So, I can officially say I've been interviewed!
A few days ago, someone (Dan) commented on my previous post, asking to interview me about my immigration from Canada to the US. I of course accepted! :)
So, without further ado, you can find that interview on his website here: http://liveworktravelusa.com/lindsay-from-montreal-canada/
~Lindsay
Friday, June 28, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Second biometrics appointment
Whoops, forgot to write up this post the other day!
Anyways, last Thursday, I headed to Sioux Falls for my second biometrics appointment. Before I got there though, just less than one or two miles away, I ended up being pulled over for speeding :( I had just gotten off the interstate and didn't see any speed limit signs, so I was going about 40-45mph. When I finally saw a sign for 30, I slowed down. But, I guess it was too late. This was my first time being pulled over, and I was hoping to just get a warning, especially since I don't even live in the dang city, but nope, no luck. Although I was going 11 over the speed limit, the officer reduced it down to 5, giving me a much lower ticket. Still $85 though *sigh* If anyone wants to help pay for it, I'd gladly take donations for the Pay Lindsay's Speeding Ticket Fund, lol :P
Back to the appointment. Arrived a few minutes late, due to being pulled over, which made me worry a little. Wasn't sure how strict these people were. But, there were no issues. It was 9am and there was only one other person in the waiting room.
Once again, I got scanned in. The security guard asked for my notice, my green card, and all other IDs I had (such as driver's licenses, SSN, passport, etc). Whaaaat?! First time, all I needed was my green card, as it states in the letter. Not so with this officer. I gave over my driver's license (which is all I had out of his list), even though I doubt it was looked at at all by the receptionist, but whatever! I had to fill in the same form again as I did last time. Easy peasy! I put the clipboard with the form, notice, green card, and driver's license on the receptionist's desk.
The only other person there was called up and I only had to wait about 5 minutes for her to get her fingerprints done and her picture taken. Then it was my turn. Thankfully, this second time went a lot faster. My fingers weren't as problematic as the first time. Although, the lady did explain that they don't need to spend as much time the second time around as the FBI will only be using the second set to compare to the first. So, before I knew it, we were done. Only took 6 minutes for this second set! First time around, I was there for at least 20 minutes!
Didn't need to take a second picture, thank goodness. I actually liked the picture from the first time around, and I'm usually picky with pictures, lol. I then collected my things and was out the door!
And now the long wait begins (unless I get extremely lucky and my case gets reviewed sooner by some miracle). I think it's taking around 6-9 months to hear anything, so I'm not expecting to hear anything until later this year. Although, a little part inside of me will always hope that every time I check my case status online or open the mailbox, I'll find we were approved really quickly :)
~Lindsay
Anyways, last Thursday, I headed to Sioux Falls for my second biometrics appointment. Before I got there though, just less than one or two miles away, I ended up being pulled over for speeding :( I had just gotten off the interstate and didn't see any speed limit signs, so I was going about 40-45mph. When I finally saw a sign for 30, I slowed down. But, I guess it was too late. This was my first time being pulled over, and I was hoping to just get a warning, especially since I don't even live in the dang city, but nope, no luck. Although I was going 11 over the speed limit, the officer reduced it down to 5, giving me a much lower ticket. Still $85 though *sigh* If anyone wants to help pay for it, I'd gladly take donations for the Pay Lindsay's Speeding Ticket Fund, lol :P
Back to the appointment. Arrived a few minutes late, due to being pulled over, which made me worry a little. Wasn't sure how strict these people were. But, there were no issues. It was 9am and there was only one other person in the waiting room.
Once again, I got scanned in. The security guard asked for my notice, my green card, and all other IDs I had (such as driver's licenses, SSN, passport, etc). Whaaaat?! First time, all I needed was my green card, as it states in the letter. Not so with this officer. I gave over my driver's license (which is all I had out of his list), even though I doubt it was looked at at all by the receptionist, but whatever! I had to fill in the same form again as I did last time. Easy peasy! I put the clipboard with the form, notice, green card, and driver's license on the receptionist's desk.
The only other person there was called up and I only had to wait about 5 minutes for her to get her fingerprints done and her picture taken. Then it was my turn. Thankfully, this second time went a lot faster. My fingers weren't as problematic as the first time. Although, the lady did explain that they don't need to spend as much time the second time around as the FBI will only be using the second set to compare to the first. So, before I knew it, we were done. Only took 6 minutes for this second set! First time around, I was there for at least 20 minutes!
Didn't need to take a second picture, thank goodness. I actually liked the picture from the first time around, and I'm usually picky with pictures, lol. I then collected my things and was out the door!
And now the long wait begins (unless I get extremely lucky and my case gets reviewed sooner by some miracle). I think it's taking around 6-9 months to hear anything, so I'm not expecting to hear anything until later this year. Although, a little part inside of me will always hope that every time I check my case status online or open the mailbox, I'll find we were approved really quickly :)
~Lindsay
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Trip to Canada
Well, I'm typing this while I wait for my flight back to the US begins boarding.
Last Friday, May 31, I headed to Canada. I first had to drive the 2 hours to Fargo, then took a flight to Minneapolis. There were unfortunately storms going on around us, so our plane was an hour delayed to take off as we had to wait to be re-routed. There were about twenty other planes on the tarmac as well, just waiting for instructions. Finally landed in Montreal around 11:30 local time.
The week flew by. Had many hot dogs at Belle Province all week (13 in total!). Got to visit my mother, her boyfriend, and my sister a couple times during the week. Also visited my grandparents and my uncle and his wife.
Monday was a really fun day. First went to the US consulate to meet up with two VJ members who had interviews that morning. They both passed!! We chatted a little while at Tim Hortons. Afterwards, I then went on by myself to Olympic Park, where I visited the new planetarium, went up the tower (almost 600 feet high!), and finally the Biodome. Although I was by myself, I had a blast!
Left for the airport today around 3. Had to check in with an agent as the little machine didn't like my expired green card, lol. Security was no issue. One lady was sticking a little wand in my suitcase and laptop case, but not my purse. Not sure what that was all about. I was then selected to get scanned in those big TSA machines. Then onto customs.
I'll admit, I was a little nervous cause I had an expired green card. I had my extension letter, but still, I was nervous. Anywho, it was finally my turn. First just handed over my passport, boarding pass, and declaration form. The officer asked why I was going to the US. And I told him I lived there. Due to my Canadian passport, he asked me what right I had living in the US. That's when I handed over my green card. And after looking at it, I gave over my extension letter. That's when the officer told me he recognized me. He was the officer that had denied me the first time, three years ago! I couldn't believe he would remember me! So, for the next 5 minutes, as he processed my paperwork, we talked over me being denied, and the immigration process, and such. Although he denied me last time, he was still nice to me about it. This time around, he was still nice, but I was allowed entry to the US. Yay! :)
~Lindsay
Last Friday, May 31, I headed to Canada. I first had to drive the 2 hours to Fargo, then took a flight to Minneapolis. There were unfortunately storms going on around us, so our plane was an hour delayed to take off as we had to wait to be re-routed. There were about twenty other planes on the tarmac as well, just waiting for instructions. Finally landed in Montreal around 11:30 local time.
The week flew by. Had many hot dogs at Belle Province all week (13 in total!). Got to visit my mother, her boyfriend, and my sister a couple times during the week. Also visited my grandparents and my uncle and his wife.
Monday was a really fun day. First went to the US consulate to meet up with two VJ members who had interviews that morning. They both passed!! We chatted a little while at Tim Hortons. Afterwards, I then went on by myself to Olympic Park, where I visited the new planetarium, went up the tower (almost 600 feet high!), and finally the Biodome. Although I was by myself, I had a blast!
Left for the airport today around 3. Had to check in with an agent as the little machine didn't like my expired green card, lol. Security was no issue. One lady was sticking a little wand in my suitcase and laptop case, but not my purse. Not sure what that was all about. I was then selected to get scanned in those big TSA machines. Then onto customs.
I'll admit, I was a little nervous cause I had an expired green card. I had my extension letter, but still, I was nervous. Anywho, it was finally my turn. First just handed over my passport, boarding pass, and declaration form. The officer asked why I was going to the US. And I told him I lived there. Due to my Canadian passport, he asked me what right I had living in the US. That's when I handed over my green card. And after looking at it, I gave over my extension letter. That's when the officer told me he recognized me. He was the officer that had denied me the first time, three years ago! I couldn't believe he would remember me! So, for the next 5 minutes, as he processed my paperwork, we talked over me being denied, and the immigration process, and such. Although he denied me last time, he was still nice to me about it. This time around, he was still nice, but I was allowed entry to the US. Yay! :)
~Lindsay
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Second biometrics
Well, just got a letter from USCIS in the mail today. I was hoping it was some ridiculous fast approval notice, but alas, no.
"The FBI was unable to process your fingerprint card. In order for USCIS to continue processing your application, it will be necessary to have your fingerprints re-taken." *sigh*
So, the appointment has been made for 6/13 at 9am. Yes, 9am. And the office is an hour and a half away. It's going to be one early morning, let me tell you. Oh well.
Only good news: I do remember the guy saying when I got my biometrics done the first time that if the fingerprints are rejected, that I'd only have to get them done a second time, as they'll compare the second ones to the first. So, at least after this, I don't have to worry about getting them done a third time.
~Lindsay
P.S. Leaving for Canada this Friday! :)
"The FBI was unable to process your fingerprint card. In order for USCIS to continue processing your application, it will be necessary to have your fingerprints re-taken." *sigh*
So, the appointment has been made for 6/13 at 9am. Yes, 9am. And the office is an hour and a half away. It's going to be one early morning, let me tell you. Oh well.
Only good news: I do remember the guy saying when I got my biometrics done the first time that if the fingerprints are rejected, that I'd only have to get them done a second time, as they'll compare the second ones to the first. So, at least after this, I don't have to worry about getting them done a third time.
~Lindsay
P.S. Leaving for Canada this Friday! :)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Biometrics!
Before I begin, it's our third year anniversary today! Woohoo! :)
Anyways, went to Sioux Falls today to celebrate and before we went for lunch, we headed to the USCIS office there. Arrived there about 11:30. Asked the guard if I can do an early walk-in. He directed me to the receptionist where I then asked him. He took my biometrics letter and went to the back, to ask someone. The minute he was gone, my heart was beating the entire time. I very much hoped to be able to do it. Not one single person was there getting biometrics done, so I thought I had a good chance, but you know how strict those officers can be. But, my hopes soon came true. The receptionist came back and told me I can do an early walk-in. Woohoo!
I was scanned in by the guard I first spoke with. And by scan, I don't mean like airport scanners. I mean like those little hand-held scanners. Had to stand with my arms outstretched! Once that was done, I had to fill out a simple sheet with my name, birth date, sex, hair color, eye color, height, weight, A number, application number, and phone number. Think that was it. Oh, there was also a section on previous names, but I don't have any, so skipped that. Once I was done, I was instructed to bring it up to the receptionist along with my biometrics notice and green card.
He took it from me and told me to sit back down as he entered the information. Less than 5 minutes later, he called me back up. He proceeded to take my fingerprints. Unfortunately, this caused some issues as my fingerprints kept getting rejected. He had to override a lot of them. Hopefully that doesn't become an issue later on... Anyways, probably like 10 minutes later, he told me to take a seat and took my photograph. Then, I digitally signed something.
We returned back to the receptionist's desk and he returned the biometrics notice to me, with a stamp on it showing the date I got my fingerprints/photo done. Gave me a little comment card to fill out about their service (I gave them 'excellent' across the board). And he then told me when I got my 10-year card that I would have to mail in my present, expired green card to their office.
All-in-all, great experience! Was out of there within 20 minutes, the most of that chunk being my fingerprints! Along with the delicious food (lunch and dinner) and movie, our anniversary was great! :)
~Lindsay
Anyways, went to Sioux Falls today to celebrate and before we went for lunch, we headed to the USCIS office there. Arrived there about 11:30. Asked the guard if I can do an early walk-in. He directed me to the receptionist where I then asked him. He took my biometrics letter and went to the back, to ask someone. The minute he was gone, my heart was beating the entire time. I very much hoped to be able to do it. Not one single person was there getting biometrics done, so I thought I had a good chance, but you know how strict those officers can be. But, my hopes soon came true. The receptionist came back and told me I can do an early walk-in. Woohoo!
I was scanned in by the guard I first spoke with. And by scan, I don't mean like airport scanners. I mean like those little hand-held scanners. Had to stand with my arms outstretched! Once that was done, I had to fill out a simple sheet with my name, birth date, sex, hair color, eye color, height, weight, A number, application number, and phone number. Think that was it. Oh, there was also a section on previous names, but I don't have any, so skipped that. Once I was done, I was instructed to bring it up to the receptionist along with my biometrics notice and green card.
He took it from me and told me to sit back down as he entered the information. Less than 5 minutes later, he called me back up. He proceeded to take my fingerprints. Unfortunately, this caused some issues as my fingerprints kept getting rejected. He had to override a lot of them. Hopefully that doesn't become an issue later on... Anyways, probably like 10 minutes later, he told me to take a seat and took my photograph. Then, I digitally signed something.
We returned back to the receptionist's desk and he returned the biometrics notice to me, with a stamp on it showing the date I got my fingerprints/photo done. Gave me a little comment card to fill out about their service (I gave them 'excellent' across the board). And he then told me when I got my 10-year card that I would have to mail in my present, expired green card to their office.
All-in-all, great experience! Was out of there within 20 minutes, the most of that chunk being my fingerprints! Along with the delicious food (lunch and dinner) and movie, our anniversary was great! :)
~Lindsay
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Biometrics letter!
The biometrics letter just arrived in the mail this morning! Woohoo!
It's scheduled for June 4th, so while I'm in Canada (but of course, lol). I'm going to attempt an early walk-in this Tuesday while I'm in the town where the center is (about an hour and a half away). Since South Dakota is a pretty dead state when it comes to immigrants, I'm sure I'll have no issues.
I'll update on Tuesday once I'm back on how it went. Wish me luck!
~Lindsay
It's scheduled for June 4th, so while I'm in Canada (but of course, lol). I'm going to attempt an early walk-in this Tuesday while I'm in the town where the center is (about an hour and a half away). Since South Dakota is a pretty dead state when it comes to immigrants, I'm sure I'll have no issues.
I'll update on Tuesday once I'm back on how it went. Wish me luck!
~Lindsay
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Check cashed, NOA updates
So, yesterday, when I woke up, I had a text from my husband saying our check had finally been cashed, woohoo! Although right before I went to bed Monday night (5/13) at midnight, there was nothing there. Yet, when I looked at my bank account on Tuesday (5/14), it said the posted date of the check was 5/13. Hmmm. Well, regardless, I was happy yesterday!
But, I'm even happier today!! A little past 10am, I heard the mail man arrive at our apartment and heard the mailboxes being open and letters put in. As soon as I heard the door close behind them, I grabbed my keys and rushed out. Inside my mailbox was only ONE letter. Wanna guess what it was? My NOA letter from USCIS!!!! *huge grin*
So, I'm now "legal" again as my green card expired on Sunday. And I cancelled my InfoPass appointment, saving me almost 10 hours total of driving, woohoo!
Today's a great day! :D
~Lindsay
But, I'm even happier today!! A little past 10am, I heard the mail man arrive at our apartment and heard the mailboxes being open and letters put in. As soon as I heard the door close behind them, I grabbed my keys and rushed out. Inside my mailbox was only ONE letter. Wanna guess what it was? My NOA letter from USCIS!!!! *huge grin*
So, I'm now "legal" again as my green card expired on Sunday. And I cancelled my InfoPass appointment, saving me almost 10 hours total of driving, woohoo!
Today's a great day! :D
~Lindsay
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