Stylereveal

On 2/16/2021 at 2:24 PM, sjb17 said:

I crossed at the Peace Arch border crossing in BC yesterday to activate my visa! Here’s my experience: 

 

- Rented a minivan from Avis for $186 CAD for a 24-hour rental with drop-off anywhere in Seattle. 
- The CBP officer at the first window asked me what I was bringing with me, I presented my itemized list and she asked a few clarifying questions about produce/seeds/narcotics etc. 
- I was sent to secondary to process my visa and a second officer came up to me after about 10 minutes, took my passport and orange slip given by the first officer, and told me to sit tight and stay comfortable

- The officer came back about 20 minutes later and handed back my passport with the IR-1 stamp placed in it, congratulated me and recognized how long I must have been waiting for this whole immigration process to end, at which point I started bawling 😅

 

I know some folks have had to go inside recently to finish the processing and pay the $6 fee for the I-94 but I was not asked to do so. The whole process was painless and I was so thrilled to finally be able to use a land crossing again to enter the US after having to fly when visiting over the past year! Still has not set in that this isn’t just another one-month visit and that I’m here for good - AHHHH! It’s safe to say that I haven’t slept as well as I did last night in a long, long time. 
 

I’ll keep you all updated on the arrival of my SSN and permanent green card. Sending best wishes to all who have interviews in the coming weeks!  ❤️

Are you coming back to Canada? As there are so many restrictions now even for border crossings. I too was able to activate my visa but just turned back before all the changes happened. 

6 hours ago, acmanu said:

Just wondering if anyone has experience with this situation? Thank you!

 I think they are referring to criminal cases, where you would get a record. 

I finally got my visa as my appointment was Jan 20th, I’m surprised it came so quick and I didn’t even pay for courier services. 
What I do want to know is, that it came in a white envelope with my name and a bar code, no other instructions am I allowed to open it?

14 minutes ago, DGF said:

2.5 days, which felt like the longest 2.5 days of the whole process!

 

We used a lawyer but I wouldn't recommend the same to others if you have a simple case (no bans, no criminal records, etc). They filled out the paperwork which was nice but we had to review everything and there were always a ton of mistakes. They also didn't let us know when our case at USCIS was beyond normal processing and we had to figure that out and fix it on our own. We've been one step ahead of them the entire process. They were nice, and didn't give us any bad information, but in hindsight I don't think they were necessary.

 

Stay away from rapidvisa, I've seen them giving out misleading information. 

I talked to a few lawyers when starting out and it was extremely expensive. And then I thought it’s not hard to do on your own which we did, with no issues, and less money. Plus this group is very helpful to answer any questions. 

15 hours ago, AnkitShah20 said:

Anyone here who had their interview already but did not have the tax transcript? I had paper filed my 2019 tax return and it is still not processed due to back logs at IRS. Is the tax transcript absolutely necessary or the W2 and 1040 will enough?  My interview should be in the next around hopefully and I am worried about not having the 2019 tax transcript. 

I was in the same boat from my interview yesterday. I didn’t have the 2019 transcript from my husband and they didn’t ask for it you could read my experience in the thread. 
I didn’t volunteer giving them any documents I just stuck with whatever they asked me. 

Ok thanks because my husband filled electronically a signature wasn’t required when he asked his account. I’ll just submit what I have. Thanks 

9 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

I think either is OK.  I think I remember signing my copy.

This process is getting me so nervous he has a W2 and 1099 with the same employer just looking now, and I have the 1040. Someone suggested to have the 8879 for e signature, as well. Wondering if I should also get an employment letter for him. 

On 1/11/2021 at 8:03 PM, Colin F said:

 

From comments earlier in this thread, a lawyer said that USCIS is asking for tax transcripts as evidence of filing as opposed to just 1040 forms.   The reality is that the IRS is backlogged and hasn't been able to provide transcripts.   The concern i have is that USCIS will want to see the transcripts to prove filing as opposed to the copy of the signed 1040 and certified mailing information proving delivery.  My wife files electronically and doesn't actually have signed 1040s as a result. so. it is what it is as this point.

 

Our removal of conditions packet was an inch thick, there is a ton of evidence of commingling finances.

I’m in the same boat, due to the back log. My husband does his electronically so it’s not signed either, and no transcript. I only have the 1040 and W2 for my interview next week. I’m wondering if I should have him sign the 1040 and scan it to me, because when I submitted all my documents for approval they weren’t signed and I got through to the interview stage. Im confused. He had his tax preparer sent over the confirmation that it was sent electronically last year. Should that also be good enough to show if they ask. 

15 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

Yes....until April 15th......

Hi, 

I just want to clarify as I’m in the same boat with my interview. My spouse doesn’t have the 2019 transcript, and when I submitted to NVC the 1040 was not signed. Would it be fair to bring the signed copy of the 1040 and W2 for 2019? Or unsigned like I submitted. 

8 hours ago, Hoffmaya said:

Details on today's interview Jan-13 at 8:45am:

 

I arrived at 8:40am and the security officer asked for my name and time of interview. He did not ask for the IL since he had a list of individual names and times with him. 

He let me in and I went through security clearance (similar to the airport). I only had a binder for my docs (no bag) and did not bring any cell phone with me.

 

I was asked to use the hand sanitizer dispenser, take the elevator and go to 1st floor - window #6. At the window, an officer only asked for my passport. I gave my passport and was told to seat down and wait for my name to be called.

Please note that the room is Covid friendly and individuals are spaced out accordingly. Masks must be worn at all time (I was never asked to remove it even during the interview). There is one security guard on-site. There are 2 bathrooms, a water fountain and hand sanitizer dispensers. No vending machines.

 

After 15 minutes, I was called to window #3. The other officer took my fingerprints. I was asked to provide the following docs: Original marriage certificate, true-copy of birth certificate along with certified translation, police certificates (from Canada and country of birth along with certified translation),  1 passport photo (which was scanned and returned to me), signed copies of 1040 forms.

The officer did not ask for the following: I-864 (there was no change since last time it was submitted), DS-260 confirmation page, petitioner photocopy of birth certificate or US passport.

Please note that I did not have W2 since my petitioner lives, works and files taxes in Canada. 

The officer confirmed they did receive the report from the medical exam, and gave me the pamphlet to read (domestic violence & sexual assaults and legal rights in the US). I was told to seat down and wait for my name to be called for the interview. 

 

After waiting approx. 1 hour, my name was called to window # 4 for the interview. The officer asked me to take an oath and took my fingerprints again. He asked if I read the pamphlet and wanted me to summarize its content. The following questions were asked:

- Who is the petitioner? What is your spouse's job?

- What do I do for a living?

- Where do we live?

- Where do we intend to move and live in the US?

- Do we intend to keep our current jobs in the US? We actually do as we both work remotely and our companies have US presence. 

- Since the petitioner lives and works in Canada, I was asked to provide info on foreign assets/income? We just went through the US federal tax return and I had the FBAR form with all the details.  

- How and when did I meet my spouse?

- When did we start to live together? 

- Where did we get married? Did we have both families?

 

The officer said everything was in order and he approved my IR-1 visa. He gave me the "Welcome to the USA" letter and another paper with info once your visa is approved (check document status, what to do with tracking number, requesting home delivery).

He kept my passport and 1040 forms and informed me that these will be returned to me in a week or so. He also confirmed that I have until Jun-16, 2021 the latest to activate my permanent residency (6 months from the date of medical exam). He informed that it'll most likely take 1 hour at POE. 

 

The interview lasted about 15 minutes. It was quite straight forward and smooth. The officer was very pleasant and friendly.  

 

Hope this helps. Should you need further info/details, do not hesitate to reach out. I'll update the thread once I receive the tracking info for the passport. I opted for the premium delivery service ($20) via Purolator.  

 

When I submitted the 1040 with my I-864 electronically they weren’t signed and it was accepted. So do they want the signed copy?

4 hours ago, HRubin said:

Further details from husband's interview today:

 

Appt. was at 8:30 and he was let in by security at precisely that time. He said the staff once he was in the building was very friendly and helpful. 

 

He did bring his phone and security took that and placed it in a locker and gave him a key to keep. 

 

First booth he went to he gave his passport and then he sat back down and waited

 

Second window he did fingerprinting and confirmed the US address and phone number. We did have an updated address since NVC and he brought a mortgage statement to show address. He was then asked for the certified copies of both birth and marriage certificate, and one passport picture. We provided an updated I-864 as our financials had improved since the NVC stage. They took the 2019 transcript, 1040 and W-2 to get scanned in. He was also given the Domestic Abuse Pamphlet and told to go back and take a seat to wait for interview. 

 

Sat for about an hour and was called to third window where he took oath and fingerprints again to certify and then was asked the following questions:

-Where did you meet your spouse?

-What does your spouse do for work and where does she live?

-What college did you go to (He was in US previously on student visa)

-Evidence of student visa - he showed his passport with stamp when he crossed (This part surprised us and we were happy to have some documents on hand to show from his prior visa)

-Asked if he had a medical packet to submit which he told the CO that the medical office had sent results over electronically the day prior. She then did some clicking on her computer and said "oh yep- here it is!" 

-Asked him to summarize what the domestic abuse pamphlet was about 

 

She then told him she was going to accept and approve his application and gave him the Welcome letter and told to expect passport back within 2-3 weeks. 

 

We were very nervous about getting asked to have a joint sponsor or having to prove assets as our tax transcripts that we submitted at the NVC stage did not reflect my current income and did not meet the financial requirements (I was living in Canada for half the year). My current income though (and that reflected in 2019 transcripts) has always been enough to support the AOS. We did prepare by bringing financial evidence to show assets and did have a joint sponsor on standby to submit but thankfully we were not asked any questions regarding that. 

 

His experience was very similar to what others have posted here. We will update the group when we receive tracking info for his passport and border crossing details. 

 

 

 

 

I have my husband’s 1040 and W2 I don’t have transcripts for 2019. My husband did his taxes with a tax preparer and got his refund but for some reason it’s not in the system as they told him because of the lock down in the spring it wasn’t entered but they got it. 

9 hours ago, AnkitShah20 said:

Do we need petitioners birth certificate? I was not aware of this. Can anyone please confirm is petitioners birth certificate is needed. I did not see it on the list anywhere. 

I looked on the site and it says photo copy

If you previously submitted to NVC an I-864 affidavit of support (AOS):  Bring proof of your petitioner’s legal status in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or legal permanent resident card) and their federal U.S. tax return (Form 1040) from the previous year.

46 minutes ago, sjb17 said:

Actually, hold on. I just re-read the FAQ and notice it doesn't say explicitly whether a photocopy is sufficient or the original is required for the petitioner birth certificate. @Hawk Riders or @DGF can either of you confirm and I'll update the FAQ?

Just looked on the website for interview preparation and it does say photocopy for the petitioner when you bring  your I -864. 

6 minutes ago, sjb17 said:

No, a photocopy is sufficient. You can find answers to these types of questions and more in this FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k927pE5wqzTN5n0lPYZ1JQxgbmnzmNWX5hSteyii0BY/edit?fbclid=IwAR1GmZJ2tTD19avokn0L8F852HAyfrw57OJChkxsbak6KM_JWAB0IupskT4

Just to be clear, I was reading other interviews that they really don’t need the I-864 unless there’s new information, but bring it anyways? 

3 minutes ago, sjb17 said:

No, a photocopy is sufficient. You can find answers to these types of questions and more in this FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k927pE5wqzTN5n0lPYZ1JQxgbmnzmNWX5hSteyii0BY/edit?fbclid=IwAR1GmZJ2tTD19avokn0L8F852HAyfrw57OJChkxsbak6KM_JWAB0IupskT4

Thanks, I was freaking out. 

Hi

does anyone know if I need to have the petitioners my husbands original birth certificate for the interview? 

1 hour ago, ameena1423 said:

They asked if they should use the I-864 on file and that’s when I told them that I had an updated one and provided it to them.

Ok thanks 

On 12/11/2020 at 2:58 AM, MrsDex said:

So so SO happy!!! Best Christmas present EVER!!! DQ May 15 2020, interview Jan 27 @ 9:30 am!!! The wait is almost over!!!

I haven't read anyone mention lately about crossing the border after receiving their visa and then returning to Canada, hoping to move myself to PA and would take 2 trips. I'm guessing would need to quarantine etc, any other restrictions anyone can think of? Thanks everyone for being an amazing community so far, would have lost hope without all of you ♡

I’m planning on doing the same thing as my daughter is starting college in September so I will have to make a few trips will update the group when I do so. And yes I think it’s just Quarentine for now. My appointment is Jan 20

On 12/11/2020 at 3:45 AM, T & R G said:

Hey everyone,

 

So excited! DQ'd April 29th got my IL...interview is scheduled for January 20th 9:00am 🎉😊

Congratulations to those who received their ILs we are almost there. This forum has been amazing I'm thankful for the support and encouragement 

I’m Jan 20th also Yayyy 

On 12/10/2020 at 1:30 PM, Romans13 said:

ANOTHER timeline update:

 

Crossed border on 21 Nov 2020.

 

UCSIS notification that Green Card creation 4 Dec 2020.

 

Physical Green Card arrived today, 10 December via priority mail.

 

pretty darn quick.

Congrats! On getting your visa. 
do you remember the time they gave you to leave Canada is it 6 months from the date of your interview approval or from your medical date? 

9 minutes ago, ameena1423 said:

Thank you! They actually asked me for it after I gave them the 1040 and W2. I’m not sure why because it’s not listed as a document to bring, I just happened to have it with me. I know not everyone has been asked for one.

And they also asked you for the I-864 ?which they said on the site you didn’t need to bring 

On 12/15/2020 at 3:50 AM, ameena1423 said:

Hi everyone, just following up from my previous post and providing details of my interview yesterday. Everyone who posted their experiences has been so helpful to me and I hope that mine can help out those who’s interviews are coming up as well.

 

My interview was scheduled for 8:00am. I stayed at the Hotel Birks the night before. The hotel was about a 7 minute walk to the Consulate and that too an easy one, down the same street. I arrived probably around just after 7:50am. The Consulate is located in the same building as an RBC and directly across the street from an Aritzia, Little Burgandy, and Michael Kors. There’s also two giant nutcrackers on the street right now which is helpful in locating the building. The doors to the Consulate were locked, but a Security Guard noticed me from inside and directed me to form a line up against the side of the building. He then proceeded to call me in about five mins later and checked my passport before directing me to go through Security. After security, I was directed to go to the first floor using the elevator and to go to windows 4, 5, or 6 when available.

 

When I arrived, there was one person sitting down and a couple of people at the windows. It’s important to note that if there’s other people sitting and no windows available, you have to note your turn and then approach one of the windows when it’s available. Many people who came in were unsure and there’s no sign indicating what to do. I also noticed that the security guard who sits near the waiting area was also not consistent in letting everyone know what to do when they arrived so many were confused.

 

I went up to a window when it was my turn and they asked for a passport and informed that I would be called up to provide my documents. Shortly after I was called up and asked to provide my address for where I will be living in the US and also my current address in Canada.

I also was asked to provide the following:

- Original Birth Certificate (I had both long and short but was asked for long)

- Original Marriage Certificate

- Husband’s 2019 tax return (Form 1040), W-2, and tax transcript

- One passport sized photo

- Police Certificate

- I-864 Form

*Both my Police Certificate and I-864 form were updated from the ones that I originally uploaded, I didn’t upload the new ones prior to the interview and just provided the individual with the updated ones

 

After waiting for some time, I was called up to a window for the interview. I was asked the following:

- Who is the petitioner?

- When and where did you meet your husband?

- Details about our wedding (when, where, who attended)

- What does your husband do for a living? Where does he work? Where is his work located?

- What do you plan to do after you move? What work will you do?

- Have you ever been arrested or charged?

- Have you ever been denied entry to the US and/or turned around? 

- Where have you travelled to in the last five years?

As mentioned in my previous post, I was then informed that they did not receive my medical exam and that they weren’t able to approve me today. I was given a 221g form that stated “pending medical exam”. The individual who interviewed me asked to keep my passport as this was normal and that once the medical exam was received, they could issue the Visa and send my passport back to me.

 

I left the Consulate just before 9:30am. Hoping my medical exam is received soon!

 

 

Congrats on your appointment. Did they ask for the 2019 tax transcript or did you just give it to them? Because I have the w2 and 1040 but not the transcript

1 hour ago, Ptitchou said:

Date of your medical.

Can you come back within 2 weeks or so, as I need to be in Canada till September for my child to start college 

On 12/10/2020 at 1:30 PM, Romans13 said:

ANOTHER timeline update:

 

Crossed border on 21 Nov 2020.

 

UCSIS notification that Green Card creation 4 Dec 2020.

 

Physical Green Card arrived today, 10 December via priority mail.

 

pretty darn quick.

Hi, do you know the time frame you have to leave Canada when you get your green card? Is it 6 months from the time it’s approved or from your medical date. Thanks