January 2018 Filers

[ChuAni 1,191]

1 minute ago, Deehotstepper said:

Now, there are only two doctors in Lagos that the USA Approved to do the medical exam, so you do not have to make an appointment with the doctors? you can just go to their clinic or office?

the visa fee is $265 right? 

and the DS-160 form is $160 right? 

did you pay the in dollars or Naira or it doesn't matter.

For Lagos, only 2. I will just choose one and no appointment is needed.

 

Visa Fee; Yes...$265

I can pay in dollars or Naira (no mixing of currency) at any GTBank Branch.

 

DS-160; No! It's totally free. An online Application.

[D&B 34]

21 hours ago, SMK 89 said:

D&B - I was SOOOOO thrilled to see this posting from someone who I think is as close/similar to the details of my case as possible.

• I am the beneficiary, Canadian.
• Fiancee is from Nashville, TN and he is living there now where we will also live in the future. 
• We also filed our I-129F in January (receipt date is January 10, 2018 and NOA1 date is January 16, 2018
• I am in the US right now on a B2 and have to go back before May 2nd as well.

I met my fiancee in Toronto as we both worked for the same company in different divisions. We started dating and then moved in together for what was just over a year in Toronto before our plans changed and moved towards the US. While we were living together in Toronto, he got a great job offer that would put him in Nashville, TN and we decided it was the right career step. For awhile, we were actually planning on getting married and staying in Canada so we were conscious that a lengthy "paper work process" would be needed but thought it would be in Canada and we could stay together since he was there on a inner-compnay work transfer Visa in Canada. But, plans changed when this too good to pass up career opportunity in Nashville surfaced. So.... now here we are.

 

Like you, I am currently in the US (Nashville, TN) with him as I helped him UHAUL his furniture and such up Feb 2.  I have been here on a B2 visiting/helping set up the house/etc since he had to go straight to work which included traveling a lot so that made him setting up his (our future) residence here difficult. It's been so great being together, BUT like you, I have to go back according to my I-94 before May 2 (I got a 3 month B2 I guess). 

 

We are trying to understand and figure out how we can plan to see each other moving forward, i.e., how soon I can come back for a long-ish visit/what it's like at the boarder when you try to explain your situation, what pieces of evidence you should bring with you? I resigned from my job the end of January as I new long trips weren't an option, especially since the company also knew that i'd inevitably be resigning since my fiancee moved to the states and I of course would be heading that way too. It also made no sense to keep supporting a Toronto Condo (prices are insane...) So i moved my few things in to my parents who live in London, ON. So I'm just worried that since i don't have employment to tie myself to in Canada that the CBP officers/agents will be finicky at the boarder. You mentioned waiting 30 days in Canada before visiting again and then just being very frank/honest/explanatory with the CBP officer about the situation. I guess flying/having a return ticket would help? How did they respond to you when you came last? How long did they grant you a visit? I almost feel like if it is properly explained to the CBP agents/officers they would see that people like us are probably the least likely to "overstay" our welcome, or try to immigrate incorrectly since we are awaiting a K-1 fiancee and all the aforementioned could seriously jeopardize this lengthy, difficult and important process. 

 

Sorry for being so long winded! If your interested, would love to keep in touch as it seems like our journey will align quite a bit! 

So exciting to hear about your journey SMK 89. Perhaps someday next year you and I will be sitting in a quaint little restaurant in Nashville, both newly married, enjoying a coffee (or your drink of choice) and comparing notes on our next steps to AOS. Never in a million years did I think I'd ever be engaged to an American and planning to live in Tennessee - and I've had a few more years of my life than what I would think is the majority on this Board as I would be considered a "mature age" filer...lol....but very young at heart.

 

I know it's very easy to say and not do, but please don't worry too much about your visits to the US. I actually enjoy chatting with the CBP officers and unlike many who say only give the info asked for, I tend to probably give more information than needed but also utilize that time to ask any questions that I may have about entering the US. The CBP officers just want to make sure we are indeed just visiting. The last time I entered the US I was not yet engaged but the CBP officer did ask if a proposal was in the works. I responded with a yes and continued to explain how we would be starting the K1 process after our official engagement. We discussed proof of residential ties to Canada and he indicated it was a good idea to travel with a copy of my lease for my condo in Calgary etc. I also travel with a copy of my vehicle registration and insurance as well as a copy of my property insurance. Not sure what I'll add to the pile next time as this will be the first time entering after applying for the K1 Visa. Although I do tend to agree with you that actually knowing we have applied is advantageous to our situation. Why on earth would anyone jeopardize this process by an overstay? I think since it's so easy for a Canadian to visit the US I'm sure there are people who think they can cross the border, marry an American and stay. If only it were that easy. The hilarious thing is last time I entered, the CBP officer said "oh the K1 visa is very simple, you can get that in Calgary". I wasn't sure if he was testing me to see if I actually knew the process or if he really wasn't aware of the process. Not wanting to be the know it all I responded with "oh really...I wasn't aware". If he was testing me I obviously failed....lol...

 

I think just being completely honest with the CBP officer and telling him your story as you told here will help. Makes complete sense that you have moved in with your parents and no longer working so you can take advantage of longer visits. I imagine a return ticket will be helpful as well although in my experience I have never had a return flight booked when I entered the US as I'm always watching fares for the best deals as I have the flexibility. That being said not once have I been asked for proof of return flight. I always think I'm sure the CBP officers are well aware if a person wants to overstay they just don't take the flight. Not saying you shouldn't have a return flight booked, just letting you know what's happened in my experience.

 

I always stay in Canada for over a month after my visits. I need to get my "life stuff" done and my fiancé will usually fly in for an extended weekend visit. This is the first time leaving the US in May that I will not have a date when I'm returning. I need time to start preparing for what will hopefully be a move to the US later this year, and am also wondering about the timing of the NOA2 etc. Maybe a miracle will happen and our NOA2's will arrive in May (ok a girl can dream can't she?). I also wonder how long we'll have to wait for the Montreal consulate interview? I assume you're as flexible as I am with your time, so I'm willing to jump at the first available interview date. Any idea what the first available interview dates are right now for filers at that stage in the process?

 

Hopefully our journeys will be a straight forward process, with no RFE's and no unnecessary delays. I think this stage in the process will require the most patience as like everyone, I'm ready to move forward in my life.

[lilit829 368]

I feel you guys, waiting is so difficult. I saw my fiancè in March and now we probably won't see each other until at least September, and that's hopefully. I just take things one day at a time, try to keep us in a good mood and talk as much as possible. So much stress from so many different areas but we have to be resilient. Distraction is key, so I'm distracting myself with my schoolwork and graduation. Let's hang in there, we're almost halfway there! Tomorrow will be our 90th day waiting for NOA2, hopefully by day 160--180 us Janies will start seeing approvals. So 90 days to go guys! 

[SMK 89 68]

29 minutes ago, D&B said:

I always stay in Canada for over a month after my visits. I need to get my "life stuff" done and my fiancé will usually fly in for an extended weekend visit. This is the first time leaving the US in May that I will not have a date when I'm returning. I need time to start preparing for what will hopefully be a move to the US later this year, and am also wondering about the timing of the NOA2 etc. Maybe a miracle will happen and our NOA2's will arrive in May (ok a girl can dream can't she?). I also wonder how long we'll have to wait for the Montreal consulate interview? I assume you're as flexible as I am with your time, so I'm willing to jump at the first available interview date. Any idea what the first available interview dates are right now for filers at that stage in the process?

 

Hopefully our journeys will be a straight forward process, with no RFE's and no unnecessary delays. I think this stage in the process will require the most patience as like everyone, I'm ready to move forward in my life.

Thank you for your supportive words and advice! I really appreciate it.  I think I will try to come back for a longer visit in June/July if things really do move at the glaciar pace many have experienced...  I think it would be lovely to work together on the AOS process and cheers in TN to the difficult journey we went through. It will be so nice to be in a very happy place with the loves of our lives! Let's keep positive thoughts towards a May NOA2 - you never know!!! 

 

Unfortunately from what I have been reading in the blogs from Canadians, the Montreal consulate is pretty backed up (i've read so many different things, i'm not sure what to believe and we can't see interview dates unless we have a case #). Some people are waiting a month to 3 months for interview time slots. Others from what they've put on VJ timelines have moved along within normal timelines, and then I've read others having to wait for over a month to even receive their case number and IIN (or whatever it's called) to be able to process the items they need for their Packet III and eventually Packet IV. It seems everything is electronic though, and not done via mail. I found this link - hopefully it is still current and the bits of advice in it will help us get through the NVC/Montreal Consulate process as quickly and smoothly as possible. I'm trying to be proactive about everything - seeing my family doctor to ensure i have all the vaccinations on the US immigration list, requesting my Police Certificate (which is good for a year), going through the available online screen shots of the DS-160 requirements so i can collect that information ahead of time and then just plug in all the info as quickly as i can the moment I can log in. Have you visited the Canada Portal on VJ? http://www.visajourney.com/portals/index.php?auto=1 I think you select Canada here and then you can see information from others going through the same process who are at different stages, and also posts with advice / facts on the Montreal consulate and their process.

 

Gosh, there is so much information to go through which is great but also so overwhelming! On bright side, we both now have a "Buddy" going through the same thing within the same timeframes! 

[D&B 34]

1 hour ago, SMK 89 said:

Thank you for your supportive words and advice! I really appreciate it.  I think I will try to come back for a longer visit in June/July if things really do move at the glaciar pace many have experienced...  I think it would be lovely to work together on the AOS process and cheers in TN to the difficult journey we went through. It will be so nice to be in a very happy place with the loves of our lives! Let's keep positive thoughts towards a May NOA2 - you never know!!! 

 

Unfortunately from what I have been reading in the blogs from Canadians, the Montreal consulate is pretty backed up (i've read so many different things, i'm not sure what to believe and we can't see interview dates unless we have a case #). Some people are waiting a month to 3 months for interview time slots. Others from what they've put on VJ timelines have moved along within normal timelines, and then I've read others having to wait for over a month to even receive their case number and IIN (or whatever it's called) to be able to process the items they need for their Packet III and eventually Packet IV. It seems everything is electronic though, and not done via mail. I found this link - hopefully it is still current and the bits of advice in it will help us get through the NVC/Montreal Consulate process as quickly and smoothly as possible. I'm trying to be proactive about everything - seeing my family doctor to ensure i have all the vaccinations on the US immigration list, requesting my Police Certificate (which is good for a year), going through the available online screen shots of the DS-160 requirements so i can collect that information ahead of time and then just plug in all the info as quickly as i can the moment I can log in. Have you visited the Canada Portal on VJ? http://www.visajourney.com/portals/index.php?auto=1 I think you select Canada here and then you can see information from others going through the same process who are at different stages, and also posts with advice / facts on the Montreal consulate and their process.

 

Gosh, there is so much information to go through which is great but also so overwhelming! On bright side, we both now have a "Buddy" going through the same thing within the same timeframes! 

I can see you are doing exactly what I plan to do when I return to Canada in May. I have my "list" ready.....criminal check/vaccinations etc. I am actually going to get the photos needed for the DS-160/medical/interview done while I'm in Nashville as I will then have US standard passport photos as opposed to getting them done in Canada where I believe we have different requirements. (correct me if I'm wrong). Just trying to make every step as simple as possible. I picture myself in front of a computer, trying to scan a Canadian passport photo, in tears cause I'm doing something wrong. I figure if I start with the right format to begin with I avoid needless frustration. Like yourself, trying to be proactive.

 

I have spent a little time on the Canada Portal. I did not know it was taking so long for some to even get past the NVC stage to the Consulate process. You would think filing everything electronically would ensure a faster process but it appears that is exactly the opposite. Although like everything else it appears everyone's journey is unique. We are lucky that we get to see our fiances so often for extended periods of time.

 

I was in Nashville last year from May to just after July 4th. I was only going to stay a month and then of course I just HAD to stay for the CMA Festival in June and then certainly I couldn't possibly leave until after July 4th. LOL It's difficult to go home when you don't have to be there for employment. This trip I was planning on flying back to Calgary the end of March and of course that changed to the beginning of May. But my fiancé will fly back to Calgary with me and we'll have a week or so together until he returns to the US. I have a feeling I will also be looking at returning in June/July - what a great thing it would be to get NOA2's when we're with our fiances.

 

[Jlomartin 71]

47 minutes ago, D&B said:

I can see you are doing exactly what I plan to do when I return to Canada in May. I have my "list" ready.....criminal check/vaccinations etc. I am actually going to get the photos needed for the DS-160/medical/interview done while I'm in Nashville as I will then have US standard passport photos as opposed to getting them done in Canada where I believe we have different requirements. (correct me if I'm wrong). Just trying to make every step as simple as possible. I picture myself in front of a computer, trying to scan a Canadian passport photo, in tears cause I'm doing something wrong. I figure if I start with the right format to begin with I avoid needless frustration. Like yourself, trying to be proactive.

 

I have spent a little time on the Canada Portal. I did not know it was taking so long for some to even get past the NVC stage to the Consulate process. You would think filing everything electronically would ensure a faster process but it appears that is exactly the opposite. Although like everything else it appears everyone's journey is unique. We are lucky that we get to see our fiances so often for extended periods of time.

 

I was in Nashville last year from May to just after July 4th. I was only going to stay a month and then of course I just HAD to stay for the CMA Festival in June and then certainly I couldn't possibly leave until after July 4th. LOL It's difficult to go home when you don't have to be there for employment. This trip I was planning on flying back to Calgary the end of March and of course that changed to the beginning of May. But my fiancé will fly back to Calgary with me and we'll have a week or so together until he returns to the US. I have a feeling I will also be looking at returning in June/July - what a great thing it would be to get NOA2's when we're with our fiances.

 

@D&B and @SMK 89 I am also from Canada (beneficiary) 😃. I sign onto VJ on my fiancé’s account here and there to see if I have any questions or members I can relate to. I am so glad I have found 2!!!

 

My Fiancé the petitioner is front New Jersey.  I was just there last February 7- March 13. I had no issues at customs. I brought all documents with me like letter of employment, bank statements, etc just in case they asked for them but to my surprise the officer didn’t! 

 

I have requested for my current immunization record so far. I will be requesting for my criminal record check in June and I need to request to have a copy of my original birth certificate. Also, I am making sure my fiancé has everything ready too just to speed up the process.

 

We plan to have the civil ceremony in NJ ASAP because we plan to have our catholic ceremony in Winnipeg next year May 2019 (hoping the AOS process goes smoothly).  If not worst case scenario I can apply for a waiver to exit and enter U.S. while waiting for my AOS. We have the venue and wedding coordinator booked and have inquired about the deposits we made. Thankfully they said as long as we change the date within the year they’re okay with that we don’t lose any of our deposits!

 

My Fiancé will be coming in May for 2 weeks for a visit! So I cannot wait! After May the next visit is hopefully my POE! 

 

Such a breath of fresh air to see my fellow Canadians on here! 

[Snuffles 394]

9 hours ago, ShyLucy said:

Thank you @Snuffles yes you are right, we will overcome this. In God’s time we will get approved. 

We sure will ❤️

[Snuffles 394]

9 hours ago, iwir said:

My fiance is coming to visit me in three weeks for two weeks. Yaaay yaaayyyy! Spending time together before NOA2 helps, people! We've been away from each other for one month now. We can't stay away from each other for too long!

YAAAAAY! That is awesome, very exciting! I haven’t seen mine since January, won’t see him till POE but that’s okay. 

[Snuffles 394]

3 hours ago, lilit829 said:

I feel you guys, waiting is so difficult. I saw my fiancè in March and now we probably won't see each other until at least September, and that's hopefully. I just take things one day at a time, try to keep us in a good mood and talk as much as possible. So much stress from so many different areas but we have to be resilient. Distraction is key, so I'm distracting myself with my schoolwork and graduation. Let's hang in there, we're almost halfway there! Tomorrow will be our 90th day waiting for NOA2, hopefully by day 160--180 us Janies will start seeing approvals. So 90 days to go guys! 

Yep, and this is probably why I check my case tracker everyday. As the numbers go up, it makes me feel better that we are getting closer. Even if we don’t know what the end number is. I was just thinking yesterday that some lucky ones could get something around the 180 mark. Fantastic. 

Distractiob certainly is key. I wonder what it was about the other idea that made us all struggle *shrugs* 

[iwir 337]

Yes guys, we have to stay strong. I can't imagine those who have to wait til POE til you both see each other again. That must be TOUGH!!!!

 

This process is nothing about being patient and hang onto each other. We make plan and we visit each other as often as we can til NOA2 which will be in 90s days for us. And we talk constantly online in between the visit. To be honest, the first week after we're together is the hardest. We miss each other so much and can't really function well unless we keep ourselves busy and keep us distracted and then we plan for our next visit. That what keeps us excited. Those who are from Canada are lucky. They can visit as often as they can and stay longer if they can. But I understand you guys also a lot of things to do back home and a job you can't abandon. We're still half way there. Hold your fiance tighter whether in person or online. We will get there!

[lilit829 368]

1 hour ago, Snuffles said:

Yep, and this is probably why I check my case tracker everyday. As the numbers go up, it makes me feel better that we are getting closer. Even if we don’t know what the end number is. I was just thinking yesterday that some lucky ones could get something around the 180 mark. Fantastic. 

Distractiob certainly is key. I wonder what it was about the other idea that made us all struggle *shrugs* 

I honestly think even sooner. Some people in October started seeing approvals at day 160. 

[Deehotstepper 230]

Hi Januarians,

its raining approvals in October, Lots of silent approvals with lots of newbies logging to stat they are approved!!! 

keep up the faith, we are almost there. the time is flying by, its day 70 for me according to USCIS and honestly it doesn't fee like it.

[GP1977 288]

52 minutes ago, lilit829 said:

I honestly think even sooner. Some people in October started seeing approvals at day 160. 

The earliest I am seeing so far is day 169 or 170 for someone getting an approval. There were some October 10th petitions approved on March 29th. I think if they continue this pace we should be 70-75 days before they start January. Time flies it’s already been 93 days for me. 

[LuFlolady 881]

5 hours ago, Deehotstepper said:

Hi Januarians,

its raining approvals in October, Lots of silent approvals with lots of newbies logging to stat they are approved!!! 

keep up the faith, we are almost there. the time is flying by, its day 70 for me according to USCIS and honestly it doesn't fee like it.

so glad it finally started raining approvals in October I have been waiting for that because the more it rains the closer we get.

[JDY 74]

So happy to hear that maybe we can hear something earlier!!!