How Early is Too Early?

[Meg and Danny 25]

Howdy all!

So I know I've got quite a ways to wait yet, but my brain is always on! I'd like to prepare packet three. I am using the guidelines for the Vancouver consulate found here....

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/canada/303578/pdfs/K1-K3-packet3.pdf

It does not say anything like, how recent the police check must be, or how recent the affidavit of support and letters from employers must be. Unless I'm missing it?

Would it be ok to gather this information now?

[ricnally 259]

I think 6 months for the police check is safe. The one for Canada is quick (1-2 weeks from Comissionaires) so don't apply for that one too soon, or you might end up having to order another one (I'm in that boat, myself, right now). The other stuff for affidavit of support should be as recent--i.e. close to interview date--as you can make it. But, you can get it ready beforehand without dating it: i.e., compose and print out your letter from employer ahead of time, and then leave it for him/her to sign and date it. For pay stubs, you'll want the most recent few. If you feel you need (U.S.) tax transcripts, those only take about a week when you order online from IRS. The main thing, I think, is , does the beneficiary need a police check from any other country (where he/she has lived for 6 months or more--excluding the U.S.), cuz those can take a LONG time from some countries. If you need one, order it right away.

[Meg and Danny 25]

No, he has no criminal history arrests or convictions anywhere, neither do I.

Thanks for the info, that's great to know. I think i'll take my chances and order the police check soon. Thanks again!

[mehdali 4]

who needs the police certificate? the beneficiary? or the petitioner?

[canadian_wife 1,829]

The beneficiary is what we're talking about with Meg and Danny

good luck

[ricnally 259]

No, he has no criminal history arrests or convictions anywhere, neither do I.

Thanks for the info, that's great to know. I think i'll take my chances and order the police check soon. Thanks again!

It doesn't matter if he's had no arrests or convictions anywhere, if he has LIVED in any other country (excluding the US) for more than 6 months, he needs a police cert from there, as well as the one from Canada.

[Dave&Roza 748]

i.e., compose and print out your letter from employer ahead of time, and then leave it for him/her to sign and date it.

It is best to have it written on company letterhead. My company was able to do it in a couple of days. You have about two weeks from NOA2 to the NVC sending it to the Consulate/Embassy or maybe longer. Plenty of time to get this going and then you do not know how long it will take to get the interview. For us it was two weeks as NVC and less than 2 weeks for the interview. Due to holidays and all that, we could not get the medical results completed in time and had to reschedule the interview. I have a feeling that Vancouver will be slower.

Good luck,

Dave

[Meg and Danny 25]

I have a feeling that Vancouver will be slower.

Thanks Dave! But are you sure about that last part? Everything I have been told or read about Vancouver suggests that it is considerably faster than Montreal for instance.

PS: Nice to see someone else from lovely Colorado!

Edited May 28, 2013 by Meg and Danny

[Meg and Danny 25]

It doesn't matter if he's had no arrests or convictions anywhere, if he has LIVED in any other country (excluding the US) for more than 6 months, he needs a police cert from there, as well as the one from Canada.

I understand that. I didn't make it very clear but I meant to imply that we have only each respectively lived in our own countries ever as well.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Thanks Dave! But are you sure about that last part? Everything I have been told or read about Vancouver suggests that it is considerably faster than Montreal for instance.

PS: Nice to see someone else from lovely Colorado!

I do not know how fast Vancouver is verses the Consulate in Almaty. You are correct that it is faster than Montreal. We had our interview scheduled for 3 weeks after the NOA2 was received. I have not really seen too many Consulates/Embassies move that fast. I hope Vancouver is very fast for you.

Dave

[Rob & Monika 87]

Montreal is currently moving quite quickly, a little over a month from sending P3 to interview. And the police clearance for Montreal is within the last year, not sure if Vancouver would be different.