ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaSocial Security Number Timing

Just wanted to give everyone a perspective on timing for Social Security numbers.
My husband had his CR-1 interview in Montreal on November 30. He did his POE on Friday, December 3.
He received his social security card on Tuesday, December 14.
We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly he got it. Now we just have to go about building his credit!


Grats mine came quite quickly too.
I am on the same mind track, need to build some awesome credit now he he .
Grats on your approval and poe :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-16 17:04:00
CanadaChange of Circumstance

LOL You don't understand the sudden urgency? I'm in love with my husband and want to be with him as soon as possible =)

Yes, I have two work at home jobs now. Staying here isn't the problem. I was wondering if there were other routes where visas were quicker since I didn't require the ability to work straight away...

Many thanks to everyone who responded! Just thought I'd check!

Hmm you are doing DCF? That is suppose to be a quicker process as it is. (although I have seen more then a few people wait just as long as the rest of us due to backlog at Montreal)

No other way for you to get there any faster... believe me if there was I would have been here a lot soon.
Unfortunately we all had to wait...damn immigration :whistle:
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-17 15:08:00
CanadaWhat to bring for the interview??

Yes - US immigration is interested in whether the US spouse can prove they can support the person they are bringing into the US. They are not interested in the Cdn spouse's or fiance's Cdn income that they made while living in Canada - basically you won't be working in Canada once you move to the US so it's kind of irrelevant- hope that makes sense.


+1 :thumbs:
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-19 09:43:00
CanadaWhat to bring for the interview??
tis what I brought..

In a blue small document folder I had
1)Appointment letter and copy
2) passport and COPY
3)Medical Report
4) Original DS-230 and copy
5)Original i864 and COPY
6) Original Marriage certificate and Copy
7) Original PCC and copy
8) Original Birth Certificate and copy
9) Photocopy of my passport biographic page
10) Financial documents ( Tax Return + Employment letter + Paystubs), I brought a copy as well.
11) 3 passport Pictures and Copy
12) Express Post Envelope If you are not using DHL
(I had custody records and court records as well)

In a expanding folder I had :
1)Joint Checkings account statements
2) flights/car/bus tickets
3)cards from each other and family
4)4 albums of pictures of us
5)money grams,western union from my family to him/us
6) 2 letters from my family
7) receipt of my engagement ring purchase
8)emails
9)chat logs
10)phone records
11) His lease which I am on
and more but I cannot exactly remember
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-16 09:58:00
CanadaWhat to bring for the interview??
i brought everything I could think of.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-16 09:25:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

alright my info is in now, but i have no idea where to pick the DHL office. I saw the list of office, but where do i pick one?


when you put all your information in it should bring you to a page that page of dhl locations and have a place to check one off.

when you put all your information in it should bring you to a page that page of dhl locations and have a place to check one off.


If you cannot find it, call one of these numbers and tell them that you need to sign up for dhl but have been unable to pick a dhl location
Applicants can pay their visa application fee, arrange for courier service, get information, and make an appointment through this service.

Applicants can access this service by logging into this Web site or by calling our local numbers in Canada:

Calgary - 403.800.1194
Halifax - 902.982.2191
Montreal - 514.400.2591
Ottawa - 613.800.0917
Toronto - 647.955.3736
Vancouver - 604.800.2794
Quebec City - 418.800.1751
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-08 12:20:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

So i do:
log in, enter my passport #, date of birth, natl, click enter and it says:

Applicant Information

You have not entered your personal information.

Appointment Information

You currently have no appointment scheduled.

What would you like to do?

* Schedule Appointment
* Add Family Members

no idea what im supposed to do...
it did bring me to another page ONCE but i had to write a log in name and password which i dont have..


Okie the way I did it was, I clicked add family member, I input NVC scheduled interview, Input all my Personal Information, clicked the dhl location closest to me and when I saw "next available Interview date" I closed the broswer and logged back in, there was my personal information such as my name and passport number and that was that :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-08 08:29:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

I tried signing up and it says i dont have an interview date set...
I do, but we jsut received the email today. should i wait to sign up with DHL?


No sign up now, you will not get a interview scheduled message unless you schedule your interview through that site...just ignore the whole "next availble date stuff"
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-07 18:50:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

i signed up for the DHL option and had my interview 2 weeks ago. I still havent seen anything show up on my info page at the us-visa website. I have a flight to the USA next week! is this normal? it says on the info sheet they gave me at theconsulate that it would take 3-7 business days!


Check the dhl.ca site or give them a call maybe they can search via your passport number... or call DOS to see if it has been issued yet.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-25 20:38:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

I request you give dhl a call and see if they have it and have just not called yet.... also sometimes they send out the packages in bunches

Calgary - 403.800.1194
Halifax - 902.982.2191
Montreal - 514.400.2591
Ottawa - 613.800.0917
Toronto - 647.955.3736
Vancouver - 604.800.2794
Quebec City - 418.800.1751

use the reference number when calling
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-15 21:09:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

Interview last Wednesday, and as of today it still hasn't been shipped. I *really* need it by Friday..


I request you give dhl a call and see if they have it and have just not called yet.... also sometimes they send out the packages in bunches
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-15 20:57:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

I see *that* reference number, but the sample on the consulate website shows a different reference number for DHL that shows underneath, and specifically refers to it being a DHL reference..


Ok Take that "reference number" copy it and bring up dhl.ca then press the track button and there will be a reference track box put number in there and see what happens :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-11 18:40:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

No reference number there. Maybe it's too early? It also says 'no interview schedule' and lists the next available date. Is this because my interview is already done?


Hmm Ok you should see your name and passport number then to the right I believe will be the reference number. I missed it few times that I checked as I was just waiting for it to have an update saying it was available. Check a few times but yes it is possible that due to it only being the day after maybe its just not there yet. Check again :)

Edited by Canadiandggal, 11 November 2010 - 05:55 PM.

CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-11 17:54:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

Just wondering how to find your DHL reference number to track your package? My interview was today (approved! yay!) and would like to figure this out. Thanks!


Log onto the site you signed up with for dhl http://www.usvisa-in...country_welcome should say summary or account information such as your name date of birth and there should be a reference number. You can then use this number on www.dhl.ca in the track box for reference numbers or call one of these to track via phone
Calgary - 403.800.1194
Halifax - 902.982.2191
Montreal - 514.400.2591
Ottawa - 613.800.0917
Toronto - 647.955.3736
Vancouver - 604.800.2794
Quebec City - 418.800.1751
grats on your approval
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-11 04:17:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

Does anyone know why they keep your passport? Seems strange to me....


Yeah its like a extra bio page but cooler ha ha. Btw dont expect a large stamp when you cross at poe, I was expecting some kinda stamp that said Valid on such date or something. Instead it was just a tiny entry stamp with cr-1 hand written on the line. The same stamp you get as a travel entry. lol BUT Non the less it is a stamp that means you are a us resident..oh yeah
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-08 16:57:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

Can anyone tell me how you "pay" for the DHL? When we registered and booked the interview I only paid the visa fee. Is there an additional fee for the actual DHL shipping and if so how and when do you pay that?

edit- Nevermind . . . just read in the packet it says, "If your visa is approved, we will put your visa in your passport and send the completed visa packet and passport to you by DHL courier at no extra charge"

:dance: :thumbs:
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-08 16:53:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate
my dhl took 2 days but I know others have took up to 12 days.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-08 16:11:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate
I know for right now you can use whichever you please but I think due to them now putting it on the p4 letters that they will not be accepting them forever. I think it will be a mandontory thing in the next few months. But i dont know for sure.
There is pros and cons to the new system. It is far quicker then the express post, I interviewed the 20th and recieved the call on the 22nd(Today), so 2 days. However I have to find a drive and drive over an hour to the DHL location.
It sucks to not have it come to the door anymore, but will save time.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-10-22 17:11:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

Thanks! So when you leave your interview do you get a tracking number? Of is your reference ID your tracking number?


No reciept or tracking number, dhl will call you within a few days and you cant track it through the site you signed up through using your passport number etc.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-10-20 17:55:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate

I got an expresspost just in case, but I've signed up for DHL.

However, I'm confused as to whether I've actually signed up. I went to the https://usvisa-info.com/ website and signed up for the Abbotsford DHL office and got a reference ID. Do we print something off and bring it to the interview? The last step on the website was to schedule a date which I did not need to do because I am a cr-1. So I just signed out. Is that how it works??


yeah you are signed up as long as you picked a location. :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-10-20 16:13:00
CanadaDHL or Xpresspost for MTL consulate
I had my interview today, I picked dhl and after talking to the lady at window 12 I stuck with it. I did bring the prepaid envelope if it was needed. BTW I now have a fully paid for unused expresspost evenople lol .
I would go with dhl as it has been 2-3 days to get your visa, canada post has seemed to get quicker but it still can take 2 weeks or more.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-10-20 15:50:00
CanadaAny other CR1ers been told at the border that they need Advance Parole to enter the States while waiting for their visa?

Whoa. Which crossing was this?! :o What a shocking display of ignorance. I would have asked to speak with a supervisor. I know some people have had trouble crossing but not to be told about "status" and AP. lol. Did you tell them AP didn't apply to you? If you want to take it further there is Traveler Redress.


I so sooo sorry that does not sound right! I mean tons of people get put in secondary and even denied entry but that just seems a bit out of this world. I would suggest going to krikit's link and filing a complaint and see if you can get it cleared up. What paper do you have to give to Canada customs.

Can we even apply for to enter the country and how the heck would one get AP when we dont get AP on a cr/ir visa? They are confusing lol

Again sorry that you got detained and was treated with such ignorance. At least you got across :) Keep us updated on what happens when you return.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-18 09:21:00
CanadaApproved! Montreal Interview Review
Congrats on both the approval and the upcoming baby! :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-16 13:24:00
CanadaNVC expedite request sent to Montreal Consulate..questions.

Uscis granted expedite...NVC granted the expedite and sent it to consulate. I know people are going to be curious as to why I'm expediting...and not how. So before anyone wants to inquire the validity...my 8 year old step daughter has cystic fibrosis....she has a crazy home treatment schedule...insurance has stopped paying for some of her meds...and my wife Just barely makes enough to skim through right now. Plus dealing with regular life stuff. When my step daughter goes to the hospital my wife has to stay with her...and its usually a 2 week stay. So my wife loses out on working and everything else. I used to live with them before my other visa was denied ...which we weren't expecting...so boom...missing family member...wage earner and support system. I think that's a pretty "good" reason.

Thanks for the input Inky....ill try that



I wish you good luck, I really hope your wait is over soon.
Send my good wishes to your step daughter as well.

You have no reason to validate yourself :) I am truly sorry to hear that you are going through this.

Keep trying to get a hold on Montreal.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-17 19:48:00
CanadaName change/adoption

I was adopted by my father at age 12 (in Ontario), but I can't be much help with the legalities since the process was much different than yours- My biological father passed away when I was 7.

I just wanted to chime in and say I'm so thankful for my dad and his decision to adopt me and my sister. That's a special gift of love your husband wants to give to your son, and all of the work that may go into it will be well worth it. My sister and I always joke with my dad and say we're his favorite, since he picked us. He got stuck with his other kids! :lol:


awe.. That is very special. I giggled for a few. We will see what happens We have already gone through so much, two court cases, 7 court appearances during that, and Immigration..whats one more court case?

Thanks for the luck :)

I was adopted by my father at age 12 (in Ontario), but I can't be much help with the legalities since the process was much different than yours- My biological father passed away when I was 7.

I just wanted to chime in and say I'm so thankful for my dad and his decision to adopt me and my sister. That's a special gift of love your husband wants to give to your son, and all of the work that may go into it will be well worth it. My sister and I always joke with my dad and say we're his favorite, since he picked us. He got stuck with his other kids! :lol:

twas a double post lol

Edited by Canadiandggal, 21 December 2010 - 08:11 AM.

CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-21 08:09:00
CanadaName change/adoption

Ya I really wish it was just needing to go through our State rather then Ontario also. I think its due to the Hague convention to prevent international child abductions and such. I can't really remember since its been awhile since we looked into it.

In Arkansas no contact/child support for at least 6mos gives you enough grounds to remove the other parents rights away.(I'm sure there is more to it then that though) But it doesn't work that way in Canada. Its next to impossible to have the courts remove the other parents rights. At least this is what we were told by a family law attorney from Ontario. We figured it was better to stay the way we are, rather then stir the pot and start a mess with a long and expensive process. Right now we have no contact with the kids father and this was even before we moved, I am sure we could win but at what cost since my kids are between 13 and 19 we felt its better to leave sleeping dogs lie. Life is alot more peaceful for us this way.

If you find out anything, let me know cause it would be nice for my husband to adopt my kids.


yeah hmm I have sole custody as well (I had his need to have him sign a passport done with, therefor I never need his signature for my son again. It was written into my court documents.He is also not allowed to take my son out of the City of Toronto yet he lives in another city. and some other random stuff. As well I took him back to court in Nov 2009 and got a court order to be able to move my son where ever I wanted. In both court cases he did not show up and was put in default. he owes 4 thousand in back pay and has not seen him in two years. I will talk to a lawyer after the holidays and let you know.
Thanks guys :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-20 16:31:00
CanadaName change/adoption

My husband wanted to adopt my kids also, so we looked into it a little. If he adopted them they would get citizenship through him as long as they are under 18 I think it was.

The only problem was its next to impossible for us to do the adoption, if we only had to deal with Arkansas laws it would be so easy, but we need to deal with Canada/Ontario's laws. And its not easy to remove parental rights back home.

I have no clue on the name change process.


why do you need to deal with ontarios laws? I was told all we needed to do was send a notification to the other parent if the parent does not respond or fails to meet the deadline then they will proceed without him.I was also told by Ontario That when the process is done then to call the "Registrar General" for the proper documents to update his name etc.


Hmm you know more then me lol
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-20 12:57:00
CanadaName change/adoption

Ok I asked this question or some of it last month but never actually got a reply.

My husband is a US citizen, My son and I are Canadian citizens and just got here on a cr-1/cr-2 visa. We will have to remove conditions in August 2012. My husband would like to adopt my son but we are trying to figure out the best way to do all of this and the best time.

I have gone down to the court house to see what both a legal name change and a step child adoption consists of.
I am somewhat concerned as to what this will do to my sons green card as His legal name would change. Would I have to call UCSIS and tell them of the change, then make a appointment to see someone? would this affect his removal of conditions in 2012?

IF so would one think it would be best to wait a few years till I am a US citizen? Then my son would be one as well and it would not affect immigration.

Sorry but any advice/suggestions/ideas/experiences are welcomed

Thanks in advance



Just was reading through the uscis site as well.. Would an adoption Make him eligible for a n-600 form certificate of citizenship. http://www.uscis.gov.../n-600instr.pdf
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-20 12:10:00
CanadaName change/adoption
Ok I asked this question or some of it last month but never actually got a reply.

My husband is a US citizen, My son and I are Canadian citizens and just got here on a cr-1/cr-2 visa. We will have to remove conditions in August 2012. My husband would like to adopt my son but we are trying to figure out the best way to do all of this and the best time.

I have gone down to the court house to see what both a legal name change and a step child adoption consists of.
I am somewhat concerned as to what this will do to my sons green card as His legal name would change. Would I have to call UCSIS and tell them of the change, then make a appointment to see someone? would this affect his removal of conditions in 2012?

IF so would one think it would be best to wait a few years till I am a US citizen? Then my son would be one as well and it would not affect immigration.

Sorry but any advice/suggestions/ideas/experiences are welcomed

Thanks in advance
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-20 11:34:00
CanadaCriminal Rehabilitation Advice
Just for future reference as I pmed you this link..
http://www.canadaint...r.aspx?lang=eng

This is a guide to doing Criminal rehabilitation
Here is the form http://www.cic.gc.ca...ms/IMM1444E.PDF
and the check list http://www.cic.gc.ca...ms/IMM5507E.PDF

Edited by Canadiandggal, 21 December 2010 - 10:24 AM.

CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-21 10:24:00
CanadaDHL shipping P3 response *TO* Montreal

Just an update to give you an idea how fast Xpresspost delivery method is...

I sent my P3 on December 6 and it was received on December 8. I received my P4 yesterday and so I logged on to schedule an interview. Umm...The next available interview is January 19, 2011 at 8:30am? :unsure:


Thats awesome congrats.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-21 11:37:00
CanadaChristmas Present Thread

Yeah, I found that annoying when we Christmased in Canada as well. It is even more frustrating when you are sending presents, though, because you can't wrap them and you won't be there to wrap them when they arrive. I compromised. I bought colourful re-usable fabric bags (the carry your own for groceries kind) that were actually cheaper than the traditional Christmas paper bags. I wrapped everything in tissue without securing the tissue, then divided them into the proper bags - one bag per family member - covered with more tissues, then tied the handles closed and attached the tag. That way Customs can get into them easily to view the items if necessary, but there will still be some sort of 'wrapping' so that everyone then can enjoy 'unwrapping' their Christmas gifts. It is also my niece's birthday 2 weeks after Christmas so her birthday present is done similarly and included in the box. The really , really annoying part of it all? I actually LOVE wrapping gifts so I feel kind of deprived by having to make this type of compromise :D .

Their box should be there tomorrow - I sent it by UPS - much cheaper and much faster than USPS. My brother intercepts the box and removes the paperwork that includes all of the prices so no one but him gets to see what things cost. That is the other thing I dislike - gifts aren't supposed to come with prices attached, but Customs needs that listed on the paperwork :( so they have to be itemized and listed.


whoops I sent my Brothers and Nanas wrapped though USPS, I am a bad girl
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-21 08:32:00
CanadaChristmas Present Thread
I spent a quite a bit about 600 hundred dollars :(

3 flower arrangements $110 (mom,Nana,grandmother), Colonge $76 (Hubby), Bike,Helmet,safety pads/knee pads,Tool station,leapster puter,5 leapster games $300(son), Wallet $30 (brother),Stocking stuffers $20, Family portraits $60(whole Family).
Not to include My giant xmas tree and decorations as I went over board
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-17 20:12:00
CanadaDHL TRACKING NUMBER AFTER INTERVIEW
congrats to all three of you!! :) Yay
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-11-03 09:12:00
CanadaDHL TRACKING NUMBER AFTER INTERVIEW
Oh look at that yes... yes you can track it through the dhl.ca.. put it in the reference number space. wish i new this the other day haha
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-10-23 14:47:00
CanadaDHL TRACKING NUMBER AFTER INTERVIEW

I had my interview yesterday with Montreal consulate. After they told me I was told by this lady at the consulate that if I had already registered on line with http://canada.usvisa-info.com (the same site that you book your interview appt)then I could go on there and get my DHL tracking number. I went online to this website and all it says is my name and the DHL Location that I picked but it doesn't give me a tracking number. Is there anybody else out there that registered online and DID NOT receive a tracking number after their interview? How do I get this tracking number now? The consulate was handing out manual DHL waybills but only to those that didn't register online so I am just wondering now how to get this information? If someone could please help share some insight on this that would be appreciated.



We don't receive a tracking number till the DHL location has the package, why I am not sure but The dhl location will call you as soon as they get your package and tell you the dhl number and where to come get it at. Then if you wait about 4 hours the DHL site will finally say all the information hehe Its useless to check the site. Just wait 2 days and you will probably have a call from dhl
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-10-23 11:55:00
CanadaWhat did DHL website show when visa was ready?

It appears to actually show something once the Consulate ships it out. Mine was sent out on a Friday evening and it showed the following Sunday.
One more thing to add, Use only the Reference # field on DHL's website. :)

:thumbs: agreed....what a smart cookie :)
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-23 10:07:00
CanadaWhat did DHL website show when visa was ready?

If i remember correctly, it is probably on its way to the DHL location nearest you. Check in the morning and you should see it there.
You can call the customer service people at DHL but i found them extremely unhelpful.

:)

Canadiandggal may remember it better than i do......



It said Undelieverable when it was ready for pick up at the local DHL place.
If you are talking about the other CSC visa site well there was nothing It did not change status till 2 days after I knew it was there.

From The dhl.ca site using the reference ID
View Status U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MONTREAL s67547488 2010-10-21
when I click on view status it says
POD Shipment # Piece # Date Time Status City
View POD Shipment # Piece # Date Time Status City
View s67547488 s67547488
(ref:1456755) 2010-10-25 10:53 Successfully Delivered BRAMPTON
2010-10-25 07:07 Undeliverable BRAMPTON
2010-10-22 08:31 Undeliverable BRAMPTON
2010-10-22 04:07 Transit Through DHL Facility BRAMPTON
2010-10-21 22:26 Depart Facility DORVAL
2010-10-21 18:55 Processed at Location DORVAL
2010-10-21 18:38 Transit Through DHL Facility DORVAL
2010-10-21 18:16 Arrived at Delivery Facility DORVAL
2010-10-21 15:27 Picked Up by DHL DORVAL
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-06 07:34:00
CanadaMontreal Interview questions..

*coughs*commando*coughs* ;) :whistle:

:rofl:
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-21 08:18:00
CanadaMontreal Interview questions..
I was asked, how did we met, when was our first visit, how many trips have I made as well as how many did he make,when was my last trip, what he did for a living (i had to explain his job in detail), a question about my sons Biological dude (the "sperm donor" haha). A few questions about my past criminal record and that was it.
CanadiandggalFemaleCanada2010-12-17 14:40:00