soon2batexan

File your I-485 in her married name. That way, her GC will be issued in her married name. Same goes for the other documents. If you apply for a SSN before you are married, she'll have to get that changed following the wedding as well.

One more thing - in terms of deciding whether a co-sponsor is needed, for the I-134 you have to show that you make 100% of the poverty level for your intended household size (ie if it's just you and your soon-to-be spouse, I think it's around 18,500/year). If you can prove you earn more than that you shouldn't need a sponsor. If you are relying on assets to qualify, you'll have to show proof.

You can go to USCIS.gov to print off the I-134 and review the filing instructions to determine what you need to include. As I said, they don't look at this til the interview so you'll have to prepare it ahead of time. As for the documentation packet 3 asks for, you take that to the interview as well (don't mail it - the only thing you send is a fax stating you have the required documents (basically the packet 3 checklist dated, checked and signed) and the DS230-I if memory serves me).

Here's a link to the packet 3 on VANCOUVER Consulate's website...Again, Montreal MAY have a slightly different version.

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/visas/pdfs/packet3k1k3.pdf

Vancouver and Montreal Consulates MAY have slightly different requirements, but for packet 3 in Vancouver I needed the following:

Passport

Long form Birth Certificate, as well as a photocopy of my birth certificate (they ask for this if you want the original back)

Police Certificate (showing a Canada-wide police clearance. When you request this, tell them it's for immigration purposes so they do the CPIC check)

2 color passport photos (make sure you get the US size (2" x 2") rather than the CDN size, which is larger). Write your Alien # on the back. This can be found on your NOA2

Previous Marriage/Divorce Certificates

Vaccination record

1-134 (they won't look at this until the interview, but you should prepare it early since it can take time to gather paystubs, bank letters, tax transcripts, letter from employer, etc, especially if you are using a co-sponsor as well).

Updated letter of intent (similar to the one you forwarded with the petition stating your continued support of the petition and intent to marry, but with a more current date).

I also recommend bringing some supplemental evidence such as a few more recent e-mails/phone records, recent photos, boarding passes or whatever else you might think relevant. I brought along a copy of our NOA2 and my fiance's long form birth certificate, in case they needed to see it. Also, unless you're picking up your visa and passport next day, bring a PACK size Xpresspost envelope (approx 294mm x 304mm) for mailing.

All the best!

If you have his W-2's, that may work. You have plenty of other supporting evidence, so see what they say. As the other reply stated, they may hold your case briefly until they receive the info they need. In addition, if you're really stressed and need some peace of mind, maybe e-mail the Vancouver Consulate to see what they say..at least that way you'll be prepared for what to expect and maybe it'll even put your mind at ease if they say you have nothing to worry about.

E-mail:vancouverk@state.gov

I know Vancouver process K-1s, but I'm not sure about K-3s. My understanding is that you if you live in a province west of Manitoba, you'll be sent to Vancouver unless it's for a family-based immigrant visa (immediate relative such as spouse).

That's correct, you'll have to wait until you get your packet 3 from the Consulate to schedule your interview, but if you know where your case will be sent, you can check with the clinic to see what vaccinations are required. You can take care of those here in Calgary either at the community health centre of a travel clinic. I think for age 26 - 49, you need an updated MMR and Tdap shot. Woking Medical Clinic in Vancouver (www.wokingmedical.com) requires Adacel when you are vaccinated against tetanus as it contains a booster for pertussis. If you've already had a tetanus shot you won't need another one (for example, TD). Once you get your updated shots, you'll need a copy of your vaccination record. Usually the clinic can print one, but if not, you can call health link to request it.

Personally, given the distance, I'd recommend having your medical done in the same city you're interviewing in..it's easier that way. If your case gets sent to Vancouver, have your medical there. Same goes for Montreal. No sense traveling if you don't have to (I'm from Calgary as well, and recently made the trip to Van for my K-1 medical/interview).

All the best with everything!

Very true.

Depending on what time zone you're in, note that the 202-663-1225 number is EDT. I'm on mountain time, so they're 2 hrs ahead. I would say so long as you don't call at lunch or right before the end of the day, it shouldn't be too long of a wait. Expect to wait 3-5 min, sometimes less. Their staff are very friendly and helpful, in my experience.

Good call on contacting DOS instead of the Montreal Consulate...MTL is VERY understaffed and therefore slow to respond.

I'll let someone with more experience with K-3/CR-1 to answer the bulk of your question, but I will add this much: If you marry your fiance before he leaves, you won't be able to apply for the K-1 visa as that is reserved for unmarried couples who plan to marry upon entry. The K-1 visa process can vary in length depending on the embassy your fiance ends up interviewing at, and how quickly USCIS/NVC process the papers. It MAY end up being quicker, but there's not really a guarantee there.

As far as financial statements go, it sounds like you will probably need a co-sponsor. For the I-134 for K-1, the sponsoring fiance needs to make 100% of the poverty level (so, about 18,500/yr to support a household size of 2). For the I-864 required for AOS or I-130, 125% of the poverty level is required. You can use assets to qualify as well, so long as they're liquid, but in your case you may want to get a co-sponsor to ensure you qualify. A letter from your employer stating your annual salary may help, but because you don't have proof of meeting the income level for the last 2 or 3 years that may be a bit of an issue.

Hope that helps a little. I'm sure someone else will fill in the remaining blanks. Good luck!

Remember to bring your GC, or at least a photocopy. My Dad forgot his last time and almost had to pay a $500 fine!

Hi all,

Just wondering if I need to request another original police certificate to include with my Adjustment of Status documents? I ordered one for my K-1 application, as instructed, but of course the Consulate took that on the day of my interview. I DID make a photocopy of it, front and back, and I noticed on the Form I-485 that it states photocopies are acceptable as long as they are legible. I'll be sending USCIS a photocopy of my Alberta Certificate of Birth, so I'd assume that a copy of my police certificate will be sufficient as well , but I thought I'd ask if anyone has experience with this.

I have a clear record, and the Vancouver Consulate told me that I'd only need to include a police certificate if I had been arrested/convicted of any offenses. But, since the I-485 says to include it, I'd like to do so. I figure it's a lot easier to request another police certificate before I move, in the event that an original is required.

Thanks!

I think a copy is okay. If your fiance has forms from TurboTax or whatever, that can probably be provided too. We gave them copies of the TurboTax forms, tax transcripts from the IRS for the last 3 years, a letter from his employer, 6 months of paystubs, and photo copies of his bank statement from a couple months back showing the balance (we weren't using assets to qualify). If you can get a photocopy before you go, great. If not, there's not much you can do to change that now so just explain it to the Consular officer if they ask. In my experience the Vancouver staff are very understanding and they understand people get nervous trying to make sure they've got everything they need. As long as you show you've made an effort to include as much as possible and are trying to give them what they need, that works in your favor.

The Vancouver Consulate staff is awesome! They're VERY organized, and very friendly...they're there to help, so while I know it's nerve-wracking, try to relax knowing that they'll help make the process as easy as possible.

In our case, the Vice Consular asked me to tell him about the night we met, he asked my Fiance (who came to the interview with me) about his job, and also what I plan to do for work once I move and get settled. That's about all. I brought boarding passes with me, more current e-mails and phone records and photos, but they didn't ask to see them. The majority of the time I spent at the Consulate involved waiting...waiting for them to take your fingerprints, waiting for the interview. The interview itself took maybe 15 min? One thing I do recommend is that you and/or fiance provide an updated letter of intent, similar to the one you sent with the original package but with a more current date. We included one, and they seemed to appreciate that..they kept it with our file.

A couple of things to note: There are no washrooms on the 20th floor, so make sure if you need to use one, you use the one on the 2nd floor before they take you up. Also, unless you plan to be in Vancouver the entire next day to pick up your visa (which is usually ready after 2pm), make sure to bring a PACK-size XpressPost mailer with you (I think it's the 294mm x 304mm one).

All the best! Everything will be fine.

My suggestion would be for your Fiance to 1) call his Congressman's office and request that they look into it (info on his state rep's office can be found by searching www.house.gov), and 2) call USCIS and ask them to look into it. Have they provided you with a case number? If you're outside of their normal processing window, which it sounds as though you are, they actually request that you bring it to their attention by calling the 1-800 number. I think it's 1-800-332-8383, but you can find out for sure at www.uscis.gov. If I understand correctly, that they sent you and RFE, your fiance petitioner should have received a written notice in the mail specifying what they're looking for. If you or your attorney submitted a response, they should have either moved forward with your case or sent you further mailings stating how they were proceeding. If you haven't followed up yet, you need to do so...no need for the months to continue ticking by.

You may have to be your own quarterback here, at least to an extent. No disregard to immigration attorneys, but in my experience they charge huge fees, aren't especially helpful, and aren't entirely necessary unless it's a complicated situation. Coming from Canada should work in your favor..if you or your fiance have been married before or have children by other partners, that may add a wrinkle. But if it's just the two of you and you've never been married before, my personal experience is that a lawyer won't do much except take your money and in some cases end up delaying the process unintentionally (ie things get filed late or with incorrect info, etc). You can probably proceed on your own at this point. But, I digress.

Call USCIS asap, and perhaps you may want to try to State Dept too at 202-663-1225 since they may be able to offer some guidance..Follow the prompts and listen to the messages until they offer you the option of speaking to an operator (this is available Mon-Fri). After you've done that, your fiance will have some info to take to his Congressman and you can both proceed from there. Hope that helps!

One more question:

When I file my I-485 Application to Adjust to LPR, should I file in my maiden name or my married name? I'll be taking my fiance's last name after we're married and will want my green card to list my married name. Does anyone have experience with this? I just don't want to create any confusion with USCIS, and while I know you send a copy of the K-1 approval notice with it, I though I'd check with those who have experience just to be safe.

Thanks again everyone! You all have been so helpful!

I'm hoping someone who has had experience with this can answer my question.

After I go through the POE and get settled at my new place of residence, do I have to change my address with USCIS to let them know I've moved? My understanding is that all aliens have to file one within 10 days of moving, but I just wondered if this for sure applies to K-1s. The form itself looks like it is more geared to visitors, students, etc. Do they ask for your new address at the POE and record it that way?

Any info is appreciated..I want to make sure I follow the rules that are in place.

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for the info. Laura said that since I had TD, I can't get Tdap for another 2 years (which makes sense since Tdap contains vaccinations against tetanus/diptheria). But do I need to get a separate pertussis shot?

I understand your hesitation having had the same round of questions myself in recent months. In my case, I'm the Canadian Fiancé...they may be more sticky at the border with these things when it comes to spouses, I don't know.

I've visited my Fiancé twice since we filed the paperwork and never had an issue. I made sure to hand the CBP officer inspecting me a copy of my itinerary along with my boarding pass and passport so that they wouldn't have to ask (I figured that would be one less question they ask, plus this way they see proof of my return ticket). My other advice is for him to bring copies of ties to Canada, ie a letter from his employer stating the dates he'll be away on vacation and the date he is returning to work, copy of title/lease agreement for his permanent residence, electric bill, a bank statement showing he has money to support himself while he visits, etc). If they do ask questions, he should answer honestly but he doesn't need to elaborate unless they ask.

As far as you visiting him in Canada, I don't see that being a problem since I've heard they don't scrutinize quite as much coming this direction. People travel between Canada and the US all the time, so this type of thing is expected. As long as you can demonstrate that you're not going to overstay and you're taking steps to do things legally, you should be fine. It's important to be able to spend time with your loved ones while you wait out this process, so while there is probably a very, very slim chance you might encounter difficulty, it's worth a shot..just my opinion.

Hi!

I'm seeking my fellow VJers thoughts on this one. I had a TD shot in April, which I understand is one of the required vaccinations for the medical if you're age 19-26. While I was double checking everything this morning in advance of my medical exam and interview next week, I noticed on my vaccination record that I had TD rather than Tdap, which includes the Adacel shot.

Is this going to be an issue? I still have time to get a separate vaccine for Adacel, but would prefer to save the $77 charged by the travel clinic if I can. I checked with Woking Medical, and Laura told me that since I had a TD shot I cannot have another for 2 years (incl Tdap) and I should be fine. I just want to make sure. I'd rather pay the money to have the shot if it means passing my medical.

Does anyone have an answer on this one? I'm inclined to take Laura @ Woking's word on this one since they deal with this stuff all the time (Alberta Health Services gave me their opinion, but they're not familiar with US immigration processes and I know that when something is required for this process, it's usually for a reason).

Thanks Meggy!

Did you have any issues bringing car keys into the Consulate? I know most electronic devices are prohibited, and I'm thinking those little keyless entry fobs may fall into that category. I'd rather not leave my car keys in my luggage, so I'm hoping they'll allow it.

Also, what was your experience with going back to the clinic to pick up your medical results? Did you have any issues when dropping them off back at the Consulate? I'm sure they're used to the process, but I'm not sure who I need to give the results to, what I need to tell the guard, etc.

I appreciate the link to your review - very helpful! My Fiance will be coming to the interview with me, so hopefully they view that as a helpful piece of evidence .

I think I remember reading you moved to Ohio?? My mom is originally from Dover/Canton area..hope you're liking it! I've never been but hope to visit someday.

Hi all,

I'm headed to Vancouver for my K-1 interview in less than two weeks, and I'm just wondering if anyone else has recently had their K-1 interview there? What kind of questions do they ask?

I keep reading that the staff are very friendly (which has been my experience as well when e-mailing) and that they don't really ask many questions. My American Fiancé will be coming to the interview with me, and we're bringing phone bills, e-mails, boarding passes, and photos so hopefully that helps.

I guess I just have a slight bit of pre-interview jitters.

Thanks!!

Just wanted to get my fellow users thoughts on something.

To make a long story short, my K-1 visa interview is taking place in Vancouver in a couple weeks. I've been assigned an A#, etc etc.

My Mom is an American citizen and filed an I-130 petition way back in 2006 when she and my Dad were first considering a move to the U.S. We were told by the Montreal Consulate that because I was over 21 at the time of filing, I'd likely be in line for 7 - 9 years until my priority date became "current".

Since that time, my parents relocated to the US two years ago and I have remained here in Canada living and working. Over the course of visiting my parents in Texas, I met my Fiancé. We filed the I-129F back in April, and we've been extremely blessed in that everything has moved along quickly thus far. I have a friend who is a lawyer, and while she said the CO may or may not ask about the I-130 Petition for Adult Son/Daughter filed over 4 years ago by my citizen Mother, my friend doesn't see any reason for concern given the length of time that has passed since that other petition was filed and the fact that I've always done everything legally (didn't overstay when visiting, filed documents to enter legally as a Fiancée, etc) and will be immigrating from Canada (which I gather is a country with a relatively low fraud rate). Plus they are entirely different petition types filed by different petitioners for different reasons.

My US Citizen Fiancé will be attending the visa interview with me and we're taking lots of proof of our ongoing relationship (boarding passes, e-mails, photos, signed statements confirming our intent to marry, etc), but I'm just wondering if any has any advise/experience with this sort of situation.

If they ask about it I intend to answer honestly that my parents filed the I-130 to see if I could join them and when we found out I'd have years to wait, I was content to remain in Canada living, working and waiting to see if anything would come to the petition someday. That is, until I met my Fiancé...I adore him and now I can hardly wait to move and get married!