We have decided to go with CR-1 & We Have Some More Questions! (merged topics)

[rainbow-skies 130]

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

It won't be.  Wait times are increasing for petition approval, and Montreal is known for being quite backed up.

Thank you for this. 

This is a draft timeline of how we might potentially do things - if someone who is familiar with wait times can estimate 3 and 4 just so we get an idea.

 

1) April-June 2020 - engagement

2) September 2020 - private marriage ceremony in Florida

3) _________________ - File CR1/IR1 application

4) _________________ - estimated completion of case and approval of visa

 

Like if I want to be granted an IR1 visa I would have to enter the US September 2022 (given we get married September 2020) or later, correct?

[Orangesapples 1,954]

2 hours ago, rainbow-skies said:

Can anyone recommend or provide some tips on the financial aspect of building credit and finances in general?

 

- is there any way I can build US credit from within Canada, or even when I travel to visit my partner?

- how to best transfer all my funds/savings from my Canadian bank to a US bank when I move?

 

if there is any other important financial planning or information you think would be good to know and get a head start on, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Melissa

The best way to build credit is to have your spouse add you as an authorized user on a credit card with good payment history. Then once you move to the the US you can open your own credit card. 

[KAP2019 187]

4 hours ago, rainbow-skies said:

Thank you for this. 

This is a draft timeline of how we might potentially do things - if someone who is familiar with wait times can estimate 3 and 4 just so we get an idea.

 

1) April-June 2020 - engagement

2) September 2020 - private marriage ceremony in Florida

3) _________________ - File CR1/IR1 application

4) _________________ - estimated completion of case and approval of visa

 

Like if I want to be granted an IR1 visa I would have to enter the US September 2022 (given we get married September 2020) or later, correct?

Correct, but the process takes time. I wouldn't delay filing in order to get IR-1 instead of CR-1. some people are so close to their 2 year anniversary when they get their visa that they just wait to cross so they get IR-1 instead of CR-1. 

 

and someone mentioned that Montreal is backlogged. Waiting for an interview after all your documents are approved by NVC (they prepare visa application to send to consulate once USCIS approves your case) can take several months.  You will have lots of time to prepare. That's one thing I wish I knew ahead of time.

 

Also, only 5 approved doctors in Canada for the medical. I think there are a couple in Ontario, but not necessarily right in Toronto. 

[Lemonslice 4,936]

Your fiancée can ask her bank/credit union what is required to open a joint account.  We had a joint account prior to being married.  You might be able to open one during your next visit.  I know Desjardins has locations in Florida. 

[Hawk Riders 814]

A couple of information points from our experience:

Canadian spouse obtained a temporary US driver's license (which we renew when an updated I-94 is available); Canadian spouse was added to vehicle registrations; Canadian spouse was added to US spouse's credit union account (SSN to be added when one is issued).

 

All of the above steps were undertaken prior to marrying, FWIW. Good evidence of bona fide relationship which we submitted with the 1-130 immediately after marrying.

Also after marriage, Canadian spouse was added to US spouse's health insurance.

 

We anticipate a Montreal interview no later than May. The way the last batch of interview letters went, we may be summoned to Montreal in April--here's hoping!

 

[rainbow-skies 130]

16 hours ago, Hawk Riders said:

A couple of information points from our experience:

Canadian spouse obtained a temporary US driver's license (which we renew when an updated I-94 is available); Canadian spouse was added to vehicle registrations; Canadian spouse was added to US spouse's credit union account (SSN to be added when one is issued).

 

All of the above steps were undertaken prior to marrying, FWIW. Good evidence of bona fide relationship which we submitted with the 1-130 immediately after marrying.

Also after marriage, Canadian spouse was added to US spouse's health insurance.

 

We anticipate a Montreal interview no later than May. The way the last batch of interview letters went, we may be summoned to Montreal in April--here's hoping!

 

Thank you for sharing your experience! 

Did Canadian spouse obtain a temporary US driver's license when visiting U.S. ? and it is still possible to keep Canadian driver's license (mine is Ontario)?.

 

Wishing you both the best of luck with the upcoming interview! would love to hear how it goes.

 

Melissa

[Hawk Riders 814]

1 hour ago, rainbow-skies said:

Did Canadian spouse obtain a temporary US driver's license when visiting U.S. ? and it is still possible to keep Canadian driver's license (mine is Ontario)?.

Yes; Canadian spouse has been consistently visiting the US & renewing temporary OR licenses. One can only have a single "active" DL at any given time. The CA license is hole-punched and kept as a form of ID. 

[rainbow-skies 130]

5 minutes ago, Hawk Riders said:

Yes; Canadian spouse has been consistently visiting the US & renewing temporary OR licenses. One can only have a single "active" DL at any given time. The CA license is hole-punched and kept as a form of ID. 

Ah okay, doesn't seem like an appropriate option for me as I still need my license to drive in Ontario.

 

If you don't mind me asking, when did you get married and subsequently file the petition? Just so I have an idea on the Montreal timeline.

 

In regards to evidence, I was wondering if you think the following will be enough?

1.  I have visited her once thus far (10 days). Planning another trip for April, and hoping to get 2-3 (more if i can) visits to FL,USA to her during 2020.
2. We have many photos together, some videos, skype session logs (we video call almost every night).
3. We will within 2020 get married (private marriage) - which we will most likely still take pictures & also obtain the marriage certificate.
4. And I will also obtain an I-94 along with with my boarding passes. 
5. We also are looking into adding one another as authorized users on our credit cards (if this is possible with our time apart)

Thanks for your help!

[rainbow-skies 130]

Hello, I (immigrant spouse) am filling out a draft copy right now of I-I130/a - to determine if I have any outstanding information I need to obtain.

 

 

 

I have a question regarding Part 2 and Part 3.

Part 2 asks for 2 employers - and states that it can be employment history for the last five years, whether inside or outside the US. I being a Canadian citizen have only been employed. So under Part 2 (Employer 1 and Employer 2) - do i leave it blank or put it my most recent Canadian employers?. I am slightly confused because Part 3 then specifically asks "Information about your employmnet outside the US".

 

Part 7: "Additional Information" 

- what type of information would the Beneficiary spouse input here?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Mel

 

 

[arken 4,197]

8 minutes ago, rainbow-skies said:

Hello, I (immigrant spouse) am filling out a draft copy right now of I-I130/a - to determine if I have any outstanding information I need to obtain.

 

 

 

I have a question regarding Part 2 and Part 3.

Part 2 asks for 2 employers - and states that it can be employment history for the last five years, whether inside or outside the US. I being a Canadian citizen have only been employed. So under Part 2 (Employer 1 and Employer 2) - do i leave it blank or put it my most recent Canadian employers?. I am slightly confused because Part 3 then specifically asks "Information about your employmnet outside the US".

 

 

If you are currently employed, start filling with Employer 1. If currently unemployed, put unemployed for Employer 1 and list the employment from Employer 2.

 

If most recent employment is already listed in Part 2, put N/A in Part 3.

 

 

8 minutes ago, rainbow-skies said:

Part 7: "Additional Information" 

- what type of information would the Beneficiary spouse input here?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Mel

 

 

Part 7 is to be used when you do not have enough pages in the form to fill the information. Lets say you have 6 employers in last 5 years, since you cannot list all employers in Part 2, you would use Part 7 to provide the rest of the info.

 

Part 7 is to be used for any of the parts before that and any number of copies can be made as required.

[rainbow-skies 130]

1 minute ago, arken said:

 

If you are currently employed, start filling with Employer 1. If currently unemployed, put unemployed for Employer 1 and list the employment from Employer 2.

 

If most recent employment is already listed in Part 2, put N/A in Part 3.

 

 

Part 7 is to be used when you do not have enough pages in the form to fill the information. Lets say you have 6 employers in last 5 years, since you cannot list all employers in Part 2, you would use Part 7 to provide the rest of the info.

 

Part 7 is to be used for any of the parts before that and any number of copies can be made as required.

Awesome. I did exactly that for both areas. Thanks for your clarification and help!

[rainbow-skies 130]

Last Few Questions and Clarifications as I just read through everything and filled out to best of my ability:

 

1) Yes/No: The US Citizen/Sponsor/Petitioner will file both  the I-130 and I-130a correct? I will most likely be able to sign the I-130a for her as well on my next visit before she files it (if this is allowed).

 

2)In I-130 -- Part 4. asks about the Beneficiary (Me) and where I will apply. Because we are applying for immigrant visa CR1 - I state I will apply for immigrant visa abroad at U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulate in " Montreal, Quebec, Canada", correct?

 

3) How are evidences submitted with the iniital petition? Do I just scan them into an additional PDF document, or will the online submission form allow me to upload each evidence one-by-one?

 

4) If we choose to file the I-130 online, can we type out all the information in the fields, print to physically ink sign the documents, and then scan and upload everything with our signatures?

 

Thanks again.

 

Mel

 

 

[arken 4,197]

1. I130a doesn’t need your signature if you are not in the US, so no need to wait for you to sign and give it to your spouse.
2. Yes

3. May be someone who did the online filing can chime in. I’ll assume it will have several categories/options.

4.online filing i assume will have forms online to type on. Uploading will only be supporting docs. Others with direct experience may tell with more clarity.

[NikLR 13,231]

On 3/2/2020 at 10:17 AM, rainbow-skies said:

Ah okay, doesn't seem like an appropriate option for me as I still need my license to drive in Ontario.

 

If you don't mind me asking, when did you get married and subsequently file the petition? Just so I have an idea on the Montreal timeline.

 

In regards to evidence, I was wondering if you think the following will be enough?

1.  I have visited her once thus far (10 days). Planning another trip for April, and hoping to get 2-3 (more if i can) visits to FL,USA to her during 2020.
2. We have many photos together, some videos, skype session logs (we video call almost every night).
3. We will within 2020 get married (private marriage) - which we will most likely still take pictures & also obtain the marriage certificate.
4. And I will also obtain an I-94 along with with my boarding passes. 
5. We also are looking into adding one another as authorized users on our credit cards (if this is possible with our time apart)

Thanks for your help!

Hubs added me on to his bank account but many banks are turds about it. A W8ben form is needed. 

Hubs also added me onto his car insurance. 

Just evidence of time spent together is best.  

Canada is low fraud so not a lot of evidence is required. 

[rainbow-skies 130]

5 hours ago, NikLR said:

Hubs added me on to his bank account but many banks are turds about it. A W8ben form is needed. 

Hubs also added me onto his car insurance. 

Just evidence of time spent together is best.  

Canada is low fraud so not a lot of evidence is required. 

Thank you. We are looking into the bank/credit card option.