biggish data

US Banking Vs Canadian Banking

Well, I have a lot to say about this, but I will try to make it brief. Before moving down here, I worked for one of the top Banks in Canada for 8 1/2 years and the US banking system was one of the most frustrating things I have had to deal with!

With my bank in Canada, I was able to do all my transaction online or on the phone through an automated system 24/7 and the transactions would appear to my account right away. No such thing here. And when you can make transaction online or on the phone here, there is usually s 24hr delay before it will post to the account. VERY frustrating! Also, I HATE not being able to make deposits at the ATM, it just drives me crazy!

In Canada, if you make a purchase at a POS, it appears in your account immediately. Here, it can take 2-3 days sometimes longer! So unless you write down every single transaction in a registry, you can never be sure exactly how much money you have!

And don't get me started on the whole check writting thing! LOL

And the list goes on and on and on. I really think that it is my MAJOR source of frustration in this country. I have kind of gotten used to it, but not totally.

Edited by Canuck78, 28 June 2007 - 12:39 PM.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-06-28 12:39:00

Things not to do or say

Despite, what warlord said, DON'T EVER say that hockey sucks!! Whether an individual likes the sport or not is pointless, it is still our national sport!

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-06-29 08:45:00

Moving: Canada to USA. What company did u use to ship ur stuff?

All my electronics were destroyed. Thank God I sold my computer and TV before I moved! I had a VCR, stereo, etc. All of them were destroyed, not to mention dishes and a lot of stuff that was irreplaceable. I had a beer mug from the 1976 Montreal Olympics that my parents bought. It was older then I am! And it was broken in a ton of little pieces. It still make me want to cry when I think about it.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-06-29 08:51:00

Moving: Canada to USA. What company did u use to ship ur stuff?

I used UPS and would ABSOLUTELY NEVER recommend using them. I had no furniture to ship so I figured UPS would be great plus it was cheap. When my boxes arrived, every single one of them that had "FRAGILE" written on it was SMASHED!! The boxes were so badly smashed actually that they ripped and had to be retaped. There is NO WAY that could have happened unless they actually threw them or kicked the ####### out of them. All my stuff was broken. I was SO mad I can't even express it into words. To top it all off, when I put in a claim with UPS to get some kind of monetary compensation, they told me I was entitled to NOTHING because I shipped "used goods" and they were shipped from Canada and "used goods" are not insurable in Canada.

I was livid!! I demanded they provide me with that policy in writting, but of course never received anything. I demanded an appology letter and NEVER got one either. I messed with them for months and never got anything.

So yeah, really really bad experience and I will NEVER use them again for my personal shipping.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-06-28 14:54:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Hubby might go to work Overseas

No hubby is only in the Army Reserve for now. The company he would go with is contracted by the US Army to ensure security on the bases in Kuwait. That's why I was asking...it would be so much easier irf it was a military deployment! LOL But I guess he could always give me a copy of his contract with CSA and that might be sufficient.

Melissa

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-03-02 14:18:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Hubby might go to work Overseas

Well, I am back again after quite a while...so long in fact that I forgot my login info and had to create a new user account! LOL

I am a few months away from filing to lift the condition on my permanent residency, so I am starting to prepare. Here is the evidence I got:

- Military Dependent card
- Son's birth certificate
- Joint leases (previous one and current one)
- Joint bank account
- Joint car insurance
- Statement showing me as beneficiary of his life insurance
- Power of attorney (so I can handle finances if he goes overseas)
- Joint tax returns for the past 3 years
* I can add affidavits of friends as well if necessary as well as some pictures. We don't have any joint utility bills, but some of them are in my name and some of them in his name, all with the same address so I can add that too if necessary.

Think it's enough?

Now my main question is this:

Hubby might go to work for CSA (Combat Support Associates) as a Force Protection Officer in Kuwait. I would not be able to go right away because of my immigration status, so I would stay here and go for visits. We are getting everything ready now so I will have all the paperwork ready to send in June when I become eligible to file the I-751. Now what happens if we file and get asked for an interview and he is in Kuwait? Anyone have any experience with that??

Thanks in advance

Melissa

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-03-02 12:54:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

i-751 rejected twice

That doesn't make any sense! The conditional green card expire 2 years after its issue date. For example, I came to the US under a K1 as well, in June 2004. I only got my conditionnal green card in Sept. 2005, so my card expires in Sept. 2007. If your wife got her card in Oct. '06, then her green card doesn't expire until Oct. '08. You seriously need to double check her actual green card.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-04-06 12:05:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Is This True...?

Actually crazieladybug, it is NOT LEGAL for an employer to specifically ask to see a green card.

I think that is why meauxna suggested reading the I-9.

As long as you can establish that you are eligible to work in the US and you can confirm your identity, an employer is not allowed to ask for anything more. A DL license, military ID, Passport, etc will confirm identity and an UNRESTRICTED SS card establishes eligibility to work. If you can present those documents, an employer is not allowed to ask to see your green card.

HTH

Melissa

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-04-19 10:34:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Married with children!

I don't know if it matters, but it shouldn't. Some couples choose not to or can't have children. Good luck.

The point is not whether or not it matters, but you have to agree that when you have a child with someone, it is pretty strong evidence that the marriage was not a sham marriage with the sole purpose of circumventing immigration laws. That's all we are saying.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-05-23 15:49:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Married with children!

I think it does make things easier when you have a child together. My opinion is based both on common sense and on the fact that, at my AOS interview, the officer told us to "make sure we included the baby's BC with our application when we file the I-751" because it is "very powerful evidence"...her words not mine.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-05-23 14:22:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

tax transcripes or 1040

That's just it!! I am the applicant. I will obviously list MY child, but do I need to list my stepchild as well? That is the question.

Thanx

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-06-27 09:54:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

tax transcripes or 1040

I am in the reverse situation, Hubby and I have a son together, so I obviously list him, but Hubby also has a son from a previous relationship (my stepson), I don't need to include him as well do I? I took the instructions as saying to include all of MY children...but I want to cinfirm this. I am almost ready to file...just a couple more weeks.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2007-06-27 09:38:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

So sick and tired of this process

Well first off, I wasn't aware that you could go get your biometrics done without an appointement.
Second, I might not have been real proactive, but things have been pretty hectic around here with us having a baby in November and us finding out 2 days later that DH was getting deployed to IRAQ. There's been a lot of stuff going on and a lot to deal with so yeah I just got around to it last month. Not that it should matter anyway. I pay USCIS too much money as it is, I shouldn't have to do their job for them. JMHO

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-20 13:09:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

So sick and tired of this process

I know a lot of people have long processing times and that sucks, BUT most people have their biometrics done about a month or so after their NOA. We are almost 5 months after my NOA and still no biometrics and it might be another 2 months before I even get it done! What can possibly take that long?? it's just crazy!

Edited by Canuck78, 20 February 2008 - 01:04 PM.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-20 13:01:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

So sick and tired of this process

I sent my I-751 to TSC back in Sept. 07, My NOA is dated 10-18-07...and I still have not even been scheduled for my biometrics yet! I called USCIS last month and apparently, my case was transfered to CSC. I received an answer to the service request that they sent to CSC saying my case will be processed and I should get an ASC appointment date within 60 days. At this rate, I'll be eligible for citizenship before my condition is ever removed! That is just ridiculous! I have a very straightforward case and this is the second time this kind of ####### happens to me. It took a year for my AOS and even the officer at my interview in OKC said she didn't understand why it had taken so long. I was supposed to go visit my family in April, but now I am worried that the appointement will end up being scheduled during that time. ARGH! I am just so frustrated!

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-20 12:43:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Unbelievable!!!!!!!!

I think I would have asked the officer why in the he** I had to pay $80 for biometrics if they are in their opinion, not needed!!! That is just ridiculous. I am in the same boat though. I have not made an InfoPass appt. but I sent my application in Sept. and it has been at CSC since Oct. and still no biometrics appt.

The only thing that makes me a bit reluctant to just showing up without an appt. letter is that the closest office for me is OKC which is a 4 hour drive. I am kinda worried of just being turned around and told to wait for the letter. On top of that, with all the pre-deployment stuff we are having to deal with, I really don't have the time or the gas to lose.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-20 16:58:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Well FINALLY!!!

Oops! I meant Dallas

. They are sending me to Dallas instead of OKC this time.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-24 03:04:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Well FINALLY!!!

Well after sending my petition back in September, I finally got my appointment letter for my biometrics today!!! WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!
So yeah OKC here I come! Well, on 03/12 that is! LOL

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-24 02:35:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Will you become a U.S. Citizen?

I will apply for citizenship just as soon as I can. It does open more doors as far as employment goes (can work for the gov.) and it will allow me to vote which is something I think is important. If I am going to pay taxes in a country, I want to have a say in how my taxes are spent. Also, I want to be completely done with USCIS FOREVER! The only way to do that is to become a citizen. So yes I will be a dual Canadian/American citizen just like my kids already are...lucky little squirts! LOL

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-02-27 14:47:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

While I agree that having children does not absolutely prove anything, you will have to agree that MOST married women do not have a child that is not their husband's. Some do of course, but it is far from being the majority. And on a lighter note, anyone who saw my kids next to their daddy would NEVER doubt that he is the daddy! You would swear he made them by himself! LOL

I think the point is that having children is such a strong peice of evidence because it effectively ties you to the other person for quite a long time and if you were only after immigration benefits, that is probably not something you would do. While people who get divorced can go their seperate way and never have any contact again, couples who have kids are a different matter. Yes of course, it happens that a parent abandons the child, but it is not the rule. In most cases, both parents will have to deal with each other AT LEAST until the child is 18 years old.

It does not make a childless marriage any less "real", it just means that it is EASIER to prove you didn't get married just for immigration benefits if you DO have them, with less additional evidence to prove it. Nobody said that it makes it faster to get an approval, only that when you do have children you need less of the rest of the evidence.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-05 12:53:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I think some people are just a little bit too touchy sometimes. All James meant as far as I can see is that children are VERY strong evidence that the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws. I know one thing, if I was only after a green card and didn't love my husband, I sure wouldn't be having his children!

And for those who are trying to have kids and are having a hard time, trust me, I am not being insensitive. DH and I have lost 2 babies before having our son and another one before having our daughter. So yeah, I have been there and I feel your pain. That being said, I was not at all offended by the comment James made. I know first hand how it feels to want children and not seem to be able to so Good Luck to those of you who are trying and I hope it happens for you really soon.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-05 03:20:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Thanks for your answers. I guess if they ask for some more, I could always send them our daughter's Birth Certificate. She was born AFTER we sent the I-751. I think that would probably do it! Hopefully you are right James, I figured what I sent was plenty and touched pretty much all areas of what they required.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-03 11:45:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I just read the posts about the people who got RFE'd and it seems to me like they sent more stuff then I did.

Here is what I sent:

Copy of GC
Copy of military dependant ID
Copy of our son's Birth Certificate
Copy of car insurance with both names
Copy of last 2 lease agreements in both names
Copy of Power of attorney DH gave me
Copy of DH's life insurance showing me as sole beneficiary
Copy of my life insurance with DH as beneficiary
Copy of last 3 years tax transcripts

Think it's enough? I sure hope so!

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-03 06:35:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

LOL @ the 2 previous posts.

Nah James, nothing dark and weird here. Just a really straight forward case so I've got to believe that it's a random thing...the other option is for me to believe that they like wasting their time! Now isn't THAT a novel idea!

As for the kids, I think I will bring them because at AOS, the officer asked us how come our son wasn't with us when she saw his BC. Nevermind that the letter said NOT to bring young children!!! Anyways, I'm taking them this time. And no need for prune juice here, my little princess seems for some reason to always have EXPLOSIVE diapers at the worse possible time! LOL

Thanks Asamu, your info really calmed me down. I am happy to know that my passport being expired is not going to be an issue.

Thank you everyone for your input.

As I said, NOT a good b-day present...as if turning 30 wasn't depressing enough!! LOL

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-08 04:20:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

And if they thought the docs I sent were insufficient, wouldn't they have RFE'd me before requiring an interview?

Edited by Canuck78, 07 March 2008 - 02:50 PM.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-07 14:47:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

OK, I am trying to breathe. I have nothing to hide so I need to quit stressing out!

The only thing that's still worrying me is the passport issue. There's not enough time to get a new one.

Spiderette - Passports are not needed at land crossings until 2009. What is now needed is proof of citizenship (Birth Certificate works) and picture ID (I have a military ID) so I will be OK. Before Jan. 31 2008, some people could cross the border only on oral declaration which is what was abolished.

Canuck78

Not Telling

Canada

2008-03-07 14:19:00