ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaOur Montreal Experience!
Congrats! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

thanks for posting an awesome review!
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-29 22:10:00
CanadaThe and Canada
QUOTE (Ling Ling @ May 1 2009, 01:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where the hell did I say ALL English people speak like that, or that it was something bad (such as your racial overtone in Americans speaking Ebonics)?

Regardless of how diverse the array of British citizens I was exposed to, it is a patent fact that SOME British citizens drop "the" referring to a hospital, university, and some other places.

This has been a very civil thread, I don't understand why you're injecting such hostility. You obviously have a need for reading comprehension skills improvement, as well as for proper etiquette in a civilized forum.



Speaking of civilized, it would be much appreciated if you could refrain from swearing.
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-01 13:46:00
Canadatravel to US from CAN during the process
QUOTE (Peachey @ May 12 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I recently (last month) went to the US with my case pending. I had supporting documents with me to prove that I was coming back to Canada (letter from employer, proof that I still owe money on my car) and I brought with me a copy of my NOA1. As soon as I handed that to the border guard he said "This piece of paper (NOA1) is saving you LOTS of hassle". I had a few more questions than usual, but I did not have to go into secondary or anything like that.


Peachy - was it you, I think, that was coming back with your fiance', in your car? Just curious, in the event that my fiance' accidentally ends up in my car on my way home in 2 weeks... innocent.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-12 15:14:00
CanadaOpinions?
QUOTE (lollee @ May 12 2009, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi ladies,


Im sure many of you, as Canadian's who have fallen in love with an American citizen - have wondered the same thing. Or who know's...maybe im just weird! hehe.


I posted awhile ago regarding my best options for moving to the States to be with my boyfriend. After reading some very useful info shared by some of you, I discussed the possibility of a K-1 visa with him. He said he would do anything for me to move down there, including going through with that.


Im all for it. And we both love eachother very much. However...im worried. Iv always dreamt of getting engaged with the traditional - the man surprises you with a ring one day and your all omg omg. (lol). But im worried it's not going to be like that for us..im worried we are just going to go through with this Visa, im going to move, and thats it. No surprise ring, no walking down the isle in a pretty white dress one day down the road. I think it sounds kind of selfish, and it kind of sounds like I want to have my cake and eat it to. But it's every little girls dream to have that one special day. I currently work in a jewelry store - specializing in engagement rings. And everyday the thought crosses my mind as I see all these happy young couples ring shopping for one another.


Have any of you ever felt like this? How did you get through it? Did you mention it to him?

Thanks! smile.gif


I think how you feel is not wrong, or abnormal. But realize that the engagement will give you that "OMG OMG" feeling anyway!! I knew when I was going to get engaged, and it was still an incredible feeling to be engaged to this wonderful guy I love soo much!! and I was running around saying "OMG" to all my friends luv.gif

As for the wedding, if you have your heart set on the traditional princess wedding, then perhaps you should consider planning it for sometime well after the visa process -- when you get the visa, you can do a civil marriage. That way, you can actually plan the details of the big wedding, without being dependent on the visa.

IMO, you should share with your boyfriend how you feel about these things before starting immigration process - openness and communication are vital to being in a relationship, especially one thats about to become more committed... and go through the immigration process laughing.gif Tell him the kind of wedding you want. Hopefully you are on the same page! smile.gif



KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-13 07:03:00
CanadaGetting Married within 90 days
QUOTE (Gypsyangel @ May 18 2009, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
...but it's better to file within the 90 day window to stay in status ... though I know you can file outside the 90 days and not have any problems ...



I wonder how far out they will let you push it?
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-18 18:47:00
CanadaWondering if the drive to Canada is worth it this weekend...
QUOTE (Caladan @ May 20 2009, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Over Memorial Day weekend? Hahahahhahahahahahahahahaha. Not without a good reason.



Why didn't I think of this!

I'm going tonight/tomorrow, returning on Monday... maybe Sunday now... unsure.gif
Peace Bridge + Memorial Day = no0pb.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-20 10:52:00
CanadaCrossing into the US together while waiting for interview
Okay, I wanted to post our experience... I will save the cliff hanger and say that my fiance was admitted, but it was the paperwork that saved us!

To refresh, my fiance doesn't drive, and was with my daughter and I in my car, without a return ticket.
The border guard took our passports, and asked our citizenship. he asked where we both lived and said "whats going on here?" We explained that he was coming to visit for 4 weeks, and then we were driving back to celebrate Canada Day. He goes "whats Canada Day?" We told him the date. He takes our papers.

He grilled us about our relationship, how we met, who the kid belonged to, what our relationship was - then TG explained that we had filed a K-1 visa and that we were visiting, etc. We didn't offer the papers at that time, as he said he had a letter from his employer - at which point the border guard said "that will help because I'm not sure I can admit you based on what you are telling me " (OMG, our hearts collectively stopped, and then my military-ness came out). We handed him my fiance's letter from his employer, and then I said, we have filed for the K-1 visa, as my fiance said, and we have already been approved by the Dept. of Homeland Security and the National Visa Center. Our petition is at Montreal, we are waiting for the interview and wanted to do some wedding planning and visit with each other. I handed him the letter from the NVC + a copy of the NOA 2 and he looked at it, and finally handed us everything back in one pile and said "its good that you two are prepared, I don't have to send you inside. Have a good day." blink.gif

We drove away, shaking, wanting to puke, and amazed. BE PREPARED, is no joke. We could tell that we had a hard-nosed boarder patrolman, which makes me feel even better about (him) having gotten admitted. We are so grateful! My fiance (Toronto Guy, for those who don't know) is visiting for a month while we wait for the interview. it really takes the stress and pressure off!!!!!!!! luv.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-25 21:55:00
CanadaCrossing into the US together while waiting for interview
QUOTE (Boston~Montreal @ May 16 2009, 01:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I usually drive back and forth (or he comes to me!); but, over Christmas, I was in his truck and my plan was to return by bus early January (that's what I did). It was the easiest border crossing... No question, just "where are you going", a look at our passport and "have a good day".

However, I had brought some ties to my Canadian life (bills, school schedule for the Winter Semester, etc.)

Now that I think about it, I think I had more questions coming back to Canada, the agent really thought it was weird to get married to an American and not be living together right away smile.gif



Thanks for the advice - did you already have a return ticket and did they ask you when/how you were coming back?

He does have some ties to Canada - bank statements, and a letter from his employer is possible (but hes not working full time anymore) -- does the P3 ever suffice as proof of not intending to stay illegally?

And, has anyone, or would anyone recommend, saying that we are just waiting for an interview date from Montreal and thats when we are going back? Or should we stick with Canada Day as a definite date?

Thanks!

Edited by KristinL, 16 May 2009 - 10:25 AM.

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-16 10:21:00
CanadaCrossing into the US together while waiting for interview
Next weekend I am going to visit my Fiance and I want to bring him back to the US with me for a while. he does not drive, and would not have a return ticket. Ideally, he'd be visiting here until the interview happens.

Has anyone crossed the border together in a car while waiting on a K-1?
Should the Packet 3 information suffice as assurance to the border?
We want to make (new) wedding plans, visit, etc. We've decided that if no interview is scheduled, we will return to Canada for Canada day - all together.

I know the standard procedures for him visiting me in the US - but am wondering if this will be even more challenging than the usual bus trip.

By the way, we will also have my super cute 4 year old daughter with us - hopefully her super-cute powers will help. innocent.gif

Thanks for opinions & advices! smile.gif

Edited by KristinL, 15 May 2009 - 08:07 PM.

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-15 20:04:00
CanadaDriving in California - A warning to all you non-resident newlyweds.
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ May 13 2009, 05:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Part of the problem is that the Police aren't qualified to determine (exactly) what is legal and what isn't. (In other words they can simply enforce what they know and debating the law with them is - as you found out - pretty much a waste of everyone's time.)

We had a friend in Texas that received a violation/ticket for no TX DL (he explained pretty much what you probably did and it fell on deaf ears.)

He went to court and the judge dismissed the violation (the speeding ticket was a different story). good.gif


Exactly! You're barking up the wrong tree. Go to court and contest the violation. Bring your immigration documents with you. It will probably be dropped.

good.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-13 17:56:00
CanadaMontreal Interviews This Week
QUOTE (OBX @ May 18 2009, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAY...A & M and Moosker are off to Montreal for interviews this week! Good luck guys, let us know how it goes.



Good Luck! star_smile.gif

Edited by KristinL, 18 May 2009 - 07:57 AM.

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-18 07:57:00
CanadaX-Ray from Your Medical
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Jun 5 2009, 01:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How about a place mat for the dinner table?


laughing.gif how appetizing!




KristinLFemaleCanada2009-06-05 06:24:00
CanadaGirly thread (men beware!)
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 2 2009, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I went in with dreads.


OMG KIDDING!

I didn't have much to be honest, I didn't take a measurement or anything but it certainly wasn't full when I went in. laughing.gif

rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif

How much does it hurt compared to say, eyebrows?

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-02 12:09:00
CanadaJulyBride Good Luck on your fiances POE!!!!!
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jun 22 2009, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have fun!



How Exciting July Bride!! GOOD LUCK! I hope the experience is wonderful!! good.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-06-22 10:03:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Deux
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Apr 30 2009, 03:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Salads are one of those things that just taste better if you make it yourself I find.



You guys are making me hungry laughing.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-30 14:36:00
CanadaPOE at Port Huron
QUOTE (July09Bride @ Jun 24 2009, 03:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, he has been here for just over 24 hours now, and is asleep in the bedroom. I'm, wide awake and cleaning... so I thought I'd take a break, because I just realized that, other than a text message to PopRocks, I hadn't posted information about our POE crossing experience!

I think there is one little thing that went wrong, but I don't think we're going to "exploit" their mistake (they wrote MULTIPLE instead of SINGLE next to entries for his I-94 in my fiance's VISA).

Everyone was so nice! The were polite, kind, funnny, professional, and most of all, plain friendly. smile.gif

We drove in a caravan over the Blue Water Bridge (3 vehicles) and the CBP guy at the booth was in a great mood. He was joking around how the trainee had JUST left his booth, and she was going to miss out on seeing a K1 VISA get processed. I was able to joke back and say that she was "going to miss all of the fun!"

Anyway, all three of our cars were asked to pull off to the side (away from the inspection cars) and we went inside. We stood in line for about 20 minutes and were called to the next officer. He was really nice, was familiar with K1s, but wsn't too sure of the process. So, he asked a superior officer to come over and assist with the processing. (In the meantime, my dad, who is retired Air Force, had his military ID out along with his passprt, just in case he thought we might need some help. He always uses that with his passport when crossing the border and never gets stopped and/or asked questions. lol) Anyway, between the original officer and the other officer, we got through in about 45 minutes. The superior officer, Officer Allen, was hysterical!!! She was awesome... very knowledgeable, great personality. So much so, I think I'm going to write a letter to the Port Huron Border office to let them know how nice it was to work with her and the other officer, Officer Delano.

He got his car imported and all went well!

after crossing, we stopped at McDonald's for a restroom break and something to drink. At the time, I asked to see his passport, b/c I was curious as to what they put in his passport. I was excited to see everything, but then I noticed, at the bottom of the I-94, MULTIPLE was printed instead of SINGLE. I'm assuming that means multiple/single entries into the USA. Considering he is here on a K1, the I-94 should have said SINGLE. Oh, well. Doesn't matter to us, because we're not going to take any chances! He's not leaving the US until the AP comes after applying for AoS.

Good news is, he is here (albeit cranky and not very happy that he doesn't have space for HIS stuff... but that's another thread/topic). For which, I am very, very happy. smile.gif

PS
I'm going to post this same bit in another thread. smile.gif



Congrats to you both on a smooth entry & the start of life together smile.gif :f:

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-06-24 11:45:00
CanadaLots of interviews tomorrow!
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jul 7 2009, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
GL--Elevator opens from the REAR!!!


Thanks for the reminder! laughing.gif

Thanks everyone for good wishes!

Edited by KristinL, 07 July 2009 - 02:44 PM.

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-07-07 14:44:00
CanadaLots of interviews tomorrow!
K-1s I know of: AmberL, HappyCloud, Muffintop & their respective fiance/ees, and TorontoGuy & I.... Wish us luck! See you all in front of the consulate bright and early!!!
wacko.gif

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-07-07 14:04:00
CanadaShould I bring my 5 year old to my Fiance Visa Interview??
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Jul 17 2009, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mellymel15 @ Jul 16 2009, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
have my interview tomorrow at the Montreal Consulate. Can anyone tell me if I should bring my son with me?? He will be coming to the US with me


If you don't HAVE to, don't. I can't imagine anything more stressful than trying to entertain a 5 year old while in a waiting room full of people.



I brought my 4 year old to my fiance's interview... other than her biting me during the interview, it was fine. wink.gif Its okay for kids to be there, but its boring for them. She loved the view.
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-07-17 16:15:00
CanadaWhirlwind!
This is not going to be an epic tale, I am exhausted!

TOguy's POE was smooth on the 15th, we arrived around 115 and were done by 145-2 ish. The people were friendly, knowledgeable and even cracked jokes with TG! They didn't ask what he had with him or anything. But they did question my address change back in January. having proof would have been marginally helpful, but wasn't necessary. We entered at Peace Bridge. Someday one of us may do a review laughing.gif
Driving on....
We arrived back in Asheville, NC the following day. The total miles driven have now approached 2400 miles. Tired - yes! TG unloaded and started unpacking - its great to see all his stuff - even though he was here for 6 weeks, it didn't feel like he lived here - now it does. (sigh of relief!)
Today was our courthouse wedding! We are now officially Mr. & Mrs.! I had to pick TG's friend up last night at 11 PM, and then my brother at 830 AM. then we rushed to the courthouse at 1230 and had to go back at 330, and then we were married. I'd relax, but now I'm looking at the AOS requirements, forms, etc and groaning... when will this end? When does "life" begin?

Regardless, I'm so happy that we are married now. What an amazing journey! biggrin.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-07-17 16:22:00
CanadaVISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)
Great thread! I'm the USC and the girl, but hey, thats okay smile.gif We're getting married right away, so we can get the AP as fast as possible. still have some time to wait since we have no interview yet, but I will keep this thread on my list.
Good idea Poprocks!
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-26 18:36:00
CanadaA Moral Dilemma
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jul 18 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One should find out for sure if u have to drop ur cdn citizenship and how they expect you to do that! It may be as simple as not having a Cdn passport!! belive me not all govt agencies are that bright,lol


Govt's & Military especially are prone to having waivers for just about every requirement - Talk to supervisors etc to see what possibilities there are for your specific situation. -- talk to someone who knows & forget the barracks lawyers wink.gif In your post it sounded like you weren't completely sure that would be required of you.

I think you should get all the information you can and make an informed decision - but I agree with the sentiment of following your heart.
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-07-18 12:49:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (beans @ May 9 2009, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Remember my vent about USPS' tracking number not working. Well guess what kids I still haven't received Jeremy's tax docs and remaining packet 3 contents. I've decided we are cursed when it comes to this process and its frustrating. I'm mad.


aww, Beans, I'm so sorry :-( rose.gif That stinks!!!!
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-09 17:22:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 5 2009, 03:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey I remember I said the same thing about squeeze cheeze and I love that stuff now. laughing.gif

I'd try it once... just to say I had bacon puddin. laughing.gif



I bet it would go good with the squeeze cheese.... Maybe you could layer it over the chicken whistling.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-05-05 14:36:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (borderdriver @ Apr 29 2009, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone for your support.

I talked to my hubby about it. I told him how I felt. Like arabella said, i will start keeping a list. I think that's a good idea. I looked up the volunteer jobs in town and its mostly helping old people and red cross type of stuff. I'm not good with health volunteer. But I'll keep looking. I started paying more attention with my fitness health. I think I have to leave the house before my husband wakes up. Once he wakes up, he wants to do spend time with me but doesnt want to go for a run w/ me. lol. Its just getting my #### to stop being lazy. I also told my hubby I want to make a table and fix this old dresser and re paint it. so I've created some new hobbies I want to do. and I've been wanting to get back into my old teenage size. haha. i used to dance for 15 years and stopped 3 yrs ago (b/c of work.lol). But I was on facebook last night and saw this ad for Jazzercise which looks exciting and I actually saw a banner of it in town so I really want to try that.

You guys are right about the time off too. I want to take advantage of it. I just need to learn to get used to having all this time to myself. lol.


Hey Boarder, as someone who does some volunteer work for a cool organization, you might try looking the other way around for volunteer stuff - there are probably a lot more organizations that aren't advertising for volunteers but would love to have the assistance - you could google a cause of interest and your location and see what organizations pop up. Sounds like you've got a healthy list going! I agree, enjoy it smile.gif good.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-29 17:50:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Apr 29 2009, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That forum is hilarious.. talk about kicking people hard when they're down.


-"Help my husband wants a divorce"

-"YOU SCAMMING IDIOT! GO BACK HOME!!!"

laughing.gif


Wow. Sounds like an entertaining thread!

I want to scream today at the NC Child Support office. They seem more hellbent on making it "fair" for deadbeats who knew they had to pay rather than the child. the whole system is soooo F@%#^@%!!!

that feels better, please continue the conversation wink.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-29 13:08:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Apr 26 2009, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry but I put him in hockey to have fun not to get yelled at and put down. That's all he needs is someone destroying his self esteem because he can't get to a puck fast enough. Seriously.


Thats a hard one - if they love the sport you don't want to take them out, right? Is there another hockey league? I can't imagine the coaches are getting away with the F-bomb directed at kids.. thats kinda grounds for firing a coach... one would hope... unsure.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-26 10:25:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (beans @ Apr 26 2009, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Inquiries regarding U.S. visas
The 24-hour information line is 1902-941-641. The cost to listen to prerecorded information is $1.15 per minute (cost access with variable cost options. Higher rates may apply from mobile and pay phones). You can ask to be connected to a live consultant for $3.00 per minute. Live consultants are available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time.
If you cannot access 1902 services, the same information is available on 1800-687-844. This 1800 service has only live consultants, no prerecorded information. The charge is $12.00. This service must be paid by credit card at the time of the call. "

lol The thought of paying that much to talk to someone about NVC's mistake is mind boggling.

This is what NVC says regarding lost petitions :

What Can Be Done If the Petition Gets Lost?

We don't want this to happen, but occasionally it does. Files can get misfiled; shipments of visa files have been lost. Usually a misfiled petition can be located, but in an emergency an embassy or consulate can issue a visa from the computer record and an original Notice of Action approval (Form I-797) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Give the consular section time to locate the file, and it probably will. But all is not lost if the petition is really gone. Be sure to keep all correspondence you receive from the USCIS


Wow, thats somewhat of a relief anyway. It sucks for it to get lost, but there is small comfort in knowing that you don't have to start all over again... again blush.gif Hang in there Beans! I know you've had a go of it from the beginning!!

Edited by KristinL, 26 April 2009 - 07:34 AM.

KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-26 07:33:00
CanadaThe Annoying Co-Worker Thread
QUOTE (Rob and Mel @ Apr 30 2009, 05:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Apr 30 2009, 01:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Apr 30 2009, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thetreble @ Apr 30 2009, 05:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif Keep on taking those skittles..I certainly would!

I hate Skittles! I remember getting them when I was a little kid and originally thinking they were M&M's. The only thing worse is putting raisins in cookies instead of chocolate chips. mad.gif


Or macadamia nuts instead of white chocolate! I love sour skittles.


ewwwwwwwww white chocolate? Everyone knows that the darker the chocolate, the better tongue.gif


White chocolate is so nasty! its not even chocolate!... of course I loved it when I was a kid blush.gif
KristinLFemaleCanada2009-04-30 18:39:00