Hello,

I am a Canadian currently in South Korea where I've applied for my US immigrant visa. My visa was declined here because they did not accept my criminal background check. They would like one from the RCMP, and this is not here yet, as it can take many months to process.

I am probably going to have to transfer the case to Montreal as I must leave Korea within the next few weeks and I doubt that I will have the check by that time.



My questions:


1. Will the medical exam that I've had done in Korea be sufficient...or will I have to have another redone in Canada?

2. Is there a time limit on these documents? Are they only good for a certain period of time? I know that the case may be delayed by transferring my file and I am wondering if they can expire in the time that I am waiting.

3. When am I able to request an interview in Montreal? After I send the file, or once it's been received?

4. Can I send the criminal background check to Montreal by mail or fax to complete my file?

Sorry there are so many questions. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.


I wrote this to Montreal Cons. yesterday, and they didn't really answer my questions at all....the only thing they said was that when an interview date is given, they'll tell me what they need. But I'd rather know in advance!

Also, I no longer have my OHIP, as I've not lived in Canada for 3 yrs(when I left I cancelled my health insurance so that I'd be able to claim non-residency on my income tax)....how much is the medical going to cost if I have to do it in Canada?


AND...last thing.....we have a newborn son, he has American citizenship/passport, and we've just applied for his Canadian cit./passpoer...so he doesn't need a visa for the US right? I am so confused!

Hi burnsis,

I don't know the answer to all your questions, but I'm sure someone will be along to answer them.

Your son is a U.S. citizen so will not need a visa for the U.S. (even if you only had his Canadian passport he still wouldn't need a visa to enter the U.S.).

I believe the police clearance is good for 1 year, not sure about the medical.

Normally IR1/CR1 visa applications/interviews for Montreal are handled by the National Visa Center, Korea may transfer your file there to book the interview - not sure, can you check with your current consulate?

Good luck!

Yeah, I am just not sure about the medical...if it will be valid or not. At the US cons in Seoul they don't really know much about Canadians marrying Americans....and I am not sure if the cons in Montreal will take a Korean medical.

I did a medical here in Korea when I was still pregnant...cost 150.00. They told me it would be fine and acceptable. The cons. wouldn't accept it, and said I'd have to get it redone after I had the baby. I can do it now but I don't want to pay again and have it be rejected back in Canada.

Where will you be living in Canada - if you find you do have to have another medical, someone here will be able to tell you who you need to see and what it will cost.

I was only planning on staying in Canada for a week to visit family in the TO area...then I was going to go visit the US for a bit. From what I've read...Dr. Seiden in TO makes the most sense...does anyone know how long it will take to see him, how far in advance do I make an appt?

How long can we visit in the US anyways? I am reading 90 days in some places and 6 mths in others?

You need to have the physical done in the country of the consulate that will handle your case. If you're coming back to Canada and are going to be processed via MTL then you must have your medical done in Canada. Dr. Seiden and Medisys are the two locations in the GTA. Dr. Seiden does his appointments on M, W @7-8AM, Medisys T,R @1245-230PM. Medicals are good for one year. Usually you can get an appointment two days in advance but the demand is cyclical (can be heavy at times and appointments are harder to come by). Physicals are $185 or so (Seiden) and $191.50 (Medisys). If you need immunizations then there will be additional charges. Canadians can stay in the US for 6 mos. as tourists. I believe criminal background checks must be mailed in. MTL is an appointment post for the NVC, they do the actual scheduling without input from the beneficiary. It's a case of "don't call us, we'll call you."

I hate to keep being the bearer of bad "what-ifs" too many times, but please be prepared at the border when you cross to "visit."

Good point djc. Burnsis you will need to prove ties to Canada before you cross the border, there are a few threads about that here in the Canada forum.

Absolutely, the border sh*ts are really going screwing people over big time. The only thing they don't ask for is a DNA sample. It's becoming very dicey these days. They may not ban you but they can flag your passport, which guarantees an "enjoyable" experience at border crossings and airports. I know of one incident at Pearson where someone had a huge stack of files trying to convince the CBP people that he was only visiting the US. DJC is quite correct, be prepared for the hassle of your life.

Since I live close to the border, I know many people on the other side. Lots of them have been pulled over for many hours in questioning....

That's right, I said HOURS. And they didn't even want to immigrate.