Applying for a tourist visa to Canada before receiving a combo card (EAD)

[YandP 6]

Hi everyone!

I was curious if anyone had experience applying for a Canadian visa while in the US waiting for the Adjustment of Status and EAD combo card?

We are way outside the normal processing date for the combo card and USCIS told me they will expedite us, so I should have it like soon! BUT apparently it takes Canadians 45 days to issue a visa, so I was wondering if anyone had experience allying for the Canadian visa while still waiting for the combo card?

For example, will including the NOA1 for AOS and a copy of our marriage license be strong enough evidence that I have strong ties to the US? How do you think what are the chances to get a tourist visa?

(My husband and I really want to visit a family wedding there )

Thank you!

[Loving_girl 38]

Well, I would wait till EAD AP is received and also I would call Canadian Consulate and ask the same question you asked over here... cos EAD AP allows to re-enter US, but as for Canadian visa.....I would call them...

[YandP 6]

Well, I would wait till EAD AP is received and also I would call Canadian Consulate and ask the same question you asked over here... cos EAD AP allows to re-enter US, but as for Canadian visa.....I would call them...

Thank you Loving_girl, I should probably do that.

It's just that it takes them 46 days to process the visa application, and to get the visa for the wedding we want to attend I would need to apply like right now. I don't have doubts that by the time of the trip I will have the combo card, I just worry about the visa application package. You know, how in Ukraine when you are applying for a visa you need to present them a BIG pile of proves that you have ties to your country. Now, my K1 visa has expired and I don't have a combo card yet, but we do have a marriage licence and mail directed to my husband and me here in the US, and also the NOA1 that says that we've applied for the adjustment of status. So I am torn whether I should go ahead and apply for the visa with the papers I have now, or try to expedite the visa later when I finally get my combo card.

[Loving_girl 38]

Thank you Loving_girl, I should probably do that.

It's just that it takes them 46 days to process the visa application, and to get the visa for the wedding we want to attend I would need to apply like right now. I don't have doubts that by the time of the trip I will have the combo card, I just worry about the visa application package. You know, how in Ukraine when you are applying for a visa you need to present them a BIG pile of proves that you have ties to your country. Now, my K1 visa has expired and I don't have a combo card yet, but we do have a marriage licence and mail directed to my husband and me here in the US, and also the NOA1 that says that we've applied for the adjustment of status. So I am torn whether I should go ahead and apply for the visa with the papers I have now, or try to expedite the visa later when I finally get my combo card.

I understand what is your point, I strongly recommend to call them this week and tell the story and ask for advise. No matter what without EAD AP physically being in your hands you can not go outside the USA even if its Canada.

Hope everything goes smooth with this!

[YandP 6]

I understand what is your point, I strongly recommend to call them this week and tell the story and ask for advise. No matter what without EAD AP physically being in your hands you can not go outside the USA even if its Canada.

Hope everything goes smooth with this!

Thanks! will do

[baron555 934]

Hi everyone!

I was curious if anyone had experience applying for a Canadian visa while in the US waiting for the Adjustment of Status and EAD combo card?

The Canadian visa allows one to travel to and stay (for some period) in Canada.

The K-1 beneficiary needs either the AP or the GC to be able to return back to the US.

Get it. Regardless of obtaining the Canadian visa, it does not allow re-entry to the US. Only the AP or GC does.

Edited March 2, 2015 by baron555

[NYCruiser 423]

Hello. I have applied for a visitors visa to Canada. I have the Combo/card. Lets see what happens. It is taking up to 41 days to receive a reply from the Canadian folks....

[The Conqueror 47]

Hello. I have applied for a visitors visa to Canada. I have the Combo/card. Lets see what happens. It is taking up to 41 days to receive a reply from the Canadian folks....

Hi David,

I just want to know any update about your application. How long your application took place? Did you apply for single or mulitple entry?

I received my combo card already and planning to visit Canada on Dec. There's no assurance if I will received my greencard because of the USCIS processng delay.

Hope to hear from you.

[NYCruiser 423]

Hi David,

I just want to know any update about your application. How long your application took place? Did you apply for single or mulitple entry?

I received my combo card already and planning to visit Canada on Dec. There's no assurance if I will received my greencard because of the USCIS processng delay.

Hope to hear from you.

Hello. You can inbox me if you want more information. However here it is:

The Canadian Visa Process is very difficult, time consuming and opaque. We had difficulty with uploading the documents as well. Essentially you should sign on to their site http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp

and check if you need a visa. Then start the process. There are two places where they process the visa. New York and Los Angeles.

You fill out the application + another Family form as to who you are seeing,. We also scanned the image updated of yoru face,full passport, the EAD AND I-512. Credit cards in your name, Marriage Certificate, Airline ticket (not reservation), any hotel confirmation, paid the cost of the visa..and wait for 20 days.

They say it takes 90 days to process...after 20 days I contacted them and told them we are leaving in 3 weeks time and they approved for a one time stay.

Then depending on where you live, you either send in your passport or bring it in. IF you mail the passport in with the letter of approval from them, you have to send the check for the $31.00 processing to a Salt Lake City address WITH a copy of the approval letter four days in advance of mailing the passort.

......and you thought the US system was complicated???

Hello. You can inbox me if you want more information. However here it is:

The Canadian Visa Process is very difficult, time consuming and opaque. We had difficulty with uploading the documents as well. Essentially you should sign on to their site http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp

and check if you need a visa. Then start the process. There are two places where they process the visa. New York and Los Angeles.

You fill out the application + another Family form as to who you are seeing,. We also scanned the image updated of yoru face,full passport, the EAD AND I-512. Credit cards in your name, Marriage Certificate, Airline ticket (not reservation), any hotel confirmation, paid the cost of the visa..and wait for 20 days.

They say it takes 90 days to process...after 20 days I contacted them and told them we are leaving in 3 weeks time and they approved for a one time stay.

Then depending on where you live, you either send in your passport or bring it in. IF you mail the passport in with the letter of approval from them, you have to send the check for the $31.00 processing to a Salt Lake City address WITH a copy of the approval letter four days in advance of mailing the passort.

......and you thought the US system was complicated???

Forgot to add: Their upload documents page is a pain.It doesn accept anything other than Adobe Acrobat Files (.pdf) OF a CERTAIN size...anymore bytes and it refuses...

How many people have Full adobe on their computer I wonder??..... :ranting:

[YandP 6]

Here is my post about our experience obtaining a Canadian tourist visa:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/548361-traveling-to-canada-and-back-with-combo-card-for-ukr/