ernie

A couple questions:

My wife became a Permanent Resident in May.

As far as I know, our K-3 application is still in the works.

1. Can we just let it go and let it expire or do we need to do something about it?

2. Is there a fee to remove conditional status in 2 years?

3. After two years, how often does the green card need to be renewed?

4. Somewhere I read that relacing a green card costs $340. Is that true? Should a green card be kept in a locked box at the bank?

Thanks,

Ernie

Sorry, This is a double post and I can't figure out how to delete it.

Ernie

This post needs updated, now that Montreal no longer issues visa's the same day.

Ernie

Dear Folks;

My wife was approved for a CR-1 yesterday in Montreal. Thank the Lord!

We stayed across the street at La Tour Centre Ville. 514-866-8861. Parking is underground for $16.50 per day. It was a nice room with a Kitchenette that we reserved at Orbitz.com for $80.00 CAD.

Hotel staff told us we could check out after the 12:00 check out time if our interview lasted longer than that.

According to reviews, this Hotel is a lot nicer than Travelodge or Days Inn a few blocks away.

The Hotel Staff was friendly and informed us that briefcases, satchels, and large purses are not allowed in the consulate.

This was helpful advice.

When we arrived at the entrance to the Consulate, a security officer was at the door having people line up on the side walk and informing attendees that their briefcases, and backpacks, etc. were not allowed inside. People started scattering in all directions to find a place to check their packs/purses. Some had to walk 5 blocks or so till they found someone willing to check it.

No electronics of any kind are accepted. This includes cell phones, automatic car door openers, flashlights, etc.

It appears that security begins checking people in at 8:00 even though the door says "8:30."

We waited in the lobby for about three hours. This included being called to present our paperwork that we had brought along followed by the actual interview. Our Xpress-post envelope was too small even though I had specifically asked for the right size. This means that you must make sure that the envelope matches the dimensions and not rely on a Canada Post employee to get you the right size envelope. The consular officer was very nice, apologetic for the long wait, and after a few pointed questions we were on our way.

Some waited in the lobby a lot longer than what we did.

Hope your interviews go well.

Ernie and Cathy

P.S. Perhaps there should be a Guide with tips about interviews in Montreal?

Dear Folks;

My wife was approved for a CR-1 yesterday in Montreal. Thank the Lord!

We stayed across the street at La Tour Centre Ville. 514-866-8861. Parking is underground for $16.50 per day. It was a nice room with a Kitchenette that we reserved at Orbitz.com for $80.00 CAD.

Hotel staff told us we could check out after the 12:00 check out time if our interview lasted longer than that.

According to reviews, this Hotel is a lot nicer than Travelodge or Days Inn a few blocks away.

The Hotel Staff was friendly and informed us that briefcases, satchels, and large purses are not allowed in the consulate.

This was helpful advice.

When we arrived at the entrance to the Consulate, a security officer was at the door having people line up on the side walk and informing attendees that their briefcases, and backpacks, etc. were not allowed inside. People started scattering in all directions to find a place to check their packs/purses. Some had to walk 5 blocks or so till they found someone willing to check it.

No electronics of any kind are accepted. This includes cell phones, automatic car door openers, flashlights, etc.

It appears that security begins checking people in at 8:00 even though the door says "8:30."

We waited in the lobby for about three hours. This included being called to present our paperwork that we had brought along followed by the actual interview. Our Xpress-post envelope was too small even though I had specifically asked for the right size. This means that you must make sure that the envelope matches the dimensions and not rely on a Canada Post employee to get you the right size envelope. The consular officer was very nice, apologetic for the long wait, and after a few pointed questions we were on our way.

Some waited in the lobby a lot longer than what we did.

Hope your interviews go well.

Ernie and Cathy

P.S. Perhaps there should be a Guide with tips about interviews in Montreal?

Friends:

We will be driving to Montreal from Toronto and getting a motel on Monday Evening, April 23.

Can anyone tell us of a good reasonably priced motel that is not down town.

Anything we need to know about getting ready for our CR1-Interview?

Thanks,

Ernie and Cathy

Friends:

My wife's case was completed March 5, 2007.

I called the NVC this morning and we have an interview date for April 25, 2007.

Hope the rest of you are getting good news as well!

Ernie

Friends:

I talked to NVC yesterday and they tell me that my wife's application has been approved. They are now waiting for Montreal to get back to them with an interview date. They said I could call back tomorrow (Friday) to learn whether her interview will be in April or whether we will need to wait till May.

My question is: Can she quit her job now, or will the interviewer want her to have a job at the time of the interview or does it not matter.

Thanks,

Ernie

My mistake -

The k3 application has been forwarded to Montreal.

We just sent in our DS-230 about a week and a half ago and as of yet, they have not processed it at the NVC.

I don't want to cancel the K-3, unless I am sure that I am going to get the CR1.

I will update my time line. I have not been on Visa Journey for a couple months.

Ernie

Hello friends:

My wife has now been approved for both the I-130 and the 129f - both are being sent to Montreal as we speak. We are going for the CR1. How do we cancel the K3 application and when should we do it?

Thank-you,

Ernie

Ok, Let's see if I got this correct:

Option 1

If my wife takes the CR1 route, she will mail her stuff to NVC,

Once Visa is approved, NVC will forward to Montreal.

Montreal will send her a packet that does not need mailed back to Montreal, but does need to be brought along to the interview.

With this initial packet, will she be given her interview date?

When can she suggest when she wants her interview date?

Is there a checklist that needs to be sent back to Montreal before they will issue and interview date?

Option 2

If she takes the K3 route, she will need to mail a check list back to Montreal saying that she completed all the paperwork and is ready to have an interview.

Best wishes on living in the U.S. next week.

Thanks, Ernie

One only requires fingerprinting if they have ever had a criminal record. NO criminal record, NO fingerprinting. The police check is good for 1 year. Ensure it states on it that it was done CANADA wide and not just in that city.

Not sure about the DR thing. Some DR's requie the letter from trhe pkg stating you need the medical, some do not. I'm sure others will pipe up with info on that.

Thank-you, this was helpful!

Did you send your medical report to NVC, Montreal, or did you take it with you in person to your interview?

Ernie

Dear Canadians:

My wife is from Kitchener Ontario.

Has anyone recently submitted a packet of stuff to the NVC with form DS 230 when applying for a CR1?

I copied the items below from a post in the CR1 forum.

Here are my questions:

By the list below, I'm assuming that the medical does not need to be submitted until the interview?

1. Can the medical be done prior to the DS-230 package just to get it out of the way?

2. Do the police report need to include fingerprinting, or just a crimnal records check based on the computer?

3.My wife got a ploice check done in June before we were married. Is that valid, or does she need to get another one done?

I think this is what is required to send to the NVC for Canadians doing the CR1 visa

A copy of intending immigrants biographic page of passport(s) including expiration date.

Original or certified "long" birth certificate.

Original adoption decree. (if applicable)

Marriage certificate. (if applicable)

Divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) (if applicable)

Police certificate(s)

Court and prison records.(if applicable)

Custody records. (if applicable)

Military records (if applicable)

Dear Friends:

I've tried reading the discussions about the DS-230.

Can anyone tell us for sure what a Canadian needs to send the NVC after she receives the DS-230 package?

Ernie

Friends:

Two questions about the I-864.

What is an [A-Number (if any)}?

Also, I'm working on getting a co-sponsor....

When calculating household members, do sisters count as "related to you by birth"?

What if three siblings are living in a house by themselves and paying rent for their rooms. Does the brother need to count them as household members?

Another question:

Does anyone know how long a medical exam and a police exam are valid?

Thanks,

Ernie

Friends:

I'm curious how long the medical exam and police reports are valid.

From what I can read, it just says it must be recent.

Are these something that we can go ahead an get done awhile. Does the Canadian consulate care whether we do this ahead of when they mail out the packet?

Ernie

Some border guards seem confused as to the implications of an approved petition, and rather than seeing it as evidence that you are doing the right thing, think it means you can't enter the U.S. I don't think this is a common problem, but it has happened.

In addition, I have heard that additional border crossings can trigger more security checks, but again, many people don't seem to encounter this.

So as usual, just be aware that she may be denied entry, and I guess whether you are concerned about the possibility (which is apparently not large) of additional delays for security checks.

Thanks Riblet!

Friends:

A month ago, my wife made a visit to the U.S. for two weeks.

She had no problem as she had plenty of papers indicating her ties to the U.S.

At that point we did not have approval on the I-130.

Does anyone know whether and approved I-130 makes it more or less difficult to visit the U.S. while the case is pending?

Ernie

weeks ago

Friends:

I'm sending the AOS bill to MO, today with the $70 payment for my wife's CR1 application.

Can my co sponsors start filling out their I-864 and getting them notarized, or do I need to wait for a packet from NVC?

When is the I-134 afadavit used?

Ernie

Hello Friends:

Yesteday my wife (from Canada) received her choice of agent form from the Visa Center.

Questions:

Which is more advisable at this point; continue with immigrant Visa or wait for the K-3 approval from our application that was forwarded from Chicago to California?

Is there a difference in fees depending which route we take?

Can the medical be completed ahead of receiving a packet from State Visa Center or Montreal Consulate?

Can the medical be completed in the U.S. if she is visiting me there?

What is an AOS?

Thank-you,

Ernie

Hello friends!

I live in Arkansas.

In January 2006, I applied for a K-1 for my fiance who lives in Canada.

We decided to cancel our application and get married on August 5 in Canada.

So we married and I filed an I-130 for my wife who lives in Canada and it was received on September 7, 2006.

I filed an I-129F on October 16, 2006 with Chicago.

Today I received an I-130 approval and was informed that my application will be forwarded to NVC.

I thought the next thing I was to get was an I-129F approval.

Does this mean that I do not need to wait on an I-129 approval, but my wife will be getting a packet from Montreal before long?

Confused,

Ernie

Hello!

I just sent my I-129F to Chicago, and I'm wondering what I need to collect for my spouse who lives in Canada. Does the consulate in Montreal want her to bring an I-134 or I-864 or both?

Will this financial support information be needed for anything besides the interview in Montreal?

Ernie

Hello Friends!

I'm from the US and I filed a I-130 for my wife in August and received a receipt notice. Now I'm ready to file my 129f with Chicago and I don't understand the discussion about Imbra, RFE, and Old and New Forms.

Can somone explain? What should I do or not do?

Thanks,

Ernie

Ok, thanks for the advice.

I already talked with a Canadian Consular several weeks ago about my work and he indicated that I was ok.

I found the guides for the K-3 and I think I understand how to get started.

Ernie

I'm a bit confused too. Considering a US citizen can only stay in Canada for up to 6 months per year/trip as a tourist, and the K3/CR1 petitions and aps are going to take far longer than that....not to mention the CIC petitions and aps taken Even Longer...

Thanks pals!

I found the information that I need to collect for the I-130.

I am in Canada without any paperwork on the condition that I will be leaving By December 28. The border official did not ask any questions about how I plan to support myself. I plan to file with the USCIS in Vermont since I am living in Canada, or do you recommend that I file using my U.S. Address?

I plan to reenter the U.S. periodically, after December 28, unless I can get a 1 year vistor's permit.

I have an internet job for a company in the US that will be giving me wages for work that I do while I'm in Canada.

I will not have enough income, so I have a co-sponsor agreed to help me.

Technically speaking, I do not need to have any income, if I have a co sponsor, correct?

Ernie