ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaUS driver license

Best to check too how long you have to drive on your "out of state" DL.. Here in CT it's only 30 days.. Not much time to get everything changed over & legal like..

"You have 30 days after moving to Connecticut to legally drive on your previous license. After 30 days of residency, your out-of-state license is no longer acceptable to legally drive in Connecticut."

Most states (exception being CA, which uses 10 days) use 30 days after getting residency.

However, those on TEMPORARY work-permits (such as H1-b or TN-1) are allowed to keep an out-of-country licence (which was how I got away with not swapping from AB to GA initially); but licence from another US state doesn't fall into this "loophole".

Also, in practice, it's quite difficult to find out exactly how long one has lived in a state (especially if the licence is from an immediately bordering state).
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-22 13:50:00
CanadaVisisting Canada
I suspect you actually meant "at the airport" (San Antonio to Canadian border is easily a 2-day complete drive).

The return ticket (yours) will probably be enough for CIC officer at the airport (or if you really do want to drive, border); his GC should be adequate to show to USCIS officer at PFI (or CBP at border).
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-22 12:21:00
CanadaDid you remember to do this...after leaving Canada

Hi Zyggy,

Lol...in that sense, I agree, as the best way to cut off ties is to do it through paperwork. It's just a pain in the neck filling out more paperwork than I have to, that's all. I guess to anyone, the prospect of the CRA coming at my door is not a good idea. Lol...I can just imagine those guys in suits from Ottawa, driving down the country roads here in the USA, only to drive 10hrs or so to find out that I don't owe them any money (sorry, this image is way too funny). Anyways, I'm still thinking about filling out the forms and.or sending them paperwork to "officially cut the apron strings with Canada"....

Ant

The last time I could possibly have owed CRA any moneys would have been for the period of 1993/08/15-1993/12/30. Anyway, CRA had LOTS of opportunities to collect (as I made several airtrips to Calgary, one airtrip to Montreal, and one road-trip from DTW to Ayr).

Agree, the image is just too funny. :lol: :lol:

I wound up cutting ties in 1996 when my AB licence (issued in 1993, which I hadn't swapped-out in 2 years of living in Metro Atlanta) was stolen while I was working in Memphis; the headaches involved in getting a duplicate were enough to convince me that I should swap that out (which I did, two years before its expiry, for a TN licence).
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-22 11:47:00
CanadaDid you remember to do this...after leaving Canada
I never even bothered.
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-21 09:15:00
CanadaCalling Cards (to call Canada from the USA)
Another approach is Yahoo Messenger with voice (though that requires computers with speakers and microphones AT BOTH ENDS). In that case, the cost/call is $0.00.
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-26 17:30:00
CanadaEmbassy - Ottawa or Montreal?
:yes:

All consular-issue immigrant visas are done @ Montreal.

K-visas can be issued @ whichsoever of Montreal or Vancouver is closer to Canuck bene's residence.
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-07 15:14:00
CanadaFlying with a bike
In some stores, you may be able to buy the bike "assembly required"--in which case you WILL get a box containing the parts.

(note: this approach means the store is being cheap-###)
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-08 09:23:00
CanadaCanadian cheques
You've heard of money orders?
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-07 08:02:00
CanadaWork Authorization
(slimly) possible if you have NO RFE's.

Edited by CherryXS, 08 March 2007 - 02:41 PM.

Saddle BroncMale02007-03-08 14:41:00
CanadaWhat are my options?

Alright, I'm off to the post office!!! Everyone cross their fingers for us that it goes quickly!

You'll be in our prayers.
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-16 13:07:00
CanadaWhat are my options?

I would imagine that, unless she has a specific social work degree, she could not do "Social Worker".

Well, the TN-list doesn't exactly specify that a SW degree/diploma is needed. No contest that "tweaking" daycare instructors job to Social Worker to USCIS satisfaction (with the additional headache of correct-format offer letter) would cause some serious migraines.

(as you can guess, the idea was to see if her entering as a TN-1 with her daughter as a TD--but best to see the options explicitly ruled-out than to never have been aware of them)
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-16 08:49:00
CanadaWhat are my options?

My fiancé, Kristy, lives 15 minutes away from me, as I live right on the border. My conundrum is this: I don't think we have time to file for a K-1 as the wedding is scheduled for September 1st, 2007. I'd like her and her daughter to live with me after some point this summer, before we get married. The honeymoon is booked for the US, too.

What exactly would you guys think my options are? Being a visa waiver country are there things I'm overlooking? Am I fretting too much? Should I just file for the K-1 ASAP and cross my fingers that it will be done in time?

Jeremy

What are her quals? (maybe an outside-box option).


She's a certified day-care instructor. Too bad she wasn't a nurse.

Could she do "Social Worker"?
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-15 13:05:00
CanadaWhat are my options?

My fiancé, Kristy, lives 15 minutes away from me, as I live right on the border. My conundrum is this: I don't think we have time to file for a K-1 as the wedding is scheduled for September 1st, 2007. I'd like her and her daughter to live with me after some point this summer, before we get married. The honeymoon is booked for the US, too.

What exactly would you guys think my options are? Being a visa waiver country are there things I'm overlooking? Am I fretting too much? Should I just file for the K-1 ASAP and cross my fingers that it will be done in time?

Jeremy

What are her quals? (maybe an outside-box option).
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-15 12:52:00
CanadaPOE Experience
Congrats
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-15 13:06:00
CanadaEAD before getting the K1 Visa

Not all gov't jobs require US Citizenship, a lot of them do, but not all of them require it. It just depends on the type of job. I've been working at a pseudo-gov't job here which is in the classification as a gov't job, and I had worked here on my green card. So just depends what you're applying for...

And government agencies use bulker-loads of contractors--who don't even necessarily have GC's.

As I've actually done it (on TN-1):
  • initial development work (and remote maintenance, when the machine was moved to the Service Centre) for IRS; I wasn't allowed into the SC (for onsite maintenance) despite of the SC manager's wishes--the decision on this made in DC near Union Station
  • two years (Jan 1998-Dec 1999) for GA Dept of Educ

Saddle BroncMale02007-03-16 11:39:00
CanadaEAD before getting the K1 Visa
The TN-1 would have maybe been possible if the offer had come BEFORE the I-129F was filed--but not now.

Two options on how to get the temp EAD:
  • cross by land
  • take a flight to London and then to MSP through JFK (obviously this option is rather lousy)

Yeah I'm pretty sure it will conflict. I don't think you can hold 2 visas at the same time.

True, but moot in this case.
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-16 09:50:00
CanadaAppropriate attire for Montreal Interview
Also, not allowed to take food inside (already the case even in Dec. 1999).
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-16 11:05:00
CanadaAppropriate attire for Montreal Interview
That will certainly work.

You may want to consider "business-casual" meaning comfy-but-sharp slacks, blouse, shoes (does NOT include jeans, trainers, sandals, ...)

Edited by CherryXS, 16 March 2007 - 10:12 AM.

Saddle BroncMale02007-03-16 10:11:00
CanadaBest place to stay in Montreal?
Actually, road signs are NOT confusing--as they use standardised shapes (they may be written in French, but the meaning is the same as in Dutch, German, English, etc.).

However, it is much easier to walk around downtown Montreal than to drive there (don't worry about parking).
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-10 08:30:00
CanadaMy Experience changing my Drivers License today..
I actually can remember being stopped for speeding on Peachtree Industrial Blvd (near I-285 Perimeter) in late August 1994. The cop actually asked me if my name was of FRENCH origin!
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-07 14:24:00
CanadaHow Understanding is Your Family
In 1985, it was true that more than one US consulate in Canada did immigrant visa issuance (my sister got hers at Calgary--in days when marrying a PR, you could actually expect to come to US within a reasonable time).

Since at least 1999, ALL IV's are issued @ Montreal (really strange considering it's in a province which makes a lot of noise about separating from Canada, and doesn't even have the largest American population of Canuck cities--that particular goes to Calgary).

I couldn't tell you, however, the time when they "consolidated" all IV process to Montreal. :P

Edited by CherryXS, 22 March 2007 - 01:59 PM.

Saddle BroncMale02007-03-22 13:58:00
CanadaHow Understanding is Your Family
And the myth is also popular with naturalised Canadians (and even those who have never been Canadians) who simply don't understand that USCIS considers BIRTH-country to allocate quotas.

I had plenty of misunderstanding from my parents even when I started the GC process (through employment, from a TN-1), as I had also just broken off an (never-formalised) engagement (for both religious reason, and US immigration headache--try dealing with a Consular Official stationed in an Asian country, who may NOT be NAFTA-cognisant).
Saddle BroncMale02007-03-22 10:16:00
CanadaParking lot around the embassy?
I found downtown Montreal easier to access by Metro and foot (I didn't even use a rental car) for my GC interview in 1999.

So, you can leave the car (if you have a rental, or drove your own in) at the hotel, and simply use subway and walking to get to the Consulate.
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-03 10:27:00
CanadaPoint of entry Sweetgrass MN

Any one have any experience crossing at Sweetgrass, Montana border Crossing.

That is the crossing I will have to use as I leave Alberta and head for Tennesse.

Colin

I drove to Calgary in late November 2001, and back into US in early Jan 2002--through Sweetgrass.

Practically a wavethrough both ways (admittedly, I had a pre-existing GC--issued @ Montreal in Dec 1999--at that time).

FYI, during certain hours, you CAN use Peigan (which is straight south of Ft. MacLeod at the south end of Rt. 2).

(having been raised in Calgary...)
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-04 20:35:00
CanadaCandian Passport Photo From Abroad

are you near a Canadian embassy? They can do the photos in the acceptable format as well.

good point piosenka!!! apparently passport canada wasn't reading their own guidelines......shocked? ;)

Okay, so I'm trying to renew my Canadian passport from the US. I sent my renewal application to Canada at the end on January of this year and just received notice that my Passport photo does not follow the Canadian guidelines.

Seems to me that the last time Passport Canada read its guidelines was in 1982 (when I got my first Canuck passport). Prior to that, the Citizenship Card photos could be used without issues--but afterwards, the CC photos were about 2 mm too small on each side.
:ranting:

(also delinquent in Canuck-passport renewal at the moment--but then, I have a current YANK passport for most international travel)

Edited by CherryXS, 11 April 2007 - 07:56 AM.

Saddle BroncMale02007-04-11 07:54:00
CanadaIs there a US consulate in Calgary?

  • does anyone know if you can choose which consulate you would like to do your interview at? or is it decided for you?
  • also, and in my reading i haven't come across a clear answer to this, do you set up your own appointment once you've received the package from the consulate, or do they set it up for you?
  • what's the usual timeframe from when you get your package to the interview date?

  • It's decided for you, based on which of the two (Montreal or Vancouver) is closer
  • decided for you--the state department decides when to allot a visa number (for CR-1 or DCF)
  • generally within 90 days of Packet-3

Edited by CherryXS, 19 April 2007 - 08:31 AM.

Saddle BroncMale02007-04-19 08:30:00
CanadaIs there a US consulate in Calgary?

I would figure just based on size that Canada should have immigrant visa processing at all of their US consulates. But I guess they're understaffed er sumthin.

And what about the stretch of logic to put it in a province which agitates oft about "separation"? Potentially (almost no chance, as QC has too good a deal--which it ain't getting elsewhere--to actually carry out this threat), Canadians wanting to do consular Immigrant Visa interview (CR-1, IR-1, EB-n) would have to do their interview OUTSIDE their own country!
Saddle BroncMale02006-09-26 09:00:00
CanadaIs there a US consulate in Calgary?
As for me, immigrant visa processing at Calgary would have saved me about C$500 in lodging costs in December 1999 (when I had an interview in Montreal for EB-3 GC).
Saddle BroncMale02006-09-25 17:36:00
CanadaIs there a US consulate in Calgary?
Donkey's-years ago (I know at least till 1985), the Calgary consulate did immigrant visa interviews as well (my sister had hers issued there that year). It does visitor (and maybe student) visas (mostly for Canada PR holders).

It is a very strange logic that all Immigrant Visa (including CR-1) interviews have to be done at Montreal when Calgary has the largest number of USC's (about 200,000--counting both those born in US and their Canada-born children) of any Canadian city.
Saddle BroncMale02006-09-25 17:21:00
CanadaAnybody else hear this

Huh. Here I thought USPS was bad...

confirmation that you have not lived in Canada.

For a rejection letter to arrive from a Downtown Calgary office to my Calgary home (in Dalhousie) takes FOUR DAYS typically (based on the postmark), SIX days to Edmonton, and TEN to Montreal or Ottawa.

A letter posted from Midtown Atlanta will arrive at Kennesaw (further than the distance from Canyon Meadows to Dalhousie--close to northern and southern extremes of Calgary) in ONE day, and at Washington DC in THREE.

Oh well. As least USPS delivers on Saturdays! :P

Also, USPS will pick up outgoing mail from YOUR mailbox (if house/rural--or pick it up from the drop-tray in apartment-complex mailboxes), which Canada Post has NEVER done since at least 1971.
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-18 12:07:00
CanadaAnybody else hear this
Hard to tell when Canada Post is on strike--since they put the "snail" in "snail-mail".
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-18 10:58:00
CanadaHow reliable is Canada Post's tracking system?

Well, I have several theories about this delay now...

a. Montreal hates me.

b. Canada Post hates me.

c. They both hate me and have made a pact to torture me.

d. I have lost my frickin' mind!

I'm trying to keep my cool, but seriously! If it was issued yesterday, why haven't they mailed it... and if it has been mailed, why isn't it showing up on the tracking?

I've had to reschedule both of my exams this week b/c I couldn't take the stress of having to get there at last minute!

I feel bad complaining when I know people are still waiting for their interviews, but it makes me feel a bit better - I just want it to be over! :)

ETA: there is also the possibility that Michael wrote down the tracking number wrong, in which case he won't even need a green card because I will leave him here (jk).


Montreal hates everyone....

Correcting my earlier post, closest response is now "c"--though the pact is not specific for riblet, but extended to all Canucks doing K-visas and CR-1's @ Montreal.
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-25 14:20:00
CanadaHow reliable is Canada Post's tracking system?

Well, I have several theories about this delay now...

a. Montreal hates me.

b. Canada Post hates me.

c. They both hate me and have made a pact to torture me.

d. I have lost my frickin' mind!

I'm trying to keep my cool, but seriously! If it was issued yesterday, why haven't they mailed it... and if it has been mailed, why isn't it showing up on the tracking?

I've had to reschedule both of my exams this week b/c I couldn't take the stress of having to get there at last minute!

I feel bad complaining when I know people are still waiting for their interviews, but it makes me feel a bit better - I just want it to be over! :)

ETA: there is also the possibility that Michael wrote down the tracking number wrong, in which case he won't even need a green card because I will leave him here (jk).

Answer is (b.) -- Canada Post hates ALL Canucks! :lol:
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-25 11:31:00
CanadaHow reliable is Canada Post's tracking system?
Canada Post's tracking system is as reliable as Canada Post.

(in a nutshell, UNFORTUNATELY).
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-23 08:51:00
CanadaHoneymoon Travel

So my wedding and honeymoon are fast approaching and I'm a little concerned about our return from the honeymoon. My fiance is the US citizen and we're getting married in the US. We are leaving for our honeymoon to Mexico a few days later, departing and returning to the US. Now I do cross every weekend and never get hassled when I say I'm visiting my fiance and I do have a nexus card. Now I've never flown internationally departing the US but I do know that upon return they have different lines for different people. There will be a line for US citizens/residents (my fiance) then the 'everyone else' line which is for me.

Now my question is upon return to the US should he come in my line with me since we are travelling together or should we go in separate lines? I always carry paperwork (pay stub, work id card, bills, income tax stmnt, etc) to show that I live in Canada and I'm not trying to illegally immigrate. I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten married in the US, honeymooned from there and returned with or without problems. My fiance would definately answer the 'how do you know each other' question with 'she's my wife' since he won't lie when questioned by customs and I'm sure if they 'detain' or 'deport' me, thinking I'm trying to stay illegally, it will definately make for a great post on here LOL since he is a touch outspoken.

Just wanted to know if anyone's done this and if it was good, bad or ugly. :)

Um...I hate to break this to you but you can't leave the country once you enter on a K1. The K1 is a one time only entry. Once you get married you can then file AOS/EAD/AP. AP is for Advanced Parole...leaving and re-entering the States while your AOS is pending. If you leave the States without AP or the Green Card, it will be considered abandoning your AOS status and you'll have to return to Canada and file for a K3.

Might want to read the Guides...

As per KC
Saddle BroncMale02007-05-03 18:39:00
CanadaCoffee Crisp coming to US

Well another difference that I've heard in sugary things (that I wouldn't know cause I never drink anything but water and MGD beer ha ha) is that Mountain Dew here in the US has Caffine and Canada's doesn't. Also there's something with rootbeer as well. I think the US version has caffine in it as well, while the Canadian one doesn't (or is that the other way around?).


This is true. There is a law in Canada prohibiting the addition of caffeine to clear soft drinks so no clear soft drinks -mountain dew, 7up, sprite, gingerale or anything like that - in Canada is allowed to have caffeine. There is also a limit to how much caffeine is allowed in softdrinks that do have caffeine so you won't find some of those JOLT Cola type of ultra caffeinated softdrinks in Canada either. I can understand having a limit on caffeine; I don't understand the rationale behind uncaffeinated clear softdrinks but there is probably one somewhere.

That's funny, JOLT is made-in-Canada.
Saddle BroncMale02007-04-30 10:16:00
CanadaCoffee Crisp coming to US

Hi Everyone,

Ok, here in the USA....
Canadian Smarties = Canadian Smarties (there is no American equivalent)
American Smarites = Canadian Rockets
Canadian Rockets = American Smarties
Then...American Rockets = ?????????

Just a thought. Does anyone know the answer to this?

Ant

American Rockets = ABSOLUTE TRASH! (and also Yank "Smarties" :P)
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-12 08:49:00
CanadaCoffee Crisp coming to US

I clicked on the link. I noticed that Idaho was not on the list of places that have them. Copied and pasted the request form into an email for my BF and asked him if he was game to have Coffee Crisps at Fred Meyer (most shopped at by his household).

I noticed that Utah wasn't there either (the closest state to where I will be living (crosses fingers, toes and nose hairs)). We usually have to go to Utah to get most anything that isn't run of the mill oh-din-ry.

Your BF (after you enter, your hubby) CAN drive across to BC to get these (last I checked, Idaho has a short border with BC).

Admittedly, you will have to wait till you get AP (or the 2-year GC) before you can accompany him on such a trip.

I'd love it if Aero bars would come to the US. I love the mint ones, and orange :yes:

I've seen them (Brit kind, not Canuck) in desi grocers.
Saddle BroncMale02007-02-07 07:35:00
CanadaCanada Post

Ya I read that a few days back!! That letter carrier must take some ribbing from fellow postal workers,lol

Or maybe some back-pats for being creative in reasons for skyving.

(Canada Post is certainly known for an abundance of skyving)
Saddle BroncMale02007-05-07 13:36:00
CanadaOH NO, Its too late!

I'm not overly concerned about the coffee, but I belive you may possibly be setting up your son for a very hard life with you wearing that #8 ball cap!! Maybe get it replaced with a Calgary Flames ball cap!! You will thank me!! lol

......or you may be setting his DAUGHTER up for a hard life by calling her a boy!!!!


maybe they name little boys Emily out there on the prairie but where i come from.....well it jus' aint happenin' ;)

I ain't heard of any males named "Emily" out on the prairie either (and living there for 20+ years qualifies enough IMO). However, a Flames jersey would be an excellent buy :lol:

Edited by CherryXS, 07 May 2007 - 01:43 PM.

Saddle BroncMale02007-05-07 13:43:00