A very tiring, but very happy day for us!

We went to the Vancouver Consulate this morning, and because we weren't there to pick up a visa, we could just walk in. (Nice not having to wait in the long line-up!) After security, we were sent here and there to various windows. Finally we got where we were supposed to go. I told the clerk that I had intended to file the I-130 on behalf of my husband. He asked me for all required documents; the I-130 app, both G-325's, birth certificates, passport (ME), proof of legal status in Canada (ME), pictures (they wanted TWO of each of us NOT one), and the fee of $190US.

Basically he looked them all over, notarized the copies of everything I had made, and sent us to pay. Then another man, (I assume the actual Consular) approved it with flying colors and was very happy to see that I had everything in order. I must say EVERYONE at the Consulate was very helpful and very nice to both of us.

We were told that this is the quickest and easiest way to obtain a green card. And because of the fact that DCF in Canada is relatively new, the Consular said that most people don't know about it yet. He said it basically cuts waiting time in half! They were sending the approved paperwork out today and he said we should be hearing from Montreal very soon.

WOW! I am so glad we were able to do this. It was so easy! If you have all your paperwork in order and all the required documents, it really is super easy. I really don't know what I was so worried about.

If anyone has any questions about it, let me know if I haven't covered it in this post and I will reply.
------------
The double photo thing really threw me since I thought I read only one of each of us was needed.

A major thing, THE USC MUST be a LEGAL resident in CANADA. Most definitely! They wanted from me, my B.C. Driver's License, my Social Insurance card, and my Canadian Permanent Resident Card. They did not copy these; they were just to verify that I was indeed a legal immigrant in Canada.

"I'm getting so frazzled because it's taking so long to recieve our interview appointment.... It was early december that we sent back the completed packet 3. I expected that by now we would have at least a date.... UUGGGGHHH!!!! We are ready to move & just sitting here waisting time when we want to be in Arizona soaking up the sunshine rather than here in the big snowball called Canada...

I have made 4 calls to them to find out if an appointment has been made yet or not... All 4 times I was told no... But the first time I was told to expect the appointment in late Feb or early Mar. The next time I was told that our appointment would for sure be in Feb sometime... The next time I was told that it should be in Early Feb... And then yesterday I was told to expect the letter with a date sometime within the next 3-8 weeks!!!!!! WHAT??????? 3 weeks at the very least to just recieve the letter??? And then my guess would be at least another month after recieving the letter for the actual interview appointment...

When I started this entire process, they told me that they expected it to be totally complete within 2-3 months... 2 months is already up & we are working on the 3rd month & it looks as if it could potentially be another 2 months just to recieve the letter... The worst part of this is that if it doesn't happen by the end of Feb we will need to find another place to live because we wont be able to sign another years lease... I know that I should not complain because DCF is so much faster than the old way that needed to be done here in Canada... Our time is very short in comparrison no matter how long you look at it... But we are so close now & all we need is an appointment... How long does it take for them to find a time to see us??? "

email contact for MTL IV Unit:
Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov
Dont forget about the embassy info near the top of these pages. good info on there.

"Just a note to let everyone know that my husband, daughter & I went to the consulate in Toronto yesterday (tuesday -Nov 15th).

Our objective was to file the I-130 on behalf of my husband & also to file for our daughters US Citizenship.

***Our daughters US citizenship - we found out that we need a a few things before applying. - Hopefully we will be ready within a couple weeks to try again.

NOW - THE EXCITING STUFF!!!

***The I-130 was filed & approved instantly. They will be forwarding the information on to Montreal - They said that Montreal will have it within 2 days (that means Tomorrow) - Now we just wait.

They told us that if we get our documents in order quickly & everything is straight forward & easy to process that we could easily be finished with the entire process (visa/green card) within 2-3 months total... YIPPPEEE!!!!!!!!

It was a very easy process & we were in & out of there very quickly... There were only two other couples there doing the same thing (that I am aware of)... The assistant that was helping us with filing & approval is anxious to get the word out about this new DCF process & so I am spreading the word!!!
I'm very anxious & excited!!!
Tanya

I took the I-130 & the 2 G-325A's along with all of the supporting documents & the $190 fee directly to the consulate in Toronto. They approved the I-130 right there immeadiately!!! We walked in with a load of papers & walked out with the approval... They said that they were forwarding our approved I-130 to Montreal & that we should recieve the packet from Montreal within a week or so...

I was told that from the time you take the I-130 & file it with your local consulate office until the time that you recieve your interview & visa (Montreal) is estimated to be 2-3 months total... (as long as everything is in order & no problems)

I have had my PR status here in Canada since 3/25/04.

I filed for PR here in September 2003. So, it took me only SIX months from the time I actually filed the paperwork to when I got my interview. Two weeks after my interview 3/25/04, I got my permanent resident card, then I was able to apply for a social insurance number (which entitles you to work in Canada). I did this all from within Canada too mind you.

A few things if you intend on obtaining PR in Canada:

1. You MUST have an American passport. Upon entry to Canada you MUST tell the immigration officer of your intent to stay in Canada with your wife and file for Permanent Resident status. They then issue you a Canadian visa, good for one year (I think). They then stamp your passport. You need proof of this when you apply.

2. You need to be fingerprinted and have letters from the state/county of which you live indicating that you have had a criminal background check. You must also send a fingerprint card from the state/county in which you live to the FBI for a criminal record check. (IT IS SOOO MUCH EASIER TO DO THIS FROM IN THE STATES, so I recommend having it done before you leave.)

3. Once I had finished all my background checks, doctors exams, paperwork ($900 to file one set of applications!) it cost us approx. $1500 American. Now because I intend on moving back to the states with my husband and doing it the DCF way, once I get back to the U.S., I lose my PR status here.

It's a lot of money to dish out if you don't plan on staying here that long. Plus, I think I read somewhere that you should be a Canadian PR for at least 1 year before applying through DCF. I will check that out for sure.

Hope this helps a bit. Any other questions, let me know!
~*calgal*~

for the $190US filing fee at the Consulate, do i need a money order? do they take credit cards (which would probably be the easiest)?

also, my wife and i are not permanent residents (landed immigrants) of canada, but we are legal residents. would our passport, visas, drivers licenses, health cards, etc. be enough for proof from experience?

for the $190US filing fee at the Consulate, do i need a money order? do they take credit cards (which would probably be the easiest)?

also, my wife and i are not permanent residents (landed immigrants) of canada, but we are legal residents. would our passport, visas, drivers licenses, health cards, etc. be enough for proof from experience?

So I should probably go by the bank and get American cash then... That's helpful to know.

We will file through the Toronto Consulate. As for status, we have visas in our passports as well as health cards and SIN cards... That should be satisfactory, but we will bring as much as possible.

Another question that somebody might have the answer to. Since we just got married in December '05, we are still in process of switching names on official documents. We'd like to apply with my wife's married name (as we've heard it's easier later on for drivers' licenses, etc. to have the documentation in the new name). Do you think it would be a problem to have documents in the two different names as long as we have the marriage license to prove it's the same person?

I have to say, the ability to file directly at the consulate is really cool... I've said to my wife for a while now that it would be awesome to be able to do DCF, and now we can... This is great news!

I have a feeling though that the 2-3 month estimate is probably more on the hopeful side though... My sister-in-law's application took quite a while through montreal after the I-130 was approved. They said it was around 6 months from then. Does anyone know why the process from I-130 to interview would be faster with the DCF? The consulate basically just approves the I-130, right? There isn't another jumped step in there, is there?

Thanks, meauxna, for putting this together!

Regarding the kids, here's what we found out: we can file a DS-2029 application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The supporting docs we'll need are:
-- registration of live birth
-- evidence of my US citizenship (passport, birth cert)
-- marriage cert
-- my record of landing and/or permanent resident card
-- evidence of physical presence/residence (going to have to work on this one)

The fee is only $65 USD - much more reasonable than $255 USD for the N-600.

Laura...

The evidence of physical presence is probably as easy as a Driver License, utility bill or bank statements...

The evidence of physical presence is probably as easy as a Driver License, utility bill or bank statements...

What about W-2s or evidence of US employment?

Sure, but not back farther than my passport documents. I only have W2s from 1999 (maybe 1998) to 2001 (the year I moved to Canada). So that only documents two years resident in the U.S. I could get my college transcripts, but that might take a bit, and cost...? I'm thinking that an affidavit might be my best bet, just not sure who should write it for me.

What about W-2s or evidence of US employment?

This is very strange - I could have sworn I already posted about W2s but can't find that post anywhere.

I do have some W2s but only going back to '99, and I moved here (to Canada) in '01, so that's only proof of two years. As far as other evidence of US employment, what else could I provide? Letters from former employers? That might take forever to compile, considering that my old superiors may not even be there anymore. I suppose I could contact HR departments...

The $5 for a set of college transcripts is a lot cheaper and easier than getting an attorney to write up an affidavit from you. You may also want to contact your high school and get a copy of school records from them or a letter indicating the dates of your attendance.

Also getting old W2's and 1040's with your old US address is as easy as calling 1-800-879-1040.

Maybe I didn't quite explain the area I was looking for info. on. I understand that for to file for DCF, you must live in Canada, but in regards to proving residence (or a domicle) for the I-864 application for sponsorship. It is my understanding that the sponsor is required to prove some sort of residence or ties to a US address.

In my case, as mentioned above, my wife has been with me in Canada for 5 years, and doesn't have a US address or drivers licence , or etc. What can we do?

Any suggestions?

Bruce

I am still a little confused as to how or what you wrote on the "packet 3" forms to show domicle. Or is it just a requirement at the interview stage?

If the interview is successful, hence, Green Card issued, I suppose that means that the Canadian is now legal to work in the US also. If this is the case, I should be able to estimate the interview date, and look for work starting now, so that I have a job to go to when we move. Does this sound right?

Laura428, great idea, use a headhunter and give them dates as to when you are available to work.

Are you able to give me a rough estimate of the costs involved in pursuing the "Green Card"? Were there any medical exams, police record cost etc.? How about the form submission costs?

Thanks,
bruce

Hi Bruce...

Off of the top of my head, the biggest cost we've incurred thus far was the $190 USD to file the I-130. I know there was a fee for the police check - maybe $20? My husband went to take care of that by himself, so I'm not sure what the exact cost was. I know there is a cost for the medical but couldn't tell you what it is yet - that info is included in Packet 4, which we have not received. You'll also need to pay to have a few headshots taken - these were maybe $20 or 30. Oh, and if you don't have a long form birth certificate, you'll have to order that as well... can't remember the pricetag on that one.

Of course, there are the travel costs as well... even though you and I are both much closer to Vancouver, all DCF petitions go through Montreal, so you'll need to pay for airfare, hotel and all other costs incurred. I've been watching fares from Calgary to Montreal - cheapest I've seen thus far was $445, but we missed out on that one b/c we didn't have our interview date yet. I just checked again, and it's jumped to $600... argh.

Do you remember how much your wife paid to come to Canada five years ago? Honestly, all things considered, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to go to the States than it is to come here. I remember my immigration and work status combined costing me $1500, and that was just the application fee! Not to mention the medical and other miscellanea. What I find so funny about that is how the Canadian government is all on about bringing in more immigrants, but seems a bit cost-prohibitive, don't you think? I remember talking to our banker shortly after I moved here. Told her the costs of immigration, how I gave up a job that paid me $35k more USD per year, etc etc etc. She looked at my husband, and looked at me, and said, "Wow, you must REALLY love him."

Funny you should mention the costs of when she came to Canada. We were just discussing the cost and figured it to be about what you indicated ($1500 just for the application). My wife still reminds me about how she gave up so much to be with me here in Canada. I wonder if Canada has a DCF for immigration?

It is a little disappointing that the interview is required in Montreal. That for sure will be the largest expense, since I'm about as West in the country as you can get (Victoria).

Not suprising as to the cost of immigrants coming to Canada, as I'm sure you are use to the government grabbing all they can get from us. I'm glad to hear the fees for going to the US are minimal in comparison.

Did you get your Canadian Citizenship or are you at PR status? I suppose you loose your PR status if you are going back to the US. My wife is applying now for dual Citizenship, that way she won't loose status incase we decide to move back to Canada if we make the move to the US. There might be more involved in that, but it should be easier.

Thanks again for the info.

Bruce

actually as long as your spouse is a Canadian citizen (and you're together) you won't loose your PR status.. of course if you are eligible to apply for citizenship I can't really see why you wouldn't


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer/res-oblig.html

Here is what you must do to comply with your residency obligations.

You must accumulate two years of physical presence in Canada in every five-year period. You can also count Canadian residency days if you are outside Canada for an extended period of time for one of the following reasons:

* You are accompanying your Canadian-citizen spouse or common-law partner.

go look at the CIC webpage. the only way I can figure out how to read the exemption is the time that you spend with your Canadian citizen spouse counts towards the two out of five. there's even something elsewhere on the site that specifically says that if you are maintaining your PR status by being with your citizen spouse, that time doesn't count towards the residency requirement for citizenship.

28. (1) A permanent resident must comply with a residency obligation with respect to every five-year period.

Application
(2) The following provisions govern the residency obligation under subsection (1):

(a) a permanent resident complies with the residency obligation with respect to a five-year period if, on each of a total of at least 730 days in that five-year period, they are

(i) physically present in Canada,

(ii) outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent,

(iii) outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province,

(iv) outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province, or

(v) referred to in regulations providing for other means of compliance;

Thermophile is correct... If you are living with your Canadian CItizen spouse, that time counts toward the two year out of 5 year requirement. Meaning that if you are still married to your Canadian Citizen spouse, you dfo not lose your Permanent Resident Status...

From the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act...

Wow, that's great news! I still plan on getting my Canadian citizenship, but it's nice to know that there isn't so much pressure to get it done along with everything else that's going on.

On the contrary... there is tremendous pressure on you to get it done... because the Citizenship Act requires three years of residence in Canada out of the last 4 years at the time you take the oath. If they take more than a year to process your Citizenship App, you're SOL.

If you are eligible.. apply NOW...

Zyggy, it's ok. I just meant that it does not have to be done today. I fully intend on getting the process started within the next few months. Just nice to have one thing off of my immediate plate, as I'm currently balancing this immigration process, packing up my house, researching the real estate market where we're going, maintaining a few budgets with my husband's varied employment opportunities, and... oh yeah... taking care of my two and a half year old and seven month old.

It will get done. Just not this second.

That's what I mean.. I don't think you have a month or two... If you want to make it happen, you need to do it before August...

The paperwork only takes an hour or two to fill out. If I were you, I would give the kids to dad and take a couple of hours to do it..

The form, two pictures, the payment, and a copy of your Permanent resident card, your DL and passport is all you need to get started...

Getting another Citizenship is something that is very special and unique.. don't let this golden opportunity pass you by..

I do not doubt that you will get it done...

What I am concerned about and as a former government official I've seen it happen countless of times, it that by waiting until the last minute, there is the very real possibility that you will bring more problems and issues on yourself that if you just stopped what you were doing and take the very small amount of time to make things happen now...

In both of your cases, there is a real possibility that you would be spending a lot more of your what seems to be very finite time trying to get what you need to get done if you wait to do it than if you do it now. I'm just trying to gently make you aware of that.

If you feel you want to wait and run the risk that everything will blow up in your face, by all means do it... it's your life and your issues...

Best of luck...


Ok, Zyggy... this is the last thing I'm going to say about this. And quite honestly, although I appreciate all of the advice you've provided to me and others here, not even my parents would be on me like you've been, as they know that if I say I'm going to do something, I do it.

If it were as easy as giving the kids to Dad, I'd be thrilled to do so. However, Dad works 7:30am to 5:30pm, eats dinner, helps with the kids until bedtime, and then goes back to work until our bedtime, or his if he's working late. Not just Monday through Friday, but even on the weekend. What's more, I cannot just pass the kids over to Dad even when he has time, as my youngest is a very high needs infant... something else that takes up quite a bit of my time.

For me to go get pictures taken, I have to go when neither of my kids is napping, the youngest of which naps during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and the oldest who naps in the afternoon as well (just not, unfortunately, at the same time as the youngest). So finding time after breakfast, then between getting the kids ready for the day, naptimes, lunchtimes, second naptimes, grocery store runs, playtime, getting dinner ready, bedtime, and everything in between, is much easier said than done.

The form is done, and has been done, for months, quite honestly. Even the copies of my PR card, drivers license and passport are done. But when you're juggling what I'm juggling right now, finding an opportunity to actually file them is not so easy.

That is NOT to say that it is not high on my priority list. Again, just not this second.

Sorry if this is coming off as harsh, I really don't mean it to be. But I'm kinda feeling backed into a wall here as every time I post about something (that has nothing to do with this Canadian citizenship issue OR filing for my kids' records of birth), you've asked if I've done it yet. In fact, I'm beginning to feel a little leery about posting anything here at all for risk of having to face the inquisition again.

Respectfully, Zyggy, it will get done. Period. End of discussion.

Ok, Zyggy... this is the last thing I'm going to say about this. And quite honestly, although I appreciate all of the advice you've provided to me and others here, not even my parents would be on me like you've been, as they know that if I say I'm going to do something, I do it.

If it were as easy as giving the kids to Dad, I'd be thrilled to do so. However, Dad works 7:30am to 5:30pm, eats dinner, helps with the kids until bedtime, and then goes back to work until our bedtime, or his if he's working late. Not just Monday through Friday, but even on the weekend. What's more, I cannot just pass the kids over to Dad even when he has time, as my youngest is a very high needs infant... something else that takes up quite a bit of my time.

For me to go get pictures taken, I have to go when neither of my kids is napping, the youngest of which naps during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and the oldest who naps in the afternoon as well (just not, unfortunately, at the same time as the youngest). So finding time after breakfast, then between getting the kids ready for the day, naptimes, lunchtimes, second naptimes, grocery store runs, playtime, getting dinner ready, bedtime, and everything in between, is much easier said than done.

The form is done, and has been done, for months, quite honestly. Even the copies of my PR card, drivers license and passport are done. But when you're juggling what I'm juggling right now, finding an opportunity to actually file them is not so easy.

That is NOT to say that it is not high on my priority list. Again, just not this second.

Sorry if this is coming off as harsh, I really don't mean it to be. But I'm kinda feeling backed into a wall here as every time I post about something (that has nothing to do with this Canadian citizenship issue OR filing for my kids' records of birth), you've asked if I've done it yet. In fact, I'm beginning to feel a little leery about posting anything here at all for risk of having to face the inquisition again.

Respectfully, Zyggy, it will get done. Period. End of discussion.

Please read the following link first if you are interested in DCF in Canada:

http://www.amcits.com/immigration.asp

The USC must be legally resident in Canada, possibly for as much as one year.
The USC may file I-130 to any Consulate in Canada except Quebec City.
The I-130 is typically approved on the spot and the file sent to Montreal.
Montreal is the only Immigrant Visa post in Canada and the visa application MUST go through them.
There is no estimated timeline yet; there are two VJ users currently in this process (calgal1125 thru VAN and

Just wanted to add to this great sticky that I was able to file DCF in Canada with only 3 weeks actual residency. I did have to show my shiny new PR card and Social Insurance card.

Were you living in Canada before you had PR? I'm not very familiar with the ways to get that status in Canada... several people have been asking about their ability to file in Canada if they've been living there on other visa types etc anything you can add would be great!

hello all.

we are very new to this and reading all your posts and how easy of a time you had is very reassuring. I had a couple questions. My wife (Canadian) and I (US citizen) are wanting to move back to the States and heard that DCF is the easiest route. I was reading this posts and 1) wondering what USC means. 2) I was reading on what to expect after mailing off the I-130 and it said that we'll need to fill out a I-864 form which you'll need to show the past 3 tax returns and that you make 125% over the poverty limit to show you can support your spouse, I was wondering how you suppose to do that if we're both living in Canada and submitting all the forms form Toronto? 3) Is going to the Toronto Consulate really a lot easier then mailing the stuff?

thanks for your help

Chris