Adichiwa

What if it's not a work-related visit? What if you're planning on visiting your husband while he's working in the U.S and you're waiting for your visa outside of the US?

Has anyone been in that situation and if so, how long and how frequently were you allowed to go?

I'm surprised to hear that you're expecting it to be by April, as I was just told it takes approximately 6-8 months. I hope you're correct!!!

My question to you is: Have you not had any trouble travelling frequently into the US while your visa is pending? What is the maximum time you were able to stay there?

Thanks!

Hi,

I'm a Canadian citizen who is married to a US citizen. I've entered into the i-130 process and the NVC sent my case to the Montreal US consulate for processing back in December /09. Just wondering if anyone knows how long an interview should take? Judging by some stat's, I'm guessing I should be in the running for an interview in April.

Also, will I need to surrender my passport to the US consulate for any period of time before or after the interview? I currently travel quite a bit and am wondering if this is a requirement.

Thanks a lot,

Mike

I'm EXACTLY in the same boat and sweating bullets! but this is what I can share from my extensive research just this morning....

I'm living in Canada and waiting for my packet from Montreal (filled through DCF) to come through. My husband is a US citizen with a job contract already lined up for June. Whilst he'll be going back to the US in June, I'm scared that I won't be allowed to visit him until my visa is complete (8 mths or so who really knows). We're obviously going through all the legal steps, but it's crazy to think that my future lies with whatever good or bad day the officer is having.

This morning I spoke to the supervisor at the Pearson International Airport US Customs & Border Protection Agency who assured me that as long as I show intention of returning to Canada (i.e. flight, etc.) with strong ties I should be "just fine". I TOO am a homemaker (no kids yet) with no ties to employment, so I'm concerned that proving ties may be difficult. Having said that... not everyone has a job.

An immigration lawyer also confirmed that it's really up to the officer at the gate to determine my admitance.

At this point, I am keeping my fingers crossed and will take the plunge when the time comes.

Anyone else living away from their spouse ??????

Not sure about the first two questions, but as for going back while you're waiting for your DCF application to be approved.... I believe so! As for your spouse, if he's not a USC.... he may have a problem going into the US while pending his visa. I'm experiencing this as we speak and may be apart from my husband for months at a time....

Here's the scoop: I am a USC and currently am living in London with hubby on a UK spouse visa; been here for 3 months; pondering to move back due to the lack of finding a job and returning to my old job in the States. Has anyone been in a similar situation? I need to move soon and would therefore have to apply for a CR1 in the States but if it would be worth our time to wait an additional 3 months to apply for a DCF then we would consider this. Here are my questions:

1) Can I apply for a DCF if I wait an additional 3 months here to meet the 6 month minimum requirement? I am currently residing here in the UK but do not know if I am considered a resident on a UK spouse visa.

2) Financial: I (USC) have no assets to my name and have been unemployed here in the UK which is why I want to go back because I have a job waiting for me and debt I need to pay off and my hubby can't afford this since he's just in a basic pay job. I see I can have a co-sponsor which doesn't have to be related to me. Is this true? And will I have a hard time filing for a DCF being in a financial hardship myself?

3) Do I have to remain here in the UK after filing for the DCF to wait the 3 months or can I come back to the States?

Any help with this would be awesome since I need to make a decision soon!!

Thanks for your reply. What's "AOS"?

Hi,

My wife already had been to the US several times before I applied (2/09/2010). After I filed I-130, she travelled to the US on a visitor's visa (she had a 10 yr multiple entry already) on Feb 24th. The Immigration Officer asked her the following:

IO: What is the purpose of your trip?

W: Visiting relatives.

IO: Who is the relative and where do they live?

W: Relative is my husband and he lives in this city.

IO: You have been here recently in Dec 2009?

W: Yes.

IO: Are you visiting for AOS?

W: No, I plan to return after this trip.

My wife was allowed in for 6 months!!! So she is with me now in the US and hopefully by the time she returns, the file will have moved to the embassy for her to complete her formalities there.

Best Luck!

My husband (U.S citizen) and I (Canadian citizen) are relocating to the U.S using DCF. Today we got our I-130 form approved (NOA-1) and are awaiting my Immigrant Visa application from Montreal (packet 3?). A few questions:

1. Can I visit the U.S while awaiting my CR-1?

2. How long would I be able to visit the U.S while my CR-1 is pending?

3. What documents or proofs would I have to show at the border (ie, that I am a visitor now but intending to immigrate in the future)?

3a. Proof of residence in Canada? (do I need to show a rental agreement or is it sufficient to be living with my parents?)

3b. Proof of employment? (Is this necessary if I have proof of residence?)

3c. others?

Also, we've heard today that the Montreal visa center is currently back-logged, can anyone comment on their recent experience with wait times

1) to receive the packet

2) to get an interview date

Much appreciated!

Adi