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WaitingEB-1AJan23

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Posts posted by WaitingEB-1AJan23

    Our Immigration Journey - Successfully Completed!

    in Canada

    Posted

    I'm thrilled to share that our immigration journey has come to a successful conclusion! We landed on July 4th and received our Green Cards just 31 days later on August 5th.

    Important Update on Social Security Numbers: The SSN cards are no longer sent automatically! We had to schedule an appointment at the Social Security Office and complete the application online. However, once we attended the appointment, we received our cards within just 3 days, which was remarkably fast. Be prepared to show your birth certificates during the appointment. 

    Next Steps Made Easy: With our SSN numbers and Green Cards in hand, applying for Texas driver's licenses and opening bank accounts was straightforward. One helpful tip: you'll need two proofs of address for these applications (such as home insurance, or utility bills).

    Final Thoughts: After nearly two years of process, we're grateful to have reached this milestone. This community and website were invaluable resources throughout our journey.

    Wishing everyone still in process the very best of luck!

     

    Social Security Cards

    in Social Security Numbers

    Posted

    On 7/18/2025 at 6:57 AM, appleblossom said:


    Ours arrived within a week but I thought they’d stopped sending them now? It was a change this year, now you have to go to an office and apply in person. 

    Thanks for this info. We went to the Social Security Office and applied. Received the cards in 3 business days after that - so it was quick. It seems Montreal Embassy has old info on this as they told us that we will receive them automatically. Also, here in Texas, you have to make an appointment for the Office and fill an online form. 

    Social Security Cards

    in Social Security Numbers

    Posted

    Hi, we landed two weeks ago and have not yet received our SSN cards. We were told we would receive them within 10 days… I wonder if anyone would be willing to share your experience? How long did it take for you to receive the cards after you landed? Thanks so much! 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    12 hours ago, Aaron_ said:

    After getting a Green Card, is it okay to make multiple short trips to the U.S. in the first year (to look for rentals, jobs, etc.) before fully moving?

    I did my first entry 10 days ago, and my plan is to move permanently in January next year.

    In the meantime, I’d like to make a few short trips to prepare—like finding a place to live and looking for work.

    I assume that is ok.  i believe you became US resident the moment you landed.

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    9 hours ago, Aaron_ said:

    We had our interview at the end of January. Since my wife’s medical report wasn’t completed at the time, her visa was initially refused, which is why we were placed on Administrative Processing (AP).

     

    Last week, Dr. Zatzman informed us that he submitted the medical clearance on Tuesday, and after that, everything moved quickly. Our visa status changed to "issued" on Thursday, and the passport was delivered on April 7th. We paid the immigrant visa fee the same day and crossed the border via the Rainbow Bridge on April 8th. We returned the same day.

    The visa was stamped, and we were told it's valid for one year. We were advised not to stay outside the U.S. for more than a year. We were congratulated, and overall, the process went more smoothly than we expected.

     

    Our plan is to relocate to the U.S. permanently in January next year, but we’re not exactly sure how to manage things until then—like how often we should enter the U.S., what steps we should take before relocation, etc. We're open to any suggestions. If there's another forum where this should be posted, please feel free to direct me there—I’m happy to follow up.

    Thanks again for all the support during the process! I’m also happy to answer any questions, and by the way, if someone could update the Excel sheet for me, I’d really appreciate it.

    Congratulations! We also had our interview and received the passports back three days after the interview! Very fast! However, cannot land before our house sells… so trying to sell right now! 

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    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted · Edited by WaitingEB-1AJan23
    Typo

    We had our interview last week, and it went well—my green card was approved! I am so happy and relieved! I first contacted the lawyer and started the process two years ago!

    - After a 30-minute wait, we were invited to a counter to show our original paperwork: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, police certificates, and translations … This took around 45 minutes. I had everything organized and also copies of everything. Please note that they wanted a few copies, so it was also essential to bring them! I had a new passport and the old one with me. This was also important! I also needed to provide a copy of the new passport.  In the end, the officer asked for the two photos. It was a relief that all the paperwork was accurate. I believe this was not the case with many people before us. 
    -After a 15-minute wait, we were invited to a counter to take our fingerprints. That was fast.
    - After another 15-minute wait, we were invited to the interview (another counter). We were first asked to swear/affirm that we were telling the truth. I was then asked about the reason for my ‘extraordinary ability’ (I applied EB-1A ). I discussed my research. The officer then asked where do we plan to move. I said we don’t know yet. The next question was about my birth of origin, whether I have lived somewhere else but in Canada and my native country, and where and when. He also clarified this from my spouse. Then he asked if we had been in the US before and had ever been refused.  He then asked if we were ever arrested. Then he said that he was approving our green card application! He explained that we would receive the passports in two weeks and then explained the landing process. We must land before early September but can land anytime after we receive the package…  we can come back to Canada to arrange the final move. He also told me I could clarify the US address when we landed (the address to mail the green card). 

    -Everyone was very kind and friendly. The atmosphere was welcoming—people were smiling! We were congratulated in the end. It was a smooth process that took less than two hours.
    -We did not bring bags or phones; I had everything inside a large document folder. I got an updated CV and some degree certificates, but they were not asked. At the end of the interview, they returned all the original birth certificates, etc., 
    -The embassy entrance is between the pharmacy and RBC. The door is next to the bank’s door. No signs are outside, but the street number is on the door. We entered 15 minutes before our interview time. After we entered the external door, the officer came out from the door on the left and asked to see our passports. Then we were asked in, and there was a security check, just like at the airport. They put a sticker on our passports and gave us a number. We then went to an elevator and upstairs.
    -I forgot to ask when/how to pay for the green cards… Perhaps we will receive that information with the package. 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    On 3/11/2025 at 11:23 AM, WaitingEB-1AJan23 said:

    I have a question about deeming non-resident in Canada for tax purposes. Our interview is at the end of March, and if everything goes well, we plan to 'land' at the end of May, after (hopefully) closing our house sale. I would need to continue working for my Canadian employer during the transition phase, likely until summer 2026 (online). 

    I met with a cross-border accountant yesterday, and he recommended that in 2025 (our first year in the US), we would remain tax residents in Canada. He suggested we 'land' as late as possible, i.e. early September. He said it would be less complicated if we claim to become US tax residents starting Jan 2026 (and remain Canadian tax residents for 2025). He said this would give us more time to clear everything in Canada (bank accounts, investments...) He referred to a particular form (I think  Form 8938 for reporting specified foreign financial assets) that newcomers need to fill out for the IRS (this would include all the worldwide assets). He said this would be complicated if becoming a tax resident in the US in the middle of a calendar year. He explained the tax treaty, but I find it confusing that we may end up paying taxes in both the US and Canada during the first year! 

    If you plan to 'land' this year, when will you submit Form 73 to the CRA? Form 73 is a form used to declare your departure from Canada for tax purposes. Or do you wait and only do your departure taxes in April 2026? My accountant suggested this; He said the CRA would take 8-12 months to process Form 73. 

    Are you planning to have any Canadian work during the transition phase? If so, are you planning to submit Form NR5 to the CRA as well? Form NR5 is a form used to declare your non-residency status in Canada for tax purposes. 

    What do you plan to do with OHIP - and how/when to launchHealth insurance in the US? 

     

    … I noticed a typo in my post. I meant to write that I may need to continue working for my Canadian employer until the end of summer 2025 (not summer 2026) 😂 So, that accountant’s advice does not make any sense! 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    On 3/11/2025 at 11:23 AM, WaitingEB-1AJan23 said:

    I have a question about deeming non-resident in Canada for tax purposes. Our interview is at the end of March, and if everything goes well, we plan to 'land' at the end of May, after (hopefully) closing our house sale. I would need to continue working for my Canadian employer during the transition phase, likely until end of summer (online). 

    I met with a cross-border accountant yesterday, and he recommended that in 2025 (our first year in the US), we would remain tax residents in Canada. He suggested we 'land' as late as possible, i.e. early September. He said it would be less complicated if we claim to become US tax residents starting Jan 2026 (and remain Canadian tax residents for 2025). He said this would give us more time to clear everything in Canada (bank accounts, investments...) He referred to a particular form (I think  Form 8938 for reporting specified foreign financial assets) that newcomers need to fill out for the IRS (this would include all the worldwide assets). He said this would be complicated if becoming a tax resident in the US in the middle of a calendar year. He explained the tax treaty, but I find it confusing that we may end up paying taxes in both the US and Canada during the first year! 

    If you plan to 'land' this year, when will you submit Form 73 to the CRA? Form 73 is a form used to declare your departure from Canada for tax purposes. Or do you wait and only do your departure taxes in April 2026? My accountant suggested this; He said the CRA would take 8-12 months to process Form 73. 

    Are you planning to have any Canadian work during the transition phase? If so, are you planning to submit Form NR5 to the CRA as well? Form NR5 is a form used to declare your non-residency status in Canada for tax purposes. 

    What do you plan to do with OHIP - and how/when to launch the Health insurance in the US? 

    I just spoke with another cross-border accountant, who clarified that I will automatically become a USA tax resident when I land! That’s what I had read and was hoping to. I need to give my employer 2 months’ notice. Not sure if I should do that after the interview or on the day of landing… I could work those final 2 months online!  I'm also wondering if we should ‘land’ with the moving truck? Has anyone done that - or did you move later? 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, Canadian24 said:

    Hi @WaitingEB-1AJan23 My cross-border accountant explained that even if you pay taxes in Canada for your job, it doesn't really matter as what you pay in Canada will be taken off in the US side because of the tax treaty. So you end up paying the same as if you were in Canada (so a little more than just the US as Canadian taxes are usually higher). I don't understand his idea of being a US non-tax resident for 2025. You have to be a tax resident of the US when you activate your greencard which will be in 2025 for you? If you check non tax resident of the US it could be seen as abandonning your green card. 

    Yes, I tried to explain this to him. But he kept saying that I should remain non-tax resident during the first year (2025). Perhaps I should find another cross border accountant! I wonder if you could recommend yours? 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    I have a question about deeming non-resident in Canada for tax purposes. Our interview is at the end of March, and if everything goes well, we plan to 'land' at the end of May, after (hopefully) closing our house sale. I would need to continue working for my Canadian employer during the transition phase, likely until summer 2026 (online). 

    I met with a cross-border accountant yesterday, and he recommended that in 2025 (our first year in the US), we would remain tax residents in Canada. He suggested we 'land' as late as possible, i.e. early September. He said it would be less complicated if we claim to become US tax residents starting Jan 2026 (and remain Canadian tax residents for 2025). He said this would give us more time to clear everything in Canada (bank accounts, investments...) He referred to a particular form (I think  Form 8938 for reporting specified foreign financial assets) that newcomers need to fill out for the IRS (this would include all the worldwide assets). He said this would be complicated if becoming a tax resident in the US in the middle of a calendar year. He explained the tax treaty, but I find it confusing that we may end up paying taxes in both the US and Canada during the first year! 

    If you plan to 'land' this year, when will you submit Form 73 to the CRA? Form 73 is a form used to declare your departure from Canada for tax purposes. Or do you wait and only do your departure taxes in April 2026? My accountant suggested this; He said the CRA would take 8-12 months to process Form 73. 

    Are you planning to have any Canadian work during the transition phase? If so, are you planning to submit Form NR5 to the CRA as well? Form NR5 is a form used to declare your non-residency status in Canada for tax purposes. 

    What do you plan to do with OHIP - and how/when to launch the Health insurance in the US? 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    1 minute ago, Drifto said:

    😂 this is weird. I had my medical exam with him too. Could be some age restrictions? Or country of birth? ( I can think of only these reasons)

    Interesting!

    Also, I brought all my original vaccination documents (had sent them digitally earlier). the originals were not checked. He reviewed the form I filled (me and my husband). After that he said, good news, no blood tests needed! My appt was at 12, Were were done with he x-ray at 12:25 already! 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    30 minutes ago, Drifto said:

    Hi everyone, 

    I have my medical exam today. The lab told me they no longer require urine samples, only blood work. Apparently it is a new rule. Has anyone else heard about this? I just want to make sure my medical exam is completed. 

    Hi, I had my medical yesterday. I did not have to do any lab tests - only the x-ray. It all took less than 30 minutes. 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    12 minutes ago, Drifto said:

    @Magnetron_ Thanks a lot! I read on the Montreal website that police certificates are valid for two years. However, I have seen some people in Canada obtaining new one before their appointment, apparently just in case, so I wasn't sure whether to get one again or not. It's good to know you had no issues without a new RCMP. 

    Yes, I obtained a new ‘just in case’. Someone last fall experienced that they had to provide a new after the interview because it was over a year. So, I simply decided to play safe and obtained a new one last fall. 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    8 minutes ago, Drifto said:

    Hello everyone. 

    I previously asked this question but it was moved to the general section (I'm not sure why). I would really appreciate any advice from anyone who has recently had an interview for NIW. Did anyone need to obtain a new RCMP for their interview ?

    "My DQ date was January 11, 2024, and I received my interview letter for March 21. 
    I have a question regarding RCMP police certificate. Do I need to obtain a new one for my upcoming interview? The one I submitted to NVC was issued on November 21, 2023." 

    I obtained new one- my first one was issued sept -23. My dq is end of Jan -24 and my interview will be end of March. 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    18 hours ago, monk_yatso said:

    We got approved today. Entire process was super smooth. Our appointment was at 8am, went there 10 min before and they put us in right away. Afterwards, pretty simple process. 
     

    1. Security check: passing through metal detector. Didn’t take any phone or watch, so it was smooth. They gave a token number to wait for doc submission

     

    2. It took around 30 min to get called at doc submit booth. Me, spouse and little daugher (8 years old). It took longer for us as we lost our original birth certificates and pulled up the new one recently which was in new format. So the officer in counter had to take a copy and scanning it. 
    they do have all the color photocopy of pur submitted civil docs during DQ process. So there is no need to pile up photocopies i believe. For each person, Just: 

    2 passport photo

    original passport

    birth cert

    police clearance

    marriage certificate

     

    after doc review we waited again and called for fingerprinting

     

    2. Gave fingerprint. My little daughter got a bit disheartened seeing that only adults need to give fingerprints. The lady was kind enough to take her dummy fingerprints 😊

     

    3. We waited for around 10-15 more min and were called for final interview. The officer was extremely friendly. We took oath and gave fingerprints again. He just asked: 
    . So you’ve applied for EB-2 self petition? 
    . Have you ever bin in Us? 
    . Which visa (F1 and F2)

    . Which US city we wanna relocate

    . Any crime history/arrest before? 
    . Which years i stayed in germany and netherlands

    . To my little daughter -> how was your US experience -> she was prudent enough to say i can’t remember. I was 6 months old then


    my wife said we’re planning to take her to florida disneyland this April -> the officer said delightedly, wow! i’m putting that in notes! 

    then the officer said congratulations! Your visa is approved. You should get these back within 10 days. Then he opened a candy box and gave a few to my daughter. 
     

    So total it took around 1.5 hrs for us. This group has always been extremely helpful. All the best everyone! 

     

    Congratulations! 

    Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

    in Canada

    Posted

    14 hours ago, Magnetron_ said:

    My experience closely mirrors that of @monk_yatso, with the key difference being that my appointment was scheduled for 9:45 AM, and the entire process took approximately three hours to complete. During the interview, I was asked about my highest qualification, the institution where I obtained it, my field of research, any previous visits to the USA, and my intended place of stay in the country.

    I’m pleased to share that our IVs were approved, and the status has now been updated to 'Issued' on the CEAC website. Wishing the best of luck to everyone still waiting, and a big thank you to those who continue to share valuable insights on this page!

    Congratulations! 

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