Questions about AP and interview process...

[Greylove 0]

Hey everyone!!

My fiance and I got our NOA2 in the mail a couple weeks ago (YAY!!!) and now that we have celebrated getting passed that leg of the journey, we are starting to prepare for the next part. We got a letter in the mail (I can't remember exactly what it said and he has in there in the US) I think it said that within the week the US consulate in Vancouver BC would be sent our petition. Then I am assuming I should be getting my packet within a few weeks. So... now that we are getting ready for that, I am starting to wonder a bit about what to expect. So a few questions:

1. Can anyone tell me what their experience has been with AP. I had a friend immigrate to the US a few years ago and was told by her family that she wasn't allowed to leave the US for 2 years, though she ended up getting AP for a family emergency. However, I have been reading on here that you apply for it with your Change of status and usually get it within 60-90 days... does that sound accurate. I am from Canada and live only a short distance from my fiance's home, so I am hoping that I will be able to visit before "2 years".

2. How long has it taken others to get their work permit?? I am going to go crazy not working and I am looking forward to helping support my future family (and doing tons of reno's in our new house!!). Should I expect it within 60-90 days as well?? or could it be sooner or maybe take longer??

3. I have lived in 6 different cities since I was 16, am I required to get Criminal record checks in all of these places?? even if I was only a student (not technically a permanent resident?? (I listed the ones within 5 years on the biometrics... therefore probably need all, correct???)

4. When I move all my things to the US (assuming I get my visa) how do I go about doing this??? I haven't heard much about this, but as I will be moving from Canada, I plan on crossing the border by car.

Well, I have about a thousand more questions, but this is a start. Best of luck to all those others waiting to hear what direction their future will take. I thank God everyday that I met my fiance and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone else waiting and praying for the same thing!!!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey everyone!!

My fiance and I got our NOA2 in the mail a couple weeks ago (YAY!!!) and now that we have celebrated getting passed that leg of the journey, we are starting to prepare for the next part. We got a letter in the mail (I can't remember exactly what it said and he has in there in the US) I think it said that within the week the US consulate in Vancouver BC would be sent our petition. Then I am assuming I should be getting my packet within a few weeks. So... now that we are getting ready for that, I am starting to wonder a bit about what to expect. So a few questions:

1. Can anyone tell me what their experience has been with AP. I had a friend immigrate to the US a few years ago and was told by her family that she wasn't allowed to leave the US for 2 years, though she ended up getting AP for a family emergency. However, I have been reading on here that you apply for it with your Change of status and usually get it within 60-90 days... does that sound accurate. I am from Canada and live only a short distance from my fiance's home, so I am hoping that I will be able to visit before "2 years".

2. How long has it taken others to get their work permit?? I am going to go crazy not working and I am looking forward to helping support my future family (and doing tons of reno's in our new house!!). Should I expect it within 60-90 days as well?? or could it be sooner or maybe take longer??

3. I have lived in 6 different cities since I was 16, am I required to get Criminal record checks in all of these places?? even if I was only a student (not technically a permanent resident?? (I listed the ones within 5 years on the biometrics... therefore probably need all, correct???)

4. When I move all my things to the US (assuming I get my visa) how do I go about doing this??? I haven't heard much about this, but as I will be moving from Canada, I plan on crossing the border by car.

Well, I have about a thousand more questions, but this is a start. Best of luck to all those others waiting to hear what direction their future will take. I thank God everyday that I met my fiance and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone else waiting and praying for the same thing!!!

1. APs are typically issued within 90 days of application. Get married, file for the AOS and AP and EAD

2. Likewise EADs are usually issued within 90 days of filing

3. Most consulates specify that you get police documents form each COUNTRY you have lived it, not city. Check with the Vancouver consulate (packet 3 will tell you) There are no exceptions for students as we found out and almost had a problem with. The Kiev consulate had told us we did not need a Russian police certificate for our son (in writing) as he is only a student. When I double checked everything with the consulate before my sife left for Ukraine/Russia with all his documents, they said "that was a mistake" he DID need a Russian police certificate. "But what about this email....?" Sorry, mistake. If we had follwed their directions in writing, his visa would have been held up!

4. Your belongings are your belongings, they are not "imports". You can bring any and all things which belong to you without import duty. Of course, you cannot bring things which are illegal in the USA and there are some qualifications for automobiles, etc. but it is all "duty free". Do not be surprised if they make a check of your contents

[Carlawarla 1]

Hey everyone!!

My fiance and I got our NOA2 in the mail a couple weeks ago (YAY!!!) and now that we have celebrated getting passed that leg of the journey, we are starting to prepare for the next part. We got a letter in the mail (I can't remember exactly what it said and he has in there in the US) I think it said that within the week the US consulate in Vancouver BC would be sent our petition. Then I am assuming I should be getting my packet within a few weeks. So... now that we are getting ready for that, I am starting to wonder a bit about what to expect. So a few questions:

1. Can anyone tell me what their experience has been with AP. I had a friend immigrate to the US a few years ago and was told by her family that she wasn't allowed to leave the US for 2 years, though she ended up getting AP for a family emergency. However, I have been reading on here that you apply for it with your Change of status and usually get it within 60-90 days... does that sound accurate. I am from Canada and live only a short distance from my fiance's home, so I am hoping that I will be able to visit before "2 years".

2. How long has it taken others to get their work permit?? I am going to go crazy not working and I am looking forward to helping support my future family (and doing tons of reno's in our new house!!). Should I expect it within 60-90 days as well?? or could it be sooner or maybe take longer??

3. I have lived in 6 different cities since I was 16, am I required to get Criminal record checks in all of these places?? even if I was only a student (not technically a permanent resident?? (I listed the ones within 5 years on the biometrics... therefore probably need all, correct???)

4. When I move all my things to the US (assuming I get my visa) how do I go about doing this??? I haven't heard much about this, but as I will be moving from Canada, I plan on crossing the border by car.

Well, I have about a thousand more questions, but this is a start. Best of luck to all those others waiting to hear what direction their future will take. I thank God everyday that I met my fiance and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone else waiting and praying for the same thing!!!

First off, welcome to VJ Greylove! Your being interviewed at the Vancouver Consulate will mean a fairly speedy interview time line! The answers that Gary and Alla gave you about AP and your EAD are correct.

For Canadian's you need to get a CPIC check done, probably at your local RCMP for a Canada-wide check. Unless you have a criminal record, and then you'll need a fingerprint check done. Otherwise, go get your CPIC done now.

When Vancouver sends you package 3, they'll have in there all you'll have to have for the interview. Send that package back whether you have all the things done or not...you'll even get a chance on that form to pick some dates you'd like the interview.

Get your vaccination booklet up to date with what you'll need, you'll need to bring that to your Medical appointment prior to the interview. I don't know where you live, but you will probably be looking at having your medical the days around your interview, so it can be done all at once.

Do you have your long birth certificate with your parents names on it? If not, better get that ordered right away as well.

Have you been to the Canada Forum? You really need to visit here for loads of specific information about the process from Canada. Heres' the link to the forum:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=93

As well, here is a Wiki guide that from VJ here that has information about moving, your interview, importing of your car, visiting during the process, your medical, EI etc.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=191858

[Greylove 0]

Thanks so much both of you, you answered the questions just as I hoped you would. I got my long form Birth Certificate a few months ago and a new passport since mine would have expired early 2010. All I need to do is get a list of my current vaccinations and figure out what else I need to get, as well as get that criminal record check (which will be easier than I though!! YAY!... thanks for clearing that up!). I can't wait to get all this done!!