Sylea

I am sooooo happy for all the approvals…..congratulations to all who have gotten their approvals…and moving on. And the rest of us, I sincerely hope all of us get it soon…..fingers crossed. I was a little frustrated when I saw people in later november getting approvals, but they have gone through the same pain of waiting like me, so i wish you all the best for the NVC stage.
Bring ON our approvals already USCIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .

Because he has more patience than me and knows that it's mostly out of our control. He knows it will all fall into place.
And also because he has a demanding job that sees him working 50 hour weeks. Not that I feel I need to defend him. It's just me that's obsessing.
My only child moved away from home to start his life in December, so being here on my own allows for lots of navel gazing and obsessive behaviour. LOL

Great letter Dude. I voted and shared with friends who are following my journey, and asked them to vote.
I'm nearly at the end of my rope, but gritting my teeth and hoping that I will see my approval in the next 2 weeks. I'll be at 6 months at May 18th.
Will probably start phoning if I DON"T see any action, but am trying to remain positive, and praying that this is the longest part of the wait and that the rest of the process goes relatively quickly.
Good luck to all.
Namaste.

I agree totally. Just feeling tired of waiting, even though I knew it would take a while to get to where we want to be.Hubby and I not getting any younger (both in our mid to late 50's) so feeling like I want to have a LIFE with him before we're old and decrepit. LOK
And yes, amazing how many frauds there are, and how quickly we hear about them on here. Very sad.
Peace.

I think the most disgusting thing is the lie that we are the priority. That the process is designed to keep, or get families together ASAP. If the k1 is designed to allow couples to marry in the US, then the i-130 should move faster. The only thing that stops me getting too upset or angry is that, being in a same sex relationship, I know people who have waited years, some decades, for this. But for Doma, I'd be with my wife now. The fact that a process doesn't give a toss about keeping people, especially with children (which I don't have thankfully) apart for so long is condoned by the authorities, disgusts me. I can't wrap my head around it. At least k1s can start a life together sooner. But us beneficiarys who want to work and contribute asap are punished. Maybe what I've said is harsh but I do think our uscis purgatory should not be this long and this nebulous.

I have a friend who dated a guy who was going to Texas A&M when we were in high school. We were in small town Ontario. When she went down for a convention at the university, one of her boyfriend's buddies kept asking her where her pet moose was.
My friend is a good actress, who can cry on command, so she turned to him with eyes full of tears and said in a heartbroken tone "He died last week and it was awful!"
The guy bought her plushies all weekend.

As I get ever closer to my own move, I sometimes get overwhelmed by what I've actually chosen to do.
Changing to the American health care system is frightening - having been in and out of hospital many times over the last 5 years, it's alarming to think that if I need medical assistance, there will be a dollar figure attached to every single thing. Whereas here in BC, all they need is my CareCard and then I don't think anymore about it.
I am moving to an area with a population (greatly spread out) of around 34,000 - definitely small town America.
CanGirl, I am going to be living in Michigan too. (Southwest, near Holland) We are very close to Grand Rapids, which is urban enough should we want to be in a 'big city' for the sights and sounds and ethnicity.
For the most part during the time I HAVE spent there over the last 5.5 years, I've been treated very kindly. Though I've been asked more than once if I'm from England. LOL
The other thing I shall miss is Indian restaurants!! There is a huge lack of them in the area I am going to, so I guess I'm just going to have to learn how to cook Indian food better!!
I also find the bureaucracy absolutely staggering. I've worked for a major Canadian bank for over 28 years, and I used to think that some of our bureaucracy was ridiculous, but we don't hold a candle to the US. Particularly banks. The one thing I know for sure (though I've been offered a job by BoA) is that I will not work in banking in the US.
NLR - I'm sorry but I find someone called you "Canadaistan" horrifying. I know people are making a (stupid) joke, but what they're really doing is showing the incredible paranoia and fear drilled into them about Muslims and countries that are Islamic. There are aspects to the American psyche that I find really disturbing. The small town area I am moving to is primarily white and Dutch Lutheran. As a Buddhist, it will be a great challenge to keep my heart open and loving when I hear people say things like they have to you.
I am by turns, terrified and incredibly excited to be making such a huge change to my life, and at this half way point of my life. But as the 'kids' say, YOLO!!
Peace and love to all.

Thankfully Hubs has no intention of ever moving back to Alabama unless he's transferred there for work. 90% of his family still live in the south.
Just add God bless her heart to every negative statement and yer golden. Lol

As I get ever closer to my own move, I sometimes get overwhelmed by what I've actually chosen to do.
Changing to the American health care system is frightening - having been in and out of hospital many times over the last 5 years, it's alarming to think that if I need medical assistance, there will be a dollar figure attached to every single thing. Whereas here in BC, all they need is my CareCard and then I don't think anymore about it.
I am moving to an area with a population (greatly spread out) of around 34,000 - definitely small town America.
CanGirl, I am going to be living in Michigan too. (Southwest, near Holland) We are very close to Grand Rapids, which is urban enough should we want to be in a 'big city' for the sights and sounds and ethnicity.
For the most part during the time I HAVE spent there over the last 5.5 years, I've been treated very kindly. Though I've been asked more than once if I'm from England. LOL
The other thing I shall miss is Indian restaurants!! There is a huge lack of them in the area I am going to, so I guess I'm just going to have to learn how to cook Indian food better!!
I also find the bureaucracy absolutely staggering. I've worked for a major Canadian bank for over 28 years, and I used to think that some of our bureaucracy was ridiculous, but we don't hold a candle to the US. Particularly banks. The one thing I know for sure (though I've been offered a job by BoA) is that I will not work in banking in the US.
NLR - I'm sorry but I find someone called you "Canadaistan" horrifying. I know people are making a (stupid) joke, but what they're really doing is showing the incredible paranoia and fear drilled into them about Muslims and countries that are Islamic. There are aspects to the American psyche that I find really disturbing. The small town area I am moving to is primarily white and Dutch Lutheran. As a Buddhist, it will be a great challenge to keep my heart open and loving when I hear people say things like they have to you.
I am by turns, terrified and incredibly excited to be making such a huge change to my life, and at this half way point of my life. But as the 'kids' say, YOLO!!
Peace and love to all.

It's my husband's military friends that tend to make that kind of statement. Rather expected considering who it's coming from. You get used to it or you ask them to stop. Which they do when they realize it's actually an issue not just a "word." I got a rather profuse apology.
To a lot of American's, political correctness is stupid. They feel they should be able to say whatever they want to, however they want to, and not to be able to infringes on their freedom. If someone is offended... that's their problem, not the person who's speaking. In a way I agree, after all they have it written into their constitution. But in another way, there's this awesome thing called 'tact.' But I think the entire world knows that the US lacks that awesome thing in spades! LOL!!! Even they know it. You'd be seriously offended by what a lot of our friends say behind closed doors, but that doesn't mean they mean anything bad by it either or that they're racist or sexist etc... To them it's just words and as the old saying goes
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

"USCIS awarded customer service award "
You couldn't make it up. What's next, Syrian president gets Nobel Peace Prize?

I would so dearly love to be moved Stateside by our 1st wedding anniversary, because 6 years of long distance is enough. If I never have to say, "Can you hear me now?" on Skype again, I'd be violently happy!
Fingers crossed for all November filers.
Namaste.

Oh goodness he can't iron his shirts. The world must be ending! I'm kidding obviously.... lol.
Relax... what is 3, 6, 9 months compared to LIFETIME? This too shall pass. Breathe and remember that this journey should be worth every moment as the person you should be doing it for should be worth it. Mine certainly was.

Total process time for us was 9 months. At that moment it felt way to long. I wanted to be with my wife (then girlfriend) and move on with my life.
Now I'm with my wife for 9 months. And thinking back about the waiting period makes me smile. Its was only 9 months over a life time. It's big when you go through it but when its done you moved to the us and life is going on "trust me" its nothing. You survive and it only will make your bound stronger.
Some people are lucky and get approved within 2 months others have to wait a lot longer. There's nothing really we can do about it.

I does look like TSC is making up some ground. I sure hope so. I'm skeptical about everything to do with this entire gut wrenching process but I'm choosing to take the positive side of things.

"Do they give priority to other countries from North America, rather than any other?"
I tell you one thing, they sure as hell don't give priority to Canada. And with the timelines I have been seeing of many Canadian applicants I seriously think that they see a Canadian application and put it in a different pile. "we'll deal with those Canadians later..."
in any case...good luck!

No they do not.
I do not think MS would make you inadmissible. Just would make the consular officer question the ability of the petitioner to make you not become a public charge because you have a pre-existing condition. They no longer can deny people because of a pre-existing condition, no. Obamacare changed that.

bring proof of the fact you are on your husband's insurance to the interview. You likely will not be asked for it and the MS will likely not be mentioned at all. This is Canada afterall, not a high fraud country.

And they did say they were trying to get down to 5 months by May. Rockets should have been shoved up arses by now

Hello VJ'rs : I just completed my interview in Montreal for an IR1 visa, spouse of US citizen. I have to first say we started the process with the idea that we would not try to rush and just let the process take its course. We filed all our paperwork in March of 2013 and it took about 5 months for it to get through USICS. After we tecieved notification that it was at NVC on November 5th, we registered for electronic processing, filed DS-261. Filled out DS-260 and 864-EZ. Interview letter arrived January 30th via email. Interview was today March 13, 2014.
I arrived in Montreal last night to cold, wind and snow. Stayed at the hotel saint Philip. Suggestion by VJ'er. Consulate is right around the block, or just through the back parking lot and to the right. I got my Starbucks up the street on Rue st. Catherine's, and walked to the consulate, I actually walked right by it and when I xame back there were about 12 people in front of me at 20 to 8am. I had to empty my backpack and leave it on the post up the street. Couldn't leave it near the consulate outside. Apparently the school across the street will hold your bag if it is too big to take in. Purses of average size are okay but nothing larger.
Had to show passport and Loomis courier letter at the front door, then stand in line to get in. One or two at a time through security. Empty all documents, personal items into bins, empty coat pockets, just like at airport.
Go through metal detector. Security guard went through my puse, took out my cellphone, iPod, lip balm and dental floss. Kept them and gave me a ticket to pick up later. Took bin with all items downstairs and emptied bin.
Got into elevator and went to the 19th floor. There were about 20 people in front of me but because I was doing immigration visa receptionist called anyone doing immigration to come forward. She looked at my Loomis letter and passport and gave me a ticket with number A3. I was first. About 15 minutes later I was called to a window where my documents and passport were handed in and my fingerprints taken. The woman was very nice. I was then told to have seat and they would either call my number or my name. About 40 minutes later they called my number and I went to a little room and was asked, how long I had been married, if we had any children between us of our own, this is second marriage for both. He confirmed income and said we were a textbook case and wished everyone's case was this simple.
Bottom line, be patient, check and double check paperwork is complete and signed. Use electronic processing if you can and it should all go smoothly.
Big thanks to Saylin and others for posts. It really helped.
Have updated timeline to reflect and once passport arrives I will update it again
Good luck to all.

I am close with my mom but had lived in a different province for 10 years before I moved to the USA. So I didn't visit much to begin with. However the hardest part for me is my daughter is still in Canada so I do not get to see her every day which tears me up. I communicate with her almost everyday and help her with whatever she needs. But I want her to be where she's happy as well and that's living with Dad right now.
I find the US sometimes hard honestly. Sometimes I hate being here. Other times I'm happy that this is where I am, despite the fact that I never had any desire, in the slightest, to live in the USA. It's not as cold for sure, even where I am. I'm loving not having to start my car with a foot of snow on it and it being -40C before windchill. /happyhappyjoyjoy It's the small things that make it more than the big picture (besides the main one that is.)
The best part of being here? Waking up next to the love of my life, my soul-mate, everyday. LDR just doesn't compare to living with someone. Never does it justice.

Guys, I know you don't want to hear this but hang in there. I have not lived with my husband under the same roof since June 2011 (different immigration issues involving a J-1 visa, two year rule - we could not file for the IR-1 until about six months ago.)
I fight with my husband a lot and this is only lately. I also have thought of divorce and this has affected me psychologically. I missed all of my wedding anniversaries and never got to celebrate any bday with him since we got married. I can't even go out to public places without feeling anxious or depressed when I see couples together. I seriously sit there with the worst jealousy and wish that was me.
Two weeks ago, I went to the ER in the middle of the night because of an asthma attack brought on by anxiety... this never happened to me before. I was lying in bed thinking about all sorts of things - including immigration and I couldn't breathe.
It sucks but there is nothing we can do but wait. I would suggest keep bugging the senator, congressperson, the NVC, or whomever.
The only thing that keeps me going is to know that the love I share with my husband (regardless of my thoughts, which we all have) and this experience is something that very few people can go through. Just about everyone has told me "I don't know how you do it. I could never do it" which to me says "I don't love my spouse that much." In fact, yesterday, someone was complaining to me (again) about having to drive 2 hours to see a girl he's dating. And then criticized me for having a long distance relationship saying those never work. well you know what FU is my answer! And all these things serve to show me that what I have is unique and that when we are, in fact, together again, things will be better than before (after marriage counseling if necessary because let me tell you from past experience... it takes adjusting to your spouse who has essentially become somewhat of a stranger. Skype is no substitute for being together as we all know.)
I have faith that things will be better for all of us and that we can show people what love is... regardless of the turmoil our hearts feel and our relationships endure.
HANG IN THERE! <3 I am so grateful for you guys... we can all relate to each other and understand each other!

thanks!!!!! hahaha if we get some popular facebookers and twitterers to post this it will get attention in no time anyone out there have famous friends?

Congrats!
Also, about bloody time!

You do need to talk to her.
Yes, it will be extremely difficult to bring up, and you will both be very upset. But if you keep on building this up and keeping it to yourself, you're likely to come out with it all anyway, in a more uncontrolled fashion.
It's not a break-up talk as such. It's a revelation of feelings. How you're not coping with the separation. She's your wife and she loves you - she will validate your feelings and at least then you don't feel so much like you're alone in all of this, trying to hold it all together while she is oblivious.
Marriage is all of the good stuff and all of the bad stuff. You made vows to stay with each other in sickness and in health. This is a time of "sickness" if you will, so let her help you through this dark period of your life.
Help each other. She may be feeling similar to you.

I will echo what everyone else has said. I think talking to a professional about how you're feeling. Try NAMI.org, they have a search option available.
And, talk to your wife about your personal struggles. I'm sure she's struggling, too and sharing in your struggles and being there for each other and with each other can make you a stronger team.