ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaGreen Card Production

Mine's green.

And congrats, Courtney! :star:


True... Some are indeed...

Darn! :blush:
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-06-22 13:20:00
CanadaGreen Card Production

Finally after 5 months I received the much anticipated "Card Production" txt message!!! Can't wait to have my Green Card in hand!


You will be disappointed... It ain't green... LOL.

Congrats!!!!!! :thumbs:
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-06-22 12:59:00
Canadacitezenship by descent

I'm a US citizen born un the US to a Canadian mother in 1961. Is there a good resource or information or sites out there to help guide me through the process of acquiring Canadian citizenship?
Thanks!


Check out this site about Immigration and Naturalization for Canada to find out how you can claim Canadian citizenship.

http://www.cic.gc.ca...nship/proof.asp

Good luck!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-07-05 13:06:00
CanadaUHaul Fun!

I don't want you to take any risks you do not feel comfortable with , but. If you stay on I-75 and just don't get in a hurry you should be fine.
Are you towing or trailering a car too?



x 2!!!!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-07-12 13:51:00
CanadaDS 230 Part 1

Completing form now in prep for Packet 3...
Question 35 List Dates of all porevious visits to or residence in the United States (give type of visa status if know )

I have travelled about 7 times over the last year to Massacheusetts. Do I just log some visits?
Or is this not what they are asking for?

Thanks if anyone has completed recently this form

Louis - Winnipeg


Louis, you need to list all trips you took to the US, not just some visits. If you don't have exact dates, enter approximate values and indicate them as such.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-10 12:10:00
CanadaCanadian getting a California DL

My husband (who's from Newfoundland) is about to take his test for a California driver's license.

I'm wondering if there are any rules or laws here (in Cali) that are significantly different than in Canada?

For example, in California you can make a right turn on a red light, in other states you can't.

Are there any rules like that I should warn him about?

Thanks in advance for your help!


Have your husband go to the DMV webpage. He can download the booklet with all the info he will need for the test.

Good luck!

http://www.dmv.ca.go...andbook_toc.htm
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-21 07:59:00
CanadaSending personal effects to the USA with a family member
His belongings can't cross before he does, but yours can. He could sell you all the tools, give you a bill of sale and you could bring them with you, as your property. If you do that you need to make sure you pay him fair market value for the equipment and make sure you do not exceed your allowed customs quota, upon entering the US. Make sure the bill of sale contains serial numbers and a complete description of the items so you can prove their provenance.
One other aspect is that depending on where you got married, his stuff may very well be yours too, as a result...

Edited by Gegel, 07 September 2012 - 07:55 AM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-07 07:54:00
Canadalast night in Canada...

Exciting new life in the States. Big step for our relationship. BUT I am going to miss my life here SO MUCH...



“Don't be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” (R.Bach)



It may sound corny but that quote carries a lot of truth. I grew up moving from one place to another and at one point I reconciled all the good byes with the notion that you never leave family and friends behind, so much as you leave them ahead, for when you see them again. When I read the book where the quote above is found, I had one of those moments when you think 'darn! I wish I had said that!!!'.

Welcome to the US, congrats on the visa and all the best hopes for the new life.



JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-28 08:50:00
CanadaURGENT!! DHL opened DO NOT OPEN envelope with VISA information

The DHL/Loomis office accidentally opened the DO NOT OPEN envelope when they sent back my fiance's passport and POE information.

What do I do? He taped up the side with tape that says "Inspected by DHL" and wrote a letter on the front with his name and said it was a mistake. FREAKING OUT!

Need help please!!


Call the consulate and confirm. It is most likely that you will have to send it back to be resealed...
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-11-21 10:14:00
CanadaIndian citizens that have Canadian Visa --> Want to get US Visa

My sister-in-law and her family are currently in Canada on immigration visa. They are Indian citizens. They will get PR status eventually(this is what I am told). They wanted to know how long it would take to get US visas to come live in the US and work here? Thanks.



Their PR status in Canada has no bearing on the US. If they want to reside in the US they will need to apply for an immigrant visa, under the existing categories, if eligible.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-12-05 10:32:00
Canadaif you could have the same job, same salary, would you choose Canada or the US?

If you could have the same or similar job and same or similar salary in both Canada and the US, in which country would you choose to live and why?

 

I would choose the place where I would be happier, knowing that outside my job there is a family, friends and many other things to consider.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-02-03 15:37:00
CanadaFunds in Canadian Account

What should I do with the funds I currently have in my canadian bank account? I believe we can only transfer $10,000 at a time, or we're subject to tax? I read that there was a law that was passed that any funds in any accounts in any countries with an amount of over $10,000 will need to be reported to US (I think it was called Fbar?). 

 

I'm in the process of selling my home and just wondering what I need to do. I hope to sell it before I move, so I'm not subject to double taxes. Unless, I'm mistaken? It is my primary residence, so I wouldn't be claiming capital gains or losses. 

 

 

 

There is no tax for bringing the money to the US and electronic transfer is always a good idea.  The only requirement is that you must declare any transactions in excess of $ 10K - so even if you were to transfer in two installments of $5K you would still be required to report it, by law.   The main reason i would suggest an electronic transfer is because you will have to show evidence of the origin of the money - this is part of anti money laundering laws.  There is no tributary burden on bringing the money to the US and there is no limit - it is your money and you can do as you please.  However, keeping all these records and evidence of the provenance of the funds will help you show it is derived from the sale of your home, and if you purchase another home in the US you most likely will not be taxed.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-03-04 11:48:00
CanadaTax help for US taxes - need help.

Hi everyone,

 

I know SO last minute - sorry - but I thought I had it and now I'm confused again. . Jeez, taxes are not my strong suit. I called the IRS hotline today to figure out if I have to file a return, they told me to do research and gave me publications to read,  which I have and I'm still confused. Also confused as wether to use my SSN or not or if I need a tax number.

 

Situtation: I came to the US on a K-1 visa in November 18 of 2013 and got married. Applied for AOS in January.  All of my income is from Canada, I have no income in the US. I have an SSN with the note of Vaild for work only with DHS authorization.

 

My husband filed his taxes as married filing seperately and we put my SSN number on his forms, we initally did a joint return and then amended it. I was thinking of filing an extension. I noticed there are two filing dates as well, today and one in June.

 

Do I file a 1040NR? I'm so lost. Have we completely done our taxes wrong? Do I need a tax number?

 

Thank you so much in advance for help. I'm completely stressed about this!

 

 

 

If you have decided that MFS is the best option for you, then you have to file your own taxes as such.  If you are not well versed in US taxes, consider using an online product such as TurboTax or similar.  It is much easier than trying to figure it all out on your own and it will guide you through your foreign income.  You only use the 1040NR if you were a non-resident, but it seems you do want to file US taxes, in which case you would file using the regular form 1040.

 

I also believe you might wish to consider checking whether you need to file US taxes at all, since you only started yoru AOS this year and your husband did not include your income in his taxes - which put him at a higher bracket anyways.

 

 


Edited by Gegel, 14 April 2014 - 09:53 AM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-04-14 09:49:00
CanadaQuestions about Canadians overstaying in USA

Canadians are usually admitted for duration of status.

 

Canadians tourists are admitted for 180 days only.  Duration of status apply for other categories, such as students, with the proper visa.

 

http://canada.usemba...-canadians.html

 

 


Edited by Gegel, 10 April 2014 - 02:03 PM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-04-10 13:55:00
CanadaQuestions about Canadians overstaying in USA

If you were given 6 months on both entries then you did not overstay.  Overstay only counts when you spend more than 180 days in a row in the US, which is not your case. 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-04-10 11:46:00
CanadaDon't know dates of previous US visits

Don't sweat it too much. Write what you remember as accurately as possible. The DS260 is reviewed with the CO at your interview, *if* he/she decides to question you on that, you can explain it - but they won't.

 

+1.

 

You don't need to be specific if you don't have the exact date.  An approximation or guesswork is accepted.  Try and be as precise as you can and be honest.  Nothing to lose sleep over.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-04-23 12:11:00
CanadaUgh, I need a rant...

Have you considered paying off the car once you sell the house?  If your car is that new you might be able to keep it for a few years, which would preempt the need to buy a new car upon arriving in California.  At least you would not lose on the depreciation and you would have a fairly new car here... 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-06-10 09:11:00
CanadaIN A RUSH - does anyone know California requirements for bringing a cat from Canada??
The regulation is the same for the lower 48.

Check out the link to the USDA: http://www.aphis.usd...al_imports_pets

Good luck!




JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-07-18 17:04:00
CanadaGetting a california DL

Here is the link to the DMV where you can find details as to what to expect as a new driver in California.

 

http://www.dmv.ca.go.../new_driver.htm

 

You should have no trouble passing the tests.

 

Good luck!

 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-07-08 12:52:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAffidavits Attesting to Our Relationship and Marriage

Hi guys!
I had a quick question on the petition to remove condition of status (I-751):
Can family members be affidavits attesting to our relationship and marriage? Do they need to go to a notary and get a signature and seal?
Thanks,
Tobias



Yes, they can do it, and also if you could get neighbors, co-workers, friends and other non-family members to do them it would help. Despite what the requirements are, IMHO a notarized document always look better in any process of petition. If you cant notarize all of them, make sure you have a good percentage of them notarized. I can't hurt.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-07-13 11:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTax question
I second Kennard on this one. There is no presumption that a married couple should file taxes together, and you do have the option to choose status as 'married filing separately'. Considering everything else provides evidence that you are in fact a legit couple you should be OK. Again, just be prepared to speak about the reasons behind this decision openly and truthfully. Good luck!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-07-26 17:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDid you have your affidavits notarized?

1343866670[/url]' post='5576079']
I was planning on including affidavits from my father and a coworker, but I really didn't want to inconvenience them by having them sign in front of a notary public.


  • Has anyone here successfully removed conditions with affidavits that weren't notarized?
  • How important do you think notarizing is?


It is not a must. If it is a lot a hassle you dont need to pursue that option. Affidavits are important as additional evidence but not as important as other evidence you can present such as photos, joint bank accounts, bills, etc. the gamut of papers that are inherent to a relationship.

Edited by Gegel, 01 August 2012 - 07:30 PM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-01 19:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPast Car Title,joint ownership

As of Last Thursday we bought a new Car and traded in our current car. Unfortunately They would not allow my husband to put me on the new loan as I do not have an income. Should I still send in a copy of the old car loan and car title as Evidence?


You can still use it as evidence of your history together. Add it to the rest of the evidence documents you're submitting. It can't hurt you.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-07 11:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAlmost a Citizen

Hello,
I'm a Canadian , married to an US citizen, and will be a US citizen by next August. Do I really have to file for the status adjustment, to the tune of $600, in order to stay in the States until then? When entering the US through marriage, why don't they just make the permanent resident card valid for 3 years? Is this just an additional money grab? Is there any way around it?
And question #2: I am considering taking a part-time position back in canada over the next year. To still qualify to take the citizenship exam, how much of the next 12 months would I need to be in the States? Is it even necessary to get my citizenship at this point, if I want to be able to work again in the States in the future? or will this final adjustment to my residency card keep me legal to work, even if, say, I went back to canada for a few years?
Thanks


Here is the link to thebUSCIS with info on naturalization process: http://www.uscis.gov...000b92ca60aRCRD
Good luck!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-20 13:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionGreen Card renewal, what do I need to do?

Then I'm more confussed,

when you file the AOS I-485 after the biometrics and the Interview and they "grant you approval" are'nt you issued a Green Card? or am I totaly wrong.

I thought when you file the AOS this filing then gives your spouse a "Green Card" (when approved of course)



At this time your wife's residence is conditional to her staying married with you for two years, hence her green card showing an expiration date.

What she needs do, as another poster pointed out, is to initiate the process of Removal of Conditions - ROC - at which point she will receive a 'permanent green card' and become a de-facto 'permanent resident'. (She already is a permanent resident, so long as the conditions of her residence are met. In staying married to you for two years she has met those conditions.).

Here is the link to the USCIS guide on ROC: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

It is just the last piece of bureaucracy so she can forget about the USCIS for a while...

Good luck!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-06 08:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPut life on hold?

OP, I don't understand why you need to put your life on hold. ROC is rarely denied if you have a bonafide marriage and a paper trail to prove it. My husband & I refinanced our auto loan and bought a house while I was waiting for ROC (8 months at VSC). Life is too short to put it on hold for anyone or anything.


x2.

If you're waiting on ROC and your marriage is going strong, you are wasting your time worrying about being denied.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-07 13:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAffidavit from friends

Does the affidavit have to be notarized? There has been some posts saying it's required and others saying that just having the document signed is enough. Should I put it in unsigned and just see if they push back?


They don't have to be notarized but it wouldn't hurt if you did. If you're not notarizing them make sure they are signed, at least.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-24 14:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFilled ROC on May now separated

Good evening

I will want some advice for my case
I ' ve been married since April 2009 after 8 years of relationship ..I was granted a conditional green card and came here on August 2010. during these 2 years I have tolerated the behavior of my husband , he has cheated on me and I have forgive him but I am done with that..I too young and I believe I deserve better..so I move out the house like 3 weeks ago...we filled my ROC on May. I did my fingerprints on July 11th..
I know he won't change so I really 100% secure that I will never go back with him and will like to divorce. we end things " in peace" ..and now comes my question:

what should I do with my case pending???
should I wait until I receive hopefully my green card and then later get divorce..or should I start the divorce process as soon as I have the money to do it..
if I start the divorce process should I notify USCIS? do I need to file a waiver?

I just start working like few days ago so I don't have the money to go to a lawyer at this moment

any advice will be appreciate it

regards

MARLENE


Marlene, if you love your husband, seek couples counseling in your area. People do change and people do make mistakes.

If you no longer love him file for divorce. If there are no kids and no disputes over property, chances are you can do the paperwork yourself directly at the courthouse. In most states you can download the forms and file them in court, paying just the court fees, which in most states is somewhere around $100. In these cases, you will be paying a lawyer money just to fill out the papers for you, when you can do it yourself.

Google 'online divorce forms for [state where you live]. Chances are you can get them online.

Good luck.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-10-25 08:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTraveling with I-751 Receipt only~

Soooo is my UK passport, copy of GC and my extension letter going to be sufficient?


A copy of your GC - expired or otherwise - will not cut it. You will need the actual document.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-12-11 09:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPostpone date of entry in order to avoid having to remove conditions?

Yes, it's good until 9/20. Have you had conditions removed? Was it as aggravating as every other step of the immigration process or do they go easier on you once you're a permanent resident?


In this case, if you wait to enter after your second anniversary she should receive her 10-year gc.

If you decide to travel earlier and end up with a two-year gc, the process of ROC is not all that complicated. You will need to provide evidence that you are still married, and that being the case, the evidence needed is nothing any couple would not have anyway. I would say they do not go easier nor harder once you become a LPR. For the USCIS it is business as usual.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-03-26 08:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPostpone date of entry in order to avoid having to remove conditions?

My wife just got her CR-1 visa, and we were planning to head to the states together in August. However, as of September 16th, we'll have been married for 2 years, so if we postpone our travel by a month then we won't have to go through the whole lifting of conditions process.

How burdensome is the process? For someone in no particular hurry to get to the states, would it make sense to postpone travel by a month in order to not have to deal with any more immigration bureaucracy?


She needs to enter the US on/before the expiration date on her visa. Are you sure it will still be valid on 9/16?
JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-03-25 13:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDivorce mediation under CR1

 

Wow, we filed a joint tax returns earlier this year but that rental was not included as the rent is basically paying the mortage.

 

It would be very wise of you to amend the return and include the additional income derived from the rent if you are planning to keep your residence in the US.  (Consider addressing that with your lawyer asap.)


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 10:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDivorce mediation under CR1

Just to add, we have no joint account neither in the US or in the UK. The house is mortgaged and I rented it out when I move to the US.

 

Mark, all the same she can put the house in the mix, because by law you have to report the income from the rental in the UK in your US taxes.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 10:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDivorce mediation under CR1

In regards to property that you own, it will all depend on how good your lawyer is, but chances are she is entitled to half, legally. 

 

Her creditors may and most likely will come after you for payment of her bills.  While she may not force you to pay them, as her husband they may action you for payment.  It may ruin your credit for a long time.

 

Good luck with the mediation!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 09:53:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionbuying a house as a conditional resident

 

Yes, because all I need to become a "genuine" American is an oath, right.

 

 I disagree - immigrants will never ever be fully integrated, certainly never be as American as people born and raised here. Who claims they are is either a liar, a very very superficial person, or severely deluded. For the average immigrant, there will always be just one real home - why do you think so many decide to get buried in their initial countries?

 

At best you can say you will never be fully integrated and that you, personally, will never be a genuine American.  Your loss, really.

 

It is ludicrous for you to presume to apply that to others, for you can only define what being an American is at a very personal level.  You can't do that for others.  Each individual that comes to this country has a particular and oftentimes unique concept as do those who are born here.  Being an American is represented by a set of ideals; not a laundry list.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-04 09:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionbuying a house as a conditional resident

 

The affidavit of support is not eternal. And even if it was, his parents are money-savvy, they don't have any obligation to reciprocate anything. 

 

Couldn't say.  I never met them.  My opinion is based on this limited exchange. 


Edited by Gegel, 03 June 2013 - 01:14 PM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 13:13:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionbuying a house as a conditional resident

I know where you are coming from but you cannot ask the Parents to reciprocate to the Daughter In Law.

 

The DIL felt comfortable enough to expose herself financially (we all do on this site) but that doesn't mean the Parents have to.

 

I-864 fo rmy Wife is a matter of necessity and in fact I would go further and take out a bond but I wouldn't expect my Parents to have the same level of confidence.

 

 

Nobody should ask the parents to reciprocate.  The very fact they offered the money with strings attached denotes the necessary lack of tact and consideration such an action would require.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 12:44:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionbuying a house as a conditional resident

That's a red herring.

 

The contract is between their Daughter In Law and the US Governement, it has nothing to do with the parents. Maybe the Parents are more savvy that the US government on these matters.

 

The issue at hand is between the parents and their offspring, not the same and I am quite surprised that you tried to compare the two.

 

My rationale was that in signing the I-864 for their son to get his greencard, their daughter-in-law put her assets on the line for the duration of the affidavit.  It would stand to reason their son to feel the same way towards his wife. 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 12:33:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionbuying a house as a conditional resident

 

When you make a donation you can set any conditions you want. Before they give the money to their son, the money is still theirs. Therefore, unless they agree to have the house under his name only, they will not get the money to buy the house. Does it sound this strange? it does not to me. 

 

 

It sounds very strange to me but I think it is a cultural thing.

 

I wonder if they had any similar reservations when their daughter-in-law had to sign an affidavit of support in order to get their son to the US.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 12:17:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionbuying a house as a conditional resident

Quite frankly, I would be surprised if his parents agreed to graciously donate the money and have the house under both spouses' names. It is not a matter of disregarding the relationship, it is just a matter of protecting their assets. I assume they did not win the money at the national lottery, and that earning that money cost them time and effort. To the OP: you are free to tell them 'no thank you'. I suspect that in that case they will not give him any money to buy any house. To those who say that without her he would not have had the "great privilege of buying a house in America (really? Will all those property taxes you call it a privilege?!): foreigners make real estate investments in the US all the time, without being residents or without living here. Plus, he could have bought a nice house someplace else. 

 

The money ceases to be their asset the moment it is given to someone else, does it not?


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-06-03 12:02:00