Angie'nMark

This makes me curious. I thought the whole point of electronic filing was to have everything you submit to the NVC electronically transferred to the embassy or consulate where the interview is taking place. Anybody else who has filed electronically encountered this?

Well, they can access your whole file, but they have to do the extra step of downloading it from NVC. That is what the agent told me in Montreal. This is the reason you are to bring the originals, as that is what becomes the contents of your active file. Whereas, if you paper file, they already have built the file for you, and that is what gets transferred to the consulate.

The reason for e-filing is not so they can have all your papers, it is foremost to expedite the acceptance process for you. They still need to have all the originals in the end. Essentially it is enough to have electronic copies at the NVC stage, but once it gets to the consulate, and in order for them to make the final determination, they always need the originals in their hands.

I think they are still trying to work out all the kinks in Montreal though.

No, we did not file electronically, but we definitely made copies of everything. My guess is they have the documents. My wife was just a bit anxious. Well, I guess we both are. It's been a rather confusing process so far.

I had to move back to the states for school last month while she's still back in Montreal.

Thanks for your help.

Ok, well bring the copies that you have.

When I went for my interview for the CR-1 in Montreal, one of the employees told me directly: "When you do electronic filing, I get your file totally empty. If you do regular filing I will have the copies of the documents that you send already in your file." Then she showed me an empty file, mine!

So, I feel that you should be ok. You will have your back-up copies of everything to show them, so it should be totally fine. We did e-filing, and I expected them to already have everything for me but they didn't. We forgot to bring one of the originals, but everything still worked out.

Good Luck!

Hi All,

I believe I might have misunderstood the Montreal Consulate's directions. They gave us a checklist of things to gather for the interview (affidavit of support, birth and marriage certificates, photographs, etc.). We were not quite sure if we were supposed to send the originals they were requesting with the checklist or not. I had a free phone consultation with an immigration lawyer, and she said to send the originals with the checklist by mail so I did.

We have now received the letter stating we can schedule an interview. This letter also has a list of the original documents that we need to bring to the interview, but they did not return our originals with the letter nor indicate if they have kept the ones we mailed in. They would not have thrown them away, would they?!

Do any of you have advice on what we should do?

Did you file by electronic filing? If you did not they should have your originals. Of course they do day that you should have made a copy of all documents that you sent in.

JlovesA is right, we went to the biodome this december. even though my crazy canadian fiance thought it wasn't "that" cold (um, what?) we walked a considerable distance to get there in what felt like a blizzard, once we got inside it was very interesting, if you like bugs (and i do, as long as they are BEHIND the glass)

Olive and Gourmando for in the old port, St.Pierre st, for people watching and brunch/lunch. And these totally insane uber rich brownies.

I live here, and that is the straight goods.

Oh and for an AMAZING dinner experience go to Kitchenette, it is on Rene-Lesvesque St, in the Gay Villiage section of the city. You will die...AMAZING CUISINE.

Nope, doesn't matter at all.

If you want to apply for the CR-1 in a hurry just take note that getting your wedding certificate takes longer in most parts of Canada, and usually less time in most US states. Especially if you are in Ontario which can take a looooooooooong time. So I would check into it where you live, if time is an issue for you. It is the prime reason my hubby and I wed in California, rather then Ontario or Quebec.

I got August 25th, but they haven't booked anything in a few weeks.

Well, I have crossed at both Toronto and Montreal airports and have been grilled every single time. I have had to show the documentation and ALL of it every time. It is up to the discretion of the officer you speak to, and certainly they can, and have denied people's crossing who cannot show ties back to the country of origin. So sure, you may be able to cross, and you could be lucky like the previous respondent, but the CR-1-IR-1 is clearly stated as a visa for people who are willing to wait apart.

Also the person who replied saying they have never had to show ties...is not being processed as a IR-1 visa....you should probably stick with people who have had direct experience with it. No offense, because I know that person is trying to help. Always err on the side of caution with this stuff. Tickets for travel are expensive and being denied would be a huge disappointment.

It really depends on the who you talk to when crossing. I have never really had to prove any ties, and if you have any of the paper, they are really cool about you going down. Just be honest and whatever you do, do not overstay your 6 months. Leave and come back if you want. That is what I did, but bear in mind, you have 6 months per calendar year, or 6 contiguous months, whichever comes first.

Person is asking about CR-1, you are a K1...different ballgame.

Well, I have crossed at both Toronto and Montreal airports and have been grilled every single time. I have had to show the documentation and ALL of it every time. It is up to the discretion of the officer you speak to, and certainly they can, and have denied people's crossing who cannot show ties back to the country of origin. So sure, you may be able to cross, and you could be lucky like the previous respondent, but the CR-1-IR-1 is clearly stated as a visa for people who are willing to wait apart.

This is in regards to other Canadians. How long does it take to get your visa?

Could I apply for my IR-1 visa and stay in the u.s. while I wait for my interview date?

Our interview is end of August...by then it will have taken 10 months for us. Pretty average I would say you cannot really live in the US while you wait. This visa is meant for people who are willing to wait apart till approval. To cross the border once the process has started you must show ties back to Canada...a job...a house...etc. You cannot move there and wait for the approval.

If you have any other questions you think I could answer, don't hesitate to ask me. I am going through all of this now!

Hey Angie I inquired at Medisys a while ago and it sounds good. It's about $50 cheaper than the other one... that's my main reason for choosing it. Here's a reply they sent to my inquiry:

Good afternoon,

WE certainly can perform the medical appointments for a US visa. Here are a few details that you would need to know for your appointment. We can schedule you as early as this week. We are open on Mondays to Fridays from 7:00am to 2:00pm. It costs $215.00 tax included. We perform all the test in the same clinic (this includes the x-ray the blood work and the medical) It takes us 3 full business days to process your results. We cannot have the results on the same day. If you cam in for an appointment on a Thursday, your results will be ready on the Tuesday afternoon.

For more information and to book appointments feel free to call us at 1-800-499-1394 ext 3500.

Thank you and have a great day.

Mark Castillo

THANKS SHEWOLF!! Cheaper the better

Hello my friends,

Now that I finally have the interview date-- it is time to make the appointment for the medical. Since I already live here it doesn't matter whose office I have to go to. Medisys is closer to my house, but which place is better? Cheaper? Oh, and I need to get the booster for Tetanus so where is the best place to get that? A regular clinic??

Any advice would be so appreciated, Thanks.

YES case complete May 5th ....hoping ...waiting for August interview still

Normal....mine was three months or so. Bummer huh?

We only sent our joint bank account as proof, aside from wedding certificate. We got married last October and opened the account two days after. Used it a month later when we got our first statement. We did not send any photos or call logs at all. I will have them for the interview. Ours was accepted.

My opinion is that less is more. Some people go overboard at the I130 stage...that is just my opinion.

Vancouver is beautiful as is all of BC. I'll miss BC and Canada for sure. And of course family and friends. I'm quite excited about moving to Arizona, although the state has been getting hammered on that immigration bill they have going on. I don't like the language in the bill myself from what I understandn of it.

Looking back I'm still glad we did the EP for sure. I don't know if our case left for the consulate or not. Is it that they sent it to Montreal once you an interview date or do they send it anyway and then grant you an interview date? Not sure how that flies, I'll have to ask an operator next time thru.

Happy friday !! woot woot

So I am happy to report that all our papers including the police check are in and I am now waiting for my interview just like you. I know you will get it first, because we took longer ironing out all the details. I wish you a quick date. Living in Arizona is going to be amazing. It is such a fabulous state, and there is so much to see and do. Good luck and I hope you hear word real soon!

Thanks Zenaxe you are the best!

I think I have most of those vaccinations so I guess I wont worry too much there.

The hotel is called The W...super nice design, but a little pricey. If you want me to source something a little less $$ let me know and I will check it out for you. A little further into Old Montreal there are some gorgeous hotels like the St. Paul and the St. Sulpice but those are slightly pricier than say the W.

I hope it is a great experience...Is this your first trip to Montreal? It is great in the summer.

Oh heck no, there were many days I was ranting like a lunatic lol. Mostly my frustration was seeing many getting NOA2s who filed often many weeks or even the following month to ours and being told by USCIS that they are completed in order of receipt...ya sure. I mean I was glad for everyone who got it but was thinking wt?? Then it was NVC's oddly timed emails requesting documents that I had already sent in. But know I fully understand what that was about - wish I knew then. Now the next leg of aaaaarrrrgggh will be waiting for the interview.

I think I'll finish my vaccinations tomorrow ie Tdap so there's nothing left to do but hurry up and wait lol. I've got my entire evidence package sorted, labeled and organized.

I haven't been getting any e-mails from the NVC....I feel lke there has been a total lack of clear information. How did you hear about the vaccinations? Where are you getting them done. I found my records from when I was a kid, but I was hoping they would update vaccinations at the medical. Bad idea? Where do you get the check list...I thought the doctor at the medical would also recommend what was needed. I am so confused....uggggggggg

Also, please tell me about you evidence package. Did they tell you what to assemble? You help would be so appreciated.

I wonder if my husband is getting e-mails and just thinks I am getting them too. I have not been getting any info.

When you come for the interview, you could stay at the W hotel. It should be a walking distance, and it is really nice. Also it puts you close to Old Montreal...which is super romantic and you should totally check out. Go for lunch at a little place called Olive and Gourmando. Amazing!!

You're still waiting for case complete then? I'm surprised that it's taking this long give your last entry was for Mar 18th or so. Did you get an RFE? Hopefully you get that soon.

It's funny how much misconception there really is out there when it comes to immigration issues. Most people I work with and know say 'well you can be a US citizen now that you're married , it's automatic' - ahh no it's not. And 'I thought you are instantly legal once you're married' - ahh no. People seem surprised when you explain the process and length of time required.

Well I was a little confused with the timeline, but the last of our papers went in April 12th I think. I was not 100% clear about the police clearance and also my husband forgot to get his birth certificate even though I told him....soooo we were not as on the ball as you guys were. My husband kind of left a lot of the information gathering up to me...oh well. It is done now.

I am pretty frustrated with the whole process...I am sure you are no stranger to that!

I am at the same stage as you... a little before. All the paperwork is in and we are waiting for our notice that the case is complete. Now I am dreading how long it will take before we get the interview. I am freaking out...I knew it would take this long and possibly the full year, but this is the worst. I really can't stand waiting to be with my husband any more. No one can even believe how long and frustrating this process is. Everyone I tell is like,"Oh, but you are married, don't you just get to go and be with your husband now." Yeah....

Call them for crying out loud...that is too long...it took us a little over a week to hear back about our OPTIN if my memory serves me.

Can you just go across the border instead? Quebec there is a wait to but check out the states just south of you before you do it in Ont...it will be faster. Sucks!!!

This is the reason we did not get married in Ontario! We researched first on what would be the fastest, ended up in civil ceremony in California because you can get it in a week. Some states are faster even.

Sorry to hear about the longer wait. Nothing more frustrating than that.

Hi guys...I am in the midst of the EP....We have sent them everything including the I-864...when am I supposed to send in the ds-230?? Has anyone gotten to this point yet. Will they send me a cover page for that? Do I send it in right away with the IV cover page from before? Or do I wait until they get in touch with me and give me the OK??

Anyone...Anyone...Bueller....Bueller?

Exactly...I just went through this whole thing... We opted for the CR-1 because I want (have) to work right away. I live in Montreal and my husband is in Los Angeles. We looked at Ontario...crazy wait, and also Quebec was a longish wait to get the marriage certificate, as well as a lot of bureaucracy before hand. We got married over a couple of days in Cali...We got a rush on the license and had it in a week.

At the border I was nervous. As many people tell you you don't want to lie..they asked if I was going for biz or pleasure...so I said pleasure and gave no more details, and was asked nothing more. To be on the safe side, you can bring a letter from employer and lease and bills and pay stubs....yadda yadda to show ties back to Canada. This is what you will have to do when you are in the midst of the process anyhow. I have crossed twice since we got our papers started and have gotten through twice. I am very up front about it, and I bring every paper to prove ties, and it has been totally fine. Just give yourself extra time at the border when you cross after the papers have started to become processed. Good luck to you with it...

Thanks for the advice...The RCMP station in Westmount, does it right there on the spot. No waiting. I think that is another good option. I did mine there a couple of years back for another reason.

I am also doing the CR-1....just wondering, but when do you have to send the police report? Or do you bring it to the interview. I am at a later stage than you (according to your timeline) but I have not gotten this yet.

Thanks