DCF Canada: Yes Virginia, You Can

[meauxna 15]

Please read the following link first if you are interested in DCF in Canada:

http://www.amcits.com/immigration.asp

The USC must be legally resident in Canada, possibly for as much as one year.

The USC may file I-130 to any Consulate in Canada except Quebec City.

The I-130 is typically approved on the spot and the file sent to Montreal.

Montreal is the only Immigrant Visa post in Canada and the visa application MUST go through them.

There is no estimated timeline yet; there are two VJ users currently in this process (calgal1125 thru VAN and

Helpful resources

calal's comments on her I-130 filing in Vancouver (Jan 27 06):

A very tiring, but very happy day for us!

We went to the Vancouver Consulate this morning, and because we weren't there to pick up a visa, we could just walk in. (Nice not having to wait in the long line-up!) After security, we were sent here and there to various windows. Finally we got where we were supposed to go. I told the clerk that I had intended to file the I-130 on behalf of my husband. He asked me for all required documents; the I-130 app, both G-325's, birth certificates, passport (ME), proof of legal status in Canada (ME), pictures (they wanted TWO of each of us NOT one), and the fee of $190US.

Basically he looked them all over, notarized the copies of everything I had made, and sent us to pay. Then another man, (I assume the actual Consular) approved it with flying colors and was very happy to see that I had everything in order. I must say EVERYONE at the Consulate was very helpful and very nice to both of us.

We were told that this is the quickest and easiest way to obtain a green card. And because of the fact that DCF in Canada is relatively new, the Consular said that most people don't know about it yet. He said it basically cuts waiting time in half! They were sending the approved paperwork out today and he said we should be hearing from Montreal very soon.

WOW! I am so glad we were able to do this. It was so easy! If you have all your paperwork in order and all the required documents, it really is super easy. I really don't know what I was so worried about.

If anyone has any questions about it, let me know if I haven't covered it in this post and I will reply.

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

The double photo thing really threw me since I thought I read only one of each of us was needed.

A major thing, THE USC MUST be a LEGAL resident in CANADA. Most definitely! They wanted from me, my B.C. Driver's License, my Social Insurance card, and my Canadian Permanent Resident Card. They did not copy these; they were just to verify that I was indeed a legal immigrant in Canada.

tawney's comments on waiting for an interview date (Jan 19 '06):

"I'm getting so frazzled because it's taking so long to recieve our interview appointment.... It was early december that we sent back the completed packet 3. I expected that by now we would have at least a date.... UUGGGGHHH!!!! We are ready to move & just sitting here waisting time when we want to be in Arizona soaking up the sunshine rather than here in the big snowball called Canada...

I have made 4 calls to them to find out if an appointment has been made yet or not... All 4 times I was told no... But the first time I was told to expect the appointment in late Feb or early Mar. The next time I was told that our appointment would for sure be in Feb sometime... The next time I was told that it should be in Early Feb... And then yesterday I was told to expect the letter with a date sometime within the next 3-8 weeks!!!!!! WHAT??????? 3 weeks at the very least to just recieve the letter??? And then my guess would be at least another month after recieving the letter for the actual interview appointment...

When I started this entire process, they told me that they expected it to be totally complete within 2-3 months... 2 months is already up & we are working on the 3rd month & it looks as if it could potentially be another 2 months just to recieve the letter... The worst part of this is that if it doesn't happen by the end of Feb we will need to find another place to live because we wont be able to sign another years lease... I know that I should not complain because DCF is so much faster than the old way that needed to be done here in Canada... Our time is very short in comparrison no matter how long you look at it... But we are so close now & all we need is an appointment... How long does it take for them to find a time to see us??? "

flames9 contributes:

email contact for MTL IV Unit:

Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov

Dont forget about the embassy info near the top of these pages. good info on there.

tawney's comments about her actual I-130 filing:

"Just a note to let everyone know that my husband, daughter & I went to the consulate in Toronto yesterday (tuesday -Nov 15th).

Our objective was to file the I-130 on behalf of my husband & also to file for our daughters US Citizenship.

***Our daughters US citizenship - we found out that we need a a few things before applying. - Hopefully we will be ready within a couple weeks to try again.

NOW - THE EXCITING STUFF!!!

***The I-130 was filed & approved instantly. They will be forwarding the information on to Montreal - They said that Montreal will have it within 2 days (that means Tomorrow) - Now we just wait.

They told us that if we get our documents in order quickly & everything is straight forward & easy to process that we could easily be finished with the entire process (visa/green card) within 2-3 months total... YIPPPEEE!!!!!!!!

It was a very easy process & we were in & out of there very quickly... There were only two other couples there doing the same thing (that I am aware of)... The assistant that was helping us with filing & approval is anxious to get the word out about this new DCF process & so I am spreading the word!!!

I'm very anxious & excited!!!

Tanya

more from Tanya:

I took the I-130 & the 2 G-325A's along with all of the supporting documents & the $190 fee directly to the consulate in Toronto. They approved the I-130 right there immeadiately!!! We walked in with a load of papers & walked out with the approval... They said that they were forwarding our approved I-130 to Montreal & that we should recieve the packet from Montreal within a week or so...

I was told that from the time you take the I-130 & file it with your local consulate office until the time that you recieve your interview & visa (Montreal) is estimated to be 2-3 months total... (as long as everything is in order & no problems)

calgal's comment's on gaining Canadian PR:

I have had my PR status here in Canada since 3/25/04.

I filed for PR here in September 2003. So, it took me only SIX months from the time I actually filed the paperwork to when I got my interview. Two weeks after my interview 3/25/04, I got my permanent resident card, then I was able to apply for a social insurance number (which entitles you to work in Canada). I did this all from within Canada too mind you.

A few things if you intend on obtaining PR in Canada:

1. You MUST have an American passport. Upon entry to Canada you MUST tell the immigration officer of your intent to stay in Canada with your wife and file for Permanent Resident status. They then issue you a Canadian visa, good for one year (I think). They then stamp your passport. You need proof of this when you apply.

2. You need to be fingerprinted and have letters from the state/county of which you live indicating that you have had a criminal background check. You must also send a fingerprint card from the state/county in which you live to the FBI for a criminal record check. (IT IS SOOO MUCH EASIER TO DO THIS FROM IN THE STATES, so I recommend having it done before you leave.)

3. Once I had finished all my background checks, doctors exams, paperwork ($900 to file one set of applications!) it cost us approx. $1500 American. Now because I intend on moving back to the states with my husband and doing it the DCF way, once I get back to the U.S., I lose my PR status here.

It's a lot of money to dish out if you don't plan on staying here that long. Plus, I think I read somewhere that you should be a Canadian PR for at least 1 year before applying through DCF. I will check that out for sure.

Hope this helps a bit. Any other questions, let me know!

~*calgal*~

[calgal1125 0]

This is perfect meauxna! I am so glad you got everything together for us, and now I have somewhere to post my updates (without wondering where they go!) Awesome!

Thank you!

~*calgal*~

[bcmcfish 0]

for the $190US filing fee at the Consulate, do i need a money order? do they take credit cards (which would probably be the easiest)?

also, my wife and i are not permanent residents (landed immigrants) of canada, but we are legal residents. would our passport, visas, drivers licenses, health cards, etc. be enough for proof from experience?

[meauxna 15]

for the $190US filing fee at the Consulate, do i need a money order? do they take credit cards (which would probably be the easiest)?

also, my wife and i are not permanent residents (landed immigrants) of canada, but we are legal residents. would our passport, visas, drivers licenses, health cards, etc. be enough for proof from experience?

I recommend that you contact the Consulate you are interested in filing at; they are best suited to answer your questions.

The two folk above are the only 2 Canadian DCFs at VJ, so far.

[Cassie 8]

Awesome work meauxna! Thanks for putting that all together.

[calgal1125 0]

for the $190US filing fee at the Consulate, do i need a money order? do they take credit cards (which would probably be the easiest)?

also, my wife and i are not permanent residents (landed immigrants) of canada, but we are legal residents. would our passport, visas, drivers licenses, health cards, etc. be enough for proof from experience?

Hi there!

I just did DCF through the Vancouver Consulate on 1/27. I paid the filing fee with American CASH although I think they also accept Canadian cash as well. The other people I saw paying did so with American cash too.

I am a PR of Canada, and they asked for my status, so I would think that if you are a legal resident they would need proof of that. They also asked me for my driver's license, Medical CareCard, and Social Insurance Number. It always helps to have more proof than necessary, just in case they ask for it. They did in my case!

Through which consulate are you filing?

Any more questions, let me know!

~*calgal*~

[bcmcfish 0]

So I should probably go by the bank and get American cash then... That's helpful to know.

We will file through the Toronto Consulate. As for status, we have visas in our passports as well as health cards and SIN cards... That should be satisfactory, but we will bring as much as possible.

Another question that somebody might have the answer to. Since we just got married in December '05, we are still in process of switching names on official documents. We'd like to apply with my wife's married name (as we've heard it's easier later on for drivers' licenses, etc. to have the documentation in the new name). Do you think it would be a problem to have documents in the two different names as long as we have the marriage license to prove it's the same person?

I have to say, the ability to file directly at the consulate is really cool... I've said to my wife for a while now that it would be awesome to be able to do DCF, and now we can... This is great news!

I have a feeling though that the 2-3 month estimate is probably more on the hopeful side though... My sister-in-law's application took quite a while through montreal after the I-130 was approved. They said it was around 6 months from then. Does anyone know why the process from I-130 to interview would be faster with the DCF? The consulate basically just approves the I-130, right? There isn't another jumped step in there, is there?

Thanks, meauxna, for putting this together!

[zyggy 9]

So I should probably go by the bank and get American cash then... That's helpful to know.

We will file through the Toronto Consulate. As for status, we have visas in our passports as well as health cards and SIN cards... That should be satisfactory, but we will bring as much as possible.

Another question that somebody might have the answer to. Since we just got married in December '05, we are still in process of switching names on official documents. We'd like to apply with my wife's married name (as we've heard it's easier later on for drivers' licenses, etc. to have the documentation in the new name). Do you think it would be a problem to have documents in the two different names as long as we have the marriage license to prove it's the same person?

I have to say, the ability to file directly at the consulate is really cool... I've said to my wife for a while now that it would be awesome to be able to do DCF, and now we can... This is great news!

I have a feeling though that the 2-3 month estimate is probably more on the hopeful side though... My sister-in-law's application took quite a while through montreal after the I-130 was approved. They said it was around 6 months from then. Does anyone know why the process from I-130 to interview would be faster with the DCF? The consulate basically just approves the I-130, right? There isn't another jumped step in there, is there?

Thanks, meauxna, for putting this together!

1) You can apply in the married name... happens all the time...

2) The old delay was on the side of the NVC and the USCIS in approving the I-130's. Now that you deal with Montreal it's slightly faster since the consulate approves the I-130 and forwards it to Montreal.

[tawney 0]

Hi everyone...

For those of you who are just starting or investigating this process --- Please don't let yourselves get overwhelmed... Make sure the paperwork is in order & don't be afraid to call the consultes & ask questions... It is not a difficult process (just a bit of a pain in the butt)... The I-130 was approved instantly & the worst part is just waiting for an interview in Montreal...

We were told when we filed the I-130 that the expected time frame to completion & visa in hand was around 2-3 months total... This is a bit optamistic... We filed in Mid November & our visa interview is not scheduled until March 29th (so basically 4 & 1/2 month rather than 2 or 3 months)... We will be moving (as long as all goes well) the first part of April....

Hugs

Tanya

[bcmcfish 0]

thanks, tawney!!!

we thought originally that the 2-3 month estimation was a bit optimistic... that being said, 4 and a half months is still very fast by immigration standards...

very good news, indeed.

[bcmcfish 0]

Hi everyone, DCF'd here in Toronto last week, and it went very smoothly. Walked in during the filing hours, waited a half hour, got up to the window and gave them our documents and a photocopy of each one. They looked at the documents, asked us a couple basic questions, then sent us upstairs to pay.

We are now waiting for our packet from Montreal. So hopefully it won't be too long. I asked the Consul how long he thought the process would take, and he was giving me an estimate of 6-7 months. But that's still not too long to get all the way through to green card. We're just happy to get started.

[laura428 0]

Hi everyone! We just filed our I-130 here in Calgary this morning - approved just like that! We were prepared to be there the entire morning, but it was super fast. We got there at 9:45 and were escorted upstairs by the security guard. We went through security - the guard there was so nice, talked about how great it was that DCF was offered here, and chatted with my three-month old daughter. We went in and sat down, and at 10:00 were called to the cashier to turn in our paperwork. At 10:10, our name was called and we talked with the immigration officer. She just basically made sure that we had all of our paperwork in order, and approved it, no problem. She was very nice - we hadn't brought a national Expresspost envelope (which I hadn't realized we needed), but thankfully there was a shop downstairs that sells them. She wrote a little note on a post-it and instructed us to buy the envelope on our way out, attach the post-it (with our file name on it), and give it to the security guard so that he could bring it back up to her for us. We were called by the cashier a few minutes later, paid our $190 USD (by credit card), and were out of there soon after. If I hadn't needed to nurse my daughter, we would have been done by 10:25!

Regarding the kids, here's what we found out: we can file a DS-2029 application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The supporting docs we'll need are:

-- registration of live birth

-- evidence of my US citizenship (passport, birth cert)

-- marriage cert

-- my record of landing and/or permanent resident card

-- evidence of physical presence/residence (going to have to work on this one)

The fee is only $65 USD - much more reasonable than $255 USD for the N-600.

Attached to the DS-2029 is a social security application - pretty straightforward. There's also a little blurb about applying for their passports, via form DS-11. Looking into this as well. We will, of course, have to make a second trip to submit all of the kids' applications in person, but I'm not as concerned now as to how we'll entertain my two year old. We left him with friends this morning after reading that the consulate does not allow large strollers (so no double stroller), food or drink and no backpacks (including our backpack-style diaper bag). When we feared we might be there for hours, the thought of a hungry and bored two year old just didn't seem like a good idea. But we were seriously out of there in 45 minutes or so, from the time we entered the building until the time we left. Yay!!

So all in all, it was a very good morning. Now we just have to wait on Montreal!

[zyggy 9]

Regarding the kids, here's what we found out: we can file a DS-2029 application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The supporting docs we'll need are:

-- registration of live birth

-- evidence of my US citizenship (passport, birth cert)

-- marriage cert

-- my record of landing and/or permanent resident card

-- evidence of physical presence/residence (going to have to work on this one)

The fee is only $65 USD - much more reasonable than $255 USD for the N-600.

Laura...

The evidence of physical presence is probably as easy as a Driver License, utility bill or bank statements...

[laura428 0]

Laura...

The evidence of physical presence is probably as easy as a Driver License, utility bill or bank statements...

Possibly, but that means I have to track those things down, and I'm not so sure I have them in my possession now. I've been living in Canada for five years, so trying to find utility bills or bank statements from that far back might be tough. And my New Jersey driver's license is LONG gone.

I was planning on trying to call the powers-that-be sometime this week to see what I can find out. I know I'll be able to get it taken care of... it'll just need a little work. Thankfully, I don't think the wait time is terribly long, so I'm not as worried about getting things moving this second. This week, however, is definitely in the plan.

[meauxna 15]

The evidence of physical presence is probably as easy as a Driver License, utility bill or bank statements...

What about W-2s or evidence of US employment?