ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaCanadian funds
I ended up keeping my Canadian account open at BMO and transfer funds to my US account using http://www.customhouse.com. My sister has my ATM card and deposits any Canadian cheques for me.

Others will chime in with different ideas, but for me this was the easiest option for me.
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 11:02:00
CanadaHad our I-130 appt. today
Good stuff! So now you wait to hear about an interview in Montreal for the visa itself, yes? Because you were able to do DCF, you already saved yourself MONTHS of time. Woo hoo! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 21:23:00
CanadaYeahhhhh booooyyyyy
Yeah seriously! It's not like I was fumbling around for documents or anything. I had them all in a folder and gave her what she needed (nothing more, nothing less). Geesh... But I got my ID so I can file away my passport and not have to worry about losing the damn thing!
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-01 11:40:00
CanadaYeahhhhh booooyyyyy
Yeah, most DMVs are pretty strict about showing legal presence. The VA DMV doesn't do a "points" system but they do have a list of docs that you can use as primary or secondary ID. I went to get my state ID today and it went... "okay". The lady at the counter was super nice until I gave her my ID (passport & EAD) then she totally turned cold... I seriously don't know ####### that was all about. I almost felt like I was being served by Patty or Selma from the Simpsons after her change of attitude!
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 22:35:00
CanadaYeahhhhh booooyyyyy
Heh heh... I like doing research for other people. Here's the online document thingy for the NJ DMV. All states have different requirements but most (not all) will allow you to get a DL or state ID with an EAD. Check out if you can get one: http://www.state.nj....ector/index.htm
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 22:24:00
CanadaYeahhhhh booooyyyyy
ETA: Just read that the NJ DMV does verify through SAVE (it's on the SAVE page I linked, not all state DMVs use SAVE). So yeah, wait a little while after you receive the card to go down to the DMV.
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 22:17:00
CanadaYeahhhhh booooyyyyy
It will take a couple of weeks for it to show up in SAVE too. I know the SSA verifies through SAVE. Not sure about the DMV but I wouldn't be surprised. So wait a couple of weeks before going down to the SSA and DMV. It's supposed to be entered when the card is produced, but you know USCIS... nothing is speedy or efficient.

Congrats again though. One more step accomplished. Hope that you get an interview date soon for your AOS!
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 22:09:00
CanadaYeahhhhh booooyyyyy
Congrats! smile.gif The EAD serves as proof of legal presence for a lot of things including a DL or State ID (depending on the state) and now you can get an SSN with it (wait a few weeks after you have the card in hand though).
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 21:19:00
CanadaI-94 form and Canadian border
I don't think anyone here has gotten the stamp at Peace Bridge, Buffalo.
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 21:24:00
CanadaUSCIS panel phyisians
QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Sep 1 2007, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I guess Dr. Van Nostrand did the physical that day. smile.gif


LOL! I love Seinfeld. tongue.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-01 18:50:00
CanadaUSCIS panel phyisians
Yup, Dr. Seiden's office was pretty good. They were busy and seemingly uninterested in performing exams that day. My exam was practically nothing... they asked me my weight and height and didn't really do much else aside from a breast exam (they did the standard things like drawing blood and chest xray). They asked me the standard questions but she already started checking no off each one before I even answered. biggrin.gif

If any K1s or K3s are worried about USCIS possibly losing their medical after submitting it at the POE (which means that you'll have to get a new medical for AOS if USCIS can't find it), you can get a 2nd sealed copy from Dr. Seiden's for $50. Just bring an extra passport photo in and tell them at the time that you want to pay for a 2nd copy.

Edited by misa, 01 September 2007 - 05:58 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-09-01 17:56:00
CanadaVisa Interview date wait times.. actual vs. website?
QUOTE (ErinM @ Sep 2 2007, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Technically I'm not "moving there" yet. We are going up there, he is moving there, and I am visiting him. I'm going to try to find a job and get a letter of employment that will allow me to reenter and get a work visa, so I can stay there with him and work until the visa is processed.

I will give the consulates a call, I presumed it was allowed as long as he was on a work visa there.

Has anyone had experience updating their consulates by contacting the NVC? Are they an entity to call or send a certified letter to...?


Gotcha! good.gif It should be allowed if he's got a valid work visa. I've seen a few members here do that as I mentioned (on a work or student visa). Best to double-check though with the consulates.

I think some people have tried to catch it at the NVC (after approval) but it's difficult because most approved petitions for K1s and K3s only stay there a short amount of time. You can usually change it by calling them but again, this is after they've received the approved petition from your service centre.

Have you checked the timelines for Greece. Is that where he is currently?
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 11:15:00
CanadaVisa Interview date wait times.. actual vs. website?
You might have to wait until your petition is approved and then gets to the NVC. The NVC is the one that will send out to the consulate. Best to call the Vancouver or Montreal consulate to see if he can actually interview in Canada while on his particular visa. Are you moving there with him? Because without a valid visa for yourself, you can't "move" to Canada. You can visit though.

I suggest that you wait until the petition is approved and try and catch it at the NVC. If you don't catch it in time, you can still contact the consulate that it went to along with the consulate in Canada (Vancouver or Montreal) and they will initiate the transfer.

Good luck with whatever you decide on doing! smile.gif

Edited by misa, 01 September 2007 - 08:10 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-09-01 20:09:00
CanadaVisa Interview date wait times.. actual vs. website?
Len, I didn't think so either! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-01 12:35:00
CanadaVisa Interview date wait times.. actual vs. website?
A non-resident of Canada (who is the beneficiary) who is there legally can interview for a K1 at either consulate but the consulate will ask for proof of legal status. I am not 100% sure if someone entered as a visitor will be allowed to interview there though because they're technically not residing there and was not allowed entry to reside there. There were a few others from other countries who did interview for a K1 in Vancouver but they were on either student or work visas.

ErinM, are you the petitioner or beneficiary? What will the beneficiary's status be in Canada? You might want to verify this with either consulate. Montreal as others have stated are much much slower... look at a waiting time of 4-6+ months after they receive your packet 3. Vancouver is about one month from receipt of packet 3.

Edited by misa, 01 September 2007 - 12:10 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-09-01 12:09:00
Canadabiometrics
Woo hoo! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 12:02:00
Canada1 more concern before interview on tuesday
QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Sep 2 2007, 11:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Like hunting for hobos.


good.gif biggrin.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 22:47:00
Canada1 more concern before interview on tuesday
QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Sep 2 2007, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Avoid alcohol before the interview and do not challenge the interviewer to a steel cage match or a glass of shut up juice.


Damn it. I wish I knew this ahead of time! tongue.gif


QUOTE (flames9 @ Sep 2 2007, 09:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ALWAYS tell the truth!!! But no need to blab blab away on questions they do not ask.


The only time that it's good to blab away is if you have a common interest with the interviewer. smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 20:23:00
Canada1 more concern before interview on tuesday
Re: hobo. LOL! You're cracking me up here! tongue.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 13:26:00
Canada1 more concern before interview on tuesday
As the others stated, I wouldn't worry about it. If they need further explanation, you can explain it to them. I don't think they're all that concerned with stop-overs and such at least not for Canadians. I visited the U.S. as a child quite often but of course didn't remember the dates so I just put a 10 year timeframe with "multiple visits". They didn't even ask. There are plenty of people who live near the border too who probably don't remember every time they crossed over for shopping and whatnot.

Remember that the DS-156 is used for all types of non-immigrant visas around the world so the questions are fairly generic.

Don't stress, you'll be fine! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 11:20:00
CanadaThat was fast
One more step closer! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-02 11:21:00
Canada2 new pictures? after the 3 I had to have at medical
Yup, the photos you bring to the interview go on your visa. I believe that they keep one for their files.
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-31 18:03:00
CanadaHow to present documents...
I used paperclips and binder/bulldog clips. You'll be FINE! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-03 12:09:00
CanadaHow to present documents...
Put the originals and copies together so that you're not fumbling in different folders. So for example your birth certificate... hand over both the original and copies at the same time. They'll give you the original back and keep the copies.
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-03 11:03:00
CanadaNeed some hugs
Awwwww... *hugs*... It'll get better soon, I promise. It definitely is very stressful!
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-30 11:36:00
CanadaIR1 interview- APPROVED!
Woo hoo! Congrats! smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-03 19:45:00
CanadaWhen will I know my Visa has been approved/denied?
Yup, they will tell you at the interview whether you've been approved, denied, or pending approval (if they need any additional info from you or if for whatever reason your namecheck hasn't cleared).
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:45:00
CanadaGot back from Toronto
Holy #######! You did soooo much when you were there! Hope you had a great time. smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-23 21:10:00
CanadaBona fide
Lenina, you'll be fine! smile.gif You have one thing in your favour with your case that most of us don't have until we get our visas -- you live with your husband. smile.gif

One thing I forgot to mention that I also submitted was envelopes addressed to both of us with postmarks. They were actually the envelopes from the letters our friends and family sent us but I put that in there too.

I think you have plenty though but if it makes you feel better, scour your place again for anything with both your names on it including email invitations, party invitations, magazine subscriptions, vet records showing the same account, etc.

Hang in there! I know this is stressful. I almost gave myself an aneurisym TWICE through my K3 and my AOS.

*HUGS*
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 11:46:00
CanadaBona fide
LOL @ #3! tongue.gif

Not sure if you'll need it but you could get letters from friends or family too. Do you have any utility bills with both your names on it? Lease with both names or at least one of you on it and the other listed as an occupant? Postmarked envelopes with both your names on it?

I brought this to show proof of bona fide to my AOS interview. Maybe it can give you some ideas of what else to throw in there.

- photos (wedding photos -- just us and the justice of the peace, no friends and family present, a few with my friends, a few with mutual friends and lots of just us together on various visits and after my move here -- we have none with family -- you can see my hair get longer in each set of photos)
- joint chequing account statement with both our names (we pay bills out of it)
- power bill in both our names
- gas bill in both our names (there's a typo on my last name but too late to change it for the AOS interview)
- vet receipt account in both our names for my dog
- 2 apartment rental leases where he is the lease holder and I am listed as the occupant (they wouldn't put me as a joint lease holder because I didn't have an SSN)
- health insurance cards showing that I am on his health plan through his employer (plus any other documentation we have for it)
- his cellphone showing that he has a 2nd one (Verizon who does our home line refused to put my name on it or the cell bill without an SSN. Have one now but won't be done in time for the next billing cycle)
- wedding invitation from his friend addressed to both of us
- letters from friends and family (4 from mutual friends, 1 from his mom, 1 from his brother and 1 from his former roommate)

QUOTE (trailmix @ Sep 3 2007, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry I have no suggestions, these sound good and if you present the video first they prob won't ask for anything else!?


It would make things soooo much easier... wink.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-03 11:01:00
CanadaPretty pretty place
Woo hoo! Pictures please. smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:44:00
CanadaFeeling sick to the stomache...panic is setting in
QUOTE (thetreble @ Sep 4 2007, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I really wouldn't worry about this. Your situation is also different then what happened to Ron and Sharon. A lot of people have smoked a joint once or twice in their life time. It has nothing to do with your adulthood. They should change the question to really read CURRENT drug use. Smoking some weed 10 years ago has no standing, medically or otherwise, on your condition as of now. I'm pretty sure they just want to know if you are taking some type of drug now.

You are almost TOO honest love! Honesty is always best but in some situations it isn't necessary. It is not like you were charged with drug possession in the past, been admitted to AA or a rehabilitation centre for an addiction. I believe THAT is the kinda stuff they want to know about.


Plus, even if someone was charged as a minor and served time in juvey, their records are sealed when they turn 18.
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 09:12:00
CanadaFeeling sick to the stomache...panic is setting in
Misty, to calm your nerves, call up the doctor and ask if you can pay for a copy of the medical. They'll seal it but since it's a second copy you can rip it open. I paid for a 2nd copy primarily so I could see the results. If you were a minor (under 18) when you admitted use, I don't believe they can use that against you but maybe someone else knows for sure.

Most of the panel physicians keep records on file so they can provide copies upon request (and a fee) but not all. Call up the doctor today. It's worth the extra money I think to give you piece of mind.
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 09:05:00
CanadaI can't believe this...
Hope he crosses through safely. smile.gif
misaFemaleCanada2007-08-30 22:05:00
CanadaCanada May K-visas NOA1'ers at CSC Any Touches
Yeah, the only thing that's regional specific is when your case gets to the consulate. When petitions are at the service centres, it's a free for all and doesn't matter what country you're from.
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-05 08:58:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
Ah! Gotcha. I wasn't sure if you returned it with P3 or not. Getting a cosponsor then is a good idea.
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-05 09:14:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Sep 4 2007, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She's a K-1? Somehow I overlooked it, I thought she was a CR-1.


Yup, K1! But your advice was solid for someone who is a CR-1/IR-1. smile.gif

Edited by misa, 04 September 2007 - 06:36 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 18:35:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Sep 4 2007, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Don't worry, most of the time I don't know what I'm saying myself. I hope your fiance knows the acronyms. IRS = SATAN (much worse than Revenue Canada, sorry CRA). The Internal Revenue Service will issue an extract from your fiance's tax return that will contain the record of his income and its breakdown. You use this when you file the affidavit of support to the USCIS. They will use this to determine if your fiance has sufficient income to meet or exceed the poverty guidelines as set out under the official schedule. If you are planning on AOS (adjustment of status) then you shouldn't be contacting Montreal. Montreal is for CP (consular processing), AOS only goes through your local USCIS office once you are in the USA. If you are going through Montreal you should contact the NVC which handles all administrative functions for Canada. The consulate is only an appointment post.


MandE is interviewing for a K1 so the requirements are a little different than for CR-1 and IR-1. K1s and K3s only make a pit stop at the NVC for a case number assignment and don't require an I-864 at the consular level. Their affidavit of support is different, the I-134, and interestingly enough, it isn't really legally binding like the I-864 is.

But... her fiance will have to provide something at the adjustment of status stage after the K1 and after they marry.

Edited by misa, 04 September 2007 - 03:48 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 15:46:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
MandE, you sent in a completed I-134 with your packet 3 right? From what I've seen here, Montreal does not ask for an updated copy of it at the interview. Others who have interviewed in Montreal for a K1 can confirm for you though.
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-04 15:43:00
Canada22 hours of driving and only 7 coffees?
Glad you had fun! How's your wife feeling these days? How far along is she?
misaFemaleCanada2007-09-05 09:13:00