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jsgriff

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    The Canuck EI Thread

    in Canada

    Posted

    I just did my EI application online last night. One question though: since the immigrant visa in my passport states "Upon endorsement, serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year", is this all I need to prove my ability to work, or do I need to wait for the actual I-551 card and/or SSN card? When I was admitted at the border I was told I could work right away.

    When I was in Montreal, the Consulate told me to check "No" for them to issue me a SSN #. He told me to do it myself in Ohio when I got here.

    I went to the SSA office Monday morning, and by Tuesday morning, I had a printout of my SSN #. You should call the 1-800 # as they will probably tell you to go to your local SSA office to get your # as well.

    As long as you have the #, along with your Visa, you are able to work.

    Good Luck

    Officially in the US!

    in Canada

    Posted

    don't forget to fill int the poe review.

    http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

    I actually did that first and then copied and pasted it here. lol.

    OBX, my dog is a very small cairn terrier/corgi mix. He was in the uncrated in the back seat with my father-in-law (and behaving very well) at the time we crossed the border. Both the officer at the booth and the one who directed us where to park saw him, but neither said or asked anything about him.

    And thank you everyone! :D

    I crossed in Buffalo NY this morning, a total of 30 min for both Customs and to Import my vehicle.

    No duty charged, they didn't even look in my vehicle !!!

    This has to be the best border to cross at, it was very, very stress free ! ! ! !!

    August I-130 approvals, lets do NVC together.

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    Well, I made it over the border smoothly and effortlessly. I'll paste my POE review below for anyone who's interested. Its funny how at the end of all of this, now that I'm at my husband's side for good, all of the stress and anguish of this whole process has melted away. Suddenly it seems it wasn't so hard. Wasn't so long. It was totally worth it, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if I had to.

    Now I just can't wait to get home and decorate a Christmas tree with him!

    ____________________________________________________________________

    Peace Bridge (Fort Erie/Buffalo)

    Highly recommended: Fast, courteous, and hassle-free

    We arrived at the border at about 10:30pm. We were expecting it to be busier for a Friday night 2 weeks before Christmas, but ended up with only 2 cars ahead of us at the booths. When it was our turn we handed over our passports and answered the usual "Where are you coming from/Where are you going/What is your citizenship" trio, after which I told the officer that I needed to activate an immigrant visa. He asked if I was relocating today and I said I was. We waited there a few minutes while he filled out a form (I believe anyway...couldn't really see though), He asked to see my package and I handed over the sealed envelope. He wrote down some information from the sheet taped it and handed it back, then asked and wrote down the city and state I was moving to. We were handed a slip of paper and told to pull over to the right.

    We were met by a guard who instructed us where to park and directed us to door 1. The waiting room was freeezing, and we were the only ones in it. After a minute or two someone came in and requested my envelope, then said she'd call us into the next room in a few moments. About 4 minutes or so later, another guard came in from outside, commented on how cold the room was, and went back to the secure area. She immediately picked up the intercom and invited us into the next room where the heat was working so we wouldn't have to freeze while we waited. We accepted graciously and thanked her. The first guard smiled when she saw us and said she was about to call us in anyway. She apologized for leaving us out there as she didn't realize how cold it was.

    She asked me to verify that all of the information (including spelling) on the sheet that was taped to the sealed envelope is correct. I said it was. she asked me to sit for just another moment while she finished up real quick. Out came the stamp: one on the sheet, one on the DS-230, one in the passport (yay!). She has me come up again and sign the front and back of a form, then took an ink fingerprint of my right index above each signature. She handed back all of our passports and laughed that she gives the same entry speech to everyone, so bear with her. She said that as of right now I am officially a legal permanent resident of the United States and am entitled to work and all other associated rights. The visa in my passport will serve as my temporary greencard until the plastic one is issued, which usually takes anywhere from 1-3 months. Once the official greencard is issued the visa in the passport will no longer be valid. The passport and eventually the greencard should be kept on me at all times. I WILL be denied entry and returned to the last country I was in if I ever fail to present it at a port of entry (no biggie if driving back from Canada, but a huge issue if returning from, say, a European vacation). She asked if I had any questions. I asked what course of action I should follow if the greencard is not received and at what point I should become concerned. She said that I should probably call to inquire after 6 months. At 9 months something is very wrong and I need to hound my local CIS office. She said in a worst-case scenario, the validity of the visa in my passport can be extended another year if needed.

    I was then congratulated and welcomed to the United States. No one was bothered at all with the truck full of my belongings, the packing list I'd prepared attesting to such belongings, or my dog. The whole process was less than an hour.

    Great news, and great info!

    I'm leaving in the AM for POE Buffalo around 7am, hope my crossing goes as smoothly as yours !!

    Congrats again!!

    Scott & Jen

    IR-1 Visa Approved

    in Canada

    Posted

    Well, I had my interview in Montreal yesterday morning and am overjoyed to report that my visa was approved. My experience in Montreal itself was far below par as it seemed that Murphy's Law was alive and kicking...but we won't go into that as fortunately this didn't carry over into the interview.

    I arrived outside of the consulate at 6:35am. I know it was really early, but I didn't have a chance the night before to do my walk-around to make sure I knew where it was, and I wanted to be sure to allow time for myself to get lost along the way (which I now realize was pretty impossible from La Tour). No one else showed up until 7:15, but by the time the doors opened at 7:30 there were about a dozen people lined up. It was pooooouring rain, and I was the only one with an umbrella (I'd checked the weather report before leaving for Montreal the day before).

    SECURITY:

    The guard at the door was very brisk and serious. He unlocked the door and asked if he could help me. I said that I had an appointment today and showed him my interview letter and passport. He verified the date on the letter and looked at my passport, then asked if I had any electronics such as a cell phone on me. I said no. My documents and evidence were in a briefcase-style accordion folder with a hard plastic outer shell and a carrying handle. He inspected it from the outside and asked if it was all plastic. I said it was. He let me in and told me to tell the next guard that he said the case was okay. I knew that bringing the case would be iffy at security, but I had a LOT of documents (my most solid evidence of our continued relationship were the fourteen 40-50 page phone bills), and I was prepared to throw it in the trash if need be.

    I went through the door and up the stairs where the next guard was waiting for me with a smile. This one seemed much warmer and was even somewhat friendly. Once again my letter and passport were checked, then clicked together with the lovely letter A. He took the case from me and placed it on the belt for the x-ray scanner, followed by my purse. He had me place my scarf, gloves, and umbrella in a tray and asked me to empty my pockets. I told him I had nothing in my pockets. He put the tray on the belt and had me remove my coat and place it in another tray, which went in behind it. Then he had me walk through the metal detector, then stand in a spread-out position while he went over me with the hand one. He gave me back my coat, scarf, gloves, and umbrella. The other guard watching the items go through the x-ray told him to check the case for a plastic cylinder and my purse for a liquid and possible electronic. He opened the case and found my chest x-ray film, which I had rolled up into a cylinder for the sake of portability. From my purse he removed my Tide-to-Go pen (which I had forgotten to remove before leaving for Montreal) and my travel alarm clock (which I had forgotten to remove at the hotel). He said that he would have to hang on to those 2 items, gave me a ticket, and said I could come back to claim them before leaving. Sounds like a long process, I know, but it was really rather quick. I was then instructed to go down the stairs to the waiting room until the guard came to get me.

    PRE-INTERVIEW:

    The next guard came down in the elevator about 5 minutes or so later, and by then the room was almost full. He called those with letters A through E. There were apparently only 2 of us with an immigrant visa interview though, so he took our letters and passports and took us both up. As soon as the elevator door closed he broke into a big smile and pointed at me. "You're the one that was out there at 6:30, aren't you?" I laughed at said "I believe it was six thirty-FIVE, thank you very much." The three of us laughed. We stepped off the elevator and the guard had us take a seat, instructing us to wait until we were called.

    After 15 minutes or so I was called to window 12, where I was told to hang up my coat and purse on the hook beside me, since I'd be there for a bit. He asked for my 2 photographs, sealed medical report, Xpresspost envelope, and any documents I did not submit to the NVC. I passed the first 3 through the window and stated that all documents have already been submitted. I asked if he needed the chest x-ray film, the report that was in the large open envelope with it, or the vaccination record that was clipped to the sealed envelope. He said he did not, as those were for my records, and everything he needed was already in the sealed envelope. He slipped the second page of my interview letter to me and asked me to confirm that the spelling of my name and date and country of birth were all correct. I said they were. He then asked the following questions:

    1. When were you married? November of 2006. (He wrote IR-1 on the form).

    2. Why did you wait so long to file? We did file for my adjustment of status within a few months of our marriage, but we withdrew that application and I returned to Canada.

    3. So you abandoned your first application when you returned to Canada? Not exactly. We sent a letter to USCIS first to notify them of our decision to withdraw the petition before I left.

    4. What does your husband do for a living? Construction.

    5. What company does he work for? I gave the company's name.

    6. Who is <joint sponsor's name>? James' step-father. He co-sponsoring for us as my husband had only been at his current job for a couple months when we applied.

    7. Do you know how much your husband earns? Not off the top of my head, I'm sorry.

    8. Do you have any recent paystubs from him? I do, yes. (I handed over 3 recent paystubs for both my hubby and his step-father)

    9. Do you work? Yes

    10. What do you do? I told him, and we engaged in a casual, friendly discussion about my job while he processed the sponsorship info.

    Just as all of the questions were starting to make me wonder if I was actually interviewing right now, he thanked me and told me to go take a seat and that he'd call me again in a few minutes for fingerprints.

    When I came out there were only 4 more people in the immigrant visa side of the room (so 6 total), but the non-immigrant side was almost completely packed. I wasn't watching the clock, but it wasn't terribly long until I was called back to the same window. Maybe 10 minutes-ish. This time he explained how to position my hands for the fingerprinting machine. He asked me if I had paid the immigrant visa fee . I said it was paid to the NVC in August. He said that he can't seem to find a record of it (Heart attack moment #1). I said that it was paid online and that I did bring the receipt. I pulled it from my files and handed it over, stating it was a duplicate copy and that he could keep it if needed. He entered something into the computer (the confirmation # I would imagine) and said "Oh there it is. Sorry for the scare", then placed the receipt in my file. I was again asked to return to the waiting room until I was called for the interview.

    INTERVIEW:

    I had been stressing and losing sleep over the actual interview like crazy for the last month, but now that it was literally minutes away, I was serenely calm. Kind of a que sera sera moment. I was called into booth 8 where I was greeted by the female interviewer. I think the word 'interview' is far too formal for what that was...seemed she was really only after clarification on a few things. Her questions were surrounded by chit chat and not at all interrogatory. She swore me in, had me sign part 2 of the DS-230, then verified both my mailing address for the visa as well as my husband's address for the SSN and greencard. She then asked the following questions:

    1. How did you meet? We met online through a game.

    2. When was this? In November of 2005

    3. How did you communicate at this time? Mostly through an online voice chat program.

    4. What is the program called? Teamspeak.

    5. When did you first meet in person? October of 2006

    6. When did you marry? November of 2006

    7. I noticed you were living in the US from October 2006 to July 2007. Thats longer than Canadians are welcome to stay without a visa. Can you explain this? (Heart attack moment #2) We had filed an adjustment of status application a few months after our wedding, and I was under the impression that I was permitted to stay while it was processing.

    8. When was this filed? March of 2007

    9. Have you ever taken any medications? Yes

    10. What for? Depression

    11. When did you last need medication? I haven't needed them since 2005. I don't recall the month.

    12. Does your husband have health insurance? Yes he does, through his tribe.

    13. Will you be covered under his insurance? I will only have maternity coverage. We're researching insurance companies for more complete coverage.

    She then said "I am approving your visa, and I would like to be the first to welcome you to the United States". I blinked a few times, laughed, fought off tears, thanked her, and exhaled. She gave me a big smile and said "You're welcome", then went on to provide me with all the necessary details. My mind was running a million miles a minute, so I probably didn't absorb it all, but she told me I would be getting a 10 year greencard. She said it may take up to 2 weeks for me to receive the visa in the mail, and that it would be valid for 6 months. She said it will be accompanied by a sealed brown envelope that must be presented to the officer the first time I use my visa, and to allow about an hour for processing. She said the greencard and SSN will be mailed to my husband's address as indicated on my form, but warned they may take 2-3 months to be received. She said that until the actual greencard is received, the visa in my passport will allow me to come and go as I please. And that was it. I wished her a happy holiday, and she seemed genuinely appreciative of that and wished the same to me. "I get to go home! What could be more happy?"

    After the interview I let myself out the same way I came: down the elevator, through the small waiting room, and up the stairs. When I got my 2 items back from security the clock read 9:00 on the nose. I called my husband and woke him up to tell him the good news before the long trip home. :)

    Congrats!!!

    Can you keep in touch and let me know how long it takes to receive the Visa in St Kitts, and the SSN and Green Card in the States ?

    Thanks!

    Good luck with the move!

    Scott & Jen

    Ohio Canadians

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    I am not Canadian, but I am familair with Zanesville. Best of luck to you...have you been there yet? From where are you moving?

    Hey,

    Moving there from Niagara Falls ON, and yes, been there about 200 x, LOL!!!

    Only a 5.5 hr drive.

    I am not Canadian, but I am familair with Zanesville. Best of luck to you...have you been there yet? From where are you moving?

    Hey,

    Moving there from Niagara Falls ON, and yes, been there about 200 x, LOL!!!

    Only a 5.5 hr drive.

    small world...my brother owns a hotel property in Zanesville. I've been there many times!

    Which one ? ?

    Hotel Reviews Montreal

    in Canada

    Posted · Edited by jsgriff

    I booked my stay at the W Montreal, got a great rate $172/night for 3 nights. I expect to stay a few days in Montreal to tour the city since I've never been there. It's also only 0.5 km from the Embassy so that should be like a 5 min walk. I expect it to be all that W Hotels are, nice, ultra-modern and trendy. They are running a special now, if you book 2 nights you get the 3rd free when reserving with any AMEX card. I'm a week away from my interview, very excited and nervous.

    Good deal! I didn't know there was one in Montreal. We stayed one night a couple of years ago at the W at Union Square in NYC. It was one of the nicest places we have ever stayed but very $$$. I think hubby paid over $400 US for one night - but it was worth it. And yes they are very tendy - high "cool" factor yet very welcoming.

    Hope the week speeds by - good luck at the interview. Nice to see things moving along for others.

    I booked the Hyatt Regency for $109 CA a night for 2 nights. Got the deal from Travel Zoo's top 20 email. I think it's pretty close to the Consulate, which will help with the freezing temps for my interview on Dec 10th!!!

    New DS-160 Form - Montreal Interview

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    The above poster is correct. Quote from Montreal's website:

    "Beginning October 22, 2008, all applicants applying for nonimmigrant visas in Montréal and Vancouver must use the new DS-160 application form."

    Since the IR-1 and CR-1 are immigrant visas, as opposed to non-immigrant, this requirements does not apply to us.

    Thanks a lot, it's such a long process, I'm nearing the end now, I can't even distinguish what the name of the Visa I'm going for is ? LMAO !!!!

    Thanks again,

    Dec 10th, here I come !!!

    Dr Seiden Medical Toronto

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    So I had my medical today and it went on without a hitch. I arrived at 630 am and was waited on within 10 minutes.

    I was there for a total of 1.5 hrs and everything went really smooth. If you need to park, their is parking on Sherbourne St just past Front St, it's only $9 for 8 hr parking.

    Make sure you take Cash only, it's $20 to have them courier your results.

    I would have to say that most of the reviews are correct, if you follow the directions for your medical, you'll be fine!

    Now, off to Montreal Dec 10th!!

    For those of you going, the Hyatt Montreal has a discounted rate on Travel Zoo, only $109 a night !!

    MEDICAL PASSED ..INTERVIEW DATE CLOSER ..

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    hey guys ...i just came to know that my wife passed medical today ...they gave her damn sealed envelope ..i told her not to open it and PLACE IT IN SAFE LOCKER LOL....her interview date getting closer my nerves getting tense and tighter.i am planning to be there with her during interview time ..took permission from consulate office .leaving myself to india on thursday all they told me that i can enter visa lobby but cannot attend her interview ...but i can watch how she does interview...

    guys any tips how to ease tension :P:)

    so for the medical you're not suppose to open the results ? Does the doctor just tell you that you passed and everything's fine?

    USCIS approves our I-130 Twice ? ? ?

    in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    Has this happened to anyone else ?

    Our I-130 was approved on July 7, 08, and we received a hard copy as well.

    Then, we have been called every day for 2+ months to find out when it will get to the NVC, and low and behold what happens ? ?

    Our I-130 gets approved again on Sept 16, 08.

    We called and they said it is a mistake and it will take up to 30 days for them to find out what happened ?

    Has anyone else experienced such a disaster? What can we do ?

    Thanks for your help!!

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