sjb17

Here's a post on my experience at the US Consulate in Montreal yesterday (February 1) where I was approved for an IR-1! 🙏 My interview was at 8:45AM and I was done at 9:45AM. My interview was pretty similar to everyone posting their experiences recently but here are some additional things I can share:

- Please remember that you can't take any large electronics or big bags into the consulate - only your phone/keys/watch/small purses or wallets are permitted. Another applicant who was there at the same time brought a laptop and was turned away to drop it off and it was quite stressful for them.

- Security let me in at 8:40AM (5 minutes before my interview time)

- I had uploaded my petitioner's updated I-864, as well as 2019 tax return and W2 info to CEAC in advance of the interview so I was not asked for the physical documents. I was asked for originals of my birth certificate, police certificate and marriage certificate.

The consular officer interviewing me was really nice and I was only asked a few questions:
- Name of and relationship to petitioner
- How/where/when we met and whether we started dating right away
- What he does for work
- If I've ever been convicted of a crime

My medical results were sent from Dr. Cheema's office on January 26 and thankfully the consulate received them in time for my interview.

I stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn Downtown 2 blocks away. The staff were really pleasant and the room was more than sufficient for what I needed, but the heating fan and fridge in my room (302) were quite loud and it was really difficult to fall asleep - something to consider if you're a light sleeper.

Another applicant on FB shared some really helpful info for anyone wearing makeup to the interview. I can attest that my eyelashes froze over almost as soon as I stepped outside so I similarly recommend avoid wearing mascara to prevent it running down your face when you step inside the building for your interview!

I can't thank all of you in this forum enough for helping me through this journey. You've all not only been incredibly helpful, but have also offered me an ongoing source of hope, understanding and camaraderie during this challenging and bleak process. Sending heartfelt thanks and gratitude. ❤️

UPDATE! MY HUSBAND IS OFFICIALLY HERE AS A LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT! We are SO relieved and HAPPY to finally see this day. This process has been a complete emotional roller coaster for us since Day 1. 
 
Post-interview Timeline: 
Interview: Dec 14, 2020
Passport Return: March 8th, 2021
POE: March 11th, 2021
 
Husband traveled from YYZ airport and said customs was super easy. They asked him a few questions, mainly just confirming address and checked items. Hopefully, his SSN and GC arrive soon! 
 
Good luck to everyone else still in this process. If we can get to the finish line in this immigration journey, so can you (and trust me when I say our case had all the twists and turns imaginable). Stay hopeful! Cheers! ❤️ 

For anyone who lives in a community where there's a central hub of mailbox slots rather than the mail coming straight to your door: I just spoke to the local SSA office in WA and they told me that if your last name isn't listed on the mail slot (which mine isn't yet, seeing as I just moved in and kept my maiden last name for the legal stuff), the courier will not give you your SSN. They'll instead send the SSN back to the SSA where it will be destroyed and you'll have to request a replacement card (if you don't get it within the 3 week window). 😑 My card was issued on February 20 but there's no telling if it's already attempted to be delivered so i'll have to add my name to the mailbox today and hope I beat them to it! Just wanted to share this in hopes it's helpful to anyone else in saving some serious frustration...

POE Feb 18, received SSN today March 1. They truncated my middle name but according to web search and a quick call they don't care about this, so OK I guess. I didn't expect some chintzy paper thing, I mean my 33 year old Canadian social insurance card is plastic, but not complaining haha.

I had my interview this morning at 8:00. Questions and process were much the same as what’s been described previously.  

Was asked a few questions about kids, what my wife does, and what I’ll do for work in the US.  Was also asked how/where we met. 
 
I was in and out of the consulate in under an hour.   
 
Good luck to everyone this month who has interviews.  

Another update...
GC arrived yesterday and SSN arrived today!!

POE Update: My spouse and I crossed today at Peace Arch. Due to Covid and border restrictions, it was dead empty and we were the only car going through customs. It was awkward but convenient since we did not have to wait in line. The CBP officers seem bored and they were happy to see us. That was a first
 
The primary inspection just asked for our passports (my spouse is the US citizen) and I informed him that I wanted to activate my visa and import the vehicle at same time. He asked me the type of visa (it is IR-1), he said welcome to the US and congratulations, then put a sticker on the windshield and asked us to drive to the secondary inspection. 
 
We drove through a massive X-ray machine and a couple of agents re-directed us to park in secondary and wait for an officer.
The CBP officer showed up after 15 minutes. He asked for my passport and the CD with the X-ray from my medical (good thing I had kept the sealed envelop from Dr Cheema with me). He asked a few questions such as when and where we met, where we are heading to, what my job is and what we are transporting in the vehicle. We informed him that our household will be shipped in a few days and he requested the contract from the movers and declaration for customs. He then asked for all the docs related to the car (EPA form 3520, DOT HS-7, bill of sale, Canadian registration, letter of release from the manufacturer and letter of compliance from the manufacturer). All the forms were filled out and the officer said it seems ok. He checked the VIN number from the label/sticker under the hood and went back inside to complete the import and activation. We stayed in the car approx. 30 minutes. He came back and confirmed all was cleared and the car is duty free since it was manufactured in the US. He gave me back the forms and handed over the CBP 7501 form with a seal (I had to sign it) that will be required to register the car. He also gave me my visa with the stamp and confirmed it was valid for 1 year which should be sufficient since the GC should be delivered within 2 months. He also asked us to confirm the address we were moving to and re-entered in their system since the mailing address will be used to ship both SSN and GC. He wished us good luck and directed us to the exit. 
 
I understand some members from these forums had different experiences but I can say that all the CBP agents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the experience was pleasant and easy overall. The whole process took about 1 hour (mainly to wait inside the car). During that time, we only saw 2 other cars going through customs!
Activating the visa is quick but if you intend to import your vehicle, the administrative and registration process can be time consuming. I suggest you fill out the necessary docs correctly as it will save you some precious time and prevent you to re-do them in person. 
 
I'll share an update when the SSN & GC are delivered.

Update on POE: As of yesterday (February 25), my green card is being produced! I crossed on February 15 from BC > WA at Peace Arch; this seems super quick compared to what other folks have experienced in the past months. I'll share an update when it arrives and when my SSN (hopefully) does too.

I've been wondering this as well. A cross-border tax consultant I talked to said there would be no issue with me keeping a chequing account open but that I should close out any investment/TFSA accounts to avoid non-resident tax. I've left the chequing account open for now as I'm keeping my job with my Canadian employer and have other payments in Canada that come out of the account, but I'm going to call my bank directly and confirm whether there will be any tax liabilities with keeping one open as a non-resident. If anyone has additional insight, I'd similarly appreciate it!

I've been wondering this as well. A cross-border tax consultant I talked to said there would be no issue with me keeping a chequing account open but that I should close out any investment/TFSA accounts to avoid non-resident tax. I've left the chequing account open for now as I'm keeping my job with my Canadian employer and have other payments in Canada that come out of the account, but I'm going to call my bank directly and confirm whether there will be any tax liabilities with keeping one open as a non-resident. If anyone has additional insight, I'd similarly appreciate it!

Update on POE: As of yesterday (February 25), my green card is being produced! I crossed on February 15 from BC > WA at Peace Arch; this seems super quick compared to what other folks have experienced in the past months. I'll share an update when it arrives and when my SSN (hopefully) does too.

We finally got case update and got the visa!! Our visa was delayed due to PCC. I was also worried about extended background check as my husband is non Canadian.
 
Interview Date: 1/27/2021
Status after interview: Refused
PCC delivered to Consulate: 2/4/2021
Status Changed to Issue with admin processing - 2/19/2021
Issued final processing - 2/25/2021
Green Card fees paid!!!!!
Now waiting for passport to arrive.
 
Thank you everyone for your help. You guys made alot easier this past year. 
 
Thanks bunch!!!!
 

Approved for me! 💃

Approved for me!!

I had my interview yesterday and was approved! 
Questions are like everyone's been posting, I was surprised that my husbands financial documents were not looked at, or his birth certificate. 
One thing to note is that the fingerprint machines are not wiped between uses and there are no bottles of sanitizer at each window,. There is one large bottle on the security guards desk. I carry hand sanitizer on my purse and was thankful for that.
Good luck to all the future applicants going through this very long process! I'm not crossing over to the US until I have received my vaccines here in Ontario (I'm in phase 2 so hopefully will have them started in May) and am still not sure how I'm getting to Iowa to be with my husband. Ideally we want to drive my stuff down, but the 15 day stay here does not work for him. I may end up having to fly there myself and ship my belongings.
Thank you to this informative and helpful group!

Thanks @Hawk Riders   Approved this morning!!
 

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

CR1 - Approved! The process and questions were pretty much similar to what everybody mentioned so don't want to be repetitive but please feel free to ask me any questions that you might have!   I have a Canadian PR with another nationality and have lived in UAE as well. They did ask about the UAE PCC but Reciprocity page said I was exempt. I had printed out the page and showed it at the window they collect documents as well as interview window. A question he asked me that I don't think has come up is "where have you travelled in the last 5 years".   As people have previously  mentioned - it is better to upload the updated financial documents on CEAC. The lady at the window was happy that I had already uploaded it so didn't ask me for those documents.   Please let me know if you have any follow-up questions! I will keep you posted on the timeline for receiving my passport back.

Thanks sjb17. Appreciate it. 

CONGRATS! The A number is the registration number listed below the IV case number on your visa. If your A number is less than 9-digits, you'll want to add a "0" after the "A" and before all the other numbers. Read more here: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/uscis-immigrant-fee/immigrant-fee-payment-tips-on-finding-your-a-number-and-dos-case-id#:~:text=You can find your A,(for example%2C XYZ0123456789)

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.
 

They typically are interested in the original birth certificate of the beneficiary (i.e. the spouse who is seeking the visa), the original police certificate, and original marriage certificate. The petitioner's birth certificate can be a photocopy.

Update:
I received my passport today at about noon.
Timeline:
Wednesday, Feb 17 - Interview
Wednesday,  Feb 17 - Issued (Necessary admin processing)
Thursday, Feb 18 - Issued (Final Processing)
Friday, Feb 19 - Tracking Number received
Monday, Feb 22 - Passport with original Canada PCC delivered home 
 
Note: I am a Canada PR with a different nationality and I have only lived in Canada for about 2.5years. Based on my experience,  I don't think it's standard practice that all PR holders are placed in administrative processing. Prior to this journey, I got a B1/B2 visa when I first moved here and I received the visa in regular time - No administrative processing.
I just thought to mention the above as I have read some comments here that it's practice that PR holders are subject to further checks. I hope this helps someone.
 
Thanks again everyone and Goodluck to us all in remaining part of our journeys.