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cjohnston207

Canadian becoming American information? story

By cjohnston207 in Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas

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cjohnston207 Rookie

cjohnston207   0

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

Here is our story, will take all the information we can gain from this site!

I am American, she is Canadian. We met 4 years ago in college and have been together ever since. She has moved home with me (sadly living with parents until we get a house) but she has her OPT and has a job in her field. Her OPT expires in May 2013. We are getting married January 3rd by the courts, nothing huge nothing special, our real wedding day is June 7th 2013 with family and friends even though secretly we will already be married.

A few questions ... is this the way to go? we figured getting married by the courts and changing her last name and what not would make it easier for the process. She won't have to apply for OPT again, I know we have to fill out all of the paper work, but do we do that before or after we marry? assuming after considering she will be taking my last name? Also we heard she will not be able to travel for about 3 months? is that correct? I know she will be applying for a travel visa, but heard it still will be 3 months?

We also are wondering is it worth it to get a lawyer? $3400 is a total we just got quoted by a Lawyer in Rochester, NY .. or is it better to do this all on our own? what else should we be looking for? Should we start the paper work NOW ..? sorry for all the random questions figured people are willing to help so why not ask for help!

If we left anything out please let us know so we can make sure it gets done!

THANKS SO MUCH

Corey

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   43,061

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process to General Immigration Discussion -- OP appears not to be poised for K-1 path and has several different visa issues to discuss. ***

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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DandT14 Rising Star

DandT14   272

Posted
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Here is our story, will take all the information we can gain from this site!

I am American, she is Canadian. We met 4 years ago in college and have been together ever since. She has moved home with me (sadly living with parents until we get a house) but she has her OPT and has a job in her field. Her OPT expires in May 2013. We are getting married January 3rd by the courts, nothing huge nothing special, our real wedding day is June 7th 2013 with family and friends even though secretly we will already be married.

A few questions ... is this the way to go? we figured getting married by the courts and changing her last name and what not would make it easier for the process. She won't have to apply for OPT again, I know we have to fill out all of the paper work, but do we do that before or after we marry? assuming after considering she will be taking my last name? Also we heard she will not be able to travel for about 3 months? is that correct? I know she will be applying for a travel visa, but heard it still will be 3 months?

We also are wondering is it worth it to get a lawyer? $3400 is a total we just got quoted by a Lawyer in Rochester, NY .. or is it better to do this all on our own? what else should we be looking for? Should we start the paper work NOW ..? sorry for all the random questions figured people are willing to help so why not ask for help!

If we left anything out please let us know so we can make sure it gets done!

THANKS SO MUCH

Corey

I don't see anything in what you described that would necessitate a lawyer. Your case sounds pretty straight forward - after you get married you'll file for AOS. The guide here will help you. You don't submit any paperwork prior to getting married.

If there's anything in your history that you're worried about (i.e. she once got arrested for...) now's the time to bring it up. ;)

AOS

5/16/2012 - Package delivered to Chicago Lockbox at 1:33pm

5/21/2012 - Email/text notifications received at 4:50 p.m.

5/26/2012 - NOA hard copies received for I-130, I-485 and I-765

6/19/2012 - Biometrics completed.

7/02/2012 - Text/email/hard copy notification of interview.

7/30/2012 - EAD card production ordered.

8/02/2012 - Interview @ 2:00

8/02/2012 - Email notification of GC production at 5:30pm

8/07/2012 - Second GC production email

8/07/2012 - EAD received.

8/08/2012 - GC mailed.

8/09/2012 - Welcome letter and I-130 approval letter received.

8/10/2012 - Green card received. :)

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