ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhotos for Montreal Interview
From the autoreply FAQ that comes if you ever try to email Montreal:

QUOTE
Q6: What photos do I need to bring?

A: 4 color passport photos are required. 3 are needed to complete the medical; the remaining 1 is needed for the actual interview. The required size is typical for passports: 1½ inches by 1½ inches (5 cm x 5 cm). It is always a good idea to bring an extra photo in. For more detailed information on photo requirements, please visit: http://www.travel.st.../info_3746.html.

elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-06 18:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMontreal Interview
We just emailed the Montreal consulate about something else and received their autoreply FAQ. On it there is an answer to your question:

QUOTE
Q11: Can I pick up the visa the same day?

A: Because of the administrative processing associated with visa issuance, it is extremely difficult to issue visas on the same day of the interview. Instead, most visas, along with the necessary supporting documents, are mailed back to applicants within one week of visa approval, using the 12" x 15" Canada Post Xpresspost envelope supplied by the visa applicant. These envelopes must be mailed to a Canadian address. If you are already a lawful resident of the United States (on a valid work visa, for example), the visa can be picked up the next business day, at noon.

elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-06 18:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhy are medical examinations required?
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Jun 11 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for your reply - I really have no problem with it. Just wondered if all immigrants were required to have it.


Yes, immigrants from all countries are required to have the medical. My husband is coming from Canada -only about an hour drive from the US and he has to have it done too - same tests, same vaccines. I immigrated to Canada not long ago and I was required to have the full medical done too, even moving from the US there, so it is not at all a discriminatory policy.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-11 19:00:00
CanadaInterview!!!!!!!
QUOTE (marie007 @ Mar 6 2009, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all;
I never received package 3, I received an e-mail with an attachment. The interview letter. Yippeeeeeeeeee!!!


Congrats! We just started the process with an appt at the Ottawa Embassy the first week of Feb and got our Packet 3 last week. The bus station should be a quick wlk to the hotel. As for the consulate, I just saw a link to this which has lots of great info! Good luck!
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-03-07 15:07:00
CanadaI-864 - Assets Only?
QUOTE (trailmix @ Apr 11 2009, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No problem. Just a couple of things to remember. When the beneficiary goes for the interview - do bring your Canadian tax returns (your as in the sponsor's) - just in case. While they are completely useless in terms of the affidavit of support - they did ask me to send mine to NVC (we did not DCF).

Secondly, the U.S. citizen should also provide 3 years of U.S. tax returns at the interview - 06, 07 and 08.

Also, don't forget about proving U.S. domicile: Proving domicle when not living in the U.S., Even if you have never lived in the U.S.


Yeah, I'm working on the domicile thing now -- if only we knew what state we were going to move to it would make things so much easier! If we get the interview scheduled before we figure that out, I will try to document reestablishment of residence at my parent's place (still my US address on a few bank accounts and voter registration, etc.). I'm particularly worried about domicile as it seems so subjective. Sounds like if the adjudictor is in a good mood they accept your US bank accounts and proof of voter registration and that's it - and if they're not the sky is the limit for what kind of proof they might want... Good tip about the Canadian tax forms btw, I would not have thought of that.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-11 10:06:00
CanadaI-864 - Assets Only?
QUOTE (trailmix @ Apr 11 2009, 01:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We were both living in Canada too and solely used assets - the answer is yes.


That's great! I know the assets will still be there - not so sure about the job - so I will focus on preparing evidence for the assets. Very relieved to confirm this!

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-11 09:12:00
CanadaI-864 - Assets Only?
Does anyone have any experience using assets as the basis for showing adequate means of financial support using the I-864? Is it possible to qualify based on just assets (eg, showing no income)? I know with assets you have to show 3 times the 125% of the poverty line if you are sponsoring a spouse. Reason I ask is we're doing a DCF filing and therefore both living in Canada at the moment. Therefore neither the sponsor nor spouse have US based income. Hopefully, I will continue my Canada based job by teleworking from the US in the future, and therefore would use that income for the I-864, but want to cover all my bases (plus I read a post somewhere on VJ where some DCFer was not allowed to count their non-US based income as income! was that true??). If I'm going to need a joint sponsor I'm sure I can get one but it would be better to know sooner than later.

Thanks for any advice,

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-10 20:02:00
CanadaLittle Differences Between Canada and the U.S. (Easter Time)
QUOTE (CaptainRubyHeart @ Apr 6 2009, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
“Sean,” I replied, “I didn’t even think they were a real thing when I heard the song back then.”


This reminds me of when I first moved to Canada and found out porridge was a real thing instead of a fairy tale food for Goldilocks to eat! Who knew it was just oatmeal all along?!

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-06 12:40:00
CanadaHas anyone gone home for a visit with their pets in tow?
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Apr 14 2009, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You guys are all mentioning dogs, but I'm assuming the process is the same for cats? I did look it up once, but forget the website now. Reality is usually different anyways. lol


Same for cats - just need their rabies certificate. The border is much more concerned about plants than pets. The one time I brought both my cats and houseplants the agent was wicked concerned that I have the phytosanitary certificate (needed to bring plants to the US) but never even asked about the cats' rabies shots.

Also, speaking of pet food. Don't buy pet food in the US to bring into Canada. I did last time b/c it was more convenient (and cheaper!) and the border agent warned us there is a list of acceptable/unacceptable pet foods that can be brought into Canada - and that none of the border agents like looking at it so to avoid a hassle we should never bring any in the future. He was kind enough to let us go without searching the car/confiscating the cat food, but just another FYI on what not to do.

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-14 17:44:00
CanadaMontreal Restaurants
QUOTE (July09Bride @ Apr 13 2009, 04:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now, when I say fun, I mean *fun* like Hard Rock Cafe. I know there's a HRC in Montreal, but I was wondering what else is located there??


You should check out some of the restaurants that feature live DJs at night. On Crescent Street, one of my favorites is Weinstein and Gavino's. On St Laurent, check out Shed Cafe. Weinstein and Gavino's has Italian food and a fun bar and atmosphere - will also put you right in the middle of the English bar scene on Crescent. Shed Cafe has a more varied menu from steaks, to choose your own ingredient salads, pizzas, etc. Shed is more of a see and be seen sort of place imo, but I love the food. St Laurent has some good clubs and bars of its own and is just a short walk from the major French nightlife street, St Denis.

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-13 17:57:00
CanadaA Major Problem!!!!!!!!!
You should be ok with with your birth certificate plus driver's license or state ID and green card until June, when the passport rule comes into effect at land borders. See http://travel.state....cbpmc_2223.html and http://www.cbsa.gc.c...ho/doc-eng.html.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-13 17:51:00
CanadaWaiting for a June or July Interview in Montreal?
We're doing DCF and waiting for a Montreal interview date as well. Sent our package 3 back in March, so hoping to hear soon.

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-27 12:26:00
Canadawell finally the send part o the journey finally begin
Awesome - I'm from RI too and our fallback plan if my husband doesn't find a job somewhere else is to move back to EP.

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-04 21:28:00
CanadaAbout the Canuck Clearinghouse Thread...
Has anyone had any experience using XEtrade vs. Customhouse? Any reasons why one would be better or worse? Am looking to exchange some of the savings account in preparation for the move - so a few k at a time.

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-04-15 20:32:00
CanadaSelf-Employment - Transborder Taxes
Is anyone in a situation where they are self-employed (eg, not an employee), based in the US and working for a Canadian company (eg, work is performed in the US, by computer, for instance)? I am trying to understand the tax implications of such a situation. I think I understand that when you are self-employed, it is like you are a mini-business. So the Canadian company is your client. So you don't pay Canadian taxes, since you neither live nor work in Canada (you just have a Canadian client), but you do pay US taxes on the income you earn from your contract/work for the client.

Can anyone back this up from experience, and/or point me in the direction of official documents that confirm this is how it is? Also, if anyone has any pointers on getting started being self-employed, I'd appreciate it - so far I've just read the irs.gov site and a few web forums...

Thanks for any advice - this stuff is going to drive me crazy!

Elly.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-21 20:55:00
CanadaRental Agreement Letter - Living with Parents - Template?
Hey y'all,

I know a lot of people on here have been in similar situations, but I couldn't seem to bring up what I was looking for in the searches, so here goes... We're doing DCF and planning to move to the US sometime in late August - after (hopefully) my husband finishes his Master's program, and we have to be out of the apartment in Canada by September 1st. I'm going to be telecommuting with my Canadian employer, but my husband is looking for a job, in the sort of industry where we can't just pick a city and focus the job search there - it's a regional search at best and nation-wide at worst. So to make a long story short, it's May, we're moving BY September and we have no idea what state we are even moving to and the IR1 interview in Montreal is just a few weeks away.

So naturally, I'm working away at reestablishing my domicile, with the minor snag that I can't even start looking at apartments or houses yet. Of course, like most people, our fall back plan is to stay with family if needed. I want to sign an Agreement Letter with my parents stating that we have an agreement we can live there, pay so much in rent, etc., to prove we are prepared, for the interview. I know a lot of people on these boards have done this - I can see it in the archives, but does anyone have any sample wording for this letter? I'm sure I'm probably overthinking this but I want it to sound professional since it's part of my I-864.

Any sample/suggested wording would be greatly appreciated.

Elly.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-21 21:13:00
Canadawhen is the medical?
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jun 3 2009, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Someone DCFed here a couple of months ago and they posted the letter they got, I believe when they submitted the I-130 \


That was me!! smile.gif - I got that doc from the Ottawa Embassy when we filed the I-130 - maybe for some reason Calgary didn't give it out? Anyway, we are almost done - final interview in almost two weeks!
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-03 18:04:00
Canadawhen is the medical?
For DCF at least, the medical instructions come with Packet 4, which also gives you your interview date. It seems like you typically receive Packet 4 about 6 weeks before the scheduled interview date at Montreal, so you would arrange the medical to occur sometime within that time frame. I posted my DCF Packet 3 over on the DCF forum and could scan and post the Packet 4 too if that would help. I doesn't seem like it could hurt to get the medical done before you get Packet 4 if you really wanted to, but unless your schedule is going to make it impossible to get to one of the three cities with approved doctors during the 6 weeks or so I don't see why you would want to.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-02 20:55:00
CanadaBorder guards won't turn away passport-less Canadians
QUOTE (CherryXS @ Jun 2 2009, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Last I checked a Citizenship Card is a "secure document".


Is it? I just got my Cdn Citizenship Card about a month ago and the thing looks really low tech to me - about the only security feature I see is some raised numbers on the plastic laminate... It's Nothing like the PR Card - which was sooo beautiful and high tech. It has your photo in like 4 different places - real photo, raised/embossed mini-photo, hologram-like mini-photo, and b&w mini-photo. The citizenship card has just one regular photo where they even managed to photoshop off some of my hair! Not that I would trade my citizenship or anything, but ... I miss the PR card!

Elly

elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-03 18:11:00
CanadaMontreal Interviews IR1/CR1 this week
Hey everyone! I wasn't able to go to my husband's interview in Montreal with him, but I just got out of my business meeting and was happy to find an email from him saying the interview was complete and he was approved! I'm so happy! I was pretty worried about our domicile stuff before because we are doing DCF and I haven't lived in the US for about 5 years now, but I took Trailmix's advice regarding what to provide (moving quotes, which I'm not sure they looked at, voter registration, proof of US bank accounts which they liked, a letter from my employer acknowledging my impending move to the US, and most importantly the letter from my parents saying we were moving in with them and specifying rent, etc.) and that was all they needed. Thanks so much for your help Trailmix and the sample rental letter wording you gave me!

I will go post his really short recap of the day in the Embassy Reviews section now. Thanks to everyone for all the help and well wishes!

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-18 18:46:00
CanadaCanadian version of visa journey
QUOTE (Malrothien @ Jun 23 2009, 08:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I immigrated to Canada from the US via the family category. There is a yahoo group for Canadian immigration, but it's been years, so I can't remember the link.

I did an in-country application in Quebec family class to immigrate to Canada and used the yahoo group as well. Visit http://groups.yahoo....an_immigration/ to subscribe to the mailing list and search the archives - lots of good info there. Looks like it is now much less active than it used to be though - maybe more people are turning to forums rather than mailing lists.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-23 19:44:00
Canada1st time crossing border with new Visa
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jun 30 2009, 08:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think your Husband is right on this one laughing.gif

For the driver's license - why would the State consider your initial entry to be when you entered the U.S. with your new visa? You say when you 'move' there - but really you are not 'moving' yet. Your residence will still be in Canada. If need be you can always show them utility bills or whatever you have to show you were still living in Canada.


Thanks, trailmix. I guess I am just concerned that you are not supposed to be a US permanent resident unless you actually live there (thus the risk of losing your green card if you leave for too long and then try to reenter, right? or the need to get a reentry permit), but here we are thinking to activate the visa before we actually intend to live there. well, I guess we can always ask the border patrol this weekend if nothing else!

elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-30 17:19:00
Canada1st time crossing border with new Visa
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Jun 30 2009, 08:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Are you going to be coming down, then leaving right away and returning to Canada for several months? Or are you coming down, and just going to be communting for several months? That might make a difference.

Yes, if you're moving, it's going to affect your provincial health care, but only when you tell them. If you move to the US, get your GC and SSN, you'll be on your husband's health care I assume? Then you'd not have to worry about health care back in Canada.


In our case, we are going down to visit my parents this weekend (we both live in Canada and did DCF) just for the weekend, then going for another weekend visit at the beginning of August (possibly other visits in between if the job search warrants it) and then actually moving the last week in August or on September 1.

Since we are both moving to the US together, we don't have health care arranged there yet.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-30 17:13:00
Canada1st time crossing border with new Visa
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jun 29 2009, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
there have been many VJ members that activate their CR-1 (ir-1) at the POE then immediately turn around and head back to Canada, which is perefectly allowed.



Thanks for this reassurance. Another concern I have regards the provincial health care and US driver's licenses. When you move somewhere you have to trade in your driver's license within 30 days. Won't the US state consider the initial entry (becoming a permanent resident) to be when you moved there, and therefore the start of the 30 days? If not, what evidence do you give of the date that you moved there/how do they determine that? We'll be entering the US this Friday but not actually moving until September 1, much longer than 30 days. Further you can't be living two places at once, so then if landing in the US means you are (or should be) resident there, then wouldn't that affect your provincial health care? Maybe I am just overthinking all this... Getting the green card and SSN earlier certainly sound good to me, and my husband does say I should stop worrying about it...
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-29 20:20:00
Canada1st time crossing border with new Visa
I'm wondering the same thing. As for reasons for wanting to wait, I'm more concerned that they (although maybe not the border guard) might want us to wait: on the immigrant side, are there really no concerns about "landing" in the US before you actually intend to take up residence there? On the sponsor side, we've promised to be domiciled in the US when the immigrant lands, but could still be in the "reestablishing" stage...
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-28 18:08:00
CanadaMedical Appointment Review - Medisys in Montreal
I just want to note that Medisys gives the x-ray on CD rather than the actual physical x-ray which you have to figure out some way to carry - so one more reason to choose them!
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-22 19:03:00
CanadaMedical Appointment Review - Medisys in Montreal
Here's my husband's review of the medical appointment in Montreal. Regarding vaccines, he had actually had the titer test done in advance of the appointment because we were concerned his vaccine booklet (with dates of vaccinations handwritten by his mother when he was a little kid) wouldn't be proof enough, but the titer results weren't ready in time and so we were very happy that the handwritten dates were enough. We chose Medisys over Dr. Seiden primarily just becuase they were cheaper. Medisys results are generally available three days after your appointment, so we will probably return to Montreal sometime to pick the results up before the interview just for peace of mind.

---

My appointment was at Medisys, which has a fairly convenient downtown Montreal location on Sherbrooke St. It was a 1:30 appointment, but I showed up about 20 minutes early and they actually started processing me before my scheduled time.

I had made the appointment over the phone and was given a list of documents/items to bring (passport, 3 passport-sized photos, my vaccination record, my current glasses and contact lenses, and my Packet 4 letter).

At check-in I was asked for my passport (of which they took a photocopy and then returned to me), my photos and my vaccination record. I was also given a form to fill out - checkboxes for a number of Yes/No questions (e.g., Have you ever had surgery? Have you ever abused drugs?) - and gave that back to the receptionist.

The appointment consisted of three separate "visits" - chest X-rays; a quick "inspection" by a doctor; bloodwork & vision.

For the chest X-rays I was led to some dressing rooms with the instruction to remove my clothing (undergarments and socks were okay) and put on a hospital robe. In the next room I was asked to stand next to the wall wearing a protective lead vest, contorting my arms in various poses while the radiography work was performed. It was over fairly quickly, with the undressing/dressing taking up most of my time there. I headed back to the waiting room for 5-10 minutes.

For the visit with the doctor we went over the form I had filled out upon check-in. She needed a quick clarification on some surgery I had and made a note that it was 5+ years ago. I was asked to undress completely, and the doctor proceeded to perform some of the standard tests - eyes & ears (with the little flashlight), reflexes (the reflex hammer on the knees), breathing (stethoscope), measurement of height/weight. The doctor also performed a brief inspection of my genital area, apparently to make sure I didn't have any open sores. Again, I headed back to the waiting room for 5-10 minutes (after having gotten dressed again, of course).

The third visit was to take blood (I'm not sure on what tests were being performed, the technician/nurse only took one small vial) and to check on my vision (with the Snellen chart).

The technician also went over all of the various forms that had been filled out that day for my file and made sure that all the requirements for the appointment had been met, which was nicely reassuring (the Dr. had forgotten to take my blood pressure). At that point I asked the technician about my vaccination booklet and whether everything was in order - my booklet doesn't conform to the current Quebec standards, but was apparently acceptable. After this I headed back to the waiting room for one final time.

The final step was paying for the appointment - just under $215 - and getting my original documents back (vaccination booklet).

Total appointment time was about 75 minutes from when I checked in.

My file should apparently be ready in a week. Unfortunately they don't offer courier service because they've had some bad experiences with couriers, but are open at 7:00 am so I can pick them up on the morning of my interview (the Medisys office is 5 blocks from the interview location).

elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-19 19:38:00
Canadadcf in Halifax
QUOTE (andylans @ Jul 16 2009, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They never gave a case number. I will email right now, thanks.

Your case number will come with Packet 3. It only took me three weeks to get packet 3, but considering that you aren't that much longer yet, maybe there are just some delays due to summer vacations, etc.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-07-16 16:54:00
Canadadcf in Halifax
QUOTE (andylans @ May 12 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So my appointment is on June 1 for DCF. What would be a realistic time line for the whole process to finish and an immigrant visa issued? If everything goes smoothly.


I would recommend planning about 5-6 months for a DCF from Canada from start to visa. It might be possible to do it in 4 from the I-130 appointment to the visa interview but I think 5 is probably more likely. My 1-130 appointment was in February in Ottawa and we've been assigned a June visa interview date in Montreal. Right now it looks like getting the interview scheduled in Montreal is taking about 3 months from the time you return the Packet 3 checklist (they seem to combine us with the traditional CR1/IR1 applications going through Montreal so you can look at the IR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview, Tracking List thread to monitor the situation as you get closed - your Packet 3 return date is roughly their Done@NVC date. And you should get Packet 3 about 2 weeks (not sooner) after your I-130 filing appointment.

One thing you can do now to ensure things go as quick as possible is to start preparing your stuff for the Packet 3, so get any police records checks that you're going to need, and then after that you can start preparing your information for the I-864 (collecting evidence that the USC is reestablishing domicile and has a continuing job or sufficient assets to support you, plus a cosponsor if needed), and also collect documentation that you have the needed vaccinations already done (or go and get them done at your doctor or clinic now so they will be covered under your health plan), etc. I posted a copy of my Packet 3 from Montreal over on another thread - http://www.visajourn...amp;pid=2721128 - so you can refer to that until your own copy arrives with your MTL number.

Good luck!
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-12 17:42:00
CanadaG-325a form Information
QUOTE (baron555 @ Jul 20 2009, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Amanda2020 @ Jul 20 2009, 06:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance wassnt adopted, he knows his father but doesnt want to do anything with him and hassnt since he was a baby, he listed him but I dont know if we can list his step dad which raised him?



You list the information of the biographical parents. The form doesn't matter about if you like him or what. You list the parents, the woman and man who legally brought him into this world, not later.


Often in adoptions, the adopted person's birth certificate is amended to show the adoptive parents as the only parents, and the original is sealed, not accessible to anyone (not even the adoptee!). As such I would stand by my statement to list the parents shown on the birth certificate - they are (for better or worse) the only legally relevant parents, and the ones the government is interested in.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-07-20 20:55:00
CanadaG-325a form Information
QUOTE (Amanda2020 @ Jul 20 2009, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance wassnt adopted, he knows his father but doesnt want to do anything with him and hassnt since he was a baby, he listed him but I dont know if we can list his step dad which raised him?


I don't know for sure either, not having that situation, but I would expect you should list the parents shown on his birth certificate. They ask for a copy of the full birth certificate with parents' names, and I expect verifying the parents' names given could be one of the reasons.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-07-20 20:36:00
CanadaMONTREAL MEDYSIS MEDICAL REVIEW
QUOTE (Inky @ Jul 31 2009, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I dunno how it would lol since sealing with that glue stuff rips the envelope to get it open then you have proof of it being tampered with but if its taped thats what concerns me cus scotch tape isnt all that great of a sealer!
I havent looked in it at all, not even touched it since I brought it home and filed it with my papers.

We also went to Medisys. Our envelopes were also just sealed with scotch tape BUT they first stamped their name or something in black ink and put the tape over that. What that does is if some opens the envelope, half the the black ink goes with the scotch tape and the other half stays on the envelope - so even if you reseal it with more scotch tape you can tell it was opened before. Anyway it worked fine for us! Got the visa and entered the US. Plus now we have a handy CD of chest x-rays! smile.gif
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-07-31 12:19:00
Canadaproving domicile
I included proof of my voter registration, but I don't think they were too impressed by it. I've been registered to vote from my parents' address since I was 18 but in past elections I haven't qualified to vote in anything other than federal issues, because I was not a resident in that state and they knew it (I had had to give up my US drivers license so there was really no arguing it). I think the key info we provided to support my domicile reestablishment were the letter about rent from my parents and the letter from my employer acknowledging the move.
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-08-07 11:43:00
CanadaDid interview yesterday and denied!
QUOTE (jonesg111 @ Jun 18 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yea, thats the weird part about it all. We put all that information in the initial application. We showed that she had bank accounts, credit cards, vehicle registration and insurance all still there.


Aww, I'm so sorry to hear about this! My husband's interview was today for our DCF so we are obviously both living in Canada, but we were approved. From what it sounds like we had only two things you didn't: a letter from my employer acknowledging my upcoming move to the US, and a letter from my parents stating that we were moving in with them and stipulating a monthly rent. Hopefully you can just get something to say you have an actual residence lined up and then you will be ok. Good luck!

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-18 19:10:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jun 13 2009, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


Hi elsoar, I'm not sure which date Reeena was using but welcome! Interesting that DCF doesn't seem to be much faster than filing with Vermont and compared to some it's slower.


Yes, but my timeline there is from filing I-130 (initial start of the process) to interview, whereas the other timelines are NOA2 to interview. I presume it takes some time from when you file the initial paperwork to getting the NOA2? If that takes more than a few weeks, DCF would be much shorter. (If not, then it would not be much different.)

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-13 09:44:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
Hey Trailmix, figured I would add myself as you recommended above!

Since I'm doing DCF i put my NOA2 date as the date I filed the I-130, but I see Reeena put the date the I-130 was approved - when was that? Is that the date of the Packet 3 coverletter?
-------------------------------------------------------

Member...........NOA2......Case# @NVC.....Mailed I-864....Mailed DS-230....RFE....Done @NVC....Interview...DTI
to_hope........07/08/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....11/26/08.....03/15/09....109
thebradshaws...08/18/08.....08/22/08........09/08/08........09/26/08........-.....11/05/08.....01/13/09.... 72
Rexalite.......09/03/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....02/05/09.....05/07/09.... 91
Shiri..........09/12/08.....09/24/08........10/04/08........10/29/08........Y.....12/01/08.....03/24/09....113
sly_wolf.......09/17/08.....09/24/08........10/04/08........10/29/08........-.....10/30/08.....01/07/09.... 69
Shaesta........--/--/--.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....12/05/08.....03/26/09....111
ohmy...........11/07/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....02/20/09
Reeena..DCF....11/07/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........01/04/09........N.....01/04/09.....04/24/09....110
Travis&Kim.....12/01/08.....12/04/08........12/27/08........12/27/08........Y.....01/14/09.....04/16/09.... 92
jonesg111......12/22/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....03/24/09.....06/17/09.... 85
carslo.........01/06/09.....01/12/09........03/21/09........03/21/09........N.....04/07/09.....06/22/09.... 76
Moosker........01/06/09.....01/13/09........01/28/09........02/12/09........Y.....02/25/09.....05/19/09.... 83
OBX............01/20/09.....01/26/09........02/07/09........02/07/09........N.....02/13/09.....05/12/09.... 88
A&M............01/21/09.....01/23/09........02/03/09........02/18/09........N.....02/26/09.....05/20/09.... 83
Argent.........02/03/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....03/13/09.....05/26/09.... 74
elsoar..DCF....02/03/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........03/17/09........N.....03/17/09.....06/18/09....135
pari_girl......02/19/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....04/29/09
svirac.........02/23/09.....02/26/09........03/05/09........03/24/09........N.....04/15/09.....06/02/09.... 48
Serendipity....03/05/09.....03/10/09........03/23/09........04/01/09........N.....04/23/09
Holliday.......03/19/09.....04/03/09........04/10/09........04/27/09........N.....05/07/09
ZansGirl.......03/09/09.....03/19/09
cmls...........03/20/09.....04/07/09........04/18/09........04/28/09........N.....05/08/09
SomberCat......03/25/09.....04/10/09........04/17/09........04/21/09........Y.....05/20/09
BradnKim.......04/01/09.....04/20/09........04/29/09........05/01/09........Y
bradleyboy.....04/15/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....05/11/09
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-06-13 00:32:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
Just got our IV interview date - June 18th - one of only three business days this summer we didn't want! As background, we're doing DCF - returned our Packet 3 on March 17th, and Packet 4 arrived today. Unfortunately, June 18th we are both scheduled to be in Calgary, something I (petitioner) can't get out of. We'd like to reschedule but are worried we might not get a new interview date very quickly and we have to be moved out of our apartment (eg, to the US) by September 1. Anyone had any luck rescheduling quickly?

Elly

Edited by elsoar, 04 May 2009 - 05:13 PM.

elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-05-04 17:12:00
CanadaThe IRS/CRA Income Tax Thread
QUOTE (elsoar @ Mar 31 2009, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another question: we both have RRSP accounts here in Canada and have been diligently paying into them (I have a continuous investment plan set up). Now that we are moving to the US, should we stop paying into them and start thinking about 401(k)? Would it make sense to leave the existing money in the RRSP but invest in future in the 401(k), thus hedging our bets?

I've never been a working adult in the US, just a summer break worker home from college and a part time job worker when in high school... Can someone give or point me to a quick overview on how a 401(k) works compared to an RRSP, which I clearly understand?


Oops... According to Wikipedia, I wouldn't qualify for a 401(k) since I'm sure my Canadian employer wouldn't set one up -- does anyone know about Traditional or Roth IRAs vs. RRSPs? [Not sure why I couldn't edit the above post?]

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-03-31 19:50:00
CanadaThe IRS/CRA Income Tax Thread
Another question: we both have RRSP accounts here in Canada and have been diligently paying into them (I have a continuous investment plan set up). Now that we are moving to the US, should we stop paying into them and start thinking about 401(k)? Would it make sense to leave the existing money in the RRSP but invest in future in the 401(k), thus hedging our bets?

I've never been a working adult in the US, just a summer break worker home from college and a part time job worker when in high school... Can someone give or point me to a quick overview on how a 401(k) works compared to an RRSP, which I clearly understand?
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-03-31 19:36:00
CanadaThe IRS/CRA Income Tax Thread
Hey y'all,

I would like some advice on a theoretical situation. I'm about to be a dual US-Canadian citizen, presently living in Canada and telecommuting to work for a company in Quebec. Presently I file taxes with the IRS (using the 2555 EZ to exclude my Canadian income), the CRA and Revenu Quebec. In the future we may be moving back to the US, and I may continue working for the Canadian company, while living in the US. The Canadian company does have a few people on contract in the US, but no employees, or business presence there, and I imagine they would continue to pay me in Canadian dollars, although perhaps to a US bank account. I would likely prefer to remain an employee (unless I learn it's better otherwise). In this case:

1) Would the Canadian company still withhold both federal and provincial taxes for me?
1a) If so, I understand that I would then file with the IRS using a foreign tax credit or deduction, to ensure I am not double taxed under the tax treaty.
1b) If so, would I continue to file taxes in all three locations (US, Canada, and QC)? I know from reading the rest of this thread I wouldn't normally continue to file Canadian taxes as a non-resident, but what about QC, is it the same (I would guess so)? Would I need to file a state tax return for whereever I would be living as well?
1c) If so, does that mean my returns would essentially look the same as they do now in terms of how much tax I end up paying to the various goverments?

2) Any guesses as to whether it would be more advantageous (eg, letting me keep more of my money) if I were to be considered a consultant rather than an employee of the same company in otherwise the same situation? (I assume the only difference would be that the company wouldn't withhold tax?)

3) Not tax related, but does anyone know how it would work in terms of health care benefits, eg, presently one benefit is health care coverage (on top of the provincial coverage, including prescription drug coverage). Would this coverage be able to continue if I was living in the US, or would I have to find my own private insurance in the US?

Thanks for any help or advice - or pointing me in the direction of finding my own answers even. I figure if anyone knows anything about this sort of situation it's someone on VJ!

Elly
elsoarNot TellingCanada2009-03-31 19:26:00