kburbasaur

As per the FAQ:
Passport
2 pictures
Medical report
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Divorce papers (if applicable)
Police certificate/s
i864
Income tax return and W2
Petitioner birth certificate (if born in US) or proof of status
Remember, it is always better to have a document and not need it, than need a document and not have it.

Eeee y'all! Got tracking info for the passport return! I am crying! 

FYI green card fee payment information:
We could not find the A-Number and/or DOS Case ID you entered If your immigrant visa was approved recently, wait five days before attempting to pay. If the problem continues after five days, contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.

I'm curious as to why its so important to get all the information as soon as possible. Its pretty obvious they haven't filled up November. And everyone assuming it will be like it was before covid for rescheduling (myself included) could easily be wrong. Everyone was freaking out last week that no interviews had gone out and now after some do it turns in to "is that all!?" It is very apparent that they are working their way through stuff and it hasn't been the normal way and this appears to be more of the same. Why is it so difficult to give it a week to see what happens before jumping to conclusions.

This was the ####### I was dealing with.  I was going to arrange for someone to bring my car to the border so I could import it from Canada to the US.  It's not a concern at the moment as the vehicle was stolen and it's pretty destroyed.  But, I risked being told I wasn't allowed to enter Canada, especially if I didn't have a quarantine plan.  Talk about ridiculous. 

Well I picked up my passport with my visa in it the consulate this morning.
 
Last week I had confirmed with USCBP that they would allow me to activate my visa and turn around back to Canada (Johnston crossing in Ontario at Prescott) and they had no issue. I had also physically gone to the CBSA to confirm they wouldn't have me quarantine since I wasn't really going into the US as such.
 
When I pulled up to the window he asked me a couple fo questions, then had me pull into secondary. The officer was very friendly and was just a bit confused why I was activating my visa but not officially moving until later this month. After about 10 minutes another agent came out with my passport and my stamp, letting me know that it would serve as my temporary green card until it would arrive in the mail.
 
Going through Canadian customs was another story - they started taking my email and then I said 'I was here last week and I was told I wouldn't have to quarantine' he told me that had changed.. I said...'since last week??!'. Needless to say I ended up pulled over with two public health nurses asking about my quarantine plan, that I obviously hadn't planned. They didn't care that I was gone for 20 minutes to activate my visa and that the USCBP had told me they could call to confirm....
 
They told me they received a memo yesterday that everyone who leaves Canada, even for 30 seconds must quarantine. I called him on it 'A memo on Thanksgiving...really?!' 
 
So anyway...I'm quarantining now..

Well I picked up my passport with my visa in it the consulate this morning.
 
Last week I had confirmed with USCBP that they would allow me to activate my visa and turn around back to Canada (Johnston crossing in Ontario at Prescott) and they had no issue. I had also physically gone to the CBSA to confirm they wouldn't have me quarantine since I wasn't really going into the US as such.
 
When I pulled up to the window he asked me a couple fo questions, then had me pull into secondary. The officer was very friendly and was just a bit confused why I was activating my visa but not officially moving until later this month. After about 10 minutes another agent came out with my passport and my stamp, letting me know that it would serve as my temporary green card until it would arrive in the mail.
 
Going through Canadian customs was another story - they started taking my email and then I said 'I was here last week and I was told I wouldn't have to quarantine' he told me that had changed.. I said...'since last week??!'. Needless to say I ended up pulled over with two public health nurses asking about my quarantine plan, that I obviously hadn't planned. They didn't care that I was gone for 20 minutes to activate my visa and that the USCBP had told me they could call to confirm....
 
They told me they received a memo yesterday that everyone who leaves Canada, even for 30 seconds must quarantine. I called him on it 'A memo on Thanksgiving...really?!' 
 
So anyway...I'm quarantining now..

Well I picked up my passport with my visa in it the consulate this morning.
 
Last week I had confirmed with USCBP that they would allow me to activate my visa and turn around back to Canada (Johnston crossing in Ontario at Prescott) and they had no issue. I had also physically gone to the CBSA to confirm they wouldn't have me quarantine since I wasn't really going into the US as such.
 
When I pulled up to the window he asked me a couple fo questions, then had me pull into secondary. The officer was very friendly and was just a bit confused why I was activating my visa but not officially moving until later this month. After about 10 minutes another agent came out with my passport and my stamp, letting me know that it would serve as my temporary green card until it would arrive in the mail.
 
Going through Canadian customs was another story - they started taking my email and then I said 'I was here last week and I was told I wouldn't have to quarantine' he told me that had changed.. I said...'since last week??!'. Needless to say I ended up pulled over with two public health nurses asking about my quarantine plan, that I obviously hadn't planned. They didn't care that I was gone for 20 minutes to activate my visa and that the USCBP had told me they could call to confirm....
 
They told me they received a memo yesterday that everyone who leaves Canada, even for 30 seconds must quarantine. I called him on it 'A memo on Thanksgiving...really?!' 
 
So anyway...I'm quarantining now..

Well I picked up my passport with my visa in it the consulate this morning.
 
Last week I had confirmed with USCBP that they would allow me to activate my visa and turn around back to Canada (Johnston crossing in Ontario at Prescott) and they had no issue. I had also physically gone to the CBSA to confirm they wouldn't have me quarantine since I wasn't really going into the US as such.
 
When I pulled up to the window he asked me a couple fo questions, then had me pull into secondary. The officer was very friendly and was just a bit confused why I was activating my visa but not officially moving until later this month. After about 10 minutes another agent came out with my passport and my stamp, letting me know that it would serve as my temporary green card until it would arrive in the mail.
 
Going through Canadian customs was another story - they started taking my email and then I said 'I was here last week and I was told I wouldn't have to quarantine' he told me that had changed.. I said...'since last week??!'. Needless to say I ended up pulled over with two public health nurses asking about my quarantine plan, that I obviously hadn't planned. They didn't care that I was gone for 20 minutes to activate my visa and that the USCBP had told me they could call to confirm....
 
They told me they received a memo yesterday that everyone who leaves Canada, even for 30 seconds must quarantine. I called him on it 'A memo on Thanksgiving...really?!' 
 
So anyway...I'm quarantining now..

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

Well I picked up my passport with my visa in it the consulate this morning.
 
Last week I had confirmed with USCBP that they would allow me to activate my visa and turn around back to Canada (Johnston crossing in Ontario at Prescott) and they had no issue. I had also physically gone to the CBSA to confirm they wouldn't have me quarantine since I wasn't really going into the US as such.
 
When I pulled up to the window he asked me a couple fo questions, then had me pull into secondary. The officer was very friendly and was just a bit confused why I was activating my visa but not officially moving until later this month. After about 10 minutes another agent came out with my passport and my stamp, letting me know that it would serve as my temporary green card until it would arrive in the mail.
 
Going through Canadian customs was another story - they started taking my email and then I said 'I was here last week and I was told I wouldn't have to quarantine' he told me that had changed.. I said...'since last week??!'. Needless to say I ended up pulled over with two public health nurses asking about my quarantine plan, that I obviously hadn't planned. They didn't care that I was gone for 20 minutes to activate my visa and that the USCBP had told me they could call to confirm....
 
They told me they received a memo yesterday that everyone who leaves Canada, even for 30 seconds must quarantine. I called him on it 'A memo on Thanksgiving...really?!' 
 
So anyway...I'm quarantining now..

@DGF @Akaur @Romans13 @eketros and anyone else who received ILs today - I’m seriously crying happy tears for you all  right now! 😭😭😭👏 What a relief to see them start processing new interviews. To anyone who is still waiting with a Dec/early Jan DQ date, stay strong - you’re almost there! ❤️

NOVEMBER 2ND 8:15 AM.

WE'RE IN BUSINESS GUYS.

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

Hi VJ fam! I wanted to share my experience (USC) traveling to Canada from the USA with my husband (Canadian resident). My husband completed 5 wonderful months in the USA with me and I decided to go back to Canada WITH him since I can work remotely. Plus, we're hoping he gets an interview by December and I want to be here with him during that as well. We traveled from SFO to YYZ (Toronto) by air. We had a layover in Vancouver, so that's where we went through customs. The officer asked how we're related (we said married), he asked to see our original marriage certificate, he asked how long we have been living separately (I said as long as we've been married since 2018). I also mentioned that we have been living apart, but my husband is currently in process of immigrating to the United States. He then asked where we would be staying (we had put hotel). He then provided us with some covid/quarantine instruction papers and we were on our way! Now, I'm here with my husband until his interview quarantining together. Hope this helps for any USC that is wanting to travel to be with their spouse in Canada!
 
 

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!! 

Congrats!!! Could you please tell us when exactly you received your passport back with visa? 

Hello! Currently sitting in YUL waiting for my flight down to the US!!!
Going through customs was easy. The first officer was grumpy/hostile as per usual, the second one who actually processed my visa was lovely. That part took maybe 3min! Very quick and painless. I didn’t get my “welcome to the United States” but he did say “welcome, take care and enjoy!” 😋 Things are starting to feel real!!
 
To all those still waiting, I know it’s so hard and I’ve definitely had my share of feeling like it’d never end, like they were stealing years of our life, and feeling so down and discouraged... honestly right now I remember it happened but I can’t feel it at all. It all got washed away once we crossed the finish line at the interview. Hang in there, I’m rooting for all of you! Focus on your spouse! I used to tell myself “this could be so much worse, we could have never met”. Keep your head up 🤗

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

I know everyone is having a stressful Friday - but I have great news! The Consulate just called me and my CR-1 visa has been issued! Since my medical expires on October 16 they called because they want me to pick it up in-person to eliminate any risk of me not receiving it in time. My interview was Wednesday and the visa issued.
 
I've told my husband this, but I actually feel really indifferent about having my visa coming now. I got to the point with all the uncertainty that I was not going to let these circumstances dictate my emotional state, rather than leaving something I had no control over make me miserable. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful and have so much love and support for everyone in this group. 

I last wrote on Sept. 24 that we were planning for POE at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.  We crossed on Sept. 26; it went fine and it took 50 minutes.  My wife had an electronic visa package rather than a physical sealed one, and the officer hadn’t done an electronic one before, so needed help from a supervisor, and eventually all was done and we were in.
 
It was surreal compared to prior border crossings.  In the 50 minutes that we waited for her in the parking lot, we counted a total of four vehicles crossing from Canada.

We expected a long wait for the green card, based on what my wife was told at POE ("contact us if you don't get in in 8 months").  Someone is working somewhere at USCIS, however, and the green card came today.  So here's our final case timeline from interview to green card in hand:
 
9/16/20 Interview (approved)
9/17/20 Case updated; CEAC status “Ready” (fine print: “Your case is ready to schedule an interview…” !!??)
9/21/20 Case updated; CEAC status not changed
9/22/20 Case updated; CEAC status not changed
9/23/20 Case updated; CEAC status “Issued” (fine print: “Your visa case is currently undergoing necessary administrative processing. This process can take several weeks.”  !!???)
9/23/20 Case updated; CEAC status not changed, fine print changed to “Your visa is in final processing.”  Around the same time (2:30 PM), my wife got an email notice that a shipment label had been created for Purolator.
9/24/20 Visa arrived at home address via Purolator (rural area near Kitchener/Waterloo).
9/26/20 POE at Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls (50 minutes; officer wasn't used to electronic visa package)
9/29/20 Social Security card issued (my wife applied for it in her DS-260 so issuance was automatic after POE)
10/05/20 Social Security card arrived
10/06/20 Green card mailed
10/09/20 Green card arrived
 
All very best wishes to all of you in this process, with hopes for a speedy return of more interview appointments and an end to this backlog.

Congrats, and despite the ongoing frustration, it does feel nice to read some positive notes/news. 
I'm also sending positive vibes to the individuals scheduled next week (e.g. Oct-14)!