Worried About Interview Evidence and Point of Entry

[codygrace 14]

My interview is on October 9th, and I have a couple things that I am still feeling worried about. I have all the required forms, I've completed the medical, and I've got all the evidence and financial support documents that I can.

We will be sending in, on top of the required forms, a letter from his previous employer (which is also technically his current employer) stating how long he had been a temp. and when his official hire on date was. I have pay stubs from the temp agency and the only two pay stubs he's got since being hired on permanently and full-time (which was quite recent). All in all, he's been at this company since July 2011. He sent me W2s, but apparently those aren't really supportive? So, I asked him to request the IRS forms online. Once he gets those, I'll have him scan it so I can at least bring a copy of it with me. I am going to print the statements from our PNC bank account. He sent me all of the original USCIS documents also. He sent me letters from his sister and his mom, it's not a notarized affidavit, but they're handwritten letters stating that I had stayed with them and that we had gone on family outings together and that. I've printed a few of my favourite photos of us. I will also print some of the screen shots we've taken on skype calls (like where he put the tiara I ordered for our wedding on and posed ), which also show the duration of our calls. I may print out a screen shot of some of the logs too, because we normally call each other at the end of the day and let the call go through to the next day. I have the receipt for my engagement ring that he was very reluctant to give me lol, and we have since ordered our wedding bands, too, so I have a receipt for that (might as well do what I can while being a country away). I also plan on bringing my credit statements which show that I was in the states to visit him when I claimed I was. I copied a poem he hand wrote me for valentines day. Is this sufficient? Anything I should leave out? Anything missing that I should be adding? I wish I could just give them my facebook password lol.

Now, for point of entry, I am still very concerned about bringing my vehicle over alongside all my stuff. I've had some real horror stories at the border and needless to say I am very intimidated by them. I know that they are just doing their job, but I often get stopped, searched, and interrogated about crazy things. I've never been refused entry at the end of the day, though. I've been honest with them since day one and I hope that pays off the day I do finally move. I plan on bringing my ATV, a trailer and my vehicle over. Kriket posted some links to a form about the ATV that I honestly did not understand one bit. https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/452/kw/atv

So, if anybody could tell me their experience on that, I'd feel a whole lot better. I'm almost considering selling it so I don't have to deal with importing it. Also, what about moving things like jewelry? I don't have expensive things or anything like that, but does it need to be claimed? I know electronics do.. I don't mind paying duty, but I just want to have a clear idea of how to organize my stuff to make this as painless as possible.

SORRY for the long post. Thanks in advance.

[Krikit 1,165]

You don't pay duty, on household goods. If they are your property they come in duty free. That includes electronics, jewelry, and vehicles.

It sounds like you have more than enough evidence for the interview, but I will leave that question for those who have been through the process more recently.

[codygrace 14]

My fiance wants to come up and help me come down, but of course, it's economical to drive. We figured we would fill his truck with stuff, too. Is this a bad idea? Or OK? Will he be pulled over with me so I don't have to be alone?

[Flames9_RN 358]

He should have no problems driving his truck into Canada and help you move--unless he has some kind of criminal record!!

[JerryShaw 6]

You don't pay duty, on household goods. If they are your property they come in duty free. That includes electronics, jewelry, and vehicles.

It sounds like you have more than enough evidence for the interview, but I will leave that question for those who have been through the process more recently.

My interview date is also on the 9th.... hope to see codygrace there.

Anyway, my wife is bringing over her Toyota, and there is a cost involved (we were given an estimate of $400 for the inspection and importer fees). You also need to have a form from the manufacturer stating it conforms to US emmisions and safety standards, etc. She also has a Harley Davidson... now that one is going to be tough to get in... go figure, it was built in the USA, but requires modifications (speedometer) and the HD letter of compliance, and an importer to process it.

Luckily we have 1 year to get all that done once she becomes a resident. Toyota is already done TG.

Edited September 28, 2012 by JerryShaw

[Flames9_RN 358]

My interview date is also on the 9th.... hope to see codygrace there.

Anyway, my wife is bringing over her Toyota, and there is a cost involved (we were given an estimate of $400 for the inspection and importer fees). You also need to have a form from the manufacturer stating it conforms to US emmisions and safety standards, etc. She also has a Harley Davidson... now that one is going to be tough to get in... go figure, it was built in the USA, but requires modifications (speedometer) and the HD letter of compliance, and an importer to process it.

Luckily we have 1 year to get all that done once she becomes a resident. Toyota is already done TG.

She will be a resident of the USA as soon as she enters and a non-resident of Canada!

[VeeNDee 44]

My interview date is also on the 9th.... hope to see codygrace there.

Anyway, my wife is bringing over her Toyota, and there is a cost involved (we were given an estimate of $400 for the inspection and importer fees). You also need to have a form from the manufacturer stating it conforms to US emmisions and safety standards, etc. She also has a Harley Davidson... now that one is going to be tough to get in... go figure, it was built in the USA, but requires modifications (speedometer) and the HD letter of compliance, and an importer to process it.

Luckily we have 1 year to get all that done once she becomes a resident. Toyota is already done TG.

Ohhh you are bringing over a Toyota too - do you mind if I ask what make it is? And because Toyota won't give a compliance letter is that why you are going ahead with the inspection and importer fees?

[codygrace 14]

Well, from what I read I just need a compliance letter. My car has the US emissions sticker, just not the FMVSS or something sticker. The compliance letter is costing me $102. I don't think I'll have to get it inspected, as long as I have the letter, I will be driving it in.

Also, Cody doesn't have a criminal record lol. I'm just a little scared of the US border and I don't want to make things complicated.

I will be there waiting in the cold as early as I can drag myself out of bed! Hope to see you there!

[VeeNDee 44]

Well, from what I read I just need a compliance letter. My car has the US emissions sticker, just not the FMVSS or something sticker. The compliance letter is costing me $102. I don't think I'll have to get it inspected, as long as I have the letter, I will be driving it in.

Also, Cody doesn't have a criminal record lol. I'm just a little scared of the US border and I don't want to make things complicated.

I will be there waiting in the cold as early as I can drag myself out of bed! Hope to see you there!

I keep hearing about people saying to show up early, and now you are talking about waiting in the cold, but when I tried to book an appointment the only times they had them for every day were at 10am. Is it possible to arrive earlier? Were only the 10am appointments left for all of October or November? Just wondering if I need to show up at like 7am or something for my 10am appt...

[JerryShaw 6]

I keep hearing about people saying to show up early, and now you are talking about waiting in the cold, but when I tried to book an appointment the only times they had them for every day were at 10am. Is it possible to arrive earlier? Were only the 10am appointments left for all of October or November? Just wondering if I need to show up at like 7am or something for my 10am appt...

Take a look at the interview discussions in the Portal Consulates section. They don't open the front door until 7:30, and they don't remove the barrier to the elevator until 8am sharp. So if your appointment is at 8, then getting there before 7 is a good idea so you can get a low C number. Although a low number does not really mean you will get done any faster, but it doesn't hurt. You are on a K1, so your stuff is done on another floor. CR1s are on the 19th floor. But still look at the consulate reviews to help you figure out when to get there.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Take a look at the interview discussions in the Portal Consulates section. They don't open the front door until 7:30, and they don't remove the barrier to the elevator until 8am sharp. So if your appointment is at 8, then getting there before 7 is a good idea so you can get a low C number. Although a low number does not really mean you will get done any faster, but it doesn't hurt. You are on a K1, so your stuff is done on another floor. CR1s are on the 19th floor. But still look at the consulate reviews to help you figure out when to get there.

Used to be all on the same floor

[JerryShaw 6]

Well, from what I read I just need a compliance letter. My car has the US emissions sticker, just not the FMVSS or something sticker. The compliance letter is costing me $102. I don't think I'll have to get it inspected, as long as I have the letter, I will be driving it in.

Also, Cody doesn't have a criminal record lol. I'm just a little scared of the US border and I don't want to make things complicated.

I will be there waiting in the cold as early as I can drag myself out of bed! Hope to see you there!

Ours is a 2003 Toyota Highlander, and it also does not have the FMVSS, but does have the Compliance sticker (which we took a photo of and put with our paperwork for when we cross).

Luckily I live in a border town, and the BPs don't give us any hassle... we see them all the time in the stores, and on the street... they recognize us now since we have been going across so much. Victoria is even on first name basis with one of them. There is nothing to be afraid of in crossing the border. Just be honest and never ever lie about anything. They are trained to look for lies and overly nervous people. You should not have a problem on your crossing because they are going to pull you into the office anyway for processing Cody's paperwork (your sealed package).

I am sure we will see you there. We will be at the door before 7am. You can see our profile picture, and that way you will recognize us. I won't be wearing the cowboy hat to the interview though

[VeeNDee 44]

Take a look at the interview discussions in the Portal Consulates section. They don't open the front door until 7:30, and they don't remove the barrier to the elevator until 8am sharp. So if your appointment is at 8, then getting there before 7 is a good idea so you can get a low C number. Although a low number does not really mean you will get done any faster, but it doesn't hurt. You are on a K1, so your stuff is done on another floor. CR1s are on the 19th floor. But still look at the consulate reviews to help you figure out when to get there.

I looked up the Consulate Review section and found a recent one and it dawned on me - you are talking about Montreal and I am talking about Vancouver. D'oh!!! Thanks for the reply anyway - my bad. Looks like the recent reviews all say 10am for Vancouver so think I'm ok.

Good luck on your interview!

[codygrace 14]

So Jerry, will I also have to pay for inspection? My name is Grace, and I will be the one at the interview. I'll definitely look around for you. I am very nervous about this whole thing!

[JerryShaw 6]

So Jerry, will I also have to pay for inspection? My name is Grace, and I will be the one at the interview. I'll definitely look around for you. I am very nervous about this whole thing!

Hi Grace, We are looking forward to meeting you too. So can I assume that Cody is the USC?

You will do fine, just make sure you have all the checklist items, including your Loomis ID. From what I have determined, the Montreal consulate is one of the best, and if you make their job easy by making yourself prepared, it will go smooth and quick.

I have heard of people not having the FMVSS sticker (because its an older vehicle), and did have the Compliance sticker under the hood, and not having the inspection. They give you a form (I forget the number) that is used to get your vehicle registered in the states. A US Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in your new USA city will need that declaration form completed .... which may or may not require an inspection or importer's certificate depending on what the POE puts on that form. You have a year to get that inspection (if required) as long as your CAN plates are valid.

We are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, flying in on the 1st, medical on the 2nd, pickup medical on the 5th, Holiday weekend, Interview on the 9th.... I can hardly wait!!!!

Good Luck, and I will see you in line

Jerry

Edited September 29, 2012 by JerryShaw