Jenny and Ryan

we filed our I751 on May 20, 2016 CSC and new card was ordered on March 30, 2017. We submitted case requests online and over the phone, also went to infopasses couple of times. I guess it may helped.
 
I want to say thanks for everyone on VJ. It's been a long rough journey for us since K-1 visa. I don't know how can we went through the whole immigration process without VJ. Again thanks for everyone who made posts and left comments here. Anytime if I have questions, I always come to this website for answers which saved us thousands dollars lawyer fees. I really would like to make some donation to VJ website. Could someone tell me how to contribute to this website? thanks for making this website so great!
 
P.S: I decided not to file for N-400 naturalization and just keep renew my green card every 10 years. Wish everyone's application go as smoothly as possible. 
 
 

we filed our I751 on May 20, 2016 CSC and new card was ordered on March 30, 2017. We submitted case requests online and over the phone, also went to infopasses couple of times. I guess it may helped.
 
I want to say thanks for everyone on VJ. It's been a long rough journey for us since K-1 visa. I don't know how can we went through the whole immigration process without VJ. Again thanks for everyone who made posts and left comments here. Anytime if I have questions, I always come to this website for answers which saved us thousands dollars lawyer fees. I really would like to make some donation to VJ website. Could someone tell me how to contribute to this website? thanks for making this website so great!
 
P.S: I decided not to file for N-400 naturalization and just keep renew my green card every 10 years. Wish everyone's application go as smoothly as possible. 
 
 

Hi Everyone,
This website has helped me through my AOS process and I just want to share my experience with you all and maybe I can help people who are going through what I went through to get my green card. I just received my green card today and couldn't be happier! Here is my story. I was brought to the U.S. as a child on a tourist visa that had expired 25 years ago. Been living here illegally and afraid to come out of the shadow ever since. Eight years ago I met my future wife, we started dating and we got married last year. The first 7 years our relationship, she didn't know about my illegal status as I was too embarrased to tell her. Well I finally worked up the courage to tell her about it and here is the timeline of our journey through the AOS process which was very quick and very painless:
10/12/2013: Got married in Vegas (my wife is a U.S. Citizen)
2/21/2014: Sent in my AOS packet to the Chicago lockbox, USPS certified mail (I-130, I-765, I-485)
**Tip: do not staple any of the paperwork, just use paperclips. It makes it easier for the folks at the USCIS to look through them. We got complimented on how neat and organized our packet was**
2/24/2014: Notification from the USPS that my package was delivered
3/2/2014: Received an e-mail notification from the USCIS that they have received our packet
3/8/2014: Received a letter for a biometric (fingerprints, picture) appointment for 3/26/2014
3/26/2014: Went in for my biometric at 8:00am, was out of there by 8:20am
4/11/2014: Received a notice for an interview for 5/13/2014
5/5/2014: Noticed of my I-765 (EAD) approval
5/9/2014: Received my EAD
5/13/2014: THE BIG DAY, our interview at 12:30pm (San Francisco office), was approved on the spot
5/17/2014: Received welcome letter. Status on the website changed to 'card production'
5/19/2014: Received a notice on the website that my green card has been sent out
5/20/2014: RECEIVED MY GREEN CARD!!!!!
It only took us 89 days from the packet being sent to receiving my green card which I find to be relatively fast and it was extremely painless. Everyone from the biometric place to the Immigration Officer who interviewed us were very professional, helpful, and friendly.
From my experience, as long as you have nothing to hide, your marriage is legit, and you have all your paperwork organized then you have nothing to worry about. We live in San Francisco, and in a city with so many immigrants I thought our case would take much longer but as you can see it took less than 3 months to complete the process.
I don't want to bore you with all the little details but please feel free to ask me any questions and I will try to help answer them and give you an insight of what we did, and how we did it. If you have questions about our interview experience please let me know and I'd be more than happy to answer them. Again, this site has helped me tremendously at the beginning and throughout my journey so I just want to pay it forward.
Good luck to you all

Today, we went in for my wife's interview for her AOS, we were quite nervous. Overall we had nothing with our names together, not even bank statements together.
Things that we brought to our interview:
Letter of AOS interview appointment
Photos of us together (never asked for)
My citizenship certificate (interviewer made copy)
My wife's passport, state ID and social security card.
My ID

We went in and the interviewer asked for our Identification cards and my wife's passport, she than asked how am I a citizen, whether I was born in America or what not? I provided her with my original citizenship certificate and told her I became a US citizen through my parents. The interviewer made a copy of it and than started asking my wife questions going through all the questions on the I-485 form asking my wife about all the information provided on our original form we submitted. Asked my wife what her parents names were, where was she born? and such and went down the list than reviewed the yes/no questions with my wife.
After that she questioned if we have any other evidence or something with both our names on it together, I told her that we rent from my brother so I don't have any lease or bills in both our names. I explained to her that my wife isn't on my health insurance from work due to me having to wait until our next annual enrollment to get my wife on there. The interviewer was understanding and said that its okay because we recently just got married so she can understand why we wouldn't be able to provide additional evidence.

I was asked about where I worked and how long I've worked there, than after that she looked at me and said that we are approved and should wait 2-4 weeks for the green card to be sent out in the mail.
Our experience was good and the interviewing officer was nice and understanding, even took the time to explain some questions on the I-485 forms to my wife since my wife's english isn't that good yet. The interviewing officer told us that after 2 years when we apply for the extension for my wife's green card, we should use this time to get evidence of our marriage, bank accounts together, health insurance plans and so on. I thought I would take the time to share this and goodluck to all.

California
City/ Town: San Jose
Date of Service: 11/08/09
CS Name: Dr. Albert A. Gomez - Meridian Medical Group
CS Tel. no: Ph: (408) 729 5800 (1644 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116)
Cost: $10 (Just for transcription - all vacc. up to date)
Vaccine Transcription only available: y
Turnaround time: when we called, they asked to come (without appt) to give them biographic data and give a copy of a vaccination list; this can be also done by fax, which we did. Next day, come to sign the form, pay and get the sealed envelope.

You don't need to have another medical if you are applying for AOS within a year of your overseas medical examination. It is on page 5 of 9 of USCIS I-693 instructions.
I went to a civil surgeon recently to have my vaccines transcribe. After calling 5 different clinics/hospitals, I found one who said they can do transcriptions. However, when I went there, the CS told me that I have to do another medical exam just to make sure I'm healthy. I showed her the instruction page from the USCIS. I explained to her that I already did my medical, I came here with a K1 visa, and I just need her to look at my vaccination work sheets (DS-3025) and if there's a need for me to get another shot since my DS-3025 was marked incomplete. She told me she will do the transcriptions but will charge me with the same price she charge for a medical examination for immigration which is around $400. She didn't even look at me while she was talking, it just showed how racist she is. Despite how hard I tried explaining to her, she did not listen. So, I called my husband who was waiting outside, and told him about it, so he went inside the office and complained to the CS and staff as to why would we have to pay $400 if I don't need to get a medical exam. All we need is a transcription. I can get my vaccine shots at VA, but we just need to know if I need it or not. When they saw my husband in the uniform (he's in the military) the doctor and staff suddenly became nice and told us that we'll just need to go to VA to get my shots and come back with the paperwork stating that I had done my vaccines. Then she (the CS) will transcribe it . So we went to VA to get my shots, then went back to the CS clinic, gave her the vaccine sheet, she then transcribe and fill out the the page 1 of the form I-693, and put it in a sealed envelope. She gave us one personal copy too and charged us only for consultation and transcription which is way cheaper than the $400 she said. The insurance won't cover medical exams for immigration. So I suggest, do a little shopping around and find out which CS can do transcriptions without ripping you off. Print out those instruction page if you must just in case you might need it to show to the CS.

First of all big thanks for everyone on VJ. K-1 Visa is a very stressful process. We couldn't make it without everyone's help. I want to write my visa experience to share. Hopefully it will be useful for someone.
There is some background info. I born in mainland China and immigrated to Vancouver Canada with my parents when I was 17. My finance lives in San Francisco California.
Start from beginning, we have been preparing I-129 package for several months to get all forms and evidences. Until we were ready to send out, one of our form was expired. We didn't realized it until USCIS returned our whole package. Then we resend it by express mail, takes 20 days to get NOA1. When we were preparing for interview, we noticed that affidavit of Support form was expired Dec 2013, but they haven't posted the new one yet. Just double check it to make sure use the updated one.
The good thing about this visa process is we can check our status for each step on website. After NVC processing, CEAC website shows "Ready", we could email Vancouver Consulate immediately and ask them to send Packet 3 and Packet 4 by email. They would be happy to do it. Canada post was quite slow even within the city which took me 4 days to receive Packet 3 by mail. Vancouver Consulate is very efficient for replying their email within 2 days. If we haven't heard from them after 2 business days, resending them a reminder email attached with the original email. They will reply within an hour or two. Contacting them by email could finish Packet 3 and 4 within 2 - 3 days.
After we got green light to book the interview, go ahead create account and book the interview date right the way. Just save a spot, even the earliest interview date was 2 months away. Like others posting, we were checking interview schedule 3 times a day to see if there was an early date available. Make sure check it every morning first thing, more likely they will have spot open in the morning. We didn't book the medical exam until we got satisfy interview date.
When we got an earlier interview date, we tried to contact Dr Cheema. We sent them several emails in a day, but no reply. So start calling, after voice message, press "0". Waited for 15 mins, we were able to talk to their reception live. At that time, their office seems very slow. They added me in for an appointment in next 2 days. Their reception is pretty easy to talk with. Just tell her which date you want to come, more likely she can add you in. Their staff told me the best time to call is after 4:00 western time.
Medical exam - I was driving there on first day to do the medical exam and taking skytrain and bus to get the result. The clinic is in Surrey. If someone from out of town and stay in Downtown Vancouver close to Consulate. It could be a long trip for them. I say good traffic about an hour and rush hour about an hour and half or two driving. Skytrain won't take u there directly, need to get off at 22nd street skytrain station and take bus for half hour after get off skytrain. The blood test and X ray are not in the same build as clinic. It's about 10 mins driving distance.
For Vaccine record, I did blood test prior to the medical exam which took us 2 to 3 weeks to get result in BC Lab. I printed off the list of vaccine needs for medical exam on Dr Cheema's website and bring it to my family doctor. There is one thing to be aware of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella). My family doctor said 3 vaccines in one shoots, So he only marked Measles and Rubella for blood test. He thinks if I had 2 of 3, I must had all of them. However, Dr Cheema office needs to see all 3 vaccines listed on blood test result. I have to take MMR shoot again at Dr Cheema office since I don't have time to take another blood test. Dr Cheema is very nice and easy going, but he gave me the most hurt shoot I've ever had. I almost jump off the chair.
Interview - I went for interview by myself except all document I only bring a non digital watch. There is no clock and no bathroom on 20th floor. For the documents, I bring everything listed on VJ postings. I won't listed here again. Just for Affidavit of support, I bring my fiance current statement from employer, current bank statement, 4 payroll stubs, W2 for last year(haven't filled tax for 2013 yet), and past 3 years tax transcripts which can print off from IRS website. We thought we were over prepared, but they collected all of them. The interview was just a breeze, only 6 basic questions.
The only thing I mess up is police certificate from China. When I was 17 moved here with my parents, they did a criminal record check in China for me back in 1999. I thought since I left china in 1999 and never stay there more than 2 weeks after moving to Canada, it should be okay to use it for k-1 interview. Also on the Packet 3, they didn't say there was a time limit on police certificate. The consular staff was very detailed and thorough. She pointed out police certificate from china was dated in 99 which is too old and need an updated one. After getting an updated one, I went to consular office again to drop it (no need for second interview). They issued my visa last Friday. Happy ending~
Looking back the K-1 process, it was much faster than we expected. We were pretty careful with all documents and evidence, no RFE. The only thing we mess up is date. First out of date form in I-129 package, second out of date police certificate from China for interview. I just want to share my experience. Hopefully nobody makes same mistake like us. Also it's my way to say thanks to VJ.

First of all big thanks for everyone on VJ. K-1 Visa is a very stressful process. We couldn't make it without everyone's help. I want to write my visa experience to share. Hopefully it will be useful for someone.
There is some background info. I born in mainland China and immigrated to Vancouver Canada with my parents when I was 17. My finance lives in San Francisco California.
Start from beginning, we have been preparing I-129 package for several months to get all forms and evidences. Until we were ready to send out, one of our form was expired. We didn't realized it until USCIS returned our whole package. Then we resend it by express mail, takes 20 days to get NOA1. When we were preparing for interview, we noticed that affidavit of Support form was expired Dec 2013, but they haven't posted the new one yet. Just double check it to make sure use the updated one.
The good thing about this visa process is we can check our status for each step on website. After NVC processing, CEAC website shows "Ready", we could email Vancouver Consulate immediately and ask them to send Packet 3 and Packet 4 by email. They would be happy to do it. Canada post was quite slow even within the city which took me 4 days to receive Packet 3 by mail. Vancouver Consulate is very efficient for replying their email within 2 days. If we haven't heard from them after 2 business days, resending them a reminder email attached with the original email. They will reply within an hour or two. Contacting them by email could finish Packet 3 and 4 within 2 - 3 days.
After we got green light to book the interview, go ahead create account and book the interview date right the way. Just save a spot, even the earliest interview date was 2 months away. Like others posting, we were checking interview schedule 3 times a day to see if there was an early date available. Make sure check it every morning first thing, more likely they will have spot open in the morning. We didn't book the medical exam until we got satisfy interview date.
When we got an earlier interview date, we tried to contact Dr Cheema. We sent them several emails in a day, but no reply. So start calling, after voice message, press "0". Waited for 15 mins, we were able to talk to their reception live. At that time, their office seems very slow. They added me in for an appointment in next 2 days. Their reception is pretty easy to talk with. Just tell her which date you want to come, more likely she can add you in. Their staff told me the best time to call is after 4:00 western time.
Medical exam - I was driving there on first day to do the medical exam and taking skytrain and bus to get the result. The clinic is in Surrey. If someone from out of town and stay in Downtown Vancouver close to Consulate. It could be a long trip for them. I say good traffic about an hour and rush hour about an hour and half or two driving. Skytrain won't take u there directly, need to get off at 22nd street skytrain station and take bus for half hour after get off skytrain. The blood test and X ray are not in the same build as clinic. It's about 10 mins driving distance.
For Vaccine record, I did blood test prior to the medical exam which took us 2 to 3 weeks to get result in BC Lab. I printed off the list of vaccine needs for medical exam on Dr Cheema's website and bring it to my family doctor. There is one thing to be aware of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella). My family doctor said 3 vaccines in one shoots, So he only marked Measles and Rubella for blood test. He thinks if I had 2 of 3, I must had all of them. However, Dr Cheema office needs to see all 3 vaccines listed on blood test result. I have to take MMR shoot again at Dr Cheema office since I don't have time to take another blood test. Dr Cheema is very nice and easy going, but he gave me the most hurt shoot I've ever had. I almost jump off the chair.
Interview - I went for interview by myself except all document I only bring a non digital watch. There is no clock and no bathroom on 20th floor. For the documents, I bring everything listed on VJ postings. I won't listed here again. Just for Affidavit of support, I bring my fiance current statement from employer, current bank statement, 4 payroll stubs, W2 for last year(haven't filled tax for 2013 yet), and past 3 years tax transcripts which can print off from IRS website. We thought we were over prepared, but they collected all of them. The interview was just a breeze, only 6 basic questions.
The only thing I mess up is police certificate from China. When I was 17 moved here with my parents, they did a criminal record check in China for me back in 1999. I thought since I left china in 1999 and never stay there more than 2 weeks after moving to Canada, it should be okay to use it for k-1 interview. Also on the Packet 3, they didn't say there was a time limit on police certificate. The consular staff was very detailed and thorough. She pointed out police certificate from china was dated in 99 which is too old and need an updated one. After getting an updated one, I went to consular office again to drop it (no need for second interview). They issued my visa last Friday. Happy ending~
Looking back the K-1 process, it was much faster than we expected. We were pretty careful with all documents and evidence, no RFE. The only thing we mess up is date. First out of date form in I-129 package, second out of date police certificate from China for interview. I just want to share my experience. Hopefully nobody makes same mistake like us. Also it's my way to say thanks to VJ.

So I saw someone mention "wouldn't it be nice if someone wrote a Vancouver guide..." in another post and I thought, Hey - Why not! I borrowed heavily from Ralyse's Montreal Guide - so credit goes to her and the others involved in creating the Montreal guide. Hopefully this helps people out a bit. If not, PM me!
1. NOA2:
Cry and call everyone you know. The long part of the wait is over and now it’s time to get your butt to America. The next couple of months are easy if you are well prepared.
2. NVC/DOS:
You may contact them in regard to where your application is. I never did this so if anyone knows the instructions for Vancouver let me know. Otherwise I’ll assume they are the same for anyone. It took 28 days to receive my letter from the Vancouver Consulate from my NOA2 date.
3. Packet 3:
Part 1:
- Download Packet 3 from the Vancouver Consulate website. (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/pdfs/K1-K3-packet3.pdf)
- To communicate with the Vancouver Consulate e-mail is the best method. They generally reply within 2 business days. E-mail: Vancouverk@state.gov
- You can also fax them at 604.688.8537.
Part 2:
Complete and return immediately by fax form DS-230 Part I, Biographic Data. This form is accessible online. Fax to: 604.688.8537.
Part 3:
Obtain each of the following documents that are applicable to your case and for each non-U.S. citizen unmarried child under 21 who will accompany you to the United States. Bring a photocopy if you need your original back.
As you obtain each document check off the box found on your Packet 3. You will need:
- Passport (with 6 months validity)
- Medical Examination (As long as this is done before the Interview it’s okay!)
- Birth Certificates (must show that it is an extract from official records and must bear the seal of the issuing authority/must state the names of both parents)
- Evidence in Lieu of an Unobtainable Birth Certificate (if you can’t get a birth certificate you need other evidence) Eg: Baptismal certificate, hospital certificate, school recorts, notarized statement from a close relative.
- Marriage Certificate (this is for K3 visas only)
- Divorce and Death Certificates (if you or your fiancé(e) were previously married)
- Police Certificates
- Court and Prison Records
- Evidence of Support (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support)
- Photographs (5 identical passport photos). 3 are for your medical, 2 are for your Interview
- Custody (you must show you have sole custody of any children under 21 that will accompany you).
- Translations
- Form DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application (complete online and print 2 copies for your interview)
- Form DS-156K Non-Immigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application
4. Returning Packet 3:
Once you have collected all of the documents on the Packet 3 checklist you must fax ONLY the checklist back to the Vancouver Consulate (604.688.8537) *** Note: I had been in contact with the consulate via e-mail because I had issues booking my medical exam and never actually faxed this form back, instead they got annoyed with me and sent me Packet 4 via e-mail and I was able to book my Interview immediately.***
5. Wait:
Usually the Vancouver consulate will mail you Packet 4. Sometimes they e-mail it to you. I don’t know. West Coast is a bunch of unpredictable hippies.
6. Schedule your Interview:
Lucky for you, I have the inside scoop. Basically Packet 4 tells you to book your appointment. Easy. *Do not book your interview until you have received Packet 4 or have been told it is on its way*
“This office has received notification that you now have all of the required documents pertinent to your visa application, and you are ready to schedule your visa interview. To schedule an appointment, including rescheduling and canceling appointments, please visit http://canada.usvisa-info.com.'>http://canada.usvisa-info.com. All visa applicants, including children under the age of 14, must schedule an appointment.”
- Packet 4 also includes instructions on what to bring/what not to bring on the day of your interview. If you want the entire content of the e-mail I was sent I am happy to PM it to you.
- You can get an interview within 4-6 weeks (or less!) when I was doing all of this. In your face, Montreal! (kidding!)
7. Medical!:
Woking Medical makes the most sense for people going through Vancouver Consulate. Their website is http://www.wokingmedical.com/ . Their bark is worse than their bite, trust me. Their website is scary but just make sure you’ve done everything well in advance *VACCINATIONS* and you have nothing to worry about.
You could also go back East (copied from Ralyse’s Guide):
Dr. Seiden: http://panelphysicians.com/ (Toronto and Montreal)
Medisys: http://www.medisys.ca/ (Montreal)
8. Interview (The day has finally come!):
The Vancouver Consulate is notoriously easy. Just be prepared. Smile. Relax. I’ve written a review in great length somewhere in the Canada forums so if you want more information read that or PM me so I can ramble at you.
9. DHL:
The second biggest pain in the butt other than waiting for your NOA2. The staff at the Vancouver Consulate give extremely confusing and inaccurate instructions about how to get your Waybill. The waybill doesn’t show up until your passport has been processed and the Visa has been put in. If you left your e-mail DHL should send you updates/tracking numbers but they weren’t always accurate. Just keep logging into the http://canada.usvisa-info.com website until your waybill shows up. Easy, after logging into USCIS religiously for 5 months!
10. POE:
You can go to the US anytime once you get your passport back. Your Visa expires after 6 months and you can always check which day it is because it’s written on your Visa! Yay! Kathryn41 has written a great POE checklist here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/347629-moving-to-the-us-summary-list/
11. Get Married – within 90 days, of course. Then get ready to obsess over your AOS.

My medical was at 8:45am. I live in Abbotsford and it took just over an hour to get there as it is in the North Surrey/Delta area. The staff is very professional and they know what they're doing.
You will need to bring a letter from the consulate with your case number on it. I just printed off my e-mail. You will also need your passport, 1 2x2 passport photo and proof of all your vaccinations which they will take copies of. I was complimented for having everything all organized.
One of the office assistants will take your height and weight and Dr. Cheema will test your eyes, look in your throat/ears/eyes. He will ask you the basic questions: any history of heart disease/diabetes/mental illness/drugs etc., are you on medication...all the basics. Then if you're female (I don't know what the procedure is for men), they ask you to pull down your pants/undies to your mid-thigh and while a female assistant is in the room, he'll feel your abdomen and check for lumps in your armpits. It was all very quick and I almost felt like he was just going through the motions and ticking off his checklist as it was very fast. Oh yes, you'll get your blood pressure taken too.
After you pay the fee (275$, cash or debit only) at the front desk, you'll get the two requisitions for your blood test and chest x-ray. The building for those two is about 5 or so minutes up the road from the Dr's office. Parking is pretty competitive but it's free. The X-Ray clinic is on the first floor and my wait was less than 5 minutes. You'll get a smock to put on and they ask you to remove everything above the waist and you can bring your purse in to the X-Ray room. Piercings are fine (nipples, belly-button), just no necklaces and if you have long hair they'll ask if you can tie it back. It's quick and they double check that they got a good one before you can leave.
BC bio-labs are on the 2nd floor and if you're mid-morning expect around a half hour wait or so. Just remember to take a number from the machine as soon as you get in the door and then you can wait inside their smallish waiting room or out in the hall. They're very nice there and then I was done.
Dr. Cheema's office said I can pick up my results after 4:30pm the following day and their office is open until 6pm.
My only complaint about their office is their communication is pretty sporadic and a tad bit unprofessional. This probably comes from the fact that I do a lot of business e-mails and I'm always typing in full sentences etc. They're more likely to respond to your e-mail if you say you have an interview set up at the consulate. I would state the date of your interview and give them a time of when you'd like your medical exam. I asked to have mine on the 12th in the morning and they accommodated me.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me or ask in this thread. Cheers!