Vanessa in Texas

Congratulations to everyone who were approved this week!!! YAY!

I picked up my Visa today at the Markham DHL!!!!!

Just need to book a one way ticket to Texas here in the next week or so, and all will be set!

WOOT WOOT!!!

Received an email from DHL today regarding my Visa. Says it should be ready for pick up within the next few days!!!

That didn't take too long!

congrats, Vanessa!

It may take a little longer than a week.... I had my interview a week ago and my waybill number isn't even on the site, let alone delivered yet. I'm not worried. the DHL info sheet they gave me said wait 6-7 business days, so it'll probably be there this week sometime. Anyway, just an FYI in case you expected it within the week!

Thanks for the heads up! I am sort of excpecting it to arrive maybe next Friday or so. I have to travel a bit to get it, and only have a few days out of the week where I have a window of opportunity to go get it anyway. I'm not worried. I'm sure it will arrive in good time!

For those of you who have had interviews within the past few days......I saw them mailing them out to DHL today....specfically to the Markham location!!!!

I just got back from Montreal where my wife had her interview for her CR-1 yesterday. The good news is, she got approved!

We arrived at the consulate at 7:30 AM, and the guards were letting people in. After we went through security, there were just 2 couples in the waiting room where you wait for the elevator up to the 19th floor. We snagged the two seats closest to the elevator. At 8:00, another guard came down in the elevator and asked everyone who was applying for an immigrant visa to go up in the elevator. We got in the elevator, went to the back, and were the first ones to come out on the consulate's floor because the back door opens when the elevator gets up to the consulate.

We followed the staff to the place where you line up to get your number, and got called up to the window right away. But, there was a problem! Daylight Saving Time started on Sunday, but their systems didn't know that DST starts earlier in the year than it used to. For some reason, their system doesn't let them give out numbers until after 8:00 am. So, if any other VJers were there and wondering why we were slowing things down, now you know! After 10 minutes, they finally just gave us a post-it note with our number and sent us to the waiting area.

Our number got called at the next waiting area right away. Everything was in order, except that they didn't have a DS-230 from us (we'd done a DS-260 right from the start). He told us we would have to fill out a DS-230 by hand because they're still transitioning to the DS-260, even though we had a printout of the DS-260 with us. I think they just like looking at the DS-230 better while asking questions. He checked through our documents and asked us a few questions about how we met, where we were born, etc. I was a bit nervous and slipped up and said I was born in the US, which caused all kinds of confusion until we sorted that out!

Anyway, after we were done with the first agent, we went to the waiting room and filled out the DS-230. The worst thing was that, right as she finished copying all of the info from the DS-260, my wife remembered that we had originally filled out a DS-230, and I remembered that I didn't send it in and just put it in the immigration folder that I had with me. Grrrrrr!!!! We gave the form back to the first agent, he checked a few more things, took my wife's fingerprints, and then sent us back to the waiting room again.

The DS-230 thing ended up costing us a bunch of time. The two couples who were right behind us in line to get numbers finished up around 9:30. We ended up waiting until almost 11:00 to see the next immigration officer. We went into the booth, raised our right hands and swore to tell the truth, and then answered a few questions where he basically checked a few things from our forms. He looked at his computer for a bit, and then gave us the approval letter!

So, just like the title says, Jacques's guide to Montreal IR-1/CR-1 interviews is:

• Get to the consulate right around 7:30
  
• Sit near the elevator in the downstairs interview and then go to the back of the elevator so you're first in line to get a number at 8:00 am
  
• Make sure to bring a copy of a filled-out DS-230 with you
  

Congratulations!!!!!

YAY!!!!!! APPROVED!!!!

I'm too tired to re type everthing, but I posted a run down of my interview in the Canada forum.

Thanks for all your support and advice!

APPROVED!!!!!

As PAul just mentioned, my visa was approved this morning.

So here's how it all went down:

I got there at about 7:15am. It was a very random, unmarked building that I woulnd't have found if I didnt see a couple hanging around the doorway. We said hello. He was with with his wife, and were VJ members, but I didnt get there names. They were filling for a CR1. That was very nice to chat to them as it cut my nerves in half. And if you guys are reading this CONGRATULATIONS!!!! (as they were approved also)

At 7:30 they opened the doors. We went in one by one. Showed my passport and went through security. I was "wanded" lol. Security guy was nice, told me to take my time digging out my passport. That made me feel better.

I went downstairs to the waiting area. I sat at the elevator, to the left. We commented on where we were sitting, as the guy and his wife also knew about the elevator thing! lol

I was the first on, and the first off. First one to get a number, C1. I was directed to go down the hall to a window, where I handed over my passport and he took my fingerprints. He asked me if I paid, and I said no. He told me to back to the first window where I got my #. I went back, and there was a HUGE line....they let me go first! So I paid. THANK GOD I switched to USD, b/c that is what you need! You can pay in CAD, but they convert it and it seems like a pain in the a**. My advice, kepp it simple and use USD.

I sat back down and waited to be called again. 5 min later I was clled to a different window, where a different clerk took some of my documents. This is all she took: a copy of my birth certificate, Paul's support info, Paul's letter of intent, my police certificate and my sealed medical envelope. I have eveything else. I made a mistake that almost screwed everything up though....I didn't bring all the photocopies with me. She needed a copy of my BC. She got really nasty with me and asked "well, what good are they at home?" She made a big deal about making a copy for me. Like really? lol

I sat back down in the waiting room and waiting about 45 min. At this point I was so worried about the copy thing, that I thought I was going to puke! lol I was called to another, bit more secure window and had my interview. I raised my right hand and swore an oathe to tell the truth. Took my tumb print. All he asked me was, where Paul lived, what Paul did for a living, how we met, what I did for a living, if I ever had trouble getting into the US, when we were getting married, big ceramony or small.

That was it. lasted maybe 15 min. (he left for about 10 minutes during my interview to talk to another coworker about a different case, which I thought odd) He told me that he was happy to aprove my application!!!!! I gave him a big smile and said THANK YOU!!!! lol

Talked to the 'greeter' at the elevator and she asked me if I registered at DHL, I said yes. She told me it would take about a week. Told me check the web site for my waybill #.

Glad it's over. I am very tired! lol Looking forward to getting all my stuff in gear to move! Looking to POE at the end of May!

I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who has ever posted on these forums!!! Paul and I couldn't have done this without all the advice avalable on here! Thanks fo all the support too!

Wanted to add: That I lugged around the biggest file folder known to man with all of our evidence in it. They never asked to see a thing! lol My back isn't impressed!

Better safe then sorry though!

Ok, so I just got myself all confused over here. I am thinking about my interview way too much and I'm over thinking all the stuff I need to bring with me.

Is the payment for the visa in American dollars or Canadian? I know it says on Pk4 "American Dollar or Canadian equivalent".

I have $350 in CAD but know I'm thinking I should get it in USD.

HELP! lol

Nvm.....I just went ahead and switched to USD to be safe.

Ok, so I just got myself all confused over here. I am thinking about my interview way too much and I'm over thinking all the stuff I need to bring with me.

Is the payment for the visa in American dollars or Canadian? I know it says on Pk4 "American Dollar or Canadian equivalent".

I have $350 in CAD but know I'm thinking I should get it in USD.

HELP! lol

Thanks for the congrats, everyone!!

My interview was also for 8:30 am, and I was out of there at 8:55 or 9:00 am, even with getting there at 7:25, what may be considered late by VJ standards! haha... That's just my preference though, since I would rather wait a little longer inside, sitting, where it's warm, than wait outside for hours, standing with all my stuff, where it's cold. Seriously, 7:15 would be plenty of time, because it is very organized. I was the very first person to be called for documents to Window 9, then the third person to be called for the interview, because I'm pretty sure I was third in terms of the appointment times. Don't worry about not being done by noon. You will easily be done by noon.

Thanks for the info!

Crongratulations CBM!!!!!!

You mentioned that you arrived at 7:25. What time was your appointment?

I'm just trying to calculate my timing. I really don't want to be stuck outside for an hour, but I don't want to be 'late' either. My appointment is at 8:30am. I am staying at a hotel just up the street and I am nervous that I will be stuck at the Consulate for hours! lol I need to check out at noon. (I'm propbably over reacting, and all will be fine! lol)

I learned a mistake from my medical here in Toronto. I was told the doors opened at 6:30am. I got there at 6:15, and there were 3 people waiting outside ahead of me. I thought, no problem! Little did I know that there were 4 other poeple ahead of those 3 that were already inside getting processed Clearly, the doors opened a lot earlier! lol

Thanks for the support Matt n Shannon!

Hey guys,

I rarely post on here, although you'll find my better half on here daily! lol

So my interview is on March 15th @ 8:30 am. I am taking a bus into Montreal from Toronto (should be fun!...NOT) lol

I think I have everything I need, and have everything all sorted. I have 2 folders. 1 for all my evidence and 1 for all my required documents (medical results, police check, etc....) I too was thinking of just putting it all in a plastic bag and putting my money in my coat pocket. I dont want to even bring a purse!

Thank you to those who have given a detailed description of what to expect at the interview Sounds like my experiance at my medical. Take a number, sit down, get called, get blood taken. Sit down, get called again, get xray. Sit down, get called again, have medical. lol Thanks for the info about the elevators and about when to arrive.

I feel like I'm going to puke, I'm so nervous! lol

Congrats to all who have been approved so far!

I tackled the medical this morning! Wooooooo!!!!...lol

I was super nervous because I didn't really have the Tetnus shot on record with Toronto Public Health. I had the shot last year, but it was never recorded with them. All I had was a signature of the nurse who gave it to me on my old 'yellow card' that I've had since I was a baby. I guess that was all they needed

I got there at 6:10am thinking there would be maybe 1 or 2 people ahead of me, considering I was informed that they would open the doors at 6:30. Boy, was I wrong! There were 8 people ahead of me. 4 of them were already being processed when I got there. 6:30am my a**! lol Glad I got there when I did though. There had to be 20 people by the time I left. All went well though. Not the friendliest of doctors, but considering how busy they are, I guess it's all buisiness to them.

Going to pick up my results/Xray on Thursday.

Next thing for me to do, after Paul has his vist here on the weekend, is to book my Hotel in Montreal and a Via rail ticket!

I can't believe that we are almost there!!!!! We are one of the last of the February filers.....and it feels pretty darn good to be caught up with everyone else!

Stay warm everyone!

So I re-booked my medical for Feb 7th Didn't feel like getting poked and proded by a doctor on Valentines Day! lol

I am so ready for March 15th!!!!!

So I booked my medical for February 14th! lol What a way to spend Valentines day eh? lol Oh well, at least everything is finally in place for us!

C'MON FEBRUARY!!!! Wooooooooo lol

Thats my birthday.

Trust me, I know all too well how much drama can be involved when dealing directly with them. Mind, so has Les with the stupid expiration dates on her AOS stuffs. Lets hope it's smooth sailing from this point forward. At least you have a better idea when she'll be down permanently. If her interview is on the 15th, she can POE before end of March. I know it was easy for Les and I to get to Montreal, because it's just in the next province over. But, Van's gonna have to fly if she's not nearby

Van here, not Paul.....lol

I'm in Eastern Ontario so I will be taking the train. It's cheaper then flying and the train station in Montreal is a 15 min walk to to Consulate. Also not to far from a hotel I'm thinking of staying at for the night.

I probaly won't POE until April though

FINALLY!!!! Congrats! Let us know your interview date as soon as you get it! With all that you guys have been through, it better be soon!

March 15th!!! YAY! FINALLY!

Had a bit of a melt down trying to confirm the date though. I knew all along in this process that I could pay for the visa at the consulate. Packet 4 even states this. But the stupid website led me to a page where it was telling me that I HAD to pay for the visa before it could confirm my date. I was like #######??? I don't know where I went wrong, but Paul was able to figure it out and was able to book the date without me paying at the bank first. Drama drama drama.....lol Gotta love the Government! It's all making me a litte lol

Next step.....Monday I will be calling for a medical!

Not sure but if thats all you have, send it.

Do you still have the email they send you once you finish it? if you still have the email you should be able to access the confirmation page to print it out.

Yes I do. I already printed out the confirmation page and a copy of the completed application. I'll just photocopy these and mail them.

I just assumed that because it was electroniclly filed, I didn't need to mail them. Oh well...now I know! lol I only mailed them out last Monday, so waiting a week to hear back from them wasn't to bad. Hopefully things will go smoother from here.

Thanks for your help!

yes you have to send them a copy of the DS160 confirmation page, since they started using it you have always had to send the confirmation page. It is in the instructions from the embassy.

wanted to add, they ask for a full printed out copy from you as well at the interview.

Ok Thanks!

Will a photocopy be ok?

ok...I have a question......(yes, I know...another one!) lol

2 weeks ago I mailed out my forms regarding Pk3 to Montreal. They recieved them. Fine.

I recieved a letter today that states that I need to send the consulate forms DS160, the confirmation page for DS160, and DS156.

Now, I electronically filled out and sent DS160 and the confirmation page, which is why I didn't mail it in with the other forms. I assumed that b/c it was electronic, they would get it.

Do I need to send them a copy? I also didn't think to send it to them because I know that I require these (original) forms at my interview.

So what gives? Do I send them a copy of DS 160?

In regards to DS156, I printed it out and mailed it. I didn't think that would be an issue. I didn't realise that it HAD to be electronically filled out and THEN printed. I've now done this. Fine. My bad. I'll re-send it. ;P

Thanks!

I only ever had my passport stamped twice, and have been to see my fiance 6 times. They don't always stamp it for some reason, but it never seemed to be an issue with regards to evidence. I just made copies of all my flight info; itinararies, boarding passes, etc.

I just sent package to Montreal yesterday and DHL said that they have the account and I did not pay

The CORRECT address for courier is the Physical address: US Consulate General , 1155 Rue Alexandre, Montreal QC H3B 3Z1

Great!!! Thanks! I feel much better now!

I certainly hope not! I'm about 50K in student debt after a million years of university.... Canada doesn't care where I am, as long as I pay it on time each month.

Your fiance should be fine. Keep in mind, she most likely won't qualify for any repayment assistance (eg: not making her pay interest on the balance while in repayment or something like that) unless she is still a resident of the country in which she got her loan. That's how it works in Canada, anyway.

Just make your payments on time each month, and there should be no big deal.

Random question....What would happen if you don't pay off the student loan, and move?

I POE'd successfully. Went through the Peace Bridge at Buffalo. It was the most emotional thing I have ever done. I cried for 24 hrs straight. I had to leave my son behind, he's 21, so I couldn't have him join me. I even cried while they processed me at the border. Funny thing though at the border, they confiscated my house plants!!! Who knew you can't take Canadian soil across the border. Now it's time to unpack & unpack & unpack!

YAY! Glad it all went smoothly! Just thinking about my POE makes me tear up! lol

I sent out my forms regarding packet 3 today! One step closer!!! Looks like I'll get an interview in December or January. *crosses fingers*

Doh, just reread my answer and realized I didnt really answer your question sorry - you used the correct address so your paperwork will get there no problems!

Thanks!

Find a nice photographer.

I use the same one for years, but you could always ask.

When the photographer took my photo, for the 5 pictures that needed to be submitted, I just had him email me one of them. So when I had to attach the photo, it was the exact same one now digital, as the other 5 which were date stamped on the back.

Just an idea for ya ... good luck on the submission, hopefully you will get a quick interview date.

Thanks! I went and had them done at Blacks. *shrugs* I just wanted them done already! I paid way to much for them, as I had to get 6 (came in 2's). But it all uploaded well, and I sent off my forms today and they should arrive at the Consulate tomorrow!