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HeartOfAllThings

Can spouse attend CR-1 interview?

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HeartOfAllThings Contributor

HeartOfAllThings   2

Posted
Filed: Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

I've been reading reviews for the Montreal US consulate. Some have mentioned that it seemed to have been helpful to have spouse/fiance present at the interview.

I had an interview in Sacramento for adjustment of status back in 2011, with my then pregnant wife. The lady was really nice and pretty much just said something to the likes of ''Well I can see you're a genuine couple. Good luck with everything. You'll get your card in the mail in two weeks.''

I wont get into details of why I'm back in Canada and applying again(unless you're dying to know I guess)

I would love for my upcoming interview to go as smoothly possible. Can my spouse come to Montreal to attend the interview with me, even though the letter from the consulate states that I am the only person eligible to attend?

Also, what are the next steps after the interview? Like, when am I allowed to move, and what steps do I have to take before I do?

Thanks a bunch!

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Deagle Proficient

Deagle   508

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Lebanon
 Timeline
Posted

Usually no unless they didn't request the spouse to attend. But you can always e-mail the embassy and ask them if yes or no. Most likely will be no.

The immigration process caused me PTSD.

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B-2-Z Enthusiast

B-2-Z   37

Posted
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

The Montreal consulate normally lets in the spouses. He came with me for the K1 visa, but wasn't allowed in because we completely forgot he would need his passport. The officer at the front told us we could go grab it and come back but....It was -30 last February, we weren't going back to the hotel to grab it lol.

Met 2008. Moved in together 2010. Married 2015. Baby Z joined us 2017 . :wub:

AOS Timeline 350 days

 

May 31/15 - Sent AOS/EAD/AP to USCIS

June 4/15 - Email and text notifications they were recieved

June 10/15 - NOA1 for AOS/EAD/AP Dated June 1

June 17/15- Change of address confirmation

June 22/15- Biometrics appointment received

July 1/15- Biometrics appointment done(5 minute appointment, 8 hour round trip drive <_< )

August 5/15 - Change of address submitted for new location

August 8/15 - Mobile/E-mail notifications for approved EAD/AP :)

August 17/15 - Change of address confirmation after calling in

August 17/15 - EAD/AP Combo card mailed out(To the wrong address, and then lost by USPS)

September 3/15 - Contacted USCIS and was told to re-apply with a new application and fees?! Put in a service request online for lost card, and a complaint

September 8/15 - USPS found & returned card to USCIS

September 15/15 - Ombudsman contacted USCIS

September 17/15 - Card mailed back out

September 19/15 - EAD/AP Combo card finally in hand

September 22/15 - NPIW letter received, dated September 9/2015 estimated 6 month wait

October 13-21/15 - Traveled using AP to visit parents & ship the rest of our belongings out west

November 27-30/15 - Traveled using AP

December 28/15- RFE hard copy, waiting on documents from Canada

January 31-February 7/16 - Traveled using AP

February 10/16 - Sent in RFE, delivered Feb 16

April 16/16 - Service request filed, RFE was never updated online

May 12 - Approved email and status update dated May 10. Service request never was assigned or solved, though.

May 14 - Greencard in hand!

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NikLR Grand Master

NikLR   13,227

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

The spouse can enter the consulate but not the interview (which is like a window.) Most spouses don't attend the interview. Mine didn't.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  - Dr. Seuss

 

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,304

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

*** Country-specific thread moved from CR-1 Process forum to the Canada regional subforum. ***

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Ms Hogan Proficient

Ms Hogan   295

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Usually no unless they didn't request the spouse to attend. But you can always e-mail the embassy and ask them if yes or no. Most likely will be no.

Montreal does indeed allow the spouse to come to the consulate. They just need to present their passport.

The spouse can enter the consulate but not the interview (which is like a window.) Most spouses don't attend the interview. Mine didn't.

Like NLR says, the interview is generally just at a window. My spouse did attend but I wasn't taking any chances of not having him there AND I had to bring the kids who were 4 and 7 at the time of the interview. The interviewer acknowledged all of them as they were asked to come and sit down behind me where I was doing the interview.

I've been reading more reviews and it seems like the interviews in Montreal are pretty quick and stress-free, and while my spouse could come to the consulate, I don't think they would allow her in for the interview.

Your spouse CAN go to the consulate. And into the area of the interview but not needed up at the window unless they ask for her.

USCIS - 40 DAYS
2012-10-30: FedEx delivered I-130 to Chicago Lockbox Mail Room
2012-11-01: NOA1 by email - MSC
2012-11-02: $420 (x3) debited from our account
2012-11-05: NOA1 hard copies received, Priority Date 2012-10-30
2012-12-11: NOA2

NVC - 26 DAYS
2013-01-02: Rec'd case#, IIN, BIN & OPTIN emails for EP sent
2013-01-03: Submitted DS-261 (x3)
2013-01-07: AOS bills invoiced and paid & OPTIN for EP accepted for each of us
2013-01-08: AOS bills appear as paid & AOS packages sent by email
2013-01-08: IV bill invoiced & paid (kids' only)
2013-01-09: IV bill appears as paid (kids' only)
2013-01-09: IV Package emailed & DS-260 submitted online (kids only)
2013-01-11: AOS received -notified by email
2013-01-11: IV bill invoiced & paid (for me)
2013-01-14: IV bill appears as paid (for me)
2013-01-14: IV Supporting Docs received for kids - notified by email
2013-01-14: IV Package emailed & DS-260 submitted online (me only)
2013-01-18: IV Supporting Docs received for me - notified by email
2013-01-18: Son#1 CASE COMPLETE - Son#2 checklist - saying $ on I-864 don't match tax return (but they do)-resubmitted
2013-01-23: AOS 2nd submission for Son #2 received - notified by email
2013-01-25: My CASE COMPLETE
2013-01-28: ALL 3 OF OUR CASES ARE NOW COMPLETE
2013-02-06: Packet 4 Received by email

MEDICAL ~ CONSULATE ~ POE REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS - 160 DAYS NATURALIZATION
2013-02-13: Medicals 2014-12-17: Delivered to California Lockbox 2015-12-15: Delivered to Phoenix Lockbox
2013-03-06: Interview 2014-12-19: 1 I-751 + 3 Biometrics Fees debited from our account 2015-12-16: Fees charged to Credit Card
2013-03-08: Visas in-hand 2014-12-22: Received NOA1 by mail. Receipt Date: 2014-12-17 2015-12-17: NOA
2013-03-12: Paid USCIS Immigrant Fee 2014-12-24: Received Biometrics Appointment Letter 2016-01-02: Biometrics Letter 2016-01-11: Biometrics
2013-03-14: POE 2015-01-06: Biometrics 2016-02-15: In Line for Interview 2016-02-19: Letter
2013-03-25: SSNs arrived 2015-05-27: Approved 2016-03-22: Interview
2013-04-01: Green Cards arrived 2015-06-03: New Green Cards arrived 2016-04-15: Oath Ceremony

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  • 2 weeks later...
Adequate Canadian Explorer

Adequate Canadian   6

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

What if my spouse doesn't have a passport and only has an Enhanced Driver's License..
Would that be good enough?

Service Center: California Service Center.
I-129F Sent: 2016-02-23 (Delivered via USPS Express mail courier.)
I-129F Arrival: 2016-02-24 (Lewisville Lockbox Facility location.)
I-129F NOA1: 2016-02-29 (Received Confirmation text and email.)
I-129F NOA1: 2016-03-01 (Received email confirmation of payment withdrawal of petition fee.)

I-129F NOA1: 2016-03-04 (Received hard copy of NOA1 receipt.)

Visited Fiance in the States - week visit: 2016-03-20

Due to reasons, extended stay. Decided to marry and adjust status.

I-129F Notice of Withdrawal sent: 2016-03-29

Married: 2016-04-08

Medical: 2016-04-11

I-129F Notice of Withdrawal NOA1: 2016-04-21

Bloodwork (Quest Diagnostics) Date of Report: 2016-05-04

Biometrics NOA1: 2016-06-09
Biometrics NOA2: 2016-06-27
Biometrics Appointment: 2016-07-12

Received Interview date: 10/31/2016!!! Appointment scheduled for 11/29/2016!

Green Card Interview: 11/29/2016: Conditional Green Card Approved.

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Ms Hogan Proficient

Ms Hogan   295

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

What if my spouse doesn't have a passport and only has an Enhanced Driver's License..

Would that be good enough?

Your spouse should call the consulate and ask.

USCIS - 40 DAYS
2012-10-30: FedEx delivered I-130 to Chicago Lockbox Mail Room
2012-11-01: NOA1 by email - MSC
2012-11-02: $420 (x3) debited from our account
2012-11-05: NOA1 hard copies received, Priority Date 2012-10-30
2012-12-11: NOA2

NVC - 26 DAYS
2013-01-02: Rec'd case#, IIN, BIN & OPTIN emails for EP sent
2013-01-03: Submitted DS-261 (x3)
2013-01-07: AOS bills invoiced and paid & OPTIN for EP accepted for each of us
2013-01-08: AOS bills appear as paid & AOS packages sent by email
2013-01-08: IV bill invoiced & paid (kids' only)
2013-01-09: IV bill appears as paid (kids' only)
2013-01-09: IV Package emailed & DS-260 submitted online (kids only)
2013-01-11: AOS received -notified by email
2013-01-11: IV bill invoiced & paid (for me)
2013-01-14: IV bill appears as paid (for me)
2013-01-14: IV Supporting Docs received for kids - notified by email
2013-01-14: IV Package emailed & DS-260 submitted online (me only)
2013-01-18: IV Supporting Docs received for me - notified by email
2013-01-18: Son#1 CASE COMPLETE - Son#2 checklist - saying $ on I-864 don't match tax return (but they do)-resubmitted
2013-01-23: AOS 2nd submission for Son #2 received - notified by email
2013-01-25: My CASE COMPLETE
2013-01-28: ALL 3 OF OUR CASES ARE NOW COMPLETE
2013-02-06: Packet 4 Received by email

MEDICAL ~ CONSULATE ~ POE REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS - 160 DAYS NATURALIZATION
2013-02-13: Medicals 2014-12-17: Delivered to California Lockbox 2015-12-15: Delivered to Phoenix Lockbox
2013-03-06: Interview 2014-12-19: 1 I-751 + 3 Biometrics Fees debited from our account 2015-12-16: Fees charged to Credit Card
2013-03-08: Visas in-hand 2014-12-22: Received NOA1 by mail. Receipt Date: 2014-12-17 2015-12-17: NOA
2013-03-12: Paid USCIS Immigrant Fee 2014-12-24: Received Biometrics Appointment Letter 2016-01-02: Biometrics Letter 2016-01-11: Biometrics
2013-03-14: POE 2015-01-06: Biometrics 2016-02-15: In Line for Interview 2016-02-19: Letter
2013-03-25: SSNs arrived 2015-05-27: Approved 2016-03-22: Interview
2013-04-01: Green Cards arrived 2015-06-03: New Green Cards arrived 2016-04-15: Oath Ceremony

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oncefuturealien Community Regular

oncefuturealien   45

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Don't USCs need a passport to enter Canada now?

2009/09/30 Married
IR-1 begins: 2015/07/07 Courier I-130 petition to Chicago

 

 

 

2015/07/08 Petition delivered | NOA1 date
2015/07/10 Received emailed NOA1 (California) 2015/07/20 Received snail mail NOA1
2015/08/25 NOA2 by email/USCIS site (48 days) 2015/09/02 Received snail mail NOA2

2015/09/15 Received by NVC (21 days)

2015/09/27 Case number assigned (12 days) 2015/09/28 Got case number and IIN over the phone
2015/09/28 Submitted DS-261 2015/09/29 Paid AOS fee (IN PROCESS) 2015/10/01 AOS fee PAID
2015/10/13 Received NVC Welcome Letter hard copy
2015/10/15 Reviewed DS-261 (17 days)
2015/10/16 Received IV Invoice 2015/10/16 Paid IV fee (IN PROCESS)

2015/10/17 Submitted AOS package & IV package 2015/10/19 IV fee PAID 2015/10/19 Submitted DS-260 (scan date)

2015/10/20 Re-sent files (new scan date) 2015/10/29 CASE COMPLETE!

2015/11/13 Heard about interview date (phone) (15 days) 2015/12/07 Medical

2015/12/18 INTERVIEW! 221(g) request for additional sponsor. Otherwise good to go!

2016/01/07 Additional information and passport sent back to Mtl Consulate.

2016/01/12 Passport & 221g delivered to Consulate

2016/01/14 Status updated on CEAC; no update yet on ais.usvisa-info.com

2016/01/28 Status updated to READY 2016/01/29 Status updated to ISSUED

2016/02/01 Received Canada Post info 2016/02/03 Got it!

2016/02/04 POE YVR

2016/03/18 Received green card

2018/11/08 Submitted N-400 online

2018/11/09 Estimated wait time: 31 Days  2018/11/09 Estimated case completion time: 11 months

2018/11/10 Biometrics appt scheduled 2018/11/13 Appointment letter received online

2018/11/27 Biometrics appt

2019/02/25 Interview scheduled

2019/04/01 Interview: APPROVED

2019/04/23 Oath Ceremony

2020/04/03 Elected to local office

 

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Adequate Canadian Explorer

Adequate Canadian   6

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Don't USCs need a passport to enter Canada now?

Not when you're traveling via automobile. We have enhanced drivers licenses, which allows both Canadians and Americans to cross the border without a passport.

Service Center: California Service Center.
I-129F Sent: 2016-02-23 (Delivered via USPS Express mail courier.)
I-129F Arrival: 2016-02-24 (Lewisville Lockbox Facility location.)
I-129F NOA1: 2016-02-29 (Received Confirmation text and email.)
I-129F NOA1: 2016-03-01 (Received email confirmation of payment withdrawal of petition fee.)

I-129F NOA1: 2016-03-04 (Received hard copy of NOA1 receipt.)

Visited Fiance in the States - week visit: 2016-03-20

Due to reasons, extended stay. Decided to marry and adjust status.

I-129F Notice of Withdrawal sent: 2016-03-29

Married: 2016-04-08

Medical: 2016-04-11

I-129F Notice of Withdrawal NOA1: 2016-04-21

Bloodwork (Quest Diagnostics) Date of Report: 2016-05-04

Biometrics NOA1: 2016-06-09
Biometrics NOA2: 2016-06-27
Biometrics Appointment: 2016-07-12

Received Interview date: 10/31/2016!!! Appointment scheduled for 11/29/2016!

Green Card Interview: 11/29/2016: Conditional Green Card Approved.

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