the Consulate. Thank god, it was a much warmer day (-9) than the day before (-25) so I was comfortable waiting outside. I was the first in line and about 5 minutes later, I was joined by a family of four who where immigrating to the US.
I guess they did not read the instruction package since they had big bags and cell phones with them, so one of them had to leave to take everything back to the hotel but he made it back in time.

At 7:30, the doors opened up and I was given the letter A- Window 9 card. Yippy!
I took off my jacket and handed over all my documents and went through the electronic sensor, then I was hand wanded. For whatever reason, there was a small beep on my right side so I was manually patted down. The male officer called over the 'Hockey Player' looking woman who was watching the monitors. I got the feeling she is the senior officer there and the officer I was dealing with is intimidated by her. She seemed annoyed at him for calling her over as she patted my thigh. 'She's FINE. There is nothing there!'.

Then, when my papers went through the scanner. She had him take everything apart because she could see a big metal object in them. My mind was racing, trying to figure out what is could be. "Is it the paper clips?" I asked. "No, it's bigger".
Finally- when the male officer was pulling apart all my stuff, I saw that in my 'proof of a relationship' pile I had a greeting card that had a magnet attached to it. I apologized profusely and they were great about it.

After that, the mail officer took me downstairs where I waited for about 15 minutes. He then came and got me and the family that was behind me in line and brought us upstairs. He told me to go to window 9.

There was a blond hair woman there, who greeted me kindly. She asked for my appointment letter and the letter A card and said she would call me back in a bit. After a few moments, she called me again and asked for my medical report minus the X-ray. She then gave me a slip of paper and told me to go to the cashier.

I didn't know why I was going to the cashier as my husband paid the fee's through the NVC but I just figured it must be routine, until I was asked for $400.00. I almost died. I asked if they took credit cards and she said it wasn't working and I needed $400.00 US cash or $420.00 cnd.

I then said that I was sure my husband paid them already and she asked me if I had a receipt. I looked through my paper work and found a letter that said they received the fee for the affidavit of support- and she said that is a different fee. Then I gave her a letter saying that they received all the fee's related to the case but she said that is probably for the application. I really thought the walls were crashing in around me. I told her again, I was sure my husband paid the $380.00, so she suggest I go back to window #9 and ask them to check my file again.

I went back and explained the situation. When she looked again, she saw a blue piece of paper attached to my file that said PAID. She apologized and explained that normally, when you pay at the NVC, they insert a pink page and that because my case was expiated that generally the fee's get paid at the consulate since it keeps it from being held up at the NVC level. I was just so relieved, I laughed and smiled.

A short time later, she called me back to the window and took my prints. It took a few attempts to get acceptable quality ones but we got it done quickly. She then told me to take a seat and the consular would call me.

At about 9:15, I was called to room 9.
I entered and saw a middle aged man in suit who told me I could hang my coat up.
Strangely enough, looked and sounded very much like the Consular who had been helping us in Toronto. I swore me in then said he needed to scan my middle finger for verification.
Instinctively, I placed my index finger on the scanner. 'No, your middle finger' he told me (nicely). I got a flustered and confused and asked "Do you mean my F- You finger?'. He started to laugh and said that usually it's just the kids that call it that- but yes that finger.

Then asked me some standard questions such as how I meet my husband. When I told him I meet him on myspace, he laughed and said that's a common answer and that he never hears "We met in a bar anymore'. He asked what was the date we met online and in person.

He then asked if my husband was here, and I explained that he was in California with our daughter. He then said, that sometimes they ask for proof of a bonifide relationship and that since we had a a child together we satisfied that.
He then asked what my husband did for a living and I explained it to him. He wanted to know if I intended to be a stay at home mom and I told him yes and that my husband didn't want me to work until we were finished having kids and they were school age. He smiled and kind of laughed. I got the impression, he was traditional like my husband.

He asked what I planned to do for work when the time was right and I explained that my friend had promised me a job working for the Benefits Administration/ Insurance call center she runs.

He asked if I ever had been arrested- No.
If I had any trouble entering the US. I told him I was never refused visiting my husband but I was bounced about 9 years ago at at POE because I didn't have any ID with me that proved Citizenship. He seemed understand and he quickly moved on.

He then asked how old I was when I came to Canada and what family members came with me. Also if I had any family in the US.

He then said he was going to grant my visa

He asked if there was anything else in relation to my case that I thought he should know. I told him no, but then asked if he was aware that this was an expiated case because of a medical situation with our daughter.
He said that he wasn't aware of that and was glad I mentioned it- so that he could give my file a priority date for issuing the visa inside my passport. He said it would be done that day or no later than Monday and it would be mailed out in Mondays mail bag.

He then said, he tells people to wait about two weeks to make their travel plans so they can be sure they will have their passports back by then and that if it comes sooner- they can have a happy surprise.

In closing, everyone I dealt with was VERY friendly and professional.

It's a shame that they are understaffed since that is the reason for the long delays in waiting for an appointment.

PMEmail Poster
Top

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-05 13:45:00

CR-1 visa granted :)

QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 4 2008, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 4 2008, 09:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello friends.

II just had my interview in Montreal this morning. Other than a small scare where they thought we had notprepaid the visa fee's and wanted $400.00US cash which I obviously didn't have = things went great.

I will post a review later.

Thank yout to everyone who has helped and prayed for s along the way.

Martina

Hi Martina,

Congratulations!! So glad to hear it went well for you, when are you moving?

Hopefully within a week.
It was bad enough being away from my husband but now our little daughter is down there. Until now, I have never been without her longer than 12 hours and I am in agony.

Thank you for the well wishes everyone.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-05 13:56:00

CR-1 visa granted :)

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-04 11:33:00

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 2 2008, 12:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 1 2008, 10:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Even better, I found a link for the Philippines.

http://philippines.u...v/wwwha003.html

thanks.

thats very helpful my husband is 23 years old and was born in louisiana since birth

Your welcome,
Good luck.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-02 01:16:00

Even better, I found a link for the Philippines.

http://philippines.u...v/wwwha003.html

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-01 23:59:00

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 1 2008, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 1 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

his dad is an american citizen, and my baby is turning 7 months old. we were not able to file up since i was pregnant when we are filing k3 visa however, when i give birth i-130 approve luckily so as per advise by the lawyer k3 will be cancelled and will pursue with CR1 visa (leaving the i-129f)
im in the process of sending the affidavit of support and fee bill since my choice of agent is my lawyer
what do you think i should do so i can bring her with me? and how can i apply her for birth certificate abroad thanks. happy new year.

Who told you that you couldn't file when you where pregnant? That is a new one to me.

Provided that your spouse was a US citizen at the time of birth, the baby is entitled to US citizenship and will not need to enter under a visa. However, your husband must register your son's birth in person at the local US consulate.
Under some circumstances, such as the couple not being married at the time of the child's birth or if they suspect a fraudulent claim they may require DNA testing.

Good Luck on your journey.

Your husband goes to the US consulate with your marriage certificate and the babies long form birth certificate.

what i mean was how can we do that? i was not expecting that im pregnant from the time we filed the petition.please assist. what are the requirements

Is your husband US military or a civilian?
When my daughter was born- (dad is a US civilian) he called the consulate and they sent the forms to be filled out prior to us going to the consulate. Your husband must bring his proof of citizenship and proof of at least three years residency in the US, along with the baby's birth certificate and marriage certificate.

a civilian so he can call consulate example; Manila philippines and then request for form, what do we call those form thanks again

The form is called a DS-2029. Here is a good link of the steps to follow
http://islamabad.use...rth_abroad.html

PS. I stand corrected- when I double checked, your spouse must provide 5 years of proof of US residency in total-2 years of which must be when he was 14 years old or older.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-01 23:52:00

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dylan @ Jan 1 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-01 22:08:00

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 1 2008, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-01 21:43:00

QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Jan 7 2008, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

the inventory list is the list of personal and household items accompanying the immigrant into the US if they are bringing their personal belongings with them. The immigrant is allowed to 'import' their personal and household belongings duty free as long as they have owned them for more than a year at the time of import. The list itemizes what is being imported and includes serial numbers of electronics and such. If you are not importing your personal or household belongings you don't need an inventory sheet to show US Customs.

Pretty much just the usual stuff, cloths-shoes- toiletries. But I would like to bring some CD's and personal momentous such as photo albums and such. The only thing of value would be my video cam recorder.
Is this worth listing?

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-07 23:53:00

QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Jan 7 2008, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-07 23:53:00

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 7 2008, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ONLY NON-IMMIGRANT visa holders (K-1, K-2, K-3, K-4) need to fill out I-94 arrival departure record, IMMIGRANT CR-1 and IR-1 visa holders do not fill out I-94.

In your case CR-1, the officer at POE will take your immigrations packet (Brown envelope) and stamp your passport with I-551 stamp, making passport into a temporary green-card good for 1 year after entry.

Thank You,
Can I travel back to visit my family with that stamp prior to getting my physical green card or will I need some sort of other travel documents?
If so, when using the I-551 stamp or my green card (with passport) to re-enter the US, do I use the US citizens line or the regular lanes?

QUOTE (flames9 @ Jan 7 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

cr-1 dont do the I-94 thing!!! Others will chirp in, but its a very easy process, just can be a bit time consuming, depending how busy they are! I went through a land crossing,so will let others chirp in about the airport! For tha land crossing all they did was take the mysterious brown envelope away, took my pic and fingerprints (again) stamped the page that had the visa on it and the customs dude looked at my inventory list and that was it. Very easy!!

Inventory list?
What is that?

QUOTE (flames9 @ Jan 7 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Inventory list?
What is that?

QUOTE (flames9 @ Jan 7 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

cr-1 dont do the I-94 thing!!! Others will chirp in, but its a very easy process, just can be a bit time consuming, depending how busy they are! I went through a land crossing,so will let others chirp in about the airport! For tha land crossing all they did was take the mysterious brown envelope away, took my pic and fingerprints (again) stamped the page that had the visa on it and the customs dude looked at my inventory list and that was it. Very easy!!

What is an inventory list?

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-07 15:34:00

Hi everyone,

Although I could see reviews for Pearson Airport as a POE, I am looking for a step by step guild line as far as what to do/expect? What documents should I have read? I know they will need the unopened package from the Consulate and my passport but is there anything else they will like to examine?

Is there any examples of the I-94's and what I need to fill out in it?
I read some where that it costs $6.00, is that in US funds? Do they take credit cards or debit?

Thanks.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-07 15:23:00

Wrong colored ink on G325-A

QUOTE (Justin and Masako @ Jan 7 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all,

I was in Japan with my wife and I brought her one of the duplicate copies of our I-130 petition. When going through the contents with her she noted that I had signed my G325-A with a blue pen. I immediately thought "Oh s**t!" because I'm pretty sure the instructions specified using black on one of the forms. So my question is, will this be an issue? Will they delay our petition and request me to refile my G325-A singed in black ink?

I was so careful in my preparation and making sure I had everything they could possibly need in the packet that I overlooked that detail. I hope someone can give me good news.

Thanks,

I am pretty sure that is the actual form that must be printed in black ink. I have never heard of a petition being sent back because it was signed in blue ink. But I have heard of them being sent back if the signature was photocopied and not an original.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-07 15:53:00

2-Year Green Card

QUOTE (rika60607 @ Jan 9 2008, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Funny thing,
my Detroit POE officer said that stamp in my passport is actually "as-good-as-greencard" for two years

But anyway, I saw lately people reporting getting their actual greencards in about 3 months. So no reason to worry yet.
Rika

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 8 2008, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It has been taking USCIS some time to mail them out. Your friend should have an I-551 stamp which makes the passport into a temp green-card good for a year.

Give it some more time and then schedule and info pass appointment and ask if it was lost somehow.

Rika, your CBP agent must be mistaken. It wouldn't be the first time they have been in error.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-09 12:59:00

Just sharing news....

God Luck and Godspeed.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-09 20:13:00

Visa Arrived TODAY

QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 9 2008, 11:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Terrific news! Let us know how your border crossing goes, I'm sure it will be a breeze

I will be sure to fill everyone in. I've had some CBP Agents be stern with me when crossing but I have never encountered outright rudeness. I'll be sure to get there early in case they need some time to process me. From what I have seen it looks like it's about 20 minutes.

I am still reeling over a fellow VJ members post where an officer at an Infopass appointment screamed and used profanity at them.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-09 23:30:00

Visa Arrived TODAY

My visa just arrived 5 minutes ago, I almost kissed the mail man.

I will be an official immigrant this Friday

Whooooo hooooo.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-09 12:02:00

How Long is I-130 valid once approved

I-130's are valid for one year.
Although consulates can extend the life of them, I believe that's only when it expires while still being active. Meaning, if it expires before a pending interview.

Sorry, but I am sure that in their eyes you have abandoned your your I-130 approval aswell.

Dylan'sWife

Female

Canada

2008-01-10 09:29:00