soon2batexan

I did. I got a different answer each time I called (x3 now). I'm going to double check with the post office tonight as they've been known to hold things and never even notify people that there's a package/letter for pick-up. One person at USCIS told me to call back today, the next said it would need to be escalated to they could start an investigation, and yet another told me that it wasn't 7 days but rather 7 business days and that I should wait 'til next Tuesday. That last person also said it could take 30 days. Maybe so, but then why does the notice say that if I don't have my card within 7 days of being notified it was mailed that I should call USCIS? The lat rep also told me I'd have to fill out the e-form to have it replaced, which, after looking into it on uscis.gov, I learned is not necessarily intended for people whose card was never received, but rather for those who had it and lost/damaged it.

So all in all, it's a typical experience dealing with bureaucracy.

Just when I thought I was finally out of the woods...

I received notice last week that the conditions had been lifted on my Green Card and my I-751 application had been approved (yippee!!). I also received an email and text saying that my card had been mailed out on May 16th, and according to the tracking was due to be delivered May 18th. Sure enough, the tracking showed it was out for delivery May 18.. BUT, the status was never updated (as of 10:59pm that day, it says "delivery status not updated") and I never received my card.

I called USCIS yesterday, and they told me it hadn't been long enough yet. I called again today, and after much waiting I got a call back. I talked to the rep (who was very nice and professional btw) and she told me they didn't know where it was and I should wait til next week. What happened to 7 days?? Furthermore, I was told that they really couldn't look into it except for requesting more info about the tracking. AND, that if it doesn't turn up, I have to pay to have a new card issued (to the tune of $400+). Doesn't seem right.. it's not like I lost it. I never even had it in hand!! I just want my card . Does anyone have any advice on how to contact, how to move things along, etc? This all seems completely ridiculous. I could understand paying if I lost it, but it's not fair that I have to pay for USPS's incompetency!

I agree! I've lived here just over 2 years, and there are numerous things about Canada that make it a much better place to live. It's not silly at all, and in fact it's something my husband and I have talked about. There's a member on here who recently made the move to Canada with her husband and their dual citizen daughter. I've heard a number of people say that in Canada, you can basically just show up at the border with your US spouse and inform them that you intend to sponsor your spouse for permanent residence.. from what I hear, there's no problem with that. Of course, there'd still be paperwork to file etc. but the separation part isn't necessary like it is with coming here. Obviously we haven't tried that, but I've come across others here and have talked to people who have.

I'd say weigh your options and the pros and cons of living in either country. Me, I'd go back in a minute and my husband would happily move there too. It's good to have options, especially with all the uncertainty here. Canada seems to be much more friendly and civilized, doesn't it?!

It should be doable so long as you can prove you're earning income (same as is required in Canada). The tricky part is finding a bank that will/can pull a Canadian credit bureau. In my experience, most give you an outright "no" (they either can't do it or don't want to be bothered trying). BUT, I recommend you try Bank of America. I kept getting "no" before finally going into BoA to apply for a secured credit card, since they're one of the few that offer one and that seemed like the only option for establishing credit here. My local branch has a terrific Sr. Personal Banker, and she took one look at it and said "Wait a minute, I'm pretty sure we can pull a Canadian credit history. Let me make a phone call". She gave me a number to call, and once they collected my Cdn details I was on my way. I can't speak to loans of course, but I would imagine that if they can pull it for a credit card they should be able to use that same history for a loan.

I came up against something similar when I applied (we're also a K-1 couple). We hadn't even been married two full days when I called the SSA to see if I was in their database yet before heading to the office. Can't recall if I called the local office or main #, but the lady was friendly and helpful. We hadn't filed our marriage cert. yet with the County Clerk because it was early Monday morning and the Clerk's office wasn't open 'til Tuesday. As I was talking to her and mentioning the K-1 status etc, I think I asked something about whether to file in my married or maiden name, at which point a red flag must've gone off because her tone changed and she sounded concerned. She said something like "You're married? Oh I don't think you can file if you're already married. You'll have to wait til you complete AOS". Of course, no one tells you to file for your SSN PRIOR to the marriage ceremony, and you're right - the immigration forms give the impression you'll be issued one automatically. Anyway, I think I replied "Really? We were only married the day before yesterday.." and then I'm sure God put it on my heart to add "..and we haven't even registered our marriage with the county/state yet". The lady replied, "Hmm. Well if you haven't filed it formally yet, you might be okay. But you need to apply immediately or else you'll end up waiting". So we went to the office that very day and filed using the maiden name, then just changed it a couple months later. Phew!

I can understand your frustration. I'm sure there are some wonderful people working there, but it can be incredibly difficult and an utter nuisance trying to get what you need sometimes. The right hand doesn't know what the left is doing..I don't think the agencies communicate at all really, and their policies counter each other's at times so you wind up going in circles. It's tough enough for a foreign fiance or spouse to get set up here, which is made worse if there are issues with SS that leave you basically stuck until at least the EAD stage. Hang in there. Maybe try another office or apply in maiden name?

Biometrics taken today. I arrived 30 min early, and they took me anyway. I was in and out in probably 10 min or less, which was great! And now, we wait.

Hi Everyone,

I was going to add us to the list, but apperently I don't know what i'm doing..lol So if someone else would like to add us, please do.

We filed at Vermont Center

Sent in our package Dec. 4th 2012

NOA was dated Dec. 6th 2012

Biometrics was Jan 2nd 2013

Had my biometrics yesterday and I was in and out in about 15 minutes, they took me right away, was very pleased about that.

Hopefully the rest of the process goes smoothly, now the waiting begins!!!

Best of luck to all

That's good to hear! Mine is this coming Tuesday at the Houston ASC. I almost never venture over to the NW Freeway, and I'm hoping it's not too difficult to find since it appears they moved since I had my AOS biometrics done. I figured I knew exactly where I'd have to go, and then when I got the notice I realized I'd have to figure it out all over again .

hey i went to the houston ACS for my wife. they just ask you why you cant take your appointment date.....and we told them we are traveling to austin. we went in at around 10 am. and were out like 10: 20. was pretty fast.

Good to know! We'll be in town, but I work downtown and park-n-ride to work, so it'd definitely be much more convenient to make the trip while we're off during the holidays. That'd save my husband from having to take time off work to pick me up and take me, or me having to find and pay for parking downtown.. Not sure if the ASC folks would see if that way though . My larger concern would be confusing them somehow by show up early. I've heard of other folks who've done early biometrics and for whatever reason, USCIS then makes the mistake of thinking they missed their appt somehow. How that's possible when they take your A-number and ID at the time, I don't know. I'm still on the fence, but it may be worth a try..especially since it worked out well for you!

Yipeee! My biometrics letter arrived today with an appt date of Jan 8. Since my hubby and I are off over the holidays, I'm wondering if I should do a walk-in later next week. Not sure how busy the Houston ASC will be, but perhaps it's worth a try.

I've heard some folks say that it's better to just go on the actual appt date so as not to run the risk of confusing anyone by not showing up as scheduled, lest they think you've abandoned your petition. It's probably too early to ask our fellow December filers if they've encountered any issues. We'll think about it, I guess. It's way across town, so it's definitely be more convenient to go early and not have to fight regular workday traffic to get there.

Received our NOA last weekend (Dec 14), but no biometrics letter yet from VSC. Hopefully it's on its way. If it doesn't show up by the end of next week I guess I'll call them to make sure everything is in order. Don't want to wait too long and find out it was lost in the mail and I've missed the appointment or something!

I had to call to inquire when we filed my AOS.. the very friendly gentleman we spoke to at USCIS said they were glad we had called and stayed on top of things, because the had indeed sent it but it never showed up and they had to mail another notice. Fortunately, the biometrics were scheduled for about 7 weeks later so we had loads of time.

Filed Dec 5 with the VSC, got our NOA in the mail yesterday dated Dec 10.

I went to the USCIS website to try to "Add a case to your portfolio" and also used the "Check my case status" functions, but the case number listed on our NOA doesn't come up in either yet. I tried it with and without dashes and included the "EAC" for Vermont. Maybe it just too early for it to appear online? Anyone else noticed that yet?

Well, our i-751 is in the mail. We sent it late this afternoon via USPS priority mail with delivery confirmation. I'm glad to be at this stage, but of course it's always a little bit of an anxious time, waiting for updates and hoping everything goes smoothly. But, God has always been faithful to us and so it's just a matter of patiently waiting right now I guess. My husband and I are looking forward to celebrating our second wedding anniversary next week, although we'll probably celebrate with dinner out this weekend. Our anniversary is next Tuesday, and two years of marriage has turned us into "fuddy-dud dies" I guess.. We love a relaxing evening at home, especially mid-week.

Thanks to all of you for your continued advice and support! We appreciate your thoughts and tips as we prepared our I-751 package to send. We hope everyone's Christmas season is off to a great start!

Hi all,

Hard to believe 2 years has gone by already! My 90-day window begins Dec 3, so we'll be filing to remove the conditions on my PR next week.

I was planning to send the paperwork via USPS with tracking information (no signature required). Since we'll be filing with the VSC and it's going to a PO Box, I'm guessing there won't be anyone to sign for it and I don't want it to be returned for that reason. I definitely want to be able to track the package, however. What do you all who have "been there, done that" recommend? Will "certified" mail work?

I gather the folks at the US Postal Service will be able to offer me some guidance as well, but I'd appreciate your input as people who have done this before .

Also, if you have any other tips for us prior to filing, we'd appreciate it.

We've got our stack of evidence together (Incl: signed affidavits from friends, copy of our current apt lease agreement, tax transcripts, water and electric bills, bank statements, vehicle insurance cards in both names, Blue Cross invoices for services as each other's dependent, copies of both our driver's licenses, cards addressed to both of us, lots of photos, etc.) We haven't overloaded, but there's enough of everything to consistently prove our ongoing relationship.

A big thanks to all of you for your help along the way! Hope the holiday season is off to a great start for our fellow Can-Am VJers.

I have just returned to Canada with my husband and daughter. We had planned on moving later in the year and wanted to start his PR application while still in the US. But my husband lost his job and we were tired of the stress of not having decent employment and health insurance so we decided to move back ASAP. 3 weeks after he lost his job we were back in Canada!

We did just show up at the border. When going through I told them I was a returning resident and that I would be sponsoring my husband for PR. We had to go inside and speak with a immigraition officer. They asked questions about any criminal history etc and since he did have an arrest on his record he had to produce the court records showing that the charges were dismissed. He was given something called a visitors record. It is valid for 6 months, but you can apply to have it extended for another 6 months. You have to prove that you have applied for PR within that first 6 months before they will grant you the extension.

Once you get here your husband would have to get a medical and his background checks before you can send in the application. In Canada you send everything in at once and then wait, unlike the US where you have to send it in in bits and pieces!! I would suggest if you know a time frame that you may be moving that you get the FBI check done before the move since it can take up to 4 months to get it (ours took 2 and a bit).

If you have any other questions just let me know and I will do my best to help you out!

Thank you, Colleens!! This is a HUGE help, especially coming from someone who has recently gone through the process. It's great to have an idea of the steps involved, and that the process can be started at the border if one desires. Should we find ourselves in a similar situation, it's reassuring to know that we wouldn't have to wait out the processing here in the US if we wanted to just head home to Alberta on shorter notice as you and your hubby did.

I really appreciate your offering to answer questions also.. it's very kind of you, and I just might take you up on that!

How are you and your husband enjoying being back in Canada so far? I hope y'all are happy and that it has been an easy transition so far . It's definitely the best time of year to move (Spring/Summer). The healthcare and employment part is surely much better! My husband and I haven't yet started a family, but the idea of having a decent maternity leave when the time comes is certainly attractive!

Thank you, Kathryn41! I really appreciate all your helpful information. I've bookmarked this page in case we need to reference it in a few months' time. We're just throwing the idea around right now, but it's definitely something to consider and it sure helps to have the information and know what our options are should we decide to go ahead with it.

Thanks again! It's people like you who make this forum awesome!!

I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong spot, but if there is a more appropriate thread please let me know.

My hubby (US citizen) and I (Canadian citizen and US LPR) have contemplated the idea of moving back to Canada. He loved Alberta when he used to visit me there, and I feel like such a fish out of water here that a return to Canada often sounds like a wise choice. We'll want to start a family in the next few years, and with the economic prospects here not looking especially promising, the idea of repatriating doesn't sound half bad!

My question is, what would we need to know and/or do to make sure my husband can enter Canada to live, work and apply for Permanent Residence? I'm heard different things from various people... some have told me that if you're a Canadian citizen, you can basically just show up at the Port of Entry with your spouse, say that he intends to immigrate and they'll admit the spouse and start the PR application process at that point. Perhaps it IS that easy with the spouse is a USC?

Others have told me that it's best to apply here in the US as returning residents and that he would go through medical, etc on this side of the border.

As a USC, I know he can visit for up to 6 months but of course we would a) want to be forthcoming and honest upon entry, and b) be prepared and know for sure that he can enter and live while he awaits his PR.

Any information my fellow Canadians can provide - for those of you who are going through the process or have been through it - would be GREATLY appreciated .

How has your experience been with your American hubby emigrating to Canada? I've heard a number of different things from various people.. some say the Canadian citizen can basically just show up at the border with their US citizen spouse and tell them that the spouse would like to apply for perm. residence, and others have told me the spouse has to wait in their country to residence and that it usually takes over a year for the PR application to go through.

Just asking because it's something my husband and I are tossing around.. things in this country aren't improving, and I miss home and he loves Alberta.

Thoughts?

I actually had this very question myself last week. I called Passport Canada and spoke to a very helpful lady named Debby. Since I was including a copy of my GC and DL as supporting proof of identity, she said a regular photocopy of our marriage certificate would serve as sufficient proof for my name change. Of course, you'll want to also have the photocopy signed by your guarantor as well (same as is required for any copies of documentation you're providing).

Yes, sorry, still getting familiar with where to post things .

That said, I thought I'd share with y'all what I was told when I called Passport Canada. I phoned and actually got through to a person, and she was very friendly and helpful!

She told me that, since I am including copies of my DL and Green card (both of which have my married surname and signature), I don't need to include the original marriage certificate since the other two documents are sufficient proof of identity; but, she did say that it would be wise to include a photocopy of the document and have my guarantor sign it and date it just the same as the other documents.

Mystery solved!

Oops - sorry to post in the wrong spot. Thanks for moving!

Yes, I read it to say that I can send a copy as well (obviously my guarantor has seen the originals), and since my other evidence is DL and Green Card, there are two other gov't-issued documents with my signature on them anyway, so hopefully that'll be fine with them.

Much appreciated!

I'm in the process of applying for my Canadian passport in my married name. I let my previous passport expire because a) I didn't want to have to send it to Canada with the Visa, etc. inside while undergoing AOS, and it was expiring last year anyway, and b) I wanted to apply for the new one in my married name.

I've got everything I need for the application - documentation, photos and guarantor are all set to go! - but I'm wondering if it's okay to send a certified copy of our Texas Marriage Certificate vs. mailing the original. I don't necessarily like the idea of sending original documents, and while I know I'll have to send my original birth cert., I'll be sending copies of the other documents needed to support my identity.

Can I have my guarantor sign both sides of the certified copy of our marriage license? Also, does the guarantor have to date both sides of each of the copies?

Thanks all! Really appreciate everyone's help .

Hi all,

So as we continue to compile our collection of stuff to submit with our Removal of Conditions filing later this year, I thought I'd run the current list by those of you who have been through the process to see if anyone can suggest anything to add. We don't have to submit until December so we've got a few more months if there's any other documentation we need to get together beforehand. Here's what we have so far:

Copies of our lease agreements for our apartment showing both our names

Copy of my GC

Copy of both our driver's licenses showing our address (same)

Copy of the past 2 yr's tax transcripts

Vacation photos (lots) taken over the past 18 months

Copies of utility bills from various times over the past 18 months (we'll have 2 yrs worth by the time we file). Some are in his name, some in mine

Copies of cards we've given to one another

Cards from other people addressed to us and post marked

Affidavits/letters from friends and co-workers affiriming our marital relationship - will have these signed and dated closer to the submission date

Copies of bank statements showing both of our names on the account and transactions (payroll, etc) for both

Copies of mailings - catalogs, store flyers, etc. Just a few.

Copies of our auto/renter's insurance showing both our names on policy

Copies of our cell phone bills - one per quarter, maybe? We can print one for each month if need be

Copies of Blue Cross bills for both of us from throughout the last 18 months

Copies of our health insurance cards

Copy of our my 401k statement showing hubby as beneficiary.

I'm probably forgetting something, but I know for sure we've got that much. Is there anything else we should include?

Thanks!!

We will be filing to Remove Conditions on my Permanent Residence later this year. In the interest of being prepared, I've begun drafting letters for 2 friends and a co-worker who have known my husband and I since we were married (2 of them have known us as individuals for much longer, and these 2 people are independent of one another - they don't know each other).

For ease of completion, I've filled in the address (we're in Texas so I've addressed it to the USCIS VT Service Center, attn I-751), my A number, and mine and my husband's full names. As per the instructions on the USCIS website, on each letter (near the bottom below the signature area) I've added each person's name, address, phone number, date and place of birth already, and that way all they'll have to do when I e-mail it to them is fill in how they know both of us (i.e. when and how they met me and my husband, etc.) and confirmation of their knowledge of the marital relationship and whether or not they believe it to be genuine (which it is, and I'm confident that everyone who knows us can attest to that fact), and then they can add their signature.

My question is: to those of you who have been through the ROC process (or are going through it now), is there any particular information I should remind our friends and my co-worker to include as they write the letters for us? The I-751 instruction form says to include "Full and complete details explaining how he or she acquired this knowledge". Aside from stating that they see us on a regular basis, should I ask them to mention things like parties or occasions we've attended together with them, places we frequently visit with them, etc.? Just wondering how detailed it needs to be, or if it's better to just tell them to keep it short and sweet and acknowledge that they know us as a couple, they spend time with us regularly, have visited us in our home, etc.?

Just want to make sure we keep the folks at USCIS happy and make their job easier by giving them what they need the first time. Thanks for your input, everyone!

Good to know! Thank you for the advice as well! My parents live here as well (USC Mom, Cdn Dad) and Dad recently renewed his passport using photos from Walgreens with no issue.

As for my proof of citizenship, I do have my long form birth certificate, but a passport is somewhat more portable and has a poto so it probably isn't a bad idea to have it. And, if I renew it, it'll have my married name, vs. my birth cert. which does not.

I read in another post on here that a passport is recommended for the interview stage, especially if the RoC process takes longer than the 1 yr and I need to get a stamp in my passport because both the letter and green card have expired. Th same post also said it's good to have for the interview. True, or myth?

My recommendation would be to talk to Bank of America. I spoke to several banks who gave me options, but one very kind and knowledgeable lady at a local BoA informed me that they can pull a Canadian credit buerau ( at least they were willing to do so a year ago). They called and spoke to people in the appropriate department, then gave me their number so tha I could phone bac a few minutes later and provide them with my info. They basically asked me the usual identifying questions, and I had to give them my SIN.. I was told it it would take a couple days, and it did, but in the end it was worth it because they gave me a credit card, no questions asked, based on my Canadian credit history, with a much higher limit than I would've gotten with a secured card. Using that card responsibly has allowed me to build credit over the past year, so it has been really helpful!

Might be an option for you and your husband to consider if BoA is still willing to do it. And if the personal banker isn't aware of the process, maybe ask a manager if they're aware of the process.