ethomps

Just booked my medical and interview. Although I wasn't expedited, what do you guys think of my chances? I'm honestly expecting denial...

I can speak from first-hand experience that you can still be approved despite being denied at the border. --> http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/402026-biggest-mistake-of-my-life/

It sucks being in your situation, I remember it clearly. What I can say is be prepared to "have to answer for it" throughout the K-1 process. There will be some paper work that asks if you've ever been denied entry into the U.S for any reason, and then you'll have to explain the situation during your interview.

It's uncomfortable, but not impossible-- so don't lose faith mate!

After I posted this, I did more research as well as placed a call to the IRS. The International 'line' (267 941 1000/opt 4/opt 4) is not that familiar with the form 8938 that needs to be filled in for RRSPs, however that is what I was told in regards to RRSPs. I also found abit more info on Serbinski about this form 8938. (I was going to register on Serbinski to ask questions but was afraid of getting user nelson something. User sounds like he is very familiar with all of this however he is a bit of a jerk in his responses. Wonder if he thinks reading through thousands of posts would really be helpful in getting the right answers.) . Anyways, IRS wants to know about the RRSPs but supposedly we won't be taxed, unless you took money out of it.

As part of the 'green card test', a resident needs to report all worldly(aka foreign) income which would include any interest generated from Savings account/ TFSAs/ EI.

Yea, I sent an email to the last TD banker I dealt with to find out what my TFSA is about . All I know is that it is called High Interest TFSA. Hopefully she will reply soon. Tried to call the TD line but after being on hold for a long time, I hung up.

This Canada T1 Departure Return.. is that for US filing or for Canada?

I read about FBAR filing. I will have to pass this along to my husband's tax accountant.

I will keep that lady's name in mind as well.

Thanks for your reply.

ps: I like your 'hasta la vista, USCIS' however we are not done with them until after ROC. Like my interviewer said, our GC is like a 2yr probation.HA

The T1 Departure Return was for Canadian filing.

Haha yeah, exactly why I said "hasta la vista" (until the next sighting), though I can't wait for the day I'm done with them for good!

Hi, I see no one replied which sucks. I am going through the same thing now. What did you ended up doing?

I tried to go through Serbinski .. and that is a headache as there is soooo much old stuff out there and it is hard to keep track of what is what.

My husband has a tax guy but he is not an international tax person as far as I know. US gets their tax receipts early while Canada is 1 mth later.

Background: Worked in Canada Jan/Feb 2015. Left Canada Apr 1 2015. Got married end of Apr 2015. GC Oct 2015. I left my RRSPs in Canada. I have a TFSA which I too am using as money in the US. Man, I just read about TFSA and how it should be closed out as it could be taxed by the US?!! I don't want to bring all of it over at once. I bank with TD and I have yet to see any tax receipts from them. They said that if any account does not make more than 50$, no receipt is sent out.

My TFSA was like yours and I don't believe I ever got a tax receipt for that.

This year for CDN taxes, I will be doing a departure tax return as tax return was done before I left.. I understand I will claim jan/feb 2015 for Cdn taxes and that is about it. I checked with CRA and they said this was ok/ I file as a regular tax form and that I also need to enter my exit date. As I am not making contributions to RRSPs, I was told that there is no tax receipts .

For US taxes .. I am not sure what needs to be claimed on my husband's tax form.

1)Since we became a married couple half way, we should be able to claim as a married couple ,right?

2)I am collecting EI ( as of oct 2015) and that needs to be claimed as foreign/other income, right?

3)Do I need to send in my RRSPs? I heard that unless I have a US income, only(?) then RRSPs needs to be told about or is that incorrect?

4)If RRSPs needs to be declared, I presume you will have to do the same with TFSA and your regular savings/chequing accounts????

5) for #3/4, just send in statements or printouts of the amounts? I did read that I won't be taxed on these .. US wants to ONLY know of them?!

Would appreciate any information that you can provide. Thanks.

Hey there tdotca!

First and foremost, I know the frustration-- as I spent countless hours on IRS/CRA websites and international tax forums trying to find my answers. Eventually I came across a debate on LinkedIn between a few international tax experts regarding the proper way to handle Canadian TFSA's. I contacted the lady by phone and she REALLY knew her stuff regarding the matter; she probably spent nearly an hour answering all of my questions. I would highly recommend her services, as she's very reasonably priced for her expertise (not much more than what a tax preparer charges). Her name is Mary Beth Lougen, of Amexpattax (first thing to come up in Google). I seriously can't recommend her enough.

As far as what I did, we determined that in my personal circumstance my TFSA was not classified as a "trust", so there was no need to file Forms 3520 & 3520-A. Basically from what I understand, if you're unable to purchase mutual funds within the TFSA then it isn't considered a trust-- but if you are able to, then it is. A simple call to the bank solved that issue for me.

So for me all I needed to file was:

- Joint 1040 w/ a schedule B to report TFSA interest earned

- Canada T1 Departure Return

- FinCen Report 114 - FBAR (filed separately with department of treasury)

I'll be perfectly honest, I have no idea about RRSP's or EI-- but give Mary Beth a call, I PROMISE you won't regret it.

Received the EAD/AP renewal biometrics appointment letter today. Sigh...and I liked the picture on my original combo card so much At least SOMETHING is moving quickly.

Not all hope is lost my friend! I went to my biometrics appointment for the renewal EAD/AP, but my green card was accepted and processed before any further movement with the EAD/AP-- and they still used my picture from the FIRST biometrics appointment I took last year.

GUESS WHAT - I was traveling on business and when I got off the plane, I got the miracle text -- we got our GC approved May 8th. See our timeline for info -- it took us approximately 13 months from filing AOS, an RFE for a follow-up medical - but we are approved! Thank God!

Thank you to everyone participating in this forum, it has helped us understand so much along the way - the process, the delays, knowing we weren't alone, etc....and to all still waiting, hang in there...the good news finally comes...

Congratulations!!

And what a pretty little green card it is, too...

I'll admit.. I was fascinated by the black strip on the back!

I never had to take a test either, but...they did issue me a license based on my visa, which expired the day I got it, then had to wait for EAD to come through and they would only issue a license till that expires.

I have USPS verification that my RFE response ahs been received in California so now I wait again. I had a panic attack trying to remember if I included one thing. I am sure I did, just one of those moments you know? COME ON GREEN CARD!!!

It won't be long now!

Just received a test saying case status change. Logged in and low and behold ta da! A RFE has been sent to you and account is suspended until they receive the evidence! So now waiting until we get it in the mail to see what we have to do.

WOOO!! MovinOn seeing some MOVEMENT!! At this point, I've just come to expect everyone receiving an RFE for their medical. You're almost there!!

I got my card in the mail today; I probably sat at my table staring at the stupid thing for 15 minutes. The past 2 and a half years of my life, filled with restless nights and unbelievable amounts of stress.. all for that little card.

So you have did not have to take both tests?

My husband took both tests and received a 4 year DL.

A 4 year DL, nice !

Nope, I never had to take a test of any kind (driving nor written).

Maybe because he is from Canada?? They were having a hard time figuring out it he needed to take the behind the wheel because he has a Canadian license then decided that he did need to take that test, So I don't know. Strange.

The DMV I went to said that they have some sort of arrangement with Canada and that we don't need to take a test, accepted on the spot-- however, my license expires with my EAD.

Were you asked for a new medical? How long did it take before you got a response from them since you mailed the RFE?

Yes, I was asked for a new medical/updated vaccinations as well as proof of on-going marriage. I mailed my response off with priority 2-day shipping on Thursday April 23rd, but silly me forgot that many USCIS offices are closed on weekends, so the package was delayed and arrived on Monday April 27th-- and then my card was ordered for production on Thursday April 30th . I wrote in big bold letters "RE: Request for Evidence" on my envelope hoping it would get sorted quicker haha . And then today, I just received an update that the card is being mailed to me. I logged into my USCIS account and still don't see a way to track it though. Trying to find that out now!

CONGRATULATIONS!! You bypasses the RFE gauntlet that has beset the thread...You GC and my birthday, IT'S TIME TO PARTY!!

Happy belated birthday nlhernan!

Today's my birthday, I miss my family more than anything but I don't miss Australia. I hope everyone is having a great day! Looking forward to seeing more approvals.

Happy birthday sweetswinks!

For the people having to redo a medical, do we just use the I-693 form that expired 01/31/2015 since they offer no newer version?

Yeah ours had the same expiry, and we had no problems. The updated one still doesn't appear to be available yet.

my gc is coming to town... Oh good Lord thank you soo much..... June filer here did 2 SR and called USCIS once..

Card Was Ordered To Be Produced

On May 4, 2015, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number MSC1491238xxx, and will mail it to the address you gave us. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Congratulations to you and your daughter!!

I was having a pretty cruddy day. Pulled muscles in my leg, shoulder and back. And then I did my periodic Friday check on the USCIS Website.

"Your card has been ordered for production.

My filing date was 05/28/2014 and my NOA1 was 06/03/2014 with a 09/10/2014 NPIW.

Wow.

In shock....

Congratulations!!

So my status hasn't changed but i checked the mail this morning and got a request for a new medical, the peticioners 2014 tax return and for some reason, childrens birth cirtificates. My kids didn'timmigrate with me, and his daughter is 18 so not sure why they need those. I am so angry. They delayed the case for 6 months while they have a "workflow delay nota ssociated with my case" and I have 87 days to get this back to them or they will rescess my "approved application"

and Dr Chima checked off "incomplete on my immunizations even thugh he gave me the one I was missing, thus completing all my immunizations. I am so frustrated. I am still sending in my renewal for EAD as well, and hopefully get my medical next week so this can all be done asap. and my case is sitting in California.

Are you sure they want your children's birth certificates specifically? Or are they just asking you to provide proof of on-going relationship? The reason I ask is I received an RFE for a new medical, and proof of on-going relationship, and in the list of examples of supporting evidence on my RFE they listed children's birth certificate as an option (I don't have children). Point being, they might not need that piece of evidence specifically but were just giving an example of things you can provide as proof.

I don't think they'll help since everything is electronic forms.

OP - no you do NOT send any documents to the consulate. Just the filled out and signed form, the photocopy of the bio data page, and the confirmation of the DS-160. That's it.

You don't check anything, just sign it by the way.. the lines are more like bullets.

They do

-

instead of

Oh wow, all electronic? That's a huge change! Probably a good thing since most people never actually received Packet 3 from Montreal (myself included).

Hi there!

I remember these google drive documents someone made REALLY helped me in assembling my Packet 3. I'm not sure if it's updated to today's standards (so still do your due diligence) but it worked for me when I filled mine out in September 2013.

Hope it helps you too

http://docs.google.com/document/d/1YPyYVB3A_-EHgO2k6X5WgKg5Jtb04pgRubg9SeiHNzI/edit?pli=1

http://docs.google.com/document/d/1pnWMqmD3EtoTh5Q_cCgawHzfvreX5EjX7OULEAckYQc/edit?pli=1

We just called USCIS to check on the status of our case, and we were told that the Field office from our area is working on cases from August and we are July filers. He said he would make a service request. I think they forgot about us...

Hi there! You can pretty much disregard what your local field office is up to. Interview waiver cases can end up at any field office around the country-- we're "special"! So don't be worrying about your case. It's most likely in the right place. Right now a lot of April-May 2014 cases are being processed, and the average wait time seems to be 1 year. Seeing that you filed in July, you may have a few more months of waiting to go yet. Keep track of your dates, and file for EAD renewal 120 days before its expiry (no sooner). Welcome to the club!

CONGRATS!!

Thank you! Keep hanging in there, not much longer for you and your husband!

Congratulations!! And GREAT picture! haha

Thank you! Haha, the picture perfectly described how we felt

WHOOP, WHOOP!!! Congratulations!!! About bloody time! Go celebrate and enjoy this moment, so pleased for you both!! Doing a "Happy Dance". NEXT.......

Thanks Shell, my thoughts exactly! We celebrated hard with some Japanese food! YUM

OMG! Out of the blue comes GREEN! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks Nlhernan! I just realized beneath your avatar picture, it still says Adjustment of Status (Pending)-- what are you waiting for man!? I absolutely couldn't wait to change mine haha!

Wait! What?? Did I miss something?? This is so subtle!!! hahaha jk jk jk!!!

FANTASTIC!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Good for YOU!!!!

Bahaha, just a wee bit subtle ! To be honest I had no idea the image was going to be that large until I posted it-- but then it just made it 10x more hilarious haha

Thanks friend! I know we've been all saying it awhile now-- and you may be tired of hearing it-- BUT YOURS IS COMING SOON!!

WOAH GUYS-- I JUST GOT THE TEXT TOO!! CARD IS IN FREAKING PRODUCTION!!!

Oh my gooooosh!! Calling the bride right now!!

Filed an inquiry About two weeks ago, received a letter this Monday stating they had just received our paperwork in Atlanta. Over the past 30 minutes, received email and text notifications of card production for my wife and son!

Woohoo

FINALLY !!! THANK YOU JESUS

On April 24, 2015, we registered your permanent resident status and mailed you a Welcome Notice. Your new permanent resident card should arrive by June 23, 2015

Congratulations BuvRahl & Nette_Valdi!!! :D

MovinOn do we know the approximate number of people waiting for one year or more? Is it just 4 of us or are there more?

I think two guys on the forum/thread are working on some kind of chart/spreadsheet. I don't know how we could find out on visajourney how many people are still waiting from March. I know Cahrie is, Movin On, Rebor, Nat and Mark are and with you I think that is 5?

1 year, 21 days over here! USCIS received my RFE response (for the expired medical and proof of on-going marriage) as of yesterday. Hoping to hear from them soon!

It finally happened!!! OMG!!! My wife's status changed to

Card Was Ordered To Be Produced

Guys, Just checked the Case status website to try my luck.. and

"Card Was Ordered To Be Produced"

I received Interview waiver notice received 9/10/2014.

light is at the end of the tunnel! Keep the momentum going! More greens!!

Congratulations Camtor and Sapporog!

Hi everyone,

I hope we are all doing well. I checked my USCIS CASE STATUS and it read " My new card is being produced...On April 25, 2015, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number MSCxxxxxxxxxx, and will mail it to the address you gave us.....". I made a service request on 6th April as 6months from recieiving the NPIW Letter passed. This process took 9 months from filing to get to this stage, I am looking forward to receiving the green card timely. How long does it take after this notice anyway?

All other VJ Community users waiting hang in there! There is a light at the end of the tunnel after all. Congratulations to all other approvals.

Hello! Everyone I was following this topic for few months now filled my AOS in end of June 2014 NPIW September 23rd 2014. I called USCIS 2 weeks ago spoke to the agent she checked my case status saying my case is out of time frame n checked which city I applied from and she assured me that she is going to contact the agent who is working on my case with notification.. And I checked my case status today online x

New Card Is Being Produced

On April 25, 2015, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number MSCxxxxxxxxxxxxx and will mail it to the address you gave us. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Yehhhhh party time..???

Congratulations Faith & Anyone!!

We received possible interview waiver letter on February 18th and it says on this letter that it will take 6mo more from the date on this letter to be processed. ...that can't be true....because we have already been waiting 6mo since October 14, 2014....it too much....time..what yall think? ??

Hey there, this is actually quite normal for interview waiver recipients. Join the rest of the club over here at the official thread; there's hundreds of us

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/541331-notice-of-potential-interview-waiver-case-part-ii/

Hi guys!

New to the club...I have just received my NPIW letter and apparently have to wait for months...

Stupid question, I see some people here with predicted dates, where do you get this date?

Welcome to the club! The predicted date thing is just a game many members of this thread play. It should really be changed from "predicted date" to something less official like "NPIW Club Guessing Game" or something haha

Green at last, green at last, thank god almighty, green card at last!!

Just got the e-mail notification this morning that her green card is finally approved and on it's way. Just a week shy of a FULL @#%&*!! YEAR after we filed but hey, who's counting? So happy to be one step closer towards never dealing with USCIS again.

To everyone still waiting, hang in there. I know how terrible it seems at times, but it's worth the wait.

Wooo!! Congratulations!

Hi guys, first post from me in a long time. Just letting you guys know my timeline so far

Filed early June not sure on the exact date.

NOA1 mailed on June 12th

Interview waiver letter sent out on September 25th

Up until April 21st it just told me it has received my fingerprint fee stuff

On April 22nd it updated to

Welcome Notice Was Mailed

On April 22, 2015, we registered your permanent resident status and mailed you a Welcome Notice for Receipt Number MSC omitted. Please follow the instructions in the notice. Your new permanent resident card should arrive by June 21, 2015, after this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

If it's of any importance even though it says MSC my case was supposedly transferred to the Nebraska service centre a loooong time ago.

Hope this is useful for some of you.

Congratulations to you and your spouse!

Why would they want another blood test for syphillis? Do they think that we would suddenly contract it after having a test with the original medical? Which would then mean they thought we slept around, which I find rather insulting. TB skin test when we have already had out TB jab? Doesnt make any sense. I hope they don't check our genital parts again. I am a woman and remain one, not suddenly sprouted anything since my last medical! )

LOL well that's good news! Nothing's fallen off yet on my end