Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Sending Monetary Gifts Across the Border	Can you use paypal or hyperwallet instead? Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2007-12-12 22:22:00
Canada	6 months minus day	Thank you all, hopefully it will be smooth sailing at the POE either the airport or the border. Enjoy the holidays and may 2008 bring us what we all seem to have been waiting for; even though it seems like an eternity for many of us.	carslo	Female	Canada	2007-12-14 01:18:00
Canada	6 months minus day	Hi, If I go to the USA for 6 days in January, 11 days in March, and then from July 15th to January 4th, 2009 (the six month stay) is that okay? I was wondering if the 6 months minus a day is cumulative or just counts if in a lump sum? Thanks, Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2007-12-12 22:20:00
Canada	Favourite Christmas Movie	I do not have a fav movie but instead a story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Least favourite is "Charlie Brown's Christmas" Merry Christmas everyone	carslo	Female	Canada	2007-12-16 23:39:00
Canada	Who is in the southern California area?	Once this is all said and done I will be in Hawthorne, Ca.	carslo	Female	Canada	2007-10-16 20:15:00
Canada	Easy way to build credit	QUOTE (cattattude @ Mar 18 2008, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I know this has nothing to do with building credit in the US, however, Alaska Airlines has a promo on right now that if you sign up for a MasterCard, they'll give you 20,000 Air miles = 1 free RT ticket. Taxes from Canada are usually $35. Probably not much good to Canadians out east, since Horizon/Alaska isn't out there - but they are in Kelowna/Edm/Calgary/Van. Hi, I thought of that also, but they give you a Canadian Alaska Airlines crdit card that has no connection to the US car I didn't have any lluck in California, so I will try to get a Target card in Bellingham Washington, just over the border. Thanks all, Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-03-25 23:26:00
Canada	Easy way to build credit	QUOTE (jynxNdragnfly @ Aug 7 2007, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok I just wanted to share this as I know there's lots of Canadians who worry about vanishing credit or credit that doesn't transfer once they move over to the US. I got a Target Visa quite some time ago. I used my canadian SIN, driver's licence and my cdn credit card. I applied at a Target store and had the temporary card (looks like a receipt) within 5 minutes. I got the actual card in the mail at my cdn address a few weeks later and have been using the card ever since in the US when I visit my husband. I just got off the phone with the nice lady at the 1 800 number. I told her that within a year I would be immigrating to the US and thus getting a social security number. I asked if when I get the new SS if I could just notify them and they could replace my cdn SIN with the US SS and if my credit that I've been building with them thus far would follow onto my SS and she said YES! All I have to do is call and notify them of my new US address and new US SS and voila! I already have some credit established. So that's a nice easy way to do it I highly recommend their card as the interest rates aren't through the roof and they've been great when I had 2 cases of 'fraud' that happened with my card. Only catch is the maximum limit you'll get is $500 at least for the first year. Oh and you also earn Target points when you use it and for every 1000 you get 10% off of one item. Happy shopping! I tried to do this yesterday in Inglewood, California. They were perplexed and I am supposed to call back today after they talk to some stores by the US/Canadian borders. What store did you get your card at? Thanks, Carslo ps My friend from Canada also has a Dress Barn credit card with her Cdn info.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-03-17 10:12:00
Canada	My border crossing experience	I too went to the USA to visit at Easter - Vancouver to Calgary to Los Angeles. I also carry all the essential paperwork, plus my travel insurance for multiple trips to the US and just like you the Customs Officer didn't ask any questions. I figure if I cover all the bases, just maybe I will not have any trouble. However, we have not filed any paperwork due to the longest divorce in the history of California. Motto is "Be Prepared." Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-03-30 12:03:00
Canada	I Love You, Vancouver!!! I'll Miss You!!!	All the best as you start your new journey in San Francisco - I lived there as a child and remember it fondly. May all your hopes and dreams come true! What a good time to be going. spring is the loveliest time of the year. Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-04-04 12:41:00
Canada	Guys, I need a hug	Hi Laura, Wow, you have a truck lot of troubles weighing on your mind. A virtual hugs is better than nothing - { } haven't we all experienced those telepathic hugs via the internet. Immigrating to Canada is not as easy as some people might imagine: 1) No fiance visas - you must be married to sponsor your beloved. 2) It can take a long time - lots of folks here at VJ have given upon the coming to Canada immigration and decided that the K1 route is faster - go figure. 3) What part of NJ are you going to, I lived in NJ during junior and senior high and really liked the feel of the "Garden State." 4) You are a bright and bubbly person from all your posts, and I am sure you will have no difficulties forming new friendships in NJ. Generally speaking, men have more difficult forming strong male to male bonds (I said generally there are exceptions to the rule). 5) Do everything you can to be together in the near future - a job promotion is a wonderful experience , but there are advantages to living in the USA over Canada. 6) I wish people would realize that our health system is not free - most of us have to pay a monthly premium; either through our benefits at work, or directly to the province we live in. My fiance works for the IRS and was floored when he say how much I am taxed in relationship to US taxes. We Canadians pay for that "free" health care with our tax dollars, and highly also. 7) You are so close to the goal you and Nick have been preparing for - if you get the promotion stash away the extra cash to make your move to the USA the best possible. These are only my 2 cents worth! I wish I was young like so many VJ's are and could look forward to many, many years together. Janet aka Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-04-24 10:08:00
Canada	Did the set up of the pages change?	Thank you for the explanation - I thought there were gremlins in my computer once in awhile. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-05-01 20:51:00
Canada	Safety Deposit Box	Thanks for the support	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-05-03 20:35:00
Canada	Safety Deposit Box	All this waiting to even start gets me down sometimes. So yesterday, I went to the credit union and retrieved all my important papers I have been gathering in anticipation of one day filing(marriage certificates, divorce papers, divorce certificates, long birth certificate, cancelled passport, and old "Green Card") At home, I sorted through 7 years of evidence and tried to decide what were the best examples of a long distant relationship (boarding passes mine and Carnell's, pictures - 8 spanning almost eight years, telephone bill for the last year - highlighted, copies of correspondence to us together, 2 emails from Carnell, and copies of engagement cards received. I then took this all to work and made 3 copies of each piece of paper (and the complete passport.) Separated those photocopies in to 3 piles - Carnell's set, Janet's set, and USCIS's set. I then gathered everything I had photocopied and trucked back to the credit union and gently crammed it (all nicely folded) back into the safety deposit box. Now this might be premature, but with three sets ready to go and only the application ready to complete; whenever the longest divorce in the history of California is finalizes, I feel secure in knowing the "real" evidence in safely being guarded in the safety deposit box. Janet Edited by carslo, 01 May 2008 - 09:10 PM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-05-01 21:09:00
Canada	K1, K3, and CR1	Thank you so much for the information. I keep reading over and over again that the CR-1 is the way to go. I guess I will save those airmiles, bite the bullet and go to Montreal. Gosh, I hope it is not in the middle of winter or heat of the summer, lol it won't really matter when the time comes though will it. Happy weekend everyone. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-05-31 12:14:00
Canada	K1, K3, and CR1	Carnell and I are finally at the point where we can start the journey! We hope to spend a large chunk of time together in the near future - and as so many others have done before us, we are contemplating which visa is the right visa for us. I have spoken with one fellow VJ member who does not recommend the " oh, let's just get married and adjust my status while staying in the USA" method. The scare of a lifetime ban after waiting 7 years to get to this point chills me to the bone. So that leaves 1) Fiance visa - but we both want to be married sooner than later. 2) K3 - get married, file the paperwork, and return to Canada before 180 days is over, then wait until it is approved in Vancouver. 3) CR1 doesn't appeal to me with the extra wait time, and the expense and inconvenience of going to Montreal from Richmond BC. I have about 7 weeks to make up my mind. Does anyone have personal experiences or thoughts to share with me? Thanks in advance for your time.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-05-30 21:33:00
Canada	I'm leaving on a jet.....train...	Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth - be calm and do not hyperventilate. Just kidding, I know you are well prepared and I wish you smooth sailing. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-06-18 20:45:00
Canada	Exploring Options - Has anyone gone to US, gotten married	Thanks you two, I have all the necessary documentation about my LOA, membership in housing co-op, 176 days of out of country health insurance. So I guess we are all ready Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-06-19 21:44:00
Canada	Exploring Options - Has anyone gone to US, gotten married	We are exploring our options, since I already have a six month leave of absence from work, is there any reason why we can't get married, file the CR-1, then I can wait until my LOA is over, and then return to Canada to wait out the remaining 6- 8 months? I would not remain in USA over 6 months and would not adjust status whilst in the USA. Any thoughts or experiences please. Thanks, Janet Edited by carslo, 18 June 2008 - 11:36 PM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-06-18 23:35:00
Canada	Vancouver Border with K1 Papers in Hand.	I would call Quick Shuttle, and ask them how long they would be prepared to wait for you; as you are going to take some time to process. Also ask them, if you could catch the next shuttle that comes through if you are delayed beyond the designated time allowed. They run a pretty tight schedule , because they are providing a service to SEATAC, and we all know that planes do not wait. Hope that helps you, Janet Edited by carslo, 20 June 2008 - 01:39 PM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-06-20 13:37:00
Canada	where did you first meet? online vs in person	We met online playing cards (pinochle), I was cocooning with my computer after ending an awful marriage. We kept ending up as partners and I eventually asked if his nick was his first or last name? - he reponded 1st. Which in a few weeks led to are you male or female? - his response was M. Now almost 8 years later, we are getting ready to apply for our K1. Janet Edited by carslo, 02 July 2008 - 10:13 AM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-02 10:13:00
Canada	Music from your part of Canada	A song we sing at GIrl Guides with the lyric "they all call it Canada, but I call it home." Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-02 10:07:00
Canada	NEXUS pass	Hi, I used my NEXUS pass for the first time yesterday at YVR - Vancouver's airport. It was so neat - I was waved through the big line up as soon as I produced my NEXUS card. Walked to the kiosk, after two attempts my iris scan was completed, I was asked two questions on the screen - the one about being on a farm or around livestock recently and the other if I was over my limit for taking things into the USA. That was it. I walked passed the 100 or so people waiting to speak to the Customs officers handled my blue declaration to an officer in a seperate line designated for NEXUS and went to the scanning area. I never had to answer a single question about where are you going, for how, long, why etc. Even if I only ever use it the one time it was well worth the $50.00 (5 years). For those travelling across the Canadian/US border this is a god send. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-13 15:57:00
Canada	NEXUS pass	Just some information: I applied on at Wednesday night electronically and was conditionally approved on the following Saturday. My interview is in late May as I would like the ability to use the Nexus pass to fly also, and that has to be done at the airport. Carlso	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-03-01 10:59:00
Canada	NEXUS pass	Thanks everyone, I applied on line last night and hope that all goes well. Carslo	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-02-20 11:28:00
Canada	NEXUS pass	Hi, I am thinking of getting a NEXUS pass, I live in Vancouver area and my sisiter is in Washington state and fiance is in California. I was wondering if anyone had been successfully using this type of pass? Thanks	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-02-19 11:36:00
Canada	Questions regarding the I-130 form	Thanks so much now on to the next form Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 11:48:00
Canada	Questions regarding the I-130 form	Hi, We are going with the IR-1/CR-1 journey, and our marriage certificate has arrived so I can start the forms. A bit of background. I am staying here in California until January 3, 2009. I am not adjusting my status here in the USA. I will be returning to Richmond, BC to wait for the interview. So here are my questions as like all of us I want my visa journey to go as smoothly as possible. I use my new married name in box 1 ? My daughters who will not be coming with me are listed as stepdaughters in box 17? I am a visitor from Canada right now and did not received an I-94; how do I file out box 14? We will be living together now until January 3, 2009 - what do I put in box 21? Thanks so much, I have saved the form so I can go back and edit if required. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 10:14:00
Canada	Help please	Oh thank you thank you! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 09:26:00
Canada	Help please	Can anyone tell me how to fix my computer so that I can read the posts in a flowing manner and not have to click on each post to open them at the bottom? Thanks Janet Sprailenes Home sweet home. <3 Yesterday, 05:49 PM DARUMA07 Well after pretty much an entire year of drama and... Yesterday, 05:54 PM ~Laura and Nick~ Oh darling!!! I'm thrilled for ... Yesterday, 06:38 PM KarenCee WOOO HOOO! Finally! I can only imagine yo... Yesterday, 06:30 PM babycris Yesterday, 06:31 PM BH45 Congrats Sprailenes! Must feel so good to fi... Yesterday, 07:39 PM trailmix Yesterday, 08:10 PM cattattude Good feeling I bet - Congrats Yesterday, 10:35 PM autumnchik That's fabulous! Now you can have some pe... Yesterday, 10:44 PM Mephys Finally together alone eh! Enjoy it (I mea... Yesterday, 11:09 PM Sprailenes Well my son isn't here yet. He went back to C... Today, 06:34 AM thetreble Well my son isn't here yet. He went back to C... Today, 07:34 AM Carlawarla Couldn't be happier for you m'dear! En... Today, 06:51 AM	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 08:59:00
Canada	My fiance and I are no longer engaged!!!	All the best as you start this new phase of your life together! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 11:54:00
Canada	Introducing Janet and Carnell Wingfield	Just wanted to let you all know that we decided that we had waitied long enough and will be going the CR-1 journey! Hope the picture comes though. Janet Attached Files  128.JPG   624.82KB   35 downloads	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 09:29:00
Canada	Off the see the bureau	Oh, so exciting I love Central Park. Here in California we filed out the application for the license on a computer - it was so neat. Keep us posted. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-07-28 09:57:00
Canada	IR-1/CR-1 Spousal Visa Application	Hi all you wise ones, I am ready to send my application away, and will be doing so after Carnell gets off work today. Can you take a look and tell me if I have forgotten anything please. U.S. Department Of Homeland Security U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services P.O. Box 804625 Chicago, IL 60680 August 20, 2008 Nature of Submission: I-130 Application Dear Sir or Madam: Enclosed please find my Form I-130, Petition for Alien Spouse for Janet and supporting documents. Contents include: 1.Check in the amount of $355.00, made out to Department of Homeland Security for the processing fee 2.Form I – 130: Petition for Alien Relative 3.A copy of Carnell Wingfield’s birth certificate 4.A copy of Janet nee birth certificate 5.A copy of our marriage certificate 6.A copy of Carnell’s divorce - certified 7.Copies of Janet’s previous divorces – certified (including all paperwork connected with Canadian marriages and divorces) 8.Copy of G-325A complied by Carnell with attached photo all signed 9.Copy of G-325A complied by Janet with attached photo all signed 10.Evidence of a bona fide marriage include: 2 – photos – one of ceremony and one casual 2 – notarized affidavits (one from family and one from friend) Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents, and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date. Thank you for assistance in this matter, Sincerely, Thanks all!	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-08-26 09:46:00
Canada	Well	Oh, it is so hard when we miss what we are most accustomed too. Everything can seem so strange and different in the USA, I was just getting used to California and we went to Virginia for 17 days to meet my husband's family. It was way different there. One way my family helped with missing Canada when we lived here from 1965 until I moved back to Canada in 1975 was to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. As it falls earlier than when the American's celebrate Thanksgiving it was a way for us to share a part of our culture with our new friends and it will be for me to celebrate with my new family and friends. My husband hadn't ever eaten a jellied salad until he spent Thanksgiving with us in Canada. Laura, try and infuse some of your Canadian things into your new home and life. I hope the down feelings pass quickly and are replaced with better days. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-09-23 21:33:00
Canada	Thnksgvn	Oh my goodness, I had the same reaction form my new family when I served turnip with a pot roast - not a vegetable that is common with my familoy here. Yes, a relish try will be on my table. I went to Ross and picked up at small four-section one in the discount section (all my stuff is packed away in Canada for when I eventually get here). Happy week-end everyone. Janet Edited by carslo, 09 October 2008 - 04:44 PM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-10-09 16:43:00
Canada	Thnksgvn	Yes, we are with friends and stepson and his guest. Full sit down traditional Canadian meal - no greens, cornbread, potato salad, dirty rice, macaroni and cheese or sweet potato pie. We will do all that at American Thanksgiving. What ever you are all doing enjoy the day! Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-10-07 23:21:00
Canada	Montreal to New York and back, and back....	Hi, We both have travelled back and forth from Vancouver to Los Angeles for seven (7) years. I have carried proof of my ties to Canada for the last 5 years, and I have been extremely lucky - I have never been questioned about why I am going except to say that I am visiting either my b/f, fiance, or friend (depending upon where in the relationship we were). I recently obtained the NEXUS pass, and that was great the last time I used it - I never spoke to any custom officals. I am not sure how things will change when I return to Canada in January as we were married in July, but I will continue to carry my proof of ties to Canada, and now my CR-1/IR-1 application folder. Good luck, Janet Edited by carslo, 16 October 2008 - 10:37 AM.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-10-16 10:36:00
Canada	Canadian Spousal Visas	We chose the CR-1 as I can work when I get there. As to the cost for the airfare to Montreal, I have been saving my Safeway Airmiles and am also a gold member - hopefully I will be able to use those airmiles to fly to Montreal when the time comes. I always shop when it is spend $ 100 get a 100 airmiles, it doesn't take long to accumulate the miles. Good luck on your journey and congrats on your marriage. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-11-03 21:17:00
Canada	Planning the wedding	We were thinking of Vegas and were going to use the "Little Chapel of the Flowers" it was the nicest one I could find. My daughter got married at the "Little White Wedding Chapel" it was cheesy, complete with Elvis strolling around in a powder blue tux; but that is what they chose. Good luck and best wishes. Janet	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-11-09 16:53:00
Canada	No longer doing medical exams in Calgary?	I believe I read that Montreal results are available in 48 hours. So that would be at least two additional nights stay in Montreal in a hotel. I guess one could make a holiday out of the interview, if the weather is good, but Montreal in the winter yuck. Snow, ice and cold. Come to Vancouver we hardly ever get snow just buckets of rain. Good luck on your journey! Janet As a side note, back in '89 when my sister immigrated back to the USA with my fatehr as the sponser - everything was completed in Calgary (family green card, medical, etc). So slowly over the years they have been downsizing what the consulates do.	carslo	Female	Canada	2008-11-12 10:52:00