Mzamour

On 12/27/2022 at 10:04 PM, Caitlin Kennedy said:

Hi! If you live in IL, via USPS, you sent to Carol Stream, right? Sorry want to ensure Im not missing anything!

Hi! No, I don't live in IL but Carol Stream lockbox is the designated lockbox for my location. You can find the direct filing address for your state here - Direct Filing Address for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | USCIS

Hope this helps.

12 hours ago, kec523 said:

We haven't gotten a text yet! I'm just going by the UPS tracking number.  I'll definitely update here when. I get a text.  But I feel like if yours arrived at the lockbox 12/5 you should have gotten a text by now.  That's really frustrating.  I've heard stories of people not getting a text even if they signed up.  What form of payment did you use? 

I used a credit card, and it has not been charged yet. Yes, it's a bit frustrating but hopefully we'll get some response before end of 2022! Fingers crossed!

2 hours ago, kec523 said:

Our package is at the lock box as of 12 pm today, woohoo! It's been so long since I updated my timeline that I can't remember.  Do I put today's date for our date that we filed? Or wait until we get the text? Or use the date that's on the NOA1? 

Hi! Just checking -  I sent my package to Chicago as well via USPS, it was delivered on 5th Dec and I'm yet to get a text message or email (I completed the form for it). How long did it take to get your receipt text? Thanks

On 3/20/2021 at 10:49 AM, burmel said:

Thank you very much.  Very helpful.  I do have a Life Labs Acct and made an appointment with them.  Do you have a name or contact for the X-Ray place ?  Is it also Life Labs ?

I think its called VPM Imaging. Google has their contact number as  +1 416-759-3462. I'll suggest you call them while waiting at Dr. Lee's.

1 hour ago, Lovewithoutborder said:

Hey everyone,

 

So here’s the dilemma I’m having. My interview is April 21st and my second wedding anniversary is June 2nd. If everything goes smooth at my interview and I get approved I should get my passport back around end of April early May. I really don’t want to spend an extra 4-5 weeks separated from my wife but at the same time I’ve heard that removal of conditions is a huge headache with the 2 year greencard where if I wait 4-5 weeks I’ll get a 10 year greencard. Anybody who has any info on the difficulty or stress of filing for ROC on a 2 year greencard, or anybody who has any opinion on whether I should cross or wait it out please feel free to let me know what you’d do in my situation! 
 

 

Oh! Lucky you! I wish this was a problem I had! 😄.As much as I really wanted to be with my spouse, I was silently praying for our interview to be close to the 2year mark so that I'm able to wait to cross after! Well... turns out we got interview months before then🙄. Since you asked for opinions, mine is that if there isn't any huge pressure for you to cross now (e.g. pregnancy, job etc.) I'll suggest you  wait till the 2year mark. You can sacrifice a month for 10years - that's like x1000 gain! lol! Personally I don't look forward to the removal of conditions stress and costs and would avoid it if I could

1 hour ago, CGs_Mother said:

Hi - I did that a while back (December 2020) and it still says "Submitted". Because I was already DQ'd when I submitted the documents, does that mean that NVC won't look at revised I-864 or other AOS documents until the case is transferred for the interview, and just the Montreal officers will look? Our financial situation changed since I was DQ'd. My interview has not yet been scheduled. Thanks.

Hi. I wouldn't worry much about this. I believe the documents submitted will continue to show status as "submitted". Most of the time, they will be able to see it at the interview. However, make sure you take printed copies along with you to the interview. They will ask for it if need be.

On 3/17/2021 at 1:14 PM, burmel said:

Thanks for those who have replied re: Toronto Panel Physicians.  I have an appointment with Dr. Lee.  I'll post experience afterwards.

I had my medical with Dr. Lee as well. I spent a total of 3hrs between Dr. Lee's office, lab and x-ray. It was such a waste of time! And I would have been able to cut that time significantly if I knew some things before hand.

Quick tips:

1. The lab downstairs is Life labs. Book an appointment on their site (perhaps you can choose an hour after Dr. Lee's appointment or something like that). They attend to people with appointment before walk-ins (even if your appointment time is still about 30mins away). Though you're from Dr. Lee, you are still considered a walk-in (My experience). They had lots of people the day I went so I eventually had to go on their website to book an appointment while I went to the basement for x-ray. 

2. You can also call the x-ray folks ahead to book an appointment since they also attend to people with appointment first (I had to wait for about 30mins for my turn)

If I knew these before my appointment, I think I would have been able to cut the entire visit by at least half.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

3 hours ago, MSMN said:

Hi everyone. I received my DQ last year and during the pandemic two things have happened; (1) I moved addresses since DQ, and (2) I changed jobs since DQ. Currently in Toronto with a interview at the consulate on March 29. Are there specific steps I need to take to update my employment and home address before the interview or are there forms that I need to fill out and bring with me on my interview date. Thanks in advance.

I don't think there is any form to update information. I remember trying to update my DS260 with my married name and it wouldn't allow me. I believe the most important thing is to ensure your current address is what you have when you register your interview especially if you plan to pay for the passport to be delivered to your home. You can let them know other information at the interview (if they ask).

Hope this helps.

On 3/6/2021 at 2:57 PM, Lovepeace0303 said:

Hi! Has anyone activated their immigrant visa by flying out of YYZ (Toronto Pearson)? How was the process? Were you pulled into secondary? Feel free to DM me to share! Thank you fam. 

On 3/6/2021 at 3:19 PM, SSS24 said:

I'm also curious about this!

Hi,

Yes I crossed on February 26th at YYZ. The process was quite easy and straight forward. 

First, I checked in my bags (Had to show my COVID test results before dropping my bags. Air Canada insists on this). Then I proceeded to US border security - I didn't have to use the kiosks after the security point because they were all barricaded (I guess due to COVID). It was really quiet at the POE and there were really no other passengers.

A lady directed me to one of the Border officers and I told him I wanted to activate my IR1 visa. He was very polite and told me we had to go to secondary. At secondary entrance, he scanned my boarding pass and informed me that was to let the airline know I was with them. Inside, I was asked to sit while he went into the their office (again, I was the only one there but they had officers just going about their business). After a while, another officer called me to the counter and asked questions like my name, name of my petitioner, my address in US, when I initially filed the petition (I guess this was to ensure they had the right person in front of them lol). Thereafter, he told me to expect my GC within 6months or so and if I didn't get it by then I should give GC office a call. He also informed me that my IR1 stamp was valid for 1year from that date and I could use it for things like travel back and forth, and job search pending when I got the GC. I asked about SSN but he wasn't so sure and he asked that I call SSN  administration since that's a separate office. Then, he said 'Welcome to the United States', asked me to have a nice day 😃 and handed me a docket to give another officer at exit so that they would let me out.

At the exit, I dropped the docket in a tray and an officer collected my boarding pass to scan again (He said that was for the airline to know that I was out of secondary and to put my bags on the plane). I left feeling very relieved!

In general, all the officers I engaged with were very polite and helpful.

Things to note

1. Arrive early - Just in case you're delayed for any reason. I was there 2hrs before my flight and I had more than sufficient time to go through all the formalities

2. Print out your COVID test result. You will need to show it at check in

3. There is an attestation form that US requires from passengers flying into US. Complete and print the attestation form. You will find it on Air Canada (or your airline site). Air Canada will not let you board the plane if you do not have it

4. More importantly, RELAX! Don't stress yourself out☺️

Good luck!

3 hours ago, SSS24 said:

Will do, thank you!

For the case number, if you keep getting the error message, remove the last 2digits ( 01 or 02). I had the same challenge when I tried to pay my fees. I kept getting that five days message until I took out the last 2 digits before the payment went through.

I hope this helps

3 hours ago, VIR CHAMP said:

Did you submit the PCC from the country of your nationality ?
If yes, was it within one year of issue date at the time of interview ?

Yes I did and yes it was within one year. Though PCC of my nationality is only valid for 3months but I haven't been back there since I got the it.

2 hours ago, bort_s said:

For the people who have had their interview in Montreal what did you find was the easiest for getting from the airport to downtown?  Uber, taxi, Metro?  With my interview Monday I am just planning ahead.  

I took the 747 bus from airport to Lionel-Groulx station which is the last stop for the  bus. Then, I took the Metro (subway) at the station into downtown. The entire journey was about 35 - 40mins and cost $10. I used same ticket on my return journey next day (Ticket is valid for 24 hours and can be used on both bus and Metro). 

If you plan on taking the bus/metro back to the airport, ensure you leave ample extra time because the bus runs about once or twice within an hour.

Goodluck with your interview.

1 hour ago, NimF said:

Looking for advice - it has been said in the past that uploading your documents to CEAC prior to the interview date can sometimes help expedite/ease the interview itself once you're at the consulate. Does anybody recommend uploading the documents they specifically require (e.g. tax transcripts) or ALL extra financial documents to be thorough? in our case my wife (petitioner) and I are using a joint sponsor, and in case our interview will be after the 2020 tax deadline it will also include an I-864A since our joint sponsor got married in 2020. Do we upload just the tax transcripts or should we also upload 1040, W2's, pay stubs, etc. whatever we can to establish financial support?

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!

5 hours ago, OhSoFaizy said:

Can someone advise where i can retrieve the I-864EZ that i submitted? I believe i will need this for the interview?

 

Furthermore, is the DS-260 the receipt i got in an email with the barcode at the bottom? 

 

Thanks!

I think you can find a copy of the I-864EZ in the petitioners financial documents you submitted. You may or may not be asked for it. I wasn't asked but I've read about others who were asked. Also, if you financial situation has changed, you might want to update it and present that if asked.

Yes, the DS-260 is the email attachment with the barcode.

6 hours ago, Tristan&Whit said:

Does anyone know if the photocopies of any documents for the interview need to be in colour or black and white? 

I don't think it matters. I had copies in black and white and they were accepted. If there are original docs you have and they need copies, they will make them. So no need to stress over this. Good luck with the interview!

I received IL for February 17th. DQ was May 29th.

Unfortunately, it's sort of an anti-climax for me as I'm considering rescheduling due to planned medical treatment (not COVID related). 😟

Has anyone tried to reschedule recently? What was the wait time?

Thank you!

On 9/15/2020 at 11:45 AM, DGF said:

Can you update your timeline to include that you are DQ? I can add you once it's updated! 

Hello,

I believe this is updated now. Please let me know if you can see it or what I need to do (I'm not quite familiar with the platform). Thanks!

On 9/7/2020 at 9:37 PM, DGF said:

Added you!

Honestly I don't know, I didn't start it. I think when it was started there wasn't a lot of activity in the Canada forum (there still isn't tbh) and it's just continued on because it's actually active. It's certainly not a secret or anything and the timeline requirement is just to keep the spreadsheet up to date (I don't run that either!) and to make sure we're all contributing to the data that makes VJ so great. The FAQ is so people can read everything we've figured out that could be beneficial to future applicants without having to join the chat because we definitely don't want to be gatekeepers to any information! 

Could you please add me to the Montreal private thread too? I got DQ'ed in May and already completed the spreadsheet. Thanks!

1 hour ago, Meg123RD said:

Do you mind telling me what you’ve seen with other people’s experience? I didn’t know this was possible!

If you Google US-Canada border, there are some articles with stories /experiences of people crossing the border. I think I saw some other experiences on VJ too.

2 minutes ago, Meg123RD said:

Oh wow really? 
what airline did you fly with

Air Canada

3 hours ago, Meg123RD said:

Hello everyone, hope you are all safe.

 

as you may know the Canadian and USA border is closed till June 21st (May have already been extended till July) but Trudeau was discussing allowing family members to travel.

he has only talked about Americans travelling into Canada, but what about the other way around. If I want to see my spouse it’s only possible for my to go to the USA rather than him come to Canada because of his work. 
does anyone know if they will be allowing Canadian family into American or is it just Americans coming to Canada?

 

thank you!

Hi!

I think if your spouse is USC you may be allowed to cross the border (by air). I just came into the US last week to see my spouse. I flew from Toronto Pearson and they asked me the usual questions - where am I staying? Reason for my visit?, what I do in Canada? How long I plan to stay etc. Interestingly, for the first time, I was asked to show my return ticket which I also had and I was waved to go!

I just decided to try after reading about experiences on online. Also, the US Federal Register indicates that Air travel is not impacted by the border closure.

I hope this helps!

2 minutes ago, Ncornejo7 said:

That was super fast! Congrats!

Thanks! I was quite surprised too! Though I started having hope that it could be fast when I saw others getting DQs within 24hrs! lol!

DQ!

1st and only submission - 14th May

DQ - 29th May

Goodluck to everyone waiting!