Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Off Topic Part Deux	Has anyone played "Apples to Apples", we played at a house party yesterday, and my husband who truly only likes card games and dominos really liked it. Good for all ages too. Happy 2009 Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-01-02 11:54:00
Canada	POE at Port Huron	Here's to a smooth ride over the border. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-22 11:49:00
Canada	Did anyone just move with boxes and almost no furniture? Wondering the cost	I understand! I keep giving things to my daughter and she just looks at me and says "I know Mum, just hold on to it" things like a ripple afghan her paternal great gramma made or a baby quilt that her other materanl great gramma made. Once I explained who made them she was overjoyed that I had held on to them for so many years. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-21 17:28:00
Canada	Did anyone just move with boxes and almost no furniture? Wondering the cost	Hi there Minnew, I got rid of my textbooks - sold some, gave some away, donated some. I did save all my papers - I am not sure but just in case. Does PODS service Saskatchewan they are like Upack more expensive but a bigger container and more insurance coverage. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-21 14:23:00
Canada	Did anyone just move with boxes and almost no furniture? Wondering the cost	I have one piece of furniture a small side board and approximately 50 assoerted boxes. I am hoping that it will all fit in one reno cube from ABF - upack and it will cost $1348 US. I am not sure if you will be able to move to Florida for 1000 but you can use the website for estimates. An actual moving company is 2.5 to 3 times what a upack is. Hope that helps. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-10 14:07:00
Canada	After the interview: how soon does the visa arrive?	Thanks Linda, I leave tomorrow morning from YVR LAx via Denver. I am so excited Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 09:49:00
Canada	After the interview: how soon does the visa arrive?	My interview was June 22 and it was delivered by 10:00 am on June 24th to Richmond, BC. Hope that helps you out. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-24 13:40:00
Canada	After the interview: how soon does the visa arrive?	Does anyone know about how many days the visa envelope takes to reach Vancouver? Thanks, Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-18 15:44:00
Canada	In the USA, no EAD, what to do?	I went to California for 5.75 months last year, and I worked on the house, stripped walls of textured paint and TSP'ed the walls that still had enamel paint and base coatd and re-painted the whole house. So perhaps there is something you can do at your place you are in now. Wall washing isn't fun but it is good exercise. I quilt too. It doesn't have to be expensive - hopefully you have a sewing machine or access to a machine. Patterns and instructions are all over the net and they make for the nicest gifts. Have you got your wedding favours all figured out? I went and played bridge at a local club a couple of times a week. Is there all year schooling where you are, perhaps you could go volunteer in a classroom or a pre-school setting? Do a transit hike to explore your new city. Good luck, Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 09:31:00
Canada	Power of Attorney for banking	One bonus would be she can close out the account when I am finished with EI, Revenue Canada etc when I don't need an accountr in Canada anymore and I wouldn't have to come back to do that. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 09:34:00
Canada	Power of Attorney for banking	Yesterday, I went to the credit union with my adult daughter to clear out my safety deposit box. Jessica is also the agent on my safety deposit box in the event of an emergency. The customer representative there asked my why I was closing out my SDB, and I said that I was emigrating to the USA on Sunday, she asked me if I was closing my account at this time and I told her no and explained why, She said that was no problem, but asked if I would like to have Jessica added as my power of attorney for banking purposes. She explained that Jessica could carry out banking matters for me, etc in my absence. Seemed like a logical thing to do. Has anyone else had this type of experience? I thought I had prepared for just about everything, then this popped up, and I don't recall having seen it here in the forum before. Edited by carslo, 27 June 2009 - 09:20 AM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 09:18:00
Canada	If You Become a USC, can you keep your Canadian Citizenship?	It would take a very long time for a sibling to be able to come to the USA under sponsorship! It takes about 7- 9 years for the unmarried adult child of an American citizen to have their number come up for sponsorship. Parents don't take as long under two years depending if everything goes smoothly. Good luck, Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 17:48:00
Canada	Where are you from in Canada?	I have travelled a bit over my years. From Saskatchewan, to Quebec, to Ontario, to Fremont, California, to Sparta New Jersey, to Montague New Jersey, to Calgary Alberta, to Claresholm Alberta, to Richmond BC. I have lived in BC for over 20 years the longest place ever and hopefully after the 22nd of June I will be able to go to Hawthorne California where we have had 1 large earthquake and one significant after shock two days later. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-05-20 10:30:00
Canada	Where are you from in Canada?	[quote name='JillA' date='May 19 2009, 10:30 AM' post='2941793'] Hmm for some reason, the poll won't work for me. Anyhoo, grew up in Kirkland, QC then moved to Oakville, ON at age 15! Been living there up until last Nov, when I moved here! [/quote Did you chose the "not froms" after you selected Quebec? Edited by carslo, 20 May 2009 - 10:26 AM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-05-20 10:24:00
Canada	Another successful interview completed	QUOTE (Krikit @ Jun 22 2009, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Congratulations, Janet! When's the big move? The relo cube comes tomorrow and I have booked a months worth of storage on the Canadian side. I have a co-worker's wedding on Saturday and the people I clean house for want me to come "oh please Janet, just one more time!" on Sunday or Monday. Hopefully, my Xpresspost will be back in Vancouver by then and I can go on the 30th of June or July 4th at the latest. As someone at the Consulate said today, now that this monkey is off of my back; I can get on with living!! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-22 15:16:00
Canada	Another successful interview completed	QUOTE (trailmix @ Jun 22 2009, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Janet, Congratulations With the changing back from Wingfield to Schwanky - was this a married name/maiden name thing? Yes I filed original paperworkin new married name Wingfield but because I hadn't changed my 1 year old passport it all had to re-vert back to my maiden name Schwanky.	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-22 11:44:00
Canada	Another successful interview completed	OMG How could I have ever gotten through all of this without your good folks here? So a brief summary of the morning and then i need toget something to eat (have been too nervousto eat since yesterday at noon) 0445 - wake up after sleeping 4 hours WIDE awake 0620 - take taxi to US Consulate 0630 - arrive another couple is there Hi Ahayla and Joe are you still lurking out there at VJ 0730 - admitted to building # 2 in line and through security 0745 - sitting downstairs 0800 - elevator opened 0830 - called to 1st of 2 interviews - she changed all the "Wingfield's" back to "Schwanky's", fingerprints, etc nothing new that hasn't been reported before. 0920 - called for 2nd interview didn't hear the number as we were too busy talking found the right officer at the second door. 0925 - APPROVED! This part was the easiest except for the waiting! Thanks again for all your help. Janet Edited by carslo, 22 June 2009 - 10:20 AM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-22 10:19:00
Canada	Importing my Honda	Sometimes I find things are best left to professionals - I am sure there are some car exporters in Edmonton maybe they can help you out. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-19 13:28:00
Canada	Interview Letter Received	Woo hooo Congrats Jesse! If you need to leave the same say as your interview the Xpress post envelope is 398 x 319 or something like that almost the size of the chest x-ray. I am so happy for you. Did you get your car straightened out? Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-01 12:16:00
Canada	Flying out of Vancouver	I came on a CR-I visa and there is not I-94. It is an immigration visa as we were already married. Oh btw my suitcase I paid $20.00 for didnt make the connection in Dencer so they had to sent it to out house in Hawthorne. It isn't very far from the airport. Janet QUOTE (TimandJoyce @ Jun 29 2009, 12:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (carslo @ Jun 28 2009, 07:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Here is my POE experience this morning. - Arrived at YVR at 0510 for my 0823 flight - HUGE line up at United Airlines - they told me I couldn't take my laptop and a carry on suitcase Paid $20.00 to check my carry on suitcase - 0545 arrived at first customs officer "I am here to have my visa proceeded" - he seemed confused on what to do with all my stuff. He asked where I worked I explained that I had worked for the Vancouver School Board and that Friday was my last day of work. He wanted to know if I owned a house in Cali. Eventually he asked me to proceed through the double doors - 0555 nice young officer takes my work hands back the xray and asks me to take a seat and I will get you out of here as soon as possible. A couple of minutes later he takes me into another room and asks me to sign a paper in a small rectangle with a Sharpie and then takes 2 fingerprints. He get me some cleaner up i had wiped it away already. Then he takes me to the counter and explains about the visa and welcomes me to the USA. 15 minutes tops!! Easy peasy!! Janet Wow!! I was thinking of a carry on and laptop too...I was going to put my laptop in a bag I sometimes use as a purse to carry my camera, wallet, magazines, etc. and a carry on. I might have to do some quick re-thinking!! ( or just bring $20 extra cash... ) Good to hear the cross over wasn't that bad!! I hope I'm just as fortunate! Do you get your 1-94 at the crossing? Or do you even get one for the kind of visa your on?	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-01 12:11:00
Canada	Flying out of Vancouver	Thank you! I can hardly believe I am here. Janet QUOTE (raymaga @ Jun 28 2009, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Welcome to the U.S., Janet!!! Best wishes for your new life in your new "home"!!!	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-01 12:08:00
Canada	Flying out of Vancouver	Here is my POE experience this morning. - Arrived at YVR at 0510 for my 0823 flight - HUGE line up at United Airlines - they told me I couldn't take my laptop and a carry on suitcase Paid $20.00 to check my carry on suitcase - 0545 arrived at first customs officer "I am here to have my visa proceeded" - he seemed confused on what to do with all my stuff. He asked where I worked I explained that I had worked for the Vancouver School Board and that Friday was my last day of work. He wanted to know if I owned a house in Cali. Eventually he asked me to proceed through the double doors - 0555 nice young officer takes my work hands back the xray and asks me to take a seat and I will get you out of here as soon as possible. A couple of minutes later he takes me into another room and asks me to sign a paper in a small rectangle with a Sharpie and then takes 2 fingerprints. He get me some cleaner up i had wiped it away already. Then he takes me to the counter and explains about the visa and welcomes me to the USA. 15 minutes tops!! Easy peasy!! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-28 21:04:00
Canada	Flying out of Vancouver	Thanks, I am waiting for them to come and take my car away to the car cemetary. She lived a good life for an 88 Honda Accord with almost 400,000 kilometers on her weary body. I thanked her for all she did for us and took off the plates. Bye bye car! Janet Edited by carslo, 27 June 2009 - 05:35 PM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 17:34:00
Canada	Flying out of Vancouver	I will post next week, I am processing my visa tomorrow at YVR	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-27 09:12:00
Canada	Crossing the border into the US with a U-haul	I was told to put the "garage sale" value of the goods - not the actual cost. Good luck Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-06 01:58:00
Canada	Home Decorating	Costco has some nice stuff also. I have had some good luck on craigslist too, as I don't have to have brand new. When my family moved to the USA in 1965, they had folding webbed patio furniture in the living room for a year before my mum made up her mind what she wanted. It was rather cool Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-06 02:11:00
Canada	Finally in Seattle	Congrats on arriving to your new home. Seattle is a wonderful city! My parents lived there for many years and we had tons of family fun there. All the best. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-22 14:52:00
Canada	SSN Woes	I went too soon and wasn't in the system yet. I ws told to come back this week. I thought since I already had a SSN, I won't have to wait. Silly me Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-06 02:03:00
Canada	Final report on using ABF U-Pack - relo cube for moving to the USA	No problem	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-08 09:26:00
Canada	Final report on using ABF U-Pack - relo cube for moving to the USA	I just wanted to give an update on my experience with ABF UPACK using a relo cube. I must admit that I have done my far share of moving using everything from 1/2 tons to established moving companys and I would have to say that this was the BEST move ever. Right from when I started to obtain quotes over the internet, I have been very impressed with the professionalism and individual service that was afforded me. I had various quotes for different dates, and since I didn't know if my interview in Montreal would be successful, I had arranged for storage at the point of origin aka Surrey BC; which deviates from the norm. I was able to cancel the storage at no additional cost. Everyone I spoke to on the phone both in Canada and Arkansas was great! The relo cube holds 2500 pounds of stuff. I only had 1400 and that include 80 some odd boxes, a slate top sideboard, and assorted stuff. I even threw in an Ikea pine shelf and full length mirror at the end with out wrapping or padding - both arrived unscathed! A few things had shifted slightly on the cubes travels from Richmond to Surrey BC to Portland Oregan to Compton California and finally to our house here in Hawthorne. I did load heavier items to the back and fitted things in like working a jigsaw puzzle. I wrapped my sideboard in a duvet and my larger 27 inch tv (for my stepson) in a quilt I made for my stepdaughter. I used boxes from work (Grand and Toy) and also apple boxes. The thought of actually paying for a box when so many are just lurking out there prompted me to gather them over the past year. The only damage I can see if the glass on a picture chipped on the inside next to the print, I am thinking that the glass was defective. I even trusted this company with my collection of Hummels (German figurines of children). I really liked how I could take my time packing also. The cube(s) need two (2) locks to secure each cube. I used a combination lock from the dollar store on the left side and a heavy duty key lock on the right side. If customs wants to look inside at the border; they use bolt cutters to get in and then secure them with something for the rest of the trip. The ABF people do not want any keys or combinations for locks! Delivery of the cube and pick up was prompt, courteous and cordial. Cost was acceptable at just under $1600 Canadian. I had listed each box with a number and contents on the box, my computer, and a memory stick. When I was asked to add an (8) behind each box number on the contents list it was easily done. I also had to just number on the contents the misc. items aka #87 vacuum, #107 pine Ikea shelf. This was more for any stickliers at the border than the company. My cube cleared customs wihtout a hitch! I would highly recommend the use of ABF relo cubes for anyone who is in their service area -sorry they don't do SK - Minnew! I had a dolly to use on both ends so that really helped with so many boxes. My stepson's friend easily picked up the huge honking tv and carried it into the house. Hope this will help others with an upcoming moves where a relo cube will work for them. I am one satisfied lady! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-07 10:19:00
Canada	Lots of interviews tomorrow!	Oh boy, I bet you all can hardly wait. Remember NO BIG BAGS! No cell phones! No coffee inside! Be prepared to hurry up and wait inside also! The best of luck to you all, those of us that have gone before you, can appreciate the anxiety you are feeling now! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-08 09:29:00
Canada	CR1 Interview in Montreal on Monday - Yikes am I ready?	Hi Mark, As everyone has said befpr me, the interview is the easiest part of the process! No big bags though, just small purse and carry the rest of your things. A copy of the petitioner's taxes for 2008 if not already submitted. There are two papers to the process at the consulate. One to establish if all the paperwork is in order and the second part is the actual interview in the "broom closet." I took the required huge Xpress post envelope and it was back to me in Vancouver on Wednesday, my interview was on Monday. I do not know if you can stick around and pick it up the next day. Though I have read about people who live in the states requesting that. I stayed at Le Hotel Nouvel which I booked on Hotwire 3.5 star hotel in d/t Montreal - it was a very nice hotel. $38.00 each way by taxi to the airport. Good luck Janet QUOTE (sparcman @ Jul 8 2009, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (canadianwife @ Jun 19 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Janet I had mine today.......... Your birthday right? HAPPY BDAY! Definitely bring pictures etc. A couple behind me in line were declined today because they didn't have enough proof of their relationship. So if you didn't send in a lease agreement/mortgage statement/bank statements etc I would bring some. I applied for CR1 and the agent DID ask me for pictures of us together, luckily I had a few. He specifically said, "Do you have any from the wedding?" after I showed him a few of our vacation photos. Other than that, you should be good! Hopefully the weather is better for you... rained all day for me. Hi, did you find a place or thread that talks about after the interview... for things regarding when you can come to the US, do you need to wait for your passport to be given back to you, etc. We have a CR-1 interview in Montreal and have to arrange plans, just not sure of all the logistics involved after the interview. Thanks Mark	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-08 15:31:00
Canada	CR1 Interview in Montreal on Monday - Yikes am I ready?	Thanks for all the good wishes! I have some photos, copy of his 2008 taxes and will hope that is all that is needed. As we don't live together we have no lease agreement/mortgage statement/bank statements. Hopefully, I have enough! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-19 22:27:00
Canada	CR1 Interview in Montreal on Monday - Yikes am I ready?	Hmm computer is doing funny things, back to my list of things 2 copies of interview letter from NVC in case one goes missing Passport Correct size photos x 3 (odd number left as photographer messed up on order) Medical results that are stapled to the chest xray Huge Mailing envelope with tracker sticker - can't remember what it was called Express Post or Priority but I know it is the right one. Am I forgetting anything and should I include a few pictures, cards from Carnell etc? Oh my, I am so anxious!!! Thanks, janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-19 16:50:00
Canada	CR1 Interview in Montreal on Monday - Yikes am I ready?	Alright ladies and gentlemen do I have it all? Here I sit at work, the children have all gone home and I am stressing over what I need to take. There was nothing required from my NVC checklist. We had already send in the 2008 tax information with the rest of Carnell's paperwork. So here is my list of things to take. -	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-19 16:46:00
Canada	POE at The Peace Bridge	Ahh what a feeling of relief for you! I am sure you are getting settle and enjoying time with your husband. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-18 13:53:00
Canada	Wow.	Excellent, hopefully you will be together soon! janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-13 19:06:00
Canada	Where are you moving/living in the USA?	Richmond, British Columbia to Hawthorne (LA County) California. Soon, I hope! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-06-04 12:11:00
Canada	Medical Appointment Review - Medisys in Montreal	So glad that your medical was much cheaper than the $350.00 in Vancouver!! Good luck with everything else! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-05-20 10:22:00
Canada	Another Name Change thread - how to change after immigration complete??	I have ordered my Social Security card in my married name. I just took my marriage certificate and passport with visa in it. When my husband added me to his credit card he just called the company and asked them to add me. Not sure about DL, as I am waiting for SS card before I go there. Good luck Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2009-07-15 15:58:00