New Member - Need Help

[kaylamarie 0]

hi guys...sorry if you get mad at me for posting in the wrong area..i'm sooo new to this but im about ready to pull my hair out and cry. my boyfriend and i have been dating for..2 years feb.24th but we've known each other longer. I'm moving there to the United States in Oregon (I'm a Canadian citizen he's American) I'm also 19, hes turning 21. please no comments about age . anyways how long estimate should this take? Just an estimation i would really love, from reading everyone's stories here my guess was about 5 months for everything to be done? does that seem right. anyways he's visited here twice once for two weeks, and again for 3 weeks. and being apart is just too hard (we've been apart for about 7 months) I was calm about all this before, but then reading things is really stressing me out. Anyways so my questions are.

1. what happens during the medical exam

2. estimate time of how long it takes

those questions are pretty different from each other but..those are just the little things i have to ask before i start hyperventilating lol.

Thanks.

-Kayla blush.gif

[JillA 2]

hi guys...sorry if you get mad at me for posting in the wrong area..i'm sooo new to this but im about ready to pull my hair out and cry. my boyfriend and i have been dating for..2 years feb.24th but we've known each other longer. I'm moving there to the United States in Oregon (I'm a Canadian citizen he's American) I'm also 19, hes turning 21. please no comments about age . anyways how long estimate should this take? Just an estimation i would really love, from reading everyone's stories here my guess was about 5 months for everything to be done? does that seem right. anyways he's visited here twice once for two weeks, and again for 3 weeks. and being apart is just too hard (we've been apart for about 7 months) I was calm about all this before, but then reading things is really stressing me out. Anyways so my questions are.

1. what happens during the medical exam

2. estimate time of how long it takes

those questions are pretty different from each other but..those are just the little things i have to ask before i start hyperventilating lol.

Thanks.

-Kayla blush.gif

Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

As for the medical, they take blood tests for HIV, and take your blood pressure, listen to your heart, take down your medical history, etc. It's pretty straighforward.

Welcome to VJ!!

[kaylamarie 0]

Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.

Edited October 1, 2009 by kaylamarie

[JillA 2]

Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.

Don't worry. First of all, you came to the right place. VJ is an excellent source of information, and many of us (myself included) did this entire Visa process from start to finish with NO LAWYER. Take some time, read the guides (above) and learn about the process. Yes, from the very beginning of the K-1 to the end takes longer than 5 months right now I'm afraid, it's not a quick nor easy process. Immigration isn't meant to be simple, I'm afraid. But try and be patient, and the time will come!

Well it is a physical, but they don't do an internal exam or anything if that's what you mean... they take a quick "peek" under your gown to ensure your female. They also do a breast exam. Since you are 19, you will be required to get the gardisil vaccination.

[kaylamarie 0]

Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.

Don't worry. First of all, you came to the right place. VJ is an excellent source of information, and many of us (myself included) did this entire Visa process from start to finish with NO LAWYER. Take some time, read the guides (above) and learn about the process. Yes, from the very beginning of the K-1 to the end takes longer than 5 months right now I'm afraid, it's not a quick nor easy process. Immigration isn't meant to be simple, I'm afraid. But try and be patient, and the time will come!

Well it is a physical, but they don't do an internal exam or anything if that's what you mean... they take a quick "peek" under your gown to ensure your female. They also do a breast exam. Since you are 19, you will be required to get the gardisil vaccination.

You have no idea how much i appreciate your help your pretty much my savior at this point thank you so much..i really didn't think it would take longer then that i was expecting 4-5 months thats a reallllly big letdown i'm so sick of waiting. If a lawyer is used doesn't that mean the process would be speeded up a bit? so another question, could i visit for six months while the process is happening? Six months is the time your allowed to visit right? 6 months of the calendar year or something like that? So could we file for the k1 and then i go visit him for six months while it happens?

[JillA 2]

Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.

Don't worry. First of all, you came to the right place. VJ is an excellent source of information, and many of us (myself included) did this entire Visa process from start to finish with NO LAWYER. Take some time, read the guides (above) and learn about the process. Yes, from the very beginning of the K-1 to the end takes longer than 5 months right now I'm afraid, it's not a quick nor easy process. Immigration isn't meant to be simple, I'm afraid. But try and be patient, and the time will come!

Well it is a physical, but they don't do an internal exam or anything if that's what you mean... they take a quick "peek" under your gown to ensure your female. They also do a breast exam. Since you are 19, you will be required to get the gardisil vaccination.

You have no idea how much i appreciate your help your pretty much my savior at this point thank you so much..i really didn't think it would take longer then that i was expecting 4-5 months thats a reallllly big letdown i'm so sick of waiting. If a lawyer is used doesn't that mean the process would be speeded up a bit? so another question, could i visit for six months while the process is happening? Six months is the time your allowed to visit right? 6 months of the calendar year or something like that? So could we file for the k1 and then i go visit him for six months while it happens?

No problem, that's what we are all here for. VJ will be a huge source of help to you.

Now, first of all - NO, a lawyer will NOT speed up your process. In fact, people who have used a lawyer have sometimes reported longer waits then those who do it themselves. Why? Because a lawyer doesn't pay as much detail in filling out the forms as you will, you can't control when the lawyer sends in the package, etc. Plus immigration is costly enough as it is, you really don't want to have to spend thousands more on a lawyer, do you? But of course, that is entirely up to you and your boyfriend.

It is a letdown, but the honest truth. It is hard to wait to be with the one you love, but think of the big picture. What's another 3-4 months in the long term? Really nothing, and that's just how it is right now.

Yes, you are technically allowed to visit for 6 months as a Canadian in the US. HOWEVER, when you enter the US you need to prove ties to Canada. The border guard will be very suspicious if you say you are going to visit for 5-6 months. How will they know you will return to Canada? What proof will you have? At your age (assumption here) you probably live with your parents? So you don't have a lease agreement, etc. Do you work? Would an employer be willing to give you a letter to state you are coming back to work? These are all things you need to think about. Also, you need to be present in Canada to do your medical, get the package from Montreal stating when your interview is, etc.

Bottom line is, you can definitely visit the US while your K-1 file is processing. However, you need to be prepared to answer some tough questions at the border (will you have a return ticket)? You don't want to get turned away, and you also don't want to risk an overstay. They WILL ask you at the interview what the longest is you've spent in the US

[kaylamarie 0]

Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.

Don't worry. First of all, you came to the right place. VJ is an excellent source of information, and many of us (myself included) did this entire Visa process from start to finish with NO LAWYER. Take some time, read the guides (above) and learn about the process. Yes, from the very beginning of the K-1 to the end takes longer than 5 months right now I'm afraid, it's not a quick nor easy process. Immigration isn't meant to be simple, I'm afraid. But try and be patient, and the time will come!

Well it is a physical, but they don't do an internal exam or anything if that's what you mean... they take a quick "peek" under your gown to ensure your female. They also do a breast exam. Since you are 19, you will be required to get the gardisil vaccination.

You have no idea how much i appreciate your help your pretty much my savior at this point thank you so much..i really didn't think it would take longer then that i was expecting 4-5 months thats a reallllly big letdown i'm so sick of waiting. If a lawyer is used doesn't that mean the process would be speeded up a bit? so another question, could i visit for six months while the process is happening? Six months is the time your allowed to visit right? 6 months of the calendar year or something like that? So could we file for the k1 and then i go visit him for six months while it happens?

No problem, that's what we are all here for. VJ will be a huge source of help to you.

Now, first of all - NO, a lawyer will NOT speed up your process. In fact, people who have used a lawyer have sometimes reported longer waits then those who do it themselves. Why? Because a lawyer doesn't pay as much detail in filling out the forms as you will, you can't control when the lawyer sends in the package, etc. Plus immigration is costly enough as it is, you really don't want to have to spend thousands more on a lawyer, do you? But of course, that is entirely up to you and your boyfriend.

It is a letdown, but the honest truth. It is hard to wait to be with the one you love, but think of the big picture. What's another 3-4 months in the long term? Really nothing, and that's just how it is right now.

Yes, you are technically allowed to visit for 6 months as a Canadian in the US. HOWEVER, when you enter the US you need to prove ties to Canada. The border guard will be very suspicious if you say you are going to visit for 5-6 months. How will they know you will return to Canada? What proof will you have? At your age (assumption here) you probably live with your parents? So you don't have a lease agreement, etc. Do you work? Would an employer be willing to give you a letter to state you are coming back to work? These are all things you need to think about. Also, you need to be present in Canada to do your medical, get the package from Montreal stating when your interview is, etc.

Bottom line is, you can definitely visit the US while your K-1 file is processing. However, you need to be prepared to answer some tough questions at the border (will you have a return ticket)? You don't want to get turned away, and you also don't want to risk an overstay. They WILL ask you at the interview what the longest is you've spent in the US

Well ill be sure to pass on that information about the lawyer to my boyfriend. considering you've been through all of this i'll take your word on it. i'm actually living on my own right now but moving back in with my parents at the end of October so i guess the lease wont work. I do have a job but, if i left for 6 months im not sure i'd still have a job lol but its worth asking i guess! so if i dont have a lease or a statement from my employer is that pretty much out of the question? what if i buy a return ticket, can't i just use that? I really hope you dont mind all my questions if i get annoying be free to tell me. Would you say it could work? or would you recommend not even doing that

[JillA 2]

No you're not annoying, I was just as confused and overwhelmed to the immigration process when I started as well. If you and your BF both do some research here on VJ, read the guides, sample forms, timelines, etc. you can surely do this yourself with no lawyer. That's a fact, because many of us VJ did it with no lawyer. There is no reason why you can't too.

It's really up to the discretion of the BG to decide if you'll be let in... A return ticket is good, but not exactly proof enough you are coming back. After all, you could cancel the ticket or choose to skip the flight back. This is just my own opinion, and how I felt but don't you want to spend your last few months/year in Canada with family and friends who you'll be leaving? The transition of moving to a new country away from everything/everyone you know is incredibly hard. You won't know how hard it is until you do it, you cannot fully prepare yourself for the adjustment life will bring you.

How would you get mail from USCIS if you are in the US? Would your parents collect it for you?

[Krikit 1,164]

Hi kaylamarie. Jill was kind enough to inform me about your posts so I have split them from the EI thread into your own topic.

You'll find tons of good information here, and some really lovely people. Welcome to VJ.

[kaylamarie 0]

Hi kaylamarie. Jill was kind enough to inform me about your posts so I have split them from the EI thread into your own topic.

You'll find tons of good information here, and some really lovely people. Welcome to VJ.

thank you so much:)

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Kaylamarie - you have found the right place. Get your boyfriend reading here too - it will help youguys understand the process and everyone in the Canadian forum is super helpful.

As suggested above - the lawyer is not needed, most of us have done it ourselvesand we're not rocket scientists. Most folks experience has been that having a lawyer slows things down if anything because you have to wait to meet with him and make appointments and stuff. Doing it yourself, means you guys receve the mail, you get to read all the letters and you know where things are at without asking someone else or paying them $$$$.

Read the Guides tab across the top and checkout the K1, it's really helpful

[kaylamarie 0]

No you're not annoying, I was just as confused and overwhelmed to the immigration process when I started as well. If you and your BF both do some research here on VJ, read the guides, sample forms, timelines, etc. you can surely do this yourself with no lawyer. That's a fact, because many of us VJ did it with no lawyer. There is no reason why you can't too.

It's really up to the discretion of the BG to decide if you'll be let in... A return ticket is good, but not exactly proof enough you are coming back. After all, you could cancel the ticket or choose to skip the flight back. This is just my own opinion, and how I felt but don't you want to spend your last few months/year in Canada with family and friends who you'll be leaving? The transition of moving to a new country away from everything/everyone you know is incredibly hard. You won't know how hard it is until you do it, you cannot fully prepare yourself for the adjustment life will bring you.

How would you get mail from USCIS if you are in the US? Would your parents collect it for you?

Yeah my parents would collect all that information for me but i'm starting to think now me doing that would make things a bit more complicated in the end? What's the BG? im not quite familiar with that term yet. I think we'll probably skip the lawyer. I just dont want to go another 8 months on top of the 7 months that i haven't seen him and i thought that would be a good way to do it is to just go there for 5 or so months and maybe come back for the last of it? I know it will be a huuuge life changing thing, and im very ready for it the original plan was for him to come and live here but i had wanted to live in the US with him ..crazy eh?

[JillA 2]

No you're not annoying, I was just as confused and overwhelmed to the immigration process when I started as well. If you and your BF both do some research here on VJ, read the guides, sample forms, timelines, etc. you can surely do this yourself with no lawyer. That's a fact, because many of us VJ did it with no lawyer. There is no reason why you can't too.

It's really up to the discretion of the BG to decide if you'll be let in... A return ticket is good, but not exactly proof enough you are coming back. After all, you could cancel the ticket or choose to skip the flight back. This is just my own opinion, and how I felt but don't you want to spend your last few months/year in Canada with family and friends who you'll be leaving? The transition of moving to a new country away from everything/everyone you know is incredibly hard. You won't know how hard it is until you do it, you cannot fully prepare yourself for the adjustment life will bring you.

How would you get mail from USCIS if you are in the US? Would your parents collect it for you?

Yeah my parents would collect all that information for me but i'm starting to think now me doing that would make things a bit more complicated in the end? What's the BG? im not quite familiar with that term yet. I think we'll probably skip the lawyer. I just dont want to go another 8 months on top of the 7 months that i haven't seen him and i thought that would be a good way to do it is to just go there for 5 or so months and maybe come back for the last of it? I know it will be a huuuge life changing thing, and im very ready for it the original plan was for him to come and live here but i had wanted to live in the US with him ..crazy eh?

Sorry, BG = border guard.

Yup, it's pretty crazy what we do for love

Just out of curiosity, what province are you in and where would you be moving to in the US?

[trailmix 77]

Hi and welcome,

Basically immigration is filling out a bunch of paperwork. As Jill mentioned, many here have done it without the help of a lawyer. Now i'm not trying to discourage you from getting one if that's your choice, but as Jill also said, they don't care about your paperwork as much as you do! (generally). It is no faster, everyone, lawyer or not, has to fill out the same forms and submit them to the same address.

To start, a good place to look at an overview of the K1 process is here: K1 Flowchart

Once you have reviewed that you will want to look at the guides (just click on the guides tab at the top of the page).

Also - where do you live? Where you live will dictate where you have your interview. There are only 2 U.S. consulates in Canada that do interviews, Vancouver and Montreal. Where your file will be sent, eventually, depends on which province you live in.

Oh and you aren't being a bother, so after you read the guides and you have questions, please come back and ask!

Edited October 1, 2009 by trailmix

[kaylamarie 0]

No you're not annoying, I was just as confused and overwhelmed to the immigration process when I started as well. If you and your BF both do some research here on VJ, read the guides, sample forms, timelines, etc. you can surely do this yourself with no lawyer. That's a fact, because many of us VJ did it with no lawyer. There is no reason why you can't too.

It's really up to the discretion of the BG to decide if you'll be let in... A return ticket is good, but not exactly proof enough you are coming back. After all, you could cancel the ticket or choose to skip the flight back. This is just my own opinion, and how I felt but don't you want to spend your last few months/year in Canada with family and friends who you'll be leaving? The transition of moving to a new country away from everything/everyone you know is incredibly hard. You won't know how hard it is until you do it, you cannot fully prepare yourself for the adjustment life will bring you.

How would you get mail from USCIS if you are in the US? Would your parents collect it for you?

Yeah my parents would collect all that information for me but i'm starting to think now me doing that would make things a bit more complicated in the end? What's the BG? im not quite familiar with that term yet. I think we'll probably skip the lawyer. I just dont want to go another 8 months on top of the 7 months that i haven't seen him and i thought that would be a good way to do it is to just go there for 5 or so months and maybe come back for the last of it? I know it will be a huuuge life changing thing, and im very ready for it the original plan was for him to come and live here but i had wanted to live in the US with him ..crazy eh?

Sorry, BG = border guard.

Yup, it's pretty crazy what we do for love

Just out of curiosity, what province are you in and where would you be moving to in the US?

I live in Ontario, and his state is Oregon