US outland applicants' thread :)

[rhcohen2014]

Plus I am assuming I would get an email from CIC letting me know that a decision was made.

nope, you won't. generally, applicants only know to expect their COPR because their ECAS changed to DM or they've received it in the mail. CIC does not send anything to let you know it's been mailed or to confirm a decision has been made.

 

[Mariac819]

nope, you won't. generally, applicants only know to expect their COPR because their ECAS changed to DM or they've received it in the mail. CIC does not send anything to let you know it's been mailed or to confirm a decision has been made.

Great info. Thank you RH! - I guess I will call them and just change my mailing address to Ottawa. I am assuming it is super simple? Do you have any idea about this? Should I wait until I know Ottawa VO has received it? (If they even send me an AOR lol).

 

[Mariac819]

1. I haven't done the medical yet but I was wondering where I should get them done. Here in Canada before we leave for NY? Or should I have them done in NY?
2. On one of the applications I saw was "Immigration office requested for processing this application" should I put down Ottawa?
3. Am I able to apply for an extension if the process takes longer than 6 months?
4. When would be the best time to cross the boarder back into Canada? Before we submit the application? or after my husband gets Sponsor Approval?
5. Do we have to mail in the application from my home state or can we mail it in from Canada?
6. My husband is going back home to Canada January 4th while I stay in NY for a while to wait for my new passport. Would I have any trouble going across the boarder back into Canada? (Coming to Canada last week, I flew into Pearson International and got pulled for a secondary interview and I was really nervous. My husband and I have been dating for 3 years before we got married and I never had a problem crossing the boarder into Canada until last week.) Would it be easier to fly by myself? If so, what should I say and should I have any documents with me? Or should I have my parents drive me across?
7. Does anyone think ill have a problem going back into the US for Christmas since I got pulled for the secondary interview?( this was the first time I ever got pulled to a secondary interview)


I really appreciate all the help and advice!!

Sincerely,
Samantha

1. I am from NYC as well. The offices that do the medical in my area were asking for $450+ USD, some weren't even including the Xray and blood - that would have been separate. So I said SCREW that and I started calling the Ottawa facilities that do the immigration medicals (that is where my husband lives). I made sure to ask if the Fee included EVERYTHING. We ended up paying $210 CAD for the exam. NOT BAD AT ALL!

2. YES, USA Citizens are processed in the Ottawa VO

3. Yes, you can apply for a visitor extension online if the process takes longer than the 6 months you are allowed as a US citizen. Try to apply at least 30 days before your 6 months are up just to be safe. I am heading up there now 11/20 to stay until I get my COPR (We have SA already). I am hoping I don't need the extension but its good to know the process just in case you need it.

4. As a USA Citizen visiting, you can cross whenever you want ... You just have to show ties back in the USA if they ask. I waited until we got our SA because I felt more comfortable (plus I was waiting for my work contract to end). I cross every month back and forth (even after we were married I crossed no issues). However, I am a nexus member so it is a bit different for me. Yet, I still plan to carry our SA approval letter, our marriage certificate, my husband is having surgery and I am bringing proof so that they see I want to be with him during that time. I am bringing proof of funds and also they are welcome to call my husband and he can verify that he will be paying for my needs while I am visiting if it is necessary. I REALLY DONT THINK it will come to any of that though. I have never had an issue with Canadian Customs.

5. IT is a lot cheaper to mail from Canada. IF you read through the guide they actually tell the applicant to send all their forms / proof to the sponsor in an envelope and the sponsor will mail it in with the rest of their sponsor forms. We mailed ours out from Ottawa ON.

6. I have never been pulled over for a secondary interview in 5 years, What did they ask you? I wouldn't be too worried. Just bring all the proof you can and reassure them that you understand you cannot move until you get your COPR. You just want to spend some time visiting your husband wile the application is in process. You UNDERSTAND that you are only allowed 6 months. Make sure they know that you understand the laws. I don't see it being a problem.

7. I don't see why you would have a problem going back into your own country? USA customs are Jerks - (I even filed a complaint against an officer a few years back because he was rude / invasive and gave me opinions about my relationship that I did not ask for and were not warranted to do his job properly). They always inspect my car when I drive, and ask me a million questions (THE REASON WHY I GOT NEXUS LOL) now they leave me alone... lol. Like seriously? What are you going to do? Deny me entry into my own country and then what? Canada doesn't want me either lol... I always joke with my husband, I would be stuck at the line between Canada and the USA country-less! Hahahaha ... Anyway all kidding aside, I wouldn't worry. If you are crossing with your husband bring a copy that he has a return flight. They actually asked my hubby for his return flight proof back in 2013 when he was coming down with me by car to NYC (I was having surgery).

Anyway hope that made sense. lol...

Good luck! ...

 

[rhcohen2014]

Great info. Thank you RH! - I guess I will call them and just change my mailing address to Ottawa. I am assuming it is super simple? Do you have any idea about this? Should I wait until I know Ottawa VO has received it? (If they even send me an AOR lol).

Ottawa does not send an AOR. If you received Sponsor Approval, then you can call the CIC call center to change your address, or follow the instructions in the SA letter for contacting Ottawa. You won't be able to call Ottawa. I believe they only accept emails, letters or faxes. If you plan to drive back to the states to pack up before landing and importing your car, then it probably doesn't matter where it's sent.

 

[blueangel371115]

Update for you folks,
I sent my CSQ application on the 11 of October and I received my CSQ on the 28th. I think that's a light at the end of the tunnel this time and not an oncoming train

Edgehead and others, for the spread sheet

CSQ received 10/13/2014

I'll double check the charged date but I believe it was 10/26/2014

 

[rhcohen2014]

Edgehead and others, for the spread sheet

CSQ received 10/13/2014

I'll double check the charged date but I believe it was 10/26/2014

the ottawa spradsheet has open editing, so there aren't moderators anymore. feel free to update your info, it's in my signature below.

 

[skrm]

hi i am Canadian permanent residence and my husband is in India and i have 10 year US tourist visa.Can my husband apply for US visa from India and what are approval changes of US tourist visa for him.

 

[saria1]

hi i am Canadian permanent residence and my husband is in India and i have 10 year US tourist visa.Can my husband apply for US visa from India and what are approval changes of US tourist visa for him.

I think you're in the wrong forum. You need to find an American immigration Visa forum.

Maybe this forum is what you're looking for? http://www.path2usa.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?12-Visitor-Visa-to-USA

 

[Tootarsh14]

Hey everyone, nice to meet you all. I am just wondering if anyone has any details on the speed of US to Canada sponsorship. My application was received on july 26th and approved to sponsor on September 7th I believe. Just wondering how everything has been going lately, we are a pretty standard case I believe. Anyways thanks for reading and I wish everyone here good luck

 

[rhcohen2014]

Hey everyone, nice to meet you all. I am just wondering if anyone has any details on the speed of US to Canada sponsorship. My application was received on july 26th and approved to sponsor on September 7th I believe. Just wondering how everything has been going lately, we are a pretty standard case I believe. Anyways thanks for reading and I wish everyone here good luck

feel free to click on the link in my signature below. it has the spreadsheet for the ottawa office, and you'll be able to see what the "trends" are. right now, it seems US applications are taking about 6 months total processing time. you can also find the thread specific to the month you submitted your application to see how the process is going for others.

 

[Tootarsh14]

Thank you so much!

 

[blueangel371115]

the ottawa spradsheet has open editing, so there aren't moderators anymore. feel free to update your info, it's in my signature below.

awesome

 

[Amalthea]

Just got SA! WOOT! Updated the spreadsheet <3 <3

 

[saria1]

Just got SA! WOOT! Updated the spreadsheet <3 <3

Yay! That's awesome, congrats!!!!

 

[fizban]

Well, I just received an email from CIC... Says:

Dear fizban,

This confirms that your application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class has been received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) on 2014/09/25 on behalf of the following member(s):

Fizban Spouse

What is this? Is this an AOR? Why didn't I get an SA?

What does this mean?