Interview questions

[CanuckGurl 3]

We started our journey in October 2009 and have finally got an interview September 2nd - yay! The lawyer I talked with back in June (basically needed her to hold my hand and assure me I was doing everything right) said that with all the hassles I've gone thru (turned back at the border two times!) I should write a book hehe. I will be a very happpy lady once this part of our journey is done and over with - and if I never see another US Border "special" crossing room again it will be too soon!

I have a few questions about what happens after the pre and post interview, assuming I get approved.

1. Do I need vaccinations to go to the US - the medical place I booked with just said that they would cost extra over the $215 if I needed any, but didn't specify any costs. I haven't had a shot of any sort in over 10 years and before that I was in elementary school so what kind of records would I be looking for and where would I even start??

2. Can I wait around the consulate for the 3 - 5 business days for the PoE paperwork or does it *have* to be couriered to my address on file?

3. I know they say to not make any plans to travel to the US until the process is completed with the interview and subsequent approval but I don't want to have to pay an extra $3000ish in travel costs if I don't have to (my hubby can drive up to Montreal and we can drive back to Ohio for alot less cost then me flying all the way back to the west coast and then down to Ohio). We are very close to our 2 year anniversary and so I'm curious to know if the extra 2mths is worth the wait for me to join my husband in Ohio? Are there *any* adverse things besides having to pay for the change from conditional resident to permanent resident if I go down before the 2 year anniv?

Thanks for your tips and advice - love this website for holding my hand thru this process!

[Brusik 11]

My wife had her Medical last Wednesday.. She had 2 vaccinations. I am not sure if it differs from consulate to country but I would think everyone coming to the US would need vaccinations.

I wouldn't make any specific plans til you have the VISA in hand............

Edited August 13, 2011 by Brusik

[CanuckGurl 3]

My wife had her Medical last Wednesday.. She had 2 vaccinations. I am not sure if it differs from consulate to country but I would think everyone coming to the US would need vaccinations.

I wouldn't make any specific plans til you have the VISA in hand............

Thanks for the info about the vaccinations.

The travel plans are changable of course - but I also want to know if anyone has an opinion about the waiting for our 2 year anniversary or not after approval and if I can pick up the PoE paperwork from the consulate or not?

Thanks.

[Ryan H 3,834]

The travel plans are changable of course - but I also want to know if anyone has an opinion about the waiting for our 2 year anniversary or not after approval and if I can pick up the PoE paperwork from the consulate or not?

If you wait for your 2 year anniversary before entry, you would be entitled to IR-1 status and 10 year green card at entry (just be sure to tell CBP that you are entitled to IR-1 status). Most importantly, just be sure to use the visa before it expires.

[Lyloron 0]

I have a few questions about what happens after the pre and post interview, assuming I get approved.

1. Do I need vaccinations to go to the US - the medical place I booked with just said that they would cost extra over the $215 if I needed any, but didn't specify any costs. I haven't had a shot of any sort in over 10 years and before that I was in elementary school so what kind of records would I be looking for and where would I even start??

2. Can I wait around the consulate for the 3 - 5 business days for the PoE paperwork or does it *have* to be couriered to my address on file?

3. I know they say to not make any plans to travel to the US until the process is completed with the interview and subsequent approval but I don't want to have to pay an extra $3000ish in travel costs if I don't have to (my hubby can drive up to Montreal and we can drive back to Ohio for alot less cost then me flying all the way back to the west coast and then down to Ohio). We are very close to our 2 year anniversary and so I'm curious to know if the extra 2mths is worth the wait for me to join my husband in Ohio? Are there *any* adverse things besides having to pay for the change from conditional resident to permanent resident if I go down before the 2 year anniv?

Thanks for your tips and advice - love this website for holding my hand thru this process!

I just recently finished my interview (successfully) and now I am waiting on my passport from DHL. I felt I might be able to offer some insights but please just consider them as insights... not absolutes.

1. I did my medical with Seiden & Associates in Toronto and the doctor I eventually saw there felt I needed an MMR booster (unfortunately my childhood records weren't sufficiently clear for him). The front desk staff referred me to a clinic (Doctors Inc I believe) which was just a few blocks away. I produced my out of province health card and told them I needed an MMR and there was no charge to me. I don't know if this will help you but I believe it should be possible for you to get any vaccinations covered but out-of-province it might be a bit hit or miss. If I had known it was going to be an issue for me I would have taken care of that in my home province.

2. I don't believe waiting at the consulate for paperwork will help you. Once you sign up with DHL you will select the location for it to be delivered to for pick-up (there are a number of options across Canada). If you wish you can pay a little extra (<$20) and have it delivered to your residence.

3. It sounds like it has been a challenging process for you. I'm thankful I was never denied visiting my wife during the process although I found myself many times parked and explaining myself in secondary screening. If I were you I would seriously consider waiting for my 2 yr wedding anniversary just to not have to worry about more paperwork in two years as another person suggested.

Some thoughts from me... Good luck!

[OBX 51]

I agree with above poster.

Check out the link below to see what vaccinations are required for your age group. You will need your vaccination records or proof of immunity (through titre tests) for your medical. It is advisable yo have any necessary vaccinations prior to the medical to avoid any delays. Some of the panel physicians in Canada will provide them but not all so your MD may be the best way to go.

Panel Physicians

Montreal returns the passports and POE package via DHL now, although some have had success in picking them up the next day. This, however, is totally at the discretion of the consulate and there are no guarantees. I would not make any plans expecting to be able to pick it up yourself but you can always ask at the interview.

I would definitely delay POE until after your second year anniversary if possible. You will then receive a 10 year green card and be able to avoid the hassle and additional $ of ROC in two years. Be aware that since your interview will be before your two year anniversary you will be issued a CR1 visa. At POE you will need to bring it to the attention of the officer processing you that you have been married over two years and are therefore eligible for IR1 status

Good luck!

[Done--Really 331]

Ditto--wait for the two year anniversary if it is at all possible--so much nicer to have the 10-year card !!