Cunuck waiting

Thanks! I'll cross my fingers that there is no delay.

I saved a good chuck but rent in Manhattan is not cheap. I am nervous about finding GOOD job prospects in such a competitive city.

Just want to hit the ground running and take some of the burden on my spouse financially.

I appreciate your input!

I had to go get the SSN after it not arriving for 3 weeks. I would wait at least 2 for it to arrive but it's up to you.

Green card takes 1-3 months. But your endorsed visa IS a green card and can be used as such, as needed for the first year.

Also my first pay check was only $50 more than my EI cheques. LOL (which are 55% of your income before moving.)

Awesome!

Thanks. I was more worried about the SSN card more than anything.

I got my SSN super fast.. from POE I think it was only 5-6 business days (hard to remember exactly which now). The green card took longer.. about a month. But remember, your stamp in your passport counts as your greencard.. so you can really start looking for work pretty fast.

Good luck!

Hello,

Just wanted to see the average time it took those to receive their Green card and SSN from POE to card(s) in hand.

Curious as I'm eager to start working ASAP. EI won't cut it in a city like New York =(

My husband and I have been married for over two years. I just had my interview a few weeks ago. Here are some details that I can share about my case:

1) Our case hasn't made it to the embassy yet, can we start filing any out or working on anything? Scheduling the medical appointment?

I live in Toronto and made the appointment in Toronto. There are many reviews on this forum about Ontario doctors.

- The cost was $300 plus $50 to have the medical delivered to me (optional)

- Needed my vaccination records from the doctor, mine are up to date

- They take one vile of blood and one x-ray included in prices

- The doctor required only one passport photo for my medical

- Got the results delivered in 4 business days to my house

2) What documents should my fiancé be gathering to get ready for his interviews?

I made a binder but since I filed everything electronically they only asked for the following:

1) All Finance records from the US

- I-184ez only had copy they wanted the original signature but they accept the copy just fine

- Original W2

- Original 1040

All of these items were returned to me

2) My Canadian Police check and Fingerprints

- don't thing fingerprints were required but to $70 I just did them as a precaution

All of these documents were kept on the US Embassy

3) Passport photos of my the Beneficiary (x2 copies)

there is machine in the waiting room that you can print photos.

The cost is either 2x$5 bills or 1x $10 bill; must have exact change

4) Canadian Birth certificate

Needed my original copy (it was returned to me)

5) Marriage Certificate

Needed my original copy (it was returned to me)

6) Medical envelope was required

Gave me back a copy of the x-ray and form

8) MUST have copy of your interview appointment

I have everything ready to show them:

- copy of flights

- phone bill

- photos

- I-130

- DS260

- Husband passport page and photo

- etc

They needed nothing else although I had all documents handy. They only asked a few questions:

- How we met

- How long we dated before getting married

- What I did for a living

- Where my husband lives not in the US

That was it! Super easy.

Good luck!!!

I was planning to bring a photocopy with the originals as well.

Good luck! My interview is in two weeks =)

Yes, they take cash only.

I did get my package in 4 business days; however, the courier rang the door bell and left it on my door. No "door knocker" letter to pick up at the local office just a ring and bolt. I didn't even have time to answer the doorbell before the delivery truck took off!

NOOOOT pleased considered I paid extra for the service and it is such a private and personal document. Not impressed.

A email/letter should be sent that has a list of items that you will need to bring. Beside them there are letters to correspond to whether you will need an original or a copy. Once my case was approved, I received a interview date in less then two weeks.

I filed electronically so my originals were never sent only a scanned PDF of the documents.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Think I'm going to the Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-Ville (friend recommended it) since I'm a HHH member so the little perks makes in worth it.

I'm driving from Toronto don't need to worry too much on transportation. Living in the city I'm used to the price of parking. Now if anyone know a nice place for dinner =) I'm most likely travelling solo so why not spoil myself!

Good luck to all interviewing!

Thanks all, good to read the different experiences - I think the Days Inn seems like a good value - I'm only planning 2 nights, not really going to do any sightseeing since I'll be there alone. Reviews of the Travelodge are generally poor. I just want to get this all done and dusted and get moved!!

Cheers all!

You should do some sightseeing.

Old Montreal is beautiful. Good luck on your interview.

Any suggestions of hotels to stay at in Montreal. I really want to keep the room around the $150/night mark.

Thanks!

I also had my interview yesterday; I must have just missed you.

Yes, it was super easy. The entire process took 1 hour from the medical, x-ray and one vile of blood.

The waiting room was a little dirty but his office and both labs were fine.

I did pay the extra $50 to have the package couriered to my house. Although the office was within driving distance, the time off of work, gas, traffic and parking fee made this the easiest solution. He said I should have it within a week.

FYI: the doctor in Vaughn was not taking appointments due to illness, so I would book my medical with Mascarenhas if you are in a rush.

Good luck everyone!

Hello,

our interview is on Monday, September 29. What is the typical timeline to have your passport returned?

I normally fly every other week so I do have travel plans on October 11.

Do you think that will grant me enough time?

Yup. Immigration is a tough choice ...

I hear ya. Good luck to you.

My interview doesn't appear on the consulate website.

Thanks. Theoretically, you are right. What would be your practical advice to me for this transitional period while I'm stuck in-between? First, how to keep the green card. Should I visit the US every 4-5 months for the short trips? Second, taxes and other fiscal considerations. I was suggested to file the IRS form 2555 since I do not have physical presence for 330+ days. What's your opinion?

Hey.

I'm kind of in the same boat. I DO plan to move and work in the US within the next 6 months; however, I really don't want to quit my job until I have my green card and SSN in my hands,

Once I have them both I plan to quit my job and look for work in the US. Hope this is possible.

EI is wayyyy too little in a city like NY for me to leave my job and count on that, even at the top of the payout.

You have me second guessing if our plan will work.

Thanks!

My interview date doesn't even show yet. I will register one it does.

Yeah!!!

We have the same interview date and time =)

Just called NVC and YES the interview is scheduled for September 17th at 10:30AM. She told that email has not gone out yet.

To all other Canadian VJers waiting -call NVC right away and all the best!!!

Hello all,

So I finally got my interview letter from NVC for Montreal on September 17.

I keep reading that I have to register to courier prior to my interview; however, my letter mentioned nothing about this.

What should I do?

Will this info come in another letter from the Consulate?

Sorry if this was already asked before =)

Thanks!!!

Hello all,

So I finally got my interview letter from NVC for Montreal on September 17.

I keep reading that I have to register to courier prior to my interview; however, my letter mentioned nothing about this.

What should I do?

Will this info come in another letter from the Consulate?

Sorry if this was already asked before =)

Thanks!!!

Hello All,

Called NVC yesterday and received an interview date; September 17.

Still no email but wanted to let my fellow Cunucks know =)

You didn't file tax return for 2012 and 2011, or you just choose not to include them because your recent tax is over the threshold?

Thanks.

Hey there,

We only provided the following:

1) W2 2013

2) 1040 for 2013

3) recent paycheck stub

My spouse filed taxes for 2012 and 2011; however, since my spouse was working as an expat in the Caribbean, we decided just to move forward with income from 2013 in the US and it was fine. The income was over the threshold.

June 25 and u got case complete on july31st! Wow lucky u

Thanks! Check my timeline on my signature...trust me not too lucky; its been since March 2013.

Just hope everyone can find some peace in this crazy process.

Sounds perfect! I'll do the same then

I wrote N/A on EVERYTHING that had a space. We got a checklist because we did not n/a under the line 2nd or 3rd most recent tax year.

Once we resent it loaded with N/A is all blank spaces it seemed to be fine.

Good luck.

Congrats!! What was ur last scan date?

Thanks! Our scan date was June 25

Hello all,

I also got a case complete. I called in today and said that is was completed on July 31, 2014. They hope within the week that an email with my interview will date will be sent. It will be in Montreal so I'm hoping for an October interview latest.

Good luck everyone.

Oh, I did check the online system and my AOS that was shown as paid moved to n/a.

Hey all,

Just an update. I was going to wait for an email but called and found out I got a case complete on July 31.

The online system updated my status from paid to n/a. Think that correlates to the system updating the status.

Good luck all!