anxiousandwaiting

Hi,

I mailed my 2007 1040-EZ at the beginning of April but it hasn't cleared yet.

My question - if my taxes haven't been processed before the interview, will I have to prove that I have filed? The only thing I have to prove it at the moment is a copy of my 1040-EZ (I don't owe Uncle Sam any taxes).

Thanks for any suggestions.

My husband sent in his taxes April 15. My interview was April 23... no problems. I just had has completed tax return and W2's.

Ok, so this is way past due. But I've been so busy. We have 3 kids under 4 yrs and they keep me hoppin! And then my laptop decided to act up so I've been sharing dh's computer and haven't had a lot of time.

We went up on Monday 21st. We stayed at Square Phillips. It was super nice! It had a full kitchen, very very clean. Staff was great! The only thing I was disappointed in was that I was told there were no additional charges on top of what I was paying on Expedia. I called them to make sure. Well, there ended up being $55 in taxes that I wasn't told about. Annoying, but oh well. It ended up being $407 for two nights (that included parking for 2 nights as well.) So, a little pricey, but a great experience. It was right down the street from the underground shopping which was awesome! There is a Tim Hortons practically across the street. And the consulate is in it's back yard. We actually walked around the building, through the parking lot in the back and across the street to the consulate--about a 5 minute walk at most.

So, on to the interview...

6:50am-got to the consulate. We were the first ones in line.

7:25-doors opened-by then there were about 10 people in line

We went through security. We ended up getting letter B, the guy behind us got A. But that's because it took us so long to get through since we had our 3 kids with us. Everyone was so nice and patient.

7:35-finished with security-guy helped dh take the strollers down the steps (yeah, I don't remember reading that there were a PILE of steps to go down. LOL)-told us that we would be called at 8:45

7:40 got downstairs-I had no idea what time it was, we had no watch. I barely got a chance to feed the baby when a guy came to take us upstairs

7:45 Got upstairs (A-D letters) and put in a little room with 3 or 4 windows. One at a time (first come, first serve) we went up and turned in our appt. letter and our letter. We were third up. Then we were told to wait in the waiting room.

8:15-Got called back to window 19 (in first room). The guy was very nice! He said he was going to ask for all the papers and that I and the kids could wait in the waiting room. I was a bit reluctant. I put the whole file together and wasn't sure if dh would know where everything was, even though I tried to brief him on in. I went to go change my son's diaper and when I came out, dh was calling for me. LOL The guy at the window told me to stay and sent dh with the kids out. He got all the required documents. He commented on how organized I was He told me to go pay and then they would call dh for fingerprints. He told me good luck.

Dh went to pay and then took the receipt back to window 19 (I couldn't remember if the guy said to bring it back or wait til they called It was ok, he was able to leave the receipt at the window.)

8:50 Called dh back to get his fingerprints-The guy told dh that the next time he was called that we all needed to go into the room.

9:20 Got called into the little room. The guy was SO extremely nice! He went through all the paperwork. Asked a couple of questions about where we'll live, what dh does for a living, etc. He saved the criminal record stuff for last. He asked "there were no weapons involved, right?" Dh told him no. Then he asked "and there was no bodily harm done?" Dh told him no. He asked those 2 questions a couple of times each. He said they ask about that because of the crimes of moral turpitude. But said because there was no weapon and no harm, that his particular situation was not cmt! Then he said he was going to approve us :dance: Then he talked to our daughter for a minute-asked her if she was married, had a boyfriend (she's 3! ) He was really nice.

9:30 (2 hrs 5 minutes after the doors opened) we were at the elevator going back downstairs to leave the consulate!

It was an excellent experience! Everyone there was soooo pleasant, helpful. We were concerned about the police record for nothing! The guy really acted like he wasn't concerned at all once he knew the answer to those 2 questions he kept asking

I can't think you vj'ers enough for ALL of your help on this journey! I seriously would have not been so well prepared had it not been for all of you! I feel terrible that I haven't been able to contribute here as much as I'd like. Part of it is that I was still in the process and didn't know many of the answers myself. The other part is that my 3 kids keep me really busy. I do hope though that I can help someone else on here even half as much as I've been helped. You have all been great!

I know this isn't the end. I will still be asking questions about the move I'm sure But I hope to be on a little more and contribute a little more.

THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us on this amazing journey!!!

I thought I recognized you... I had my interview the same day@ Montreal. I was third in line. Your kids were so cute....

Congrats and all the best!

Hi,

So I travelled to the US today through Toronto Pearson. All in all, it wasn't a bad experience but just a tip- give yourself plenty of time! I arrived at the airport almost 3 hours before my flight was due to leave. I went through customs(which was quick- no one was in line) and got to the immigration room at 2:55pm. My flight was at 5:35. I checked in, where they took initial fingerprints(digitally) and a photo. Then the agent said to sit and they'll call me to take another set of fingerprints. I waited. There were only 3 people ahead of me- only one doing the same process as me. The others were just simple visa checks etc. Only two agents were working. Anyways, at 4:35pm the agent calls me, takes my fingerprints and had me sign a form. He briefly explained the boundaries of the visa and gave me info about when I should expect the SSN and greencard. All in all, this took ten minutes. I was out of immigration at 4:45- had to go through security and catch a shuttle to my plane. I made it to the gate as they were getting ready to board the plane. I thought that I had given myself enough time but just made it.....

But I just have to say, it was a great feeling to be done with all of this.........

congrats

which consulate by the way? I'm still waiting for mine from Montreal~ Had my interview on the 24th

It was the consulate in Montreal....

Hope you receive it soon!

Got my Visa today! Yeah....

Went for my interview on April 23 and rec'd it today. They mailed everything out Friday at 9:30am and I received it this morning at 10am. Had it not been the weekend, I would've rec'd it the next day after it was mailed. Oh well.....

Good luck and hope you all receive it soon!

Legally, you need to file Married since you were married in 2007, either jointly or seperately. I filed an extension since my wife's passport was held by the Embassy. Granted, it is not easy, but the legal way to do it. I did not want to take the chances of illegaly filing single.

Yesterday, we got a copy of her passport notarized and sent in the W7 (ITIN) form along with the 1040 to the IRS in Houston.

I filed Married filing seperately to get the stimulus refund. It was the only way to qaulify and resulted in a larger refund for our situation. Also, without a SSN for your spouse, you will not qualify for any Earned Income Credit.

My husband and I did the same thing. We had to file "married" separately. I had to get an ITIN number in the meantime. My interview was at the end of April, so he filed his taxes on time, but then will file an adjustment once I get my SSN. I went to a tax attorney and he notarized my passport and we sent in the W7 and my husband sent in his 1040 to Houston as well.

Hi,

I'm going to enter the US on the CR visa but in 4 weeks will celebrate my second anniversary. The officer said that I need to file an adjustment the day after my second anniversary. I don't want to wait to enter because I have a job lined up and don't want to be separated any longer...

Has anyone done this and know how long on average it takes? Also, what forms and is there a cost?

Thanks...

There is no such thing.... if you enter before your second wedding anniversary you are going to get a 2 year greencard (CR1)... you will then have to file to remove the conditions 90 days before the expiry of that card at a cost of $545.00... if you wait until the day after your second wedding anniversary to enter you will get a 10 year greencard (IR1) and will have nothing to file until 90 days before expiry of that card... if it was me I would wait that extra 4 weeks...

Kez/Jwolf

Hi,

Thanks for responding. I was confused when she told me to apply the day after my anniversary for an adjustment....

Unfortunately, I can't wait because I start working the week after I arrive in the US(my employer is aware that I will not have the SSN yet). Delaying the start for three weeks is not an option.

I was panicking so much for nothing actually

I slept restlessly and wow, this interview for the k1 visa was easy! I'm not going to write a review here but... basically...

They accepted me and are going to issue my visa+passport+brown envelope in a week (maybe it's faster, who knows hehe!)

Thanks for the replies that really helped for my previous posts *bows*

Congrats!!!!!

Hi,

I'm going to enter the US on the CR visa but in 4 weeks will celebrate my second anniversary. The officer said that I need to file an adjustment the day after my second anniversary. I don't want to wait to enter because I have a job lined up and don't want to be separated any longer...

Has anyone done this and know how long on average it takes? Also, what forms and is there a cost?

Thanks...

Uh ohs.

What if I sent in the originals when I sent in my packet?

You think they will understand?, or that they will give me back my originals on the interview day?

Please reply

I believe if you sent the originals in with your packet, you will receive them back that day.....

Hello, i'd like to ask a few questions from the forum people and see if their is any light you can shead.

I am in between hiring one and not, i have a clean as a boy scout record as far as police and just about anything else goes. But i feel that it still might help with the backing of a fiance lawyer to make the speed / smoothness of going threw the long prossess of getting a loved one down to the united states.

1. Do you think it is important to hire a lawyer?

2. How do you know the lawyer you hired is qualified - are they certified (for this area)

3. We live in a small town, no lawyer in my area advertises for fiance visa, where do you recommend finding one?

4. How much on avg does it cost?

5. Do you need a lawyer specilized in this area, or will a general lawyer do?

6. Does hiring a lawyer make the process faster or do i stand as good of a chance doing it on my own?

7. Do some lawyers go and help your fiance with their paperwork also.

8. Does anyone have a lawyer they recommend form previous use? ( as in great success from this lawyer )

Hi,

I hired a lawyer because I was traveling a lot for work and needed her to handle the paperwork coming in and out. Had I not hired a lawyer, my husband and I would have filed from within the US and came to find out later that process would have taken twice as long. The lawyer had us go through the consulate in Toronto instead(she helped in justifying it because my husband just barely met the requirements to do so) and today I was improved for my visa. The whole process took about nine months; including a hiccup in paperwork(Mtl said it was mailed out and neither I or my lawyer rec'd it delaying everything about six weeks). Let me stress, you DO NOT NEED A LAWYER, but if you want to have someone else worry about it all, then it's a good idea. It cost us about $2000 cdn(half at retaining, half once paperwork is complete). It was a lot of money, but for me, it was worth it. I hate dealing with all these details(having had done it for my husband as well to get his PR in Canada).

The advantage in having the lawyer was when I didn't receive the second packet, she contacted the consulate and found out about the problem(where they said it was mailed out, but neither of us received. I wouldn't have known that. So I was really glad I had her around for that.

You should hire an immigration lawyer- not general. Immigration lawyers are specialized for this and know more details about the law.

I found mine on the internet, but live in Toronto so it was easy to pick one. Where ever you are, try to find one close. Beware, there are some bad lawyers out there...

The lawyer should help you both- my husband originally retained her but she helped me with all the paperwork.

Hope this helps....

Hi,

I had my interview in Montreal this morning and was approved! After 254 days, it's all over!

I got to the consulate shortly before 7am and was the third in line. At 7:30 they opened the doors and handed out letters. At 7:45am, the first four (A-D) were brought up to the 19th floor and the process started. You hand in your letter and they take your appointment letter and passport. They then call you back and hand you the fees breakdown. You go to the cashier and pay the fees then go back to the window where your documentation is reviewed. You must bring originals and photocopies. You get sent back to the waiting room and called up again to have your fingerprints taken. You get sent back to the waiting room again and wait for the consular officer to call you for you "interview". You get called into a booth and the officer gives you back your originals and asks you to take an oath. She only asked me one question- how my husband and I met- and that was it! She explained the process of mailing back the visa etc. and sent me on my way. Less than two minutes. I got out by 9:30am. A gentlemen I went in with(he was "B", I was "C" was out by 9am).

Advice:

-Make sure you have all your documents in order and organized(remember to bring photocopies of your originals)

-As for payment- you can pay cash(make sure it's' $400 US dollars! or bring more for CDN- depending on the exchange rate) and I believe you can pay with credit card

-If you don't have your expresspost envelope(a girl next to me didn't have hers), they will supply one and charge you for it. I suggest bringing one with you. There's a CANADA POST in the Complexe Desjardins(on the lower level). It's two blocks away from the consulate, where the Hyatt is. I just bought mine yesterday when I arrived.

-If you need to stay in a hotel, stay close to the consulate. I stayed in the Days Inn Downtown on Rene Levesque which was a fifteen minute walk- which I didn't mind. There's La Tour Centre-ville across the street, the Hyatt(pricey) two blocks away

-Bring a magazine or something to read

-Do not bring large purses etc. A woman who was sixth in line was sent to return a briefcase and ended up at the end of the line

Good luck to all you!

OMG, I just kind of realized how concrete things are getting now....my car is sold, I've given notice on my flat, the flat itself is almost empty (except the fridge, I just came back from the grocery store... ), and my last day at work is June 18th. I can't believe that I'm really gonna leave my good ol' Munich for good in a couple of weeks from now...I would have never thought that I'd move so far away. Does anybody know that song "Things we do for love" ? That song just popped into my head now...

And I just can't believe that I will be a honest, married woman in 3 month from now...

......guys, I really can't wait to say " Yes, I do" and to promise gladly that I'll try to make him happy as long as we both shall live.

Sorry guys, I'm in a weird mood right now, sitting in this almost empty flat. I'm just looking forward SO much to my new life

...

Hi,

I know exactly how you feel. When I was preparing to move out of our apartment, I cried the last night. My husband had already moved to the US and we were playing the back and forth(every weekend) game for four months. Then, I gave up my full time job that I had for five years back in January(which I loved!) to take a part time job that would allow me to work remotely and so that I can see my husband more. I've been spending more time with him in the US but have to go back to Canada regularly. I feel like I'm living a double life sometimes....

Your mood is justifiable and understandable. It's not wierd- it's hard to give up everything.... but you have your wedding to look forward to. Enjoy the planning and good luck!

Hi,

Am going for my interview in Montreal next week and just wondering how far of a walk the Days Inn was and people's experiences? Also, any suggestions for what to do in Montreal to pass time? We're arriving the day before and am just really anxious to get this over with...

Hi,

I'm new here but just wanted to add this...

Just had my medical this morning at Dr. Seiden's in Toronto and I brought my appt letter. They ask for it- even on their website- but someone did not have hers and they still proceeded to do the medical. I think they'd prefer it. Of course don't forget the passport, photos, cash $185 and updated immunizations. My advice is get there early(I was there at 7am and the second one in line). They took me in around 7:20am and I got out by 8:30am.