ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Canadawhere did you first meet? online vs in person
No dice - sorry. I met my fiance here in America at a dinner party. I do know several folks who met online, and later married (including my sister). No real recipe for success, each to his/her own! Good luck.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-06-30 21:18:00
CanadaWell...
Hey Laura and Nick! It is so good to hear a really happy ending!!!! Have a great time together, and let us know how it goes with you.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-19 23:20:00
CanadaWell...
Take it easy and travel safe. smile.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-17 17:24:00
CanadaWe made it home!!
A happy start to the happy ending! good.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-20 23:22:00
CanadaPlease pray for Baby Declan
Our prayers go with you
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-07 16:41:00
CanadaNew here - introducing myself!
Obviously not from the Canada forum, but welcome to VJ generally star_smile.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-05 22:49:00
CanadaKeeping him busy
QUOTE (Maeve @ Aug 17 2008, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Aug 16 2008, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In the interim, Kentucky has lots of shooting ranges. Most of them rent various guns to shoot on the range. Not a long term solution, but it may help.


We found one in Paris and went the other day - he was very, very, very happy! smile.gif


Cool!!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-17 00:29:00
CanadaKeeping him busy
In the interim, Kentucky has lots of shooting ranges. Most of them rent various guns to shoot on the range. Not a long term solution, but it may help.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-16 20:49:00
CanadaThe Boss Thread
One of my oldest friends is a manager at a home depot. They apparently had a timed security camera on the front-of-house where the registers are. One day his assistant manager gave him a tape with the after hours view of a cashier and supervisor doing guess what on one of the conveyors. They were let go pretty quickly. Hard to believe they didn't know about the camera laughing.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-10-06 15:21:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
Thanks for the info. I learn something new on VJ every day yes.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-11-01 11:36:00
CanadaBeer Thread
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 12 2008, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jul 12 2008, 09:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I enjoy most pale ales, dislike anything heavy. Enjoy kokkanee, moosehead, coors light, millers light. Im not a beer snob, anything cold is acceptable.


Sooo not a fan of guinness I take it?


I think Guiness draught tastes like a beer flavored milkshake. The extra-stout is good though. Lately I have been drinking Le Fin Du Monde and Tres Pistolas from Quebec. And I really like Kentucky Bourbon Barrell Stout.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-12 21:01:00
CanadaGuilty Pleasures
ClockWatch2.gif Ummmm.......Nope - Sorry
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-28 10:13:00
CanadaBoyfriend or Fiance?
Why not stick with shopping as the reason, and avoid the whole problem?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-16 07:48:00
CanadaWhat's your favorite restaurant in USA ?
Ichi Ban Sushi in Louisville!! kicking.gif kicking.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-08 23:51:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
QUOTE (wowswift @ Feb 9 2009, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Holliday @ Feb 9 2009, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hehe, these stories are great! I'm amazed at how many of us have accidentally fallen in love with people we've met on video games.

My almost-husband and I are both members of an NHL message board, so we said a few words to each other on the board during the Canucks/Stars playoff series in '07, but that was about it. After the series was over, there was a discussion on the board about video games, and I posted my Xbox Gamertag on there, and I eventually received a friend request from him which said something like 'hey, it's so-and-so from the hockey board', so I accepted it. Then one day we were both on Xbox Live at the same time, so I sent him a message to see if he wanted to try a game of NHL 07. It took forever to get the game servers to cooperate long enough to finish an actual game, but we kept trying. He seemed like a cool guy, and I thought his accent was hilarious, so we had a good time talking while his Dallas Stars were beating the ####### out of my Vancouver Canucks. We'd send each other messages through the hockey board to coordinate game times, and eventually he downloaded MSN messenger and we talked on there occasionally. After a while, we were talking pretty much every day, and eventually exchanged phone numbers and stuff. We both thought there was some kind of a spark, but we tried to be realistic about things and just tried to ignore it, but that didn't work very well. Eventually, last spring, I decided to take a road trip for a few weeks to go see him. I figured that if I got there and it felt weird, I would just drive off somewhere else, enjoy the rest of my vacation, and that would be fine. Disappointing, but fine. But of course it wasn't weird at all, and we had a really amazing time together. It was so hard to drive away!! And now here we are, preparing for our wedding on Friday!



lol mine is almost the same as yours. except we both post on a poker forum and play online. i got an xbox and added friends from the board, he was one of them. We started playing GOW nonstop together, i was obviously a sucker for the accent. I guess the only difference about my visit to meet him the first time, i never drove away and got married and hibernated in canada until we got to go to the US. and yes, we're a bit crazy lol


**Sigh** We go to real casinos laughing.gif Maybe I am out of touch, but you just cannot beat the energy of a real gamble good.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-11 14:51:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
QUOTE (Danu @ Feb 9 2009, 10:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jennleah72 @ Feb 9 2009, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danu @ Feb 9 2009, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Feb 9 2009, 08:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can someone explain the premise of WoW to me? I don't get it.... I guess I could just wikipedia it... I'm really intrigued though... seems like a cool game to be a part of.


Basically its a fantasy world with 2 sides (factions), horde and alliance. They fight against each other a lot (you'll notice the Horde vs Alliance already lol). There are races on each side, and certain classes that each can be. You team up with other people on your faction to either 1) kill the other faction or 2) PvE (player vs enemy) where you kill bosses to get better gear...the better gear the better you preform. Most people do these teams as guilds...In said guilds you have a list of all the people in your guild, you can group with them to do different stuff, talk to them either in guild, in a party (group) or in private messages. The goal no matter if you pick 1 or 2 is to be the best!!! Have the best gear, kill the most people, die the least etc. and to make friends.

Theres a lot of lore behind it too that I didnt really get into. I picked a Night Elf druid (alliance) because she was pretty and not a cow... only one race on each side can be a druid. I wanted to turn into a kitty (one of the druid abilities) and NE's also get cats as mounts....I like kitties.



haha omg that could have been me typing that. i picked druids cause i wanted a pretty one and cause i love kitties too rofl.gif


Its like we are the same person jen!

And brad - definately limit them though its a good game that teaches team work....because MMO's ate my life in college and were the reason I did so poorly in year 1...cuz I played instead of doing homework ><


Thanks. I just couldn't understand how he could play WoW, Star Wars, and a third game (I can't remember the name) all at once. The all-nighters had to end. Period. But it looks like that many posters here did/do the same without any permanent damage. yes.gif

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-10 08:52:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
QUOTE (jennleah72 @ Feb 9 2009, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danu @ Feb 9 2009, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Feb 9 2009, 08:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can someone explain the premise of WoW to me? I don't get it.... I guess I could just wikipedia it... I'm really intrigued though... seems like a cool game to be a part of.


Basically its a fantasy world with 2 sides (factions), horde and alliance. They fight against each other a lot (you'll notice the Horde vs Alliance already lol). There are races on each side, and certain classes that each can be. You team up with other people on your faction to either 1) kill the other faction or 2) PvE (player vs enemy) where you kill bosses to get better gear...the better gear the better you preform. Most people do these teams as guilds...In said guilds you have a list of all the people in your guild, you can group with them to do different stuff, talk to them either in guild, in a party (group) or in private messages. The goal no matter if you pick 1 or 2 is to be the best!!! Have the best gear, kill the most people, die the least etc. and to make friends.

Theres a lot of lore behind it too that I didnt really get into. I picked a Night Elf druid (alliance) because she was pretty and not a cow... only one race on each side can be a druid. I wanted to turn into a kitty (one of the druid abilities) and NE's also get cats as mounts....I like kitties.



haha omg that could have been me typing that. i picked druids cause i wanted a pretty one and cause i love kitties too rofl.gif


I appreciate the posts explaining the games a bit, and I see lots of positive stories. As a parent of a teenager, I spent a fair amount of time limiting his gaming, and it is really nice to hear from some happy and well adjusted (I assume) folks.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-09 22:08:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
QUOTE (Krikit @ Feb 9 2009, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif What did you have for dinner? tongue_ss.gif



QUOTE (trailmix @ Feb 9 2009, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 8 2009, 11:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OMG sorry! We met at a friend's house over dinner. No online games, no web-dates. I just had to stick up for the mundane on VJ. Please excuse laughing.gif


yawnnnn


j/k laughing.gif

alliance ftw!!



I dont remember about the dinner itself. Pretty boring, I agree - unlike the swashbuckling online adventures I am reading about here laughing.gif But who knows, I can always join up and save Vika from a troll or something later, right? rofl.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-09 09:42:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
OMG sorry! We met at a friend's house over dinner. No online games, no web-dates. I just had to stick up for the mundane on VJ. Please excuse laughing.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-08 23:43:00
CanadaBuilding Credit in the US
Even if your spouse/SO co-signs it will help. Also, store and gas cards do put you on the radar. Not using them or not paying them will both hurt, but having them only helps. The idea is to establish a history of making payments. The Canadian address shouldn't matter as long as you are paying to a US company.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-06-08 14:52:00
CanadaSo Excited to FINALLY be getting married in 3 days!!!!
Congratulations and best wishes to you! star_smile.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-07-05 05:12:00
CanadaWhat is your and your SO's song'?
Something by Ani Lorak laughing.gif Doesn't translate well from Russian though.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-07-09 08:38:00
CanadaHappy Birthday Krikit!
Happy B-day!!!! rose.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-07-17 20:09:00
CanadaHow did you establish credit?



Brad and Vika - I wasn't trying to be confrontational with you, but you seem a bit ticked off in your response? Not sure why. It just seems like a bad idea to imply that people paying off their credit cards each month somehow hurts their credit score - when there is nothing to back that up.


No offense taken - sorry if it sounded like! Meant to say that I am passing on secon hand information and really have no research of my own. Since I don't have much debt other than a mortgage it doesn't matter to me personally so I don't want to spend too much time with it. People are going to believe what they want anyway.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-05-03 07:19:00
CanadaHow did you establish credit?

Yes, I have heard that before - but i'm not buying it. Do you have a link to any financial sites that back up that claim? In the U.S. I had 2 credit cards and my Husband had 1. We used all of these cards, never carried a balance and in the 15 months we were in the U.S. - well really in a shorter period than that - we both had excellent credit scores.

So while some lenders might be more likely to offer you credit if you have a history of paying interest (ie: carrying a small balance) in the overall picture I would say it is virtually worthless and it costs you money.


I have worked for banks in one capacity of another most of my career, although not in the retail end of the business. Credit approval is a little bit of a black box, especially now with standards tightening, and I am repeating here what I have heard from branch managers etc. for years at different institutions. Honestly I doubt there is a website that would calc how much your score would drop in the above situation, and as I wrote, in the absence of other credit. At least I am not going to look for one or bother defending a position I don't care about either way. Banks traditionally prefer to lend money to folks that don't need it, so demonstrating that you can pay cash for everything you buy each month might get you a loan any way - facts and circumstances. But financial strength and credit score don't always track well.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-05-02 18:55:00
CanadaHow did you establish credit?
The OP does have a point about paying off credit cards every month. In the absence of other credit, it can actually hurt your score. Silly but true. That doesn't explain the lack of credit history though. I agree that getting a report from all three agencies (free if you have recently been denied credit) is a start. The reporting company names are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Here is a link to the Federal Trade Commission instructions to order reports free - you can also call each agency directly.

FTC Credit Reports
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-05-01 14:01:00
CanadaCrossing the border after visa is approved
Topic moved from K-1 forum to Canada sub forum
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2010-08-17 06:48:00
CanadaCanada Spousal Visa procedure
Leaving open, as OP might find useful advice in this forum.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-08-09 06:11:00
CanadaCongressmens help..
I've read your prior post and you have all my sympathy and prayers. You are very strong to have survived what you have been going through.

IMO contacting the congress person is the best thing you could have done, you are way past the time for some answers. They will contact the embassy, usually by email, and receive a prompt response. What this will do is give you an answer as to why your visa is being delayed. Please understand if you are undergoing AP there is nothing the congress person can do to speed it up. BUT with this said, maybe the embassy will place more emphasis on your case as the embassy can request follow ups on your AP and find out what is taking so long.


BTW have you called DOS to find out what the status of the case is? They can usually tell you if it is in AP or at the consulate or other general information.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-04-02 14:31:00
CanadaDS-117
Since you returned your green card at the border when you returned to Canada I don't think this form will apply to you.

(1) You had the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of departure from the United States;
(2) You departed from the United States with the intention of returning and you have not abandoned this intention; and
(3) You are returning to the United States from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay abroad was protracted, this was caused by reasons
beyond your control and for which you are not responsible.

I would call USCIS and ask them if you are in the system as having abandoned your residency. If this is the case (since you returned your green card at the border) I'm not sure this form would apply.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-04-02 18:10:00
CanadaLawyer for CR1?
Question, do you have a co-sponsor? If your wife is unemployed you will need one to meet the 125% of the poverty level.
belinda63FemaleIran2011-05-05 14:03:00
CanadaClaiming moving expenses?
Is it a job related move?
belinda63FemaleIran2011-07-24 11:23:00
CanadaRequest For Evidence (RFE 2012)
You need to provide everything they ask for. A letter of intent to marry from both of you, I think a sample is in the guides, proof of having met in the last two years, and certified copies of divorce decrees. You would be best overloading rather than skimping on the evidence as they will not give you a second chance to answer to this RFE.
belinda63FemaleIran2012-04-20 12:11:00
CanadaPlaced in Administrative Processing After Interview Approval

The first question would be why were you placed in AP? Are you Muslim or of middle eastern family? Do you have something on your criminal record? Were their documents missing?


belinda63FemaleIran2014-01-20 18:46:00
CanadaParents

They can come to visit for up to 6 months each year which will fit into their plans just fine. By the time they become elderly and need your assistance you will have become (if you desire) a US citizen and can spend as much time in Canada as you wish to assist them with their elderly needs. I would not recommend moving them to the US since all their benefits are in Canada....unless the healthcare situation in the US changes dramatically in the next 10 or more years.

If you decide to move them here later then you can worry about filing for residence for them. You will need to weigh the benefits and losses of them losing Canadian residency with the benefits of them gaining US residency. Too far in the future to really make an informed decision.


belinda63FemaleIran2014-04-26 08:34:00
CanadaLosing medical after getting green card?

Why the green card if they aren't going to live here. BTW a snowbird refers to someone who comes to visit the US for six months, not have permanent residency here. Just as someone from say NYC might have a home in Florida they go to in the winter. They are still only a resident of one of the states.


belinda63FemaleIran2014-04-29 15:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHelp, I am an idiot
Ok, I feel so stupid. Today we got my husbands applicaion for a 10 year green card back in the mail. We had forgot to sign it. well the thing is we had to send off his applicaion to texas but it was returned to us from california. When we mail it back who should we mail it to?
tabtaMaleMexico2007-12-15 01:45:00
CanadaMisty's Interview Review in Montreal
Hey everybody,

I am finally back at mom's home in Ontario, after driving since 8am this morning. Of course, the first thing I want to do is share my Montreal experience.

So, my mom and I stayed at a bed and breakfast about 20 min away from the consulate, on Rue Sherbrooke. It was very nice, but the walk did not feel like 20min. It felt like 2 hrs!! haha. Maybe that had to do with the fact that I was carrying a 5 lb folder of paperwork, an xray, xpresspost mailer, and my pockets were loaded with stuff... I'm very high maintenance. innocent.gif

I arrived at the consulate around 7:15, and there was only one other couple there. They were awesome, and it didn't take long us for to share stories. They were also there for their K1 visa. (If you guys are reading HI kicking.gif ). Shortly after, the group of people gathering was starting to grow. The security guy opened the doors right at 7:30, and asked us to line up. The group of people that showed up after me quickly tried to get into first place. My new friends were very quick to point out that I was there before them haha.

Security check was quick and painless. I did have to empty everything out of my pockets, so try to bring only what you need (which I did, but I still had a lot... kleenex, lip gloss, sunglasses, wallet, keys, gloves).

Security then sent me downstairs with letter A, to wait for someone to escort us up the elevator.

Eventually someone came along and A, B, C and D went up on the first ride. Everything was very routine, and he told us exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it haha.

I was very lucky, and both the woman who processed my paperwork and fingerprints and the man who did my interview were very nice. The woman asked for my medical, then birth certificate plus copy. Then police certificate (original only), letter of intent and affidavit. I had a ton of supporting evidence for the affidavit, so she just picked and choosed what she wanted, and I kept the rest. I then mentioned that I had a copy of a cat scan I did, as a result of a dark spot on my chest x-ray. I asked her if she wanted it, and she said "sure". She then asked if everything came out ok, and I said "yes". Other than that, there was no mention about the possible abnormality that never was. She then sent me to pay my fee, and told me to wait in the waiting room for my name to be called. After a little while, she called me back and we did fingerprints. I had to do them twice. Then she told me again to wait in the waiting room, and a man will call me for an interview. I asked if everything was ok so far, and she smiled and said yes.

Went back and waited, and it seemed like I was waiting awhile. I got nervous, because anytime someone said something over the speakers, I couldn't hear it. The waiting room had gotten very full and noisy, and it was hard to hear anything. I thought maybe I missed my name being called. Anyways, eventually I heard my name loud and clear. This must be the game show host guy everybody talks about haha.

I went to room eleven, and the man was older, with salt and pepper hair. He smiled a lot and super nice. He told me to hang up my coat, and I quickly told him that the lady before forgot to get me to sign the DS-156k. He said "We are not letting you off that easy, I have it right here" haha. He asked me a couple questions "Are addresses the same?" and then wanted to know how and when we met. I was so nervous that I felt like everything I said sounded rehearsed . And maybe I wasn't giving enough detials, because he kept asking me to elaborate on how we met. This is where the interview got weird, in my opinion.

He is about to do the oath, and asks me if there is anything I feel I need to share before we go any further. I say "nope", and he just sits there looking at me, smiling. I smile back and say "Am I supposed to tell you something?", and he goes, "well, if you have any kids or a divorce that you have failed to mention, now is the time"... still smiling at me. I shook my head, and I think I must have looked very nervous, because he then quickly said, "raise your right hand" and we did the oath.

He then says that he didn't see any reason why they shouldn't continue with the issuance of my visa, and that if all was well, I would get it in 2-3 weeks. I wasn't satisfied with this blush.gif so said "Am I approved?". He said yes and then quickly added "assuming that nothing comes up that you haven't told us about. Like you have had 2 husbands, and were arrested for selling drugs". Keep in mind, he is still... smiling. wacko.gif He asks when I'm getting married, and I say Dec. 22nd. He said I'll have my visa before then... I should expect to receive in 2-3 weeks!!??? What the?? Don't most people get theirs in 2-3 days? Even Jeremy and Kristy said that he told them he would send it out by next Tuesday or Wednesday.

So, question here... if something was not in order (such as I did not have enough evidence, or something wasn't filled out correctly on the forms), wouldn't they have mentioned it to me while I was there? Or is it possible they think I'm lying, and now want to research more before sending me my visa? And I'll be quick to add that I wasn't lying, but I was so nervous I can't help think he thought I was hiding something sad.gif

Ok, so I get my jacket and turn to leave, and he starts asking me more questions. He wants to know what I'll do for work. I explain that I don't have anything lined up, but plan on looking into office admin type stuff. He asks what I do now, and I explain. He then asks me to elaborate even more, so I go into a very boring spiel about what I do. Then he says, "with those skills, you won't have any trouble. And tell your fiance to hold on to his steady job, because freelance writing can take awhile to get started" (my fiance is a freelance writer, but has a steady job, too). I tell him I'll be sure to do that, and then he wished me good luck and that was it. blink.gif

I left, feeling very relieved, and angry that I forgot to write down the tracking number!!! probably a good thing, though, cause I would check it every 2 seconds, and I know that Canada Post isn't the best about using the tracking thing.

So, that's it that's all. It all seemed very surreal. If I have left anything out that you want to know about, let me know. I am so freakin' glad it is over. Now I just need to wait patiently for it to get here... yeah right...

misty

Edited by MandE, 10 November 2007 - 05:20 PM.

MandEFemaleCanada2007-11-10 17:17:00
CanadaK1 Visa approved, 6 months PLUS 90 days?
Hi SpiritAlight,

Once you get your visa, you have 6 months to enter the States. Once you do, you have 90 days from the day you enter, to marry and apply for Adjustment.

does that help?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-11-13 11:02:00
CanadaI'm starting to panick!
Is Montreal answering their phones yet?

Also, based on others timelines, you will likely have it before the end of the week.

Did the the officer tell you how long it would take?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-11-13 11:24:00