cyyz2000

Ladies, gentlemen, others, I am pleased to announce that 3.5 years and a $5,000 USD mandamus suit later, we have lift-off.
 

Hi all! 
 
We'll be moving in 2 months and I'm excited! I was researching some phone plans, and compared to what we have here in Canada, U.S. plans are so much more affordable. There's this provider called Visible (www.visible.com) and they run on the Verizon network. They have a $45/month plan (including taxes & fees) and it has unlimited data (50GB is premium data), unlimited text, and unlimited calling. Also includes 500 minutes per month of international calling to 90 countries. Pretty solid deal considering they run on the Verizon network. It also includes 5G Ultra Wideband which is really fast data, but you need to live in a 5G Ultra Wideband area to access it and require a compatible phone. There's also another plan for $30/month, except it doesn't include 5G Ultra Wideband and your data gets throttled when the network is congested. Both of these plans are prepaid so there's no credit check required, but you will need a device that's compatible with the Verizon network in order to use it. 
 
FYI - these plans are best for those looking to buy individual plans. If you plan to combine with a family member or friend, look into T-Mobile or Verizon's plans. 
 
If anyone has any other recommendations, feel free to comment below

Interview was super easy 
Just asked few routine questions.
I was super stressed before interview .but it quite simple 
As long as your case is genuine i dont think they give care too much

Amazing, great to see that MTL is on 2021 now. Best of luck to you all!

got interview latter today DQ - 22 March 2021, IL date - September 28 

@Blueeyes1989Yes sir! Interview date is Sept 26, 2022

yeee hoooo! 
My status changed like after 20 days of IL
Sigh!

Yes, we actually filled out an entirely new I-864 and I-864A prior to the interview since the financial situation changed quite a bit since 2020. I uploaded the 2021 tax returns, pay stubs, and the new I-864 forms to NVC before the interview. I have no idea if they were looked at by the CO, but I can say the CO did not ask for any of them at all in paper form. He just said, “I’m looking through your financial documents, everything looks sufficient.”
 
Always good practice to take updated forms to the interview in case they ask for them. Good luck! 

I received some good news. On Friday July 8th I was contacted by the consulate by email and told to continue processing my case to send them a new RCMP background check, new medical (old one expired), 2 new passport pics and my passport. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Hopefully not too long from here. 

The "Ontario" one is the most updated one. Hepatitis B (ages 18-59) was added a couple months ago. COVID-19 is also required now. Influenza isn't required at the moment (flu season only). Definitely get a titers test to see which ones you are already immune to. 
 
And yes, it's recommended that you have them done before the medical appointment because some offices might not have the vaccines available, but if they do, they will charge you a LOT. In our case, my parents didn't have the Hepatitis B vaccine and instead opted to get it from their local doctors office after the medical. 

As Cyyz mentioned the Ontario is the most recent update go by that one. 
Yes you need to have them done before the medical. Some offices give vaccines but they will charge you.  Most others do not offer vaccines and will not release your medical until you fax them proof that you did indeed get the required vaccines. If you go to your own doctor or Health Unit most are covered. 

The "Ontario" one is the most updated one. Hepatitis B (ages 18-59) was added a couple months ago. COVID-19 is also required now. Influenza isn't required at the moment (flu season only). Definitely get a titers test to see which ones you are already immune to. 
 
And yes, it's recommended that you have them done before the medical appointment because some offices might not have the vaccines available, but if they do, they will charge you a LOT. In our case, my parents didn't have the Hepatitis B vaccine and instead opted to get it from their local doctors office after the medical. 

Congrats to everyone on their ILs. Best of luck with the final steps of the visa journey.
 
My passport is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (3 days after interview).

The short answer is a 'yes', but with many 'buts' and caveats.
 
As a US PR holder you are required to do the following:
1. Maintain a principal residence in the US.
2. Maintain a fixed intent to return to the US for the entire duration of your absence.
3. File taxes as a resident alien.
4. Avoid protracted absences outside of the US,
 
Point one and two are where things get awkward, because CBP and IJ are able to use their judgement whether your actual principle residence is in the US and whether you maintained that fixed intent to return. Your actions in this case are far, far, louder than your words. And the totality of the circumstances will determine whether your situation constitutes abandonment.
 
So let's look at your hypothetical situations here.
Situation 1:
Your mother is unwell and you are acting as a primary caregiver, you anticipate the situation to resolve itself to where you can return to the US. During your time in Canada, your immediate family (i.e. spouse) remain in the US, you maintain a US address, driver's license, bank accounts and communities ties in the US. You file taxes as a US Resident Alien, and you are not enrolled in any Canadian provincial programs for provincial residents, you file your Canadian taxes as a deemed non-resident. You however take up temporary or casual employment during your time in Canada to assist with your caregiving duties to your mother.
 
Situation 2:
Your mother is unwell and you are acting as a primary caregiver, you do not anticipate the situation to resolve itself in any short time to where you can return to the US as your actual home. During your time in Canada, your immediate family (i.e. spouse) spends significant time with you in Canada to avoid the separation. You are enrolled in Provincial Healthcare, have a provincial driver's license and you file taxes with the CRA as a resident of Canada. You have a residence in the US, but you do not maintain financial ties, nor have any obligations that would necessitate you to return to the US in the immediate future. You take up permanent employment in Canada and are enrolled with employer benefits.
 
Situation 2 would therefore likely result in abandonment while Situation 1 would be much less likely to do so.
 
Therefore, the short answer is that yes, you can work in Canada. However, you will be at risk of being considered to have abandoned your status if your time in Canada does not appear temporary. And temporary vs permanent is determined to ties to the US vs ties to Canada, as well as the frequency and duration of absences from the US, and whether you have anything that would drag you back to the US.
 
A Re-Entry permit can help demonstrate that you did not intend to give up your permanent residence, however they are only valid for a maximum of two years, and if it appears you do not intend to make the US your permanent home, USCIS will deny future Re-Entry Permits. Additionally, if the evidence is overwhelming that you do not have the intention to make the US your permanent home, a re-entry might not offer you protection from a determination of abandonment.
 
Regardless of what your circumstances are, CBP cannot revoke your status at the border, only an Immigration Judge determining abandonment in removal proceedings can deprive you of your PR. CBP may pressure you to sign I-407 Record of Abandonment of Permanent Resident Status, however you are under no obligation to sign this form and are entitled to enter/work/live in the US until an IJ determines otherwise. CBP if thinking that you did abandon your status they may issue you a Notice to Appear and place you in removal proceedings to see the IJ.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/uscis-immigrant-fee
 

Got home a couple hours ago, that was a long drive but happy to say my visa was approved!!! The CO was super friendly. They focused mainly on my civil documents (original birth and marriages certificates, only asked for 1 passport photo, did not ask for photocopies of anything). Our case was also filed based on assets, but surprisingly, the CO didn't ask for any evidence for our assets at all. I did upload updated documents to NVC prior to the interview though. The whole interview was maybe around 15 minutes, super quick. Let me know if you have any questions. 
 
My dad's case is still in Administrative Processing, but my mom and I are "Issued". Good luck everyone! 

Nope, I just clicked on "Accepted" under Affidavit of Support & Financial Evidence when signed in, and clicked on "Add a Document" under Additional AOS Supporting Documentation. I would recommend adding them after receiving the IL just in case your DQ does not get reset.

Got home a couple hours ago, that was a long drive but happy to say my visa was approved!!! The CO was super friendly. They focused mainly on my civil documents (original birth and marriages certificates, only asked for 1 passport photo, did not ask for photocopies of anything). Our case was also filed based on assets, but surprisingly, the CO didn't ask for any evidence for our assets at all. I did upload updated documents to NVC prior to the interview though. The whole interview was maybe around 15 minutes, super quick. Let me know if you have any questions. 
 
My dad's case is still in Administrative Processing, but my mom and I are "Issued". Good luck everyone! 

If any three words applied universally on this website, it is these: Listen to pushbrk.

Nice, yes I've heard about those cross-border plans...I actually have an RBC US credit card, so I'm thinking maybe I can add my parents to it as well (who will be immigrating with me). I'll look into that, thanks. 

Look into Wise.  They seem to give some of the best rates.  

hello , i passed CSPA

The following details an epic journey through snowy mountains, sunbaked deserts, and dense angular forests in 3 different nations. All with a Toyota Corolla, a compliance letter and a dream of one day saying, "why yes, our car does meet the required specifications to register in the United States."  
 
This story begins on a sad note. In January, 2021 my mother-in-law suddenly passed away. My partner and I are both Canadians living in California, and Canada was still very much in high restriction mode due to the pandemic. This made crossing the border to attend a funeral and settle an estate far more challenging than normal. Eventually, my partner was able to go. After several weeks - over two of which were spent in quarantine - my partner and her sibling settled the estate. This included a well-maintained 2015 Toyota Corolla. My partner decided to keep the car. A reliable vehicle with low mileage is something we would definitely make good use of. She does all the paperwork to change ownership, takes the car to a trusted mechanic for an oil change and inspection, and she's all set to return to California and carry on with life.
 
At this point, neither of us are aware that importing the vehicle at the border is something we need to do. I fly to Chicago to meet her because flying to Toronto would require a lengthy quarantine. She drives across the border as one normally would; present your passport and green card, answer a couple of questions, and on you go. We meet at O'Hare Airport, delighted to see one another after several difficult weeks apart, and settle into our hotel for some much needed rest before our cross-continental journey back to California. The trip was melancholy for obvious reasons, but also meditative and beautiful as we traversed through the ornate landscapes of Wyoming and Utah. 
 
This brings us to the first great hero in our story. At first glance, Yvonne appears to be a DMV employee like any other; a person trying to get through her day as she deals with an endless stream of people who would much rather be somewhere else. However, unbeknownst to her, Yvonne's elevated grace and professionalism allowed this experience to simply be frustrating, as opposed to the downward spiral into madness it otherwise could have been. It is through Yvonne that we learn the vehicle must first be imported before it can be registered in California. She tells us what we need to do - request a letter of compliance, drive to a port of entry, etc - and with much poise and empathy, issues us a temporary registration. 
 
Slightly perturbed at the inconvenience of having to drive all the way to a port of entry, my partner and I are otherwise optimistic that we can successfully complete this task. We decided to take advantage of the long American Thanksgiving weekend. We drive up the forested and mountainous section of I-5 through Oregon and Washington to Seattle, where we have friends with whom we stay with for Thanksgiving dinner. On Black Friday, negative PCR tests and a 60 second wait are all that's required to cross the border into Canada where we make our way to Vancouver and two delightful days with an old friend. 
 
Refreshed and ebullient, we gather our paperwork and prepare to head back to the U.S. Our compliance letter does note that the vehicle has no TPMS; we tell ourselves that it probably doesn't matter. Ignorance is bliss, until the merciless fist of reality pounds itself into your gut rendering your pitiful, helpless body onto the ground with no choice but to face it and move on. This came in the form of Officer Cook. With a stoic confidence, Officer Cook informed us that without a TPMS the car could not be imported. He suggested we drive back to California, request an extension on our temporary registration, have a TPMS installed, and try again. He also recommended going to the Mexican border next time, as it's a shorter drive. We cross back into the States, and after 3 fruitless hours of trying to obtain a TPMS in the small towns of northern Washington, we follow Officer Cook's advice and begin the drive back to California.
 
Re-enter Yvonne at the DMV, who my partner now has a personal relationship with. She issues an extension with no hassle and our next mission is finding a TPMS and someone to install it. I purchased a cigarette lighter unit on Amazon for around $40. It would be incredibly easy to put this on ourselves, but of course, we need a receipt saying it's been installed; this Temporary Part Mandated by States. After being turned away by two mechanics, we find one who will install it. He charges us $20 - the minimum his system will allow - and issues us a detailed receipt. 
 
The following weekend, we drove to San Diego with plans to cross the Mexican border, turn around, and import the vehicle upon re-entering the United States. Simple enough. Upon crossing the border, we are immediately thrust into a country where the line between pedestrian and car traffic is blurred into a singularity and the copious signage does not make it abundantly clear how exactly one returns to the border. After almost two hours of ineffectual trial and error, and unsuccessfully interpreting the body language directions of local police officers and citizens alike, we began to ask ourselves, "do we live in Tijuana now?" Then, it happened. Random chance; a miracle. Call it what you will, but when we made what seemed like just another U-turn in a long line of U-turns that day, there it was, bathed in a golden halo of angelic sunlight; "To I-5."
 
Never before had we been so delighted at the opportunity to wait in a lineup. It was slow moving and hot, but with each passing hour, we were inching closer to the border - TPMS receipt and other paperwork in hand - and finally completing this import process. After a 5 hour wait spent observing the many vendors for whom this was a typical day, and thinking to myself, "I wonder how that 6 foot golden portrait of the Virgin Mary would look in my living room", we finally reached the border. We present our passports and green cards, and my partner confidently says, "I'd like to import this vehicle please." 
 
"Oh, we don't do that here", the officer replied. Deflated does not even begin to describe how we felt. If the U.S. Customs and Border Protection had a derisive sense of humour, each officer would be issued an official turntable so as to inflict a record scratch sound effect for such moments. It now felt like we were never going to get this done. We began considering what we would do should the car not be importable, but resolved to try again at the same Canadian border port of entry we were at weeks previously.
 
At the beginning of January, 2022 we'd planned a trip back to Toronto to visit our families. We decided to postpone that trip because of the recent restrictions imposed in Ontario. This decision had a silver lining though. It was our opportunity to use the time off we'd booked to drive to the border and finally import this vehicle. We booked a few nights at a nice hotel in Portland, Oregon. This being the 1-year anniversary of my mother-in-law's passing, we resolved to spend our time off celebrating life, and hopefully, the successful import of her car and finally closing out the last piece of her estate.
 
We took one day out of our Portland trip to make the 4 and half hour drive to the border in Blaine, Washington. With little fanfare, we crossed into Canada and immediately turned around to cross back. If there were a humourous adventure for me to outline here, I would. But, to be honest, it all went quite smoothly with no issues whatsoever. The only outlier in this part of the story is its second great hero; Officer Holt. We only spent about 20 minutes with him, but Officer Holt's kindness, professionalism, and sincerity were a massive breath of fresh air and appreciated to a level he will never know. We left Blaine, due south for Portland in our legally imported Toyota Corolla.
 
As I sit here in our California home having a restful Sunday and writing this story with my partner beside me, I can see she's quite relieved and eagerly looking forward to walking into the DMV this week and saying, "Yvonne, I'd like to register my vehicle please."  

Hi, just wanted to share our process and interview experience at the Port of Spain, Trinidad post. We applied under the F3 immigrant visa category.
 
PD: May 14th, 2007
NVC Case Creation: May 6th, 2019
DS-260 Submission: September 15th, 2019
DQ: July 1st, 2020
Interview Letter: November 23rd, 2021
Medical: November 29th, 2021
Interview: December 6th, 2021
AP: April 11th, 2022
Issued: April 22nd, 2022
Passports received: May 3rd, 2022
 
We only got 2 weeks notice for the interview, but we managed to get our medical and new police certificates in time. The phone line at the doctor’s office (Renand Limited) was very busy so we had to call a lot before we got through. They’ll email you some instructions and forms that you have to fill out and email back. Everything (including the chest X-ray) was done on site.
For the police certificates, usually the processing time is 2-4 weeks but we were able to get it expedited and ready by the next day. Just carry a copy of your interview letter and tell them it’s urgent.

On the day of the interview, they seated us in the waiting room and gave us a folder to arrange our documents in. Then we waited an hour or so before they called us to the first window. At this window, the lady took our documents and asked us a few questions like who is the petitioner, how long have we been married, have either of us ever been divorced, etc. She asked us for more recent (2020) tax documents from our sponsors and for new, unexpired police certificates. We weren’t instructed to bring more recent documents in the interview letter or anything, but based on other VJ users’ experiences, we carried more recent documents just in case. So thankfully, we weren’t missing any documents. Then we had to go back to the waiting room and wait another hour before they called us to the second window.
The second window was where the “real” interview began with the CO. We swore an oath to be truthful and then had our fingerprints taken. We also had to take off our masks so she could verify our identities. She asked us questions about our employment, where we planned to stay in the US, etc. She also asked what our children are studying in school. Although we had all the required documents with us, apparently we were also supposed to upload the more recent tax documents and police certificates to the CEAC. Since they weren’t on the CEAC, we were issued a 221(g). She gave us a blue sheet of paper with instructions on how to mail these documents (along with our passports and Return TTPost TrackPaks) to the Embassy via TTPost.
 
In January, we received Post Feedback on the CEAC with concerns about our sponsors’ ability to meet the minimum income requirement. Thankfully, their 2021 income was much higher so we uploaded their 2021 tax documents.
In February, I noticed that our case hadn’t been updated in weeks and they had stopped replying to my emails. Eventually, they reached out and explained they were experiencing staffing shortages and a backlog in processing pending IV cases.
So we had no case updates for most of February and the entirety of March.
Then on April 11th, our case status changed from Ready to Administrative Processing. On April 22nd, status changed to Issued. Waited for our passports to be delivered and tried to track it with TTPost but TTPost didn’t have any info. Emailed the Embassy on April 28th asking for an update, and they confirmed the visas were printed. Our DHL tracking numbers were generated the same day and emailed to us. Received another email the next day stating that the passports were ready for pickup.
 
At DHL, the guards will give you a numbered slip to write your name and tracking number. Then expect to wait outside for at least an hour. When it’s your turn and they let you into the building, you’ll be asked to present your ID, open the package, and confirm the passport belongs to you.

"if applicable"
 
That would be for IR5 and F4 I believe.  I don't think F3's require the petitioner's birth certificate.