EC&IC

On 6/2/2023 at 11:37 AM, terter22 said:

Would also love to know whether anyone has thoughts on this too! Trying to decide what to do myself, but i'm leaning towards having it mailed to me just to avoid driving into the city. Anyone have thoughts on which is best to choose? Is any one choice faster/better?

I don't have insider knowledge, unfortunately. I assume it's sent to a central hub in each city, and then gets dispatched from there? My thought was that having it sent to my house, or even to an address listed in a town near me (90 min from Montreal), would add delays. So I asked for it to be sent to one of the addresses listed in Montreal, and I drove to go get it. It was ready two days after my interview! (On a Friday, which seems to be the trend.)

(When I got there, at about 3 pm on a Friday, the offices seemed closed and there was no notice or anything... I was terrified that they were closed for the weekend! Fortunately, one lady waiting there told me that they were on their lunch break [!] and after a 25-min wait, they reopened and I got my papers. And crossed the border the next day!)

(This is also a reply to @DijonMustard.)

1 hour ago, Nadzz said:

Wow thank you so much!!!! Am I suppose to print the attachment with the barcode and bring that to the interview as well? 

Yes! 🙂

13 hours ago, Nadzz said:

Can someone please explain to me what the DS-260 is? My interview is in July and I’m freaking out a little because I keep seeing posts about it and I’m not sure what it is! 

[Oh sorry, didn't see that others had replied already! I can't even find how to delete my post. 🤷‍♀️]

It's this step in the process: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-6-complete-online-visa-application.html

22 minutes ago, ROSALINDDELOST said:

Quick question- I have my medical exam today in Toronto and it is asking me to bring my DS-260 form. I haven't updated all the information on this form yet as my address and employment has changed since filing with NVC. I am aware that i need to bring the updated version to my Montreal interview however i am wondering if i should update this on CEAC website first and bring the updated version to my medical exam too?

 

Thanks for any insight!

Unless I'm mistaken, what they need to see is proof that you have submitted the DS-260. I had a pdf entitled “Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application Confirmation”, that reads “Thank you—You have successfully submitted an Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Form DS-260)”, and has two barcodes at the bottom. It's printed from the confirmation page after you've submitted the DS-260. I don't remember bringing a printout of the form itself. It might be different in Toronto, though...

3 hours ago, Leo The Great said:

Question: 

It looks like your petitioner is spouse and  is living in Canada. What document did you submit to nvc  and bring with you to Montreal embassy to prove your spouse US domicile?

The question wasn't addressed to me, but we were in the same situation. As my husband and I are freelancers and because of our intention to homeschool our children, we didn't have any “easy” proof, like a job offer or registration in schools. Here are the documents we sent the NVC initially to prove his intention to reestablish US domicile (included with his I-864):

• Bank statements proving that we moved a big chunk of our savings to our American bank account;
• Bank statements proving that we had been using our American credit card for six months in order to build credit;
• Proof that we were acquiring land to build a house on, a quote from our builder, and a copy of our email exchanges with the bank concerning our construction loan;
• Proof that my husband had voted in previous general elections, with screen captures going as far back as the electronic system allowed.  

I wasn't asked any more questions about this at our interview, it seems like that was proof enough. But we did have a joint sponsor living in the US, I don't know if that changes anything.

2 hours ago, terter22 said:

Is there any issue with my husband being physically in Canada while I attend my interview in Montreal? I remember we each read somewhere that that wasn't the best idea or that we just had to ensure he crossed the border before me or something but I can't find info on that anymore.. would love any personal experiences & whether it was ok. Thank you!

I agree. My husband was living in Canada with me at the time of my interview and he entered the US with me when I finally got my green card. Your husband has to enter the country either before or at the same time as you, he just can't stay behind and enter later. 🙂 As for a US address and phone number, we used my in-laws’, as we were planning on living with them for a little while before finding a place of our own. Good luck!

8 hours ago, Joel Craig said:

Hey everyone. Quick question! My sister is getting married in Florida in May. Im still waiting for my Montreal interview (DQ’d 02/21/2023) I know I won’t be receiving my green card before the wedding that’s for sure, but does anyone know if im able to cross the border and go to the wedding? Or am I not allowed to go to the states until I receive my green card? (Would just be going for a few days and would most likely at least have my IL to show the border officer) 

I think *some* people have had bad luck with a border officer who thought they weren't allowed to enter the US while their green card application was pending, and then at the interview they had to say that they had been denied entry to the US, and while they explained the situation to the interviewing officer, it created some delays after the interview, for some of them, because the officer had to investigate what really happened. Just in case this happens to you, you might want to bring some print-outs from the USCIS website or other official sources explicitly stating that you are allowed to enter while waiting for your green card! That way you could show them to the border agent if there is an issue.

1 hour ago, Anna12 said:

Hi everyone 

I have an uncommon question,

I was DQd on Feb 2nd and my interview is June 28 at MTL embassy 

my husband has a trip planned for us to Iceland (non refundable) and our flight is for June 29 (how crazy is that) so one day after our interview. He planned this months in advance

my question is can I ask the embassy that I need my passport and I will courier my passport after a week ? Or is that not a good idea? 
I am really confused. I don’t want to risk anything. My husband is sure that it’s not a big deal
Has anyone gone thru something like this before? 

thank you 

I think that would create big problems and/or long delays—definitely “a big deal”. As I was waiting for my interview, one lady was talking with an agent saying that she needed to make sure she'd have her passport back within two weeks, I think because she also had an international trip planned, and the agent couldn't guarantee it. They need your passport to validate your identity and stick the temporary green card (sorry for my lack of vocabulary) in it. It's the last step before you can cross the border. Personally, I wouldn't want to do anything to create hurdles to that process, especially after waiting such a long time, but maybe someone else will have a good idea!

I hope somebody else can offer ideas!

17 hours ago, DijonMustard said:

Hi all! So we just got our interview date and I'm trying to plan out our move afterwards (knock on wood everything goes well at the interview) and while I know the estimate the embassy gives is two weeks before we receive his passport, is that actually typical? I've seen some people say they got it three days later, but I'm wondering if that's common?

I had my interview on Wednesday, March 22, and my passport was ready for me to go pick it up in Montreal two days later! I saw on a previous post that they usually release them on Fridays; I don't know if that is true, but it was for me.

According to the Google sheet, it seems to usually go faster than two weeks, but it really depends on your case—other users had issues at the interview or didn't get their medical results in time, which resulted in delays. We had to leave our house before the interview, and I had reserved temporary lodgings until the 28th. Fortunately that was enough for us! But it's stressful not to know. Good luck!

4 hours ago, thenextman said:

Thank you! That's very helpful. I'll need to pass the knowledge test _and_ road test - Ohio is one of the only states that won't transfer a foreign (or even out-of-state) license. I originally passed my test 22 years ago too so yes - pretty nervous!

 

Thanks again

Oof, a road test too! Good luck!

2 minutes ago, thenextman said:

Hello everyone

 

I know this might not be strictly on-topic for this thread, but maybe someone can share their experience or point me to some further information...

 

I entered the US last week on my IR1 visa by air. I was processed at secondary screening and admitted to the US; the BO did not stamp my visa or give me any extra documents.

 

Yesterday I received my social security number and would now like to apply for my Ohio drivers license. The documentation requirements ask for my green card (which I don't have yet, and understand might take up to 90 days), or:

 

"FOREIGN PASSPORT WITH VISA - Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant's most recent admittance into the United States. Must also present a supplemental original and valid document issued by the USCIS or the successor agency to the USCIS showing the dates of legal presence"

 

Ok, so I have my passport and visa but no I94. When I go to retrieve my most recent I94 from the official website, it only gives me my _prior_ entry (B2) in October last year.

 

Am I supposed to have an I94 in this case? Does anyone know something about this? What about the "supplemental original and valid document... showing the dates of legal presence"?

 

Thanks so much in advance!!!

I got my Wyoming driver’s license last week with only my Canadian passport containing the (stamped) visa, no other form. My license is valid for one year, based on the visa. I'll have to show the actual green card to extend the expiration date of the license.

As yours isn't stamped, you might want to print out a few webpages showing that even unstamped, your visa is valid! At least that's what I would do.

Also, I had to pass a knowledge test—so did my US citizen husband, since he had left the country for almost 20 years. I did a few tests online and read a few things specific to my state, and I passed (barely!) on the first try.

Thanks everybody—I'm busy and can't reply individually, but I appreciate everyone's input, and we'll definitely research this healthcare sharing ministry concept more in depth. We've also contacted insurance brokers, but we're still waiting to hear from them. In any case, thank you all.

2 hours ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

I have no comment to help your situation, unfortunately.

 

This is a comment about the healthcare sharing ministry:  I strongly suggest you to talk to members who needed coverage - hospital, emergency room, expensive treatment like cancer, etc.  I would also try to find previous members and ask them why they dropped the coverage.

 

Most people are fine with those organizations for routine things like annual visits and maybe a visit for a cold/flu.  There have been many reported cases of non-payment/non-coverage for high cost procedures and expenses.

 

Take care and I hope you can get the treatment you need soon.

Thank you. It all feels a bit overwhelming, this shopping for coverage during our current medical situation, but we'll take the time to investigate further, thanks for your input.

10 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Services at hospitals are over priced. Case in point, last year I had a CAT scan, and the hospotal billed over $10,000. I paid under $100, my insurer paid under $1000, and told the hospital that was all it was getting. 

 

Try an off-hospital clinic. MDsave.com quotes $5000

Thank you! I'd never heard of that option. Although we're in the middle of nowhere, and the closest provider shown on that website is 350 miles away... But thanks for the idea, it's still a possibility.

3 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

I am so sorry that you're going through this. I am not sure what State you are in, but have you checked into university hospitals? I know it's not the same but when my root canal broke, I went to West Virginia University school of dentistry and not only were they cheaper than regular dentist, but also they took me in on a very short notice, and they were extra nice.

Thank you. We're in Wyoming, everything is far away, but I will look into this option as well!

Thank you. I will look into that, I have only heard good things from members. I also called insurance companies, but I wouldn't be covered either, it would only become effective May 1 at the earliest, with no retroactive coverage. Only Medicaid could have helped pay past bills, if our income was low enough. (As freelancers, it varies a lot, but my husband had a better year last year...)

Thank you.

I got my green card and entered the US last week. We are working on getting health coverage (technically, we applied for a healthcare sharing ministry), but it will take at least three weeks to become effective (it would start on May 1).

I just learned that I had a missed miscarriage, i.e., the baby has unfortunately died, but my body hasn't “realized” it. The OBGYN recommended a D&C if it doesn't pass naturally within a few days, and the hospital told me it would cost at least $8,000, up to $25,000 if there are complications (although there is a 30% discount for people who are uninsured).

I’m trying to see if there is any way I can get some kind of financial help with this procedure, I don't want to miss any program I didn't hear of. I called Medicaid, since they have a program called “Presumptive Eligibility For Pregnant Women”, but I don't qualify because of our income of the last year. They also have a program called Emergency Services for Non-Citizens, but you have to have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. I will look into whether I am still covered by my (Canadian) provincial insurance plan, but I assume that since I am not traveling but rather moving here, I will not be covered. So I'm looking into US solutions.

Does anybody know of anything? Program, NGO, whatever?  I understand that we might have to pay, and that it's what happens when you make such big life changes, but I wouldn't want to just be ignorant of something useful. The stress of the move and the sad situation (this is my 4th miscarriage in a row) kind of mess with my ability to think straight.

Thank you.

1 minute ago, thenextman said:

I'm wanting to share my final experience in case someone finds it useful. I also updated my timeline.

 

March 8th:

- Medical at Telus Montreal

March 16th:

- Interviewed at consulate in Montreal.

- Officer explained he intends to approve my visa, but hasn't received the medical results yet.

- Case updated on CEAC ("Refused")

March 21st:

- Telus tells me over the phone that they submitted my results to the consulate

March 23rd:

- Telus sends a confirmation email that my results were submitted to the consulate, with vaccine information

March 24:

- Case updated on CEAC ("Refused")

- This happened early (like, before the consulate office hours), so I have to assume this was my medical results "entering the system"

March 28:

- Case updated on CEAC ("Refused")

March 29:

- Case updated on CEAC ("Ready", then "Issued")

March 30:

- Received tracking information from Canada Post

March 31:

- Passport ready for pick up at Canada Post in Montreal

April 2:

- Entered the US by air from Montreal.

 

Lessons learned:

- Telus say 5 business days for medical results on the phone, but the actuality is that they take 10-15 business days.

- It wasn't a big delay for that but certainly added stress and annoyance

- Entering by air was very straightforward, an extra 5-10 minutes in secondary screening (they even seemed to bump me to the front of the line). Usual annoyances with airport screening and immigration lines apply.

- The border office didn't stamp my visa which seems irregular? I didn't think about it until later.

 

The users and shared information in this forum helped me keep my sanity, especially over the last 6 months of this process. This is the fourth and hopefully last time I tackle foreign immigration (Canadian PR, Canadian citizenship, Canadian PR for Mrs TheNextman, US IR1) and certainly the longest and most difficult. I couldn't have got this far without you guys! Congratulations to all who received their visas already and good luck to those still waiting!

 

Congratulations!!! I was wondering when you would update us!

I don't know much about stamping, but I seem to remember him telling me that the visa + the stamp were my temporary green card, until I received it by mail. But a quick online search seems to indicate that even without a stamp, you don't have a problem. I would look into it if I were you, but I don't think you need to worry. Congratulations, fellow permanent resident!

I would just like to report on our experience. Despite our after-market TPMS and invoice proving its installation by a mechanic, we were unsuccessful in importing our 2019 RAV4 at the Derby Line, VT POE on March 25.

The officer told us that Toyota *had* to install the system, and that he used to work in the field and “knew” it was possible, despite what Toyota Canada had told us. So we entered without importing the car, and a few days later, my husband brought the car to a Toyota dealership in Idaho. They called Toyota engineers, who told them it was indeed impossible... There was no way they could install it.

As we live 12 hours from the closest border and because of our family situation, we decided not to try multiple PoEs, and get rid of the car instead. Fortunately, we successfully sold our car to a Toyota dealership in Idaho yesterday! We were very clear about the importation situation, and it took a while to make it clear that we didn't have a separate piece of paper called “title” as American cars do, but they bought it for 25% more money than my husband had been promised as a “Kelly blue book offer” in Canada, and we traded it in for an American car. Done! I'm mentioning it in case anybody has the same issue and wonders if their car can be sold in the US. 

Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread. It is possible that like previous posters, we would have been successful after multiple tries, but in our case, getting rid of the car was the easiest solution, and we're happy that the issue is resolved.

We sold our car to a Toyota dealership in Idaho yesterday!!! 🥳 We were very clear about the importation situation, and it took a while to make it clear that we didn't have a separate piece of paper called “title” as American cars do, but they bought it for even more money than my husband had been promised as a “Kelly blue book offer” in Canada, and we traded it in for an American car. Problem solved! I'm mentioning it in case anybody has the same issue. It cost us a bit, but less than we expected, and at this stage, we just wanted to get it over with.

13 hours ago, 3LabMom said:

Can you try at an airport near you that has a POE to avoid the drive?

It would be nice, but no. I think it's the same thing as someone who is already in the US having to go back to the border to renew their visa (at least, that's how it works in Canada, I think). You can't have your car already in the US if you're trying to import it, and an airport parking lot is “already in the US”.

Here's the thread we had found on this topic—some people have luck with the after-market TPMS system, but it appears most people don't: 

—

6 hours ago, Pearljamm said:

So i called in today to check and they said it has been submitted to the consulate. 

 

Do you know how long it takes to get the confirmation email?

 

Regards, 

 

I don't know... I got the email after seven days, but I don't know when the results were sent. Check your spam, maybe, or wait a day or two? You could also call them back to make sure that they wrote your email down right? But if they say it has been sent, that seems like the most important part!

2 minutes ago, ACC24 said:

Its really frustrating situation with these border officers to get lucky in such situations. Maybe you can try to cross via another border office where they might consider after-market system bought one. I think some VJ member/s tried couple times before they could import it successfully.

 

We eventually have to import our Toyota as well and this makes me nervous about it though I bought the car in US before moving to Canada ( it already has self built TPMS) 

Yeah, we’re just not sure we want to do the long drive just to be denied again. It would be one thing if we were living close to multiple borders, but we're too far. Although it might be our plan A—first try again to import the car, but if it doesn't work, we'll drive to a Toyota dealership in Canada... Although my husband said that according to what he read, even if they let us in, they're in the wrong, and we might get stuck later. Not sure!

If you bought your car in the US, you shouldn't have a problem! But I understand the nervousness!

Just an update—we successfully crossed the border on Saturday, my green card was no issue (although they asked twice to see my packet, and we had to show them the letter that came with my passport, saying the packet was electronic!), but we had to wait two hours at the border and in the end could not import our car...

We had read the threads about successfully importing a car without a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), since that is the one difference between American and Canadian RAV4s, but our after-market system bought on Amazon didn't make the cut. The border agent told us Toyota Canada was wrong in telling us it was impossible to install, so we had to have it done *by Toyota* before we could import it, but my husband was told yesterday by Toyota in Idaho that they couldn't do it. They even called engineers at the main office, because it seems so absurd. So we will have to go back to Canada (a 12-hour drive to the closest border), sell our paid-off, perfectly good car at a loss, and buy a car here in the US...

Just letting you guys know, in case you got a conformity letter that mentions the TPMS. I guess some people got lucky and were able to import their car, but if you aren't one of those, it becomes a mess. From what we understand, until we can get a car registered in the US, our “residency” situation is complicated—we can't give up our residency in Canada since that's where our car is insured. So we'll have to deal with this ASAP. What we should have done is sell our car while we were still in Canada, and have my (American) husband cross the border to buy a car in the US before our move. This is such an absurd situation and reason for trouble. A tire pressure monitoring system!

But oh well. At least we're here! Good luck to everyone!

19 hours ago, Pearljamm said:

 

How long did it take for the medical to reach the Embassy ?

 

I did mine on March 22, and my interview is on April 5 and I am getting worried to be honest. They told me the same thing about the consulate already has receiving notice that my examination was done. 

It took seven calendar days. Let us know how it goes! Good luck!

13 hours ago, thenextman said:

Is there any notification sent when the visa status changes to "Issued" (or at all)? Or it's necessary to just keep checking the website? I saw my case was "last updated" today, so I take it as a promising sign....

 

Thank you!

It has to be a good sign! Good luck!!!