Ptitchou

We are going away for the month of February and hoped we'd have our approval by now, but well, we all see what's (not) happening with Potomac. PD is July 24. 
 
Was thinking we should at least get all the paperwork together for NVC stage have keep it on file to be ready whenever we finally hear from them, but I also know at this rate, NVC isn't likely to receive our case until we're back from our trip. How long are police records valid for? 

We are going away for the month of February and hoped we'd have our approval by now, but well, we all see what's (not) happening with Potomac. PD is July 24. 
 
Was thinking we should at least get all the paperwork together for NVC stage have keep it on file to be ready whenever we finally hear from them, but I also know at this rate, NVC isn't likely to receive our case until we're back from our trip. How long are police records valid for? 

Looking at Igor's List, there have still only been two Potomac approvals (that VJ members have updated) in December. I suspect there won't be much more for the rest of the year as people go on holiday. Hopefully it picks up quickly in January! 

Yeah, I'm feeling a bit bummed out about it, to be honest. Yes, it could absolutely be worse and I am sorry for all those stuck at Nebraska, but when we see that estimate inching further and further away it can be disheartening. I was really hoping to be able to start the NVC process before the spring. 

I can understand with losing a job, its tough to survive. I hope you get your process soon. Jobs are tough these to find any where in the world not only Canada! best of luck with everything!

OP was just asking a question. That's what VJ is for: seeking advice from others.
 
OP, I hope it all ends well.  Seems like you're on the right track in terms of austerity measures etc.  This will pass and you and your partner will be together and this time will fade in terms of its hardship.

Hi to all! I am new to this thread and so happy to found it! I am a July Filer too! I sent my i-130 last July 22nd. And I got my noa1 on July 24th 2019. I just wonder if you guys check the documents you submitted? coz when i checked it, my 40 pages turn into 12 pages when they scan it. I was a bit worried what happened to the photos and other documents that is missing in the documents that i found on my uscis account? please help me! Appreciate it!

Most hotels are able to store your luggage for the day when you check out if you ask them. If you're concerned about it, try calling ahead to the hotel you're staying with and ask the concierge. 

Got another date change when I checked recently: October 23. Still "in progress". 
They still haven't uploaded any more document scans. There's only the one thing they uploaded back in July. I guess we're still a ways off...

Yeah, it's unfortunately looking like Potomac times have been increasing lately.  

Yeah, it's unfortunately looking like Potomac times have been increasing lately.  

I had my medical with him on Oct 31. My memory is foggy but I remember questions about diseases, HIV, heart health (I think!), pregnancy and details on pregnancies, surgeries you've had, medications etc. Very simple sheet, took about 2 minutes to fill out if you are in good health.

Got another date change when I checked recently: October 23. Still "in progress". 
They still haven't uploaded any more document scans. There's only the one thing they uploaded back in July. I guess we're still a ways off...

Hey everyone, 
 
Thought I would do a quick review of my experience with Dr. Lyndon Mascarenhas for the US immigration medical, as reading about other people’s experiences on here was really helpful to me. 
 
I received an email on October 15th saying my interview date had been scheduled for November 18th. That same day I emailed Dr. Lyndon Mascarenhas office and Dr. Ian Zatzman. I received a response back from both offices within a few hours. Dr. Lyndon’s office said they could fit me in October 21st at 2:15 pm, so I ended up finalizing an appointment with them. (Earliest appt available with Dr. Zatzman was Nov 5th). 
 
The actual medical was a breeze and super quick. Office was easy to find. I arrived around 1:30 pm and was asked to fill out some paperwork. I then provided one passport photo, my vaccine checklist and interview letter to the receptionist and was asked to take a seat. Around 2:00pm I was called into the room and was asked to fill out a questionnaire (had a bunch of yes or no health related questions on there). About 10 minutes later, Dr. Lyndon came in. He was super nice and friendly. Asked if I was healthy overall, to which I responded yes. He checked my blood pressure and asked about my profession. Whole thing took less than 5 minutes. He then handed me a blood sample test tube and urine sample bottle and some paperwork. Instructed me to go to the basement level for an X Ray and then LifeLabs around the corner for blood work/urine sample. 
 
I paid my fees (350 + 50 for courier + 1 for using a debit card = $401) with the receptionist and proceeded downstairs for the x-ray. I was in and out in 10-15 minutes as there wasn’t much of a wait. Then headed over to LifeLabs. It was quite busy at the time and I had to wait about 30 minutes. Not too bad. The actual sample collection took a few minutes. All in all, I finished everything by 3:15 pm. 
 
I received an email from the receptionist today that my results have been mailed out, with tracking info. It should arrive tomorrow. So I waited a total of 6-7 business days for my results to be processed and sent out. 
 
Overall, the process was much easier than expected. I’d highly recommend Dr. Lyndon Mascarenhas, his office was professional and seems to be well run.  

My USC husband visited me 12-15 times during the process, never been a problem with CBSA. I visited the USA quite frequently too and  I remember being asked a few extra questions twice.  Once, the border agent lady could not understand that I was visiting my husband, but that we would be going on vacations together (?), and she was mesmerized by my bicycle. Weird interaction. 
Other time, young and cute border agent was flirting with me and I had to interrupt him, and say "Sorry, on my way to visit my husband..." (also weird, but in a cute way).  

We did the K1 and my fiance at the time visited a lot. It was never an issue. Probably because intent to adjust in not against the rules in Canada. 

Canada doesn't blink an eye at the USC going in and out the way the US would during this pending immigration (well, as long as they don't break any of Canada's visitor rules while visiting and have that on record). You're good!

Following this topic closely as well. We only just had our NOA1 for i-130 so we're likely going to fall into this new rule category. I have multiple health issues that are being managed by medication and other treatment, and while most folks here seem to think they wouldn't be an issue, I now worry if that's going to change with these upcoming restrictions. I already expected I wouldn't be allowed to use any social welfare and didn't intend to, but who knows what they'll think. 
 
I've read that they will be factoring in things like past benefit use and credit score too. Is that of the petitioner or the beneficiary? Does someone have a link to the entire document and not just what's been parsed by the media? 

There is nothing wrong with using co-sponsors or joint sponsors. If all parties agree and the person makes more than enough to pass the test, what exactly is the issue? We are very grateful to our co-sponsor, without them, I would not only not be able to be with my husband but he would not be a successful taxpaying LPR fulfilling a critical role in his job and enjoying the opportunities this country has given him because of his hard work.. We never asked our co-sponsor for a dime, nor did we ever utilize the 'system'. We paid for our wedding. We paid for our health insurance. We had savings that saw our way through. Not everyone's case is straightforward, some are a little more complicated.

What's confusing me is that this all is phrased like it applies to immigrants who already live in the USA. How are we supposed to have any credit score at all before we're able to get a SSN and a bank account? Or are they going to want the USC petitioner to provide their credit score and be mandated to have insurance? It's not terribly straightforward for all circumstances. 
 
Has anyone seen the new income requirements for 2020? Can't seem to find them. I'm sure this will all become clearer in due time but right now it's a bit chaotic. 

I am sorry if it sounds ironic but the next thing is to be asked if you have a dowry before being granted a visa.......

https://www.boundless.com/blog/public-charge-rule-explained/
 
https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20190812280/immigrants-will-be-required-to-show-credit-scores-or-fulfill-other-financial-criteria-if-they-want-to-become-us-citizens

You can bring back up to 1.5 litres of wine OR 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages OR up to 8.5 litres of beer.
 
This is per adult. Usually when I would travel with friends, we'd divide the booze purchases amongst the group so the ones who didn't buy any would claim the extras. 
 
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html

Hi all! Looks like I'm joining this thread finally too! 
 
We sent our paperwork to Chicago on July 22, delivered July 24. Husband just received the text today with a IOE receipt number. Text says form i-797 to follow in mail. 
 
Will that form have our case number to log in online? 

Yep! I just got my letter today. It was sent the day after the text so add one business day plus distance from Chicago to you via snail mail & you'll have when to expect your letter 😉