housewife

My husband got his SS card about 8 - 10 days after arriving. We wanted it faster and SS said there is a 3 week wait as they usually send it and they did.

Good luck to everyone. We are happily enjoying our US life, it's so good to be home (I'm the USC)

Good luck to all.

Can't believe it's not even two months yet. I'm so happy to be back home.

Sammy, good luck with the move, it will be worth it. TD bank will do a canadian credit check and american express will work with you if you have an amex card but it takes time. They are still qualifying him as they keep getting his name wrong address wrong etc.

It's not a huge deal at the moment. Just a pain in the #### and paperwork.

For me, I'm in my element.

To all those waiting, it will be worth it, keep the faith and good luck to all.

I'm sorry I'm not here much, my business keeps me hopping.

Happy Easter if I'm not back before and again good luck to all

Congrats Norah, wishing you the best of luck.

Nah, I'll still call myself that. I don't mind. Except I'm not doing it anymore, lol.

Update on us, hubby got is official green card. We have been married a long time so no conditions and it's valid for 10 years. He will apply for citizenship as soon as he can.

Wishing everyone the best of luck.

I'm around if I can help send me a note or post here and I'll come and check when I can.

People here helped me, I want to help others if I can.

My one piece of advice to all those moving home with foreign spouses.

Remember that even if you kept a US credit card and have credit, your foreign spouse may not.

Even if they get a SS# they still may not be in public records.

This can be tough if they try to buy a cell phone even. Be prepared.

I don't know about anyone else. But the hardest thing is really the credit thing. For me it was not an issue. But for my husband the canadian it's work, it can be done and we are doing it, but it's work.

Another piece of advice is if you are with TD Bank, and you keep your account open and credit card open, they will do a canadian credit search for you so it's easier to obtain US credit for the canaidan citizen. Don't close it till you switch over.

Depending on each person's situation, take it easy. It can seem overwhelming but it will all work out in the end.

I'm so happy I am back home, it is so worth it. My life changed. I didn't work in Canada and now I am the one working running a business, idiot for an employee and stressing getting it off the ground. But it was worth it. If the business does ok, I will be totally happy.

Hubby is busy dealing with the apartment and in time he will be bored enough to look for a job when he is ready. My goal is the business to do enough that he can just help me and expand and we can work together. His big challenge now is being the one home. He misses me and isn't used to being home alone. I was always there for him. He comes to the business sometimes a day or two a week for a few hours.

Good luck to everyone.

I'm sorry it's taking so long for you. I hope you can get your interview soon.

I have been busy getting settled. It's only been 1 month and 2 days since we moved back but it feels like so much longer. I'm so happy to be home.

I feel like a kid in a candy store sometimes with all the choices I know have. 350 chanels on tv, I go to the grocery and see all the foods I loved, brand names etc. But for me it was easy. I had a SS# of course so I could just do the switch over. For my hubby the wait to get his SS# (10 days) was the longest wait ever, he couldn't do much without one.

He is settled in as far as adjustment, we spent a lot of time going back and forth so he is not new to the US. For both of us we are living in a new city, so thankfully we have GPS in cars which makes a huge difference.

DH is still setteling in with a few things and the apartment isn't quite 100% all done and the only thing left is for him to get the permanent green card in the mail.

Timeline.

We crossed on the Feb 15.

He received his SS# about 10 days after that.

He received a Welcome letter about 2 weeks after that saying his permanent card should arrive within 30 days and if not to call the # listed.

I'm here, I've just been busy with gettng settled. Congrats. I'm so happy for you.

The first filing, and I forget the # of the application, when you first go I had no US address. They accepted my petition but were clear that at the final interview I would have to have a US address/domicile.

So you can do the preliminary work if you are a permaent resident in the other country but you have to have a US address at the final interview.

I had a lease and I had utility bills, insurance and a business and a phone # all in the US by the time the interview came.

So you can apply but you will need the US address to get approved and proof like lease or home owner deed etc.

Good luck to all, I'm glad that you had no probs. Happy to help.

We are still unpacking. Hubby is anxiously awaiting his SS#

SS said to wait 3 weeks. We went.

They won't check or look. This is their reply, and the lady was knowledgable. She said, DHS often applies for it. So we don't look or check for 3 weeks from the day you crossed.

If after 3 weeks you don't get it, you can come in and we will look/check/issue you one.

It's a problem as he needs it to get his US driver's licence and then buy his car.

good luck to all

Hi, I applied in Canada for my DH

I listed that I live in Canada with my husband, but again I applied through DCF

It asked where I will live in the USA and I just put down the City as I didn't have the final address at that time.

But I'm not sure which form you are talking about.

For the final interview I had to have proof and show domicle and was asked when we were going to cross permamently etc.

For the final forms that I brought to the interview (aff of support and the other one) I had an address. For the one I sent back to get to get the interview I put down I live in Canada and the city where I will live in the USA

But again I applied as a permanent resident of Canada so I don't know if that will help you.

Your question is a bit confusing as I'm not sure where you will be interviewing.

Montreal I did have to show proof that we have an address with a lease and I had utility bills and insurance and proof of business purchase.

You must bring the appointment letter to the interview. They ask for it before they let you in at the door to the consulate in Motnreal.

This letter is the confirmation of your appointment. DAte/Time, applicant's name etc.

I got it in an e-mail confirmation and the printout when I booked the appointment. I did not get anything else.

But that is requried.

Hope this helps.

As for what they asked for at the interview.

Originals, plus certified translations if in a language other than english. Copies were not requried to be certified, but you had to have the original and a notarized/certified translation.

If you don't have the original I will assume that it has to be notarized and certified. That was not an issue for us so I don't know.

Re taxes. I went in Jan of this year and 2010 was not required. I showed past taxes but I had 0 income anyway as I didn't work.

We qualified on assets. But I had proof of docmicile in the way of a lease, gas and electric bill and I had proof that I am now part owner of a business in the USA.

I think they are looking for proof of income to show you qualify for the affidavit of support.

As I said we qualified on assets, I showed bank and investment statements from Canada and the US and that was enough.

Tauruslady is right, we paid exactly what she paid. You have to pay the $404 at the embassy at the time of interview.

That is the visa fee.

Good luck to all

I rented my apartment and it wasn't a huge problem.

I did it over the internet and phone. Since I was gone for so long, they wanted to do a canaidan credit check which was fine for us and I had to have the lease notarized in Canada by a lawyer which cost $65 but it wasn't a huge deal.

I opened electric and gas via the phone, as long as one has a US SS# you should be ok, but I think it is also on a state by state basis as to where you will live and also the rental place.

My rental place wanted proof of income etc but again they accepted my hubby's income slips.

Good luck

Actually we crossed quite a few times for my healthcare and a few vacations in the 6 months we waited and we never had a problem. We went by car. Maybe it's our ages. We had a letter from the hubby's job (he is the canadian) but we never had a problem or were asked anything other than the routine questions of how long and for what.

We just crossed permanently.

Good luck

My guess it's on an individual basis, and how you are crossing. We crossed with our car and we had crossed many times as we used US healthcare so we used to go more than just once or twice a year.

Hi I don't think you need the pics from when you met etc. I think you have been married 5 years and kids.

But I would be prepared with all the stuff even if you sent it in. I really would go with it too.

In our packet we were told what to bring. We didn't mail anything back other than the forms that were required and the checklist that we had the documents.

They took it on the interview. I would go prepared with it. You don't want to be turned away just becuase you didn't bring it again.

Most people here will say bring everything even if you think you don't need it.

Now I don't mean pics of when you met etc. but I brought the following:

US income tax (even if it had -0- income I filed and brought it) and yes they wanted it and took it

hubby's birth certificate with certified translations

medical

divorce decree with certified translations

passport size pics

police clearance certificate for every place your hubby lived since he was 16. I was lucky mine only lived in one city his whole life

affidavit of support

and proof to go with it.

proof of domicile

and copies of everything

passport

interview letter (showing date and time)

cash or credit card for the fees

there is a whole list that you get with packet 4 and I would bring everything even if you sent it in just to be safe.

I'm sure I left out some stuff now.

good luck

I am american my husband is canadian. I booked my appointment on line. It's the new way. I did a I 130 then they sent me the info and I sent that back with the checklist, then i got a note that I can book my appt on line and choose my DHL.

You must bring all the copies of the stuff you brought for the I130 and more pics and a police clearance. Do that as soon as you book appt it can take 2 -4 weeks and you need it for every place the immigrant lived since 16 years of age. Plus vacinations depending on age.

You need originals and if any are in any language other than english you need official certified translations of the documents.

Marriage license,

birth certificate (for both of you)

divorce decrees for both of you if any

police certificate for the immigrant

proof of redomicle

US tax returns

medical (with vacinations/boosters etc) you might want to get titre testing

Affidavit of support and proof with either income tax and or assets

Copies of some of the above as they keep the copies and give back the originals

and picture

and yes you pay 404 $ for the immigrant. Are your kids US citizens???

I didn't have kids so i have no clue about that

go to Canadians waiting for DCF and read through it, there is a lot of good info

Hi

Yes, you have to pay $404 if I remember and they take visa for sure as that is how we paid. I think they probably take mastercard too.

I am using a local company called action that is part of Atlas Van lines. We are not young people, middle aged and we can't do the lifting and packing etc ourselves so we hired a full service mover to come and do it for us.

For the car, we are selling and buying there. I know that if you bring your car in you have to ask for papers from the manufacturer, you have to present the papers at the border when you come in and you have to get some kind of clearance so you can register. My husband (he is the canadian) read books on stuff like that re immigration from Canada to the US and he said it was better to sell and buy there. If you can. If you can't afford it then I suggest getting papers from the manufacturer, allow enough time and I know you have to present it at POE and they have to give you clearance then you will probably need a state inspection too.

Just know that it will be very hard for you to sell your car in the USA. If your car has predominent Km vs Miles you will get very little and I called around and most dealers said they would take the car in trade only if I was purchasing a new car

Icame to say hi. We are in the process of doing what people do when they move.

Hubby had a lot more papers. The movers will pack. We are just not up to doing that. I'm packing what I'm taking with me and the rest the movers will pack. We get the stuff a day or two after so it's not a big deal. Just some things I will move personally.

Hubby is in the process of dealing with his business etc. and I'm coordinating and trying to run my business from here. Thankfully I have a partner there.

We are also going out with people we want to see one last time to say goodbye. I wish it were done and we were there already. soon, soon. Snow worries me, I just hope there is no snow on the days we move.

I know it will all get done so I'm not stressing to much. Business is more stressing than the move really.

Good luck Sammy, I'll come back when I can. Everyone was so helpful I would like to help others and stay in touch anyway.

Hello Everyone!

We're new to this site and i just wanted to post our progress to compare with anyone recently.

Nov 03/2010 - Submitted I-130 for DCF at Halifax Embassy

Dec 28/2010 - Received Packet 3 with instruction letter

Jan 04/2011 - Mailed DS230 & Checklist to Montreal Embassy

How long does it take to get the email for scheduling the interview? The letter in packet 3 said about 6 weeks to process, so I'm assuming that about right?

Hi and welcome.

I'm the last one on here so I will tell you I never got an e-mail. I got a letter in the mail saying we could sechedule and appointment and to register on line and choose our DHL. I did get an e-mail confirmation that I scheduled an apointment and that you have to print out and bring with you the day of the interview.

I don't know if they are now sending out e-mails or not. I got mine in October 2010 and it came in the mail.

I hope this helps.

And the best of the best of luck. And read through stuff here, it helped me big time. I'm the american my husband is the canadian but it helped me know what we needed and what to bring. And it really helped me with the medical aspect.

Thank you OBX. I'm working on the packing now. More like purging can't believe how much paper I accumulated in 20+ years.

I am very very relieved. We went out to celebrate DH becoming a US resident.

Words seem minicule for all the help I received here.

It's thanks to you and others who told me about the tests and that I could get copies of like td shots so he would not need again. All the stuff I would need and was able to do it easily thanks to all the others here talking about it.

And to you OBX, for keeping me somewhat sane the last few days before the interview. A big heartfelt thank you.

Looking foward to our new life back home. Thanks again.

If anyone has any questions or if I can help, just send me a PM, I'll see it and I'll respond as soon as I can. Otherwise I'll drop in from time to time to say hi.

take care

Hi everyone, we just picked up hubby's passport and visa packet. It's done. We can go home.

To everyone especially OBX these last few days, you have been amazing. Penguin also helped me.

OBX just you said not to stress How can I ever thank you and everyone else, from the bottom of my heart.

Now just wish my luck, my 11 year breast cancer check up is Marc 2nd. I'm an 11 year survivor. I hope I get good news again. Hubby has his annual male thing on the 21st of March, hope he gets good news too and that my business will be ok.

Once again, to everyone, especially OBX THANK YOU.

I'll check back

as a note to help those that might not know, if you go to DHL an put in the ref # and if the stuff is entered it shows up sometimes a few hours before the visa website. That's what I did. It does show up on both now but I knew about 4 hours earlier about it from DHL website.

Good luck to everyone.

Tauruslady, I went to the Dorval one to pick up and I had to drop off there too in October so I'm sorry I can't help you.

HI Obx thank you

I spoke a lovely lovely lady at DHL, seems a lot of people calling. They have not entered anything in after monday of this week as yet. It goes through some data center and the packets while there have not been entered. DOn't know if mine is there or not but that's what she said.

I should be ok I hope so.

I will keep you updated.

Hi OBX, thank you, you have been so helpful. Truely.

That thread while helpful and great is getting me scared.

I booked the movers for Feb 15. hubby resigned from his job yesterday for Feb 11th. His job is unique and he is doing a transition and will remain as a consultant as need for 2 years so if things go well he will still be earning a decent wage till he finds new work but at least he has time.

What happens if they loose it or if it gets misplaced?? I'm in a state of panic. Not sleeping over this. If I get sick my doctors are in the USA, how will I cross without his passport.

Oh my this is not encouraging.

I booked my movers and I too need to go home to my business. DH resigned from his job.

DHL was nice to me, they said the ref number sometimes works.

I did not get a waybill # either.

Does anyone have an idea of how long it can really take??

Ok, I went to the website still nothing re picking up visa.

Does anyone know how long it takes??

I am assuming that if they said Approved and gave us the welcome letter it's a done deal???

I posted Obx. Thank you for all your help and to everyone from the bottom of my heart.