Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Approved!!!!!	Vegasbound: I went about 20 mins early. No line at all, but a bit of a wait in the waiting room. Darnell: no poutine. Already back in Toronto.	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-11-05 22:19:00
Canada	Approved!!!!!	Interview was at 10am this morning. Didn't get out until noon. Pretty straightforward process. Thanks to everyone on the site for their input. If anyone has any questions, let me know. My CEAC status changed to "ISSUED". Let's hope this means the visa is being shipped tomorrow.	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-11-05 21:41:00
Canada	Urgent - Need to speak to US consulate in Montreal	Thanks guys.... The expedite is for my daughter (2.5 years old). I like the congressman idea, as it's probably one of the only avenues we have not tried. What are the chances of him acting quickly though?	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-11-30 01:35:00
Canada	Urgent - Need to speak to US consulate in Montreal	Hey Guys, Does anyone know a way of connecting with the Montreal consulate for an urgent expedite matter? We have tried the email route and have no response so far. Also called the numbers we found online and apparently they have no way of dealing with situations outside the normal scheduling system. Any help would be great.....	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-11-28 01:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE notice for child's I-130	Already received my daughters and my own BC, which I ordered in anticipation of the NVC stage. Wife's (petitioner) ordered today, just in case. I really don't get why there would be a mismatching of information right off the same system. Is there any chance that an IO reviewed it and deemed something missing, and then a more senior IO looked at it again and pushed it through? It just doesn't make sense. Our file is very straightforward too. No divorces, no legal issues, etc. Ahhhhh....stress.	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-05-07 19:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE notice for child's I-130	Ok, this is interesting... Told my wife to call today to clarify what was going on. IO said the RFE was sent out yesterday but they would have another office call back to clarify things. IO calls back an hour later and said she reviewed my wife and my daughters file and nothing is missing and they look to go. What's the deal with that? Anyone ever had that happen? Ok, this is interesting... Told my wife to call today to clarify what was going on. IO said the RFE was sent out yesterday but they would have another office call back to clarify things. IO calls back an hour later and said she reviewed my file and my daughters file and nothing is missing and they look good to go. What's the deal with that? Anyone ever had that happen? Sorry, that was MY file and my daughters file..... And they look good to go.	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-05-07 14:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE notice for child's I-130	I just looked at the I-130 instructions:  http://www.uscis.gov.../i-130instr.pdf   Your first instinct is probably correct as the instructions ask specifically for the child?s birth certificate and a marriage certificate of the USC to the child's natural parent.  If you submitted the short form birth certificate with no parentage on it there is no way to show this relationship.     Our (spouse/beneficiary) birth certificate?s are required at NVC but the kid?s BC are with the I-130.   Yeah, I just realized that both my daughters and my own birth certificate were short form with no parentage.   I also don't think I included my wifes BC as well, as we had her US Passport.  Do you think that might be an issue too?   If sent in quickly, does anyone know what the delay could be?	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-05-07 09:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE notice for child's I-130	I have a feeling it's something minor like that. I just hope it doesn't set my application back any significant amount of time.	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-05-06 20:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE notice for child's I-130	Just got a change of status and email online saying that there is a request for evidence for my daughters I-130 application. The notice was sent out today. My wife (the USC) will be calling to follow up tomorrow, but any idea what it could be? We submitted short form birth certificates with the package, so my first thought was that they want long form, but doesn't that happen at the NVC stage? Mind is spinning!!!	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-05-06 18:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	October 2013 Interviews	Is it me, or is the most recent updated list an old one? My interview date (along with many others) has not been posted on it, and it was on previous versions. Just a heads up!!!	FlyCal	Male	Canada	2013-10-07 18:07:00
Canada	Canadian 2013 Filers	Okay, thanks!  I guess we're Montreal then. We have all of our police clearances so I guess it's just medical and the usual documents that we need to fill out for this stage of the process ...	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-11-09 13:46:00
Canada	Canadian 2013 Filers	Hi guys, I'm curious about other USCs living in Canada and their experience after NOA2.     Does our case go to NVC or does it head over to the Embassy/a Consulate in Canada?     Also, how long are folks finding that it takes to go from NOA2 to Interview?   Thanks in advance!	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-11-09 13:25:00
Canada	Canadian 2013 Filers	soulfulsplash should have an MSC number and should be going through the national benefits center not california or texas.  They're a CR1/IR1 not k1   My journey took a little less than 8 months from filing the I-130 to moving and 9 months exactly from I-130 filing to green card.  (Oct 13, 2012 to June 13, 2013.)    I found the most annoying part having to go to Montreal for the week but i didn't have a panel physician close by like you will.  Save you oodles of $$!!  LOL  Because of the new Kansas center opening up you may find it takes longer than my processing time.  I'm pretty sure our I-130 went to a local office but we never called to inquire.   The best thing to do is keep busy and anticipate a long wait.  I find that makes the actual event happier rather than so much worry.  The interview is pretty much cake unless you have some red flags.    Not quite sure which processing center we're out of just yet.  No physical NOA1 received.  Usually takes a week or so to get mail from outside of Canada via Canada Post.   8-9 months seems pretty quick compared to some of the stories I've been reading!     Fingers crossed for a speedy processing!	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-09-29 00:05:00
Canada	Canadian 2013 Filers	Hi Everyone!  Not sure if this thread is just for I-129F's but thought I'd say hi.   My wife and I just recently submitted our I-130 a week or so ago and received our confirmation of NOA1 the other day.   We're currently working and living in Toronto and were wondering what other's experiences have been in terms of processing times when applying from within Canada? Can't wait to hear everyone's experiences and follow the many journeys being documented here.	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-09-24 19:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NVC Filers - December 2013	I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a "Tier 2" at NVC.   With USCIS my go-to was to ask Tier 1 for Tier 2 immediately as they seem to know something and be able to actually do something.   I'm a bit frustrated with my inability to OPTIN (i.e. NVC never sees my email) as it's been 18 days since I've opted in.   Just trying to think of other options (other than the supervisor trick).	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-12-06 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NVC Filers - December 2013	Last month, when I was opting in for Montreal EP. My wife sent an email to opt-in from her account and received a response from NVC almost right away, however, when I sent it, I did not receive a response until 10-14 days after. I don't know what the deal is or why it takes so long. Make sure you send opt-in e-mails from both, petitioner and beneficiarys emails.     Thanks for the tip.   We now have sent the OPTIN email from both beneficiary and petitioner accounts.  Something's gotta stick.	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-12-04 19:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NVC Filers - December 2013	Exactly! From your signature I see that your IV fee has been paid as well. Did you get any mail/email as instructions for what's next?   I don't know if I should pay my IV fee as well.   We received instructions on the AOS fee and to fill out the DS-261. Also received instructions to pay the IV Fee.   No instruction on what to do next but we filled out the DS-260 once it was available as well.   I sent a second OPTIN email today.  The operator I spoke with said it couldn't hurt.	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-12-04 19:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NVC Filers - December 2013	Hi folks! I'm so glad that I came across this forum. You guys are all great!   Just wondering if anyone has requested to opt in Electronic Processing lately? I've sent my optin email November 20th and so far haven't received any confirmation email from NVC for the new EP case number. It seems kinda slow compared to other members on this forum. I called NVC the representatives told me there's no time frame for EP request.   NVC has just taken the AOS fee from my bank account. I'm confused as whether to send the AOS package in plain mail or wait for EP to complete and send AOS in email?   Advice is more than welcome! Thanks in advance!       It seems we requested EP on the same day.    I too haven't heard back and was told the exact same thing from NVC.   I sent a second OPTIN email just to be safe.   I even sent the AOS package last week but was told that when I get my OPTIN acceptance I'll need to re-send.   Seems incredibly slow compared to other people's experiences with EP ...	soulfulsplash	Female	Canada	2013-12-04 16:55:00
Canada	Waiting for our passports from Montreal	There were a few of us who interviewed on the 25th last week. There are some who have already received their passports and visa's (took 2 days and congrats to you who have) while some of us are still waiting to get that magic email from Loomis or posting on the CSC site with the waybill number. Just curious how the consulate processes and sends out some visa's within a couple of days and how some take awhile before they go out even if the interviews were all on the same day. I'm getting mine delivered to Markham. I think that people who got their's right away were getting the visa's sent to Brampton...could this be because Brampton is closer to YYZ? That's super news! Congrats!	satchmo	Female	Canada	2012-05-02 09:14:00
Canada	Waiting for our passports from Montreal	I received the email from Loomis with a tracking #, and the next day (or maybe a day and a half?) the CSC website updated with that same Waybill info. Dear XXXXX XXXXX, Your passport has been picked up from the Consular Section and within the next few days you will be able to pick it up at: LOOMIS Brampton HOLD FOR PICKUP 200 WESTCREEK BLVD BRAMPTON, ON L6T5T7 Your Waybill Number is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Please click the link below to track your passport until it is ready for pickup: HTTP://WWW.LOOMIS-EXPRESS.COM/CA/WFTRACKINGSTATUS.ASPX?PIECENUMBER=XXXXXXXXXXXX You can take advantage of having your documents delivered to an address in Canada for an additional cost. If you are interested, go here to learn how: http://usvisa-info.c...ier_information Regards, U.S. Visa Information Services http://canada.usvisa-info.com	satchmo	Female	Canada	2012-05-01 15:54:00
Canada	Waiting for our passports from Montreal	Interviewed in Montreal on Wednesday, April 25th. Passport was available for pickup today, the 30th! Now to find a flight that isn't 10 million dollars. Good luck to everyone else!	satchmo	Female	Canada	2012-04-30 11:31:00
Canada	Canada Immigration & K1 Guide for Montreal	Putting the final touches to my massive folder together! and I noticed my Packet 4 instructions list: 2 copies of Form DS-156 completed online and printed with barcode Form DS-156K (do not sign) but those were sent in with Packet 3 (and it seems I foolishly didn't make copies) Is this the end of the world? Or is my checklist just "above and beyond"?	satchmo	Female	Canada	2012-04-23 22:52:00
Canada	Canada Immigration & K1 Guide for Montreal	Thank you so much, this is so helpful. I am waiting for my Pkt 3 to come in the mail but I thought I'd send everything out anyway since the DOS says that Montreal has received our case... My question is - how am I supposed to have the first item on the checklist, the appointment letter showing date and time of interview? I have everything else on the checklist ready to go. Am I missing something? Thanks in advance.	Holly&Frank	Female	Canada	2011-09-14 19:39:00
Canada	The Canuck EI Thread	So what is their explanation as to why you got only X amount of weeks? I'm curious because I'll be applying for EI also. Do I apply before I leave Canada, or is it best to wait til I enter the USA. Will I get less weeks if I choose a certain option? The rule is that you have to apply within 4 weeks from your last day worked. It's up to you when/from where you want to apply, but better safe than sorry because it's not the easiest system to deal with. I left my job in Canada and then two weeks later was in the U.S. so I applied as soon as I got to Boston. I'm pretty sure you can apply from wherever, just make sure to update your mailing address when you move... and I think they ask you the address that you're going to be living at in the States. As long as you know that, you're ok. ***They start counting your weeks as soon as you apply. This doesn't mean you get paid for these weeks. If you're not legal to work (aka, don't have your EAD), you won't get paid until you show them proof of your EAD when you get it.***	Holly&Frank	Female	Canada	2013-01-17 14:42:00
Canada	The Canuck EI Thread	I was in this same situation of thinking that I was going to get the full 36 weeks of pay. It is indeed true that they start counting your weeks when you apply for EI, but they don't pay you until your EAD is approved. I ended up only getting a couple months worth of payments because it took so long for my EAD to be approved. My advice to everyone that has been approved for EI is to log in to their Service Canada account and check the info provided there. As soon as I faxed them my EAD and was approved, they updated the info including how much I was to be paid, and the date that my EI ran out was clearly stated there. Note: When I called them to ask how many weeks I had left, they quoted me the amount BEGINNING when my EAD was approved. This was NOT TRUE. I asked again and mentioned that online it said it runs out much sooner. They double checked and told me I was actually correct! (unfortunately!) Wish I knew this when I applied so that I could estimate the real amount of weeks I would get paid. But at least I planned ahead and had a job lined up for when my EI really ran out! So I'm confused, my EI apparently ran out today but it's 8 weeks short of the 36 weeks they told me it would last for. I'm short 8 weeks. I read somewhere in this thread some people were losing benefits weeks because they started counting your benefits weeks when your case gets approved and if you don't have your EAD yet while your EI case is approved then you just don't get paid for those weeks. My EAD took a while for approval (4 months total, approx 3 months after I applied for EI), is this why I'm losing some weeks of benefits? This kind of throws me for a loop because I was initially told 36 weeks when I started getting paid. When I asked how much longer I had, I was told beginning of January (4 weeks short). Now I'm pretty much out all of a sudden. What's going on?	Holly&Frank	Female	Canada	2013-01-14 12:55:00
Canada	The Canuck EI Thread	When filing for EI, do they at any point need the physical SIN card? Mine is lost but I know my number. Just wondering if it should be replaced before I leave Canada. Thanks!	Holly&Frank	Female	Canada	2011-12-21 10:39:00
Canada	Montreal Administrative Processing Timeline	AP for 5 months	savtage74	Male	0	2013-09-29 23:09:00
Canada	Alright... who else is trying to schedule an interview at MTL?	Thank you!lili kolo..:-)	Josh30	Female	Canada	2013-10-19 10:25:00
Canada	Alright... who else is trying to schedule an interview at MTL?	Hi just join here in VJ:-) .. I'm just curious about the DS -230 and DS-156 form did you fill up new one? Or you just use the copy that you submitted on packet 3 ? By the way my interview on 11/25/13.. Thank you..:-)and Goodluck..	Josh30	Female	Canada	2013-10-19 00:40:00
Canada	Alright... who else is trying to schedule an interview at MTL?	Is everybody putting together their Interview Packets?   Which guide are you following (it seems like the list varies from CSC, e-mail from the Embassy, consulate website, etc?  What are you bringing?     Here's my list (in order)   1.  Appointment Confirmation 2.  Passport 3.  Copy of the bio page of my Passport 4.  DS 230 Part 1 (+copy) 5.  DS 156 x2 (+copy) 6.  DS 156K, unsigned (+copy) 7.  Confirmation page of DS 160 (+copy) 8.  Intent to marry (+copy) 9.  Long form Birth Cert. (+copy) 10.  Divorce Decree (+copy) 11.  Police Cert. (+copy) 12.  I-134 (+copy) + supporting evidence (+copy) 13.  Copy of USC Fiance's Birth Cert. (to prove status in US) 14.  Proof of on going relationship (plane stubs, rental receipts with both names, etc) 16.  NOA2 17.  2x2 Passport Picture x2   Am I forgetting anything?  What else are you including?	Josh30	Female	Canada	2013-10-19 00:35:00
Canada	Quick Q- Canadian-Refused entry	The issue was that he was working illegally, not that he did not have ties.   I wasn't working. I used to cross every 4 weeks or so for 2 hours to drop off cheques for rented space at a warehouse. and to pick up mail. At least I was unaware that was considered work.. i have never got a cent for work in the US, nor have i ever held a job at any company in the US. i am gainfully employed in Canada and was merely helping my wife. the CBP realized i was unaware they considered this "work" and that was that.	YeTo	Not Telling	Canada	2014-02-20 11:10:00
Canada	Quick Q- Canadian-Refused entry	I agree, I was flagged when visiting my then fiancé- I didn't show ties to Canada. I visited every other weekend since that point (before moving to the us), showing my ties; and didn't have a problem.   Now, I can't tell you what is going to happen; just my experience... If you have a return ticket, that would be an indication that you would return.   As for future trips to Buffalo, I would show strong ties to Canada. When I was flagged, I brought a letter from my employer, a lease agreement, credit card statement (to show that I spent the majority of my time in Canada). A border agent recommended this to me. No need to panic, I'm not saying you will need to provide that much information, just something to keep in mind if are pulled into secondary again.   Good luck, and enjoy your vacation!   thanks for your reply. much appreciated...	YeTo	Not Telling	Canada	2014-02-19 18:50:00
Canada	Quick Q- Canadian-Refused entry	I don't have personal experience with this... but it sounds like as long as you have the documentation that you are definitely returning to Canada, then it should be OK. When my husband comes to visit, he always get a letter from his employer stating what days he has off and when he is expected to be back at work.     Purely opinion - if you are flying to Florida with your family and you have a return ticket, that would strongly indicate that you are not coming to the states to work and that this would be a personal visit.  It also seems even more convincing that you are going to Florida with no intention to work because this trip is outside of your normal pattern -   Anyhow, good luck and I hope you have a wonderful vacation!   Thank you very much for your nice reply...I really appreciate it. I tend to be of the same opinion as you, especially given that the incident I went thru was an honest mistake on my part in not knowing they considered my trips to drop off payment cheques as work Thanks again for replying...all the best to you	YeTo	Not Telling	Canada	2014-02-18 14:07:00
Canada	Quick Q- Canadian-Refused entry	Hi there.. quick question as I realise this might have been asked before... but couldn't find it in the search option..   I'm Canadian, male, employed in Canada, live in Toronto, close to Buffalo. My wife has a small business in Canada, leases warehouse space in Buffalo. I've been crossing into Bflo every 1-2 months to check on her product, drop off rental cheques, pick up mail.    It's never been my current or future intention to seek work in the US. I simply don't. If I did I'd apply to do it legally.   Last week I was pulled aside as they thought I am doing work. I said I didn't know what I was doing was considered work and it was an honest mistake. They kind of understood that. I was issued a "notice for refusal of admission" and, I'm guessing, I am now flagged. They mentioned I could come back on personal grounds provided I showed proof of return tickets, etc. evidence of my temporary stay   I have a vacation scheduled for FL next month and I'm flying with family out of Toronto airport.   Question: - What are the chances I will be admitted/refused considering I am bringing all documentation? I've read, some say shouldn't be a problem, others say I will get pulled aside, etc...   I wanted to get further opinions..   Thanks for your time and help in advance..	YeTo	Not Telling	Canada	2014-02-18 11:26:00
Canada	Weather & Road Report	Today I forced myself off the house so I dont die of cabin fever and the roads were so horrible! At one point I was driving on packed ice And it has been snowing since about 4:00 pm now and it doesnt look like the snow is going to let up. I now understand why the ice age is over...	darkchilde794	Female	Canada	2010-02-09 20:49:00
Canada	Weather & Road Report	Its snowing like nobody's business up here. I never worry about snow in Toronto but I am in Maryland just cause nobody knows how to drive and everyone goes crazy about toilet paper. However, businesses have closed so hubby and I are both home, which is really nice We are supposed to get as much as 2 feet of snow just for today and tomorrow, and much more next week... Ah well, here is to cardio-shovelling...	darkchilde794	Female	Canada	2010-02-05 16:53:00
Canada	Hotel Reviews Montreal	I would recommend taking the shuttle from the airport to downtown or wherever your hotel is. I braved the Montreal transit and took the local bus from dt to the airport to pick up the husband. The trip took almost 2.5 hours. BUT I only paid like 3 dollars or something	darkchilde794	Female	Canada	2010-01-15 20:59:00
Canada	What's For Dinner - Part Deux	Tonight's the first night I am making dinner since last month. Yeah, Ive been slacking. I think I lived on pasta and tomato sauce and bread and peanut butter and yeah oven french fries And poor hubby, I dont even know what he ate in the last month or so... So tonight I am making my redhead's favorite pasta dish -- fettuccine tossed with bacon, herbs and some spices and will serve it with some roasted peppers and grape tomatoes and a huge loaf of cheesey garlic bread. Since we also picked up our first set of veggies from our local CSA and have a fridge full of greens, I am planning to make a simple toss salad with a simple vinaigrette.	darkchilde794	Female	Canada	2010-06-11 15:15:00
Canada	What's For Dinner - Part Deux	Marilyn -- I saw a show on TV where the host made ice cream from basic ingredients without any equipment. Seemed pretty simple. Anyway if I find that recipe Ill let you know. You seem to have done a great job with your home made version though I picked up a bag of fresh cheese tortellini from Costco. I guess it is fresh pasta, just with lots of additives Where I lived in TO, there is this little Italian deli that sold actual bags of fresh pasta that was probably prepared that day or so. Anyway I guess this is the closest I will get to it! I am planning on simmering some pasta sauce and adding some ricotta to make it a wee bit decadent and just toss the tortellini in it for dinner.	darkchilde794	Female	Canada	2010-04-28 16:41:00
Canada	What's For Dinner - Part Deux	Grilled some short ribs Korean bbq style last night. Served it with angel hair pasta, as I did not have the time to go to the store to get some rice noodles. It was pretty good! Tonight, we will have the left overs	darkchilde794	Female	Canada	2010-04-18 06:48:00