Lois K

Good Afternoon,
 
I have been following this forum for over a year now and it has been extremely helpful. Thank you to the creators and individuals that took time to respond to questions.
 
DQ date: May 28th
Interview date in Montreal: February 12th (Approved!)
Immigrant Visa in Final processing: February 16th
Tracking number for Immigrant Visa: February 19th
Immigrant Visa received via Purolator in Toronto: Today!!!!!!!
 
My question to the group is about this $220 USCIS Immigrant Fee. I do not see an 'A number' or 'DOS case number' in the immigrant Visa as was indicated in the Welcome to the United States of America letter. It's driving me insane lol. Any help appreciated. Thank you and good luck to everyone here.
 

I'll advise you upload all documents that have changed and also take copies along with you. Sometimes, they do not see the uploaded documents so they will ask for copies from you at the interview. Good luck!

I'm home.
 
Arrived at Peace Arch around 5:45pm on Thursday Feb 18.  Day was sort of an avalanche of delays and minor things going wrong but nothing really major, so showing up at the crossing was a few hours behind schedule.  I rolled up in a 10 foot uhaul towing my car.  Said I was activating my visa, was asked if I was moving which was a fun question given that I was *driving a moving truck*, and got sent over into secondary.  After a while I got asked the usual declaration questions, answered them, and presented my list o' stuff and what boxes they were in.  The list was treated like it was on fire so I guess nobody wants to have to actually review the list and they may figure that if someone actually went to the trouble of preparing such a list that they're not playing fast and loose with the rules, which was true for me.  Chilled in the truck for about 30-40 minutes, tried to distract myself from randomly crying or whatever about being on the very last step of this 908 day journey, messaged my wife who relayed a message from our 6-year-old that he thought it would be a good idea if they came to the border to help, since I was taking "for ages", etc.  Eventually another officer came to check the visa and told me to come inside.  I recommend the restroom inside the Peace Arch CBP building for its exciting 30-second-long flush, incidentally.  Anyway I sat on the bench in a very empty building (5 or so officers and me) and admired the Chihuly glass-blowing stuff.  Got called up and answered a few questions and had a photo taken, which I didn't see but is quite possibly the worst photo ever taken of me as I was exhausted, my hair was a wreck from loading the truck and hooking up the tow dolly in the rain, and I'd been randomly tearing up for the last hour or so.  The officer stamped my passport and said congratulations and I sputtered some sort of thank you and said "I'm just gonna go cry in the truck a bit" which I did while messaging "I'm coming home" to my wife before driving the last 15 minutes to get to her and my step-son.
 
She'd made spaghetti and meatballs.  It was the most delicious meal of my life.
 

Congratulations to all that have been recently approved and entered the US.
 
I just wanted to update everyone on my husband’s POE.
 
First, our timeline:
 
Jan 29:  interview (approved)
Jan 30:  refused
Feb 9:  updated to issued
Feb 11:  passport mailed
Feb 15:  passport received
 
My husband entered the US via the Peace Bridge into Buffalo on February 22.  He used a 15 foot UHaul truck and trailer to transport his car.  Cost altogether was approximately US$130.  
 
After initially being yelled at by the CBP officer for using the wrong lane (which he wasn’t, by the way), the officer told him to write down the license plate numbers for the truck, trailer and his car.  
 
He was then directed to secondary.  The officers were not terribly accommodating or understanding regarding his inability to maneuver a large truck and trailer easily.  
 
Fortunately, his experience at secondary was brief and uneventful.  He was literally there for less than 10 minutes while the officer processed his visa.  The officer said that the government is backed up and processing his Green Card could take some time.  I hope that as evidenced by the other posters here that will not be the case.  He had a 3395 Customs Declaration form completed and was not asked for it and the officer did not look at the contents of his truck.  Also, there was no mention of any sort of quarantine.
 
I am grateful to finally have him with me and glad this phase is over.  From the time we filed our initial petition until he received his visa in hand was 790 days.  It is an incredibly long road, but I want to give hope to all others that it will be over eventually and to be patient.  You will get there!

Yes - Received my Passport in hand on Monday! (Feb 22)
 
Did a COVID Test on Monday
Flying out today.

Hey, I haven't really been following, but just wanted to update on receiving green cards & SSN after entering the US on CR1, along with my son (age 18) who entered with me on CR2. 
 
We entered the US on Jan 1, 2021 at a land crossing, BC to WA. The crossing was easy (had to wait inside for a bit, but they were nice & didn't ask many questions), and we were both given our I-551 stamps in our passports. 
 
We received both of our green cards in the mail today (Feb 23), in separate envelopes. I was able to see when they were produced & mailed through the My USCIS account, and was given tracking numbers (submitted Jan 5th, produced Feb 13th, mailed Feb 17th). https://my.uscis.gov
 
We had both checked the box on the DS-260 to receive the SSN. I received my social security card Jan 11th, but my son never received one. We called the local social security office (found here: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/) about my son's SSN, and they said he will have to apply for one. 
 
Since my son is over 12, he has to attend an in-person interview, and since he is 18 he has to talk to them himself & fill everything out himself & also go to the appointment alone (I can't go inside at all because of covid). He has to fill out the SS-5 form (available online), bring ID, proof of immigration status, his birth certificate, plus documents to "prove" that he wouldn't already have an SSN - one per decade he has been alive, showing that he was residing outside of the US. (This seems silly to me - he has a Canadian birth certificate & JUST immigrated to the US less than 2 months ago. Why does he need to prove foreign residence?) The person on the phone said that school records will work for that. Once he has filled out the form and gathered all the documents, he has to call back to make an appointment. (Also, because of covid, you can't have been outside of the country in the 14 days before your appointment.) 
 
Another thing I have found really useful for all of this is the USPS informed delivery (which I'm pretty sure I learned about on here, but just letting people know incase they weren't aware!). They email you each morning with scans of the mail you should be receiving that day, so you know when things are coming, and will know right away if something was mis-delivered. They also email me the tracking numbers for packages a few days before they arrive (they did this with the green cards, which were tracked priority mail).  https://informeddelivery.usps.com

DQ June 1st, interview February 24th! What a pleasant surprise to wake up to that email! 

Once you activate your visa in your passport, your visa in your passport because your temporary green card. I used it to get my driver's license and to apply for work with no issues. The physical green card took me approximately 5 months to get with some persistent nagging. Once you hit 90 days, you can submit any inquiry. I submitted twice, prior to involving the ombudsman.

Dunno. It's been 90 days now since POE so we'll submit a case inquiry. 

I got DQ today!! We shouldve called earlier to inquire about our case anyhow we are glad to receive this email and look forward to an interview date. 

Yesterday was my appointment I arrived about 5 mins early only to find out that I couldn’t bring my laptop bag with me which had all my documents, for some reason I guess I missed that part where you couldn’t bring extra bags. So I literally ran back to my hotel dropped off the bags and ran back luckily my hotel was five minutes away walking distance. so when I arrived I was sweating and panting and the security guy was like, didn’t I tell you you didn’t have to rush we’re here all day take your time 😒. In my head I’m like seriously LOL 😂. 
So they scan your items like if you’re going through airport security they take your phone and give you a key and then you’re told to go upstairs to window 6. I was asked for my passport and then he said “will call you when we’re ready”
Mind you my appointment was for 9:45am and I didn’t leave there until 11:55am.
So basically it didn’t go quickly.
 
Its so quiet you could hear a pin drop nobody was talking, you just either had to look at your documents or look at the wall. 
I would suggest bring something enjoyable to read. 
 
They called me up after some time I went back to window 6, and he asked for my :
-original birth certificate
-original marriage certificate
-original police certificate
 -One passport photo (he did not want any copies) 
I think he scanned the passport photo and then he gave it back to me.

(Side note: everything is out in the open and you can hear other people’s interviews, so no privacy.)
 
He asked if the support affidavit had changed I said “no” he confirmed my address and phone number in Canada and my husbands address and phone number in the US. I was also asked to take fingerprints, then I was given the domestic violence pamphlet and then told to have a seat and wait again.
 
Soon after I was called to another window with a very nice lady with a colourful embroidery mask. Mind you no one asked to take the mask off. 
 
-She asked who the petitioner was who sponsored me?
-How we met?
-Did I meet him before we got married?
-Were either of us married before?
-Do either of us have children?
-What does the petitioner do for a living?
 
She then asked if the affidavit of support had changed I said “no” and I then asked if she wanted a copy she said “no she can look it up on the computer”. So 1040 and W-2s were not given. 
 
For some reason her computer froze and she had to leave her desk and look at the financials on another computer but when she came back she said your Approved!! And handed me two papers discussing how to Track the process of getting my passport back. She advised it may be 2 to 3 weeks but if something delays it because of Covid it may take longer. 
The second paper talked about US$220 I needed to be paid in order to get the physical green card, which can be done after, once you move. 
 
She also advised when you cross the border for the first time you will have to go  through a secondary screening at the US border which is normal, she said everyone Has to go through it. I also asked her what is the process when you have to go back to Canada before you actually make the move to the US she didn’t really know and said to follow up with the US border. 
 
All in all, I’m glad the hard part it over. 
Thanks everyone in this group for your support, and guidance. I hope everyone has a smooth and successful experience to Approved. 
 
 

Hi everyone, I finally got DQ'd! Could I be added to the spreadsheet @Hawk Riders?

I had my interview at 10:15am today and finished around 12:10pm. My visa was approved! I will post a longer review of the process later. Thanks for all your help and support!

CR1- interview: Just had my interview this morning 9:00am. I arrived at 8:54 I waited approx 3 mins lol. Went through security no problem. Took elevator to 1st floor where I was directed to window #6 gave my passport. Sat down and waited. I was called to another window where she took my fingerprints. I was asked for 1 passport photo (she scanned and returned it to me) original birth certificate, original marriage certificate, original police clearance and husband's 2019 tax transcripts. She asked who was my petitioner, what is his address in the U.S. and what is my address in Canada. She gave me a pamphlet on domestic violence and told me to have a seat I will be called for the interview soon. I was called to a 3rd window where he had me swear to a oath, took fingerprints again (as my electronic signature) he asked me how and when my husband and I met, when we got married, what does he do for a living, do we have any children together. He then said everything looked good (my medical results had made it in time, I gave LOTS of time lol) I was approved. My passport will be sent back to me within 7-10 days. He let me know i have 6 months from time of my medical to cross into the U.S. He returned my original documents to me and said good luck with everything. I was in there for about 1hr 40mins. Everyone was extremely nice and helpful, I truly feel as though I was nervous and edgy for nothing this final part of the process was probably the easiest part but it is complete and I am so excited and relieved. Please let me know if I can help give any info according to my experience. Best of luck to everyone! 😊🥳

I had my interview this morning at 8:00. It was approved 😭❤️
Arrived at 7:50 and waited outside. One person was let in at a time. The first officer asks some covid screening questions then directed me to security. 
I did not bring a phone or smart watch. Just my paperwork and my wallet. Went through metal detector and was directed up the elevator to 1st floor and to take my passport to window 6. 
No one was being helped at the window when I got there so I was able to give my passport and then directed to have a seat. The wall clock batteries are still dead so I'm not sure how long I waited before being called to window 4, maybe 10-15 minutes. The lady at window 4 was friendly. She asked if this was mine/my husbands first marriage. I stated that it was. She asked for the address and I explained that he had moved recently and indicated it on a new i-864 form (I uploaded it to NVC as well). She asked for the new i-864 to see the address and verified that it was signed and matched the one I uploaded. She also asked for:
-1 passport photo
-original marriage certificate
-original birth certificate
-original police clearances (I had 2, one from Canada and one from Cayman Islands) 

She verified the forms and then noted that I had uploaded my husbands 2019 tax transcripts to NVC. She praised me for being organized and having it uploaded. She did not ask me for the copy of the tax transcript. She asked me if I had the W2s and I gave her that as well as the 1040 form (she didn't ask for the 1040 but when I said I have it she said she would take it too). Both the 1040 and W2 were photocopies and this was fine.

She gave me my documents back and my passport photo and handed me the domestic violence pamphlet and asked me to sit to wait for the interview. 

I sat for maybe 3-5 minutes and read 1.5 pages of the pamphlet before being called to window 11. The lady was friendly. She asked me: 
-Is this my/my husbands first marriage
-do either of us have kids
-what year did we meet
-where/how did we meet
-what does my husband do for work
-have I ever been denied crossing at the border
-have I ever over stayed a visa
-she asked me if I read the pamphlet and I said part of it but i hadnt had a chance to read the whole thing. She said that was fine and just said to read it when i have time. 

Then she said congratulations and explained that my passport would be mailed back to me in 2-3 weeks. 

I honestly feel so relieved and a little bit in shock. We've been waiting for this day for so long. Our petition was submitted Jan 2019, approved Jan 2020 and interview finally completed Jan 2021. 

Good luck to everyone ❤️ 
 

Yes! I’ve researched this topic quite a bit. Most people are told they are being placed in the long AP. My husband wasn’t told that and they kept his passport. He also wasn’t asked for any additional docs or to complete the DS 5535 form. I do feel that his situation is a bit different and hopefully we won’t be stuck in this for much longer. All we can do is wait and pray for the best. 🙏🏽

Thank you so much.  I've always looked at IL day and gone "haha, all these people are asking obvious questions, they must be freaking out today" and now I can confirm that yes, when you get your IL you freak out for a day.  

Got mine, Feb 12.
 
yay! I can't say enough how helpful this page has been, especially the spread sheet. Thanks for maintaining it for everyone.
 
 

Hi everyone! 
 
For all the spouses that are separated due to COVID-19, I actually travelled to the States while waiting for my interview. I also applied for the I-539 (extension to stay) while I was there. Here's how the process went: 
 
DQ: May 29, 2020 
Aug 5, 2020: My husband (US citizen) flew to YYZ to visit me for 3-4 weeks. He didn't have much of a problem, the officer just asked him the following:
Why are you travelling (A: To visit my wife, she is a Canadian citizen. In July, they've allowed immediate families to visit so I wanted to take this opportunity since I haven't seen her in over 10 months) Do you have documentation for the marriage: (A: Yes - he showed our marriage licence (copy), my passport (copy), drivers licence  (copy)and citizenship card (copy))  How long are you visiting: (A: 3 weeks returning date is Aug 23, 2020 and he showed him the return ticket) Address where you are quarantining and they gave him info on the quarantine act. Upon getting to YYZ, they asked the same questions and it was a quick process.  Aug 23, 2020: My husband (US Citizen) and myself (Canadian citizen applied for IR1) were travelling to LAX from YYZ. Travelling to America was the hardest thing ever, they stopped us and we got to the gate 1 min before closing.This all happened at YYZ and keep in mind it is my fault for not having enough information while flying - so take your chances. They could have said no but the officer said I'll let you stay for your birthday but you have to leave by Dec 1, 2020. 
I got pulled aside because I was travelling with 3 suitcases (My goal was to stay there for 4 months) Why are you travelling? (A: I am going to live with my husband for 4 months, here's the marriage certificate) Do you know you aren't supposed to travel? (A: Yes but I thought I can visit my husband? I'm exempt from the travel ban) Are you planning to live there or stay for a short time? (A: I am only staying there for 4 months, I am returning Jan 2021)  At this point, they pulled us into that Custom & Border room to visit an officer. Another officer called us up and asked us a bunch of questions and proofs. Have you applied for an immigrant visa? (A: Yes, IR-1 I am currently DQ and waiting for my interview. I have to return to Canada to complete my interview. But regardless of that, I work for a Canadian company that knows I am going to America for 4 months and will return.  What's your I-130 number. I don't see you applied for any visa on my end? (A: PANIC MODE - I had to show him my NVC account, DS-260, i-130. For some odd reason when he scanned my passport it did not pop up that i filled an application online. It was a horrible stressful experience of trying to log into my account to try to find my digital i-130 that was mailed to our house in California. Thankfully my mother in law had the I-130 that showed ACCEPTED.) What's the NVC number? USCIS number?  Where are you living? What is the proof you are returning (A: I have a job at a Canadian company but didn't have an official letter from my company that I needed to return. I don't have a mortgage under my name so I had no proof I was returning.) What do you do? What does your husband do? (A: XYZ told him this and I think he asked us how much we make to ensure it wasn't a part-time job and had some type of potential to return back. Even then he said no you can't travel) After much begging and back and forth he said I will give you a travel visa until Dec 1, 2020 - you better come back to Canada before this date.  We ran to our gate which was about to leave in 1 minute.  Oct 2020: I applied for the i-539 (extension of a visa stay), I applied for an extension until May 2021 because I thought my interview would have been in April 2021. I completed the bio-metrics in Nov, 2020. When I called the embassy the lady said that, if the custom border officers show up at my house to tell me I am overstaying, I can show them the i-539 receipt and biometrics date and just let them know I am waiting for an approval which can take up to 6 months. At that time, it is their decision to either 1. let me stay and wait for the final decision or 2. Notify me I must leave. I never got to that stage since I knew my IL would come some time in January so I flew to YYZ on Jan 7, 2021. 
 
Jan 7, 2021: I flew from LAX to YYZ. They never asked me about my visa or extension. They just told me I had to quarantine and call a number every day. 
 
Jan 18: Received IL for Feb 17, 2021
 
**please do not take the risk of travelling unless you have proof of returning. I got lucky but it was not worth the stress of knowing they could say no at any time** 

Joining the huddle. 
DQ - June 1 2020
Interview - Feb 22 2021

Yes I got my IL today, interview date is Feb.8 @Hawk Riders!

Congrats to Everyone who received their ILs today! 
 
I received my passport with visa (IR-1) today via Purolator.
 
I-130: Oct-2018
DQ: Apr-14, 2020
Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved)
Tracking number received Jan-15, 2021
Passport/Visa received Jan-18, 2021
 
My spouse and I currently live together in Canada , and we'll most likely move to the States and cross POE within 2 months (finalizing work/house/car import, etc.).
 
I'll update the thread when I receive SSN & GC. 
 
I want to thank you all for the support and making the whole process more bearable. Visajourney has been nothing but extremely valuable and helpful in many ways! Good luck to you all and wishing you all the best!! 
 
Special thanks to @Hawk Riders for her endless and crucial contribution to these forums. 

More great new for the thread today!
 
My husband just picked up his passport from the courier location and will finally get to come home for good! Thanks everyone for all the support. I will update more when he gets his GC and SSN. This has been a long time coming- it's crazy to think our I-130 packet was submitted back in September of 2018. Glad this journey is coming to a close!
 
DQ: April 14, 2020
Interview: January 13, 2021- Approved
Passport Returned: January 18, 2021
 

IL Feb 8th, 9:30am. Thank you visa journey for being my support group for almost 2 years 🙏. You guys are amazing 😁.....

Congratulations everybody!! I guess I just missed it. My DQ date is June 4.