Canadian August+September 2018 Case Complete To Interview For Spousal Visa Filers Thread

[Bfrank2me 3]

5 hours ago, MtnBoarder said:

And I’m sorry, I have no clue why that captured two posts for my one reply(☝️)...technology🙄

 

anyways I’ve crossed into the US and they literally asked for nothing but my passport.  The consulate official also have me a sheet, the day I picked up my passport, and told me that all I would need is my passport. I figured I’d need something more, but nope, nothing else. We did my passport, imported two vehicles(easy because we originally bought them in the US), and updated our Nexus cards for my family of 4,  and were out of the immigration in less than an hour, so way easier than I had expected it to be. Immigration seemed to process it like it’s just another green card....not like I was needing a tenth interrogation, so that part was fabulous.

 

hope everyone gets passports back, appointment dates, etc! 

Interview on Tuesday the 20th, so I’m looking ahead to the steps after that and I appreciate hearing about your border experience. Did the Consulate elaborate about a Social Security number or Emplyment Authorization? What about arrival of the actual green card? Do you know if your passport and visa are sufficient to cross back into Canada if necessary before your green card is mailed? 

Safe travels to Colorado, I spent a lot of time in Colorado Springs.

[MtnBoarder 61]

41 minutes ago, Bfrank2me said:

Interview on Tuesday the 20th, so I’m looking ahead to the steps after that and I appreciate hearing about your border experience. Did the Consulate elaborate about a Social Security number or Emplyment Authorization? What about arrival of the actual green card? Do you know if your passport and visa are sufficient to cross back into Canada if necessary before your green card is mailed? 

Safe travels to Colorado, I spent a lot of time in Colorado Springs.

 I actually worked in Colorado Springs for a few years, I know it fairly well also. 

When I  was at the border of the other night I specifically asked the immigration officer if I  understood things correctly and that I am only allowed back into Canada once I receive the actual green card? His exact response was “ you can use this(temp visa in passport) to cross into Canada 100 times a day if you want starting today,  this is your green card until you get the replacement.“  I was under the impression that I was not allowed back into Canada until I got the actual green card but apparently that is not the case. 

As far as the Social Security number I’m not sure only because I already have one from the time that I worked in the US before. I know my lawyer requested an updated change to which presumably because I am now a permanent resident and not a temporary worker. So, I’m guessing I just now have to wait for the new Social Security to arrive in the mail. As for the employment authorization, if the visa is basically our green card then we have the employment authorization from the start.

 

Good luck on your upcoming interview

Edited November 18, 2018 by MtnBoarder

[Bfrank2me 3]

11 minutes ago, MtnBoarder said:

 I actually worked in Colorado Springs for a few years, I know it fairly well also. 

When I  was at the border of the other night I specifically asked the immigration officer if I  understood things correctly and that I am only allowed back into Canada once I receive the actual green card? His exact response was “ you can use this(temp visa in passport) to cross into Canada 100 times a day if you want starting today,  this is your green card until you get the replacement.“  I was under the impression that I was not allowed back into Canada until I got the actual green card but apparently that is not the case. 

As far as the Social Security number I’m not sure only because I already have one from the time that I worked in the US before. I know my lawyer requested an updated change to which presumably because I am now a permanent resident and not a temporary worker. So, I’m guessing I just now have to wait for the new Social Security to arrive in the mail. As for the employment authorization, if the visa is basically our green card then we have the employment authorization from the start.

 

Good luck on your upcoming interview

That’s great to know. My mother is 93 this month, and I’d hate not to be able to return if something happened to her in the next 120 days. I have a previous SSN too from when I was posted to the US with the RCAF, but the card says “not eligible for employment without DHS authorization. Not a big deal because I recently retired and may not work. I just need to know if the actual number will change because i’ll need it to register the car, get a licence, even a cell phone once I get there.

I’ve got a 40 hr drive to Sacramento ahead of me, so the extra 16 to pick up the Visa is a huge dissatisfier. Screw you and your strike Canada Post. Close the archaic institution down for all I use it.

[MtnBoarder 61]

18 hours ago, Bfrank2me said:

That’s great to know. My mother is 93 this month, and I’d hate not to be able to return if something happened to her in the next 120 days. I have a previous SSN too from when I was posted to the US with the RCAF, but the card says “not eligible for employment without DHS authorization. Not a big deal because I recently retired and may not work. I just need to know if the actual number will change because i’ll need it to register the car, get a licence, even a cell phone once I get there.

I’ve got a 40 hr drive to Sacramento ahead of me, so the extra 16 to pick up the Visa is a huge dissatisfier. Screw you and your strike Canada Post. Close the archaic institution down for all I use it.

Obese ya as far as the drive goes, I had a short 🙄 20 hour drive after doing Montreal twice (3200 kms total between all needed trips). It certainly didn’t help the situation but it was good to know that I at least had the passport in hand.

 

My ssn says the same thing but I know my lawyer clicked a button on the DS-260 I believe, that requested a new card. But with the green card we do have DHS authorization I believe. I’ll email my lawyer and triple check

 

 

[arellah 125]

Hey guys!

Reporting in from Montreal - thought I’d give you guys a quick update as I did my Medical this morning:

 

I flew in yesterday, arrived around 6pm and checked into my hotel. I chose the Wyndham on Rene-Levesque Ouest. I chose this hotel cuz it’s close to everything I need: Medical, Consulate and the train station. I am going to stay here 2 nights then go visit family in Ottawa, and return the day before my interview next week! I love the location, there’s a grocery store across the street, as well as a shopping mall and lots of food options. The hotel itself is SMALL, the whole room is about the size of a small bedroom back home haha, but it works for me just fine. I paid about $140 per night. As far as I can tell there are lots of Hotel options in this area, so look around for the best price!

 

MEDISYS MEDICAL REVIEW:

Medical appt time: 10am.  I arrived around 9:40 - was a 20 minute walk from my hotel

• I got there and there were maybe 15 people in the waiting room. Reception was friendly, took my passport, immunization records, interview letter and 5 passport pictures. They keep your interview letter, I only had one copy so the lady was nice enough to copy one for me.
• You fill out some forms, you’ll need your intended US address and you’ll list your prescriptions. You hand these back, then you wait.
• The Dr comes and gets you. I had Dr Lapointe and he was SO nice. Friendly, he explained everything fully and asked lots of questions about how my husband and I met. He checks the following: eyes, ears, lymph nodes, lungs, heart, abdomen etc. It’s pretty short maybe 5 minutes. 
• You’re sent back to the main area - wait to be called for an x-ray. This is also super quick. Then back to the waiting room.
• Then I was called for eye test, height, weight, blood pressure and a blood sample. Then instructed to do a urine sample - Important: don’t use the bathroom an hour before your medical, or you have to wait in the waiting room for an hour.
• After that, I waited for my turn to pay and then was sent on my way with a reciept. Oh, and they take a picture of you as well. I said I wouldn’t be back in Montreal until Monday (Interview is Tuesday) and they said that was just fine. They will email me once it’s ready.

Overall, an excellent experience. Every staff member I met was honestly so nice and welcoming and explained everything fully which I really appreciated. I was there a little over an hour. I’m relieved with how easy it was. I paid $461 CAD for it - I did not need any additional immunizations.

 

Now I’m trying to find a movie theatre or something to do today - it’s super snowy today! If anyone has any questions, let me know!

 

 

 

 

 

[Alyssamac90 40]

1 hour ago, arellah said:

Hey guys!

Reporting in from Montreal - thought I’d give you guys a quick update as I did my Medical this morning:

 

I flew in yesterday, arrived around 6pm and checked into my hotel. I chose the Wyndham on Rene-Levesque Ouest. I chose this hotel cuz it’s close to everything I need: Medical, Consulate and the train station. I am going to stay here 2 nights then go visit family in Ottawa, and return the day before my interview next week! I love the location, there’s a grocery store across the street, as well as a shopping mall and lots of food options. The hotel itself is SMALL, the whole room is about the size of a small bedroom back home haha, but it works for me just fine. I paid about $140 per night. As far as I can tell there are lots of Hotel options in this area, so look around for the best price!

 

MEDISYS MEDICAL REVIEW:

Medical appt time: 10am.  I arrived around 9:40 - was a 20 minute walk from my hotel

• I got there and there were maybe 15 people in the waiting room. Reception was friendly, took my passport, immunization records, interview letter and 5 passport pictures. They keep your interview letter, I only had one copy so the lady was nice enough to copy one for me.
• You fill out some forms, you’ll need your intended US address and you’ll list your prescriptions. You hand these back, then you wait.
• The Dr comes and gets you. I had Dr Lapointe and he was SO nice. Friendly, he explained everything fully and asked lots of questions about how my husband and I met. He checks the following: eyes, ears, lymph nodes, lungs, heart, abdomen etc. It’s pretty short maybe 5 minutes. 
• You’re sent back to the main area - wait to be called for an x-ray. This is also super quick. Then back to the waiting room.
• Then I was called for eye test, height, weight, blood pressure and a blood sample. Then instructed to do a urine sample - Important: don’t use the bathroom an hour before your medical, or you have to wait in the waiting room for an hour.
• After that, I waited for my turn to pay and then was sent on my way with a reciept. Oh, and they take a picture of you as well. I said I wouldn’t be back in Montreal until Monday (Interview is Tuesday) and they said that was just fine. They will email me once it’s ready.

Overall, an excellent experience. Every staff member I met was honestly so nice and welcoming and explained everything fully which I really appreciated. I was there a little over an hour. I’m relieved with how easy it was. I paid $461 CAD for it - I did not need any additional immunizations.

 

Now I’m trying to find a movie theatre or something to do today - it’s super snowy today! If anyone has any questions, let me know!

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much. Super helpful! Glad things went well!

[Kat & Jim 47]

Just in case anyone is not yet aware, this was on the CTV news website today and should be all over the news by now. Hopefully this helps out some of you who need to make plans for the Passport return after the interview. 🙂

 

Good luck to everyone ! 

 

CTVNews.ca Staff 
Published Tuesday, November 20, 2018 12:51PM EST 
Last Updated Tuesday, November 20, 2018 5:34PM EST

 

Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu says the government will table legislation to end the Canada Post strike unless a resolution is reached “over the next few days.”

Developing story...

 

 

[Bethany123 56]

On 11/13/2018 at 11:54 PM, Courtney86 said:

Hey @Hill.ary  and @Bethany123 congrats again! We had our (approved!) interview this morning- Can either of you please confirm if the interviewing officer kept your originals docs? (Birth & marriage specifically)

 

If not, did they mention them coming with your passport? I'm getting super worried they forgot to give them back and my wife forgot to ask in all the excitement. Would love to know we aren't the only ones and this is normal. Thank you!!

Hi, sorry for the delay. I didn't see this comment until today. I got my original documents back at the interview when they called me up. They should've given them to you. 

[Courtney86 29]

4 hours ago, Bethany123 said:

Hi, sorry for the delay. I didn't see this comment until today. I got my original documents back at the interview when they called me up. They should've given them to you. 

All good, I agree since we were the only ones who didn't get them back except one other person. I emailed and they said 'they would normally send them with the passport but they won't because of the strike'. So...we're going to have to request new stuff since picking up isn't an option for us. Womp womp. 

[Courtney86 29]

4 hours ago, Kat & Jim said:

Just in case anyone is not yet aware, this was on the CTV news website today and should be all over the news by now. Hopefully this helps out some of you who need to make plans for the Passport return after the interview. 🙂

 

Good luck to everyone ! 

 

CTVNews.ca Staff 
Published Tuesday, November 20, 2018 12:51PM EST 
Last Updated Tuesday, November 20, 2018 5:34PM EST

 

Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu says the government will table legislation to end the Canada Post strike unless a resolution is reached “over the next few days.”

Developing story...

 

 

I'd feel better about this if in the same news reports it didn't have the quote direct from Canada Post "This is likely to be the situation [major delays] for the foreseeable future, meaning the next several weeks, including the peak holiday season and through January 2019." 

 

I thought for sure we'd have the passport by mid/end of December (our interview was Nov. 13th) which is when we need it but eeeek. Still holding out hope!

[mollyc 4]

I could write a review but theres already great reviews Ive read on this thread 🤗

 

If people are curious on a recent timeline example here was mine:

Case Close Date                  August 14, 2017

Interview Email                   October 18, 2017

Medical                                November 9, 2017

Medical result pickup       November 14, 2017

Interview                             November 16, 2017

* New Privacy Act/Old Non-PrivacyAct police clearance: they only really care for the one that resembles in your file online.

(Obtained newer version as a receipt incase and they didn't ask or used it. So $67 down the drain...)

Pickup Email                      November 20, 2017

(faster than I thought consider upcoming American thanksgiving)

* I'll probably use the same courier service to ensure I get my passport/visa sooner similar to the user in this post.

Received Passport           Still updating...

 

Congrats and much respect to everyone doing this process it really isn't for the impatient... the waiting is agonizing... A whole year! just know it'll be worth it

and many thanks for people sharing information about their experiences! helps put many overactive minds at ease ☺️

[Katstar 14]

Hi! Quick question about paying fees - I now have my passport (with visa) in hand and need to pay the $220.  But, when I picked up my passport, I was not given the letter that has my DOS case number and my A-number.  I’ve emailed the consulate, but does anyone have advice on how to find these numbers - or pay my fees without them?

Thanks!

[mollyc 4]

8 hours ago, Katstar said:

Hi! Quick question about paying fees - I now have my passport (with visa) in hand and need to pay the $220.  But, when I picked up my passport, I was not given the letter that has my DOS case number and my A-number.  I’ve emailed the consulate, but does anyone have advice on how to find these numbers - or pay my fees without them?

Thanks!

Not sure if you've searched it up on google, but to my research it should be in the visa portion of your passport I believe..

looks something like this hope this helps!

Edited November 21, 2018 by mollyc

[Katstar 14]

37 minutes ago, mollyc said:

Not sure if you've searched it up on google, but to my research it should be in the visa portion of your passport I believe..

looks something like this hope this helps!

thanks for this!! This worked

when I took the 01 off the IV Case Number. 🙂 hopefully this will be the last fee to pay in this process!!

 

Edited November 21, 2018 by Katstar

[mollyc 4]

1 hour ago, Katstar said:

thanks for this!! This worked

when I took the 01 off the IV Case Number. 🙂 hopefully this will be the last fee to pay in this process!!

 

saw your post earlier but u edit 😝 I was going to link you to this process  https://www.uscis.gov/forms/uscis-immigrant-fee

so glad to hear !!! Oh yes me too ! its been so expensive going through this..

have a safe trip and enjoy spending time with your loved one during the holidays 💞

 

Edited November 21, 2018 by mollyc