CanadiaGirl

Today we received notification that our Greencard is being printed (via email) !!!!! Thank goodness!

We finally sent in the packet a week ago (Been so busy with our current pregnancy it's been hard finding more evidence). Could someone update the list to have my RFE on the date of 6/7.

Question for those of you who looked up your status online where did you go to look at this. I have my Biometrics reciept number but am looking to find the site.

Did you get notification via snail mail that your card was being printed? Thank you all and congrats to those who have gotten their cards!

I'm Canadian and the tourist stay is 6 months.

So here's the quick summary:

1. She and her daughter goes home, before her tourist visa is up. Honestly the sooner you do the sooner you'll have her back with you (Something to consider).

2. You file the documentation AFTER she's back in Canada
3. File for the visa you feel is best suited towards your situation (CR-1 or K-1). Know that even a K-1 visa you still have to wait until they give you your 90 day window to marry. you can't get married the day after you file your K-1.
4. Wait it out like all of us have had.

I strongly advise you do the following. She go back to Canada BEFORE you file ANYTHING. Sure get the paper work together now but don't file anything while she's in the USA. Being Canadian doesn't mean she gets more privledges over other countries. If you file while she's there, they will know this. They will know the date she entered under her tourist visa and they will see the date you filed. You HAVE to understand that when this is seen she could be deported, the petition denied and she could be banned from entering into the USA. Do you want that? Will it be worth never having her in the USA just because you both couldn't wait and do the process correct? To me it's not worth it to do it the wrong way.

Right now you ARE ok. She is there visiting. As soon as marriage is done and or papers filed for petitions now you're committing a fraud. So to prevent this the legal way will be to file again AFTER she leaves and is in Canada.

When she goes back is entirely up to you both and how fast you want to begin this process. While I understand she gave up her house I don't see how it would be a problem for her to find a rental home for a little while and or stay with family. She could use the 6 months to get these things setup which to me is a fair amount of time to get reestablished.

When I was filing for my Marriage Visa (CR-1) (DH and I got married in Canada) I had to wait a year for my visa to process, much like anyone else going through the process, so I wouldn't go in thinking Canadian = easier. Not the case at all.

I was allowed to go back and forth to visit him. But I never visited under false pretenses and this was AFTER our vis had be filled, and the process had started. The first time we made plans I called ahead to our POE and spoke with an officer got his name so that I could reference the conversation with him should we have had problems. I had no proof of ties to Canada (which is on her to proove that she'll be returning) so we took the risk of me being turned away when we told them I was visiting while my visa was processing. This is where flying comes in handy as it's better proof of her travel plans and return flights etc. This is legal to do but the Border has every right to deny her and her daughter entry if they feel that she won't be returning to Canada and will be entering under the pretenses she just entered under. I was very blessed that they let us through each time. I would return once a month though and would rarely go for more than a month at a time. Just so I could also maintain my residency in Ontario (close to London) (health benefits and all)

What did you tell the border when she crossed this time? This is IMHO very important as well. If she said she's just visiting that will likely be documented.

Either way this process will involve time away from your loved ones. Not to be rude but you will find little to no sympathy for that fact. We've all had to take the appropriate steps to be with those who we love, we had to wait, endure the strain it would cause and overall just wait with baded breath to see what the verdict was.

I would also take note that in the US filing times are seeming to be a bit longer? Maybe that was just 5 months ago when the immigration reform happened. But Many on here noticed their normal wait times extended. So please be sure to check current wait times so you can get an accurate idea as far as how long this will take.

We understand you want to be with her, we've all been there. But you do what you have to do so that your spouse is with you legally. Trust me a year of going through hell is worth it if it means a life time with them. Something for you to consider.

As far as returning to the USA:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/child-enfant-eng.html

Driving into Canada:

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ifvc-rpvc-eng.html

http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/qt/kids_passport.htm

It will be both of you travelling together correct? If not you will need to carry a letter of consent from one or the other saying you have permission to leave the country with the child.

Yes, both of us will be traveling. Thank you so much for that info. I've been plunking things into Word and will be printing it out soon to keep with all the other info and forms I've gathered. You've been a great help!

There is no "CRBA" for Canada. The process is to apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. This takes "12 to 15 months". And only after you get that can you apply for a Canadian passport.

If one of the parents were born or naturalized in Canada, the baby is a Canadian citizen without any other considerations (no "time spent", etc. like in the U.S.). On the other hand, if the Canadian citizen parent(s) were not born or naturalized in Canada (e.g. if they were born abroad and got citizenship through their parents), and they were not in the service of the Canadain government when the baby was born, then the child is NOT a Canadian citizen, and you need to apply for him/her to immigrate to Canada (whic is not too hard) if you intend for him/her to live there. You can take the test (from the perspective of the child) if you are unsure whether the child is born a Canadian citizen.

The application for Certificate of Canadian Citizenship will require two pieces of identification for the child, one of which has a photo. I used the U.S. passport and the Social Security card. Make sure to send notarized copies instead of the originals, because you will not get them back for a year.

Yes, and in fact, the Canadian consulate web page recommends this.

The CRBA wasn't suggested by me just an FYI. I'm the Canadian Citizen born and raised so non of that i really have to worry about.

Thank you so much for your response. I will be sure to take your advice about the notarized copies of her ID, many thanks as I wouldn't have thought about that!

I read this question a bit differently - it seems to me the poster is living in the USA and wants to visit Canada.

From what I can gather (I'm due in October myself), a child can enter Canada on a land crossing with just a birth certificate and you don't need a passport until later. Not sure on the exact age, but it's in the teens at any rate. HOWEVER if you are flying into Canada you will need a passport of some sort. Thankfully that doesn't apply to me.

As far as registering the Canadian birth, it does seem a bit complicated to me too. Don't worry about seeming dumb, we are here to help and if it makes you feel any better I feel pretty dumb about it too. I've read the Canadian Government websites for the form and one thing I saw we'd need was picture ID... at least one if not two. People have suggested using the US passport as one form of picture ID and I'm not sure on the other form of ID for the child. Still trying to figure that out. However it seems much slower to get the Canadian proof of citizenship than the other way around for US which seems faster.

Goodness this helps so much, Thank you! Especially to hear that you are also finding the forms confusing. Not that I like the confusion bit it's a tad good to know I'm not the only one confused by the forms themselves.

Also about the crossing with a Birth cirtificate I will do further research but if that's the case I could hug you through the screen right now lol. We will be traveling via car.

Congrats to you with your Little one on the way.

By "birth abroad" do you mean birth in the US? Are you trying to prove Canadian citizenship? It's unclear to me where the birth will be, and what you are trying to gather (as you want to prove you spent time in Canada?)

Sorry can't edit my OP . We'll be giving birth to her here in the USA and be filing for her Canadian citizenship via the birth abroad process.

By proving time spent in Canada I was merely answering the Previous posters statement on proving that I've lived in canada under age of 14 for 5 years (my guess that alluded to proving canadian citizenship on my part for my daughter? I'm unclear)

CONGRATS!!

So you'll be giving birth in Canada? If so, there's a process called CRBA http://canada.usembassy.gov/consular_services/birth-abroad.html

Relatively simply process I'm told but the child WILL NOT be able to enter the US until the process is complete (she'll end up with a passport and SSN), so make sure you take that into account with your timeline. She technically should be able to enter as a Canadian citizen but as she has a claim to USC she's supposed to be like any other USC and enter and exit on her US passport. Happened to a friend of mine. She didn't know that was the case and got into a bit of trouble at the border for having her child enter the US on the VWP on an Aussie passport (I think she admitted she was taking her baby to meet his father or something like that)..

No we'll be giving birth here in the US and filing for birth abroad in Canada.

CRBA is SO easy! We did if for my son in the Dominican Republic, which is slower than a turtle at everything. From start to finish it took less than three months. Be prepared to prove you have lived 5 years consecutively since you were 14. Have some pictures of you, spouse, and baby taken at the hospital. Make a baby book, they may ask to see it.

I don't know about traveling because your baby may not have a passport in time for when you want to travel. You might have trouble getting in and out of Canada. I wouldn't risk it.

What have you gathered so far?

Finally, CONGRATULATIONS on your baby!!!

BTW, I grew up right by the Lewiston bridge, your P.O.E.

Did you happen to save your form? I do find the wording of it awkward. meaning I'm not sure if the first section I fill out all of her details, then in the mother father section if I N/A things that aren't applicable to my husband being as he's not the canadian citizen.

Proving I was in canada since 14 shouldn't be an issue. Did you just provide photos? Or did you have to provide other documentation? I played mens hockey up till I was 18 and have a plaque with a photo for pretty much every year for my home town. Maybe that would help.

Many thanks for the info and the congrats. So far I've just gathered the application form and printed out what else I'd need in terms of photos for her etc. Did you use any site to help you? I know you said it was easy but I'm just looking for a bit more indepth process as to what you did than 'easy' lol. I'm a details person and I know as well as anyone you miss one thing and you're stuck in a waiting game.

I grew up near windsor but have traveled a lot to the Hamilton, Niagra falls area playing hockey. cross there all the time now lol.

She will have her US citizenship so I'm not sure how she's be prevented entrance to and from Canada. She'll have her passport filed for within weeks of her birth (provided we can get her SSN quickly as well). Much like how she'd travel if we weren't doing birth abroad?

Greetings Everyone,

My DH and I are blessed after 4 years of struggling and 4 losses to have a child, to be expecting our first child and baby girl by November. With that I've really been diving into what I'll need not only stateside for ID but also on the canadian side.

I'm looking to see if anyone can provide examples of their proof of citizenship that they filled out for their newborn. I'm a person who loves to see examples just to double check I'm doing it right, because I'd really rather not pay a lawyer. I find the application to be a bit confusing (sorry if I sound 'dumb') and was just wanting to see a mack of someone elses. More like how we see on here for the VJ forms.

Also since her birth will be in November we do plan to travel with her to canada Boxing day. I'm wondering if there will be any implications to this with regards to our application (I plan to have pretty much everything filled out besides the obvious unknown details and send out promptly after her birth. I'm aware it can take up to 9 months to process, so I'm just looking to see how this would impact us going to Canada for the holiday visit.

Thank you in advance for your time and responses! Any help is greatly appreciated.

Got an RFE a little bit ago. DH is now getting the packet sent back in. I'm a bit upset given that we provided a LOT of evidence some more than I've seen from others and yet we get the RFE.. SMH

I-130 for cr1 is the only option, that wasn't her question, she knows what to file. Why she waited to file doesn't matter, she isn't obligated to answer, and isn't your business. or anyone else's business for that matter. To all of you in this thread passing judgement and giving her advice she is not looking for. She asked simply how to file for her husband and what forms to file, and y'all have been attacking her. What she does is her business and she shouldn't have to defend herself. Grow up people, I swear 90% of people here are only here to start arguments, this isn't high school. To the OP: there is a link at the top of this page with flow charts with all the information you are seeking, including the proper forms to file and when to file them, here is the link for the I-130 http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1 . Read and re-read the instructions, everything you need is there. Good luck, and congratulations on the baby.

Wow, someone needs to take a breath. I was pretty certain I was clear "not that it mattered' Implying she didn't' need to answer. I can ask any questions I'd like. If someone doesn't want to answer them they don't have to. Secondly I GAVE her the information she needed to proceed with filing for the CR-1 visa.

As for people trying to educate her on the amount she'll be paying. I think they're doing her more good then harm. I can't for the life of me understand why giving someone financial advice that will SAVE THEM tons of money in the end is in any way bad. But again if you don't like what I wrote skip it and move on with your life. What I wrote was informative and gave her links to where she needed to go, if you found it 'offensive' that I would inquire as to why this is happening, that's on you to deal with. Truth is in her divulging that information many have been able to give her GOOD advice on just how much it will cost to do one over the other. Furthermore, from the sounds of her posts she expects her DH to be here ASAP, to me implying before the baby is born. There is nothing wrong with letting someone know the realities of their situation. Far better then giving them false hope.

Time to step off your soap box, don't you think?

OP I wish you the best of luck and hope you've been able to at the very least see the advice given and think things through, especially given the numbers some have posted to compare what you'd be paying here vs there. If you're wondering about citizenship for the child, if you're a citizen (I think you said you were)as someone else mentioned you file birth abroad. What this does is gives your child citizenship without having to go through the hoops you'll be going through to get your DH here.

Please do whatever makes you feel comfortable and I wish you all the best. Hopefully everything works out for the best both with the visa and with the birth of your first child.

You file I-130, the visa that will be issued is the cr-1.

From the time you file the I-130 until he has the visa in hand it will be anywhere between 8-12 months.

I personally think you should go with the CR1 visa.

You can find all the information you need here, via the step by step guide. (It includes form numbers you'll need). http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Also in terms of getting him there 'asap' you have to realize that it will take around a year to get approved. I'm not sure of the times now but around 2 years ago it was a year. So I'd at the very least prepare to possibly spend the first bit with out him there. (which is utterly sad and I'm sorry for that). All of the best of luck to you.

Not that it matters but I'm wondering why this process wasn't started after your marriage, and the only reason it seems that you need him there soon is because of having a baby? Unless you guys didn't know where you wanted to be. It's the past now but I was merely wondering.

Hey Gang,Made an Infopass appointmenmt last week for today to get an I-551 stamp in my passport, showed my NOA1 and Biometrics letter. Very dissappointed, I got a 6month extension as of today. The IO wanted to know nothing about my troubles. So now I will have to make another infopass appointment in August.

SIGH

Why did you do this? Is this necessary for everyone to do?

Question about being out of the US. Probably 4 times a year we travel to see my family in Canada. These trips last no longer then 4 days. When they look at how long you've been in the US do they look at the continuous amount of months spent in the US or do they look for total time in the US. On one hand I think we're fine on the other I'm not sure especially if it's 'continuous' months spent.

You'll be filing in 2014 for the removal of your conditions and get a 10 year green card. You are eligible to submit ROC forms and accompanying files on October 3rd 2014. With regards to the price and how much it will be then, I'm uncertain as that fee can and probably will change by the time your eligible to apply for your 10 year green card.

But you have a long ways to go until you can file, never hurts to understand the process though. Just don't file before that date as they'll just send everything back to you.

To keep up to date on how much the fee is you should be able to see it on the official I-175 that you find at the government site. Be sure to check in with the gov site to ensure there isn't a new version of the form when it comes time for you to submit your ROC. On the instruction sheet it will let you know the fee, for when you submit the form. Again the $590 can change between now and October 2014. So I wouldn't put any stock into it being the fee you'll pay then.

We sent in only 1 year of taxes as well (2011). Your evidence looks good.

-------------------------------

Just for reference here's mine:

Contents include the following documents, constituting a petition for the Removal of Conditions on the Residence of Amanda B

• Completed 1-751 JOINT Petition to remove Conditions on Residence
  
• Money Order for $590 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  
• Photocopy of both sides of Amanda B’s Permanent resident Card
  
• Additional Information page - Previous addresses lived.
  

Enclosed also please find the following documents to verify the status of our marriage and ongoing relationship:

IDENTIFICATION

• Copy of Passport for Amanda B
  
• Copy of New York State Drivers License for Amanda B
  
• Copy of New York State Drivers License for Paul B
  

RESIDENCE

• Copy of rental agreement
  

FINANCE

• Copy of 2011 Joint filed federal tax transcript for Paul and Amanda B.
  
• Copy of Paul 401k listing Amanda B as beneficiary.
  
• Copy of 2 shared AMEX credit card with transactions by Paul and Amanda B.
  
• Copy of Homeowners Insurance Bill addressed to both Paul and Amanda B.
  
• Copy of the title of our car, showing joint ownership.
  
• Copy of various Bank statements showing a joint account at NBT Bank.
  

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

• Copy of Fertility treatments with Paul and Amanda B.
  
• Copy of Positive Pregnancy Blood test (resulting in our 3rd medically documented Miscarriage at 8 weeks)
  
• Copy of Ultrasound from pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage
  
• A copy of our hotel reservations for our 3rd wedding anniversary vacation we took to Montreal, Canada in April of 2012.
  
• A copy of our airline reservations for a vacation that we took to Dominican Republic in August of 2012.
  
• Copy of Holiday Cards addressed to Paul and Amanda B.
  
• Pictures of vacations taken in April and August of 2012 and throughout our 2 years living together.
  
• Copies of various mail items to the address both Amanda and Paul B reside at.
  

Hey guys, a quick question. I have noticed that some of you claim that you got your NOA1 fout, three, or even 2 days after you sent your I-751 to the USCIS. How is this possible? Have some of you mistakenly put the date that your I-751 was received by the USCIS (as per USPS) in the "NOA received" column by any chance? I'm a bit confused.

I had the same question as I have already told them that despite the description the time table titles are a bit misleading.

I think if there's little evidence of co-mingling of finances that could be a problem. From what I've read here it's a very big thing they look at. I'm not sure if you have stated it and I missed it but it doesn't seem like you do. To me at least this could pose a problem.

Do you have papers showing each others as beneficiaries? Benefits together? Taxes filed together? Something that shows that level of 'trust' in a relationship? To go 2 years in a marriage and not have any kind of indication of co-mingling the rest could just look 'staged' and easy to do. It shows there is no 'risk' to the marriage should something go wrong, which in some cases can flag fraudulent questions.

I'm not up to snuff on these 'requests' as I never filed one. So take my impression of all of this with a grain of salt.

It's a fact that many of us experienced/ are experiencing some form of stress and depression. For many of us that comes from us having to be away from the person we love for so long. The longing to be with them can get to many and make them feel hopeless/ helpless. In truth we are rather helpless in speeding the process along. I think given the nature of the visa process many looking at our cases will already understand this fact. So with that I don't now how in my personal opinion an expidte could be grated based off of something that a ton of filers go through. If you did get approved in my mind I'd be a bit miffed because from my standpoint what makes her depression more then what I experienced when I had to wait to be with my husband? It will bring many questions from even those petitioning why something like that would be approved when it's logical that almost everyone in some way suffers from the stress and depression of this journey to be with those we love. I guess for me I don't have as much sympathy (I do but not to have someone get privileges such as an expedite) because many if not most have felt this way at one point or another.

If her situation has been that way for a long time then I know this will sound bad but she needs to pull it together. One quote that got me through all of it was. This is a year for the rest of my life. Meaning when you compare being apart one year in order to be together for a life time, it makes it worth it. If this is a new occurrence of her living conditions I still don't know what can be done or how you could get approved for an expedite (again my knowledge on it is slim to none so I can't speak to that)

Try also to see if you can do video chats, and if your into games try to find an online game that both of you can participate in to feel that 'togetherness'. Things that will make her feel like while you're miles away you're still able to enjoy each others company to different extents.

If there's any way for you to go see your SO then perhaps that can help with the depression. I know it's hard, and funds aren't always available, but perhaps it will help to see you?

The journey sucks but the 'beginning' of your life together will be all worth it when you look back on it. Have her try to keep herself busy with little projects, going out with friends, something she can work on for when you get to finally be together. Best of luck but just from an outsider perspective I don't see how it could be accepted on the grounds your proposing, but then again you never know.

I'd also heed the advice of those who are mentioning how this will be viewed by those viewing your case. If your SO seems mentally unstable, how would that reflect on your case? Could it be more of a hindrance and cause you more pain = more waiting, or will it truly help expedite the process? This is something you should research first before proceeding further.

I'm not familiar with the K1 process. Can someone tell me how long it typically takes (now) to have a case approved completely?

Traveling prior to our approved visa was always worrisome, mainly because I couldn't prove ties to Canada. I was never denied entry though and did enter on a few 1 month stay's. There were lots of questions and at times we'd have to go into the office.

After our visa, it's a piece of cake. I dare say that it's actually easier then when I'd cross by myself. There's really no question why we're crossing it's either I'm going to see my family or we're going home. It's always very quick quicker then I ever experienced and I've crossed the boarder plenty of times in my life. The relationship is somehow easily explained once you have that card (at least this has been our experience.)

ETA: My husband also had a flag going into Canada. We had to deal with that for a year. We just got used to going in and didn't mind it. Then one time when crossing over to Montreal an officer didn't see the flag as being necessary when tracking how many times we cross and return. So she filed to have the flag removed. Since then I'm not sure if it's luck but we haven't had to go or had the questions regarding his flag since then and we've crossed 3 times since.

I am sorry for what has happened. As you said what's done is done. Hopefully your story can serve as a lesson for others. In any case it would have sucked to be in the position you both were in after making the mistake to cross. It seems like a nightmare and I honestly think the best thing to do is to seek an attorney. Most of the time it is suggested to do it on your own when the cases are more of a 'typical' scenario. As soon as you get into specialty cases I think that's when the "I can do it myself" stops and when "I need an attorney" starts. Normally I'd tell people going through this process to DIY but as soon as something like this happens it's not so 'typical' or 'normal'. I just don't feel comfortable giving any sort of advice on what to do to move forward. Other then seek legal counsel.

I wish you all the best and hope that this is all a distant memory when you're finally together.

What do 'early bio's mean?

People on this board (lately) has been very adamant about pictures (and other stuff, like having a receipt for a crib...).

Perhaps we feel this way because it's actually in the guide on VJ. If you want people to stop thinking this way, my best guess would be having that bit of info changed on the guide.

Now I realize it says 'examples' but many try to get most if not all of those documents in their packet. If they're not 'necessary' then it should really be pushed that photos over other financial evidence aren't as important.You can never have 'too' much when it comes to this process.