Montreal Interview Tracker -- Part DeuX [Ara2000, AttaBoy, CDN_CPER, Dongky, Enduring, GC Indian, Ja

blondhenge said:
Canuckbuck,

You indicated that you didn't care for the panel physician in Vancouver. Was there a specific reason (ex. his mannerisms), or was it just becuase it appeared he was in it for the money? I ask since my wife is not happy about having to see a male dr. for her medical (she has always had female doctors). She is concerned about being uncomfortable during the examination. Please let me know. Thanks.

blondehenge,

both actually. however, he does have two nurses who probably accompany him during the physical (which is not very thorough anyhow).

regards,
 
kourosm said:
1 - P3 includes an envelope and specifically asks to use this envelope to return documents. However this is a small envelope for all my documents. Can I use another larger envelope instead?

2- P3 for Canadians has a sheet explaining how to get PCC for Canadian residents and nonresidents. PCC from local RCMP detachment is recommended only for Canadian residents asking others to forward fingerprints to Ottawa. I'm still waiting for my PCC from Ottawa, however got a name-based PCC from RCMP in Windsor, however my address on the PCC is my US address (not Canadian). Is this going to be a problem?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

kourosm,

1. sorry - don't know the answer. my lawyer took care of this for me.

2. fingerprint submission is best. it took me approximately 4-5 months for this. so it sounds like you prepared ahead for this. my opinion is that name check won't be accepted bc it has a US address on it (plus you really arent a canadian resident in this case). i did name check as a back up to my submitted fingerprint PCC.

regards,

MRIV GC (passport) 6/7/2005
Waiting for physical card.
 
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Thanks

Thanks Canuckbuck. I will send the name-based PCC and will see if NVC will ask for the fingerprint-based one. I don't expect to heard from RCMP in Ottawa anytime before October, so I guess it worth sending the name-based PCC and give it a try.
Cheers,
 
Hi,

In case the fingerprint pcc is required you may try emailing civilnps@rcmp-grc.qc.ca their phone number is (613) 998 6359. I was told that the fingerprint pcc takes about 5-6 months. i had applied in mid-Nov 04 but followed up through email and got it by February 25th.

I landed in the US through Ottawa last week on a E34 visa. Does anyone know how long it takes to receive the gc / ssn and if i can start applying for jobs before receiving the ssn?
 
rosh75 said:
Hi,

In case the fingerprint pcc is required you may try emailing civilnps@rcmp-grc.qc.ca their phone number is (613) 998 6359. I was told that the fingerprint pcc takes about 5-6 months. i had applied in mid-Nov 04 but followed up through email and got it by February 25th.

I landed in the US through Ottawa last week on a E34 visa. Does anyone know how long it takes to receive the gc / ssn and if i can start applying for jobs before receiving the ssn?

rosh75,

GC: I entered on june 12th...and I am still waiting for my card. I've read on www.cptracker.com that it takes about an average of 3 weeks. But, having looked further, it seems that things have slowed down and the few people I know who entered in June/July...are still waiting for theirs!

SSN: I've been told the the SSN comes to your address promptly after entry (less than 3 weeks). I can't really help you here from personal experience -- because I have a SSN already having lived here for a number of years. (fyi - you cannot be paid without a SSN -- you can start "working" however)
 
Ok guys (and gals)

I have not seen a thread of sorts for those people wishing to track green cards post consular interviews...so I'm inserting this message here today.

This will help those get a basic idea of when to expect their physical cards in the mail.

Please provide the following basic info (I'll start with mine):

Consulate: Montreal
Interview Date: June 7, 2005
Immigrant Visa Issued: June 7, 2005
Date of Entry: June 12, 2005
Port of Entry: Toronto Airport (Pre-Inspection Immigration/Customs)
Welcome Letter: 8/4/25005
Green Card: 8/8/2005 :D

thanks.
 
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Tracking GC

Date of Interview: 28 June, 2005 at Montreal consulate
Visa Issued: 29 June
Entered US on: 16 July
port of entry: ottawa airport immigration clearance
date gc / welcome letter received : ??
 
canuckbuck said:
It turns out that timing is of the essence when it comes to submitting your P3 and its completion (based on my personal opinion, research and recent experience). Every month, once a month -- say around the 20th of each month NVC makes a request to the state dept for available visas. If your case is completed after that..say 25th...you need to wait for a request the following month...and then the month after that you will hear from NVC re: interview date.
The AVM in my case has changed and now says ”your case was completed on August 1, please wait for 8 weeks for further instructions” (it took them 3 weeks to review the case!). If the assumption of ~20th deadline to send request to the state department is correct, I shouldn’t expect my file to be forwarded to Montreal before mid-September. Is that right? I have also noticed that applicants are forwarded to consulates in India for CP just few days after the file is reviewed by NVC. Is the State Department approval is a requirement for Montreal CP only?

Couple of other questions:
1- Apparently, NVC has accepted my name-check-based RCMP PCC. I haven't heard from Ottawa about my fingerprint-based request (I sent them an email and also left them a voice mail last week but haven’t heard anything yet). So the question is, if I don't receive the fingerprint-based PCC from Ottawa by the day of my interview (which I expect to be in October), will I be in trouble?

2- In order to have the medical exam, I should wait for P4 which I probably won't receive before September. However, I will be in Toronto by the end of August. Do I need to use the exact forms that will be included in P4 for the medical exam? Can I download the form from the web? Do medical exam offices in Canada have extra copies of the form?

Thanks a lot.
 
my guessestimate is that your case would be sent to Montreal around that time ...under an available visa circumstance. however, as you know, they are not available. so, with that in mind, there could be a delay...but keep your head up -- state dept visa bulletins are posted ahead of time...and so they may give NVC the go ahead sometime in Sept...which would mean that you would be good to go in October for an interview when the visas would be officially available for EB3s.

re: rcmp fingerprint - not sure on this. mine was a fingerprint, so i didnt worry -- but if NVC accepted name/birth check..then i would run with it. if the consulate says anything tell them that NVC approved the name check and show them proof that you applied for the fingerprint. if you get the fingerprint by the interview, then of course take it.

re: medical. you must wait for the P4 --- bc you must present it to docs in canada. otherwise - there is no use --- they wont do the medical without P4/NVC permission

hope this helps.
 
Welcome Letter Received: 8/5/2005
Card Ordered: ??
Card Mailed: ??
Card Received: ??

canuckbuck said:
Ok guys (and gals)

I have not seen a thread of sorts for those people wishing to track green cards post consular interviews...so I'm inserting this message here today.

This will help those get a basic idea of when to expect their physical cards in the mail.

Please provide the following basic info (I'll start with mine):

Consulate: Montreal
Interview Date: June 7, 2005
Immigrant Visa Issued: June 7, 2005
Date of Entry: June 12, 2005
Port of Entry: Toronto Airport (Pre-Inspection Immigration/Customs)
Welcome Letter: ???
Green Card: ???

thanks.
 
Thanks Canuckbuck. Actually my case is EB2.
One more question: does the medical exam fee (I guess $185 in Toronto) include the cost of required shots? If not, I wonder if it worth to take the shots here in States and take the records there (assuming shots are not going to be covered by the Canadian healthcare, are they?). Thanks.
 
canuckbuck,

no problem. since you are EB2 --- then you should be good to go. your timeline seems right to me based on your original message. And now looking back ...youre right about the few day delay between case completion at NVC to the indian consulates...strange. you think canadian stuff would happen at this pace as well. oh well..what can you do.

re: medical. unfortunately, i dont know if that includes required shots. my guess would be a no. these guys are in teh business of making $$$. not sure what shots you need? or dont have records? i requested an antibody titer panel for all the stuff (tentanus, hep B etc) from my family doc in the US...and i presented it to the panel physician in canada as proof of vaccinations....but if you havent taken any shots, then i would get them done in the US and then take your records as proof.


kourosm said:
Thanks Canuckbuck. Actually my case is EB2.
One more question: does the medical exam fee (I guess $185 in Toronto) include the cost of required shots? If not, I wonder if it worth to take the shots here in States and take the records there (assuming shots are not going to be covered by the Canadian healthcare, are they?). Thanks.
 
Dress code

For those of you who have given the interview, what kind of dress code did you wear. Formal or business casual?

Thanks

Interview Date: Aug 11, 2005
 
business casual....although i ran into people wearing shorts!??!? crazy!




Al-Rav said:
For those of you who have given the interview, what kind of dress code did you wear. Formal or business casual?

Thanks

Interview Date: Aug 11, 2005
 
Speeding Ticket RFE

I previously posted that I received an RFE for a speeding ticket that I noted on Part II of the DS-230 form. Anyway, we were about to reply to the RFE when I checked the status of my case for the heck of it. It said the case was completed! I spoke to an agent there and they said I could bring the stuff to my interview, and that they probably completed the case because it was 'just a speeding ticket'. Since I'm EB-3 however, he said my interview probably won't be until November. Oh well. At least its almost done!
 
Interview, Immigration Visa Issue and Entry to USA

Summary:

I returned to the US Aug 12 midnight. An endorsement stamp (customary DHS stamp) was placed into my passport along side the I-551 (laminated by the consulate Aug 11).

They handed me 2 envelopes (1 for my wife, not 3 like others) with my passport and asked that I present at the border (Windsor/Detroit Bridge).

In Montreal: I stayed at the Best Western ... okay hotel, but there are hotel closer.. like Holiday Inn.

If you are staying far and planning to drive make sure you are there before 6:45 for getting parking next to the Consulate


At the consulate:
- Arrived at consulate at 7:00am (8:30am appointment) – I was 1st in line

- every person who shows up first thing in the morning is placed in a waiting room and then escorted by security upstairs to the 19th floor at 8:30am

- When you get in the elevator-- head to the back...to the second door. This door will open. Make a left when you get out and head to cashier number 14 ( # 25 was the old #, but now they have re-numbered). No one will be there - We waited for 30 mins. They will hand you a number. Sit down with your number

- You will be called the first time to hand over the following: medical (did not ask for X-Ray, but they did ask few other people, so make sure to carry them), employment letter, photos, and passport. They will also ask you to verify info (address, name etc) on the DS-230 part I and sign DS-230 part II. He also asked my W2 for 2004

- You will then be asked to pay a $45USD consular surcharge (Window 14 again) -- administered to all immigrant visa applicants despite previous payment(s) to NVC

- After you pay and return to the window which you were originally called to, you will be asked to sit down and wait to me called by an consular officer

- If you are missing something they will call you again other wise you will be asked to go to (Small Room) #7 or # 8. --- This is the "interview"

- Interview is literally a formality. Officer congratulated my wife for our new born baby (5 weeks, at the time). He did ask me about my company (Only because we are only 2 employees, My Boss and I).

- He returned our original documents that we had mailed to NVC.

- Took our finger prints (Electronic - No ink, just Index finger)

- Asked to us to raise our right hand and take Oath, All the information states is correct

- Other than that.. just general talk. He did say that they do not issue the visa's the same day since they do not get back the finger prints back till late evening. He said he understands that we have a small kid waiting for us at home (in Detroit) (If your interview is on Friday they try to do it the same day).

- I was given a yellow card for pickup of my passport (2:30 following day)

- Interview process completed by ~9:45am.

- Next day went to pick up my immigrant visa. Arrived, the consulate at 1:00 pm. (Do not go this early waste of time) They said everyone is on lunch and come back at 2:15. We bought lunch and just waited outside the consulate. There were a lot of people so they told us that they are binging the passport downstairs. We were called in at 2:30 at the entrance (security desk) and we were given the passport. People who came at 2:30 got their passport 10 mins later because of the line up. I know that there is too much anxiety but not really worth it to go that early


Drove form Consulate to Ambassador Bridge, Detroit

Pulled up my car at the border. Showed my immigration Visa, he asked if I had the envelops of document and I said yes. The agent put a yellow sticker on the car windshield and asked us to go to the office. We went in. Since it was a little bit close to midnight on Aug 12, I was asked by the staff to wait till the next shift takes over. Waited for 15 mins. The officer verified address for future correspondence, took our right index ink fingerprints, and signature for the actual cards, stamped our visa and told us sometimes the card does not show up in the mail. If it does not come in 4 to 6 months contact the local office in Detroit.


Now a permanent resident... Waiting for physical card now...

Questions? - Just send me a message --- I'll reply as promptly as possible. Good luck to all.


Thanks for all your info available on this thread.
 
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EB3 Visa's

According to the VISA officer, there are still some visas available for EB3. Any visas not used till end of the month are thrown back in the pool. So it you are lucky you might get your interview before Oct/Nov.

Gook Luck.
 
Great Feedback

Al-rav,
Congratulations and thanks for your excellent write-up of the interview process. Very valuable info. Here are some questions I have and would appreciate your inputs:

1. Is the $45 fee per person or is it just one payment of $45? Assume they accept cash.
2. Did most of the applicants get the visa/pp the next afternoon? (I think I remember reading that they used to issue it the same day)
3. Did you produce your child's birth certificate at the interview? If so, original or copy?
4. Was the I-134 required for your spouse?
5. Did they ask you for tax transcripts? I have never been able to get through the 1800 number for ordering the transcript from IRS, during the day or night. It keeps on ringing. I guess they are on summer vacation :)

Thanks in advance.
 
Answers to Qs. form tarantula

You are most welcome. The portal is helped me out and it is my please to give it back something. My only request is make sure everyone does the same.

1) $45 / US Dollars are per person. They only accept cash
2) Like my explanations says that the interviewer said (it also says in you appointment letter) that visa are no longer issued on the same day (They will try if it sia a Friday). There is an option to get is mailed, but they also mention that if it gets lost it is not there problem :)
3) I did not get the police clearance for my child on time, so she has a follow-up interview on Aug 26. But they have asked for all original documents for her. So I would think you need it.
4) I-134 is a requirement, but they did not ask for it. I would highly recommend that you take it with you, just incase they ask for it.
5) They want you to carry at least 3 years of tax returns, but they only asked for 2004 W2. If you are not able to get the Tax transcripts then at least take copy's of your tax returns.


If you are ready with all documents you do not have any problems with the CP process. If you are missing documents which are crucial then sometime they will deny you or ask you for a follow-up date. Not sure if anyone wants to go through that.

Good Luck for your interview. Let me know if Anyone has any questions
 
Police check, Finger prints vs. Name check

Lot of people have posted these question. I have asked this in my interview for peoples benefit. The answer for the consulate was…

We recommend for people to get finger prints if they live in the USA, since RCMP does not process it without it. But people who have ability to go to the RCMP office, like you (me) living at the border and easy access to an RCMP office in Windsor. We just need a name check. If you name check has an issue, then you should request for a finger print check.

Hope this helps. I still do not want to take the responsibility. This is what I have been told by the officers in Montreal. People who would like to ask more questions you can also call the consulate for immigration visa questions at 514-398-9695 hit option “6” for dialing the extension and then dial extension ‘3833’. They take calls between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm


Good Luck
 
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