Thread for outland Buffalo applicants!

[gypsy494]

FAB NEWS AmericaninQuebec !!

[prophet3]

I dont think you can do that. As there has been even cases when the US refuses such a simple request to allow applicants go for interview. That said, If he is refused by the states an entry visa for interview, explain the visa office and ask to conduct the interview in his/her home country visa office.

[kourts]

I got my aor from buffalo at the end of august and havent heard anything since, so im thinking of sending proof that I've been here in Canada since september first,and maybe that'll get them moving. anyone know what the email is and what i put as the subject etc, i have a stamp in my passport, but how do i prove that its my passport? maybe with my bus ticket stub. thanks for the help.

[Mark5]

I dont think you can do that. As there has been even cases when the US refuses such a simple request to allow applicants go for interview. That said, If he is refused by the states an entry visa for interview, explain the visa office and ask to conduct the interview in his/her home country visa office.

Thanks but is it possible to inform buffalo at this point to transfer the interview to hes home country just or to a Visa office incanada?

[prophet3]

Thanks but is it possible to inform buffalo at this point to transfer the interview to hes home country just or to a Visa office incanada?

You could provide reasons why your partner is having trouble obtaining visa to enter the US, and then ask if it is possible to transfer. But may be you should do that as a last resort if US refuses entry.

[prophet3]

Thanks but is it possible to inform buffalo at this point to transfer the interview to hes home country just or to a Visa office incanada?

Also, You guys filed you application in Feb 2010 or 2011?
And did you send enough supporting documents?

[NYQUE]

Hello all!

Well I just wanted to give an update of my case, back in August I received a letter stating that a personal interview will be required and will be held at Buffalo.

It's been 4 months since that letter and now e-cas is showing my Interview will be held on April 25, 2012.

Total time between receiving the first letter and when the interview will be held is...   a little more of 8 months, BTW we filed my application back in April of this year.

I have been in Canada since August and will remain in Canada until the day of the Interview hoping everything will be fine. I also requested my GCMS notes and hoping to get them first week of January (I have requested them twice and always got them within the 30 days time frame).

At least knowing the day of the interview is something, I will keep posted if any other event occurs.

Happy Holidays to all!

B.

[yooper]

I had no idea! I checked out CBSA also (wasn't second guessing you, I promise )

I'm thinking I will just hold on to my passport. I was refused entry and issued an exclusion order 3 years ago, so each time I cross the border they pull me into their really neat private office and give me the gears. I'm a nervous wreck each time I cross now so I'll carry it as my security blanket. Better over prepared than under, I've learned the hard way.

Excellent to know I can just carry my nexus card in the future though!

We will be driving across, does any one have any insight on bringing a dog with? Any helpful advice?

Just remember that different rules apply to each country.  There are two complete sets of rules.  The US grants entry based on their rules, and Canada on theirs. 

Canada may not require a passport of US Citizens, but the US itself does.  Thus for the most part, A US Citizen can't leave Canada without a passport.   

(Note: everything I'm saying here is just my understanding.  Your mileage may vary.  And there are ways to work around the rules.  Also note that for land/sea crossings you can alternately use a WHTI document, such as Nexus, Passport Card, or enhanced driver's license.)

[Mark5]

Also, You guys filed you application in Feb 2010 or 2011?
And did you send enough supporting documents?

Yes we did send supporting document but not enough bcos we never thought about providing too many
proof since we know that our relationship is genuine but i have a feeling maybe bcos my hubby is not Visa
exempt country. Despite on the GCMS note everything seen alright but they just shock us wit interview.
Anyways we will try to get him a US visa but if is not granted then we can contact them. Thanks

[AmericaninQuebec]

I got my aor from buffalo at the end of august and havent heard anything since, so im thinking of sending proof that I've been here in Canada since september first,and maybe that'll get them moving. anyone know what the email is and what i put as the subject etc, i have a stamp in my passport, but how do i prove that its my passport? maybe with my bus ticket stub. thanks for the help.

I don't think they'll pay any attention to that. Sorry to say. I was in Canada from before I sent in my application, and it took me about 10 mths to get my PPR, which while within the 11 mth timeframe listed as the average processing time seems to be longer than most people applying through Buffalo wait. You should at least update your mailing address with them if you plan on being in Canada for the rest of the process, but I don't think the fact that you're already here will have any bearing on how quickly they treat your appliction especially since it's considered your responsibility, not CIC's, to make sure you maintain legal status while you're here.

[AmericaninQuebec]

Just remember that different rules apply to each country.  There are two complete sets of rules.  The US grants entry based on their rules, and Canada on theirs. 

Canada may not require a passport of US Citizens, but the US itself does.  Thus for the most part, A US Citizen can't leave Canada without a passport.   

(Note: everything I'm saying here is just my understanding.  Your mileage may vary.  And there are ways to work around the rules.  Also note that for land/sea crossings you can alternately use a WHTI document, such as Nexus, Passport Card, or enhanced driver's license.)

Official policy is as you state, though when I spoke with a border guard on the phone last week I was informed that they could not deny entry to a U.S. citizen if he/she had other supporting documentation (driver's license with photo + birth certificate, etc.) that proved his/her citizenship. This is the second time I've been told by the U.S. border guards at the U.S./Canadian border (land crossing only) that they cannot deny entry to a U.S. citizen. You're right, better to travel with one of the stated documents, but apparently it's not the end of the world in terms of re-entry if you don't have one of them.

[ddobro2]

I replied via PM.

Hello all!

Well I just wanted to give an update of my case, back in August I received a letter stating that a personal interview will be required and will be held at Buffalo.

It's been 4 months since that letter and now e-cas is showing my Interview will be held on April 25, 2012.

Total time between receiving the first letter and when the interview will be held is...   a little more of 8 months, BTW we filed my application back in April of this year.

I have been in Canada since August and will remain in Canada until the day of the Interview hoping everything will be fine. I also requested my GCMS notes and hoping to get them first week of January (I have requested them twice and always got them within the 30 days time frame).

At least knowing the day of the interview is something, I will keep posted if any other event occurs.

Happy Holidays to all!

B.

[ddobro2]

I'm not sure what your rationale is regarding showing the visa office you've been inside the country for some time causing them to "move" on your file. There's really no relationship there, and if anything, CIC technically prioritizes family reunification so the fact that you're with your spouse might put you at a lesser priority with them.

I got my aor from buffalo at the end of august and havent heard anything since, so im thinking of sending proof that I've been here in Canada since september first,and maybe that'll get them moving. anyone know what the email is and what i put as the subject etc, i have a stamp in my passport, but how do i prove that its my passport? maybe with my bus ticket stub. thanks for the help.

[kourts]

I wasn't trying to say that me being in Canada would make them work on my file any faster, I'm saying that maybe if i send additional proof then maybe it'll get them to look at my file or something.

[AmericaninQuebec]

I wasn't trying to say that me being in Canada would make them work on my file any faster, I'm saying that maybe if i send additional proof then maybe it'll get them to look at my file or something.

In that case you should start by emailing them. The general email address is  buffalo-im-enquiry @ international.gc.ca, and the other one floating around is bfaloimpa-ap @ international.gc.ca. The second one appears to go to an actual person, but with Buffalo it really is always questionable. Make sure to include your Fxxxxx and Bxxxxx when you send your email.

I'd still update your mailing address to where you are in Canada if I were you, unless you have someone collecting your mail regularly at home and forwarding to you anything that looks important/official.