ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaIs white-out bad?
ok, I called Montreal, and the man said it was fine, a DS-230 form with white-out on it is acceptable.

phew...
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-24 13:24:00
CanadaIs white-out bad?
oh, I'm sure. This and many other moments where I've come close to a nervous breakdown!! haha
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-24 11:32:00
CanadaIs white-out bad?
Thanks Cassie. It wasn't you I was refering to, I just did a bunch of searching through the forums, and about half of the respondents to the "white out" question said that it was best not to do it. I just don't want to do anything that will jeopardize our application, and since these forms are being mailed in, I don't want to put myself in the position where they ask for an RFE.

soooo... to be on the safe side, I'll call them later today, and get an answer directly from the source.

Like you, I'm sure it's fine, but I can't help but stress about such minor details haha
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-24 11:28:00
CanadaIs white-out bad?
AGHHHHH... half the info in these forums says it's ok, and the other half say "no no no"!!!

Ok, I'm calling them this afternoon. This is ridiculous.
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-24 11:24:00
CanadaIs white-out bad?
Hello,

I have had to correct some info on my DS-230 form, and since Montreal requested that I complete the form they provided, this means that I have had to use white-out in some cases.

I know I'm probably being paranoid, but will this raise any red flags on their end?

I would have preferred to complete the form online, but when I called them, they asked I complete it hand-written (doesn't make sense!).

How picky do they get about these forms???

Thanks!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-24 08:59:00
CanadaSwiss Chalet vs. Boston Market
long live Swiss Chalet!!!

(that's a vote for SC from me) ;)
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-25 14:50:00
CanadaWhen are RFE's issued?
ah, I did not know this. Thank you for the info. You guys are very knowledgable, it makes things very easy for us that don't have clue!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-30 10:17:00
CanadaWhen are RFE's issued?
Hello,

I have recently sent in my completed Packet 3 back to Montreal. Now I wait for an interview that won't happen for up to 6 months.

In the meantime... if Montreal was to issue an RFE, does anyone know when that would happen? Would I hear about one rather quickly?
Or, if I haven't heard anything 3 months from now, can I consider myself safe?

Also, if I get an RFE, will I lose my spot on the waiting list for an interview until I return the evidence that is requested?

I don't have a reason to think they will issue me one... I am just curious :)

Thanks!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-07-30 07:49:00
CanadaHow long is the Affidavit of Support Valid?
Hi folks,

At this time, I am expecting an interview date of January/February.

My fiance has already completed his affidavit of support, but by the time I go for my interview, it may be 7 months old.

When I emailed this question to Montreal, they said the affidavit doesn't expire, but I've also read a few posts where visa issuances were delayed due to old affidavit information.

In Montreal specifically, do anyone know how picky they get about these things?

How old was your affidavit by then time you make it to the interview?

Thanks!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-09 09:16:00
CanadaAnother Affidavit of Support Question
Ok, so from the chart at this link...

http://travel.state..../info_1327.html

... where is says "Size of Family Unit"... this applies to the sponser plus the number of people in the household?

So if was just my fiance, and he was sponsoring me, size of family unit would be 2?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-09 10:55:00
CanadaAnother Affidavit of Support Question
Hi again,

If my spouse does not have sufficient income at the time of the interview, and we use his parent as a co-sponser, how much over the income requirements does she need to be?

Does she have to make enough income to show she can support herself, her husband, my fiance and me? Or as a sponsor, does she just need to make enough income for a "2 person" household?

Thanks again to anyone who can help.
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-09 09:46:00
CanadaChange in Employment
thanks everyone for the replies. Much appreciated!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-24 14:51:00
CanadaChange in Employment
oh, sorry... meant to say 'change of employment', hehe. but yes, just trying to find out how and who we are supposed to let know, because it is not me who is changing employment, but my fiance in the states.

thanks for posting!!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-21 10:21:00
CanadaChange in Employment
Thanks Len.

And no, this isn't Mary, it's Misty smile.gif

But yes, I'm on the waiting list... have been since beginning of August. I know... long road to the interview... wacko.gif

We've trying to get a hold of Montreal, to find out if there is a change of address form or something my fiance needs to fill out, but we can't seem to get through to them right now, so thought I would ask here to see if anyone had a similar experience.
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-21 10:18:00
CanadaChange in Employment
Hello,

My fiance in the States may accept a new job. My packet 3 has already been sent to Montreal and now I wait for an interview.

Who does he need to contact if he changes jobs? Or do I just need to bring an updated Affidavit to the interview and let them know the details of when he changed?

Thanks to anyone who can help!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-21 08:42:00
CanadaWhen will I know my Visa has been approved/denied?
That is all great to know.

And yes, my boss is very understanding. I just think I am ready to give them notice to far in advance. What if I jinx myself and my visa is denied or delayed. ugh... can I shudder now? hehe
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:53:00
CanadaWhen will I know my Visa has been approved/denied?
Hello,

I know that once I have my interview in Montreal, they will then send me my Visa in the mail.

Does anyone know if I have to wait for the Visa to be sent before I know it is approved or denied, or will they tell me at the consulate, and then it's just a matter of waiting for the paperwork?

My employer has inquired as to how much notice I'll be able to give, and since I plan on leaving the minute the Visa is in my hand, I'm not sure if it is safe to give notice when I go for my interview, or wait till the approved visa is in hand.

Thanks!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:28:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
shew, thanks everyone for your help.

Just to clarify, the I-134 was not submitted with Packet 3. Montreal's instructions were to bring it with me to the interview.

I think, to be on the safe side, I may try to find a co-sponsor. My fiance can provide his last 3 yrs of tax returns, and any other documentation required, but he doesn't work under contract or anything for his freelance writing. So while we know that his work will support us both, there is nothing to really prove that to the Consulate, other than by pay stubs and bank statements.
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-05 07:35:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
hmmm... I'm not sure what you mean at all. We are still at the first affidavit phase, not at AOS.

Will my fiance in the States know what your acronyms mean?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:55:00
CanadaPetitioner Newly Self Employed
Hello,

My fiance, who is petitioning for me to come to the US, has recently left his full job, and is pursuing a freelance writing occupation, so he is now self-employed. Since this is a new venture, what kind of documentation will he need to provide for the affidavit?

I know it says the last 3 years on taxes, but it that on the assumption that the petitioner was self-employed for the last 3 years?

I sure wish Montreal was answering their phone. There is no way they are going to answer this question in an email.

Thanks!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:30:00
CanadaCommercial Rating Concern
Yes he is. Just recently though. So he can submit his income tax returns for the past 3 years, which show he made sufficient income, but they are not reflective of self-employment. So we thought we would try this second option, but have no idea what it is.

Also, does anyone know if the Consulate is concerned mostly with past history of income, or of current salary? Or both? My fiance has always had a great level of income, but now that the he is self-employed, will the Consulate look at that as being unstable?

This affidavit is killing me!!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-05 09:35:00
CanadaCommercial Rating Concern
Hey folks,

Does anyone know what a Commercial Rating Concern is? And how my fiance in the States goes about getting one?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-05 09:30:00
CanadaInterview letter
huh? you just recieved a letter for an interview? for October 10th? I thought all of October's interviews were already scheduled. ohh... it makes me very happy to know that they are still sending out letters for October interviews!!!

sorry... I don't have any useful tips for you... but i couldn't contain my excitement kicking.gif
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-12 09:40:00
CanadaTaxes, Loans and such
Hey folks,

I have caught lots of snippets of information regarding how to file taxes once we move to the States, but I can't seem to find anything that makes a lot of sense.

Can anyone tell me what to do about loans that remain in Canada? Can I just pay them off as normal from the US?

Also, what happens at tax time every year, while I have loans in Canada? I remember someone saying once that as long as there are loans or property under your name in Canada, that you will be required to file tax info both in Canada and the US every year. The advice that was then given was to have nothing in your name in Canada, and to have your Canadian address removed off of everything. This would be ideal, but I don't think I can come up with $18 000 in one shot to pay off my student loans blink.gif

What are some of you doing to handle these kinds of things before you move, and while you live in the States?

Are there websites out there that provide this kinda of info?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-14 14:17:00
CanadaThings to do before you move...
wow, thanks everyone for the great tips!

I had no idea there was so much to do tongue_ss.gif
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-17 07:19:00
CanadaThings to do before you move...
ok, so i'm going to answer one my own questions, but in case anyone else finds the answer useful, i thought i would post my findings.

i called the National Student Loan Service Centre, where some of my student loans are held (I have some with Royal Bank, too), and they advised that I must keep a Canadian bank account open for the automatic withdrawals to come out of, because they can't withdraw from a US account. As long as I do that, it's fine. Only if I close my Canadian account will they then request I pay back everything in full. Also, they will not charge me a higher interest rate for residing outside of Canada (as I saw some posts mention).

I haven't yet checked with Royal Bank who also holds some of my loans, but I am guessing their answer will be the same.

star_smile.gif
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-14 15:22:00
CanadaThings to do before you move...
Also, it is mentioned to cancel OHIP before we move to the States. I know this probably sounds dumb, but why? Are there any issues with not canceling it?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-14 14:01:00
CanadaThings to do before you move...
I thought I had read once that if your OSAP provider finds you have moved to the States, they will request you pay your student loans in full. Is this true?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-14 13:56:00
CanadaActivating Visa process at border
Hello,

When it is time to cross into the States with an approved visa, do I need to call the border first to set up an appointment, or do I just drive down, and talk to whoever is available when I get there?

Is there anything we can do make the process smoother when we get to the border (we'll be driving)? Such as having certain documents, or ensuring certain possessions are not in our car (other than the obvious... firearms, drugs, etc).

It most likely will be my brother driving me over with my two dogs and one cat. Do I just need to show that the pets have up to date rabies vaccinations, like I do when I visit, or is more paperwork required when I am crossing for the purpose of living there?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-17 12:34:00
CanadaWhat happens if we're denied?
hehe, I can see you have done your research. Smart cookie tongue.gif
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-19 09:53:00
CanadaWhat happens if we're denied?
HAHAHA... maybe you should bring the sex tapes... just in case they need solid proof wink.gif
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-19 09:44:00
CanadaWhat happens if we're denied?
Hello,

While I also think that you have nothing to worry about in the slightest, I am like you and can't help but play the "what if" game.

Yes, most people in these forums are approved for a visa, and those who aren't usually have a legitimate reason, and can appeal the decision.

But, if you look at the bottom of this page, under "Similiar Topics", you will see that there have been some folks who were denied a K-1 visa due to insufficient proof of an ongoing relationship. This is what worries me... is this something that is subjective to each officer? Could we show up with all this proof that our relationship is legit (credit card statements while visiting, phone records, emails, photos, engagement ring), and get an officer on a bad day who decides that it's not enough?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-19 08:29:00
CanadaAbout moving....
QUOTE (misa @ Sep 22 2007, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If your stuff is going with you when you cross, you don't have to list everything but you should to make life easier for CBP if they ask (it's less likely they'll rummage through your stuff if you're prepared with a list).

The list doesn't have to be complex, just break it down to things like:

- clothes, approximate value
- books, approximate value
- CDs, approximate value

etc.


How do you determine the approx value of things like clothes, or books, photo albums. Is it ok to put that some things don't have a value?

Is there a website or something that gives examples on how to fill out the moving form that accompanies our stuff?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-22 12:49:00
CanadaAmanda & Doug Got an Interview!!!
YIPPEE SKIPPY!!! It's about friggin' time!!!

Congratulations!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-24 13:30:00
CanadaVisiting the US while Visa pending
Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted their experiences on going through the border.

I decided to take the plunge, and went to visit my fiance in Kentucky for the first time since February. Luckily, I had every bit of documentation that you all suggested I have, because the officer I had asked about everyone. He never actually looked at anything (I had a huge folder sitting in my lap), but kept asking if I had copies of this and that.

Eventually he asked me if I had spoken to someone before travelling to the States, to find out what I needed to bring. I said I had, and he said that was good and let me on it. Needless to say, I was sure he wasn't going to, and I was shaking when I went to pay the toll.

But I had a great time and glad that I made the trip. We managed to get a lot of wedding plan done in the 10 days I was there!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-10-12 08:05:00
CanadaVisiting the US while Visa pending
hmmm, heres a thought. What if the officer I get at the Ambassador bridge feels I don't have sufficient proof of "ties to Canada"? Perhaps I could go over to the tunnel, and try there? Cause isn't it subjective to each officer?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-07 13:19:00
CanadaVisiting the US while Visa pending
QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Sep 1 2007, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree, but it can be a scary experience. Most of us don't get fingerprinted and photographed too often. It might be a small point but unless you have been banned then there is no issue about refusal of entry. At the interview, unless you have been banned, they won't really care too much. Remember that you weren't refused entry, you were "allowed" to withdraw your application to enter the US. I've been denied entry (sorry, I was allowed to withdraw my application to enter the United States of America) at one port and been allowed in at another three hours later with the same documentation.
BTW, the information that USCIS collects goes into storage and as near as I can figure, not even USCIS looks at it, if they did, then you wouldn't need to be fingerprinted and photgraphed every time.

Do you think that you might be planning on staying in the US if you're at an immigration interview at the US consulate, I wonder.


No, my plan is to visit for my vacation. I am not having an interview in the States.
MandEFemaleCanada2007-09-04 14:05:00
CanadaVisiting the US while Visa pending
Oh, this all makes me feel much better. Since March, when we started this process, I have been paranoid about traveling, so I just haven't. I was sure that if I tried, and they denied me, that my visa would get denied too.

Anybody have any experiences about traveling through the Windsor/Detroit poe by car?
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-31 09:57:00
CanadaVisiting the US while Visa pending
Thank you both.

Mary, did the topic of your denial come up during your interview? Was it a problem?

Ah, thanks Bill for the additional info!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-31 08:36:00
CanadaVisiting the US while Visa pending
Hello,

I know there is a lot of advice on here that says it is not worth travelling to the US while applying for a Visa. But, there also seems to be a lot of people who do it frequently, and without trouble.

My Visa application has been submitted, and I am now in the stages of waiting for an interview (up to 6 month wait).

Does anyone have any experience going through the Windsor/Detroit border while their visa is being processed?

Does anyone have any tips on what I should do to prove that I intend to return to Canada?

Realistically, what would happen to my visa if I was denied entry? I assume that since my Visa has been processed, I would simply discuss the details of any denials during my interview. I would think that a denial based on my pending visa would not be cause to deny my visa.

Any thoughts?

I certainly wouldn't consider going, though the circumstances at this time warrent it.

Thanks!!
MandEFemaleCanada2007-08-31 08:13:00