Hidden Costs and Visa Application Fees- Canadian

[zyggy 9]

Really? The bus tickets I was looking at came out to $299. Hmm. Perhaps I should call greyhound and see what I can do.

I've got a list of all the expenses I am looking at, according to my research:

Medical Exam: 180

Vaccines (2) : 200

Record Check: 35

Transportation/Lodging cost for Montreal: 50

Passport photos: 35

Mailing docs. to FI: 20

Long Birth Cert: 35

14-day Ticket: 91.00

(Thank you for the info! I just called greyhound and asked about the 14-day 'special rate', and found the place to order the long certificate online)

The vaccines are a nasty bit of business: they aren't covered by OHIP because I didn't get them in my teens. Luckily I did get chicken pox as a child, but I might be in trouble if the 'Influenza type B' vaccine they list in the PDF (which I got from here-- have I mentioned this site has saved my sanity?) is in fact HiB, because apparently Public Health can't even procure that for me anymore.

Anything else I should be warned of? What bumps the overall cost up to 2k?

The 2k is for everything... from the I-129F to your GC...

You should be able to get the vaccines for free from the GP or ask for antibody titres... get them done ahead of time. Also, if you grew up in the same general community in Canada, your local health service should have a record of your vaccinations.

Check out www.panelphysicians.com. You'll see that if you're between the ages of 19 and 50, all you need is a Tetanus booster and MMR.

I haven't heard the Police Cert to cost more than $25. You can get if from the RCMP or in the GTA from the Commissionaires, or even from your local police service as long as their certificate states that it was based on a Canada Wide Search.

Lodging and transportation to Montreal is going to cost a lot more than $50. More like $200-$300 including your ride there...

You can get the passport photos done at Costco for $5.00 a pair.

Apply for your long form BC early. Like today if you haven't done so...

Edited July 11, 2006 by zyggy

[Waiting in Vancouver 6]

Here are some expenses that I have had to date ...

Medical exam : In Vancouver it costs me $275.00 CDN

Vaccinations : I had my family doctor do them so it didn't cost me anything

RCMP Name Check : $35.00 CDN (as long as you don't have a known criminal record)

Passport Photos : $35.00 CDN

Visa : $100.00 US which I had to pay at Vancouver consulate.

One way Ticket outta here : $260.00 CDN

Being with your love one forever : Priceless (Sorry had to add that in )

I think that basically covers the majority of them ... I didn't have any travel expenses to the Consulate as I live very close to the Vancouver one ...

And like others said you would only need to go the Montreal the one time ... Depending on what time your interview is, you may have to fly there the day before your interview and you would then need to stay another night to get your visa (possibly 2 nights).

It is my understanding with Montreal Consulate that you have your interview one day and have to return to the consulate the following day to get your visa ... Vancouver is different as they have it issued the same day as the interview ...

Edited July 11, 2006 by Waiting in Vancouver

[Galateia 1]

Look at the guides tab above and have a look at the USCIS website. There are fees to filing the forms...I-129F being the main one for a K1.

The 2-3K comment was made in reference to the whole cost for the both of you. You may not be paying the form filing fee yourself, but it's part of the overall cost.

edit: Oh, there's a fee for the visa itself. It was $100 US when I went through the Vancouver embassy last June. And if you need to have them photocopy things because you didn't bring them copies, it's a $1.00 a copy.

Thank you. I was figuring that the visa filing fee was USD 100.

Although it may not seem like it, I've been pouring through the USCIS website and the AMCITS website, in addition to all the guides for the last six weeks.

The guides alone answered most of the questions I had that the Consulate operator couldn't. Thank god.

I know he has a series of fees he has to pay for his part in things, like the USD 170 for the I-129F.

Anyone ever get the feeling that the immigration process is designed to weed out people? Is that innapropriate for me to say? Please delete it if it is, rather than banning me-- I desperately need this place!

[Joey559 1]

Look at the guides tab above and have a look at the USCIS website. There are fees to filing the forms...I-129F being the main one for a K1.

The 2-3K comment was made in reference to the whole cost for the both of you. You may not be paying the form filing fee yourself, but it's part of the overall cost.

edit: Oh, there's a fee for the visa itself. It was $100 US when I went through the Vancouver embassy last June. And if you need to have them photocopy things because you didn't bring them copies, it's a $1.00 a copy.

Thank you. I was figuring that the visa filing fee was USD 100.

Although it may not seem like it, I've been pouring through the USCIS website and the AMCITS website, in addition to all the guides for the last six weeks.

The guides alone answered most of the questions I had that the Consulate operator couldn't. Thank god.

I know he has a series of fees he has to pay for his part in things, like the USD 170 for the I-129F.

Anyone ever get the feeling that the immigration process is designed to weed out people? Is that innapropriate for me to say? Please delete it if it is, rather than banning me-- I desperately need this place!

My petition-filing fee in February 06 was $170 US - so either it's moved up in price since you've looked or are we discussing something different?

[Galateia 1]

The 2k is for everything... from the I-129F to your GC...

You should be able to get the vaccines for free from the GP or ask for antibody titres... get them done ahead of time. Also, if you grew up in the same general community in Canada, your local health service should have a record of your vaccinations.

Check out www.panelphysicians.com. You'll see that if you're between the ages of 19 and 50, all you need is a Tetanus booster and MMR.

I haven't heard the Police Cert to cost more than $25. You can get if from the RCMP or in the GTA from the Commissionaires, or even from your local police service as long as their certificate states that it was based on a Canada Wide Search.

Lodging and transportation to Montreal is going to cost a lot more than $50. More like $200-$300 including your ride there...

You can get the passport photos done at Costco for $5.00 a pair.

Apply for your long form BC early. Like today if you haven't done so...

Ok, I will apply for the long form right away.

The transportation/lodging costs are for in-city transportation (Public Transit) and lodging at the hostel. The ticket to Montreal I am considering separately.

Also, I have done some pretty extensive digging about the vaccines, talking to the immunization department at Public health, pharmacists, and doctor's offices. There is no way, unless I want to risk being rejected, that I can avoid the vaccines. The last vaccines I recieved were at age 3. It's a long story why I didn't get the rest, but because I didn't get them when they were free for me, I have to pay for them now. Because I don't have a doctor anymore (recent student under university's health care) I will have to pay a fee to have them innoculate me, in addition to the cost of the vaccines themselves.

Trust me, I have spent many an hour on the phone trying to find a way to get these free, and there isn't a way. Luckily, I had a hospital stint last year and got a Tetnus shot then, so I'm good for that. It's Hep B and Pneumoccoal that I have to pay for.

Yesterday, the panelphysicians.com site was down, but I will take a look again today. I was able to hunt down the panel physicians for Ontario, and call them, which is where I found out I'd have to go to Montreal. Oh well. Forewarned is forearmed!

[zyggy 9]

The 2k is for everything... from the I-129F to your GC...

You should be able to get the vaccines for free from the GP or ask for antibody titres... get them done ahead of time. Also, if you grew up in the same general community in Canada, your local health service should have a record of your vaccinations.

Check out www.panelphysicians.com. You'll see that if you're between the ages of 19 and 50, all you need is a Tetanus booster and MMR.

I haven't heard the Police Cert to cost more than $25. You can get if from the RCMP or in the GTA from the Commissionaires, or even from your local police service as long as their certificate states that it was based on a Canada Wide Search.

Lodging and transportation to Montreal is going to cost a lot more than $50. More like $200-$300 including your ride there...

You can get the passport photos done at Costco for $5.00 a pair.

Apply for your long form BC early. Like today if you haven't done so...

Ok, I will apply for the long form right away.

The transportation/lodging costs are for in-city transportation (Public Transit) and lodging at the hostel. The ticket to Montreal I am considering separately.

Also, I have done some pretty extensive digging about the vaccines, talking to the immunization department at Public health, pharmacists, and doctor's offices. There is no way, unless I want to risk being rejected, that I can avoid the vaccines. The last vaccines I recieved were at age 3. It's a long story why I didn't get the rest, but because I didn't get them when they were free for me, I have to pay for them now. Because I don't have a doctor anymore (recent student under university's health care) I will have to pay a fee to have them innoculate me, in addition to the cost of the vaccines themselves.

Trust me, I have spent many an hour on the phone trying to find a way to get these free, and there isn't a way. Luckily, I had a hospital stint last year and got a Tetnus shot then, so I'm good for that. It's Hep B and Pneumoccoal that I have to pay for.

Yesterday, the panelphysicians.com site was down, but I will take a look again today. I was able to hunt down the panel physicians for Ontario, and call them, which is where I found out I'd have to go to Montreal. Oh well. Forewarned is forearmed!

Unless your under 19.. HepB isn't required. Pneumococcal isn't required unless you under 2. It's not necessary for you.

All this IS necessary for you is the Tetanus Booster and MMR.

Please check out the www.panelphysicians.com page to find out what you really do need.

From www.panelphysicians.com

Documented written proof of immunization is required in order to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. These are the immunizations required even though they may not correspond to what your doctor or public health department feel are necessary. The Panel Physician has no authority to recommend an exemption from the required immunizations unless there is proof of a valid medical contraindication signed by your doctor. The Panel Physician will accept a verbal declaration that you had chickenpox. However the Panel Physician CANNOT accept a verbal declaration for the other immunization requirements.

Combination Vaccine for:

Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)

An initial series of three immunizations, which are normally received in childhood at ages 2, 4 and 6 months and a booster immunization within the last 10 years must be documented.

or

If you have no proof of a primary series you must begin an adult series of TWO doses of Td 4 to 8 weeks apart with a third dose 6 to 12 months after the second. You must be as up-to-date as possible with your series at the time of your immigration medical.

or

You must have proof of a Td booster within the 4 weeks prior to your immigration medical.

or

An antibody titers blood test showing proof of immunity to tetanus and diphtheria.

MMR Combination Vaccine for:

Mumps

Measles

German Measles (Rubella)

If you were born after 1956 you must show proof of immunization for mumps, measles and German measles

or

An antibody titers blood test showing proof of immunity to MMR (mumps/measles/rubella).

or

You must receive an immunization for MMR.

Chickenpox (Varicella) A verbal declaration of chickenpox.

or

Proof of immunization against chickenpox. Normally two immunizations 4 to 8 weeks apart or the first of the two within the 4 weeks prior to your immigration medical examination.

or

An antibody titers blood test showing proof of immunity to chickenpox (varicella).

Hepatitis B For ages 19 and under.

Influenza Influenza as of Nov 1, 2003. Age 50 and above.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

After you arrive in the US and get married you'll also have to adjust status. That's a whole new bunch of fees and if money is indeed this tight for you and your SO, you may want to look up those in the Guides above to get an idea of costs.

Don't forget to budget in how you guys will live once everyone is together in the United States. The immigrant won't be able to get a job for roughly 4+ months after arriving, if you marry right away and file the adjustment of status papers asap.

My long distance relationship and the visa process made a pauper out of my husband and me. We also waited until I, the USC had a decent job after graduating from college. We knew that we wanted to get married and be together in 2003, but waited until we were more financially secure in 2005 to file. The wait was hard, but it means we aren't completely penniless right now.

[john_and_marlene 162]

After you arrive in the US and get married you'll also have to adjust status. That's a whole new bunch of fees and if money is indeed this tight for you and your SO, you may want to look up those in the Guides above to get an idea of costs.

Don't forget to budget in how you guys will live once everyone is together in the United States. The immigrant won't be able to get a job for roughly 4+ months after arriving, if you marry right away and file the adjustment of status papers asap.

My long distance relationship and the visa process made a pauper out of my husband and me. We also waited until I, the USC had a decent job after graduating from college. We knew that we wanted to get married and be together in 2003, but waited until we were more financially secure in 2005 to file. The wait was hard, but it means we aren't completely penniless right now.

No problem. The USC's father is agreeing to support them. After all, he's submitting an Affidavit of Support. Is he not also willing to help support some of the immigration cost or does he only plan to provide support once you are here?

[UmmSqueakster 54]

No problem. The USC's father is agreeing to support them. After all, he's submitting an Affidavit of Support. Is he not also willing to help support some of the immigration cost or does he only plan to provide support once you are here?

In that case, I'd guess the poster should also figure out how much it will cost to live here together and make sure that the dad knows what he's getting himself into

[john_and_marlene 162]

No problem. The USC's father is agreeing to support them. After all, he's submitting an Affidavit of Support. Is he not also willing to help support some of the immigration cost or does he only plan to provide support once you are here?

In that case, I'd guess the poster should also figure out how much it will cost to live here together and make sure that the dad knows what he's getting himself into

I absolutely agree.

[Galateia 1]

No problem. The USC's father is agreeing to support them. After all, he's submitting an Affidavit of Support. Is he not also willing to help support some of the immigration cost or does he only plan to provide support once you are here?

In that case, I'd guess the poster should also figure out how much it will cost to live here together and make sure that the dad knows what he's getting himself into

I absolutely agree.

We're planning on getting married and filing for Adujustment of Status right away. My FF will be able to support me while the paperwork is in process (he would almost have enough to be my sponsor, but it's from scholarships/grants, not 'income') but we may have to ask his father to help supplement some of the immigration costs. It makes us really uncomfortable to rely on his father like this, but we don't have much choice.

Moreover, our financial situation isn't going to improve in the next five years at least, so it won't be significant help for us to wait until a later date.

Who knew being in love was so expensive?

[evilcanuck 0]

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm

I-129F $170

Medical Exam $185 (Panel physicians in toronto, $275 if you ae in windsor)

Passport $ 87

RCMP lettter $ 25 (you wont need this until you are approved and your petition goes to Montreal)

Visa $100 (this is what you pay for at the consulate when you go for your interview, after you are approved and they send you a letter explainging about the medical, RCMP check and other evidence you need. You only need to go to Montreal once, and no they dont do it in Toronto which would be easier)

After you get your visa and you cross over, it costs $6 at the border...cheapest part of the whole thing.

Once you are married you apply to adjust your status $ 325 plus biometrics fee $70 plus Employment Authorization $180 and Travel document if you plan on coming home between the time you cross over and the time you get your status adjusted $170 (remember if you leave the us after activating your visa, you cant come back unless you have advanced parole or your green card

You ae looking at about $1000 not including your travel time to montreal...then $205 in 3 years to lift conditions

all fees are in USD, except passport, rcmp check and medical. It costs some money, but it is broken down a bit and you can save up for each thing in between. Best of luck!!!

I rented a car and drove to Montreal for a lot cheaper than $299, look into that (if you drive) at least then if you are desperate you can drive, get in late, sleep in your car, and be at the consulate first thing!!! Of course gas wasnt over $1 a frikkin litre then yet either!!!

[Galateia 1]

Oh joy!

Man, I wish panelphysicians.com was up yesterday when I was getting all in a panic. By their criteria, I don't need any immunizations at all!

The only thing I might have needed was a TD booster, but I got that last summer when I sliced up my hand. I had to track down the information on it to confirm it was a T + D combo, which it was.

So even though the passport was an additional 80, the 200 for vaccinations was a happy subtraction.

I was about to order my certified copy of my long birth certificate online, but it says they send it to you in '15 business days or your money back' which I thought was a bit odd...

Do I need to apply for it now, if it would arrive so soon? My money situation is quite brutal at the moment and I'd prefer to defer it if I can.

[ceriserose 1]

Oh joy!

Man, I wish panelphysicians.com was up yesterday when I was getting all in a panic. By their criteria, I don't need any immunizations at all!

The only thing I might have needed was a TD booster, but I got that last summer when I sliced up my hand. I had to track down the information on it to confirm it was a T + D combo, which it was.

So even though the passport was an additional 80, the 200 for vaccinations was a happy subtraction.

I was about to order my certified copy of my long birth certificate online, but it says they send it to you in '15 business days or your money back' which I thought was a bit odd...

Do I need to apply for it now, if it would arrive so soon? My money situation is quite brutal at the moment and I'd prefer to defer it if I can.

From what I understand, Ontario has a partcularly long wait for the long form BC...like months. (I'm only going by what others have said on this site though...I'm from the Yukon. Very short wait time there. )

The reason I pointed you to the USCIS site and Guides tab here is that they have the forms or links to forms and $$ amounts for each, including adjusting status. The fees went up right after I did my AOS last fall and frankly, I have no brain right now and can't remember them. So if you wanted the total $$ spent to get to green card, have those in the back of your mind too.

[Galateia 1]

From what I understand, Ontario has a partcularly long wait for the long form BC...like months. (I'm only going by what others have said on this site though...I'm from the Yukon. Very short wait time there. )

The reason I pointed you to the USCIS site and Guides tab here is that they have the forms or links to forms and $$ amounts for each, including adjusting status. The fees went up right after I did my AOS last fall and frankly, I have no brain right now and can't remember them. So if you wanted the total $$ spent to get to green card, have those in the back of your mind too.

Well, here is the info on the site:

Office of the Registrar General

Online Birth Certificate Application

Welcome to the Office of the Registrar General's online birth certificate application. Here you will find the information you need to apply for a birth certificate.

computer icon

New! Online Birth Certificate Application

If you or your child were born in Ontario, you may apply for a birth certificate online using a credit card.

We guarantee that your certificate will be delivered to you within 15 business days or your money back. Visit Service Guarantee for terms and conditions or to apply for a refund.

Guarantor Information must be provided for subjects age 9 and older.

If the subject is deceased or you are the legal guardian, you may submit your application online and provide the necessary supporting documentation by mail. The service guarantee does not apply.

If you do not want to apply online or pay by credit card, you will have the option to complete and print your application. Once your application is printed and signed, send it to the Office of the Registrar General with payment. The service guarantee does not apply.

For emergency (48 hours) service, you must print and submit your application to the Toronto Office in person

To submit your application online, or to complete and print your application, select Begin Application.

Begin Application>>

New! Online Status Inquiry

Use our new Online Status Inquiry system to track the status of your birth certificate. For more information, visit: https://www.orgforms.gov.on.ca/status

ServiceOntario Government service that's surprisingly simple

Mysterious.

Thanks for the heads up on the additional costs... I'll warn my FI. When there is stubborness and determination I mean love, there is a way.!