CanadiaGirl

We are married for two years, have a daughter of 18 months old and my husband adopted my son from previous marriage, we all live together, have joint bank savings and credit accounts, joint car insurance, already filed our joint tax returns twice. I think we have enough of proofs. But in the instructions to the I-751 itself it IS said that we need these affidavits, though nothing is said about notary certification...why would they ask about these papers if they are not needed?

Thank you for helping)))

Actually the packet specifically says that what's provided on the instruction sheet are merely examples of what you should provide. From what I took of it that meant it wasn't entirely necessary but a suggestion.

Am I wrong in this thinking?

APPROVED!!!! :dance:

Oh my god, what a trip this whole process has been.

I'll write a review tomorrow but know that we're streets ahead of everyone else and better prepared thanks to VJ.

Best of luck to all of you!!!

Congrats!

Just to make mention. The reference ID worked for me. I am now able to track the visa. It shipped out on the 1st. When I check the CSC the waybill number still hasn't posted.

So all in all you can use your reference ID to check to see if your package has been shipped. It seems to be the most reliable avenue to go.

Goodluck everyone!

I was reading on this link that you need to bring a mailing envelope to the interview when they used Canada Post. Is this true for DHL as well?

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Canada

The guides and Montreal consulate information page need to be updated.

Montreal as of recently has moved to DHL post. When I first read this I was very very confused.

You should sign up for this service as soon as possible. Go to http://canada.usvisa-info.com/

1. On the bottom right you'll see a guy with a computer. Where it says click here do that.

2. Put in the info it asks for.

It will say something like you're scheduled for x date please ignore that all together. After everything is done log out and log back in to ensure all is done.

Again it's very confusing but just fill everything out and don't mind the 'schedule an appointment' NVC has already done that for you. The schedule part is for K1 Visa applicants.

This is the site that you'll be checking daily after the interview to see when your visa has been shipped. By that I mean they will post a waybill number. This waybill number is essentially your tracking number. It's been 4 days for me and mine still hasn't posted so don't worry if it's not posted right away.

Latest news is that we're supposed to hear directly from Montreal and if we dont hear from them by THIS friday, we have to call NVC Washington, which is Dept of State. Did anyone else have to submit all originals? They required ALL original documents to be sent to them...I thought that was odd..or does anything think it was due to our Expedite request/approval? Well..snow storm is kicking here in Windsor..I suppose I can wait a few more days..I'll clean enough snow to stay busy.

To my knowledge they actually want the original documents from all of those submitting for a visa application. I wasn't aware we could just send copies.

We sent in all of our original documents and received them back at the interview. We didn't have to show any of our proof book just handed the medical, passport photos and interview letter. It took us a total of 30 minutes from getting our letter to the end of the process. Painless really. It's not odd that they require original documents. To me it helps you out because there is no second guessing if it's indeed the real deal (over a copy). We brought the copies we made of the original documents incase they lost the originals as was suggested by them incase.

Any who goodluck to all you March interviewers Remember to post a review as it'll be very helpful to those who have yet to go. I know after reading the reviews it helped ease a lot of my worries and stresses. Nothing beats first hand knowledge

Hope you all get your visa's quickly and without any pain. Remember NO NO NO NO BIG BAGS or Brief cases and line up on the left hand side of the doors and on the elevator and ensure you are near the back doors so that you remain first in the line when you finally get your letter upstairs. When facing the entrance to the elevators when the guard comes and picks you up go to the back left as the doors will open up from left to right at the back

I would honestly hope that they would give you the visa upfront. I couldn't see why they would even bat an eyelash at saying "YES" to giving it to you. I'm so very sorry for all that has happened. My grandfather had a stroke in December and sadly passed in Jan. I do hope that you get the chance to see him that or that he gets better in some degree.

I'm sorry I can't provide much in the way of concrete advice. All I can say is I hope they do. Hugs and good thoughts to you both in this time.

I would possibly email the consulate and ask them if it will be at all possible. I'd even try calling although from advice on here you probably won't get through. It doesn't hurt however to at least ask the consulate and tell them about your story and what you'd be providing in terms of evidence for a quick visa release. This will at least let you know one way or the other instead of painstakingly having to wait 3 more days. At least you'd have your answers and can focus your attention on your grandfather and this process.

Agreed!... I was checking none stop for an update on the usvisa site but never got an update. I then saw the dhl.ca site and used the reference number. It worked for me...

Awesome. Thanks for posting this guys. I really think this should be mentioned in the guides or at least on the montreal Consulate information page on here. I'll keep using my reference ID on DHL.ca to check the status. Thanks guys!

Called DOS: Visa has been 'issued' the lady had NO clue what I meant by when I said "printed". Did I use the wrong word here?

Then Called Toronto number: Nothing shows up in their systems or the DHL. The visa must still be at the consulate.

Moving this to Canada forum...

May I say that your avatar made me laugh. TO me it was a great representation of how this process feels.

Calling DOS now to see. One other VJer who went the same day already has their waybill number. Still nothing for me though.

How long do you think until they put your waybill number on the usa visa service site? I still don't see anything yet. Is this normal?

We had our interview the the day before. I'm still not seeing my waybill number either. So I'm wondering the same thing.

If no waybill number is posted can you still contact DHL about the package? (I'd tend to think not but thought I'd ask all the same)

I have crossed many times to the US for a month at a time. The length of stay usually indicates right off the bad a poor tie to Canada. that you or a work related vacation of some sort.

Without a doubt the one way ticket was what set it off. You have to think of things in terms of what you'd think if you were in their shoes. They have to treat every situation and person the same. If you make it harder for them to believe the story they'd rather be safe then sorry. (having a one way ticket). Logically if I saw this that would be more of a red flag then someone driving over the boarder for a month with minimal baggage. We had to go into Customs many times during our travels. I also had no ties what so ever to Canada. What helped me was being honest and telling them, " The best I can give you is my word. That and the fact that I always came back when I said I would with or without the I-94. Sometimes they'd let me go without the visitor visa. Others they'd give me the visa. Another HUGE thing that helped was that we had started the visa process and ALWAYS traveled with any of our visa documentation.

What you'll have to do next time since she is flagged is try to ensure she has proof of ties. For many the proof of ties aren't that bad but once you're flagged you will be scrutinized heavily and expected to bring any and all information you can. I've been told bank statements proving you can provide for yourself and that you still have money going in your Canadian bank account. I would try to ensure you are reading everything on here in terms of crossing. This is one thing that is mentioned many times if you are flying to have a return ticket.

I'm really sorry this has happened perhaps it's time for you to contemplate going to visit her. It may make things easier for you both. However I'd take sunshine and beaches any day over snow .

If you have no date in the spot where it says the date of your interview, you go at the appointed time as it says on the sheet from the Consulate! (The February 23rd for you!)

The area where it shows your date is meant for the K1 Visa applicants who need to book their own appointments! Don't worry. I was scared as well when it happened, and was told it was perfectly fine.

I called the DOS just to double check and he said everything is the same. Feb 23rd at 8:30 so YAY

Please omit my question for DOS... I read the first page where someone answered that for me.

As far as I know you need to pay extra to have your medical results mailed to you, and they would only send it out 48hrs or more after your exam, so you would def not have it on the 16th. When I went mailing was not an option, I (like most people) had to return to Montreal two days later to pick it up. Luckily my interview was 2 days later

At the medical they do a blood test, xrays and general exam with the doc.

When is your interview now though? Did it get rebooked or no? Keep in mind your medical result DO expire, so if by some reason you accidentally rescheduled it then you may want to reschedule your medical too.

I did the K1 Visa route and had to pay $350 or something at the interview. Not sure how it is for CR1.

Also - do you have all your documents ready for your interview? There is a LOT you need to bring with you. I am just not sure because you listed what you had to do before the interview and I am used to people listing all their paperwork and docs as well.

Honestly, I think you just really need to call DOS and find out whats going on haha, there are checklists on here to make sure you don't forget anything for your interview as well.

Could you explain the DOS abbreviation?

I am staying in Toronto to pick up the packet in person instead of mailing. It says it will be ready 48 hrs after the medical. If it'll be ready on the 17th instead of the 16th I will just push back my train ticket a day. So as I said I won't be having it mailed to me.

All of my documentation is indeed ready for the interview. At least from what I've read I do.

- I have mounds of photos (of our 6 year relationship)

- all of our packets sent into the NVC and USCIS.

-They have all of my original supporting documentation (police cert, marriage license, long form birth certificate, my husbands 3 year taxes, rental agreement, bank statements, and electricity bill) again all of which we have triplicates of just incase. I also printed off each payment receipt from the visas site. Along with all of our mailing receipts and money order copies.

-I have my passport sized photos for both the medical and the interview.

- I have printed off 3 copies of our interview letter. The interview letter itself indicates they have all of our info and nothing is missing.

Just so you know with your medical. If you need any immunizations that costs additional money on top of the general medical fee.

Thank you. I ensured I got my MMR and Booster updated as they needed to be. Nice thing about that is it costs nothing getting them done at your doctors, so I just ensured I had everything done for free with my Dr. Instead of worry about additional costs.

Thank you again. This is always great advice to give. Truth be told I only ensured to have them done right away was because I read it some where on here.

That's the ONE thing I don't know yet. My interview is in 4 days, and I'll just be using a Credit Card, with 450 USD just in case. I've read that people paid in Cash, but I don't know if I even have any more fees to pay! (Hope someone else knows!)

Oh, for your Medical, they hand you a piece of paper if you're going to pick it up. I would think it would be ready at anytime during the second business day (16th), but ask right at the start when she takes your information!

I read somewhere else that we didn't have any other payments to make.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2991.html#10

"Fees are charged for the following services:

* Filing an immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130

* Processing an immigrant visa application, Form DS-230

* Reviewing an I-864, Affidavit of Support (for petitions filed in the United States)

* Medical examination (costs vary from place to place)

* Fingerprinting fees, if applicable

* Other costs may include: translations; photocopying charges; fees for obtaining the documents you need for the immigrant visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.); and travel expenses to go to the embassy or consulate for the interview. Costs vary from country to country and case to case.

For current fees for Department of State government services select Fees.

Note: Fees must be paid for each intending immigrant, regardless of age, and are not refundable. Fees should not be sent to the consular office unless specifically requested. "

I think I will do the same with having a credit card on hand. I may email the consulate to just double check.

1. It took mine Just over a month and a half from my AVR case recording of Case complete to when I got the email in regards to my interview date. New Years Eve to be exact. To be honest it was a great way to end out 2010 With the NVC I did everything via Email (minus sending the packets in of course). I found it made the process go much faster.

2. My email was sent from the NVC

3. I just posted a topic about this as well. Admittedly I think the MTL consulate review here should probably be updated to reflect the new DHL only post. Also at least some kind of explanation with the website sign up and what to select. I luckily had some amazing people help me out as I was a bit stressed and didn't know what the heck was going on. (as i also thought we had to do the express post)

You will be getting your Medical before the interview, and pick it up 2 days after in person, or pay for it to be couriered to your door. Mine arrived 3 business days later. Make sure you're home! Or else they will retry! ( had asked the Medical building to not need a signature, but they still required it. (FedEx)

For the website where you sign up for your DHL, you choose the branch that is closest to you since they do not deliver to home addresses. Pick up only! (My closest DHL office is about 40 minutes from me) You do not have to bring any envelopes to the interview, they do it for you! they used to do Canada Post Expedited years ago apparently, but not anymore.

If you have no date in the spot where it says the date of your interview, you go at the appointed time as it says on the sheet from the Consulate! (The February 23rd for you!)

The area where it shows your date is meant for the K1 Visa applicants who need to book their own appointments! Don't worry. I was scared as well when it happened, and was told it was perfectly fine.

Editing: I was beaten to it! Thats what I get for answering the door in the middle of a reply!

Quick question. I swear it is the last.. So sorry.

Are there any further fees we will be expected to pay at the interview? I realize the medical will be $275. I was wondering when we get to the MTL Consulate is there any fee we have to pay? (We are doing the CR-1 route (just incase that matters))

You will be getting your Medical before the interview, and pick it up 2 days after in person, or pay for it to be couriered to your door. Mine arrived 3 business days later. Make sure you're home! Or else they will retry! ( had asked the Medical building to not need a signature, but they still required it. (FedEx)

For the website where you sign up for your DHL, you choose the branch that is closest to you since they do not deliver to home addresses. Pick up only! (My closest DHL office is about 40 minutes from me) You do not have to bring any envelopes to the interview, they do it for you! they used to do Canada Post Expedited years ago apparently, but not anymore.

If you have no date in the spot where it says the date of your interview, you go at the appointed time as it says on the sheet from the Consulate! (The February 23rd for you!)

The area where it shows your date is meant for the K1 Visa applicants who need to book their own appointments! Don't worry. I was scared as well when it happened, and was told it was perfectly fine.

Editing: I was beaten to it! Thats what I get for answering the door in the middle of a reply!

Oh my goodness you two have just taken such a HUGE weight off of my shoulders. Thank you so much!

My medical is on the 14th should the papers be ready for the 16th in the AM or PM? I was going to call on monday to ask when they'd have everything read (time wise). If not I can stay with my friend an extra day not a problem, Just need to know for my train tickets. ( I just can't justify spending the 50$ for my situation as I'm staying with a friend.)

Again thank you so much, I can't say how much this has alleviated my stress.

Dhl is a free shipping thing you do not need to buy an envelope.when I signed up for DHL is was VERY new for Montreal and I was quite confused up until the interview due to the whole "next available date" and they say that children do not need their own dhl login but I made one for my son. I was quite concerned that his visa would get lost or not able to be picked up due to lack of id for him. It turned out just fine

You seem to be good to go, I cannot think of anything else needed at this time. I would still call someone to just clarfiy that your date is still the same although I think you are fine.

Fantastic Thank you again as I said in my PP. This has lifted such a weight off of my shoulders. When you get this close to the process 'possibly' being complete you'd hate for one tiny thing to stall or possibly even hinder the entire years worth of processes.

This website is for registering with the courier services DHL which Montreal embassy uses. Since you are doing a CR1 visa your interview will be in Montreal. You will not receive your visa which is mailed back to you unless you select a DHL branch closest to your house and fill out your information which they use to call you and ID you once your visa is available for pick up at the DHL branch. Try to get this done BEFORE the interview to avoid any delays in processing time.

I guess I'm still lost then. I will not be receiving my immigrant visa the day of the interview. This I understand. So this service that I just signed up for is the shipping of that immigration visa to me correct? I have done all the steps I was supposed to do for the website. Do I still then need the DHL envelope the day of? If so how do I go about getting this envelope (the closest branch is an hour away which I can drive to)

Here is what I've done 'before' my interview. Please advise if I am missing anything.

1. Booked Medical

2. Ensured all of the necessary shots are up to date. I have my official Ontario Vaccination records which I will bring to the medical. Along with passport photos, and proper identification.

3. Booked hotel room for Interview.

4. Went to the website mentioned above for the DHL put in all my information. When I logged back in the interview date was no longer there and instead says "Next available date is May."

This is all I have done if I'm missing something please let me know. Really sorry if this seems like 'should know' stuff.

sounds like you re-booked your appointment for May.

That website books the DHL and the appointments if you are not careful.

You may want to call DOS and find out if you changed your appointment date by accident.

Sorry I'm sounding dumb here but what is DOS?

www.usvisa-info.com is the site used to set up the DHL Location. It can be a bit confusing when going through the steps on that site. Does it say scheduled for or does it say Next available date. I would definately get a hold of DOS and even call one of the numbers from the site

Applicants can pay their visa application fee, arrange for courier service, get information, and make an appointment through this service.

Applicants can access this service by logging into this Web site or by calling our local numbers in Canada:

Calgary - 403.800.1194

Halifax - 902.982.2191

Montreal - 514.400.2591

Ottawa - 613.800.0917

Toronto - 647.955.3736

Vancouver - 604.800.2794

Quebec City - 418.800.1751

If you are calling from outside the local area, dial the toll-free number 877.341.2441. If you are calling from within the United States, please dial 877.341.2441

The interview date is now not there (when I logged back in) and it said that the 'Next available date is May'

I was just very caught off guard by the site I guess and as you noted it's rather confusing when doing it for the first time. I selected my branch in London (I live in Chatham and that's the closest). I will give them a call come Monday.

Thank you so very much. I'm just looking to see if every step that should be done before the interview is. So far for the interview I have my medical booked and did this website thing. I have read the guides but it's very vauge. Is there anything else I should be doing now?

What do you mean by call in for your interview? Interviews are in person. Maybe I'm misreading what you've said. Is your VISA interview in Montreal on Feb 23rd?

Sorry I meant to say call in for my medical. Sorry about that.

Correct my Visa interview is Feb 23rd in montreal.

I am completely lost when it comes to www.usvisa-info.com . This is the first I'm hearing about this site and I'm completely lost as to what it's for. Can someone please dumb it down for me. I went through and put in all my info but I'll admit what in the heck is it for. More over what worries me is that it says Appointment scheduled for May 18th. What the heck does this mean?

Can someone please tell me what I'm supposed to do?!?

My interview is the 23rd of Feb and my Medical is the 14th of Feb. All I thought I had to do was call in for my interview and make sure all of my shots are up to date. I'm worried that I've drastically missed something.

Someone please help.

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