MTL (and others) Waiting for an interview date

[rae_and_scott 1]

I think you are doing a great job Liz and I don't really think having it count from the day you send it in will do anything either.

Thank you for doing the spreadsheet. It's greatly appreciated.

It is greatly appreciated!

I agree that I don't think it will do anything since MTL doesn't count those days but I just think it's another interesting number to look at. Maybe it's that we like to feel those days were valid to us, b/c we waited them, even though they do not count in Montreal's line for the interview date.

Thanks Liz.

[L_n_O 3]

but my whole point was it doesn't make a difference predicting your interview and the way I had it before shows you better when your interview will come.

[rae_and_scott 1]

You are totally right. The extra column is just that; extra. I'm fine with it either way, not trying to be picky.

[anxiouslywaiting 0]

Hi Everyone, I am new here! I just wanted to say thank you for posting the DOS phone number. I called them today to verify Montreal received my package 3 and they did May 14 (2 days after I sent it!!!). It is in the system and now I am waiting for my interview date!

Liz, thank you so much for the spreadsheet, so helpful! I have PM'd you to add my information!!

Good luck to everyone who has their interviews, so exciting and I can't wait for the day that I can post that I have mine!

[L_n_O 3]

all updated

[rae_and_scott 1]

One more week.

[CBR 0]

Woohoo!! Getting nervous butterflies yet?

[rae_and_scott 1]

I am getting very excited!!

I can't wait till Saturday, when I am on the train. When I see Scott at night, we will be *together*.

[jmd+jonna 0]

Im totally nervous!

I hope all will go well.

I wonder what they'll ask me...

Im gonna wear my suit and tie, do you guys think what you wear is important?

I hope we all get our visas without any problems!

[rae_and_scott 1]

I read a thread somewhere awhile back on what people chose to wear. Some said they dressed nicely as they would for a job interview and others said they just wore what was comfortable. I'll most likely wear jeans but maybe not!

I'm sure we'll get our visas without any problems. Rather, I expect the interview to go just fine, and the only thing I really worry about is it getting lost in the mail or taking forever to come. We're going to ask if we can pick it up in person the next day but I've read that's rare and they don't usually let you.

Is your fiancee going to be with you or do you have to attend solo?

[jmd+jonna 0]

no Im going alone

she needs to work and she'll have to take days off to drive me in...

do you guys know how to get a temporary employment authorization? do you ask that at the consulate? or at the border?

[rae_and_scott 1]

Not at the consulate. You ask when you activate your visa at the border. But you may or may not get it; depends on the officer, and I'm not sure if it's too common. (Basically, ask for it, but don't expect to get it, IMO.)

[jmd+jonna 0]

hmmm

so how long can it take before I can actually work?

there are so much interesting companies in my field in pitts.

[rae_and_scott 1]

Well say you don't get the stamp when you activate your visa, then you have to get married, file for AOS, and wait the approximate 2-3 months for your EAD to be approved before you can work. I would suggest doing some digging on the forums here as there's quite a bit of discussion on the topic.

[CBR 0]

The whole work thing is so confusing. I've read that the EAD stamp is kind of a thing of the past but that some older POE officers will still use it. It's value is debatable supposedly because you still have to stop working after 90 days anyway if you haven't received your EAD after AoS. And I've also read that the k-1 does allow you to work for those 90 days it's good for too (making the stamp kinda obsolete). I think the best way would be to work for a temp agency if you really want to work because you can explain your situation & ask for an assignment that only lasts that long. Or if you find a company willing to hire you temporarily and then give your job back again as soon as EAD comes I'd go for it. Seems kinda risky though. I think I"m gonna put my fiance to work around the house for those 3 months lol. There's a ton of stuff that needs to be done since I just moved in April and I work full-time. He can settle in and get acclimated & check out the job market during that time. Less hassle.

As for what to wear to the interview...I think I"m going very casual. I hate dressing up so it's going to be jeans if it's cool out, shorts if it's warm. Maybe a nicer shirt than a t-shirt.

I'm just going crazy these last 2 weeks before the interview!! I feel like I just want each day overwith so it gets another day closer. It's getting unbearable and has been waaaaaaaaaaaay to freakin long to have to wait. I feel like someone who dove too deep into the ocean with no o2 tanks and is just seeing the sun through the surface of the water & trying to break the surface before losing consciousness!! Wow that's dramatic eh?