Minu Luvs Pinu

I know how you're feeling, I'm extremely anxious right now. I too had my appointment on the 23rd in Montreal. I think we were sitting behind you guys at one point.

I called DOS this morning, and I was told they JUST printed off my visa today.

I have been communicating with Rayoflight from this site, she too had hers on the 23rd. She was the first one in line, she emailed me last night and told me she received notice via email from Loomis/DHL that they have her visa but it's not ready to be picked up. She had also mentioned that it went straight to her Junk mail so be careful of that too. I'm sure the rest of us will be getting emails soon. Good luck to all!

I wonder if my mom can bring some of my stuff without having trouble at the border? (she plans to visit me for the wedding, after i've already entered with my visa)

I already knew about this before I even considered moving out here to the states.

Hopefully once my partner and I decide to have children, he's making enough money allowing me to completely stop working and just be a full time mom.

I really don't want some stranger raising my child. It's really ridiculous that you can't have at least 6 months, 6 weeks is a joke. Maybe we should just both move to Canada before we have kids, it will cost us a lot less in the end, and heck, he could even get some time off to be with his kid

Rayoflight, have you received word about your passport/visa yet?

I'm starting to get anxious, I called DOS today they said it hasn't even been issued yet, They're still processing it. I know I should be a little patient but I can't help but wonder about the ppl that went the same day I went.

I'm very new at this obviously, first time and hopefully the only time I get married.

What documents do I need to change to reflect my new last name?

Do I have to change my last name on my Canadian Passport? If I choose not to, will I have problems at the border?

What about my car's license plate? I just registered my car for another year, do I have to change my car's plates to the state that I will be living in? Will I need to have a new drivers license? Can I keep my license (atleast for another yr until I get settled) and just change my last name on my Ontario license the next time I go visit.

What else should I do or need to know?

Thank you in advanced.

I just had mine yesterday. Mine was at 8 AM and we arrived at 7:45. There were already like about 15 people ahead of us. Honestly, I would recommend you arrive 20 minutes before your interview time, but not any earlier. It doesn't matter if you arrived first or last. The way they operate in Montreal, everyone basically waits the same amount of time. It's like clock work, all perfectly choreographed. When we finally got into the waiting room, no one was there to see anybody but around 8:30 or so this lady at the window started giving out numbers to everyone. Once everyone started getting their numbers, it got the ball rolling and people were coming in and out. It really doesn't matter if your first or last. Arrive 20 minutes before the schedule time and you'll be fine.

It's not first come first serve. Because we were out before this couple that was ahead of us. Once our interview was done they had just been called up to start theirs. So it doesn't matter if your before someone else, it's pretty much random. They started seeing ppl around 8:30 .. we were out at around 10:30. So You're going to be there for about 2 hours at the most.

Yes, although he had drive home today and didn't really get to have a big Turkey dinner. But He's ecstatic like I am !

I WON!!!! YAYYY! lol

The interview was on Wednesday Nov. 23rd at 8 AM. (Yesterday)

I had my medical on Nov. 18th (Friday) at;

Dr. Howard Seiden & Associates

Sanagex Medicine du Travail

5345 Blvd L’Assomption # 115

Montreal, QC H1T 4B3

Total Cost $260 CDN

I went back to pick up my results the following Tuesday around 2:30 PM (which I was instructed to do.)

My Fiance (Petitioner) and I stayed at Le Square Phillipe Hotel, which was recommended on this site. It was the best place to stay over night. The rate was reasonable, they provided a complementary breakfast, and it included parking for an extra 22 bucks. The best thing about this hotel was that it is literally one block away from the US Embassy.

The morning of the interview it started snowing ( ) but it was not such big deal since we had such a short walk to the Embassy. We had a breakfast and headed out at 7:35 AM. The funny thing is we had passed the Embassy when we were walking. We had walked two blocks down and realized we probably went too far. One thing I want to note is that the entrance to the US Embassy is almost discrete and not noticeable. I didn't see any signs or American flags. So be careful when you're trying to find the place. Also, there is no parking near by, the only parking lot I saw that was the closest was the one next to the hotel that we stayed at (in Phillips Square) . I didn't catch the prices since our car was in the underground parking of the hotel, we didn't need to use that parking lot. However, it's worth paying whatever price than to have parked miles away.

When we got to the doors there was a security guard, he asked us for the appointment letter and our passports. (Do not bring any book bags or suitcases with you, and ladies I wouldn't recommend you bring your purses. Tote bags or plastic bags are fine. If you can, don't even bring anything with you but your papers and passport). All we had brought with us was a folder with all our necessary documents. Like at an Airport, we pass through security. They scanned our coats, and other items that we had on us. We pass through the metal detectors and were instructed to go down through the stairs to a room with a bunch of chairs and one elevator. We had to go up to floor 19. I'm not going to go into full depth of how the process went because it pretty much the same as all the other interview reviews that have been posted on here. Just know that it's alot of sitting and waiting to the be called and sit back down again and get your fingerprints scanned, hand in papers, pay fees (if you haven't already) and sit and wait.

Once we were finally called up for our interview, prior to, while we were waiting, my fiance and I were trying to guess whether we would be brought into a room for the interview. Well, we soon found out that that was not the case. We went to window 7, there, was the officer standing at his desk. The room was separated with plastered walls on both sides, which gave it a bit of privacy but you could tell that the entrance door was taken off. It kind of seemed like a walk-in closet with a window at the end. Between us and the officer was a big bullet proof glass. He spoke through the speakers and began the interview. He asked me to place my index finger on the digital fingerprint scanner to basically verify that I wasn't a criminal (lol). Then he advised us that he was going to swear us in and asked us nicely to raise our right hands and asked if everything that has been documented in these papers is true. We said yes and he continued...

He asked us; how and when we met, what I plan to do when I get there, what we plan to do for our wedding, what I do now in Canada (job wise) and what my fiance does for a living and he talked about how he recently moved another state to be closer to his job. They joked and talked about his job (which was great took the attention off me a bit lol). He also talked about me being from Colombia and that if my family was in Canada. He kind of said it like "So your family is here in Canada too" Which obviously he already knew cause my whole life story is right on his computer. I confirmed that most of my family including cousins and aunts live here Canada. He continued looking at the affidavits of support, we had a co-sponsor and he had glimpse through that a bit but what he really looked at was my Fiance's boss' letter, which stated that he had worked there for over a year and is valued employee etc... (The Reason why we had a co-sponsor was because my fiance did not make enough last year and his tax info reflected that. He makes more than enough now but since he doesn't have this years tax return we had to insure ourselves with a co-sponsor.)

The officer continued to joked around with us a bit and said to give him a moment while he inputs some info onto his computer. And then he said "Your Visa is approved and should be arriving in the mail within 5 days." Then he handed me a paper (which I've yet to completely look at) and said "Welcome to the United States of America, congratulations". My Fiance and I looked at each other and smiled. We thanked the officer and headed out to the elevator. Once we got into the elevator we hugged each other and with our hands raised we shouted "We Won!!"

It is such a relief and not to sound cliche but all this time and effort that has been invested is all worth it in the end! The officer was really nice, we weren't expecting him to be nice at all. We got really lucky to have him interview us, he was very pleasant. I hope that you all have the same experience that we had, it couldn't have gone any more perfect!

I want to thank Visa Journey and all the other applicants who have gone before us and shared their experiences. I swear, without this site we probably would have been so lost, we would have given up and hired an expensive lawyer. This site has saved us so much money and time. Thank you!

I wish the rest of you who are still in the process, the best of luck with everything. Don't give up and always remember that many have gone through this and have been successful!

Happy Thanksgiving to the American VJ'ers!

I'm planning to cross the border by myself. Is that a good idea? Or should I have my fiance with me? Do I need to have him with me when I cross?

P.S.

Congrats!

How much was the cost for the medical in Montreal with tax.

Errm This makes more stressed than I ever was before. I have completely counted on my visa to arrive two weeks (at the most) after my interview. I have to give up my apartment in January and if I don't get my visa before then, I will have to move to my mothers which is 1 hour away from where I live. Meaning, I have to be unemployed in Canada. I really hope this does not happen to me.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation that's really unfortunate and I'm sure all of us here have experience some frustration with this whole process.

It really sucks not knowing when you can plan your wedding. My friends and family always ask when it is and I just want to scream out "Don't F***ing ask! I don't know".

I wonder, once I move to the US. Do I still have access to OHIP if I ever go back to visit? Or will my OHIP be gone?

I'm glad to know that if I ever get home sick, it's just 6 hour drive back to my mom's for the weekend *sigh*

I've lived in the US before as a student and must admit my experience wasn't the greatest, but I certainly learned my lesson on that.

Although I despise U.S. politics, I know that not all american's are "bad". My Fiance and his family are very liberal people, and most importantly very beautiful, kind hearted people, I know I will be in the best company I could ever ask for. The fact that I had the time to visit a lot, for long periods of time, I know who I am marrying and who he surrounds himself with.

As for making friends of my own. I'm sure I will find some friends who I can relate to, just have to be optimistic.

I know it won't be easy adjusting to a new country and a new life, but that something you have to seriously consider before you do such a thing. So my best advice for you Angerona is to talk it over with close friends and family and to take your time and visit. Observe everything about life down there with your boyfriend and take some time to reflect. Good Luck!

My link I found this link really useful.

Oh that's good to know, I'm going there too.

I've had chicken pox but I wasn't born before 1980, do they test for that at the medical? or do you have to do that prior to your medical?

Yeah I was wondering about that too. What about the other ones like Meningococcal, Rotavirus, and Hib? I never got those.

I know that Hib vaccine are for infants, so it's not likely that I would need to get that, right? Same with Rotavirus.

What I'm really concerned about is, the Meningococcal vaccine. I don't really wanna get that one, I mean I'm not in that age group that would be at risk, am I? (I'm going to be 26 on Monday)

The only one I know I would have to get is my flu shot, which I don't want to get , but whatever.

Yeah I could see that making sense.

I called my RCMP detachment in Kingston, Ontario and they said they do not do criminal records and that I would have to go to my local police office to do it.

So I went to it, and asked them if they cover all the cities that I've lived in Canada. The lady said; "if we find any records from when you were 14, I guarantee that it will show up the CPIC." It cost 20 bucks and I got it in 30 minutes. Keep in mind, Kingston is much smaller than Toronto so it may take you a few hours/days to get yours. Good luck.

Just read the review. and Wow, that was too easy. I really hope my interview is as easy. That's awesome! Congrats again.

That is so awesome! Congrats! I'm anxious to read this review, would really like to know if they tell you on the spot if your visa has been approved or not.

Yeah you could get a TN visa, but good luck on trying to get a US employer to hire you without considering hiring someone in the states, which would be a lot easier for the employer to do instead.

If you're graduating from Medical school as a Doctor, that would be kind of possible of you getting a job there. I think there's a list somewhere on the USCIS website of the top careers that are in demand for TN visa's. All I'm saying is that, it's a gamble. And if you want to gamble with your relationship then prepare for the consequences, should there be any.

You should really consider if this relationship you have is really worth all the effort you will have to go through. You should not be moving to a different country for someone that you're uncertain of being with, in the long run. I know it's hard to determine whether you would clash if you lived together, but from my experiences, the long visits that my fiance and I have done have given me a small picture of what expect. Such as, I know I'm going to have to pick up after him sometimes because he's a bit of a slob, he also can't cook and does horrible job at cleaning dishes (lol). And that's what it really comes down to, those small things that could really annoy someone to the point of it causing serious problems in the relationship.

I've been on and off with my fiance and have already determined what kind of person he is. I've visited a lot and interacted with his family (And vice versa) . So I have no doubt what kind of person he is. Maybe that's what you lack? More time getting to know him and his family. I've actually lived with another ex boyfriend for a while thinking that would be the best thing to do before we got married and determined it wasn't the best idea. Ended up totally regretting it because I spent a lot of money and effort trying to move in with him (he lived far). And because I didn't truly know who he was and how CRAZY his family is, I live with that one regret. They were truly the most abusive family I've ever met.

Anyway, what I'm saying, maybe you guys need more time to visit each other, go on long trips together and feel each other out. It took my fiance and I breaking up for a while for us realize that we don't to be with anyone else but each other. It's hard but if you get through it, you know in the future you'll get through anything together.

Having said all this, there is also another option. If there is a University or College near where your boyfriend lives, you could consider getting a Student Visa. However, be prepared to have at least 12 grand in the bank to show US immigration that you have enough money to support yourself and pay tuition. If you get a sponsor, they have to make enough money and prove it, which would mean you would only need to show around 10 grand to immigration. You could also get a scholarship too, that takes some effort of course. Also, you could only work on campus.

But I strongly suggest you consider just taking more time to get to know each other through visits.

Best of luck.

Also, You should be able to provide tax returns within the last 3 years. They're more interested in seeing your tax returns than anything else. They want to know if you have financial security and a stable job. Stability is key for them.

If you don't meet the wage requirements, and have tax returns to provide. Your best bet is to get a cosponsor who can provide the tax returns and meet the wage requirements.

I signed up on the USCIS site to get notifications through email. My fiance signed up for both email and texting. We got these notifications first, followed by an official letter from USCIS, which was sent to my Fiancees address in the states. You can also check on the "My Case Status" section of the USCIS site, it will ask you to enter you receipt number which is noted on you NOA1 Notification letter.

OH P.S. Not to get you confused but MTL# is our case number. Yours will obviously not start with MTL. Montreal is the city where the embassy is.

Here's some useful tips that has helped me get the information I need after I received notice I got my NOA2.

You should be calling NVC to get your case number. A VJ'er posted this, which I have found extremely helpful;

"Once at least a week has passed, you can feel free to start calling The National Visa Center (NVC). Their number is: 1-603-334-0700 (Pressing 1 for English and 5 for an Operator). They will want both the petitioner and beneficiary’s names and dates of birth, as well as the receipt number for your petition. (WAC# if you went through California, EAC if you went through Vermont). NVC can’t do very much for you as a typical K1 petition doesn’t stay there very long, but this is the information you’re looking to get from them:

-Has your petition arrived at NVC? If not, there’s nothing they can do yet. It can take time for the petition to get there, anywhere from a week to a month, so don’t worry if you find yourself calling frequently.

-Once it’s arrived, does it have a Montreal case number yet? This number will begin with MTL and if they can provide it at NVC, write it down!

-Has the petition left for the consulate? Once this happens, you’re done with NVC! No need to call them for any further updates."

Once you got your Case number, you move on to DOS. Department of State. No more dealing with NVC. And do the following;

"After you get word that the petition is headed for Montreal, give it a few days (I’d say minimum a week) and you can start calling the Department of State (DOS). Their number is: 1-202-663-1225 and to get to a visa specialist, it’s 1 and then 0. This operator will want your MTL # and sometimes both the names and dates of birth for both petitioner and beneficiary. At this stage, you’ll go through the follow things with DOS:

-Has your petition arrived in Montreal? If it has not, there’s nothing to do yet. Montreal is notorious for delays in its mailroom so even if you think it’s unrealistic it hasn’t physically arrived yet, chances are it’s sitting somewhere waiting to be logged. Until DOS gives the word the petition is in Montreal, you just have to sit tight.

-Once the case has arrived, you can ask DOS is Packet 3 has been sent out. Even if it hasn’t, you can prepare and send Packet 3 yourself, the important thing is to make sure Montreal has your case before you send them anything. "

Once you sent out Packet 3, you call DOS again and ask them if your embassy has received the packet and if they have sent out packet 4 yet. If they haven't keep calling everyday until they do. (That's what I did)

Once I found out my packet 4 was on it's way, I immediately booked my interview and medical. Packet 4 will instruct you on where you can book your interview and medical in your country. I fortunately already knew where to go because on the Canadian forum, vj'ers have posted that info.

Good luck!

YAYYYY! That's a relief! So Happy! Thought there would be no interviews available.