ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2013 Filers

Thanks guys.  Yes, we were one of the transfers on 8/6/13.  I checked a few numbers around us, and the were some that received RFEs and another approval.  So, I'm really starting to believe it's real.


photog82Not TellingEngland2013-08-22 11:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2013 Filers

Hello.  Just checked the uscis site and it says our application is approved, so I guess we got NOA2, only 42 days after NOA1.  We're very excited, but I keep checking it to make sure it wasn't a mistake.  I'm a little concerned that this isn't real, and the site just says it by accident somehow.  Anyone else out there getting approvals?  I'm thinking we'll be seeing some approvals for the people that were transferred from vsc to tsc if this is for real.


photog82Not TellingEngland2013-08-22 11:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2013 Filers
Thanks for looking all that up. Vey helpful!
photog82Not TellingEngland2013-08-09 09:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2013 Filers

No, I didn't call uscis yet.  I just checked the site and we were transferred to the local office on August 6.  So,  not sure why they wouldn't have changed the alien registration number.  Has anyone else had this happen?


photog82Not TellingEngland2013-08-08 11:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2013 Filers

Hi all.  We filed on July 5th and got noa1 on July 12th.  We haven't got notification that the Alien Registration number was changed yet.  It seems like all this usually happens within in a week or two.  Have amy of the other July filers gotten notification that theirs has been changed? Is it a bad sign that this is going to be a loooooooonnnnggg wait?


photog82Not TellingEngland2013-08-08 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa Approved

My fiance had his interview this morning at London, and they told him we were approved!  Thanks for all your help everyone!


photog82Not TellingEngland2013-11-25 09:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2013 K-1 Visa Filers

We only sent copies of my fiances passport pages where it had the stamps on it from trips coming to visit me.  He's the beneficiary and we didn't get an RFE, so you'll probably be okay.


photog82Not TellingEngland2013-08-26 05:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129f transferred June 21 2013 approval?
You two are very lucky to get transfered this early! We have been working with our lawyers since the end of January and got our NOA1 March 25th. We first received that our transfer would be from Vermont to a local USCIS office which according to our lawyer would of ment a interview process for me.( the US Citizen) but then got notice today that it was sent to Texas! I have heard great things about Texas service center so we will all keep our fingers crossed! Vermonts time frame moved a few weeks ago to 5.5 months and then back down to 5 months!!! I'm so happy for this site because it gives you clarity in a time of need!!!
MattandMorganNot TellingEngland2013-07-15 21:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129f transferred June 21 2013 approval?

We also got transferred on July 11 from Vermont to Texas and I can't understand, why, what happens??? please, help-me!!! my noa1 is 17 April!!!


MattandMorganNot TellingEngland2013-07-15 20:59:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)TSC transfers with June 2013 NOA2 Dates

Are there any TSC transfers with an NOA2 date in June still waiting for your case to be shipped to NVC?

 

Ours was approved, shipped, and assigned a case number within ~5 weeks. Call the Department of State (202 663-1225) and give them your receipt number and say something along the lines of "The NVC was unable to help me determine where my visa is since it was approved". They are quite polite and very resourceful as far as I've found.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-07-24 08:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Anyone from TSC K1 fiance please comment when you get a case number!!

Interview scheduled 5 November 2013, 293 days from NOA1. How fun :-)

 

Hopefully there will be an earlier date available.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-20 13:52:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Anyone from TSC K1 fiance please comment when you get a case number!!

I called the DoS (202 663-1225) after the NVC rep said we did not have a case number, and lo and behold we actually had a case number and our case had been shipped to Montreal. 188 days so far.

 

We're both traveling back home (NC and ON) from Florida today, which will probably be Allanah's last trip stateside before POE.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-07-23 11:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-230 Question 35: Alien Registration Number

On Part I of the DS-230, Question 35, you (try to) list every entry the beneficiary has made into the US. This was relatively easy, if not time consuming. However, we have a question about the A# column.

 

If the beneficiary has traveled to the US after being assigned an A# for the K1 visa application, should these trips include that A# even if as a Canadian citizen she was traveling without a visa?


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-07-26 09:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview tax documents

I am F2A category spouse of LPR and I not sure which TAX documents they ask at the day of interview

 

is it I-134 or I-864 and 1040/w2 forms and do they have to be originals or just copies?

 

thank you and really appreciate your help

 

 

 

From the DoS website (which covers F-2's):

The instructions for these forms include the applicable documentation you will be required to provide.

 

I would also check with the consulate/embassy you will be interviewed at for the complete list of forms you will be required to provide.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-05 11:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion156k additional documents?

My Fiance and I got our NOA approval, but the instructions on what to do next are a little confusing.

It says step 1 is to fill out some forms (156, 156K, 230, and 157) and mail them to the embassy. the 156-K says it needs to be sent with a bunch of supporting documents (birth certificate, evidence of engagement, police certificate, and evidence of financial support) but all of those forms are listed as part of what needs to be brought to the interview. So, do we mail them, or just mail the forms listed and bring the other stuff to the interview, or do we have to make copies and do both?

 

You send just the forms and you bring the supporting documentation to the interview.

 

Make a copy of your entire Packet 3 for your own reference. The supporting documentation will need to be originals for the interview.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-08 08:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionweekends

Hey everyone!

 

I was wondering if they allow medicals and interviews on weekends? I'm not sure if taking more time off during the week is going to be possible without quitting my job lol so I was just wondering if it's possible?

 

I'm waiting to hear back from both embassies to find out who has my paperwork before I start planning ( letter in mail says Vancouver and online says Montreal even though I have a vac number) sigh sad.png

 

We did not see any interview dates on weekends on the appointment calendar when we signed up.

 

As for medical, Dr. Seiden in Toronto only does MTuW apparently.


Edited by Allanah and Chris, 26 August 2013 - 09:57 AM.

Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-26 09:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHave to do the X-ray check? Even pregnant?

Thank you so much! Nurseling & A&B

 

Just to further assuage your fears, a CXR with abdominal shielding is "exceedingly unlikely" to cause harm to a developing fetus. It is even less likely to cause harm before 10 weeks or after 17 weeks. You would need to receive over 70,000 CXR's to achieve a cumulative dose harmful to your fetus.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-03 11:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionW2's for interview

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

This is such a Relief!!!!

 

They look at it this way, you probably aren't declaring a bunch of income you don't have just so you can pay taxes on it.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-24 07:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHelp! Waiting for an Interview, NOA2 Expired

I just tried calling DoS again and I am still only getting automated responses. Can someone please tell me what I have to do to get a person on the other end? 

 

Thanks. 

 

 

On Wednesdays they're closed from roughly 11:30-12:30ish Eastern. So give them a bit and they'll get back from lunch.

 

(202) 663-1225 -> 1 for English -> then 0 for a representative.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-07-31 12:09:00
CanadaThe Best POE Review Ever - Land Border Sarnia Blue Water Bridge

It would have been less than 20 if the guy hadn't treated us like criminals.

He was SERIOUSLY acting like our passports and visa were fabricated in my house.

He kept inspecting them.

It was disgusting and I WILL be filing a complaint.

 

As a US citizen I can confirm that this is the treatment I receive every time I come back stateside. They act like I violated some law leaving the country. "Why would you ever leave the US?! There is no legitimate reason to leave Amurrica. Terrorist."

 

We got NEXUS merely so I would not be berated at the border every time I cross back into the US.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-07-29 08:54:00
CanadaVancouver has K1 case, how to do packet 3?

4. Preparing Packet 3
Waiting for P3 to physically arrive can be a fruitless task. Many people never get it, sometimes only the petitioner gets it, sometimes it shows up months later. If you want to expedite the process, don?t wait for it. There?s nothing including in Packet 3 that isn?t available on Montreal?s website:http://montreal.usco...ument=visa_pkt3
Since even the website can be a little confusing, this is what you send back (all forms available above at Montreal?s website):
Signed Checklist
DS-160 x 1
DS-156K x 1
DS-230 x 1
DS-156 x 2
US style passport photos of the beneficiary x 2
Many have found it helpful to also include a very brief cover letter summarizing the contents, providing an email address and re-iterating the MTL case #.
(If you are doing a K2 as well, don?t forget the forms for them!)

5. Sending Packet 3
How you send P3 is up to you. It can be done for free via DHL, but many have found it faster to just use an xpresspost mailer from Canada Post and eat the cost themselves. If you are sending it via xpresspost, it goes to the following address: 
ATTN: Immigrant Visa Unit
315 Place d'Youville Suite 500
Montreal Quebec
H2Y 0A4
Make sure to again write your MTL case # on the mailer itself.
(You could also just send it regular mail, but it?s usually better for peace of mind to get a tracking number, which means XPpesspost.)


















 

The OP is filing in Vancouver, MTL's criteria does not appear to apply.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-07-31 10:00:00
CanadaCrossing the border

We crossed at Alexandria Bay.  The k-1 went quickly, importing the vehicle was a little more cumbersome as the agents weren't entirely sure what they needed to do, luckily one of them knew the process and explained it to the other agent.  Traffic is considerably lighter than Buffalo/Toronto area.

 

They certainly know about the K-1 there! We got questioned there for a while when trying to do a road trip, before we submitted our K-1. They were very polite and knowledgeable.

 

I certainly agree that way less people travel over that crossing, almost no wait. Somewhat inconvenient location when trying to get to locales South of NY, but if you're going to New England it would be a nicer option (no traffic round those parts).


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-02 09:10:00
CanadaGreen Card for Credit Application?

I couldn't find where to post this so I figured I could ask my fellow Canadians. Twice now, I have been asked to provide my Green Card for credit. Once to refinance our house, second time for buying a car. I was asked twice to produce my social security card and Green Card. I am pretty sure I could have refused to provide my GC, because nobody is entitled to ask me for it but the federal government (right?), but I did it because they could very well refuse me credit if I don't.

 

Because I did a K1, I obtained my SS card before my GC so  my card does say "Valid for work only with DHS authorization". If I update my info with SS, will that stop happening?

 

Has it happened to you? What did you do?

 

(Not a fellow Canadian, but the USC engaged to one)

 

This is part of a boneheaded scheme to stop "funding terrorists" and "identity theft", known as Customer Identification Programs, under the USA PATRIOT Act (a cowardly attempt at "securing" the Grand Ole US of A).

 

Anywho, Banks are basically required to get Identification for all new accounts (which includes mortgages/financing). Typically all you need is your name, DOB, SSN, and physical address (sorry, no PO Boxes).

 

If you're not a USC, you need something to show just who exactly you are, because the law requires an Identification Number; which for Amurricans is SSN/TIN/EIN, but for terroristsforeigners this like your A# or GC. That being said, you ARE allowed to use your SSN, even if it is pending! You still need something proving your nationality (passport works).

 

The hitch is there is no set policy for all institutions, instead just a general rule that they all must turn into an institutional policy. For some institutions they may ask for your GC, others will be fine with your SSN. The law does not appear to say that they must accept your pending/non-work SSN, but it certainly says they can accept it.

 

(as a side note, all I can do is apologize for the horrendous manner in which we treat you...but I don't see us getting any better, so get naturalized and vote vote vote)


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-01 14:40:00
CanadaCriminal Background Check

Mine has no badge no. and no signature. just the stamp on the back of the page that I filled out

 

This is what Allanah received in "the big city" of Hamilton. No worries.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-09 08:16:00
CanadaDS-156 Confusion

The actual DS156K form requires that a birth certificate, evidence of engagement, evidence of financial support, and police certificates, etc. "must be attached"  I thought these weren't required until interview day.  Others have said they sent off the checklist without having obtained all the documentation (ie. the police certificate) to keep things moving.  Is it ok to send off the packet 3 without attaching these documents?

 

Yes.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-21 10:03:00
CanadaToronto Medical

I contacted Dr. Seiden's office and they stated that they are valid through 31 August 2013.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-29 10:16:00
CanadaToronto Medical

Yeah I definitely want to make sure we're going with an approved person, that's why I pulled up the list again and was confused when I didn't see him there. It seems like most people go to him.

 

Allanah said it was pretty simple there too...I've emailed MTL to find out whether or not those of us who used him prior to the change are still valid.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-29 08:37:00
CanadaToronto Medical

Your not crazy. the pdf http://travel.state....L-0013-1308.pdf with the info was : Revised: 27-August -2013 Medical Examinations For Immigrant And K Visa Applicants . So its a recent change i think. Funny enough Dr. Seidens website still says he does them.

 

That's wonderful news...Allanah just used them yesterday.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-29 08:07:00
CanadaTime Limit to Send Packet?

 

Thanks so much! I'm glad I asked and didn't just ignore the expiration date. I feel a bit better knowing the interview date can be flexible and I may be able to get an extension.

 

Our earliest available interview was 77 days initially from MTL logging packet 3, which took ~8 days from when they received it.

 

So don't fret, they're slow.

 

If you sent Packet 3 via XPressPost September 2nd, they would get it Tuesday and sit on it until at least September 10th before you would receive Packet 4 via email. 80 days from September 10th is November 29th, which would be a reasonable "earliest available". You could likely find an interview date in December or January as well.

 

Even still, you can always sign back in and head over to the appointment calender...which would cause you to lose your November/December spot and make you take a later interview. I wouldn't press my luck much with that strategy without the blessing of the consulate.


Edited by Allanah and Chris, 23 August 2013 - 03:17 PM.

Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-08-23 15:15:00
CanadaCanadian specifically Montreal K-1 Help!

 

So I've posted this on the Canada regional forum but just in case ppl don't see...here is my question (specific to Montreal consulate):

 

I just have a question for clarification as it seems there has been different answers roaming around.

 

I just sent in my packet 3 and waiting for it to be logged. Does the immigration visa unit schedule your interview for you or do you do it yourself when packet 4 has been logged? I've read around in other forums that they schedule it for you. But on packet 4 it says you have to do it...and when I check the CSC website it shows this:

 

"Please note that this system does not reflect appointments that have been assigned directly by the U.S. Government. If you have received an appointment letter (or e-mail) directly from the National Visa Center, Kentucky Consular Center or the Immigrant Visa Unit, you should attend the appointment date and time listed in that letter."

 

Sooo confused!

 

 

 

You schedule online. You should receive an email if you gave them your emails in Packet 3 the second you're "logged". Otherwise you just call DoS to find out when they've logged it.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-01 05:10:00
CanadaConsulate Photos

Two copies are sent to the consulate in response to Packet 3 letter.  Three copies are needed at the medical interview.  Are any others needed later?

 

Can I just take one passport sized photo and use the same image for both cases? 

 

 

You'll need another 2 at your interview. And sure, provided they are used within 6 months of being taken.


Edited by Allanah and Chris, 05 September 2013 - 08:41 AM.

Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-05 08:41:00
CanadaPackage 3 stil on the Air :-/

Hi People of VJ

 

I am very frustated and i need somewhere to express this. I have received an email from Montreal requiring 

to collect information for P3 the 29th of August.

 

I sent my package 3 the 3rd of September through Loomis Express in Canada.

 

It has been now almost 3 WEEKS and not SIGN or anything...

 

Please if you had to go to through a similar situation a feedback from you would come great 

 

at this moment.

 

 

ClockWatch2.gif good.gif good.gif good.gif

 

We overnighted via XPressPost and still waited ~8 days.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-20 12:55:00
CanadaWeb-based job and carrying it over to the USA

 

That's kind of what I was thinking too. Obviously you'd sitll owe Canadian taxes, and I assumed that, seeing as the work was being done in the country, US taxes too.

 

The United States taxes people based on "Tax Residency" as opposed to where you actually are (although if where you are is the US, you can become a taxable resident if you are not already one...see "countable days"). Most illegal aliens actually qualify as US Tax Residents, and even if you leave the US, as an LPR you can still owe taxes.

 

This is a bigger can of worms than your K1, so read up (Publication 54 is a good place to start) reading.gif


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-20 13:09:00
CanadaWeb-based job and carrying it over to the USA

 

It's kind of an odd thing. If you're not taking a job from an American, getting paid in America, etc...it shouldn't really matter, but then again, I don't know all the tax rules haha

 

You will still owe Federal and State income taxes (unless the State does not collect them). You're considered a Taxable Resident when you come here on your immigrant visa as an LPR.

 

You cannot earn income without that authorization to work. You're not on a work visa or a business related travel visa.

 

Would anyone notice? I don't know, and sorta doubt it. Is it worth dealing with the IRS if you get caught?

 

You will have an interesting tax time as you'll:

1. Owe US Federal income taxes

2. Owe US State income taxes (depending on the state)

3. Possibly owe Canadian taxes as well, especially if the income is being deposited to a Canadian bank (you'd still be getting a T-4, right?)

 

You likely need to find a knowledgeable tax attorney so you do not get into hot, hot water.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-20 12:44:00
CanadaAfter Package 3 is sent ? What should i do next ?

dry.png  INSANE , I cant understand why they take things too slow. I can see that you were also January Filers ! ..

 

How did you do to change it to October instead of November  !?

 

 

You take whatever interview you can get on the CSC site, then you simply refresh the main page which will tell you how many days until the next available interview. If the number of days is sooner than your current one, you switch to it. If not, you do not click on the Reschedule link, or you'll lose your current interview date.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-13 09:59:00
CanadaAfter Package 3 is sent ? What should i do next ?

Thanks Allanah and Chris,

 

I noticed that for your interview scheduled from the package 4 it is almost is more than a month gap !!

 

Just a curiosity as far package 3 : there was a form ( i cant remember which number exactly either) where they were asking for proof of relationship, police certificates, etc

 

Did you send these with the P3 or did you just let them know about it in the checklist?

 

 

Current interview dates are in December right now. We originally were November but were able to score an October date. Average is 80 days from P4, but you can typically snake an earlier date if you watch the website like a hawk.

 

We just sent the checklist.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-13 09:49:00
CanadaAfter Package 3 is sent ? What should i do next ?

Do you know any number to reach in the Montreal Consulate where i could contact to ? 

 

 

No need to call, they won't tell you anything different from the DoS.

 

If you put your email address on the paperwork (I forget which form exactly) you'll receive an email from the Consulate when your paperwork is completed.

 

It takes a lot of time at MTL, they are nice and slow. Check out our timeline in my signature for an idea of the time it takes once you send in packet 3.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-13 08:21:00
CanadaScheduled my appointment and got an email today saying it's cancelled

PHew, well good news.  I kept refreshing and refreshing the consular website for the schedule appointment page and my original date popped up and I grabbed it ASAP!  What a nuisance.  I hear this is only the beginning of it all but it sure feels like we've been going through a lot just at this point!

 

Did you schedule it prior to receiving your P4 email?


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-25 08:33:00
Canadatrying to reach Montreal

Thanks:)

Im not gonna wait . I will get my docs ready asap. The only thing is I still want them to have my new address.

 

I'd email them the update only, be sure to include case #, Beneficiary/Petitioner names/DOB's, old address, and new address.

 

Also do the same with the NVC (email them your updates).

 

When you fill out your new paperwork obviously include your current address and keep in mind that if you supply email addresses your Packet 4 comes via email.


Edited by Allanah and Chris, 26 September 2013 - 09:48 AM.

Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-26 09:47:00
Canadatrying to reach Montreal

Hi guys,

 

I moved recently and trying to update my address( our case already left NVC and they told my fiancé to call Montreal). I've been calling for two days now and nobody ever picked up the phone.

 

This is the number I have 514 398 9695

 

Do you know any other numbers that I should call or should I email them? I understand that emailing them is not the fastest way and Im afraid they might send the packet 3 soon

 

Thank you !

 

Have a good day!

 

They take ~20 days to reply to emails (faster than their advertised 28 days).

 

Do not, I repeat, do not wait for MTL to send you packet 3. We never received it. Never.

 

You can download everything you need from the consulate website and all you need in order to send it in to MTL is confirmation that they have logged your I-129F physically and sent packet 3.

 

Do the rest on your own and send it in without waiting on them. No need to wait, and besides you may wait forever.


Allanah and ChrisFemaleCanada2013-09-26 09:39:00