ascorpiana

I thought I'd jot down how our progress has been since I entered the US.

So let's see SSN - was issued two days after i crossed. Unfornately, it got lost in a move. After the 3 weeks passed I figured judging by other posts I should give them a call. Well the phone service is one of those that you want to pull your hair out - when you don't have the Social Security Number it is hard to bypass the system to speak to a customer service rep. On the 3rd phone call attempt - I finally got past "Gertrude, as I'll call the computerized female voice" and was put in a que for a real person, haha. After a patient 30 minute wait I found out the card was issued on day 2....she couldn't tell me where it was sent but of course i could to our old address. She told me to go to the local office with my passport stamped (visa) and someone at the office would right down my number and reissue the card. So the next business day I went and it was as simple as stated. The original card had a typing error on my name so at least this card will be issued correctly.

In the meantime, the original card worked it's way to my husband new temporary digs as well as my Green Card. Whooohooo both cards within less than 4 wks.

Oh this may be confusing so I'll clarify......After so careful consideration of the economy and individual states we decided I'd do my job hunting on the East Coast were the costs are lower than on the West Coast (Socal). Hopefully, all being equal.....we'll all be together on the EAST by summer when school is out.

Also, my first week I was able to open a bank account. In Canada,TDCanadaTrust was one of my banks, and on the East Coast as well as Florida and possibly a few other states TD Bank (US) are located. This seems to be great for me. TD has bordless accounts you can open in Canada and you can uses both sides to your benefit, especially at first. Now apparently, US credit is dealt with as well......We'll see I'm not at that point yet.

Ah a cell phone: Now that one really was frustrating because no credit history shows.....so as a new customer the best deal for an account that monthly bills was with AT&T and you have to pay a good deposit which after one year they will credit back to your account. (We'll see ....) Ouch that was painful.

Next: Driver's License which I have to go to a city about an hour away. Apparently they will swap out my Canadian license for a NH one. Then I'll need plates for my vehicle, and tags from the local town office.

Most Important: Job - nothing yet.... a few good bites...but nothing concrete. I've decided to volunteer at the local hospital to acclimate myself to the differences in healthcare.

Note: i would have just liked this to go on a timeline somewhere rather than a topic but I'm still new to this. The point of this is How are we making out? Just like the immigration steps the landed and what next steps are important as well. Like math with the order of operations so to are these steps. The SSN number is crucial for most steps.

So to quote Joey from Friends......"how you doing?"

Did you notice a number on the NOA2 or maybe on the visa itself? For the K-1 the A# is above the beneficiary's name on the NOA2, not sure if that is true for the IR-1/CR-1 visa. I have heard that some write the A# on the IR-1/CR-1 visa itself. You could wait a bit to see if the GC arrives before filing the AR-11 if you still have access to the old address' mail.

Good luck,

Dave

Thanks! I called the number and talked to a younger lady who said that some Visa types do not have an A#, and she said go ahead and fill it in. So, I filed it online. So we'll see

Hi All

I've checked topics and haven't got a clear answer to this

I have my stamped passport which is the I551 until a physical green card arrives. I need to change my address on the AR11 and there is no A number on my stamped visa. No any "alien number" associated with our correspondence.

The form states a "A-Number (copy Number from Alien Card) - do not have yet A- 9 boxes

The consulate put a white label with an 8 digit on it. This number does not coinside with any number on the visa stamp.

My stamp has the following possibilities: (a) and 8 digit registration number and (b) a RED number underneath the expiration date which starts with an F then 7 digits.

Very sorry to read your post, but glad you are sharing your experience and obviously pain. One of the great things about this site is there are intelligent and logical people to help all of us through our journey.

Absolutely he should be reported for the safety of the girls.

Also noticed you have family in the US. As a Canadian you are entitled to be out of country for 6mths without it impacting your healthcare here. As you cross you will still provide your passport and pkg. I'm thinking that sometimes being with family helps one to as you said regroup.

Perhaps someone more experienced can comment on if you do immigrate and stay with your family until you ground.......what steps can you take.

(a) obviously file for divorce

(b) adjustment of status

© because you sponsored yourself financially...........do you require another family member to help you stay?

(d) stay until cr-1 expires and gain confidence and a life experience.

anyone senior comment on the steps?

Hold you head high and be proud of the wonderful woman you are! (((hugs)))

Lot's to get done and the time is slipping away. My husband and stepdaughter arrive Christmas Eve. After celebrating with my family and what will sure to be tear jerking farewells we shall drive to Cali. According to my 80 odd page triptrak...........i'll be entering at Sarnia from Mississauga. Never been to Sarnia and one crossed Detroit once about 10 yrs ago for a day trip.......(boring).

I'll be driving my Ford Escape 2007. Anything I need to do?

My major belongings will be shipped by a shipping company - so they are going to do the paperwork?

Man I'm scared. Two weeks now left of work, arriving with no job, but hope that SSN arrives by the end of January........so the first 3 weeks i'll consider myself on vacation (why I really need) It's been one year and two weeks since i'll have seen my husband.......be so nice to be held again.

Ok so yes this is the first part of my journey........

Tips, obstacles, anyone else crossing Jan 2nd?

BTW great blessing to all of you......this site has been my saviour many, many times.

Well it is either a mistake or as someone said above random. I tend to think random selection. It's like when you go to the airport and you chosen to do a more thorough screening.

I would call the number. Do you have case number yet? As there is also an email?

In the meantime I'd prepare to attend the meeting, and bring a copy of the original paperwork.

Of note: I found the joint bank etc. only can apply to couples who were married and living in another country together. If you are married and have to return your country of residence to start paperwork the financial evidence doesn't exist.

I know in US on my visits I could not open joint account because I did not have Permanent Resident card, or a SSN#. This worked the same in Canada, I needed the PRcard or SSI# for my husband. I provided copy of my extended heath benefits as my husband and stepdaughters as dependents, as well as my work pension showing my husband the beneficiary but not for "step1".

Good luck! /a

Over 100 views and only 1 reply...Are we the only ones who have ever got a 221g from MTL.??

Hi, How did you make out? I'm in a similiar situation. I couriered my additional documentation they requested November 9th, Loomis check confirms it was received on Monday, November 12th. I too am anxious as so much is in limbo. I'm trying to book flights for my husband and stepdaughters - and at some point I also need to give notice at work.

let me know how things are going?

Arrived by Via Train from Toronto on Sunday and checked into my hotel the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Talked to my husband for a couple of hours and then turned in for the night.

November 5th: Woke up and 530am, organized etc. and stopped at a bank just in case there were any further fees. Left the hotel at 71 and it as a brisk 10 minute walk northeast on Rene Levesque and turned left onto Rue St. Alexandre and joined the line. I became the 8th person in line. A very nippy morning indeed and I was thankful there was no rain. About 745am a guard finally let the first 6 people through. Then my group. A young lady asked to show the interview letter and the courier confirmation. And then I was asked to move to the right. Next I went up 3 steps and through a door to go threw a scanner similar to the airport only you didn’t have to take your shoes off.

**Of note: NO CELL PHONES, NO USB KEYS, NO CAMERAS, NO FLASHLIGHTS, NO LIGHTERS, NO BIG BAGS, BRIEF CASE OR CAR KEYS.

I actually did have car keys, a usb key and a mini flashlight which the guards took for me and stored – gave me a ticket to retrieve the items later. Went through the scanner and then was told to take all my approved items and go downstairs to a waiting room. At about 8am the guard came and opened the locked elevator and firmly told everyone to move in and push together. (16 sardined people and thankful everyone deodorant was working)

Elevator opens and you go to the left to booth 14 to which you show your interview letter and are assigned a number – I was the third person and assigned C3. (Don’t worry if they call a number before you it is merely how you were assigned to the ticket booths.

I was the 3rd person called at 830a went to booth 3, nice middle aged blonde lady had my file. I pulled out the items on my checklist and she took them as well as my passport. She finger printed both hands, confirmed our addresses and told me to take a seat and I would be called to either booth 7 or 8. About another long 15 minutes I’m finally called to booth 8.

Ah I finally meet the often described young woman of colour with dreads…………. She starts looking through my file , shoves a sheet at me under the slot and asks me to read it out loud. I read it nice and clear! She then hand prints my right hand again. Miss Dreads then proceeds to ask if I have the original Divorce paper. ( I said no, It’s not on my required list and I sent a copy with the I130 petition. She says I still need to see the original. (hmmmm I am already getting irritated) Next she asks for the deed to my house and a document from the bank to say my home is mortgage free. She says because of the i-864 guidelines you’re basically supporting yourself. I said no I do not have that with me as it was NOT on my list. I said I did have my property professional appraised and they can only do the appraisal via the owner of the home. To which she said oh so the only time a person can get an appraisal is if they are the full owner. I said no I did not say that as you can have the bank arrange and appraisal for a lien of credit etc. She says I will need a copy of the deed and something from the bank stated there is no current mortgage to prove that you have the ability to liquefy the asset if need be. She proceeds to say she has to ask these questions on behalf of homeland security. She also states that of all the documents the I-864 is the trickiest and it has a lot of small details that are easy to overlook. I smile and say I’ve read that material numerous times and I did not see anywhere that it requires what you are asking and I wish that if that was required it had been on my checklist so I could present it today to you. She said that’s okay I will have you courier it to me and she hands back my passport  She said your visa is temporarily denied until proof of the documentation listed, so courier as quick as you can, and of note your physical expires April 2013 so you will need to complete it before that. I ask her will I need another interview here again, and she says no as long as I can provide the requested documentation it should be fine.

Needless to say I left stressed, sad and irritated beyond belief.

Home and took another day off to try to locate these files, seeing lawyer to morning so hope to get these documents back to the Consulate.

Overall impression: Posts on here are right on the money. If you sent anything electronic or made a copy definitely bring it.......I could kick myself as I thought about bring my divorce paper.

I suppose the most annoying aspects are like this: (1) you need to bring your divorce papers in the State of California as you do in all provinces of Canada. (2) They took my prints, I stood there stating and I'm sure they tape it my oath of telling the truth to the best of my knowledge. It talks about perjury.........so if I'm swearing to tell the truth as one would in a courtroom I presume........why cross examine my documentation unless stating my oath meant nothing. (3) Nothing worse than you in business go into a meeting without all the knowledge.........I would have gladly waited a bit long to obtain these extra documents prior to going to Montreal.

Sorry all for my original post........I entered and it posted uncomplete before.

BTW thank you everyone for contributing this is an awesome source and I hope my experience will save someone else frustrations down the road

I'm not sure exactly what step you did there but it's unlikely you can pay as wire from a Canadian bank. I believe in the notes I saw from fellow VJ's you send a money order from the Canadian side.

In our situation I had the money order at the bank and then forwarded this with the documenation.

Hey there all,

Was wondering if anybody else has had any problems with paying their fee through Scotiabank. I paid my fee in cash yesterday at the local Scotiabank, tried entering the SN multiple times today from the Consolidated Cash Deposit Plan that I printed out and it is not working. Have since sent an email to see what is going on. Again wondering if anyone else has had any issues with paying by Scotiabank?

In Christ

Chris

Cool. I sort of figured as much but needed to hear from an expert . I did sign up for the loomis courier. Tomorrow I'll call the physician group in Toronto. I'm 3/4 prepared just have a little more organization to do. According to the email i received I basically only need to bring the medical and my passport every other item has the "letter" associated with it tha that's one way or another completed.

Thanks so much for the taking the time to respond. Your notes have been great.

I'm a tad nervous to some degree but another part of me thinks just go with the flow.......We're a very middle aged couple so we've certainly tried to figure out what is best for the younger ones involved. I'm more worried about finding new digs i'll like so we can begin new memories and obtaining a job with hopefully so sort of benefits. It's quite expensive to purchase benefits.....I can't wait until the US has a universal healthcare in swing like we have with the Ministry of Health.

i'm going to hunt the notes for a hotel.

((((HUGS)))))

Okay I'm not sure I'm even doing this right but here goes. Well finally I just got an email with my Interview time which is November 5th in Montreal......so I'm excited beyond belief. Ah but the question for the experts ....

After finally submitting the last requirements a month ago the case at NVC New Hampshire was completed. I was waiting at that point to receive an email or something and after two weeks decided to call as per numerous comments on visajourney. AH ha the lady told me the case was completed on September 12th and I had no interview appt yet and was to call her back after Oct 18th. For whatever reason I dialed into our joint email to check and presto there was my 5 page pdf document saying i had an interview. I called my husband and could barely speak i was so excited. We went through it together and he said did you receive a packet 3 or 4 (he remembered that most people get this and then the interview)---No I said. It just tells me to bring the results of my medical exam, photographs (yet again) and my passport.

So to the experts ..(and let me say thank you to everyone who documents their steps it really makes the journey less lonely ) (a) the only other step it said was "for additional interview information and document preparation guidelines please visit the U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Mission website, www.usembassy.gov and select CANADA:Montreal

?ok so what am i looking for

(b) how does a packet 3 or 4 arrive normally mail, email?

© i think i read someplace there was a doctor's group in Toronto. will need to revisit ( my old laptop crashed and all my documents that were not in an email as well are lost forever and pictures.......oh that's another topic, haha)

ANYWAY can anyone guide me? I've got now less than a month to arrange the medical, book a train and hotel and time off at work and to really get myself organized. Help, I'm so excited.

I'll start out by saying i feel sorry for the pain and confusion you obviously are having.

Great advice in here and yes some are a tad stronger in the views at the situation not at you. Relationships are all based on TRUST and as hard is that sounds without trust there isn't a whole lot.

two choices: 1) continue the process of your husband's immigration and only him. Be open and honest with the whole process as don't loose your own integrity. 2)

you can slow down the process take the time to work this through fully - don't rush. Your husband needs to prove he is worthy of you.

most people who are married and an extramarital affairs happens go through alot of counselling to see if the relationship is salvageable. Marriage is a sacred act, it is not a casual fling. If you have a RED flag and you after I'm sure alot of thought wrote in the forum you have doubts......do not be bulldozed. Option 2 is definitely my recommendation. (unfortunately this is not something that only husbands do wives can create equal scandals.

This is why immigration has so many steps, as frustrating as it is its protection for those who abuse the system.

Truly may God guide you to follow the right path.

I have spent alot of time reading on this site and not posted but have found alot of useful information and very helpful people. I have also seen alot of judgemental people as well. I know that this post will attract that kind of input but please unless it pertains to my question let me decide what to do with my marriage.

Okay here goes. I met my husband a few years ago online. We talked for awhile I went to see him met family and friends. We were married had a few more visits and are NVC stage and waiting for his interview for him to come over. Everything has been going good and we have used alot of information from here to get where we are. However we have some red flags big one is age difference I am much older and the ablity to have children. I am sure like all of you know this is a difficult journey and we have had some issues off and on. We had one major issue a while ago and that was he had cheated on me after our marriage. He confess to it i would never have known if he didnt sense he lives there and I am in the states.

This was heartbreaking and I was sure that we would never make it thru this but we did. I recently went to see him to get the rest of the documents we needed for NVC and just spend some time together. We had a very good time together and it seemed that our relationship is stronger than ever. And then he shared the news with me that the girl he had the affair with was pregnant and she told him it was his child. I almost died with this news. After the shock wore off I talked with my husband and his mother. She was so great to have around. It seems the girl doesnt want to keep the child and my husband thought since we are not sure we could have one of our own we could raise this child together. Since his interview we hope will be soon and the child is not born yet his mother is going to take the child to live with her while we sort things out and decide what to do. My husband is planning on getting a DNA test to prove the child is his before his mother takes it. So this may prolong his travel but we are not going to stop the process since he has 6 months to travel once he recieves his visa.

Okay here is my question. On the forms we filled out we did not list any children for him because he didnt have any and we are not sure if this is his child or not. So should we bring anything up either by amending the forms or at the interview about the baby. If the interview is before the babies birth do we say he may have a child or should we say nothing at all until we know for sure. If the baby is born prior to the interview and he finds out for sure it is his will there be an issue if it is not on the form. Also if he gets his visa before he knows and then finds out the child is his if we file for the child to come to the states will there be a problem because we didnt put it on the form to follow him here. I am so confused on what to do and I dont know if anyone has been thru anything like this I sure hope not.... Anyway thanks for hearing me out and any help about how to proceed with the interview and paperwork will be greatly appreciated.

I have spent alot of time reading on this site and not posted but have found alot of useful information and very helpful people. I have also seen alot of judgemental people as well. I know that this post will attract that kind of input but please unless it pertains to my question let me decide what to do with my marriage.

Okay here goes. I met my husband a few years ago online. We talked for awhile I went to see him met family and friends. We were married had a few more visits and are NVC stage and waiting for his interview for him to come over. Everything has been going good and we have used alot of information from here to get where we are. However we have some red flags big one is age difference I am much older and the ablity to have children. I am sure like all of you know this is a difficult journey and we have had some issues off and on. We had one major issue a while ago and that was he had cheated on me after our marriage. He confess to it i would never have known if he didnt sense he lives there and I am in the states.

This was heartbreaking and I was sure that we would never make it thru this but we did. I recently went to see him to get the rest of the documents we needed for NVC and just spend some time together. We had a very good time together and it seemed that our relationship is stronger than ever. And then he shared the news with me that the girl he had the affair with was pregnant and she told him it was his child. I almost died with this news. After the shock wore off I talked with my husband and his mother. She was so great to have around. It seems the girl doesnt want to keep the child and my husband thought since we are not sure we could have one of our own we could raise this child together. Since his interview we hope will be soon and the child is not born yet his mother is going to take the child to live with her while we sort things out and decide what to do. My husband is planning on getting a DNA test to prove the child is his before his mother takes it. So this may prolong his travel but we are not going to stop the process since he has 6 months to travel once he recieves his visa.

Okay here is my question. On the forms we filled out we did not list any children for him because he didnt have any and we are not sure if this is his child or not. So should we bring anything up either by amending the forms or at the interview about the baby. If the interview is before the babies birth do we say he may have a child or should we say nothing at all until we know for sure. If the baby is born prior to the interview and he finds out for sure it is his will there be an issue if it is not on the form. Also if he gets his visa before he knows and then finds out the child is his if we file for the child to come to the states will there be a problem because we didnt put it on the form to follow him here. I am so confused on what to do and I dont know if anyone has been thru anything like this I sure hope not.... Anyway thanks for hearing me out and any help about how to proceed with the interview and paperwork will be greatly appreciated.

My take on my letter was I'd get the interview regardless and I have two options to see if it pans out at the consulate or have a joint sponsor.

In my case I'm confident that I have shown the means it is and I will stand by that. I feel someone did a quick look and i find that more irritating.

Like you though this is all new to me.

thanks for the info

so i guess i'm still wondering, does anyone know if the NVC will wait on me sending in a co sponsor AOS or are they likely to hand this off to the consulate and set up an interview date?

I received exactly the same letter today. In my case my husband being the sponsor doesn't meet the $ and therefore I had my home in Canada assessed, showed any monies owing, showed RRSP and other pension sources which put me in a adequate financial situation where i will not be dependent on anyone. I found it all quite offensive it was as though someone gave a quick scan and sent a general letter.

I too can have a sibling sponsor but i wish not too. I'm independent of my own finances and always have been and that will be a last resort. I shall not be intimidated. Haha remind me at the interview stage.

I sent in the AOS for the application for my husband and the NVC replied with a letter including this:

"The NVC has received the information you have submitted in reference to

the Affidavit of Support. Please be advised that the Affidavit of Support

information you have provided does not appear to meet the minimum

income requirement according to the current poverty guidelines to sponsor

the intending immigrant(s) for this petition. The consular officer will make

a decision regarding this requirement at the time of your interview. In

order to avoid delays, you may wish to submit an additional Affidavit of

Support (Form I-864) for a/another Joint Sponsor to the National Visa

Center to assist in sponsoring the intending immigrants. To view the

current poverty guidelines, visit

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf.

If you decide to use a Joint Sponsor to assist in sponsoring the intending

immigrants, please note that you the sponsor may not use Form I-864EZ

and will also need to submit Form I-864"

While it is true that my current income does not meet the poverty guidelines, I also sent in proof of assets (mostly liquid assets) that totaled significantly more than the 3X 125% of the poverty guidelines minimum asked for for the spouse of a USC. Is this a standard reply for people who don't have the minimum income or is it something i should be more concerned with? Also, my brother (who's income is enough to co-sponsor) is willing to fill out an AOS but I would rather avoid having a co-sponser if possible. Are they going to hold our case at the NVC if i don~'t send the co-sponser AOS or will they still schedule an interview and let the consulate decide if i will need a co sponser? I would rather bring the AOS from my brother to the interview and give it to them only if they say that my AOS is insufficient rather than send it now. Advice,especially from someone who has had a similar situation would be appreciated. thanks everyone.

My thoughts:

a) i know its upsetting but stay focused

b) there are tons of marriages every year that are fraud, and that makes it tougher for those of us who married because we love our partner and that distance matters not

c) remember that anyone from a 3rd world country will be under higher scrutiny. I totally agree to make sure you can provide all the correspondence, phone calls etc.

d) joint financials are a bit tough if it is on the American side because you can not at this date and time open any bank account jointly without you producing a SSN which you can not have until you are a permanent landed immigrant. Obviously if you had joint financials in Nigeria that is something you'd providel.

e) lots of luck and best wishes

f) not sure of healthcare in the US as its such a tiered system but if your spouse has a waiting period to cover you or has no family coverage make sure you take out insurance prior to travel..........should you become ill and not covered the bills can be astronomical. (observation from financial healthcare)

I forgot to specify ... I need to know how to do it if you DO NOT have Adobe Acrobat.

Thanks for your reply!

you can zip files together. just use your shift key highlight the documents you want to include, right mouse click,send to> compressed zip folder. that should work for you. good luck. I'm not at that stage yet -hopefully a few weeks

Hi VJ members. I have my cashier's check ready along with the invoices to be sent to "National Visa Center

PO Box 790136,St. Louis, MO 63179-0136" address. However, I just went to a private courier and they said that it can't be delivered to a postal address. Has anyone sent their payments to this address using a private courier i.e Fedex/DHL and has been successful in doing so? Please put in your valuable replies as its really urgent (need to save time)

I have another option in case it doesn't work out this way.i.e courier the envelope to my friend in the U.S from where he can mail the packet using a USPS.I just need to figure the best way out. Thanks!

Hi, In business general, couriers will not delivery to a PO BOX - that's because couriers require a signature. I'm about to mail mine off as well and I thought I'd do first class mail. Good luck!

Thanks for the information. I'm not checking this site as often as I should. I've been sort of worried as you look to see when other Canadians have filed and some resolve faster than others. It seems like there are just so many steps at times it's overwhelming. Many things you can't get too early as you possibly would need another, which is more fees, haha.

Hoping some couples can chat with me as it seems a lonely journey at times.

I'm Canadian and my husband is American. My children are grown now and his are still late teens hence immigration to California.

Hey folks, I hope we are all doing well today in the midst of our visa journey insanity...?

Just wanted to give all you I-130 applicants a heads up, for those of you whose petition is at CSC. It states on the USCIS website that it takes aprox. 5 months to process. Well for all of us beyond 5 months and without our NOA2, we know this is not the case. We were on the phone today with a lovely woman who was so helpful (i know this is not always the case). The California Service Centre current processing time is ***7 MONTHS***. I know this is a pain and longer to wait, but i was relieved to find this out and know that our petition is (1) not lost and (2) is still with in their CURRENT processing times. And yes i do understand that everyones case is different and often handled differently. Sometimes even the smallest bit of information can ease some stress though.

We are in I-129F (as K3) processing aswell and per our dates we can call back for a further update after february 1st.

Stay strong my fellow visajourney-ers. We will get through this!

are the only US consulates Vancouver and Montreal? As i see others on the following site : http://canada.usembassy.gov/consulates.html

I'm just wondering as I assumed I would go to Toronto. Hopefully i will find out soon ....life in limbo is getting stressful, haha.

This whole process seems to take awhile.