IR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview

[birdnerd 5]

1. If the interview is in April, what do we do about income tax filings, will he (USC) need to file and then I bring that to the interview?

You're probably best to file as soon as possible (the *deadline* for filing is Apr 15, but your husband can do it well before then), so you can have it with you.

[trailmix 77]

Hi lonie,

The sponsor must submit with the Form I-864 the sponsor’s U.S. Federal income tax return for the most recent tax year (that is, the completed tax year immediately preceding the date the sponsor signs the Form I-864). USCIS may generally expect a sponsor, after April 15 of any given year (or April 16 or 17, in a year in which April 15 is on a Saturday or Sunday), to have completed his or her tax return for the previous year. If the sponsor requested an extension, the sponsor should provide proof of filing for the extension.

So basically, what that refers to is when you actually submit the form to NVC, or in the case of DCF, submit it at the interview. So, technically, since you have already submitted your I-864 and it has been accepted as sufficient, you should not need to provide a 'more' current tax return.

I have read reviews, from other countries, where they have still been asked in April, but I don't remember one from Montreal. If you have a few recent paystubs with you, that would be a good idea.

No problem with your Husband not attending the interview.

[trailmix 77]

I just popped the data into a spreadsheet and it breaks down like this:

People scheduled for January had an average of a 161 days wait from Case Complete at NVC and interview.

People scheduled for February had an average of 142.

People scheduled for March had an average of 112.

If that doesn't indicate a steady progression for the better, I don't know WHAT does!

Oh I only just saw this, interesting.

Yes, well it's to be expected since they are pushing so many through at one time. My only hope is that they somehow keep up with it all. I also don't think a 112 day wait is all that great - that's still almost 4 months - but again, hopefully they will continue to reduce that wait time.

Edited January 26, 2010 by trailmix

[lonie 0]

I have no issue in going alone myself, but wonder what the effect on my interview will be??

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I have no issue in going alone myself, but wonder what the effect on my interview will be??

I was wondering that too.

Having one's spouse / SO there is probably a very good thing...but it's certainly not the be-all-end-all.

Having said that, I really do hope my wife can make it up there with me. It takes some of the pressure off too. And gives me someone to retrieve coffee while I'm in line.

[lonie 0]

Hi lonie,

The sponsor must submit with the Form I-864 the sponsor’s U.S. Federal income tax return for the most recent tax year (that is, the completed tax year immediately preceding the date the sponsor signs the Form I-864). USCIS may generally expect a sponsor, after April 15 of any given year (or April 16 or 17, in a year in which April 15 is on a Saturday or Sunday), to have completed his or her tax return for the previous year. If the sponsor requested an extension, the sponsor should provide proof of filing for the extension.

So basically, what that refers to is when you actually submit the form to NVC, or in the case of DCF, submit it at the interview. So, technically, since you have already submitted your I-864 and it has been accepted as sufficient, you should not need to provide a 'more' current tax return.

I have read reviews, from other countries, where they have still been asked in April, but I don't remember one from Montreal. If you have a few recent paystubs with you, that would be a good idea.

No problem with your Husband not attending the interview.

Thanks for the info, trailmix! We just had that discussion last night about him sending me pay stubs, we're still deciding if he'll come for the interview, seems a waste though for 1 day! I'd prefer he keep it for a vacation to Key West

Can't tell all of you how helpful you've been to my nerves, I have learned so much with all your advice and without it, probably wouldn't be prepared enough and then get denied.

[trailmix 77]

I have no issue in going alone myself, but wonder what the effect on my interview will be??

Yeah I assumed that is what you meant

I don't think it really has any bearing, except as Wyatt mentioned, there is no one to hold your place when you want coffee.

Going to the interview together, I guess, could be considered one sign of a 'bonafide' relationship - but i'm sure you have your pictures and all your other evidence that you sent in with your original application as well.

I honestly wouldn't worry about it - many many here have gone to their interview on their own.

[lonie 0]

I was wondering that too.

Having one's spouse / SO there is probably a very good thing...but it's certainly not the be-all-end-all.

Having said that, I really do hope my wife can make it up there with me. It takes some of the pressure off too. And gives me someone to retrieve coffee while I'm in line.

That's exactly what I thought, if I do this alone, I may end up being a basket case mid interview! But we'll decide closer to the interview what the best choice is.

Coffee runs are always a good thing that early in the morning! That's what extra large coffees were invented for, I think!

[ZansGirl 0]

I do not recall sending 'relationship' pictures in when we first filed for the CR-1.....We sent BC' and Marriage certificats and divorce decress and that sort...but no pictures...and (forgive my ignorance) I thought we took all the proof of a bonified marriage when we did the ROC?? I don't have any with me..and most CR-1's (from the reviews I have read) are not asked..(F-129's are)..

nd as for not having the spouse at the interview..I really cannot see how it would affect the outcome as I am sure they are aware, expecially in this economy..that the cost of the immigration process not to mention the trip to Montreal and whatnot...alot of US spouses annot AFFORD to take time off and the cost of another air fare.....(totally my own opinion)

But when all is said and done I suppose I had best print off a few pics in case....like everyone else before has said...better be safe than sorry...

[lonie 0]

My thoughts exactly,Zansgirl...

I don't even have an interview date yet, but its all I can think about with everyone getting a date, mine could next and I need to be prepared! Pictures and cards and such weren't sent to the NVC, but I think I need to bring them to the interview with the plane tickets etc, at least that what everyone else is talking about...

[trailmix 77]

That's probably because you both filed in 2008 originally (wow you have been at this a long time!). Before, I think it was July 2008, you were not asked to send in proof of relationship with your I-130. They did change that in July and it is now on the form - however they were pretty loose about requiring it for a few months after that - because some people were not aware.

You are correct Zans, it is rarely, if ever, asked for at the interview in Montreal - I guess no one wants to be the one they ask, and not have any proof with them

Edited January 27, 2010 by trailmix

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I do not recall sending 'relationship' pictures in when we first filed for the CR-1.....We sent BC' and Marriage certificats and divorce decress and that sort...but no pictures...and (forgive my ignorance) I thought we took all the proof of a bonified marriage when we did the ROC?? I don't have any with me..and most CR-1's (from the reviews I have read) are not asked..(F-129's are)..

Never underestimate the importance of having lots of evidence with you.

Sure, nine times out of ten you're not asked (maybe four times out of five?), but if you ARE asked, you'd better have something to show! Being over-prepared is magnitudes better than being under-prepared. Like the old saying goes..."An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Similar philosophy applies to the border. Usually they won't ask you for proof of ties, but if they DO, you want to have it there with you.

[Malrothien 6]

We've been married almost 4 years and we are still bringing proof of our relationship to Montreal.

[trailmix 77]

We've been married almost 4 years and we are still bringing proof of our relationship to Montreal.

Yeah absolutely - I would never go with zero. It's like the photo question - are they going to ask you for them - no probably not - but it would be really sad to get to the interview then find out you need photos or some proof of your relationship - things that are so easy to obtain and just take with you.

[sdw 10]

I am trying to figure out if I should get medical results couriered back to me or drive back up to Toronto and pick them up. Does anyone how long it takes to get them back by courier?