ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaMoving companies

I used Uhaul. The gas mileage is terrible, but there were no issues with the truck. I had a one bedroom apartment also and I used the 14' truck. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-05-29 02:52:00
CanadaQuestions about interview in Vancouver

Hi jen, thanks for replying to my question. I want to ask u if Dr.cheema is near to Vancouver Us embassy... I will be going there alone.. Also do u know where i can find a cheaper hotel near to the us embassy

Unfortunately Dr. Cheema's office is not near the Vancouver embassy. It is in Delta (North Surrey). Check out hotels.ca or something similar to find cheap hotels. You will need 2 days for your medical exam so you may need to stay 2 nights in Delta and then 1 or 2 nights in Vancouver. Also, the X-rays/blood work are done in a different location - but it is just up the road from the Dr.'s office - so you'll probably just need to take a cab from there - a little too far to hoof it, I'd say but the exam/X-Rays and blood work are done the same day. There will be a little waiting time in the lab as it is usually really busy. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-06-03 12:59:00
CanadaQuestions about interview in Vancouver

Hi there.. I would like to ask if i should go ahead and fax my complete checklist to vancouver eithout my medical exam . I am just confused in the instructions for k1 visa. Or should i email the vancouver on where should i do my medical ttest. Im from Calgary and dont know if they will have 1 here..

Im worried that if i fax the step two form appliation / document checklist, they will give me an interview date, and i dont have the medical test yet.. Pls. Help me step by step on the process in vancouver

Thanks you
 




 

Hi there,

 

You could go ahead and fax your checklist to vancouver without your medical exam. Then you are able to schedule your interview yourself online. You need to schedule your interview first before you can make an appointment for your medical exam anyway. There is only ONE doctor you can get your medical exam from in BC and that is Dr. Cheema http://www.drcheema.ca/ in Surrey, BC. Please keep in mind that when you get your medical exam done, you will get your results after 4pm the NEXT day. Therefore you are going to need to spend at least 3 days in the Vancouver area. I don't know if there are approved physicians to get your medical exam done in Alberta. 

 

Once you have your interview date scheduled, e-mail Dr. Cheema's office tell them that you are coming from Alberta and you need to have your medical exam scheduled 2 days before your interview in Vancouver. You can only contact Dr. Cheema's office by leaving a voice mail or contacting them by e-mail. When you contact them by e-mail put URGENT in the subject line and put "USA immigration medical exam" you may have to e-mail them a few times as they are not the best at getting back to you. 

 

 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-05-23 10:09:00
CanadaQuestions about interview in Vancouver
Basically it takes about 2 or 3 weeks after the date of your NOA2 for Vancouver to receive your case. You can then communicate via e-mail with the Vancouver consulate and they can send you packet 3 via e-mail and you can then fax or e-mail back packet 3 and they will e-mail you packet 4. They are very quick to communicate, so if you have everything ready to go it will go very quickly. I'm sorry I cannot answer your questions about your child etc. as I did not move with children. You can see in my timeline how fast the time progressed after my NOA2.
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-04-23 15:41:00
CanadaCanada Day Across America

I was hoping they'd have a big party/open house for Canadians at the embassy here in DC. I was told they used to but now it's invite only :(.


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-06-15 19:05:00
CanadaRed Flagged at Border, anyone else? What are my chances...

I don't have personal experience with this, other than once we filed our K1 petition, I entered the USA about 2 or 3 more times to pick him up from Seattle to come and visit me in Canada. 

 

Since it's been 8 months, I think you should be good. You are only visiting for a couple of weeks and have a return ticket. As long as your second trip is short and has a return ticket booked then I think you should be fine with that also. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-05-06 09:50:00
CanadaInventory list

I numbered each box and labeled them: (books, dishes, etc) and then wrote it on a list. They didn't ask to see it.


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-06-28 13:31:00
Canadadouble checking EAD card = AP too?

It only takes a few days to arrive once it says your card is in production so you'll have no problems. I'm also going back home Aug 15! On your EAD card it will say on the bottom that it serves as Advance Parole. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-17 12:27:00
CanadaK1 Visa-What to do when case number received Vancouver consulate

I'd say call in a week and then every day after that. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-18 21:02:00
CanadaK1 Visa-What to do when case number received Vancouver consulate

Yes, once you have your case number go ahead and e-mail the consulate. Put your case number in the subject line and then tell them you are ready for packet 3. You can get your police certificate from Commissionaires if you have never been convicted of a crime and it will only take a few days. If you have been convicted you will need to do the whole fingerprint thing with the RCMP. If you have been married before (if you are female or have changed your name) make sure they list all names previously used on your police certificate otherwise they won't accept it. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-17 13:42:00
CanadaK1 Visa in Hand!

go back in, tomorrow. Talk with her. Ask for her full name, and her supervisor's name and postal address.

When back at your desk at your house, write a letter, explaining to her boss just how f*cked up that worker is.

Ask for a refund, as well, in that letter.


I did write an e-mail to Loomis. No response back yet. I will probably call. There are other stories about DHL/Loomis opening packets. I can't ask for a refund since it's on the consulate's account. But yeah, if I don't hear back, I will be calling them. I don't want to let it go, because I know it could cause a ton of heartache for others if their package gets ripped open by an irresponsible agent.
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-02-28 11:50:00
CanadaK1 Visa in Hand!

Wow what a close call!!!!! I'd be so frustrated with them! Did they forget how to read?!?!?


Yeah when I told my fiance, he was MAD. What matters is that I stopped it, but I DID send an email telling them they need to instruct their agents to NOT OPEN OTHER PEOPLE'S MAIL!
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-02-27 12:50:00
CanadaK1 Visa in Hand!

Congrats, that is awesome. When to you head south?



I am curious as to what you submitted for your police check that wasn't acceptable?


I've been kind of nervous about that...

All I have is a photocopy of the form I filled out with their findings that there was nothing and it was then embossed stamped.

it just seems too simple and i've always kind of thought it might be problematic


My police certificate did not have my maiden name shown on it. I had to pretty much beg them to make sure it was on there in brackets somewhere. Mine was very simple too with just a Commissionaires stamp. I am sure yours is fine as long as it shows all your names that you've ever had.
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-02-27 10:25:00
CanadaK1 Visa in Hand!
I am a happy camper. It's been a lot of commuting and blood, sweat, and tears but it's in my hand!

I am super impressed with the Vancouver Consulate.. they are fast, efficient, and friendly. Their communication is tops as well.

Loomis, not happy with, and I know another poster late last year was frantic about the treatment of their documents as well.

I went in to their office to pick up my packet, she knew it was a passport type thing as she asked if it was. She returned with the plastic packet and then opened it in front of me which I thought was strange as it was addressed to me. She pulled out the white envelope which I knew was the envelope that was the "DO NOT OPEN" envelope. She was trying to figure out where to open it!!! I said very quickly and loudly, "Please don't open that! Trust me! It says do not open!!" She then handed it over to me and asked if I wanted something to put it in and I said I could just take the original plastic envelope it was in. She gave me a new one though and I went to my car and was talking to my mom about my almost panic attack when there was a knock on my window and I opened the door and the lady handed me my passport saying "This was in the other envelope still, you might want this. " What the hell! I am SO glad I had read all the posts about the do not open envelope and I had the wherewithall to stop her. Anyway, I would recommend anyone picking up from Loomis to just ask for the envelope and say you want to open it yourself.

Regardless, I now have my Visa! YAY!
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-02-27 01:20:00
CanadaLoomis on a weekend?

Usually it takes a couple days to print up the visa and then expect a few days in transit. Keep checking the website where you booked your appointment and it will tell you when your visa was issued. Seeing as how it's only been a couple of business days since you were approved you may be waiting until at least the end of the week.  You will get an e-mail from Loomis.


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-21 22:12:00
CanadaBooking Vancouver medical & interview

It takes about a week or so for Vancouver to receive the file and enter it into their system once NVC sends it off. Vancouver is excellent though with their communication and they are pretty on top of things once things get rolling. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-23 01:19:00
CanadaBooking Vancouver medical & interview

I was able to book my medical 2 days before my interview. You will need that two days. When you e-mail Dr. Cheema's office you will have to tell them your interview date and tell them you want your medical 2 days before. I did the same thing and it wasn't a problem. I think if you're firm, and give enough notice you'll be good. Vancouver isn't as busy as Montreal and there are usually tons of dates to work with. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-21 22:05:00
CanadaMedical Experience at Woking Clinic in Vancouver

Perhaps this thread can be closed as Vancouver medical exams are now conducted by Dr. Cheema in North Surrey. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-31 10:29:00
CanadaVancouver has K1 case, how to do packet 3?

Alright thanks! Do I only need to fax them back the checklist along with DS-230? Im assuming the rest I just bring with me to the interview

Yes, I believe you need to fax/email the checklist as well. I just checked off that I had the police check done etc. even though I hadn't gotten it done yet. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-31 15:27:00
CanadaVancouver has K1 case, how to do packet 3?

Yeah, I find it fast to just scan/e-mail it to them or fax it. Then you can book your interview and then your medical. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-31 10:25:00
CanadaReview - Dr. Cheema - Vancouver

As posted above, the results are available after 4:30 pm the following day. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-07-31 11:32:00
CanadaUnique situation - lost passport, but now married

You could keep the passport in your maiden name. I still have mine in my maiden name and just bring a copy of my marriage certificate with me if I need it. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-08-04 13:34:00
CanadaDriving across the border with 2 Cats

We drove across the border with my cat. They didn't even look at him but I did have my rabies shot and proof of vaccinations for him in case anyone asked. Better safe than sorry, and you may need proof of a rabies shot depending on where you`re moving etc. My cat gets a little anxious sometimes when traveling, so we did give him Gravol at times to calm him down. My vet gave me one of those liquid syringes and said to "chase" the Gravol with a bit of water from the syringe. Also make sure you get the Gravol right down the throat as they hate the taste. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-08-28 14:39:00
CanadaGoing back to USA with AP permit.

Greetings!

 

I'm going back tomorrow to the USA after a 2 week visit in Canada. When I fill out the customs declaration form do I count myself as a resident of the US or Canada? I do have my AP/EAD combo card but don't have my greencard yet.  I'm just wondering if I'll be dinged for duties as I'm bringing back about 300 dollars worth of goods. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-08-28 14:34:00
CanadaThe Vent Part Quatre
VENT:

I asked my fiance to bring all the I-134 things when he came to visit me on Jan. 18. All the stuff that I need from him and his mom for my Feb. 14 interview. It's Feb. 4 and I STILL have not got them yet. I am promised that he will mail them all this week by lightning express courier service no matter what the cost. I feel so out of control right now because I can't do it all for him. I have everything taken care of on my end and have been super diligent and (in my mind at least) very organized about everything I need. I am so worried that I'll get all the forms and something won't be signed, or something will be missing etc. That's why I wanted them early so they could be checked over and if there were any mistakes they could be fixed in time. SIGH. I know I can't control everything and I need to let go sometimes and trust things will be ok.
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-02-04 12:24:00
CanadaVancouver Consulate missed a step ?

The letter is the "packet 3". You can now schedule your interview, which you should do first before scheduling your medical. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-04 07:35:00
CanadaAbnormal Chest X-ray

I would wait til the medical exam. My mother is a carrier of TB (has had the skin test and tested positive) but has never had TB in her life. I don't even remember them asking any sort of questions about whether you have tested positive as a carrier for TB, at the medical exam.  Perhaps do some more research online about that? 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-06 21:17:00
CanadaWhen did you quit your jobs ?

My interview was on Feb. 14 and there was an issue with my police certificate so I waited about an extra 10 days to have my visa in hand. Anything can happen: a paper can be forgotten etc. Vancouver is really good though, regardless. I left the country April 1st. I gave notice for my apartment on March 1 and quit my job March 23 a week before I left. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-06 21:30:00
CanadaHappy Canadian Thanksgiving

I'm wanting to make a pumpkin pie today but the building management decided to schedule pest control today,  bleh! So I dunno, but I really want to do something special this week. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-14 09:47:00
CanadaChange K1 Interview date?

Yes it is possible! Just keep checking for earlier dates! 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-16 12:00:00
CanadaVisa Issued and waybill number

Try calling DHL citing your reference number? Monday was a holiday which may have delayed things by a couple of days. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-17 15:20:00
CanadaHow did you prepare?

 

My goodness you hit it on the head - I live on the opposite side of DC in Centreville VA and what a difference from Ontario. Customer Service in regular everyday stores can be sketchy - so many stores don't seem to have managers onsite so employees are constantly on their phones or chatting and not paying attention to their customers...that or they're all about 18 ......but overall I would say my neighbours are friendly. They wave to us when we drive by which is kind of cute. Back in ON I didn't even know who lived across the hall from me!

 

The people are different - and I am not racist, my daughter is biracial - African american/ black people are quite different - in ON I was quite accustomed to friends who had parents from the West Indies and everything that went along with that culture - Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados etc.... Here in this area - which is suprisingly 'Southern' in its attitudes...black people have been here for generations, potentially descended from slavery. There are some very poor areas around here - I can't even describe it, nothing like I'd ever seen in ON and it makes me sad. Those TV shows you see about the 'projects' in America are actually, sadly, common.

Yes, the black culture is just so different! I know there are more black people in Ontario than BC for sure. In BC most are actually from Africa or just recently arrived etc. So here it's like a different sub culture! My husband thought it would be shocking to me to see so many black people in one place and I don't find it shocking and it doesn't bother me, it's just different! He was worried I'd be afraid of black people I think, you know all the stereotypes there are! I told him, look, where I'm from...it's the white people who are sketchy! But yes, my husband has said that Virginia is more southern than anything, though I haven't seen too much of it other than Alexandria. We are actually going to McLean VA this weekend for the Colonial Market. One of the things I definitely love around here is there is a lot to do! Especially in DC (when the gov't opens again anyway) I love all the museums open to the public etc. 

 

One thing I do notice though, is there lack of mention of much of First Nations in this area. They are buried very deep, which is a crying shame as I KNOW there is a lot of history here in that regard. The Native American museum in DC is really cool. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-16 12:11:00
CanadaHow did you prepare?

1) I moved to the Washington DC area - to a town called Greenbelt, MD. This is pretty far from west coast BC! 

 

2) Everything is different here! The people (mostly black and hispanic), the way people talk, there are SO MANY people. Driving makes me nervous as there are just so many highways and so much traffic! I always say to my husband, "where are all these people going?!". While food and gas are cheaper, everything else is so expensive. The weather is crazy hot and humid in the summer and I'm glad that part of the year is over! Customer service can be pretty lackadaisical but overall the people are friendly. Oh yes, and the medical system is crazy insane. 

 

I feel more restricted, or "watched" here even though the states is touted as "land of the free". I thought Canada was the land of conservative, but the USA is way more conservative in their attitudes and actions, I find. 

 

3) I guess I didn't do too much to prepare. It was a fairly big culture shock to me and still is sometimes. I knew I wouldn't be able to work for a while, and then I got pregnant right away with no insurance. Ouch. 


Edited by JensJrny2Ray, 16 October 2013 - 08:27 AM.

JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-16 08:22:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

Anon 456: I think you're reading too much into their wording. It could be a scheduling conflict of some sort but nothing to do with you personally. 

 

You can get the varicella vaccine or get your varicella titer done to prove your immunity to chicken pox. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-09-20 22:30:00
CanadaMedical and Interview coming up in less than a month. Gonna crap myself. Last clarifications help please?

Your school records should be official enough. Make sure you have the TDap vaccination as well if that hasn't been done recently. 

 

Correct, you don't need an additional police certificate. 

 

I'm not sure what Montreal does with your original documents. I would bring copies of all the documents if you can or have them. That way they can give you back your originals. 

 

You should have sent all your proof in your original package. You can bring a few extra pictures but they didn't ask me for anything at all. 

 

I wouldn't worry so much about a wedding ring. That is a personal choice. A lot of men these days don't wear wedding rings anyway. Canadian embassies are pretty relaxed so I wouldn't worry about it. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-09-20 11:40:00
CanadaObtaining police certificate in BC

Google Commissionaires. There are various offices. I think the closest to me at the time was Surrey. You just walk right in, give them your information and you can either pick it up from them or they can mail it to you. It takes about 3 days. Has your fiancee been married before? If so, YOU MUST have all previous names used listed on the certificate, otherwise the consulate will NOT accept it. Take it from me. The office I went to, I believe was on 108th in Surrey. You can do a walk in. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-23 08:36:00
CanadaMedical results... for AOS?

There should be a paper that you got from your Dr. That could be the immunization paper you are talking about. You don't need to redo your medical but you do need to provide a copy of that paper. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-17 15:22:00
CanadaMoving: Canada to USA. What company did u use to ship ur stuff?

Has anyone had any recent experiences ? Would love to know!


Well, I just got my NOA2 December 31 and having done research, It looks like I'll be using Upack and one of their relocubes. Unfortunately I have to drive to Surrey, BC with my stuff (I'm in Abbotsford) and load it there. I think I'm only going to need one so I've booked a date of March 29. I was quoted $1616 and this is moving from Surrey, BC to Waldorf, MD. The guy on the phone was really really nice and helpful and they sent me instructions via e-mail after I booked. You don't have to put any money down, just give them your CC number and they charge your card after your items have left. I can also change the date if needed at no charge and cancel up to a week before the date with no charge.
JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-01-07 18:25:00
CanadaHas anyone regretted leaving Canada?

In some ways I regret it, in other ways I don't. Are you regretting it? In what ways? 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-25 18:11:00
CanadaRe-Scheduling Appointment

Probably due to a cancellation. Just keep checking back. 


JensJrny2RayFemaleCanada2013-10-18 18:29:00