Anyone done DCF Toronto recently?

[birdnerd 5]

Just wondering about people's experiences with Toronto Consulate, maybe for the last year or so - specifically: how long was it between submitting I-130 and hearing from consulate; and how long until the actual appointment?

Trying to figure out if and when I should try to follow up...

Thanks!

[trailmix 77]

Hi,

Cohochamu filed at Toronto in April last year, not really 'recent' - he submitted his I-130 in April, his timeline says he got his NOA1 on April 29th and approval for that on June 17th.

Anyway you might want to pm him to get details.

He interviewed last week.

Edited February 5, 2010 by trailmix

[birdnerd 5]

Hi,

Cohochamu filed at Toronto in April last year, not really 'recent' - he submitted his I-130 in April, his timeline says he got his NOA1 on April 29th and approval for that on June 17th.

Anyway you might want to pm him to get details.

He interviewed last week.

Thanks, TM. I will try to contact chochamu.

Just don't want to get on anyone's bad side at the Consulate before it's necessary.

They received my I-130 first thing Jan 26, but the bank says the money order has not been cashed yet.

I just want to get the initial petition interview over with, because hubby is going to be heading to US to start his new job in April, hope it's done before then. Then I stay here and wait for the Montreal end to process.

[birdnerd 5]

So, heard back from Toronto Consulate today, with date for our appointment to present original docs - Feb 26th. First stage of the process activated.

[birdnerd 5]

Hi hi hi,

SO, did our consulate appointment today, went ok. THey had a bit of a mixup, but have sorted it out - we got someone else's money order receipt, almost got their xpresspost envelope, they got ours, but other than that, think all is ok. Something that seemed weird is I thought having this appointment, we'd have our I-130 approved on the spot, however they gave us a form saying it's been 'accepted', but the approval will ultimately come from Montreal, after a check at USCIS. So, that's where it's on its way just now. Three other couples filing at the same time, one who'd been looking at VJ, others not, so was trying to get them to sign up.

Sorry for rambling post, but been v. bad week - house supposed to go on market on Thurs, WEd night the basement sewer drain backs up, so now dealing with plumbers (getting massively ripped off), and insurance, who are great, but it's just going to take time now, and we just had the stager in on WEd. Am so very tired and frustrated. Perhaps should post on rant thread?

So next step - awaiting instructions from Montreal. Let the waiting begin...

[trailmix 77]

Hi Bird,

Congratulations on getting started

Yes, in looking at chochamu's timeline I see it took about 2 months from the time he submitted his I-130 until it was approved.

Sorry to hear about your house problems! How annoying for you.

[birdnerd 5]

Hi Bird,

Congratulations on getting started

Yes, in looking at chochamu's timeline I see it took about 2 months from the time he submitted his I-130 until it was approved.

Sorry to hear about your house problems! How annoying for you.

Thanks, TM.

I'd like to update my timeline, but not sure how to relate DCF events with USCIS events. Should I put yesterday's appointment as my NOA1, as it was when my petition was 'accepted'? Then NOA2 will come from Montreal?

[trailmix 77]

Thanks, TM.

I'd like to update my timeline, but not sure how to relate DCF events with USCIS events. Should I put yesterday's appointment as my NOA1, as it was when my petition was 'accepted'? Then NOA2 will come from Montreal?

Yes exactly

[birdnerd 5]

Whooo!

Packet 3 arrived today! No 'approval' notice from Montreal per se, but I guess this is it.

Already have DS-230 roughed out in pencil, just transcribing it tomorrow and couriering it off.

Heh, Montreal is still saying 4-6 months for an interview date from when they receive this packet back.

[leonsgal70 3]

Whooo!

Packet 3 arrived today! No 'approval' notice from Montreal per se, but I guess this is it.

Already have DS-230 roughed out in pencil, just transcribing it tomorrow and couriering it off.

Heh, Montreal is still saying 4-6 months for an interview date from when they receive this packet back.

CONGRATS BirdNerd! I'm not too far off behind you...hoping to be in your dust soooon! Very Good News! Have an AWESOME Weekend!

[birdnerd 5]

CONGRATS BirdNerd! I'm not too far off behind you...hoping to be in your dust soooon! Very Good News! Have an AWESOME Weekend!

Aww, you're so sweet.

Well, I got my DS-230 sent off yesterday, but got all confuddled and sent it by snail mail. Hope that's correct.

[trailmix 77]

Hi bird,

My understanding was that the DS-230 was presented at the interview, rather than being sent in. I thought the DCF applicant got a checklist of items, but they were to be taken to the interview, not mailed in. If this has changed, ie: if your letter says something different than the one below, can you let us know?

[birdnerd 5]

Hi TM,

Actually, the last paragraph of the form you posted says to return the DS-230 along with the checklist. Had a minor heart attack for a second there!

My letter from the consulate (folded to protect my identity ) looks like this:

Edited March 27, 2010 by birdnerd

[trailmix 77]

Rightio - but it says in the first one not to send documents - just the DS-230 - and in your version it says - also send the checklist indicating you have the documents.

Are the documents that normally accompany the DS-230 on that checklist?

Personally I doubt they will care if you send them with it now or take it to the interview - this is just me - questioning to understand it myself

Edited March 27, 2010 by trailmix

[birdnerd 5]

Rightio - but it says in the first one not to send documents - just the DS-230 - and in your version it says - also send the checklist indicating you have the documents.

Are the documents that normally accompany the DS-230 on that checklist?

Personally I doubt they will care if you send them with it now or take it to the interview - this is just me - questioning to understand it myself

Yep, the checklist was all the usual suspects, there are two columns marked 'obtained' and 'does not apply', these items are only in the 'obtained' column:

-passport

-photographs (presumably the passport-sized ones)

-birth cert.

-marriage cert.

-police cert.

-evidence of domicile

-affidavit of support

-evidence of support

These items also have spots in the 'does not apply' column:

-adoption cert.

-divorce or death cert.

-criminal (court and prison) records

-military records

-immigration records

-for minor children, custody/consent