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showag

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  1. Like
    showag reacted to jm06 in N-400 February 2024 Filers   
    Sorry for taking forever to post an update. 
     
    My wife went into labor at 3am and by the she delivered the baby. I was able to make my oath ceremony scheduled for 8:30am. 
  2. Like
    showag reacted to Laure&Colin in N-400 February 2024 Filers   
    Back home and all done. I'm a US citizen now! 🥳
     
    Full account of my experience below.
    Tldr: I waited an hour for my interview, then an hour and a half for my same-day oath ceremony. Interview went well but the officer asked me multiple questions about my marriage, even though I applied under the 5-year rule, and looked at evidence of bona fide relationship when I offered. Oath ceremony took 5 min and was anti-climactic.
     
    My appointment this morning was at 7:35am. Between being nervous about the interview and my pollen allergies being horrible this year, I barely slept. When I woke up at 6 I was glad I had prepared my folder with all documents the night before because my brain wasn't functioning! The field office is a 20 min walk from my building, and I arrived around 7:05 to a long line of people. Intake was chaotic to say the least. Some people had interviews as early as 7:15 but were stuck in the line. Eventually the security guard had all the people with interview times before 8am go to another entrance around the corner... and then we waited in line again.
     
    Once inside it wasn't clear where to go, but I eventually found the check-in area. They took my picture and fingerprints and sent me to a waiting room on another floor. There I waited a whole hour, until being called at 8:35. I believe I was the last one remaining of the group of people with early appointments.
     
    The officer who interviewed me was a pleasant and personable young man. I apologized for my raspy voice and we started chatting about allergies. It was all very casual and friendly. We started with the civics test, here are the questions I was asked: name one American Indian tribe; what is the name of the Vice President of the US; we elect US representatives for how long; if both the Vice President and President are unable to serve, who becomes president; what stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful; what is the capital of the US. Then we went through the reading and writing test and joked about the stylus on the tablet being so awkward. He informed me that I had passed the tests and he was now moving on to the application itself.
     
    Here besides questions about my recent travel history and employment status, he asked a good number of questions about my husband and our marriage. I didn't expect that because I applied under the 5-year rule, and I went through the ROC process 10 years ago. I'm still happily married to my USC husband so I had no issue answering, but that was a bit of a surprise for me. For example he asked if we owned property together, if we had ever lived apart, if both our names were on our car title, if we were on the same health insurance, etc... I had brought a copy of my lease agreement so I offered to show him that it's in both our names, and he did look. I also offered to look up my health insurance information on my phone but he said it wasn't necessary. I didn't think about it at the time but I could also have mentioned that all our tax transcripts, which I had with me, show that we filed jointly.
     
    Eventually he moved to the yes/no questions from the N-400 form. To the question "have you ever been a member of an organization or club?" I said no except if you count gym membership, and he said that since I said it he had to write it down. He then made me verify my information on the tablet, asked me if I agreed with the statements in the oath of allegiance, and congratulated me for being approved. He asked if I wanted to take the oath the same day and I said yes.
     
    I was sent to another floor where I had to check-in and give my green card - fun fact, my 10-year green card had just expired yesterday. I was given an envelope containing a letter from President Biden, a guide about what to do after the ceremony (passport, SS, etc), and a voter registration form, together with a little flag. I was directed to a waiting area and told my oath ceremony would be at 10:30am. It was just after 9, and the coffee shop within the building was closed so I just sat there and waited. Everyone was silent until a giant juicy cockroach fell from the ceiling and started trotting around the seating area.
     
    Eventually we were called by name and given our naturalization certificates. Interestingly it has my picture from my ROC biometrics 10 years ago, and not the picture they took of me when I checked in today. We were shown a video with President Biden congratulating us, then we had to repeat the Oath of Allegiance after the supervisor who was officiating the ceremony. Everyone in the entire room did it at the same time and because she spoke fast, we definitely missed some words. It was all over in 5 minutes. I did feel a little emotional when the video with the President welcoming us as new citizens started, but otherwise it felt like a formality and lacked the decorum I expected. Visitors and guests were not allowed. In the end we were able to take pictures in front of the flag, and people were all taking pictures for each other.
     
     
  3. Like
    showag got a reaction from PHM in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    It took 8 months.
  4. Like
    showag got a reaction from Azatra in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  5. Like
    showag got a reaction from DGF in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  6. Like
    showag got a reaction from From_CAN_2_US in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  7. Like
    showag got a reaction from Tofu in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  8. Like
    showag got a reaction from mam521 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  9. Like
    showag got a reaction from TedsGirl in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  10. Like
    showag got a reaction from Canada5 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  11. Thanks
    showag got a reaction from ME_RHEDZ77 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Yes, I did. Used this link to track the GC: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do and for reference, the receipt number is the one you have on the USCIS Immigrant Visa payment receipt which you pay after your interview.
     
    Up until May 13, it showed a message saying that I have paid the IV fee. On May 14, it changed to 'Green card is ordered to being produced'. On May 19, it changed yet again to 'the card is mailed out' and the USPS tracking number was issued. Yesterday, I received GC in the mail and now it says "The card was delivered to me by the Post Office".
  12. Like
    showag got a reaction from ME_RHEDZ77 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  13. Like
    showag got a reaction from YYZ&MIA in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  14. Thanks
    showag got a reaction from aurmorr in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Yes, I did. Used this link to track the GC: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do and for reference, the receipt number is the one you have on the USCIS Immigrant Visa payment receipt which you pay after your interview.
     
    Up until May 13, it showed a message saying that I have paid the IV fee. On May 14, it changed to 'Green card is ordered to being produced'. On May 19, it changed yet again to 'the card is mailed out' and the USPS tracking number was issued. Yesterday, I received GC in the mail and now it says "The card was delivered to me by the Post Office".
  15. Like
    showag got a reaction from John416 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Hey everyone. Just an update that after my interview and approval on March 10, I crossed the Sarnia, ON border on April 24. I rented a U-haul to take my stuff. The officers at the border were really nice. I was called in to activate my visa and was asked the name, DOB, phone number, and address etc. of my wife. The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes. I was told that my green card would be mailed within 90 days and for SSN I have to get an appointment with SSA.
     
    On May 7, I got my SSN in the mail (I did not get an appointment) and yesterday, May 20, I got my green card in the mail. I was not asked for a signature. So, that was that. Phew!
     
    Just wanted to say thank you to Hawk Riders, DGF and all the wonderful members who have helped me immensely with the process and kept me sane through the uncertain times. To everyone waiting for your ILs, just hang in there; ILs should be on their way soon. Please feel free to ask questions here and in PM if you have any.
  16. Thanks
    showag got a reaction from AnkitShah20 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public part 3   
    Yes, I did. Used this link to track the GC: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do and for reference, the receipt number is the one you have on the USCIS Immigrant Visa payment receipt which you pay after your interview.
     
    Up until May 13, it showed a message saying that I have paid the IV fee. On May 14, it changed to 'Green card is ordered to being produced'. On May 19, it changed yet again to 'the card is mailed out' and the USPS tracking number was issued. Yesterday, I received GC in the mail and now it says "The card was delivered to me by the Post Office".
  17. Like
    showag reacted to i5love in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    I wanted to share my POE experience at Peace Arch on April 9th, since I know others may be planning this shortly. My husband is a US Customs Broker, so he was able to help me get prepared well and get me into the mindset of a CBP official. 
     
    I packed up my 1 bdrm apartment and drove the U-Haul on a one-way rental to avoid the 14 day quarantine. Due to a Dept of Transport Safety Standard, I had to sell my car in advance of the move and couldnt import it. That made part of my entry and preparation easier as I didnt have to tow the vehicle or deal with the car import.
     
    As I packed, each box was numbered and contents were identified in some detail but not itemized detail (for example: Box #5 - plates and bowls. NOT: Box - Kitchen or Box - Kitchen, 5 bowls, 2 plates. Value $12.). I printed the manifest list and included a header with my name, date, and a-number so that if the list was taken by CBP it would be tracked back to my passport. 
     
    When I pulled up to the booth, I was the only vehicle at the border. As expected, I was directed to secondary and instructed to wait inside my vehicle. Two CBP officers approached the vehicle and looked at my passport. I informed them that I was also travelling with my cat (beside me in a carrier) and had his rabies certificate. They didnt take the rabies certificate or ask to see the cat. The CBP officers looked at my manifest list, opened the U-Haul, and looked inside. They didnt open boxes or get into the back of the truck. I declared the 6L of alcohol I had with me, and indicated where to find it on the manifest list. The alcohol was itemized including type, volume, and brand name. As part of my preparation, I found an exemption on state tax, not federal tax, for alcohol for new residents. Its pretty straight forward. Just email them in advance, and they send you back a PDF to print that exempts you from any state tax if you qualify. 
     
    All in all, I felt reasonably prepared. 
     
    After inspecting my passport, the CBP officials that came to my vehicle did not take my passport inside. After waiting 45+ minutes in secondary, seeing other vehicles getting cleared by other officers, I was still waiting. The officer whose booth I drove through, came off his booth rotation and saw me sitting there. He approached my vehicle and asked if anyone took my passport. No one had. Eventually, he took it inside. Then he came out a second time to confirm the address of my US residence. After even more waiting, a new officer came out and returned my passport with CR1 stamp in it. I was finally free to go after about an hour - almost all of that time was waiting. 
     
    My US residence is relatively close to the Peace Arch crossing, and so I was surprised to see a CBP sedan drive by the house as my husband and I hugged in the front yard shortly after I arrived. I dont live on a main street, so it isnt common to see their vehicles drive by, but we are close enough that it isnt entirely unusual. My husband shrugged it off, but I wasn't thrilled.
     
    Now to wait for my SSN and Green Card.
     
    Anyone in Whatcom county need boxes or bubble wrap? lol
     
  18. Like
    showag reacted to Abhikochar in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Thank you! I called the border and was told that if you drive, then there is no Covid test required. So we literally just drove through the border as we would before covid times. We are in NY, and there is no quarantine requirements here, so we are all out and about. It's really nice to be out of Canada
  19. Like
    showag reacted to Abhikochar in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Update: My husband crossed the border yesterday morning. The rainbow bridge border was totally empty. It was really easy 2 mins, they didn't even ask my husband to get out of car. Just took the passport, asked him where he is staying and he said welcome to America. No secondary, no additional interviews. We are now in NY, waiting for his SSN and green card. Got our vaccination shots today which is nice. Hopefully soon we will get the card and we can go back to wrap things up in Toronto. 
    Good luck to everyone. 
  20. Thanks
    showag got a reaction from Meghan.brooke in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Mine took 5 days from the interview date. Shipment details were emailed after two days.
  21. Like
    showag reacted to VIR CHAMP in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Hello, thank you for asking. It was a great experience overall.
    Starting with the stay: I stayed at Best Western - Hotel Europa, nothing to complain about it...$100 for a night with parking was not bad at all. 

    My appointment was at 9:30 AM. I just went early in the morning to check the place and see if they would allow my little bag with files in it. The answer is NO. You can only bring file(s) which has documents.
    Went at 9:30 AM, usual process as others: Security screening and directed to go upstairs.
    As soon as I reached upstairs, I was directed to a window to give the passport. The officer was very friendly, officer opened a page where I had my B1/B2 stamped and put a Sticky note there.
    Sat down for 10-15 min. and called on another window, also amazing officer. Asked for current Canadian address and spouse's address in USA. Took my Birth, Marriage, Police certificates and PP Photo (which I got back after scanning). Provided my finger-prints and given with a pamphlet and I was told "we will call you in few minutes for interview".
    I sat down and started reading the pamphlet, before I finish reading it, I was called for the main interview...yes, that quick!!
    Very generic questions:
    - When and how I and my spouse met ?
    - What my spouse does ?
    - What my parents in-law do?
    - Where I will be living in USA?
    - Any history of issue at USA border?
    - When did you came to Canada ?
    - How often you and your spouse were seeing each other after wedding ? 
    - Countries visited in last 5 years, other than USA/Canada..

    Officer took couple of minutes to check something in the system and told me, "Your visa is approved, we are going to keep your passport and you will get it in 2-3 weeks with visa on it"

    Thats it, it took approx. 50 min for the whole process.

    Was I nervous before going there ? Yes, its one of the biggest day. But everyone was great and very understanding.
    I am very much thankful for all the support from the VJ Family. You made it very easy. Good luck to all!
  22. Like
    showag reacted to Prairiegirl3 in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Update: My case updated to READY on CEAC today!! Yayayayy!! Thank you so much everyone for your encouragement and support. We seriously could not have gotten through this without the support and information in this group. 
     
    Question: the message underneath the status updates says my case is ready to be scheduled for an interview in Montreal. I seem to remember someone else posting about this, and I'm assuming this is just a temporary message, as I've already had my interview. This is normal right? I'll just be waiting for it to change to ISSUED. 
  23. Like
    showag got a reaction from TedsGirl in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Interview was on March 10 and I got my passport back from Canada Post yesterday on March 15. Thank you everyone for helping us get through the process. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
  24. Like
    showag got a reaction from acmanu in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Interview was on March 10 and I got my passport back from Canada Post yesterday on March 15. Thank you everyone for helping us get through the process. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
  25. Like
    showag got a reaction from VIR CHAMP in IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED   
    Not necessarily true. I am a Canadian PR (not citizen) and got approved today. You have to upload PR card copy to CEAC and bring it to the interview as they will ask for it with original documents. Also bring a photocopy just in case.
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