JerryShaw

I have an extra sealed packet from the K-1 medical exam, and I have copies of my documentation from the I-693, but not a sealed packet for that (that was mailed to them). I'm not sure what you mean by DHL letter but I have a Loomis receipt for my visa.. But I'll be showing that to them in my passport. I have my AOS interview letter.

My husband will be coming with me, since he has to drive me there as I can't.

Loomis receipt is it... Sorry... sometimes they call it DHL

Sounds like you have what you need.

Ours was on a CR-1 Visa, so they did not ask for any additional documentation proving our relationship. I don't know if it is any different with the AOS process....

Good Luck, and I am sure it will all go fine for you both.

My interview for the AOS greencard is coming up fast, only less than a week away. I've been avoiding visajourney because I'm so nervous, haha. I was hoping for some confirmation that I have the right things to bring.. There are a couple of parts that are a bit confusing:

- Two parts say "(unless already submitted)". These are the medical exam and affidavit of support.. Since these were submitted with the Adjustment of Status paperwork, does that mean that I don't have to bring them with me to the interview? I have a copy of the things I gave for the medical exam but my husband would have to reprint all his affidavit tax info and would probably like to avoid that if he can. Or should we bring it regardless?

- I have all the supporting documents for the AOS but I didn't rescan the paperwork after it was signed.. I reprinted it without that. Should I resign the forms or just bring without? :S Also, does this question mean any other paperwork, or just for the adjustment itself?

- How much supporting evidence for the relationship should I bring? Since we've only been married for a few months we don't have a ton of stuff, but we do have:

* A bunch of cards we received at christmas time, wedding congrats, and a wedding invitation to another person's wedding.

* Two leases with my names on them (one added to, one more recent when we moved last week).

* A cali king bed/mattress reciept that I paid for (I don't need a bed that big for just me).

* Hotel receipt with 2 people from our wedding.

* Around or a bit over half a dozen photos (two from wedding, one from just before move when we were in Vancouver for the K-1 Interview).

* One of our phone bills with both our numbers on it and showing some calls back and forth.

* Printed statements from our bank accounts showing we both have joint accounts.

* Screenshot of our wedding site, for what it's worth.

Other than those questions, I think all I need to do now is get a copy of my husband's passport. But so nervous.

Congrats on getting to this point.. My Wife is from Calgary too, and crossed over to the dark side back in October.

First don't be nervous... it is really not so bad going through the process at the embassy.

Anyway, I suggest bringing all your originals. And ofcourse you have your medical exam packet (still sealed right?) and your DHL confirmation letter, and interview letter?

Sometimes they just want to verify the original documents against the ones they bring up on their screen. So have the originals for everything you have submitted electronically.

So yes on the Tax returns, they may not ask for it... but you want to have them if they do.

Proof of relationship is not a big deal for your AOS other than the certificates. They refused to even look at our pictures and documentation about our relationship...

Is your Hubby going with you? Although he doesn't need to... it makes things go a little smoother IMO.... You will be in and out in no time at all... so don't be nervous.Jerry

The 800 number is useless, they won't talk to you unless you already have an SSN.

My Wife drove down to the SSN Administrative office (She is from Canada), filled out the form and let them make copies of her passport and GC, Birth Cert and Marriage License, then she got her SSN card the following week in the mail.

Painless, but has to be done in person.

We both travelled back and forth across the border during the whole process up through getting her green card. Never a problem. I even had an officer suggest that I start the 130 process (which I replied its in the works).

It does not cause any issues. In fact, it seems to make things go smoother at the border because they know you are following the process. They are looking for cheaters.

You need that Receipt number.

Does not sound (to me) that he is being totally open and honest with you.

I filed for a CR-1 in Feb 2012, and my wife already has her green card.

Great News for you!!!

It was already mentioned in this thread that its not a problem saying that you are married to a USC when you cross the border... and that goes for going into Canada as well.

I always told the CA officer that I was going to visit my wife in Calgary, and it seemed to actually expidite the process... they immediately stop drilling me with questions about why I am coming in.

The bottom line is to be prepared to prove you are going to leave the country you are visiting. That is really all they are looking for on the immigration front.

IOW it is perfectly okay to Visit your wife in the USA..... key word is Visit.

Didn't get the welcome letter???? Does he have the correct Visa placed into his passport?

When he went through the Point of Entry (POE), did he give them his packet, and sign the paperwork with Customs etc ?

If all is well, he should receive one or two n I-797C notice of action letters in the mail saying that USCIS has received the packet, and they will provide a new Receipt number for tracking the processing of the Green card and SSN.

I would recommend calling the service number to verify all is correct.

Hi my wife just got the scheduled interview. Does she needs to bring anything? Except for the Medical result and the letter.

Are you applying for K1, CR-1, other?

There are some differences in the required documentation between types of Visas. Your packet should tell you what to bring, but like others have said, its better to have too much than missing that one document they may ask for.

USCIS will send your packet to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. NVC with then send you instructions for the next steps including when to fill out the DS230 application.

Thank you everyone for your helpful information that I couldn't find anywhere else.

The CR-1 seems more streamlined, but the K-1 may have it's benefits as well if my girlfriend can get work to offset the extra price & hassle.

I don't know which one we will go with, but now I know what I need to.

We just had our CR-1 approved yesterday in Montreal (which is the only place in Canada you can get your interview). I am not 100% sure, but I don't think she can work in the USA on a K1 visa at least not right away.

Victoria and I were separated by 342 miles (6 hour drive), so we visited a lot... in fact, after we were married, she quit her job and spent most of her 6 month limit down with me in the states while we worked on the CR-1.

It took us just under 8 months from end to end for the CR1. Lots of things to consider.... Good luck with your choice.

I am a USC living in Idaho. I tell the Canadian BP officer I am going to go see my wife in Calgary for a couple weeks (which is always the truth), and it actually seems to speed up my entry. The questions turn from enquiring why, where and who to the do you have any fire arms, etc.

Unless she has some other reasons for not being admitted... and she brings some evidence that she will leave Canada (go back home), she should be fine. I travel to Canada every couple weeks with no problem. She just needs to not say the wrong thing, and be able to show evidence that she has ties in the US.

Your bigger problem in the CR-1 process is the AOS. She has to qualify for supporting you, or get someone to sponsor you.

Good Luck with your visa journey

Another question: My Ontario driver's license expires this December, I just got the renewal form in the mail. Should I renew it? Or will I be able to easily obtain an Ohio driver's license once I am down there?

Hi Grace,

Its probably a good idea to get it renewed, Then worry about the Ohio license a little later. In a little while you will have your USA SSN and physical grean card which Ohio might require.

See you next Tuesday ... we are here now. Medical is at 9am.

Jerry

You don't need an importer or inspection even if it was built in Canada.... not just the US. Just sayin'.

Sorry, I assumed you were in WA as that's what you've got down as your local office.

Yes, you're fine. Here is the link for you:

Note: If the vehicle has stickers on the engine (EPA) and inside the drivers-side door (DOT) stating that the car was manufactured to U.S. standards, you will not need a manufacturers letter. Some vehicles are listed by make, model, and year on the DOT and EPA web sites as conforming. If your vehicle is one of those, that would also negate the need for a manufacturer's letter.

https://help.cbp.gov...related/1/sno/1

krikit... I don't know if you are a guy or a gal, but I could give you a big hug for that link.

See what I mean about even the BPO and CBP people??. We have been getting different stories from everyone we've talked to

Glad you cleared this up ... thankyou.. thankyou.. thankyou

Jerry

Agh -how on earth did you pull that one off? Toyota refused to give me a letter - I have a Toyota Matrix. They said they no longer issue compliance letters. How did you manage to get one? Share your wisdom

Hi VeeNDee,

Went to the POE today and talked to a young officer. He saidthat if the vehicle was originally built in the USA (which is determined by the VIN number) then it does not require an importer or an inspection. If you do not have the letter from the manufacturer, but have the sticker under the hood or door jam that states it was built in the USA, then you just fill out the import paperwork.

Our letter from Toyota just states that our vehicle is up to date and does not have any recall items.

Our sticker under the hood says:

This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA NLEV regulations applicable to gasoline-fueled 2003 model year new LEV light-duty trucks and to California regulations applicable to 2003 model year new LEV light-duty trucks.

Sounds like it should be a peice of cake to get it into the US.. and it is going to Idaho not Washington. ID does not have any vehicle EPA requirements.

Thanks for your Help,

Jerry

You don't need to change the speedometer. They note that it's in KM's when it's registered in the US. You also don't need an importer. It's super easy to do it at the POE. Especially if it was built in the US.

I still don't understand. Vehicles are household goods, come in duty free, and you have up to 10 years to import them.

Hi Krikit... I am going from this link http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/importing_car.xml

I hope you are right, and it is concidered a household item and is duty free... I will know in about 4 hours from now. I will report back about my meeting at the POE.

The whole reason we went down the path of getting a manufacturer's letter is because a high up US Customs agent told us it was required. She was at our county fair in a US Customs both, and so we asked her what is involved in getting Victoria's HIghlander into the US when she immigrates. The officer told us we need that letter and inspection for each vehicle. That was the first we had heard about needing anything at all. A surprise, so we started the process. We have the letter from Toyota, took a week. Now we are waiting on the letter from Harley Davidson. Although the Harley was made in the USA, its VIN number starts with a 3 letter value indicating it is for Canada . Because of that prefix, we were told by the Harley dealer that we require the letter, and a Speedometer change because it does not show MPH, just KPH.

I am not disbelieving you Krikit, its just we have talked to so many people about this... including the manufacturer, importers and even the customs agent, and we get a different answer and story every time.

So... what I find out at the POE today may be different at other POEs... I really, really.......REALLY hope your answer is the right one.... it will just make my day!!!!

Thanks, Jerry

Just wondering why you are using an importer and getting an inspection?

I dont have all the information here, its back in Canada with my wife. The circle jerk we went through to find out how to get the Toyota vehicle into the states landed us with an authorized importer near the sweet grass POE. He said they perform the inspection and take care of the paperwork at the POE when we arrive, and that we should let them know we are coming in advance. I will know more tomorrow because I am going to stop into the POE on my way up to Calgary and ask them about what we can expect when we come through. I will make a point of putting what I find into this thread.

I know we are going to import that Harley... its a special edition anniversary bike, and now its a part of the family (if you know what I mean). But more than likely, we are going to just sell the Toyota up in Canada before the 1 year is up to avoid the hassle. Especially if this importer is going to stick it to us. Luckily, Canada is a 30 minute drive, and Cranbrook is only a little more than an hour. If needed, we could park it at a friends house in Calgary and put it up for sale there too.

So Jerry, will I also have to pay for inspection? My name is Grace, and I will be the one at the interview. I'll definitely look around for you. I am very nervous about this whole thing!

Hi Grace, We are looking forward to meeting you too. So can I assume that Cody is the USC?

You will do fine, just make sure you have all the checklist items, including your Loomis ID. From what I have determined, the Montreal consulate is one of the best, and if you make their job easy by making yourself prepared, it will go smooth and quick.

I have heard of people not having the FMVSS sticker (because its an older vehicle), and did have the Compliance sticker under the hood, and not having the inspection. They give you a form (I forget the number) that is used to get your vehicle registered in the states. A US Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in your new USA city will need that declaration form completed .... which may or may not require an inspection or importer's certificate depending on what the POE puts on that form. You have a year to get that inspection (if required) as long as your CAN plates are valid.

We are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, flying in on the 1st, medical on the 2nd, pickup medical on the 5th, Holiday weekend, Interview on the 9th.... I can hardly wait!!!!

Good Luck, and I will see you in line

Jerry

Well, from what I read I just need a compliance letter. My car has the US emissions sticker, just not the FMVSS or something sticker. The compliance letter is costing me $102. I don't think I'll have to get it inspected, as long as I have the letter, I will be driving it in.

Also, Cody doesn't have a criminal record lol. I'm just a little scared of the US border and I don't want to make things complicated.

I will be there waiting in the cold as early as I can drag myself out of bed! Hope to see you there!

Ours is a 2003 Toyota Highlander, and it also does not have the FMVSS, but does have the Compliance sticker (which we took a photo of and put with our paperwork for when we cross).

Luckily I live in a border town, and the BPs don't give us any hassle... we see them all the time in the stores, and on the street... they recognize us now since we have been going across so much. Victoria is even on first name basis with one of them. There is nothing to be afraid of in crossing the border. Just be honest and never ever lie about anything. They are trained to look for lies and overly nervous people. You should not have a problem on your crossing because they are going to pull you into the office anyway for processing Cody's paperwork (your sealed package).

I am sure we will see you there. We will be at the door before 7am. You can see our profile picture, and that way you will recognize us. I won't be wearing the cowboy hat to the interview though

I keep hearing about people saying to show up early, and now you are talking about waiting in the cold, but when I tried to book an appointment the only times they had them for every day were at 10am. Is it possible to arrive earlier? Were only the 10am appointments left for all of October or November? Just wondering if I need to show up at like 7am or something for my 10am appt...

Take a look at the interview discussions in the Portal Consulates section. They don't open the front door until 7:30, and they don't remove the barrier to the elevator until 8am sharp. So if your appointment is at 8, then getting there before 7 is a good idea so you can get a low C number. Although a low number does not really mean you will get done any faster, but it doesn't hurt. You are on a K1, so your stuff is done on another floor. CR1s are on the 19th floor. But still look at the consulate reviews to help you figure out when to get there.

You don't pay duty, on household goods. If they are your property they come in duty free. That includes electronics, jewelry, and vehicles.

It sounds like you have more than enough evidence for the interview, but I will leave that question for those who have been through the process more recently.

My interview date is also on the 9th.... hope to see codygrace there.

Anyway, my wife is bringing over her Toyota, and there is a cost involved (we were given an estimate of $400 for the inspection and importer fees). You also need to have a form from the manufacturer stating it conforms to US emmisions and safety standards, etc. She also has a Harley Davidson... now that one is going to be tough to get in... go figure, it was built in the USA, but requires modifications (speedometer) and the HD letter of compliance, and an importer to process it.

Luckily we have 1 year to get all that done once she becomes a resident. Toyota is already done TG.

Called today an no interview date yet What exactly should I be saying to them to push for an Interview date???

All you can really do is say you are checking to see if your interview date has been assigned yet. Be friendly and jovial, and they will (usually) reciprocate.

Since you are on a CR1, they won't be scheduling for November interviews until either Oct 8 or Oct 15... most likely starts the 8th.

Good Luck to you both

Getting ready to send I-130 in:

For proof of bona fide marriage I will be sending in airline tickets, Skype records, 15 photos of us together and three affidavits. For Skype records I am sending in two screen shots per month of conversations we've had but it seems like it will end up being a ton. Is it bad to send in too much to prove your marriage? Seems like that will be the bulk of the material I provide..

And you are also sending in your Marriage Certificate correct?

Pictures with each other, and with other family members helps. Pictures of the wedding help.

I only sent in (for evidence) the the Marriage Certificate and Pictures, and Visits count report along with the I-130 stuff.

Not sent in, but accumulated and will go with me to the interview are:

For Skype I printed out two pages worth, and total duration of conversations, but saving these for the interview, did not send with the I-130

Also not sent with the I-130, but coming to the interview with me are additional photos, and email counts, and phone records.

I would not suggest to overwhelm them with paper for the I-130... make your point that it is bona fide

Best of Luck to you

Ok Guys..I'm new to this site and loving it already as it gives one hope that u are not actually alone on this journey.Nice meeting you all.

We received an email from NVC it states "checklist" it further states:

Did your post get truncated? what is the question?

Hello I am Jason, I married my beautiful wife Marina from Argentina in April and I am trying to get my wife to the USA as quickly as possible . I have managed to get past the immigrations and customs part of the process. I am now in the NVC stage, It seems to be more complicated and unclear than the previous part. My wife lives in a small town in Northwest Argentina, it is 2 hours by plane to Buenos Aires so getting her to the medical examination and interview is going to be difficult and costly in and of itself, she has never traveled out of her general area. She has a 3 year old boy Esteban who is now my son and I will be adopting him once they finally get here. She is getting frustrated with the length of time and all the requirements that the immigration process involves but we love eachother much and I must figure this out on my own. The first lawyer I talked to wanted to charge me 4500 dollars to help me with immigration, it was at that moment I decided to do all the work myself instead of getting ripped off by a lawyer. Hopefully I can navigate through this NVC process as quickly as possible, thanks for any and all help and advice. Jason

Jason, you are in the right place. There are some really awesome VJ'ers here that will give you the advice you need.

Hang in there...

A little hint: You should fill out your profile information so the VJ'ers will know the type of Visa you have applied for, and where you are in the process. It will help them determine what steps you need to take.