February 2015 Interviews

[Dualie 185]

Here is my review - Interview Date: January 8th 2015.

I will be writing my review on Montreal, Consulate, and Interview

Let me start my review with 3 words:

1) Extreme Cold

2) Extremely Cold

3) Exceedingly Cold

The reason I’m emphasizing on these 3 words is because DRESS accordingly. I’m from Calgary which is considered as very cold city and if I am exaggerating then its mean it’s harsh in Montreal during winter.

Montreal: I landed in Montreal in the afternoon and as per VJ’ers I hop-in on 747 Shuttle to downtown which is $10 and if you have to return back to airport via shuttle buy 3-day pass for $18.

Anyway I reached my Hotel in Downtown and literally it was 1 min walk to the hotel from bus-stop and I felt like my body became numb because of the wind and no feeling in my fingers. Reminder: Dress with Layers. I checked in and I was hungry and I really needed to go out and eat but was afraid at the same time to step out. I finally managed to walk to Desjardins center which was 5 mins walk from Hotel and had my dinner. TIP: Montreal is only French speaking city with very few people who understands English which is kind of disappointing for visitors and tourists.

Next morning, luckily I had Layers, so I used 2-3 layers to dress-up and on dress shirt/Pant I have to use winter boots – no second thought. It was 10 mins walk to the consulate from my Hotel and my appointment was @ 10:30 AM but as mentioned earlier appointment time doesn't count, it first come, first serve bases. I used my brain and instead of standing in the line from 7 am in the cold I arrived at consulate around 8:30 am approx when everyone was pretty much inside the doors.

Consulate: The description on the consulate is well detailed in previous posts. I was greeted by 2 French speaking ladies on the door and they asked me for appointment letter, passport, loomis confirmation page, and photos. Once confirmed everything is in order I proceeded to security check line. Imagine you are at airport security dealing with TSA agents. TIP: Don’t bring bags to the consulate. Arrange all your documents on the folders or visible plastic folders. After security check I was sent to the basement taking stairs and once you go down there is only one Elevator which goes to only 19 floor. The door opens on your other side and you will be greeted by another lady asking for the type of visa - Immigrant or Non-immigrant. She handed a number #8 to me and it also has instructions on keeping your documents ready.

There was another lady before me who got #7 and we both were advised to sit on the other side of the room. Within 10 mins #8 was called to window 5 before # 7. A nice lady greeted and asked me for passport, photos, originals, and medical. She didn’t ask me for AOS but rather printed by herself. She also took finger prints and asked me to wait for the interview with #8 again.

Now #7 got impatient and went to the front and asked her why her # 7 is not called yet? I was just smiling thinking about the human nature.

Interview: With 15-20 approx., # 8 was called to window 8. That’s me!

I went inside the room with a window and a gentleman was sitting on the other side. I greeted him and he asked me to take an Oath. Then he started clicking on his computer for another 5 mins without any conversations. After that he took my finger prints again and started checking my original civil documents.

He hardly asked me 5 -6 questions:

1) How did we meet?

2) Did you guys dated before wedding?

3) Was it a coincidence that you were married in USA?

4) How many times did you meet after marriage?

5) Asked me dates and # of visits?

6) Few questions to determine if my wife has a domicile in USA and that it!

I have approved your visa and gave me letter (Welcome to USA)

Your passport will be shipped in 10-15 days.

Thanks for the review. I SO get cold, lol...I'm from Winnipeg. Montreal must have a "damp" cold, and that goes to the bone!

[jfrankli512 3]

We finally got a CC on 1/6 and are awaiting an interview at the Guangzhou consulate in China.

Does anybody know the process for that consulate?

I called NVC today to ask if the interview was scheduled, and the person told me that they send the file to China, then the consulate will schedule the interview and contact the beneficiary directly with the details.

This is different from what I read about on here; it sounds like for most people here that NVC will schedule the interview, contact the petitioner with the details, and then send the file to the embassy / consulate overseas.

I don't see many people on this site who are going through the process in China, so I'm not sure what to expect or which process it will actually be.

[canada_to_n.carol 3]

Thanks AFS/AMM! That review was helpful!

I'm from Vancouver Island. I am really not looking forward to cold Montreal- it's going to be a shock to my system!

[AFS/AMM 5]

Thanks AFS/AMM! That review was helpful!

I'm from Vancouver Island. I am really not looking forward to cold Montreal- it's going to be a shock to my system!

lol - Maybe I went on one of those bad days of winter when Artic Air settles down for few days. But honestly with windchill its was -43 degree C.

[dwheels76 5,468]

Wanted to let u guys know that Feb is still not done with scheduling interviews. I've read someone wrote the opposite the other day. I would appreciate people not writing their thoughts like statemtns if they weren't 100% sure.

Nothing is ever 100%. Some embassies may not be done. No one knows no one say that all embassies were done. All you can do is call NVC and ask. That is what I tell people here. I go by what people tell me on this thread and many other threads I do not mislead any one. Sorry if you feel otherwise. If you want to know if they are still scheduling for your embassy you should call NVC. every embassy has their own time table.

[dwheels76 5,468]

We finally got a CC on 1/6 and are awaiting an interview at the Guangzhou consulate in China.

Does anybody know the process for that consulate?

I called NVC today to ask if the interview was scheduled, and the person told me that they send the file to China, then the consulate will schedule the interview and contact the beneficiary directly with the details.

This is different from what I read about on here; it sounds like for most people here that NVC will schedule the interview, contact the petitioner with the details, and then send the file to the embassy / consulate overseas.

I don't see many people on this site who are going through the process in China, so I'm not sure what to expect or which process it will actually be.

Yes China is a bit different they do their own thing. And the scheduling can be a wait sometimes a month or so. They are a bit sporadic a times.

[highyork10 23]

I just found this funny experience at the CEAC website. My AOS fee went from "N/A" to " PAID".. and it also went from " In transit" to "Ready" How is that possible? I guess I have paid all their fees so I am now ready..Lol... Mind you the interview of my wife has already been scheduled.

[shama786 14]

Case complete as of January 5th but no interview date yet!!

[dwheels76 5,468]

I just found this funny experience at the CEAC website. My AOS fee went from "N/A" to " PAID".. and it also went from " In transit" to "Ready" How is that possible? I guess I have paid all their fees so I am now ready..Lol... Mind you the interview of my wife has already been scheduled.

Means your case file has arrived at the embassy. What date is your Case Status:

That N/A is the indicator for most that they have case complete. Than people have been reporting later it goes back to PAID. NVC stuff going on.

Here's Packages that arrived on Thursday. And I will tell you Ben Obi has been signing for packages for over 10 years at least. Please his heart (I think Jedi night Obi Ben Kenobi. LOL

Waybill: 1635892915 Signed for by: OBI BEN Get Signature Proof of Delivery Thursday, January 08, 2015 at 10:14 Origin Service Area: BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA Destination Service Area: LAGOS - LAGOS - NIGERIA Thursday, January 08, 2015 Location Time 16 Delivered - Signed for by : OBI BEN LAGOS 10:14 15 With delivery courier LAGOS - NIGERIA 08:32 14 Arrived at Delivery Facility in LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 07:39 Wednesday, January 07, 2015 Location Time 13 Departed Facility in LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 16:53 12 Processed at LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 16:41 11 Arrived at Sort Facility LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 14:05 10 Transferred through LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 12:55 9 Departed Facility in BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 06:26 8 Processed at BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 01:40 Tuesday, January 06, 2015 Location Time 7 Arrived at Sort Facility BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 20:56 6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 04:49 5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 03:09 4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:41 Monday, January 05, 2015 Location Time 3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 22:31 2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 21:54 1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 14:27

[AFS/AMM 5]

I have few questions for the group/dwheels76

My CR-1 visa was approved last week and I have a validity of 6 months to enter USA. I received few documents along with the visa and it says if you enter USA before 2 anniversary you will receive conditional residency and I have to remove conditions after 2nd year and also the cost associated with it (around $600).

My question is: If I enter On or After 2 years of marriage anniversary date, do I receive IR - Immigrant residency card? This will save me from another process and money. Either way, I have to wrap my stuff, resign my job, find another job in USA before migrating which is easily take 3-4 months.

If the answer is YES, then my only concern is that I received CR1 visa and if I enter after 2 year of marriage anniversary will the Border authorities approve my request for IR-1? Or will they deny it? Or is it totally up-to their discretion?

Please advise me and your response will be helpful and appreciated to streamline my process and get me out of this dilemma.

Thanks!

[dwheels76 5,468]

I have few questions for the group/dwheels76

My CR-1 visa was approved last week and I have a validity of 6 months to enter USA. I received few documents along with the visa and it says if you enter USA before 2 anniversary you will receive conditional residency and I have to remove conditions after 2nd year and also the cost associated with it (around $600).

My question is: If I enter On or After 2 years of marriage anniversary date, do I receive IR - Immigrant residency card? This will save me from another process and money. Either way, I have to wrap my stuff, resign my job, find another job in USA before migrating which is easily take 3-4 months.

If the answer is YES, then my only concern is that I received CR1 visa and if I enter after 2 year of marriage anniversary will the Border authorities approve my request for IR-1? Or will they deny it? Or is it totally up-to their discretion?

Please advise me and your response will be helpful and appreciated to streamline my process and get me out of this dilemma.

Thanks!

Yes if you enter US after your 2 year you get a IR1 be sure to bring to the attention of the CBP. It's not an approval or a denial. If you enter before your 2 year you get CR1 if you enter after its an IR its that simple.

[AFS/AMM 5]

Yes if you enter US after your 2 year you get a IR1 be sure to bring to the attention of the CBP. It's not an approval or a denial. If you enter before your 2 year you get CR1 if you enter after its an IR its that simple.

WOW that was a quick and straight forward response. Thanks dwheels76!

[dwheels76 5,468]

WOW that was a quick and straight forward response. Thanks dwheels76!

LOL. I am bored to tears at work. And saw your thread and answered then saw you post also here.

Be sure on your POE day you have your marriage certificate in hand. Bring to the CBP attention not like they keep track of anniversaries. And yes sometimes they still mess up and send the wrong green card. If in that instant that was to happen you can send it right back with the I-90 http://www.uscis.gov/i-90and they will correct free (send marriage certificate with cover letter and statmentment that you POE after your 2nd anniversary.

But usually its all taken care of at the border.

[highyork10 23]

Jan 12th. Who is Ben Obi? I am not clear on that.

Means your case file has arrived at the embassy. What date is your Case Status:

That N/A is the indicator for most that they have case complete. Than people have been reporting later it goes back to PAID. NVC stuff going on.

Here's Packages that arrived on Thursday. And I will tell you Ben Obi has been signing for packages for over 10 years at least. Please his heart (I think Jedi night Obi Ben Kenobi. LOL

Waybill: 1635892915 Signed for by: OBI BEN Get Signature Proof of Delivery Thursday, January 08, 2015 at 10:14 Origin Service Area: BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA Destination Service Area: LAGOS - LAGOS - NIGERIA Thursday, January 08, 2015 Location Time 16 Delivered - Signed for by : OBI BEN LAGOS 10:14 15 With delivery courier LAGOS - NIGERIA 08:32 14 Arrived at Delivery Facility in LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 07:39 Wednesday, January 07, 2015 Location Time 13 Departed Facility in LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 16:53 12 Processed at LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 16:41 11 Arrived at Sort Facility LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 14:05 10 Transferred through LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 12:55 9 Departed Facility in BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 06:26 8 Processed at BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 01:40 Tuesday, January 06, 2015 Location Time 7 Arrived at Sort Facility BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 20:56 6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 04:49 5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 03:09 4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:41 Monday, January 05, 2015 Location Time 3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 22:31 2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 21:54 1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 14:27

Means your case file has arrived at the embassy. What date is your Case Status:

That N/A is the indicator for most that they have case complete. Than people have been reporting later it goes back to PAID. NVC stuff going on.

Here's Packages that arrived on Thursday. And I will tell you Ben Obi has been signing for packages for over 10 years at least. Please his heart (I think Jedi night Obi Ben Kenobi. LOL

Waybill: 1635892915 Signed for by: OBI BEN Get Signature Proof of Delivery Thursday, January 08, 2015 at 10:14 Origin Service Area: BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA Destination Service Area: LAGOS - LAGOS - NIGERIA Thursday, January 08, 2015 Location Time 16 Delivered - Signed for by : OBI BEN LAGOS 10:14 15 With delivery courier LAGOS - NIGERIA 08:32 14 Arrived at Delivery Facility in LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 07:39 Wednesday, January 07, 2015 Location Time 13 Departed Facility in LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 16:53 12 Processed at LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 16:41 11 Arrived at Sort Facility LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 14:05 10 Transferred through LAGOS - NIGERIA LAGOS - NIGERIA 12:55 9 Departed Facility in BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 06:26 8 Processed at BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 01:40 Tuesday, January 06, 2015 Location Time 7 Arrived at Sort Facility BRUSSELS - BELGIUM BRUSSELS - BELGIUM 20:56 6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 04:49 5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 03:09 4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:41 Monday, January 05, 2015 Location Time 3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 22:31 2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 21:54 1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 14:27

Jan 12th. Who is Ben Obi? I am not clear on that

[AFS/AMM 5]

LOL. I am bored to tears at work. And saw your thread and answered then saw you post also here.

Be sure on your POE day you have your marriage certificate in hand. Bring to the CBP attention not like they keep track of anniversaries. And yes sometimes they still mess up and send the wrong green card. If in that instant that was to happen you can send it right back with the I-90 http://www.uscis.gov/i-90and they will correct free (send marriage certificate with cover letter and statmentment that you POE after your 2nd anniversary.

But usually its all taken care of at the border.

------------------------------------

Thanks dwheels76 - That's another helpful tip. Lol I'm at work too and busy but my mind is all over the place thinking about wrapping up and moving plans.... its all good!

A quick suggestion but I don't how to action this: Since the USCIS process was messed up big time last year and now NVC is giving the delays as well - I believe most of the people are in same boat of receiving their VISAS close to 2 year of their marriages. Some one should start a thread and PIN it so it will be helpful to everyone with same questions in their mind.

Finally everyone's wait of this prolong process will be paid off by receiving IR1 and saving $600!