CM11

HELP!

- I POE'd on Sept 18/13 and did check for auto application for my SSN

- by Oct 17, I had not received anything so I went to my local SSA office; they didn't see a processed SSN so I filled out the form to apply for a new one; they gave me the printout saying it could take up to 4 weeks as my status has to be verified by Dept of Homeland Security before a SSN can be processed

- fast forward to early-Dec and still nothing; person at SSA office says there was a problem verifying me electronically so I had to be verified via a form, called the G845; they say it's sent to DHS, who then sends it back advising if verified or not

- up to today, still nothing so I go see my local USCIS office who (surprise, surprise) can't do anything for me

- I call my local SSA office and ask to speak with manager; she confirms that the G845 form was sent to DHS on Dec 3 but they haven't replied back; she says that they've tried following up with them but still nothing

How could this be??? It seems that DHS can take their sweet time without being accountable to anybody or to anyone service guidelines. Is there something I can do? I've accepted a job back in Nov and was supposed to start Dec but can't as I can't write my exams necessary for the job until I have my SSN...so frustrating!!!

One more thing: I haven't paid my $165 immigration fee via ELIS yet (doing it tonight). Could this be why I couldn't be verified electronically by SSA? If yes, once this fee is processed and my Green Card is generated, would SSA be able to verify my electronically?

HELP!

- I POE'd on Sept 18/13 and did check for auto application for my SSN

- by Oct 17, I had not received anything so I went to my local SSA office; they didn't see a processed SSN so I filled out the form to apply for a new one; they gave me the printout saying it could take up to 4 weeks as my status has to be verified by Dept of Homeland Security before a SSN can be processed

- fast forward to early-Dec and still nothing; person at SSA office says there was a problem verifying me electronically so I had to be verified via a form, called the G845; they say it's sent to DHS, who then sends it back advising if verified or not

- up to today, still nothing so I go see my local USCIS office who (surprise, surprise) can't do anything for me

- I call my local SSA office and ask to speak with manager; she confirms that the G845 form was sent to DHS on Dec 3 but they haven't replied back; she says that they've tried following up with them but still nothing

How could this be??? It seems that DHS can take their sweet time without being accountable to anybody or to anyone service guidelines. Is there something I can do? I've accepted a job back in Nov and was supposed to start Dec but can't as I can't write my exams necessary for the job until I have my SSN...so frustrating!!!

I POE'd on Sept 18 and during the IR-1 application, I checked to apply for SSN automatically. By mid-Oct, still no SSN so I went in on Oct 17 and applied for one. 7 weeks later and apparently, Homeland Security is still verifying!!! It's ridiculous...anyone else experiencing this? I've checked the status about 10 times now with my local SSN office, but they can't do anything until Homeland Security verifies that my green card is legit.

For those that opted to apply for SSN automatically, how long did it take to acquire the number and/or receive the physical card from POE?

I POE'd on Sept 18 and I checked with the SSN office last Friday but still nothing showing up as being processed. I don't know if this is usual processing time or if it's because of the current govt shutdown.

You only need to pay the fee before you send in your AOS package once you are married. Don't waste your money until you are ready to begin that process. Green card fees have nothing to do with POE.

Worry about your I-94. If you are flying it will be done on-line and you may have to go to a deferred location. If you are driving make sure you get the white paper copy.

Umm, that's not accurate advice. For CR/IR1 applicants, AOS fee is separate from the Green Card fee. Once the Consulate approves the application and the temporary is processed, you can log in and pay the Green Card fee. However, you can also wait until you receive the bill after you POE, as the temporary is good for 1 year. You won't get your actual Green Card until this fee is paid.

If your case completed Sept 17, expect an interview date in November (mid to end). You should get the email next week.

Loomis picked up on Monday and arrived in Burnaby location Tues night...picked up Wednesday!

I received the email from Loomis yesterday, saying that my passport was picked up from Lachine yesterday at 7:25pm. It's going to the Burnaby Loomis location. Is it a 2-day shipment?

When I was approved, all the Consulate provided was a 1pg welcome letter but didn't mention anything about having to pay the Green Card fee. Does this fee apply to all who are approved?

As well, what should I expect when I cross POE? My wife and I will be moving all of our stuff via a uhaul truck and we have a list of all the stuff we'll be bringing. Anything else to prepare?

Well the big day was today and I'm ecstatic to say that I'm approved. The interview wasn't a smooth one, but thanks to VJ and knowing to be overly prepared, end result was approval.

From airport:

As some have already mentioned, taking a cab from the airport will cost you $40. A cheaper way is to take the 747 bus, which only costs $9. It's meant to take luggage, so it's not a hassle at all to take it with all of your bags. Just google it before you leave home, to ensure you know the route and that your hotel is walking distance from Rene Levesque (which is the main road that the bus goes down).

Hotel:

I wanted something very cheap, so I picked Hotel des Arms on St. Dominique and Rue Ontario (Latin Quarter area). It was $70/night for Tues-Fri. Wifi is included, but at peak times, it's slower than dial-up. Continental breakfast was also included (toast, bagels, cereal, and croissants). It's about a 20mins walk to Old Montreal and about 20mins to Mont Royal Park. Within about a 10mins walk are very vibrant neighbourhoods (Rue Prince Arthur E and Rue St. Denis). Those are the good. The bad: you get what you pay for. The room was ok; stains on the carpet. The hallway smells old and a little dirty. Would I stay here again? If I was on a budget, yes.

Interview day:

Planned to be at the Consulate by 7am, so had a coffee at Tim Hortons at 630 (located on Rue Bleury near Boul Maissonneuve). From there, Consulate is a 5mins walk. Got there just before 7 and I was first in line. They let us in about 730 and by then, there were 4 people in line. There was no reception asking for passport, interview letter, and/or loomis registration but instead, straight through security. Once passed that, directed us to the door on the left, which leads downstairs. Sat right beside the elevator and waited til about 8. Guard came and asked us to form a line in front of the elevator and of course, go in and occupy the rear left. Door opens and turn left towards sign that says "14a/14b". Waited here about 5mins and lady there gave me C1 ticket. We were directed to sit and wait on the other end, til our number was called. C2 was actually called before me (who were a nice couple and she frequents VJ as well). C1 was called to Window 1 and here, lady verified all of my info and asked for my originals. This took about 10mins for me. I was instructed to sit back down and wait for C1 to be called again.

Interview:

I was interviewed by a very nice guy, who alleviated a little of my nervousness. I swore the oath and then another fingerprint. Now this where my interview could have ended up with a delay in approval. He thumbed through all of my documents and then asked, "Did you bring a joint sponsor?". So I said no. The question threw me off, as joint sponsors are only needed if income or assets required can't be met between the petitioner and the beneficiary. But I didn't want to interrupt the process, so I didn't say anything else. He asked me what I did for a living, how did my wife and I meet, and why I want to move to the US. Meanwhile, he's typing and looking through the documents.

Finally, he said that he's delaying approval because of 2 reasons: we didn't meet the income requirements of the AOS and we also didn't show my wife's domicile. I was floored...and livid. He went on to further explain that since income wasn't met, I can provide assets, so long as they're within easy access and is at least 3 times the income requirement amount. I was fuming inside, as I submitted proof of assets that was 5 times the income requirement. But I held my composure and asked why the savings statement I sent in wasn't being used. He said he didn't see that. I told him I submitted it to NVC (which is how they approved the AOS!) but thank goodness, I brought a copy with me. So I presented it to this, he looks it over, and says yes, that will work.

He then starts talking about the domicile and what types of documents to provide. So I asked him if a document from a school confirming my wife's registration, schedule, and tuition paid would work. He says yes. I told him that I submitted all of that, which of course he doesn't have. So again, thank goodness I brought copies with me and provided it to him. He says yes, those are perfect. He commended me on being prepared and having all of those on hand. He types more and asks me if I've had any troubles crossing the border before. He also asked if I've had any legal problems, arrests, or convictions. Finally, after another 5mins, he says those sweet, sweet words: "I'm approving your Green Card application". He says more stuff after but after that roller coaster interview, I tuned out and was too excited to listen.

In summary:

Many people say that the interview is easy and is more of a formality. I agree but only to a certain degree...if you are not overly prepared, the interview can be very frustrating. Keep copies of everything you submitted to NVC and bring ALL of those to your interview. When it comes to AOS evidence and domicile evidence, bring as much evidence as you can, EVEN IF NVC approved both already. If you submitted 3 documents for each, but you think bringing 3 more might help, BRING THEM. Be overly prepared and the interview is a piece of cake.

My process started in February of this year and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This forum was tremendous in providing info and I'm so happy that I stumbled upon it early on. Thank you to those who's posted before with your info and to those who answered the many questions I had. I apologize for the long post, but I just wanted to return the favour by those who have helped me by doing this exact thing. God bless those who are starting the process and wish you the best!

This seems to be the general sentiment, that the interview is quite easy. T minus 10 hours for me and hopefully I can agree lol. For now, just a little nervous :s

My interview is before you on Wednesday. I am off to Montreal tomorrow morning. I am twice as nervous, but singing a soothing song really helps with calming my nerves, lol (just a tip). Good luck to you. Hope we both have a good news to share soon

I'll try the singing (I'm willing to try anything at this point) but it'll have to be my inside voice as I can't sing to save my life lol. I wish you the best of luck as well!

Off to Montreal tomorrow bright and early and nerves are already starting to kick in lol...I can't imagine how I'll be feeling Thurs night and especially Fri morning. Triple checked that I have everything, so I guess I just have to leave it in God's will now. I can't wait til this is all done!

So my interview date is on Sept 13 and just making sure everything that needs to be done is done. My medical is this Wednesday and I've signed up for Loomis...anything else I need to do? By the way, after signing up for Loomis, anything else I need to do on that front?

Why is this thread not closed yet? This has nothing to do with Visa Journey, IMHO.

I do have US Visa and am Canadian Citizen. Can I tell the customs that I am moving to the US? If so, what documentation do I have to provide?

What type of Visa do you have?

I think you're missing a very important point: you can't just move your furniture to the US UNLESS you are moving there under a US immigrant visa.

A moving company will NOT do it for you unless, again, you are moving there under a US immigrant visa. If you try doing it yourself, whether you're with your US-citizen brother or not, Customs will ask why you're moving your stuff there. If all you can tell them is that you want to store it there for 6 months while you're in the UK, they will tell you to turn around.

If you don't like the answers that you're being provided, then go ahead and try to move it there. Rent a U-Haul truck and try it. It'll be fun.

You indicated that you're moving from Canada to the UK? Did you mean US?

You can only move your stuff to the US duty-free if you are going there on an immigrant visa (or if you're a USC). If so, you just need to cross with your Visa/US passport and provide a list of your stuff (you have up to 10yrs to move your stuff, duty-free).

If you're really moving to the UK, I take it you don't have an immigrant visa to the US...which means you'll probably get questioned a lot as to why you're moving furniture to the US (they may think you are moving there illegally) and IF they do allow you, I'm pretty sure they'll charge duty.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=aa290a5659083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextoid=aa290a5659083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

Since you're still early in the processing, I urge you to read as many threads in here as possible. Use the search button for any questions you may have and if still unclear, post your question on here. As well, read the "shortcuts" under the Guides section...those 2 were written awhile back, but still gives you an idea of the steps to follow.

Does anyone know if companies prefer that you have the physical Green Card and SSN before applying for jobs?

Or is simply receiving the Visa good enough to start the interview/hiring process? (And provide Green Card and SSN later)

Yeah, it is insane. I have visa in hand in BC literally 24 hours after I left the Consulate in Montreal.

Congrats! And that's very comforting to know, that it's pretty quick to receive your Visa after the interview. I'm in Vancouver and chose to have it sent to Burnaby. Interview is on Sept 13 (Friday) and I booked a U-Haul truck for Thurs, Sept 19, so hopefully it all works out.

I can't wait to feel the relief and happiness you no doubt felt!

The people who were waiting in Montreal were doing so as they were just continuing on their travels south and had it delivered to a Loomis location in Montreal.

Just to be perfectly clear though. You are only receiving your passport with your CR-1 Visa in it, not your Green Card.

That will come some time after POE and you pay the Immigrant Fee. I POEd on the 14th and am still waiting for my Green Card & SSN to arrive.

Yes, sorry, that's what I meant...my Visa. I ended up booking a flight home for the evening after my interview. I requested to have the Visa sent to Burnaby, so I can just pick up. I hope it's quick to get there after the interview.

I received my interview date today, for Fri, Sept 13. I've been reading that most people wait in Montreal after the interview, as it takes 2 business days for the green card to be ready.

Is this recommended or would be ok to come home to Vancouver and just receive it via courier? If so, how long will that take?

Awhile ago, someone had provided me a link to a guide of the CR1 process, from start to finish. It's NOT the shortcuts that are in the Guides section. For the life of me, I can't find that thread...anyone know what I'm talking about? It was a very well written guide, providing step by step instructions.

Congrats! You got your NOA2 in a little over a month?! Wow! what's the secret?

All the best in the final stage of your journey!

Haha I was actually very surprised that getting NOA2 was received that quickly...we were budgeting that that part was going to take 6-8 months. Thank goodness we were wrong

And thanks...I think the worst wait is over, all the anticipation of whether or not enough documents were sent in or if I forgot to fill out a certain space on a form.