Catbones

Hi all.

I took everything with me, I said to myself that I just can't keep paying for storage or anything like that and leave some items down in Canada, so I took everything with me to the border. They didn't even ask for the inventory list, nor did they ask about the moving truck. Since I was importing my vehicle they were more interested in that then anything. Also, a tip I may suggest from my experience of going about 100 times across the border back and forth. Travel in the evening. All these guys at the border (CBP's) are just cool after 7 - 8 pm... I wish I knew that before. Going during the day seems that they are annoyed with the amount of people crossing so they are little bitchy.

Cheers! I'm in US, now for the AOS.

AJ

my fiance just shipped his stuff from France. He has tons of stuff....dvd..cds... the shipper said to make sure none of it is new or in wrappers/boxes so he does not appear to be some type of importer or business. he made an exact list of each box's items for immigration officers. I can't help you with the Uhaul...except I have seen trucks from Canada.

Was he very detailed in his list of the items? as in did he list every little thing in each box or just for example; Box 1 - DVD/CDS, Box 2 - Music Instruments, etc.. do you know ?

Thank you for your kind reply and suggestion.

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the posts and new topics but I think it might not only help me but reduce of others asking silly, stupid and well annoying questions about the move to US.

So bare with me, and if anyone can answer any of these that would be great. My move is going to be tomorrow, Wednesday night.

1. Would I have a problem, if I brought with me my office misc stuff ?? like pencils, pens, calculator, papers, etc??

2. Would they charge me duty for items such as, hard drives, computer cables, motherboards, etc.. I have these from my old computer I took apart few years back that are in a box at my storage place. If I bring ####### with me like that would they look funny at me ??

3. I feel stupid about asking these, but I feel like maybe I'm a weird or one of a weird kinds people. I have like 3 or 4 radio's... a PS3, Nintento Wii, 360, the old Xbox, like 100 movies, couple CD's... clock radios, all that I used at some point and think I still will. They are all in my condo. Nope, I'm not a hoarder... But if you got more then one room, you can have more then one radio right. So, anyone care to advise me on how this might look to the CBP tomorrow ??

4. What does really happen at the border when you are moving?? the procedure.

5. Is it normal for a K1 holder to be bringing all of his belongings in a uHaul ? or should I leave stuff behind.

6. Using a uHaul and towing your truck behind you... do you go through the normal booth? or do you go to the truck booth ?? will the uHaul fit lol in the normal booth?

7. What documents should I have at hand? I have, the packet from Embassy (do not open), passport, vehicle manufacturer letter, bill of sale... anything else?

8. does uHaul give you some kind of paper if you are driving a uhaul over the border and dropping it off there? or is that normal for the CBP?

I think that is all I have. Anything else you want to input please do. I'm crossing the Fort Erie/Buffalo bridge .. hope they won't give me too much hard time...

I'm also guessing this is for all the folks that already traveled and moved to US.

Let me know,

Thank you in advance.

Art.

Hi guys,

Thank you so much for the answers. Yes, I also thought that if I keep and don't close the government business account in Canada for my business, nor do I close business bank accounts, keep the address on all documents then in some ways I'm still working for a Canadian Company. Plus, like you said that may also show funds important in affidavit support. I was more worried that USCIS might spy or something like that on me if they knew about it or so. I mean, I use a Canadian Paypal account where all my clients submit payments, then the funds get transferred to the Canadian bank account. So I should be fine. Sure, 50% of clients are US, 25% canadian, and 25% from Europe.

Really, I'm not looking at all of becoming nobody's public charge. I'd rather provide jobs then take one.

Wish me luck! I'll see you all Thursday on the other side.

Thank you again for all the answers and suggestions.

I'll leave the business question for someone else to answer.

As for your TV, computers etc, these are your personal items and will not incur duty. Anything that you have personally owned for a year or more can be imported duty free, for up to 10 years.

Hi Trailmix,

Do you know if I have to write down the serial numbers and manufactures name of all the electronics items, as its stated in one of the guides here on VJ?? I just don't want to be stopped at the POE or be returned back because of it. I have made a list that states, box 1 - computer items, box 2 - Coffee makers, radio, etc... is that good enough ?

Hi everyone,

I had a question or two for someone in the same situation as me to find out how they managed and did things.

I have a business in Canada as Sole, now moving to US with my K1 what do I do? I need to run my business that means I need to do work. I'm a web designer so computer is all I need. If I don't work for three months or however long it takes to get SSN or Work permit, I will lose everything I've worked for, over 10 years worth. How can I continue my business work while being here on a K1 with wedding date of September 18th, 2010?? can I do AOS ahead of time or something.

Anyone have a suggestion what to do? Maybe from someone who went through this too?

Also, regarding the move. Does POE check your moving truck ? I have computers, software, etc... That few websites state I will pay duty or taxes on any electronic I bring. So how do you bring a computer or two? What about tv? DVD? Playstation etc...? I've read in the guides that all electronics need to be put into a list with description, manufacturer name, manufacturer serial number, is this true/correct? damn... I got a lot of serial numbers to write down then.

Any help and suggestion on both will be very appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone,

I had a question or two for someone in the same situation as me to find out how they managed and did things.

I have a business in Canada as Sole, now moving to US with my K1 what do I do? I need to run my business that means I need to do work. I'm a web designer so computer is all I need. If I don't work for three months or however long it takes to get SSN or Work permit, I will lose everything I've worked for, over 10 years worth.

Anyone have a suggestion what to do? Maybe from someone who went throught this too?

Also, regarding the move. Does POE check your moving truck ? I have computers, software, etc... That few websites state I will pay duty or taxes on any electronic I bring. So how do you bring a computer or two? What about tv? DVD? Playstation etc...?

Any help and suggestion on both will be very appreciated

Also, for the I-864 you can use your income, not sure if you know that? The immigrant spouse, which you will be when you submit the I-864 can use their earnings and assets as well. Although the business is in Canada, as long as you can prove it is continuing - you should be stating that on the I-864 in U.S. dollars, of course.

Now, is it good enough to show that my business is running in Canada or has an open business government account in Canada? I mean, I'm leaving the business opened in canada and operating only because it still will make its profit but I'm going to be in US at that point. I'm confused, if my business is solepropriotership how can I make the profit without shutting down the business and be in US?? would I have to shut down my business in Canada in this case? as I can't work in US?

Pregnancy is not considered a disability, according to the American powers that be. If she is getting any government monies, its most likely temporary cash assistance and food stamps, which all unemployed pregnant women are immediately eligible for.

You have the issue that you will, without doubt, need a joint sponsor for the I 134f if filing a K1 (and then also for the I 864 at AOS), and also for the I 864 if you file for a CR1.

You also have the issue that if she is indeed receiving government assistance in the form of TCA or food stamps, those benefits will end when she marries you and a affidavit of support is applied, because married couples are required to apply for these benefits jointly, and you, as a sponsored immigrant, are ineligible for them. And the COs at interview will know this. They're going to want to know how you're going to support yourselves and two babies without receiving benefits.

I'd compile concrete evidence of your plans to move your business to present to them, secure your co-sponsors, and, if she is receiving TCA and/or food stamps, get her off that program if possible, and try to assist her financially yourself, because CO's don't like giving visas to people who's petitioners are on assistance.

The federal poverty guidelines can be found here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Good luck

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for the answer and shedding some light on this too. I actually got my K1 visa approved and I am in the process of moving, we are just worried for the AOS. I mean she can have both of her parents sign and fill out the I-864 without a problem. I'm also not very knowledgeable in the fact of when I will be approved for the Temporary Working Permit or status to get my Social Security Number so I can open my business account and return to my business operations in US, however I will keep my business in Canada which will be running down there for the time being which I can show my income to them from that. I'm sure everything will be fine having two co-sponsors like her parents. The only concern was will this be a problem since at the Interview the I-134 showed her working, now because of the pregnancy she's on disability and with 3 kids, its hard if we both work. So if she decides not to go work, we will need a co-sponsor. We are just worried that they will look at it funny, why for the Interview she was fine working and now for the AOS she isn't working and needs a co-sponsor.

Hope the above makes sense.

Thank you once again.

Hi Everyone,

Had a question and situation possibly. If my fiancee is currently on disabilities because of her pregnancy and after we get married, and the twins are born she has no means of going back to work, what are our options in regards to providing USCIS with the I-864 affidavit of support during the AOS?? anyone with tips?? she can have her both parents do a co-sponsorship, she has a house, we both have trucks, etc... however our house hold with the new twins will be 5 people all together, now what would the poverty level thing be?

Now I'm moving down here with running my business just like I did in Canada, should I let them know about that and what my income in Canada was? I know USCIS worries about me being public charge, but I have a running business in Canada which I will be bring here and which deals with US clients only anyways.

Any suggestions??? greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to all the happy ones! I'm glad to see some action is finally going on. I don't know if the monster is up completely though. I'm still waiting (10 weeks tomorrow).

Hi Monica6,

Do not worry or stress, I'm not sure why you are waiting for your visa, but my situation was pushing the limits. Believe me, when immigration lawyers back off, must be little complicated. So hang on. Mine was 12 weeks, I'm sure your visa will be approved this week. Call DOS today or tomorrow and see. I called DOS on Thursday, and ask but the visa was approved at 4PM Thursday and Printed on Friday.

Good Luck.

Hi,

VISA, PASSPORT and the "DO NOT OPEN" envelope arrived today! YAY!!! now for the move and loading up the Uhaul truck...

Cheers!

Hi All,

Thank you once again for the great support, you all are just awesome. Today, VISA / PASSPORT is in hand, looks beautiful. Finally! Now to the next steps of moving and packing up my uhaul truck

Anyone gone through the move with a K1 know what not to bring?? how to bring it?? do I have to have a list of items?? do they even check at the border??

Cheers!

well spoke with MTL today they called back

gave them the phone number they wanted and LET THEM KNOW THEY GOT ALL OUR PASSPORTS

they said they gonna look for them

and now just wait to hear from them again

so...that my update

it was us embassy

googled number hahah

Smurfette1971... I called DOS today, and my visa got approved and printed. Now I'm just waiting for the passport to come. Did you get your passport yet? I'm also trying to get into the US under parole as I write this because my Fiancee is in labor with my twins right now. This month is just awesome, just like some folks said on here.

Hi,

Everyone... Thank you kindly. Seems POE won't let me in since the Visa was approved and I think they think this is just too quick and strange. LOL. Geezz... another speed bump to go over again. I hope I don't miss it, fingers crossed.

Hi,

Thank you for the above post and congratulations.... guess what, my fiancee just went into labor.. now I gotta go, ask the CBP to let me in on Parole, with the visa in transit...

This dsy just can't get any better. WOOOHOO!!! here come my twin girls.

Cheers all.

Hi,

Good questions, now I'd like to find that out as well from someone... I've heard people say, that for Work you get a stamp at the border, others said nope, that isn't valid, others said the embassy gives you a working permit or something. Anyone that can clear things up for us here?

Hi Everyone,

I've seen that quite a bit of people were following my posts since my case, questions and my case ending up in AP (Administrative Process). Today, all I can say that it has been a loooooong, scary and depressing journey in this stage of the K1 visa process. I know that this isn't the end, but it could of just as well be. In any case, 12 weeks to day in the Administrative Process in Montreal.

Also, since my fiancee has been pregnant with our twins and in 32nd week of her pregnancy, last night I decided to ask the CBP for a paroled entry into the United States to assist her. Took few hours of business, till today. Today the CBP called in reference to that only to tell me they would not allow the Paroled entry which if it wasn't so they would try and help to agree to paroled entry terms. Now what did the guy tell me, he told me they can't let me in because my K1 Visa in Montreal has been APPROVED! YES YES YES YES!!! We are both so very excited to expect our passport in the mail... woohhooooo... 12 weeks of waiting, all done for now. Just amazing.

Didn't take CBP's word for it. I called DOS and spoke with this awesome woman, very awesome and nice lady who did confirm that the VISA in fact was APPROVED and welcomed me to the United States, with happy travels. It has been printed on Friday.

WHAT WHAT!!! AWESOME! YAYAYAYAYA! YEAHHHHHH!!! APPROVED!!!! COME TO ME MY PASSPORT, here boy...

Thank you to everyone for giving me confidence on here, for answering my questions, for telling me not to worry. I think my case was a very complicated one too.

All I can say to those that are waiting still in AP status, is... no matter how bad your thoughts are, how depressed you are of the AP status, don't give up, something must come of it if you waited this long for it. Otherwise, how a good friend on here said, if it took this long, it must be good news. Everyone knows, if its too short time, can't be good. So, hold on, be patient... i know, now because I got APPROVED I'm talking like this, but I honest couldn't do anything in my case but be nervous, patient.

Thank you everyone, appreciate and will keep in touch with the further journey in this that I have to go with.

Cheers!

If you were charged and convicted with the summary version of the crime, and if the maximum sentence was six months, then you should be fine. For the purposes of determining whether you are admissible to the US, what matters is what you were convicted of, or what you admit to. It doesn't matter what you were charged with, or what you could have been charged with.

Hi,

Just wanted to clear the above statement you did a little bit. So in other words, because it was a hybrid offense and the crown could of gone either way, Summarily or Indictable conviction (Summarily carries max 6 and Indictable carries 10 years) which in my case ended up being suspended sentence, 50 hours and Summarily conviction or would they be looking at the criminal codes maximum no matter if summary or indictable which in indictable is 10 years max? even if I wasn't in prison and got a suspended sentence.

Sorry, just want to get it all straight, still pretty blurry on what they might be looking at, which version of it.

Just to update anyone who is still following this post I made. It's gonna be 12 weeks on Tuesday since I've heard anything from the Embassy. My lawyer is fed up and really doesn't want to do a thing nor even contact them by email anymore. I've contacted the embassy once a week or so ago with no response. Ive decided to call DOS twice in two weeks only to get AP status and document review.

So my criminal lawyers document is being reviewed, great. How hard or hold long can you read a one page document? lol.

Now does anyone think that at this point I should be providing them with more documents?? would this basically drop me on the back of the pile again? or would it speed things up??

I think I found only one person on this forum from Canada that waited a little longer then me. I'm stuck, my twins are due any day now, I can't travel, haven't seen my fiancee since 3 months ago as she's on bed rest. Anyone with any suggestions? Fire one lawyer higher a different one, pay him more?? more professional one?? $10k ?? would that help in this case?? consulate didn't do a thing, they just said that it was unethical for them to contact the consulate if we have an immigration lawyer, does this make sense to anyone??

Thanks, hope to hear your thoughts.

I'm going bananas ... either refuse and let us make the waiver or something, dont make us wait 4 months or more and tell us then GRR!

Hi,

All I can say, is from your review (which is awesome) seems that Montreal Embassy got very organized. When I went for my interview, it was a mess. We've been there since 8am, waited in little line till about 9:30.. with no A,B,C, etc.. letters but rather went upstairs and waited in the waiting room with a ticket number. We stood in 3 different lines before getting the ticket #. Now it was 2 hours after that when we were called to the first window to hand in the documents. Finger printed, signed a form, back in the waiting area. At about 1:30 we were called into the interview room, signed a form. Been asked few questions, how we met, how I know her, what I do, what she does, does she have insurance (fiancee is the US citizen she was with me) then she asked for my Fiancee to leave the room and told me that I needed more documents. After 8 months of waiting I got 2 minutes and an AP status, so far for 11 weeks well 12 weeks on Tuesday.

In any case, Congratulations, I'm glad that it was a much smoother ride for you and hope for everyone else. I think the hire of extra employees might of helped for them to be more organized. In any case, I hope this mess and my past history mess didn't screw me for life.

Congratulations once again and an awesome review. No one should be nervous going to this interview, its very easy (depends on who you get for the CO I guess).

Cheers!

7 months. . .1 for transit, then 6 for decision. . .

Hi there, can I ask what the reason was for your AP of 7 months ? I'm waiting 11 + weeks and just trying to put together a list of timelines and people finding.

Thank you,

I had to update you guys, I called DOS (thanks for giving me the # everybody!) and they said that my wife's VISA was issued on the 14th!!!!!! I am practically doing cartwheels at my desk. Now hopefully it is on the way to her and she can come join me this weekend!

I will keep you posted, but as has been said, it looks like the Montreal COnsulate is finally unclogging their huge backlog.

May I ask how long your wait was? I'm on my 11th week, got response from Montreal like 5 weeks ago about the mail backlog. Trying to sort of draw a diag of all these time-lines. Maybe if Montreal didn't ask for so many silly documents, questions or proofs, maybe there just wouldn't be a backlog which they sure hate nor would the US gov need to hire people.

Cheers!

oh sorry i dont got nothing yet

i just had a missed phone call

no visas for me

still waiting

what your flag???

My flag is my misdemeanor charge back in 2000 that was just silly in any case and all i ended up with was a record that was pardon, since pardons don't mean zippo to US I had to admit to it and which is what made them ask for more documents that no government, court, lawyers, police have for me to provide. So, I'm waiting 11 week to possibly hear that what I got which are letters with explanation might not be enough.

The phone call you missed was it just from Montreal city or you know it was from the embassy ?

Cheers!

Hello All,

It is very awesome to see that at least some people in the waiting line like myself are or got their visa's. Congratulations Cowgirl2 and smurfette1971, I am very happy for you both. Glad to see your wait is over, specially for smurfette1971.

I hope I get good news too, but my case probably has a little much bigger flag then anyone's.

Cheers!