dukeandduchess

I think if two people are getting married because they love each other this is not an issue... Does ###### happen? Yes.
If you're this worried about it, you probably don't have a solid relationship to begin with.

Hence why I edited my post indicating I mis-read approximately one minute after originally posting. Thanks for the constructive reminder.

First: you will need to earn (or have a co-sponsor who earns) 125% of the Federal Poverty guideline for their family size (how many people they support/live in their home). So, you need one US citizen (doesn't have to be a family member) to fill out form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) [K1 Visa] in order to sponsor your fiance(e). You do not need to be employed. You will also need someone to co-sponsor your fiance(e) once you get married [or file a CR-1 Visa] by filling out an I-864. Form I-864 is legally binding - ie. they are responsible for your fiance(e) for 10 years or until they have worked a certain number of years. Be sure you have someone who is willing to do this for you. Loans/savings don't count as much as income. I believe you need 4x the amount of assets (so if you need to prove you earn $20k a year you would need $80k assets).
Student visas are difficult to get mainly because she would have to prove she had the means to pay for school. The problem with your plan is that you have the *intent* to marry. So yes, having your fiance(e) come there in order to live with you and get married (eventually) is considered, as you put it, "working the system". I would call it visa fraud.
Trust me - I totally understand wanting to live with your future spouse right away but sadly that isn't how this process works. Once you have the *intent* to marry, all of your plans still have the *intent* to get married. Say she did get the Student visa and somewhere down the road they found out you guys had brought her there in order to get married using the Student visa.... bad news. The likelihood of that is really small, but it is a possibility all the same.
Just file for the K1 or CR-1 and get the process started. Honestly, the 7 months or so you will need to wait will allow him or her to tie up loose ends in Canada and visit friends and family. It's not fun but its better than having your family torn apart for committing visa fraud.
I would recommend doing a lot of reading on this website. There are guides to the different kinds of visas. There are comparison charts. Read, read, read. You're wasting your time trying to work around the system. Sorry this sounds a bit harsh, but part of the reason we all have so many hoops to jump through is due to people trying to beat the system. I am sure your intentions are good, and you will do things legally and honestly once you are properly informed.
Good luck.

So I saw someone mention "wouldn't it be nice if someone wrote a Vancouver guide..." in another post and I thought, Hey - Why not! I borrowed heavily from Ralyse's Montreal Guide - so credit goes to her and the others involved in creating the Montreal guide. Hopefully this helps people out a bit. If not, PM me!
1. NOA2:
Cry and call everyone you know. The long part of the wait is over and now it’s time to get your butt to America. The next couple of months are easy if you are well prepared.
2. NVC/DOS:
You may contact them in regard to where your application is. I never did this so if anyone knows the instructions for Vancouver let me know. Otherwise I’ll assume they are the same for anyone. It took 28 days to receive my letter from the Vancouver Consulate from my NOA2 date.
3. Packet 3:
Part 1:
- Download Packet 3 from the Vancouver Consulate website. (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/pdfs/K1-K3-packet3.pdf)
- To communicate with the Vancouver Consulate e-mail is the best method. They generally reply within 2 business days. E-mail: Vancouverk@state.gov
- You can also fax them at 604.688.8537.
Part 2:
Complete and return immediately by fax form DS-230 Part I, Biographic Data. This form is accessible online. Fax to: 604.688.8537.
Part 3:
Obtain each of the following documents that are applicable to your case and for each non-U.S. citizen unmarried child under 21 who will accompany you to the United States. Bring a photocopy if you need your original back.
As you obtain each document check off the box found on your Packet 3. You will need:
- Passport (with 6 months validity)
- Medical Examination (As long as this is done before the Interview it’s okay!)
- Birth Certificates (must show that it is an extract from official records and must bear the seal of the issuing authority/must state the names of both parents)
- Evidence in Lieu of an Unobtainable Birth Certificate (if you can’t get a birth certificate you need other evidence) Eg: Baptismal certificate, hospital certificate, school recorts, notarized statement from a close relative.
- Marriage Certificate (this is for K3 visas only)
- Divorce and Death Certificates (if you or your fiancé(e) were previously married)
- Police Certificates
- Court and Prison Records
- Evidence of Support (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support)
- Photographs (5 identical passport photos). 3 are for your medical, 2 are for your Interview
- Custody (you must show you have sole custody of any children under 21 that will accompany you).
- Translations
- Form DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application (complete online and print 2 copies for your interview)
- Form DS-156K Non-Immigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application
4. Returning Packet 3:
Once you have collected all of the documents on the Packet 3 checklist you must fax ONLY the checklist back to the Vancouver Consulate (604.688.8537) *** Note: I had been in contact with the consulate via e-mail because I had issues booking my medical exam and never actually faxed this form back, instead they got annoyed with me and sent me Packet 4 via e-mail and I was able to book my Interview immediately.***
5. Wait:
Usually the Vancouver consulate will mail you Packet 4. Sometimes they e-mail it to you. I don’t know. West Coast is a bunch of unpredictable hippies.
6. Schedule your Interview:
Lucky for you, I have the inside scoop. Basically Packet 4 tells you to book your appointment. Easy. *Do not book your interview until you have received Packet 4 or have been told it is on its way*
“This office has received notification that you now have all of the required documents pertinent to your visa application, and you are ready to schedule your visa interview. To schedule an appointment, including rescheduling and canceling appointments, please visit http://canada.usvisa-info.com.'>http://canada.usvisa-info.com. All visa applicants, including children under the age of 14, must schedule an appointment.”
- Packet 4 also includes instructions on what to bring/what not to bring on the day of your interview. If you want the entire content of the e-mail I was sent I am happy to PM it to you.
- You can get an interview within 4-6 weeks (or less!) when I was doing all of this. In your face, Montreal! (kidding!)
7. Medical!:
Woking Medical makes the most sense for people going through Vancouver Consulate. Their website is http://www.wokingmedical.com/ . Their bark is worse than their bite, trust me. Their website is scary but just make sure you’ve done everything well in advance *VACCINATIONS* and you have nothing to worry about.
You could also go back East (copied from Ralyse’s Guide):
Dr. Seiden: http://panelphysicians.com/ (Toronto and Montreal)
Medisys: http://www.medisys.ca/ (Montreal)
8. Interview (The day has finally come!):
The Vancouver Consulate is notoriously easy. Just be prepared. Smile. Relax. I’ve written a review in great length somewhere in the Canada forums so if you want more information read that or PM me so I can ramble at you.
9. DHL:
The second biggest pain in the butt other than waiting for your NOA2. The staff at the Vancouver Consulate give extremely confusing and inaccurate instructions about how to get your Waybill. The waybill doesn’t show up until your passport has been processed and the Visa has been put in. If you left your e-mail DHL should send you updates/tracking numbers but they weren’t always accurate. Just keep logging into the http://canada.usvisa-info.com website until your waybill shows up. Easy, after logging into USCIS religiously for 5 months!
10. POE:
You can go to the US anytime once you get your passport back. Your Visa expires after 6 months and you can always check which day it is because it’s written on your Visa! Yay! Kathryn41 has written a great POE checklist here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/347629-moving-to-the-us-summary-list/
11. Get Married – within 90 days, of course. Then get ready to obsess over your AOS.

I wouldn't be able to trust him again. I would go home.

Sorry It's not likely going to happen. Where your interview takes place for the K-1 depends on where you live. Not only do you need Montreal to cooperate you need Vancouver willing to accept it also.

So I saw someone mention "wouldn't it be nice if someone wrote a Vancouver guide..." in another post and I thought, Hey - Why not! I borrowed heavily from Ralyse's Montreal Guide - so credit goes to her and the others involved in creating the Montreal guide. Hopefully this helps people out a bit. If not, PM me!
1. NOA2:
Cry and call everyone you know. The long part of the wait is over and now it’s time to get your butt to America. The next couple of months are easy if you are well prepared.
2. NVC/DOS:
You may contact them in regard to where your application is. I never did this so if anyone knows the instructions for Vancouver let me know. Otherwise I’ll assume they are the same for anyone. It took 28 days to receive my letter from the Vancouver Consulate from my NOA2 date.
3. Packet 3:
Part 1:
- Download Packet 3 from the Vancouver Consulate website. (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/pdfs/K1-K3-packet3.pdf)
- To communicate with the Vancouver Consulate e-mail is the best method. They generally reply within 2 business days. E-mail: Vancouverk@state.gov
- You can also fax them at 604.688.8537.
Part 2:
Complete and return immediately by fax form DS-230 Part I, Biographic Data. This form is accessible online. Fax to: 604.688.8537.
Part 3:
Obtain each of the following documents that are applicable to your case and for each non-U.S. citizen unmarried child under 21 who will accompany you to the United States. Bring a photocopy if you need your original back.
As you obtain each document check off the box found on your Packet 3. You will need:
- Passport (with 6 months validity)
- Medical Examination (As long as this is done before the Interview it’s okay!)
- Birth Certificates (must show that it is an extract from official records and must bear the seal of the issuing authority/must state the names of both parents)
- Evidence in Lieu of an Unobtainable Birth Certificate (if you can’t get a birth certificate you need other evidence) Eg: Baptismal certificate, hospital certificate, school recorts, notarized statement from a close relative.
- Marriage Certificate (this is for K3 visas only)
- Divorce and Death Certificates (if you or your fiancé(e) were previously married)
- Police Certificates
- Court and Prison Records
- Evidence of Support (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support)
- Photographs (5 identical passport photos). 3 are for your medical, 2 are for your Interview
- Custody (you must show you have sole custody of any children under 21 that will accompany you).
- Translations
- Form DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application (complete online and print 2 copies for your interview)
- Form DS-156K Non-Immigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application
4. Returning Packet 3:
Once you have collected all of the documents on the Packet 3 checklist you must fax ONLY the checklist back to the Vancouver Consulate (604.688.8537) *** Note: I had been in contact with the consulate via e-mail because I had issues booking my medical exam and never actually faxed this form back, instead they got annoyed with me and sent me Packet 4 via e-mail and I was able to book my Interview immediately.***
5. Wait:
Usually the Vancouver consulate will mail you Packet 4. Sometimes they e-mail it to you. I don’t know. West Coast is a bunch of unpredictable hippies.
6. Schedule your Interview:
Lucky for you, I have the inside scoop. Basically Packet 4 tells you to book your appointment. Easy. *Do not book your interview until you have received Packet 4 or have been told it is on its way*
“This office has received notification that you now have all of the required documents pertinent to your visa application, and you are ready to schedule your visa interview. To schedule an appointment, including rescheduling and canceling appointments, please visit http://canada.usvisa-info.com.'>http://canada.usvisa-info.com. All visa applicants, including children under the age of 14, must schedule an appointment.”
- Packet 4 also includes instructions on what to bring/what not to bring on the day of your interview. If you want the entire content of the e-mail I was sent I am happy to PM it to you.
- You can get an interview within 4-6 weeks (or less!) when I was doing all of this. In your face, Montreal! (kidding!)
7. Medical!:
Woking Medical makes the most sense for people going through Vancouver Consulate. Their website is http://www.wokingmedical.com/ . Their bark is worse than their bite, trust me. Their website is scary but just make sure you’ve done everything well in advance *VACCINATIONS* and you have nothing to worry about.
You could also go back East (copied from Ralyse’s Guide):
Dr. Seiden: http://panelphysicians.com/ (Toronto and Montreal)
Medisys: http://www.medisys.ca/ (Montreal)
8. Interview (The day has finally come!):
The Vancouver Consulate is notoriously easy. Just be prepared. Smile. Relax. I’ve written a review in great length somewhere in the Canada forums so if you want more information read that or PM me so I can ramble at you.
9. DHL:
The second biggest pain in the butt other than waiting for your NOA2. The staff at the Vancouver Consulate give extremely confusing and inaccurate instructions about how to get your Waybill. The waybill doesn’t show up until your passport has been processed and the Visa has been put in. If you left your e-mail DHL should send you updates/tracking numbers but they weren’t always accurate. Just keep logging into the http://canada.usvisa-info.com website until your waybill shows up. Easy, after logging into USCIS religiously for 5 months!
10. POE:
You can go to the US anytime once you get your passport back. Your Visa expires after 6 months and you can always check which day it is because it’s written on your Visa! Yay! Kathryn41 has written a great POE checklist here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/347629-moving-to-the-us-summary-list/
11. Get Married – within 90 days, of course. Then get ready to obsess over your AOS.

U can start the EI process in the USA...as a k1 ur not going to get any $$$ for awhile

I just wanted to say I am so happy to hear that same-sex couples can now apply. This is awesome! Best of luck to everyone!

Philippines doesn't accept co-sponsors. You can try to show pay stubs instead, but if you work is variable, you might have to marry and file for a spousal visa. Then they will be forced to accept a co-sponsor.

It's best not to make any plans until after you actually arrive in the US unless you can cancel any reservations without penalty. Even if your visa gets approved it could get thrown into advanced processing (AP) which can last months. It's not likely that this will happen but it does happen. That's up to you though - many have done it with no problems.
You can file for your "work permit" or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) at the same time you file for AOS. In fact, if you file for your EAD at the same time the application fee for the EAD is waived. As for a driver's license, it is usually based on your legal presence within the United States - either your I-94 (90 days), EAD (1 year), or green card (2 years). I had to wait until I received my EAD before I could get my driver's license. Your state may be different it's best to check on their website.
You can file for AOS at any time. It does not have to be within 90 days. Overstay is forgiven for spouses of USC's. If you left the US prior to filing for AOS you would incur an overstay for each day after the 90 days you have to get married on the K1.

Undermine faith in The God with some waist?
That's it, i'm out.

I agree with the advice given here. Find someone else or move home and sponsor her yourself. As others have mentioned the I-864 is a legal document, which you will need to have for AOS. If you are having difficulty finding someone for the I134 you will have a more difficult time finding someone for the I-864.

Try volunteering for a bit and see if you can get a reference that way! Most places are happy to give a reference to volunteers.

So I saw someone mention "wouldn't it be nice if someone wrote a Vancouver guide..." in another post and I thought, Hey - Why not! I borrowed heavily from Ralyse's Montreal Guide - so credit goes to her and the others involved in creating the Montreal guide. Hopefully this helps people out a bit. If not, PM me!
1. NOA2:
Cry and call everyone you know. The long part of the wait is over and now it’s time to get your butt to America. The next couple of months are easy if you are well prepared.
2. NVC/DOS:
You may contact them in regard to where your application is. I never did this so if anyone knows the instructions for Vancouver let me know. Otherwise I’ll assume they are the same for anyone. It took 28 days to receive my letter from the Vancouver Consulate from my NOA2 date.
3. Packet 3:
Part 1:
- Download Packet 3 from the Vancouver Consulate website. (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/pdfs/K1-K3-packet3.pdf)
- To communicate with the Vancouver Consulate e-mail is the best method. They generally reply within 2 business days. E-mail: Vancouverk@state.gov
- You can also fax them at 604.688.8537.
Part 2:
Complete and return immediately by fax form DS-230 Part I, Biographic Data. This form is accessible online. Fax to: 604.688.8537.
Part 3:
Obtain each of the following documents that are applicable to your case and for each non-U.S. citizen unmarried child under 21 who will accompany you to the United States. Bring a photocopy if you need your original back.
As you obtain each document check off the box found on your Packet 3. You will need:
- Passport (with 6 months validity)
- Medical Examination (As long as this is done before the Interview it’s okay!)
- Birth Certificates (must show that it is an extract from official records and must bear the seal of the issuing authority/must state the names of both parents)
- Evidence in Lieu of an Unobtainable Birth Certificate (if you can’t get a birth certificate you need other evidence) Eg: Baptismal certificate, hospital certificate, school recorts, notarized statement from a close relative.
- Marriage Certificate (this is for K3 visas only)
- Divorce and Death Certificates (if you or your fiancé(e) were previously married)
- Police Certificates
- Court and Prison Records
- Evidence of Support (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support)
- Photographs (5 identical passport photos). 3 are for your medical, 2 are for your Interview
- Custody (you must show you have sole custody of any children under 21 that will accompany you).
- Translations
- Form DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application (complete online and print 2 copies for your interview)
- Form DS-156K Non-Immigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application
4. Returning Packet 3:
Once you have collected all of the documents on the Packet 3 checklist you must fax ONLY the checklist back to the Vancouver Consulate (604.688.8537) *** Note: I had been in contact with the consulate via e-mail because I had issues booking my medical exam and never actually faxed this form back, instead they got annoyed with me and sent me Packet 4 via e-mail and I was able to book my Interview immediately.***
5. Wait:
Usually the Vancouver consulate will mail you Packet 4. Sometimes they e-mail it to you. I don’t know. West Coast is a bunch of unpredictable hippies.
6. Schedule your Interview:
Lucky for you, I have the inside scoop. Basically Packet 4 tells you to book your appointment. Easy. *Do not book your interview until you have received Packet 4 or have been told it is on its way*
“This office has received notification that you now have all of the required documents pertinent to your visa application, and you are ready to schedule your visa interview. To schedule an appointment, including rescheduling and canceling appointments, please visit http://canada.usvisa-info.com.'>http://canada.usvisa-info.com. All visa applicants, including children under the age of 14, must schedule an appointment.”
- Packet 4 also includes instructions on what to bring/what not to bring on the day of your interview. If you want the entire content of the e-mail I was sent I am happy to PM it to you.
- You can get an interview within 4-6 weeks (or less!) when I was doing all of this. In your face, Montreal! (kidding!)
7. Medical!:
Woking Medical makes the most sense for people going through Vancouver Consulate. Their website is http://www.wokingmedical.com/ . Their bark is worse than their bite, trust me. Their website is scary but just make sure you’ve done everything well in advance *VACCINATIONS* and you have nothing to worry about.
You could also go back East (copied from Ralyse’s Guide):
Dr. Seiden: http://panelphysicians.com/ (Toronto and Montreal)
Medisys: http://www.medisys.ca/ (Montreal)
8. Interview (The day has finally come!):
The Vancouver Consulate is notoriously easy. Just be prepared. Smile. Relax. I’ve written a review in great length somewhere in the Canada forums so if you want more information read that or PM me so I can ramble at you.
9. DHL:
The second biggest pain in the butt other than waiting for your NOA2. The staff at the Vancouver Consulate give extremely confusing and inaccurate instructions about how to get your Waybill. The waybill doesn’t show up until your passport has been processed and the Visa has been put in. If you left your e-mail DHL should send you updates/tracking numbers but they weren’t always accurate. Just keep logging into the http://canada.usvisa-info.com website until your waybill shows up. Easy, after logging into USCIS religiously for 5 months!
10. POE:
You can go to the US anytime once you get your passport back. Your Visa expires after 6 months and you can always check which day it is because it’s written on your Visa! Yay! Kathryn41 has written a great POE checklist here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/347629-moving-to-the-us-summary-list/
11. Get Married – within 90 days, of course. Then get ready to obsess over your AOS.

*Warning: Huge rant*
So as you all know my AOS was approved and my green card was mailed to me at the start of June. Apparently my green card arrived to its destination on June 6 at 4:00pm. Well, it didnt come here.
I moved at the end of March and mailed my "Change of Address" to USCIS within 10 days. I set up mail forwarding with USPS starting April 11. So first thing I did was contact USPS who basically told me that "it was delivered" but they would "open a claim and contact me within 1 business day". Apparently, they do not know what address it was delivered to. How ridiculous is that?
Next I contacted USCIS to report that my green card had NOT arrived and was missing. I asked the representative which address they had on file. Apparently they "do not have that information" and I could file a service request so I would "hear back within 30 days". I laughed and said "Nevermind, I'll keep trying with USPS". She was kind enough to tell me that she "Did not see an address change on my file" - so why the hell do we even send our address change in if they don't bother looking at it?
I called my old landlord and left a message begging to call me if they saw the letter. I also asked that she leave a note for the current resident to let them know that I would be extremely grateful for its return. Didn't hear anything.
(Insert weekend of stress eating and alcohol consumption here)
I heard back from USPS on Monday (10th) who again told me that "it shows it has been delivered" but still couldn't tell me where the hell they delivered it to. The lady told me she would contact the mail carrier at my old address and call me back. Never called me back. I called USPS again yesterday (12th) to let them know I hadn't heard back from anyone from USPS. I was forwarded to a "supervisor" who let me know that they closed my case because "the letter was delivered".
I asked, "So, there's nothing you can do because it says it has been delivered?"
His response: "Correct"
Me: "So you can't tell me what address it was delivered to?"
Him: "Correct"
Me: "So you don't know where it was delivered, it's not lost because apparently you delivered it to me, even though I never got it. There's nothing you can do?"
Him: "Correct. I can open a claim again for it..."
Me: "...so you can just tell me it was delivered again and that there's no problem, right?"
Him: "Correct.. Well I can refer you to the Regional level since this can't be resolved at the local office."
Me: "Seriously? So they will just tell me the same thing, that it shows it was delivered and therefore there's no problem with it, right?"
Him: "Yes."
At this point I was 2 seconds away from bawling and or screaming so I just said "Thanks." and got off the phone.
Well. Okay then. They can't tell me where the hell it is only that they show that I got it. That's freaking awesome.
So I called USCIS again to report that my green card is missing and that USPS doesn't have a freaking clue about anything (Okay, I said USPS said it's lost). This representative actually seemed to have half a brain and was decent to deal with. He told me that he could do an address change to ensure my new address was on file, but I would still need to "file a Change of Address form with USCIS" - I said, "What like the one I sent in March?"... Anyway, we get through the whole change of address ordeal and he says "is there anything else I can help you with?" so I say "Yeah well there's the whole issue about my missing green card... I need to get a new one I guess.." He responds:
"Well, Ma'am, I just submitted a service request on your behalf so I can't submit another service request for 30 days."
WHAT. THE. HELL. I'm pretty sure my stomach fell out of my butt at this point and I stammered and sputtered for a minute and then just said "so...my green card is lost and now I can't get a new one for 30+ days...?"
He told me he put in the comments section that my green card was lost, maybe sent to the old address, so "hopefully someone will look at that and get your green card going." I'm pretty sure he could sense I was about to have a heart attack so when I asked if there was anything else I could do he told me to call and ask to speak to a Tier 2 representative and they "might be able to get the green card sent to [my] new address." I didn't make it home from work today in time to call back but I am off of work tomorrow.
Also stopped and spoke to my landlord who said she was out of the office last week so she never got my voicemail but she hadn't see anything. She's going to ask the new tenant if he's seen anything and will call me if they find it.
So.. What the hell should I do? What do I say to the Tier 2 Representative when I call tomorrow?
Dealing with this ####### is so stressful I'm thisclose to having a nervous breakdown and I'm so frustrated that no one can help me (USPS, USCIS). Time to go back to Canada!?

Yes you should unless you just decide to NOT get hurt. but travel insurance is a good idea.

I tried searching for this but only got a few topics that weren't my exact question, unless I suck at searching.
Now that I have my green card I thought it would be nice to go home for a short visit. My passport (maiden name) and green card (married name) are in different names though. Just wondering how to address that problem. I'm guessing as long as I bring my marriage certificate it will be fine?
To Bring:
- Passport
- Green Card
- Marriage Certificate
I'll also carry my driver's license (also in my married name). I also made sure to book the tickets in my maiden name because of my passport.
Am I missing anything?

Thanks for the update regarding October 15! I'm sorry things are going so slow for you!!! Hang in there- soon this will just be a memory for us all.

Good luck!

AoS from a K visa can take the best part of a year, so I would anticipate on hearing something within the next 8 - 12 weeks.
That being said, you can contact one of your congressional representatives to find the case status. Simply find your three congressional representatives (two Senators and then one in the House - this will do it) and look at their official site. Under "Help", "Services" or "Federal Agency Help" (it will be called something like that) will be a linked form that you must complete, sign, and return to their listed office (you can usually fax them for a quick turnaround). Their immigration liaison will then contact USCIS for your case status and you will probably get a response in less than a week.
Since the I-485 is your application then you would need to be the one to make the request.
Renewing your EAD is free. Simply complete a new I-765 (indicating a renewal application under the same category - C-9) and enclose both a copy of the front and back of your current, expiring EAD, and the NOA for your I-485, and the application fee is waived. In all likelihood you should get your green card before your EAD expires, but it never hurts to cover all the bases. You should submit a renewal EAD request around 120 days before your current EAD will expire. Renewal applications are sent to the Chicago Lockbox, the same as your initial application was.

Thanks for all your wishes and I'm so happy that my approval gave to some of you a little hope!! Yes, basically if your case is taking more than 6 month and your package remain at the NBC is almost sure that you guys will get the GC without interview which is great (my hubby saved 1 day of his vacations so he can attended to the interview with me but now we're going to use it on our wedding anniversary trip wujjuuuu) BUT unfortunately, is taking a LOT! (Compare to the people who did hAve an AoS interview) but hang in there! I think they are working a lil bit faster! Hope you hear news anytime soon! And thanks again for your blessings

Sorry, but I disagree. Although it is a possibility, it sounds more like he is adjusting to a new life. If I gave up my job/friends/family and moved across the world and then worked really hard to reestablish my life by getting a new job and friends I don't think I would give it up so easily. It's really hard to transplant yourself into a foreign country and it's hard to just abandon a job you bust your butt at.
One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is quit my job to move to the US. Why? I worked really hard to make my store the best selling store in my province and one of the top stores in Western Canada. I put most of my time into making the store a success, building friendships and loyalty from my customers, and training my staff to do the same in my absence. When I quit, my company decided to hand the store off to a new person who I believe will not have the same success. I take pride in my work and it's very hard to give that up. If my marriage doesn't work out (which I doubt) and I have another successful career I don't think I would give it up so easily and return home unless I had very strong reasons for doing so.
Just an example.

Make sure all of the tax returns you submit are the IRS transcripts. We did not submit the IRS transcripts and got an RFE - I think we solved it by submitting the IRS transcripts but our case has been sitting there for 6 months so I'm not sure. As for the other questions I don't know. Good luck though!

So I saw someone mention "wouldn't it be nice if someone wrote a Vancouver guide..." in another post and I thought, Hey - Why not! I borrowed heavily from Ralyse's Montreal Guide - so credit goes to her and the others involved in creating the Montreal guide. Hopefully this helps people out a bit. If not, PM me!
1. NOA2:
Cry and call everyone you know. The long part of the wait is over and now it’s time to get your butt to America. The next couple of months are easy if you are well prepared.
2. NVC/DOS:
You may contact them in regard to where your application is. I never did this so if anyone knows the instructions for Vancouver let me know. Otherwise I’ll assume they are the same for anyone. It took 28 days to receive my letter from the Vancouver Consulate from my NOA2 date.
3. Packet 3:
Part 1:
- Download Packet 3 from the Vancouver Consulate website. (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/pdfs/K1-K3-packet3.pdf)
- To communicate with the Vancouver Consulate e-mail is the best method. They generally reply within 2 business days. E-mail: Vancouverk@state.gov
- You can also fax them at 604.688.8537.
Part 2:
Complete and return immediately by fax form DS-230 Part I, Biographic Data. This form is accessible online. Fax to: 604.688.8537.
Part 3:
Obtain each of the following documents that are applicable to your case and for each non-U.S. citizen unmarried child under 21 who will accompany you to the United States. Bring a photocopy if you need your original back.
As you obtain each document check off the box found on your Packet 3. You will need:
- Passport (with 6 months validity)
- Medical Examination (As long as this is done before the Interview it’s okay!)
- Birth Certificates (must show that it is an extract from official records and must bear the seal of the issuing authority/must state the names of both parents)
- Evidence in Lieu of an Unobtainable Birth Certificate (if you can’t get a birth certificate you need other evidence) Eg: Baptismal certificate, hospital certificate, school recorts, notarized statement from a close relative.
- Marriage Certificate (this is for K3 visas only)
- Divorce and Death Certificates (if you or your fiancé(e) were previously married)
- Police Certificates
- Court and Prison Records
- Evidence of Support (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support)
- Photographs (5 identical passport photos). 3 are for your medical, 2 are for your Interview
- Custody (you must show you have sole custody of any children under 21 that will accompany you).
- Translations
- Form DS-156 Non-Immigrant Visa Application (complete online and print 2 copies for your interview)
- Form DS-156K Non-Immigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application
4. Returning Packet 3:
Once you have collected all of the documents on the Packet 3 checklist you must fax ONLY the checklist back to the Vancouver Consulate (604.688.8537) *** Note: I had been in contact with the consulate via e-mail because I had issues booking my medical exam and never actually faxed this form back, instead they got annoyed with me and sent me Packet 4 via e-mail and I was able to book my Interview immediately.***
5. Wait:
Usually the Vancouver consulate will mail you Packet 4. Sometimes they e-mail it to you. I don’t know. West Coast is a bunch of unpredictable hippies.
6. Schedule your Interview:
Lucky for you, I have the inside scoop. Basically Packet 4 tells you to book your appointment. Easy. *Do not book your interview until you have received Packet 4 or have been told it is on its way*
“This office has received notification that you now have all of the required documents pertinent to your visa application, and you are ready to schedule your visa interview. To schedule an appointment, including rescheduling and canceling appointments, please visit http://canada.usvisa-info.com.'>http://canada.usvisa-info.com. All visa applicants, including children under the age of 14, must schedule an appointment.”
- Packet 4 also includes instructions on what to bring/what not to bring on the day of your interview. If you want the entire content of the e-mail I was sent I am happy to PM it to you.
- You can get an interview within 4-6 weeks (or less!) when I was doing all of this. In your face, Montreal! (kidding!)
7. Medical!:
Woking Medical makes the most sense for people going through Vancouver Consulate. Their website is http://www.wokingmedical.com/ . Their bark is worse than their bite, trust me. Their website is scary but just make sure you’ve done everything well in advance *VACCINATIONS* and you have nothing to worry about.
You could also go back East (copied from Ralyse’s Guide):
Dr. Seiden: http://panelphysicians.com/ (Toronto and Montreal)
Medisys: http://www.medisys.ca/ (Montreal)
8. Interview (The day has finally come!):
The Vancouver Consulate is notoriously easy. Just be prepared. Smile. Relax. I’ve written a review in great length somewhere in the Canada forums so if you want more information read that or PM me so I can ramble at you.
9. DHL:
The second biggest pain in the butt other than waiting for your NOA2. The staff at the Vancouver Consulate give extremely confusing and inaccurate instructions about how to get your Waybill. The waybill doesn’t show up until your passport has been processed and the Visa has been put in. If you left your e-mail DHL should send you updates/tracking numbers but they weren’t always accurate. Just keep logging into the http://canada.usvisa-info.com website until your waybill shows up. Easy, after logging into USCIS religiously for 5 months!
10. POE:
You can go to the US anytime once you get your passport back. Your Visa expires after 6 months and you can always check which day it is because it’s written on your Visa! Yay! Kathryn41 has written a great POE checklist here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/347629-moving-to-the-us-summary-list/
11. Get Married – within 90 days, of course. Then get ready to obsess over your AOS.