Lots of questions for Vancouver interview

[benoi027 3]

I’m getting ready for my K1 interview (July 26) in Vancouver, and am hoping to use the expertise of some of you who have gone through the Vancouver Consulate. Though I feel like I’ve looked into this a zillion times, I still have a few questions I’m hoping you guys can help me clear up.

I’m also trying to make the AOS stage easier, so have some questions about what I can do now to make that go more smoothly. Any tips/advice that I don’t ask about is also very welcomed!

1. Vancouver P3 states “birth certificates”. Does this mean I also need an original of the USC’s certificate, or just my own? Same question for Police Certificates- just for the beneficiary, or for the petitioner too?

2. Someone once mentioned they ordered two original copies of their long form birth certificate. Is this necessary, or will one original (with extra photocopies) be enough?

3. Does Woking give you DS-3025 and 1-693A at the medical? And are both of these necessary?

4. I believe a TB test and syphilis test are necessary for AOS, but maybe not for K1 (?). Does Woking test for these? If not, can I ask for them to?

5. I keep reading about signing up for DHL, but am not sure how/where to do this. Does this apply for Vancouver? When signing up for my interview, it said Loomis would be used to return my passport, and that I could log into my account to get the waybill # once approved. Which account does this refer to? The CSC Visa website account?

6. Last question- any suggestions on how early to arrive before the scheduled interview time?

I think that’s it for now... I feel a bit like my head is spinning though, so will probably realize I’ve missed some questions later

Thank you all for your help! I’ve appreciated everything I’ve learned through all of you so far, and have no doubt this will continue through the next stage!

[zentaco 28]

1. Vancouver P3 states “birth certificates”. Does this mean I also need an original of the USC’s certificate, or just my own? Same question for Police Certificates- just for the beneficiary, or for the petitioner too?

Only the beneficiary needs to bring documentation. As a note, I brought both a regular long-form birth cert and a certified copy birth certificate and they preferred the latter (costs more to get though).

2. Someone once mentioned they ordered two original copies of their long form birth certificate. Is this necessary, or will one original (with extra photocopies) be enough?

They only wanted to take one photocopy of the birth certificate, and took the original birth certificate briefly as well.

3. Does Woking give you DS-3025 and 1-693A at the medical? And are both of these necessary?

Woking didn't give us any paperwork.. Just the exam results in a sealed envelope and an envelope with vaccination data/a CD.

4. I believe a TB test and syphilis test are necessary for AOS, but maybe not for K1 (?). Does Woking test for these? If not, can I ask for them to?

You'll probably have to ask, but I'm pretty sure the x-ray they did was for TB. Possible that the blood test checked for syphilis.

5. I keep reading about signing up for DHL, but am not sure how/where to do this. Does this apply for Vancouver? When signing up for my interview, it said Loomis would be used to return my passport, and that I could log into my account to get the waybill # once approved. Which account does this refer to? The CSC Visa website account?

It refers to the stuff you filled in on the CSC visa website.. If you picked the closest Loomis location as you were in the process of booking your interview, you should be good. Pretty sure you can edit that info on the website if need be. And yep, same site for waybill (though I got it by email first).

6. Last question- any suggestions on how early to arrive before the scheduled interview time?

We arrived roughly 25min ahead of time, which seemed to be just right. Fortunately we had little in the way of lineups on the way inside.

Edited July 18, 2012 by zentaco

[at long last 58]

1. Vancouver P3 states “birth certificates”. Does this mean I also need an original of the USC’s certificate, or just my own? Same question for Police Certificates- just for the beneficiary, or for the petitioner too?

Only the beneficiary needs to bring documentation. As a note, I brought both a regular long-form birth cert and a certified copy birth certificate and they preferred the latter (costs more to get though).

2. Someone once mentioned they ordered two original copies of their long form birth certificate. Is this necessary, or will one original (with extra photocopies) be enough?

They only wanted to take one photocopy of the birth certificate, and took the original birth certificate briefly as well.

3. Does Woking give you DS-3025 and 1-693A at the medical? And are both of these necessary?

Woking didn't give us any paperwork.. Just the exam results in a sealed envelope and an envelope with vaccination data/a CD.

4. I believe a TB test and syphilis test are necessary for AOS, but maybe not for K1 (?). Does Woking test for these? If not, can I ask for them to?

You'll probably have to ask, but I'm pretty sure the x-ray they did was for TB. Possible that the blood test checked for syphilis.

5. I keep reading about signing up for DHL, but am not sure how/where to do this. Does this apply for Vancouver? When signing up for my interview, it said Loomis would be used to return my passport, and that I could log into my account to get the waybill # once approved. Which account does this refer to? The CSC Visa website account?

It refers to the stuff you filled in on the CSC visa website.. If you picked the closest Loomis location as you were in the process of booking your interview, you should be good. Pretty sure you can edit that info on the website if need be. And yep, same site for waybill (though I got it by email first).

6. Last question- any suggestions on how early to arrive before the scheduled interview time?

We arrived roughly 25min ahead of time, which seemed to be just right. Fortunately we had little in the way of lineups on the way inside.

The Beneficiary takes an original of all needed documentation, take a photocopy of each to leave with them. they would appreciate that and will return your originals.

Long form birth certificate needed.

Yes the x-ray tests for TB and the blood work is for the syphilis

Police Certificate is only for you.

[awkwardsoul 20]

1. at the interview, they want a photocopy of your birthcert. I brought the original only and they asked for a photocopy and I was like "omg what?" but they photocopied it for me. So bring the original + copy.

3. no. But consider paying the extra fee at Woking for extra copy of your medical incase they lose it for when you are doing your AOS.

[CANbirdUSman 11]

Hello benoi027,

I have my interview tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

*Re: Woking Medical: $50 (bank draft or money order) to issue another copy for AOS (adjustment of status).

After you've filled in their forms & hand them back, let them know you'd like a copy of the medical for your 'Adjustment of Status', ...*

Piece of mind....

Cheers & Happy Journeys!

[dukeandduchess 141]

1. Vancouver P3 states “birth certificates”. Does this mean I also need an original of the USC’s certificate, or just my own? Same question for Police Certificates- just for the beneficiary, or for the petitioner too?

Bring your original long-form birth certificate and at least 1 photocopy of your birth certificate. They do not need the USC's birth certificate (they submitted it with the original petition.

2. Someone once mentioned they ordered two original copies of their long form birth certificate. Is this necessary, or will one original (with extra photocopies) be enough?

You do not need 2 originals. Bring 2 photocopies and the original to your interview, they will *not* keep the original. You will need it for your AOS so hang on to it when you come to the US.

3. Does Woking give you DS-3025 and 1-693A at the medical? And are both of these necessary?

Woking will give you the DS-3025 (aka Vaccination list) as well as a sealed envelope and x-ray CD. I brought all of it but they only take the sealed envelope. Make sure you have the sealed envelope out because they will take it and xray it like it's a bomb - seriously. You *must* keep the vaccination checklist for your AOS. DO NOT LOSE THIS or you will have to get a whole new medical (aka I-693) done. If you do not apply for AOS within 1 year from your medical, you MUST get a new medical done for your AOS.

4. I believe a TB test and syphilis test are necessary for AOS, but maybe not for K1 (?). Does Woking test for these? If not, can I ask for them to?

They test you for what is necessary for AOS so you don't have to ask to have other things done. You don't have to do anything special for AOS except submit the vaccination list (DS-3025) as long as you're within one year of your medical. Not sure what they test for, though as others have mentioned the xray could be for TB and the blood test for syphilis. Why bother asking? It might look weird.

5. I keep reading about signing up for DHL, but am not sure how/where to do this. Does this apply for Vancouver? When signing up for my interview, it said Loomis would be used to return my passport, and that I could log into my account to get the waybill # once approved. Which account does this refer to? The CSC Visa website account?

DHL = Loomis. You need to log into the same website where you booked your appointment to find your waybill#. When you schedule your interview you should have picked the DHL office closest to you, which is where you will go to pick it up once it's ready. You can also have it sent directly to you for an additional fee + at least another week of waiting. You will need to have your waybill first, before you can do this. So if you have a location near you its cheaper and easier to pick it up yourself.

6. Last question- any suggestions on how early to arrive before the scheduled interview time?

I was at least 30 minutes early, and they let me in. I've heard that they will turn people away before their appointment time. Do not bring anything except your paperwork/evidence/wallet/keys. Do not bring anything sealed except for your medical, no electronics (including cell phones). If you want to bring your purse/cell, store it at the convenience store across the street (next to purolator). It costs 5$ but it was well worth it to call my fiance and tell him the good news. Also, don't wear baggy clothes. I had a jacket/big baggy aritzia sweater/scarf on and they made me take it all off and searched it. I guess it won't be a big problem in the summer though!

Good luck, let us know how it went!

EDIT: As others have mentioned, you can now get an extra copy of your medical for AOS - just in case they lose it. I would definitely get one just in case!

Edited July 19, 2012 by dukeandduchess

[benoi027 3]

You guys are wonderful!! Thank you all so much for clearing those up. I feel much better prepared!

Good luck tomorrow, CANbirdUSman- let us know how it goes!

[CANbirdUSman 11]

Approved: See consulate review for details.

[benoi027 3]

Congrats CANbirdUSman!!! That's wonderful news- and thanks for the consulate review... great information!

On another note, I got my bank draft for the medical exam today, and decided to get it made out for $400 to cover the cost of the medical and the extra envelope for AOS. Does anyone know if this is okay, or do I need two separate bank drafts ($350 and $50)?

[CANbirdUSman 11]

I'm sure 1 for the total amount is fine. (You'll save a few bucks too. There's a charge for each draft you do). @ TD

I did 2 separate (just did it that way....)

When I went to pay they said, "Oh... you've got 2..?." In my mind that translates to, "Hey, you could've paid all in 1 ..."

As long as you have the right amount it's all good.

*I wonder why they don't advertise on their site that you can get an additional copy for $50?*

ANYWAY..... Good luck!!!!