s88

We got our approval letter dated May 20 2014!

Our NOA1 Date was Feb 13 2014

Yay!

I POE'd June 2011 and it took 15 minutes. But it depends which day you are travelling at what time. You can read Pearson POE reviews HERE.

My Flight is Saturday @ 12:50 PM.

I was going to get there around 9:45 AM but not sure if I should allow more time.

I'm flying from Terminal 3, I'm thinking it may be less busy there??

S

Hi All,

I'm having my POE at Toronto's Pearson next weekend.

Just wondering how much time I should arrive before my flight?

Anyone POEd there?

S

I can't vouch for this yet as my move hasn't happened (happening on May 4th) but I used Uship.com.

You can box all your stuff, put pictures on there and different shippers will bid on a price for how much to move your stuff.

Don't put a "target price" on there (you'd be surprised how cheaply you can move some stuff!).

It works on a feedback system like ebay, so you hopefully can trust the mover

I can let you know after my move if you're not in a rush how mine went

I'm in Toronto and chose Brampton as my pickup location since it was closest to my work.

I got my Visa & Passport back the next day (my interview was March 28th and I got mine back on March 29th).

I was very surprised how quickly I got it because the immigration officer told me it would take 10 business days.

Green Giant,

Can you PM when you receive your passport? My interview is toward the end of April. I cannot give notice at work or 60 days on my apartment until I have my visa in hand...but want to know how long it took. I'm in TO.

Thanks

Moe

I know it's late for this poster but in case anyone else wants to know / has their interview later -

There is parking on Huntley Street that connects directly to the building. When you turn onto Huntley from Bloor, it's on the left hand side almost immediately after you turn onto Huntley.

The only thing is the elevator / doors are locked until later in the morning. I was lucky that a security guard was nearby.

If not, you could just walk up the stairs / out and wait outside.

This parking lot was so super convenient especially when I picked up the medically later on.

Did you consider applying for a Nexus Card?

I had one long before we got engaged and it helped me tremendously when I was crossing the border.

Not sure if they'll approve it but it may be worth a shot.

All I did was bring all my paperwork, a letter from my employer, bank account info and such.

I do have a full time job though that I've worked at for 11 years, so I'm sure that helped me out as well.

I never needed anything except the proof from my immigration paperwork.

Wish you the best of luck. I can't imagine how hard that must have been - to be denied entry

I would have been super upset if it were me.

Have you considered getting a Nexus card?

I had one from before we got engaged and it helped TREMENDOUSLY.

I don't know if they'll issue you one since you have the visa pending but it might be worth a shot.

Saved me SO much aggravation.

Here in Canada (Pearson airport) we go through customs here in Canada, not when you land in the USA.

It's basically clearance before you land. They do this at a lot of major airports here in Canada so the POE would definitely be here (there's no customs clearance when you land, I know because I've flown this route probably over 100 times since I met my husband).

Thanks for the clarification on what they'll do though

The POE is the first stop on U.S. soil.If Pearson is in Canada then it will not be the POE. Basically, you stand in a line, usually does not matter which one as all immigration booths can handle everything, show your papers, take a quick fingerprint or photo and get any stamps in your passport. Then pick up your luggage and go through customs. How long it takes is really dependent on how crowded the lines are when you arrive. It could be 30-60 minutes or a bit longer. If everything is in order then not a big deal.

Hi All,

I'll be moving to the US on my CR1 visa sometime in the next 4 weeks. My husband and I are so elated!

I'm just wondering what happens at POE?

I'll either be POE at Toronto's Pearson Airport or if I fly from Toronto Island Airport it'll be Chicago Midway airport.

I'm just wondering what to expect and how much time to allow?

Thanks!

S

Hi All,

Had my interview today and was approved!!!

I was the 1st in line at 6:30 am.

Left the consulate around 9 am. I waited about 40 min after they took my paperwork for the interview. I was so glad I got there early because it was CRAZY in front of the consulate as I was leaving.

I never would have gotten through this so smoothly without visa journey. HUGE thank you to this website and everyone that helped me - especially Saylin who helped me each step of the way

Yay! Now just to wait for the visa in the mail. :/

S

My Interview is on the 28th

Did you send an original divorce certificate or was it a copy of it?

You have to send in a certified (usually has a seal/ notary) in to them

Hi All,

I'm applying for a CR1 Visa. The embassy is Montreal.

I tried to space out some time at the NVC so that my interview wouldn't fall at Christmas but that's precisely what happened

I just got an email that it was scheduled for December 19th which is impossible for me to attend (going away for Christmas on the 22nd).

I created an account at the Montreal embassy to reschedule it but I have a couple of questions.

I scheduled the appointment for March 28th. I don't plan to move until May/June anyway so I'm okay with the interview being in March. We had a civil ceremony and are planning a destination wedding with all our family and friends early March, so it's probably best that it be after that anyway.

My questions:

#1 - My NOA2 was in early August, does it matter if my appointment for an interview is that far away (March) from the NOA2 date?

I don't want something to happen and I have to start over or something like that. There were appointments in late February available but since we're planning the destination wedding in early March, it's too close for comfort to me to not have my passport on hand.

#2 When I logged in to reschedule my appointment, the one the NVC scheduled wasn't even showing up there. I went ahead and scheduled mine on my own but not sure what to do or if that will be an issue

#3 When I went to schedule an interview, I selected "Permanently Immigrate to the United States (Scheduled by NVC)" and selected a new date. Is that the way to go? I didn't see an option to reschedule an appointment

I'm super worried. If anyone can help, will really appreciate it.

Hi All,

I'm still able to login to the payment portal/ electronic processing part for NVC so I'm not sure if this is case complete.

I just got an email from NVC that stated "All documentation necessary to complete the National Visa Center's processing of your case has been received. As soon as an interview date has been scheduled, the applicant, petitioner and attorney (if applicable) will be notified."

Is this case complete? I'm confused

thanks all!

J

Thanks so much, that really helps!

I guess I'll aim for case complete for Mid November...

Here's hoping!

Hi All,

I'm just trying to time everything properly since I'd like my interview to be sometime early in the new year (Holiday plans).

What dates is the NVC assigning right now for CR1 / IR1 Spousal visas right now?

Some had told me around 2 months but just curious what some of you have gotten?

Just want to be sure the timing all works out..

J

Was able to login now but shows "Not Invoiced"

Will wait for it!

Thanks for the quick response, I guess I was too quick on the trigger.

Thanks so much. I got my invoice identification ID but it won't allow me to login. I guess I'll start calling every day...

Appreciate the help

Hi All,

I finally got my case # (Hooray!!).

I called the NVC, got my case #, IIN and beneficiary identification.

When I go to the portal to login, it states login failed?

Not sure what's going on. I just sent my opt in email for electronic processing as well.

Help!

Hi All,

My NOA2 was August 4th and the NVC confirmed to me that they received my case on August 15th.

I'm just wondering how long I should wait for my case number now that it's received?

I know there's a backlog right now...

thanks all,

J

I just got my NOA2 on Aug 4th.

I filed in early May.

J

Hi All,

I'm just wondering about this -

My husband and I have a trip planned next year but it will be before my POE but likely AFTER I receive approval after interview (and Visa/passport back in the mail).

Question is - Once I receive my passport back from the embassy, can I use it to travel to other countries other than the USA before I actually have my POE?

How long does it typically take to receive it again in the mail? I want to make sure I leave enough time between the interview and our travel dates to receive the passport again.

I'm worried about not getting the passport back in time which would be a HUGE issue for our travel plans.

Thanks all,

J

Hi All,

Does anyone know what the current turnaround for CR1 Visa Interviews in Montreal?

The reason I'm asking is I just got my NOA2. We are planning to make the move in the first part of 2012 (March/April) due to some obligations I have. I wasn't expecting such a quick NOA2 (Thank God though!)

Not sure if I should take my time through NVC or if I'll be okay to have an interview around January?

Thanks all

J

Hi All,

I just logged in and saw that we got our NOA2!

It took just about 85 days.

So happy!

What do I do now??

J