Golden_State

I agree with the other poster -- just send it like a regular package.

Another easy (and cheap!) way to do passport photos is with epassportphoto.com. You can use the website to upload and crop photos to the right size, then save the file and print them at your local Shoppers Drug Mart/photo printing place for 39 cents. The best part is because you're using your own camera, you get to do as many "takes" as you want, and you get 5 photos on one page of photo paper -- so it's like getting 2 sets + a bonus pic for MUCH less than you'd pay anywhere else.

I bought 2 weeks of travel insurance online. It was something like $35 -- do some price comparison and you can find a good deal. Even if your OHIP coverage was still good, once you enter the US, you can't leave until your AOS is complete (unless you file additional forms) without having to start the process over again. So temporary health insurance is a good idea!

The "Vaccination Documentation Medical Worksheet Two" is what you're supposed to bring to a civil surgeon to have transcribed. I would suggest calling around to a few different Civil Surgeons. There is no "set rate" for the service and some of them charge WAAAY more than others. I got mine done for $30, but other places told me it would cost $140.

Yep, the same thing happened to me. Keep an eye on your mailbox - like cubfan said, it should be about 10 days.

I wouldn't worry about it either. The interview is really easy. We were asked simple questions like "when did you meet? what is your job?" - basic stuff. My impression was that the interview was more of a formality. I think they're just making sure everything is in order, not looking for a reason to deny you.

I wouldn't worry about this too much. You don't need your SSN to apply for AOS or EAD, so it's not a major priority at this point.

It sounds to me that even though the clerk was inexperienced, she asked the right questions and did what she was supposed to do. I wouldn't sweat it.

I'm not sure what the answer to your question is, but I would suggest clicking the "Find Similar Timelines" button on your timeline and checking to see when other people who are around the same point in their immigration process received their green card. I'm not sure if the amount of time it will take to receive it varies by the location of the interview, but you should get a rough idea.

Depending on what/how much you're moving, it might be cheaper to ship stuff via Canada Post or UPS. I did some research into shipping a few boxes of things and that was the cheapest method.

I was originally planning on renting a car and driving my stuff to San Diego, but when I looked at the cost, I determined it would be cheaper to sell 90% of my stuff and just buy new when I got there.

If you're flying, it's also a good idea to check to see how much it costs to bring an extra suitcase or two with you. I flew out of Buffalo on Southwest and I got 2 bags for free (plus a carry-on). Extra bags were something like $40 or $50 -- and it doesn't even have to be an actual suitcase - you can bring a box!

Cookie Crisp cereal is fun, or a collection of American chocolate bars like Mounds, 5th Avenue, and Baby Ruth. I'm also a big fan of Orbit gum, which isn't available in Canada -- mint mojito and pina colada especially!

If only that were true! I've been waiting 2 months for my EAD, which seems about normal. Crazy that the guy you spoke with in Montreal gave you such bad advice. Another reason why VJ is so necessary!

This same thing happened to me too - first on Oct 18th and then again today. I think it's probably some sort of bug in the system. The last e-notification I received from USCIS was that they received my AOS package (ie: the NOA1). I got the same message 18 times in 1 day.

Bottom line: don't sweat it - the card will arrive soon. Judging from other people's timelines, it looks like it takes about 10-12 days, sometimes less.

I agree with what Kathryn says. The EAD is free and simple to fill out and because it's often approved faster than AOS, you might as well submit it. When you do your biometrics for the AOS, you do it for the EAD at the same time, so there's no extra work involved.

My AOS application is moving slowly, but I received a notice that my EAD card was ordered yesterday, so I should have it at least a month before AOS is complete.

Bottom line: If you want to work ASAP, file the EAD!

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to encourage everyone to try doing an early walk-in for your biometrics appointment. I called USCIS and asked if the one closest to me (Chula Vista, San Diego) accepted walk-ins and was told they didn't, but I tried this morning just to make sure.

We arrived at 8am (right as the office opened up) and were out of there by 9am. It seems like if they can, they will squeeze you in. I just saved myself 9 days of waiting!

As soon as you have your appointment letter, give it a try. It's worth it even if they say no!

I would suggest bringing something that proves permanent residence (at least for the foreseeable future) in Canada - like a mortgage statement, rent payment, etc in addition to bank statements and a return ticket (an absolute must!). Other VJers have advised bringing your NOAs to prove that you are following the rules and that this really is just a visit.

It sounds like you didn't have any trouble crossing the border for your most recent visit, so just do the same thing next time! Some border guards will ask a lot of questions, others will just wave you through, but for your own peace of mind, having proof in hand is a good idea.

When you entered the states, did you say you were activating a K-1 visa? That's the point that you're supposed to get the I-94 stapled into your passport.

Hi,

I have two quick questions about getting biometrics done in San Diego. If anyone has completed this step recently, please help me out! Thanks

1. I was given an appointment in Chula Vista, but I see there is a Field Office in downtown San Diego. Does anyone know if you can get biometrics done there instead? I can walk from my apartment, so it would be a much better option!

2. Does the Chula Vista office accept early walk-ins? I saw a thread from awhile ago where someone was able to do this - just wondering if anyone else was.

Thanks!!

I would take a look at the USCIS website and make sure the forms you submitted are the same as what's online. They make small changes to the forms and the old ones expire. I'm not sure if it actually makes a difference, but it would be really unfortunate to get an RFE for using an old form!

The form should have a number to call to reschedule the appointment. I know mine does, and I'm in California too. Why don't you call the biometrics office and ask if you can come later in the day?

The cheapest and easiest way is to get someone to take them for you (make sure you're standing against a white background and follow the guidelines in this document) and then upload your photo on epassportphoto.com. The site will crop the photo to the correct size and you can save a JPG file (FREE!) that you can print at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, or anywhere you get digital photos printed.

The best part is that you get 5 photos on one 4x6 sheet for 29 cents! (or however much it costs per print, which is typically around this amount). Also, because you're having someone take the photos using their own camera, you get as many "takes" as you need and won't end up with a bad pic.

You're welcome!

I would also add that it's a good idea to get a booster shot for MMR before immigrating. My shots were up to date according to the worksheet (and I had no problem at my medical), but I had to get a booster shot before I could submit my AOS application because it had been over 5 years since I received one. If it's free, you might as well do it to save yourself a potential delay once in the US.

I would suggest taking a look at the timelines for AOS. The average time until the first NOA is 11 days, but that varies depending on your local office.

we were never asked for this, but it's his domicile in the US. Anything with his address on it like a pay stub, bank statement, or utility bill should satisfy this question (I've never heard of it coming up, though).

Another great CS I found is Dr. Hussain Ali Ronaghy. I was charged $30.

The appointment took 10 minutes and I was able to get one on the same day that I called.

Address and contact info:

3023 Bunker Hill Street, Suite 106, San Diego, CA

(619) 275-2700

After an exhaustive search, and being told by several offices that they will only do a full medical, and hearing quotes as high as $120 - I found this doctor in San Diego. They knew exactly what I needed and were friendly and professional. The entire appointment took about 10 minutes. Cost was $30

Dr. Hussain Ali Ronaghy

3023 Bunker Hill Street, Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92109

(619) 275-2700

I did have to get a booster shot of MMR, even though what I had was fine for the US doctor in Toronto. I was told that the last shot was to be no longer than 10 years ago. If your last shot was over 10 years ago, I would suggest getting another one. In my case, I had to go to another clinic and pay for the shot, which was only $10 anyway, so no big deal.