edsotherhalf

I was in the same boat, didn't know whether to send it again or not. DO NOT RESEND IT. Even tho it says in the email after opting in that you should hear in 10 days, you don't. It takes about 3 weeks for them to clear your OPT-IN email. You will get an email saying when they have processed it then takes another couple of weeks for you to receive your IV bill.

Damm it...I don't know what to do now, I called and ask why they haven't got my IV invoice yet, and they say they have to wait for my DS-3230 form. Just yesterday I recieved a hardcopy of that form, but last Friday I sent and Email attachment w/ DS-3230 form with a OPTIN EP email.

So do I have to wait for them to actually look at my email and consider my EP file and then accept the DS-3230 or did I skip a step and rush the email which is delaying my IV fee so that I can start the I-865 form...geeezz..

Thank you so much. I will pass this on to the hubby.

It doesn't matter where you are in the world, if you were married as of December 31st, you have to claim either "married filing jointly", or married filing separately".

Married filing jointly usually has the best tax benefits.

We married in Canada on June 18. I am still living here and my husband lives in USA

All that matters is where you married as of December 31st 2010. Physical presence and all those tests only matter if you're not married.

To claim a foreing spouse tho, doesn't the spouse have to be in the foreign country with you for a certain amount of time during that year? I am from Canada and my husband is in the USA. Last year I was only physically present in the USA after marriage for 5 weeks. My husband did his taxes already and he said he read that I had to be there at least 6 months out of the year for him to claim me.

Are you moving your stuff down before the KI is approved? Chances are they won't let you. I was going down just to stay 4 months with my fiance, we have been married since, my car with filled with clothes and stuff to keep me going and we ran into a lot of problems. They thought I was moving there. They finally let me cross but only for 5 weeks and I had to recross with everything I had in my car.

I am brand spankin' new here, so please forgive me if I am posting in the wrong thread, or about something that is obviously stated somewhere else.

My fiance is from Texas and I am from SK Canada. I am going to be starting the K-1 visa process here right away, but am wondering... what comes AFTER? Besides the AoS, of course.

We will be driving down to TX with a majority of my stuff, including my dog, computer, etc. My main question is, what are the customs rules for bringing items of large monetary value into the US? Or are there any rules? Do we need to fill out a special declaration card, or anything like that? I really don't want to sell my computer and TV here, just to buy new stuff down there..

Thanks for any help!

Congratulations on the approval and thanks for helping people like us, with interviews coming up in near future, feel more relaxed about the interview. Was teh hotel you stayed in reasonably priced? Does it have a shuttle bus from the airport?

After many sleepless nights, and we finally came down to deal with it. My wife and i stayed at La Centerville hotel right across from the consulate office where 1 min walking distance. We got there around 5 after 7 and couple mins later, a lady showed up and follow more ppl gathering in front of the door. The security didnt open door until 730. They checked us in and make sure we have no metal, cellphone or any electronic devices, no big bag, so we used our shopping bag to carry our documents and pictures. We went down stair and waited for another security to escort us up to 19th floor. we waited again until they called us to their window, we gave them 2 passport pictures and all the requirement docs. The interview was so quick by a nice gentlement, he asked us couple question such as how do we met, my wife have any problem when crossing the border, any criminal records, living any country other than the one listed. And he said to us congratulation and gave her welcome letter. Everything was quick and easy, more than what we could think of. good luck with everyone have interview this months and any months follow that. thanks VJ alot, this really helpful and gave us a lot of inf

I have had a few experiences crossing and not all good ones. My husband came across once with a one way ticket. He was asked at border why and he said he was visiting and didn't know how long he would be staying, they asked if he had a job (yes), a home (yes) and how much money he had available on his credit cards (apparently he had enough cause they gave him a six month visa)!!!! No such luck with me. I had quit my job and him and I were driving to Arizona. I was going to stay for the winter. When we got to the border they didn't like what I had in the car (they said too much stuff) so they gave me the option of turning around and going home or go to Arizona for 5 weeks. I had a date I had to recross the border with everything I had in my car. I did that and when I got back to Canada, three weeks later I turned around and flew down. At the Calgary airport I was again hauled into the customs office with an officer. I had a return ticket but was in three months. I lived with my sister, had no job. the only ties was my family and kids. I should point out that at this time we had gotten engaged just three weeks previously) They made me miss my plane. After hemming and hawing for one hour I showed them a letter from my fiance. He had written that he was able to care for all my needs while I was in the USA. It showed where he worked, his address and proof he owned his own home and his ties. After the border guard read that he let me go (had to sit around the airport another 8 hours for the next flight). I was allowed to stay the 3 months. Since that time and our filing of the CR1 I haven't had any more problems with crossing. Maybe do up a letter similar to the one I had.

Thanks. I guess the hubby will be paying for it. LOL

Thanks for that. Its true. This online applications sucks. No personal contact, no first impressions. And some of them are so friggin long!!!! They want everything but your first born it seems. I even looked at one online application where they wanted a picture submitted!! Isn't that illegal or something in the hiring field??

The techniques for job hunting has changed a lot! I know many places won't even accept a resume if ya walk into their hospital---Its--here is the website, apply that way! Which doesn't give one a happy, comfy feeling. Its a frustrating experience for many of us canucks that have to start back at zero!!

I would call and ask how the hiring process is going as you haven't heard back. Do you all work in Canada or are these jobs for where you are moving? I have too been applying for months and now the calls start coming. Had one interview, are phoning today to set up second, then I have one today. The worse part is I can't tell them I am married to am American and moving to the USA. Our case could be complete within the next three months. then I will have to ask for a week off to go to Montreal (medical and interview), I don't think a company will allow that - so will probably have to quit for Montreal and hope like hell we get accepted. What to do.

Oh you mentioned credit report. From what I understand the two major credit bureaus are connected so they can check your credit rating from the USA. Hope this helps.

Sept 13, 2009 - Met Online

June 18, 2010 - Married in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Sept 3, 2010 : I-130 Sent

Sept 14, 2010: NOA1 Issued (Hard Copy)

Dec 10, 2010: NOA2 Approval!!!

85 Days since NOA1 - NOA2

------------------

NVC Received File - Dec 14, 2010

Dec 31, 2010 Received Case #/

Dec 31, 2010: I-864(AOS) fee ($88) payment Received

Jan 4, 2011: I-864 (AOS) PAID

Jan 5, 2011: AOS package Via Mail

Jan 7, 2011: Sent 3032 through email and Opt In

Called Jan 19th, said waiting for 3032 form.

Jan 24, 2011 - Got email from NVC saying they have me as Opted In.

Jan 24, 2011 - Accepted 3032

Feb 3, 2011 - IV Bill Invoiced - $404.00

I watched this program the other night. It was quite eye opening. didn't think we had those problems right here in Canada. When I arrive in USA I will have a conditional residency so have to apply for permanent in 2 years. I can't believe that husband who dumped her then collected welfare which she is responsible for!!!! Now he can't be sent back because he is a permanent resident of Canada. #######?????

Hi Heather. Quick Question: I received my IV Bill yesterday. do I pay that out of a Canadian bank in Canadian or US funds? or can my husband pay it out of his american bank?

Sept 13, 2009 - Met Online

June 18, 2010 - Married in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Sept 3, 2010 : I-130 Sent

Sept 14, 2010: NOA1 Issued (Hard Copy)

Dec 10, 2010: NOA2 Approval!!!

85 Days since NOA1 - NOA2

------------------

NVC Received File - Dec 14, 2010

Dec 31, 2010 Received Case #/

Dec 31, 2010: I-864(AOS) fee ($88) payment Received

Jan 4, 2011: I-864 (AOS) PAID

Jan 5, 2011: AOS package Via Mail

Jan 7, 2011: Sent 3032 through email and Opt In

Called Jan 19th, said waiting for 3032 form.

Jan 24, 2011 - Got email from NVC saying they have me as Opted In.

Jan 24, 2011 - Accepted 3032

Feb 3, 2011 - IV Bill Invoiced - $404.00

We didn't do electronic processing and we got an email with our interview date....

Thanks so much

All fees are to be paid in US dollars. If you actually go to the embassy I believe you can pay the equivalent in your own currency, at current exchange rates.

I received my IV Bill today by email. I was just wondering something. Can other Canadians tell me if our Canadian Banks can do the cheque paying over email. Also do I pay the bill in American funds or Canadian. Its just says $404.00, not what currency. Appreciate any advice.

Sept 13, 2009 - Met Online

June 18, 2010 - Married in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Sept 3, 2010 : I-130 Sent

Sept 14, 2010: NOA1 Issued (Hard Copy)

Dec 10, 2010: NOA2 Approval!!!

85 Days since NOA1 - NOA2

------------------

NVC Received File - Dec 14, 2010

Dec 31, 2010 Received Case #/

Dec 31, 2010: I-864(AOS) fee ($88) payment Received

Jan 4, 2011: I-864 (AOS) PAID

Jan 5, 2011: AOS package Via Mail

Jan 7, 2011: Sent 3032 through email and Opt In

Called Jan 19th, said waiting for 3032 form.

Jan 24, 2011 - Got email from NVC saying they have me as Opted In.

Jan 24, 2011 - Accepted 3032

Feb 3, 2011 - IV Bill Invoiced - $404.00

When we sent our original I-130 we received it back in the mail two weeks later because we hadn't put N/A in one spot. Don't be surprised if you receive it back also for not putting your wife's birthdate. They are very particular. Good Luck. Oh we put the N/A and sent it back and had our notice a week later.

Hi,

I sent my I-130 package for my wife on 22nd January (Last Saturday) and it reach the Chicago Lockbox facility on Sunday night (I know its bit unusual, but according to USPS that was the day and time). So far I haven't recieved any email or text message notification (I filled in the G-1145 form). My personal check hasn't been cashed yet. How long do would I have to wait? Should I be worried? On the side note, I forgot to put my wife's birth date on I-130. I have put her birthdate on G25A as well as a copy of her birth certificate. Thanks in advance.

Hi All. Our case is at NVC, got there Dec 29, 2010. Jan 7 I Opted In and sent my 3032. Jan 24, I got an email saying they have received my 3032 and they say it will be 4-6 weeks before I get the next package with instructions. The old waiting game again!!!

Sept 13, 2009 - Met Online

June 18, 2010 - Married in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Sept 3, 2010 : I-130 Sent

Sept 14, 2010: NOA1 Issued (Hard Copy)

Dec 10, 2010: NOA2 Approval!!!

85 Days since NOA1 - NOA2

------------------

NVC Received File - Dec 14, 2010

Dec 31, 2010 Received Case #/

Dec 31, 2010: I-864(AOS) fee ($88) payment Received

Jan 4, 2011: I-864 (AOS) PAID

Jan 5, 2011: AOS package Via Mail

Jan 7, 2011: Sent 3032 through email and Opt In

Called Jan 19th, said waiting for 3032 form.

Jan 24, 2011 - Got email from NVC saying they have me as Opted In.

Jan 24, 2011 - Accepted 3032

Thanks for that. Yup still doing the waiting game. congrats on getting your interview date.

You will not be done with NVC within 3 weeks. There is a current back log. I have just successfully finished going through EP. It is faster specially if you receive RFE's. Just be patient. You'll have to wait like most of us. They are streamlining the process though, and you should get through faster and receive an interview

I have sent the Opting In email to start getting paperwork by email. Its supposed to be faster and more efficient. Now what i don't understand is after i sent it I got an email back saying its handled on a first come first serve basis, and it should be answered in 10 days. What the heck?? That is faster??? I see most people are done with NVC within 3 weeks or so, we have paid bills and sent everything requested, now have to wait the 10 days? We got notice of NVC taking over on Dec 31. Hopefully will hear something soon or get something in the mail or by email. Anyone else run into this or doing this process?

Thanks all for the help. Well that is a bit of a pain isn't it? I am going to try and schedule a medical to be done three days prior to the interview so I don't have to spend the money on two trips to Montreal. My sister said she would come with me so I won't be alone there. I don't speak any French and I remember the past few times it was hard to even order a coffee. LOL. Someone mentioned joining the Canadian side of Visa Journey. How do I do that? Isn't it all the same?

I live in Alberta, Canada and was told by someone that only the Montreal embassy looks after the K3 or CR1. Is that true? I was hoping maybe it would be sent to the Vancouver embassy which is closer to home. Who makes that decision? Does NVC decide which embassy you go to or can you request it? Thanks for any help given.

As great as that would be its called the waiting game. I told myself right from the beginning it will take 9 mos to a year for the process just so I wouldn't get disappointed. It was hard reading about everyone going through rather quickly. We got married in June and I have only been here a couple of short visits since. We too Skype every night or phone calls. We were very surprised that our file went through USCIS in 3 months instead of the 5 that was indicated. It was a bonus. Our file was sent to NVC early December and have already put in paperwork for them. We are keeping out fingers crossed things go quickly with them too and things get sent to the Consulate in Canada. Good luck on your journey and please try to be patient. Our married life is in someone else's hands for now and there isn't a whole lot we can do about it.

I have read many posts on this forum and it seems a good 30% of the people have difficulty with USCIS and getting out of the I-130 stage.. I see petitions that were filed in June and have been put on hold or transferred to TSC.This is January and still these documents are not completed. This isn't isolated incidents. I find it difficult to believe that people have to wait a year to get their spouses to this country.

I am only 1 month in the process and I wonder if this happens to me, I may just pack up all my belongings and move to where the wife is.. It's absolutely insane for people who try to obtain these visa's legally to be treated in this manner.

It's been 7 weeks since I left Georgia and me and the wife skype everyday and we also shed tears everyday.. We have known each other for over 2 years and it's not like we are trying to do anything illegal..We fell in love on skype and our meeting made the bond much stronger. She is my soulmate!!!

For the people who had their petitions transferred to TSC I wonder if they stayed in CSC, that they would be finished.

What really upsets me is that these documents sit on someone's desk for 2 months and are not even looked at. Then they find a mistake, a missing document or a blank box and then they want the process to start over. Why not simplify things and have someone check all this before the check is cashed..

It just seems to me that this is a very poor way of conducting a process that is so important to us.

Life is 2 short to have someone else control our destiny in such a manner.

I have been lucky to have Officers at tier 2 level that are compassionate and very informative. I hope that I never have to cope with the insensitive behavior of certain USCIS officials that I have read about on this forum.

When I was in Georgia the consulate told me 5-7 months maximum and my wife would have her visa.

Now I begin to wonder.........

Let's hope USCIS gets the New Year started in timely fashion................

I came across the same problem. I checked with my old school board and the Immunization Dept. Both said records are destroyed after 20 yrs. I had to get a recent flu shot so also got Tetanus and Diphtheria. As far as MMR I am too old, apparently I can have a blood test that shows immunities in the body to these as I have had both Measles and Chickenpox as a child. Now I just have to get Hep A and B. I guess the Dr. at the medical will decide if I need anything else.

Congratulations. Its a good feeling isn't it???? We too filed in early Sept, received NOA2 Dec 7, petition was sent to NVC Dec 10, now have sent in and Paid AOS fee and form. It should be sent shortly to the embassy in Canada and forms sent to me.

Hi. We sent in our I-130 and it was sent back to us because we didn't put N/A under one area only. They are very particular. We resent it and within a week received the NOA1. We received the NOA2 three months later and two weeks later got our fee invoice from NVC. Our number we received on the NOA1 is the one we enter on the site and it has always worked. Nothing has ever been mentioned about the 485 form.(don't know what that is)

1.They say the settlement may be first week of March. They received my I-130 11-29-10. When I go to USCIS and try to put receipt number in... it doesn't recognize the number. I called USCIS 2 weeks ago and they said give it another week. It's been 2 weeks and still nothing. If the March estimate is correct this is 3.5 months, but.... how do I know if my case has even been touched??

2.The only mistake I made on the document was leaving alien registration blank. I asked Tier 2 CSR officer about this and they said that was ok. But after reading all the horror stories on these forums I begin to wonder how credible the CSR's are.

3. I have heard that when you do CR1 then the 485 form doesn't need to be sent in.. They say my wife will get her Greencard because of this type of Visa..

4. PS I hope everyone had great holidays and we must all keep the faith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I live in Alberta, Canada and was told by someone that only the Montreal embassy looks after the K3 or CR1. Is that true? I was hoping maybe it would be sent to the Vancouver embassy which is closer to home. Who makes that decision? Does NVC decide which embassy you go to or can you request it? Thanks for any help given.

Thank you for all the support and congratulations. Things are moving along nicely. On Dec 31 we received the first invoice for AOS which has been paid. Now waiting for package to arrive in mail. I am in Arizona visiting hubby now and heading back to Canada on Thurs to await package and interview date. Hopefully by spring at this rate. I sure never expected things to go this fast but its a bonus when it does.