ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaQuestion for the Canadian Ladies!

Hamilton huh? Hope your dress looks good with snow boots.


That made me laugh out loud because i wore snow boots with my wedding dress in december.

Thanks for the tips... I wrote an email to the 1 cousin I met last weekend and asked what she is wearing. I didn't get to see the original wedding invite as my husband mailed off the reply card and when I asked him about *dress* he said I dunno!
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-02-23 17:48:00
CanadaQuestion for the Canadian Ladies!

Is this a family wedding? Can you also ask a female relative how dressy they will dress?
If you get cold, get your boogy on :yes:


I guess I'm thinking about it a lot because I'm going to be meeting ALL my in-laws for the first time at once. I just didn't want to look like the odd man out, and I'm a bit nervous. I have met 2 cousins, but this will be EVERYONE else from all over Canada in one she-bang.

thanks for your help.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-02-23 17:13:00
CanadaQuestion for the Canadian Ladies!

####### kind of question is this.. think about it, when its cold out you are inside. Its 75 freaking degrees inside. You want to wear leggings under your gown when it is 75 degrees?


I pointed out I am not experienced with cold weather alright?

When are you going to the wedding?


The wedding is in 2 weeks in Hamilton.

Sorry I asked.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-02-23 16:38:00
CanadaQuestion for the Canadian Ladies!
I love having this place to ask you guys these seemingly silly questions... what do you wear to a fancy wedding when it is butt cold ? I am a Sunny California girl, I have no idea how to go about dressing for cold but nice enough for a wedding shindig.

Do people wear pants or pant suits? or do you go with dresses but layers of leggins underneath?

Please give me the skinny. The wedding is in Ancaster at the Old Mill Inn, it looks really pretty (online)
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-02-23 16:10:00
CanadaToronto to Montreal
We took the train on our honeymoon to get from Ottawa to Toronto, it was so pretty, and sooo much nicer than our bus trip in november (ick).
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-08 22:26:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north


I filed for an FOIA at xmas time to see what was in his files but who knows when that'll come.

Did you use an attorney or file the FOIA request yourself? Did you write the request from scratch, or use boilerplate from somewhere?
I need to try to get consular records via FOIA or the Privacy Act as well, but I'm not sure how to proceed.
Thanks in advance.


I will PM you my letter.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-17 15:45:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north

well, once you figure in all the costs for US immigration, its about the same non? Depending which visa you're going for.

My K3 cost us

I-129F - $170
I-130 - $190
Police Certificate - $25
Photos - $30
medical exam - $185
K3 Visa - $100
EAD - $180
Biometrics - $70
AOS - $325
Total - $1275

being able to live with your spouse...priceless :D

The main difference between the 2 of course is that CIC will refund 75% of your fees paid if you withdraw or you're denied. USCIS does not.


Thanks for that post reba, it makes it easier for me to see it broken down like that. I guess I didn't see it since this other is a lump sum. Also priceless, is the happiness our decision has brought my husband as he is SO excited about his new chef position.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-16 12:04:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north

ya, but Tim hortons coffee is cheaper than Starbucks, so in the long run, your saving $$. Plus doesnt cost much to keep the igloo warm!!


:lol:

Plus, we don't have poutine in california. That's worth the extra $$ alone!
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-15 17:06:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north
PHEW! Ya had me scared for a minute!!

I'm tellin' ya, I remember my husband commenting on how "expensive" all the US Immig. was, but shoot, I'm looking at $1500 for the app/pr card/etc, about $240 for the medical (plus time off from work) and $75+ for the fbi & state checks! yowsa!! There goes the plans for Wedding #2 renewal party at the end of '06.

Aye carumba
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-15 14:33:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north
thanks again zyg
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-14 16:14:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north
oh sigh :(

well this is all good to know. We talked again last night another couple hours on the subject and still feel this is what we need to do, for many reasons. I am trying to look at it in the most positive light, an adventure (sort of). I have lived my whole life in California within a 1-1/2 hr radius. This is scary and exciting for me all at once.

I think we will leave the apps moving thru USCIS until we receive something expected of us and then I would imagine I would need to write and withdraw our US apps at that point. I don't know that we'd want to spend $ on both anyway.

We don't plan on having him visit the US due to some past problems at a POE, we really don't know for certain whether he is on the lookout system for a failed attempt to visit last year. I filed for an FOIA at xmas time to see what was in his files but who knows when that'll come. He does want to come down and help me move up whenever that will be.

I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. More damn apps!! :wacko:


PS, does anyone know how much $ he has to make for the support side, is it like the US with a poverty mark or something? I couldn't find anything on the cic site, other than how much a student has to make. I am concerned because he only worked 4 months in '05 but has been working consistently since then in canada. Will they consider my skill/abilities to bring home the bacon too? Can I show somehow my work experience?

Edited by Married_my_love, 14 March 2006 - 03:39 PM.

Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-14 15:36:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north
Thanks you guys.

holy carp, 9 months is disheartening. I must have already found some misinformation that 6 months would be it. There would be a financial benefit of waiting 9 months, that I'd get my xmas bonus before I bailed out, which is usually pretty substantial... but living my life without my husband is just much worse than I thought it would be. I was a complete wreck yesterday, he could barely peel me off to send me on my way in the rental car to go to the airport. I cried for hours and it just felt like my heart was being torn out.

I wish I could just go on a visitor basis but I owe too much in bills and don't know that he'd be able to completely support both of us at first. I would have to work when I got there...

but I do think we need to file regardless and just see how it plays out.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-13 14:40:00
CanadaLooks like I may be heading to the great white north
Well after 3 days with my husband and long discussions, we have decided to also file for me to immigrate to Canada while we wait out this process. He has been offered the opportunity of a (chef's) lifetime, and thru much thought we feel it may be better for us as a team to keep all options open. We may give it a year and then possibly DCF if it isn't what we had hoped for.

All this U.S. immigration research!! yikes! and now I gotta try and find out how to do it the other direction. :huh:

I have many transferrable skills, but my job here in the states is nothing compared to what he's had suddenly appear before him in London. My mom's gonna freak, but I know that our future is what is #1 and being his supportive wife is what is most important to me.

It looks like the timeline for spouse visa is approx. 6+ months which is when my current apartment lease is up, so I couldn't go any earlier anyway. I just don't want to get to the interview stage (him to U.S.) and at THAT point decide we want to have me move there and tack on another 6+ months to the separation. I'd rather get things rolling now as a back up.

So! Anybody know of a site that is like VJ but for immigrating to Canada? :wacko:
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-13 14:07:00
CanadaEZ way for husband to transfer cash to me?

Married..

Your state police certificate from California must come from the California Dept of Justice.

http://www.ag.ca.gov...rints/index.htm

Ahhh you did the Live Scan... Ok.. that's what you need..


Yeah, I kinda lucked out on that one, I had already written to DOJ to get the form for my husband back when I thought he needed it because he had stayed in california for a little over 6 months. So I had the blank in my hands and popped in to do that.

I have a Q Zyg, hypothetically if let's say, we're at 10 months (god forbid) and I've only got 2 months left for the med to be valid, could I at that time go and get another done, for the sake of getting it rolling so as not to add extra time at the end?
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-22 12:22:00
CanadaEZ way for husband to transfer cash to me?

You now need to get you other paperwork that you need in order stat. Go and send your fingerprints for the FBI and State Police Certificates. Have your husband get all his sponsorship paperwork in order now (Option C Printout from CRA, Employer Letter, etc.) because the 1 year clock is now ticking for you...


We've done all that you listed, and have also requested FBI expedite, which recently they've been doing in 3 weeks if requested (sent self-addr priority return envelope with it)
Did the Live Scan for Dept of State report, and his and my paperwork are complete. Just got a call today from the Ombudsman who was able to wrangle our marriage certificate out of the hands of Thunder Bay and it is in the mail on the way to my husband.
Hopefully I didn't screw everything up by taking my medical.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-21 17:26:00
CanadaEZ way for husband to transfer cash to me?

Married...
Do not get the immigration physical done until you have your police certificates in hand... Cancel that appointment now...


uh oh. :(
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-21 16:19:00
CanadaEZ way for husband to transfer cash to me?

My hubby always sent money to me with Western Union.... you can get the money really quickly that way.... you do have to pay for the service of course... I can't remember how much it was though


Thanks. Quick is KEY!! lol
(well there is that old box of mac & cheese in the cabinet, been there since I moved in, y'know, in case I get hungry!!)
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-21 00:31:00
CanadaEZ way for husband to transfer cash to me?
I have to go for my medical tomorrow (for the canadian immigration) and I wasn't expecting to have to pay cash. It is $200 and I also spent $50 today on the 9 passport photos I needed. Plus the $ I spent on fingerprints over the weekend. Yikes. I didn't plan for this and now I'm tapped until pay day!! :crying:

He banks with Bank of Montreal. Is there anything I can do online to transfer funds, or if anyone has a suggestion. Western Union? We've never had to dabble with transferring funds to/fro.

:blush: i'm embarrassed that I'm living this close to the edge.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-20 22:02:00
CanadaNOA2 Issued

Now the number 69 has a whole new meaning to me!!!!! :whistle: :devil:
WoooHoooo for us!!!!!!! :joy:
David (Karen's other half)...... (L) (F)


We got ours today too, kinda weird that I was excited and then I thought OH YEAH we're applying for the other one now. Oh well. Congrats.

(I am trying to look at it in a symbolic way, that IT CAN BE DONE as some sort of encouragement to myself)
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-28 23:27:00
Canada4 Chrissake what else. The H&R Block guy HAS NO CLUE

http://forums.serbin...69e26b292b2d1cc

You should start gathering info!! Great free tax forum!! Plus Serbinski will do your taxes. Just send them all your paperwork, they do it, mail it back to you!! Once you start reading up on stuff, its not really that difficult, a bit confusing yes!!


Hey flames any idea on their fee?

My Blockhead hasn't called, he said he was going to today. Yep. Serbinski did reply to my post and said I can't use 2555, that I have to use 1116, so I was going to see if blockman could figure that out - but if he can't i'm grabbing my stuff back and running out the door.

And H&R Block refuses to help us straighten this out..We have went clear upto the Corp office no luck there either....We are on our own to straighten this out...Now that we have given them proof that he is a PR in Canada CRA says it will take 6 months to reverse this if they decide to..And the taxes for 2005 CRA is keeping!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michelle


Hey Michelle, did you guys pay for the H&R insurance? the one that says they'll go with you to an audit and pay for the fees if they messed up?
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-25 18:25:00
Canada4 Chrissake what else. The H&R Block guy HAS NO CLUE

The 12 month period does not have to be from Jan to Jan, it can be from Sept to Sept, June to June etc.


Still can't do it, because it has to start or end in 2005; I can only come up with 306 days no matter how I slice it. ack.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-24 12:25:00
Canada4 Chrissake what else. The H&R Block guy HAS NO CLUE

Its early morning, and brain is fuzzy and I may be incorrect, but accordingto the above link, to qualify for the physical presence test, one would have had to spend 330 days back in Canada, which by your post he did not, as he spent 244 days in the USA. I may be incorrect though!!


Yeah, this is where it got all confusing for Mr. H&R because he kept trying to make him physically present in US, but he didn't have enough days really in either country to reach the 330 for a 12 month period.

thanks for the link, I've actually been getting some help over there on the "personal" forum with the canadian immigration issues too.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-24 12:08:00
Canada4 Chrissake what else. The H&R Block guy HAS NO CLUE
:blink:

The reason I went to a tax guy instead of doing it myself was so that they could HELP ME figure out this Married filing joint, foreign tax, etc.

He got to the part about physical presence vs. bona fide and stopped, changed it back and forth, looked bewildered, asked me questions I didn't know the answer to and then asked if I can come back and he'll "research" this weekend.

My husband was a wandering nomad from Jan 1 to Sept 1. He was in the US 8 mos then returned to canada. All his 2005 income is Cdn. We filled out the ITIN, got the passport copy notarized, wrote the "declaration" that he wants to be treated as a US resident for taxes.

But I'm lost on the physical presence thingie. He was in the states for 244 days. He had a perm mailing address in Ottawa, and a temp mailing address while in the states. Does he fall under "bona fide residence" ?

he** if I know. I thought I was paying for him to help ME. I do not have a good feeling that he's going to do this right, even though he seemed like a nice tax man.

Wouldn'tya think they'd have ONE person at H&R who has done something like this before?
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-24 00:33:00
CanadaGOT IT!!!
I'm happy happy happy for you and green with envy!!

I've been reading your posts all along, congrats in a big way!!!
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-03-22 23:57:00
CanadaDenied in Montreal

Thanks everyone. I'm hoping this nightmare will all be over soon. Got to get through another batch of waiting.


Hey, there is a club over on immigrate2us, if you want PM me and I'll give you the leader's addy. They track all the waivers, sending you a spreadsheet each month with the percentage of approvals, by country, etc.

The percentage of approvals of waivers based on their data is over 80% so keep your chin up.

pm me if you want more info.

Edited by Married_my_love, 07 April 2006 - 12:32 PM.

Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-07 12:31:00
CanadaSurprising... ! using your Solemnization Record in application

Go buy yourself a nice bottle of wine, I know that when immigration stuff makes me want to scream, a nice glass and a soak in the tub does wonders!


exactly!! I also noticed this morning that my damm Fedex slip global express, I didn't put his postal code :(

because I was so nervous after my goof, I saw there was a box that said "don't use this for foreign postal codes" and so what did I do? I left it totally blank!! duh!! :hehe:

I have to pray that someone is NICE and looks it up, because he lives on a street in london that there are two of by the same name. What a knucklehead. Hopefully they'll use his ph # that I put on the slip to get it to him. I can't believe it!!

on top of this I am really hating my boss today and all i can think about is walking out. Calgon take me away!!
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-10 14:42:00
CanadaSurprising... ! using your Solemnization Record in application

What are you going to do? Still go through with Canadian Immigration? Or will you wait and see what will happen with the K-3?


We're definitely going with me moving to Canada. It's just a better thing all around for both of us right now.... although it was very bittersweet to get that letter and know we're just now mailing our Can app off. !

Oh and I had a big MELTDOWN at the post office Saturday, holding that spouse app in my hands for 1-1/2 hrs (it's the only PO open on saturdays in my area, so very crowded). They finally called my number and I looked down to realize I had two different addresses in the app for my husband!! Somehow I type-o'd!! I broke out in a sweat and started shaking... I ran out and went to the car to find out that it was just the cover letter I goofed on. (but I was about to mail it to the cover letter address!)
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-10 13:53:00
CanadaSurprising... ! using your Solemnization Record in application
I was told by a VJ'r way back in December when i decided to get married in Canada to go ahead and apply for the CR-1/K3 using the Solemnization Record (to get the ball rolling), then I'd get RFE'd... and by then I'd get my real marriage certificate (since it takes 12 weeks from Ontario to get it)... the notion was that my app would never make it to Montreal with just the S.R.

I just got my letter saying that NVC has approved and sent our K3 to Montreal. I never got RFE'd. Kinda weird! Since we're withdrawing our app, I was actually just waiting for the RFE from NVC so that I could return the info with a letter requesting withdrawal instead of sending the requested marriage certificate. I'm kinda surprised it made it all the way to the embassy with the S.R. considering it is printed right on it "not a legal doc". :blink:
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-10 13:40:00
CanadaCanada post - is the tracking up to date?

I'msure once canada upgrades from sled dogs to Fords Model T, mail will speed up!!


:lol: that made me spit my wine.


OK, I guess I forget about holidays when there are no hidden eggs and chocolate bunny. I plumb didn't even remember to discount those days.

AND I can't claim I know whether xpresspost IS actually next day, my honey told me he sent it next day, but he may not have known how fast it goes....

Ok... I will be patient. :yes: it's funny when it comes to this immigration stuff, how every flipping second extra is just TOO LOOOONG to wait.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-18 21:29:00
CanadaCanada post - is the tracking up to date?
We sent our app to Mississauga from London, Xpress Post on the 12th. The tracking stopped on the 15th on the website and still shows it's sitting in a sortation place.

Obviously being from the US I don't have much experience with canada post... is that normal? 6 days to go from London to Mississauga? I was thinking xpress post would mean it would be there in a few days.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-18 11:59:00
CanadaDress code for interview

I was thinking fishnets, daisy dukes, heels and a tube top, is that wrong?


You're killing me over here that is hysterical.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 15:20:00
CanadaI'm in the USA visiting my fiance!

I'm afraid that if he shows up with a bunch of your stuff in his car, they'll think it's HIS stuff and take it as a sign he's going to move, especially paired with the moving contract you have -- they may think he's moving to Detroit with you or something. Seriously, if he flies from Toronto to LAX, and tells the ppl at Pearson that he's going to help his wife move closer to the Canadian Border so you can visit each other while she waits for her Canadian visa, I imagine that will go over a LOT better then if he tries driving across with a car full of stuff, telling the same story.

Congrats on the new apt, btw! :)


Thanks chicken!
Oh no... he's not driving with anything in a car. He's bringing one backpack (he's a dude, he needs like one tshirt and his toothbrush, it cracks me up! He's getting a ride over to DTW from a friend.

He'll also have our (hopefully) letter of sponsorship approval for my PR by then. He's going to drive to detroit, and fly, with just one backpack and all the stuff I mentioned, apt lease, paystubs, etc. Also wrote out our itinerary and have reserved the hotels for the drive back -
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-30 19:04:00
CanadaI'm in the USA visiting my fiance!

I belive they are stating, that it isnt a 100% sure thing that he will be allowed into the USA while the Visa process is ongoing. Always that chance as you already know. Just as there is a chance you won't be allowed into Canada. best of luck


Oh yeah flames, I got that part, I meant I didn't understand where they were saying we should meet, at the border?
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 19:49:00
CanadaI'm in the USA visiting my fiance!

Even if they don't let him cross, you could meet him at point just across the border so you don't have to drive the whole way alone.


I'm confused, whatcha mean?... I'm in california, heading to michigan, he is out east, where would we meet ? he would be driving over to detroit from canada, and then flying to LAX (if it works out). Then we'd drive 2500 miles east.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 18:11:00
CanadaI'm in the USA visiting my fiance!
Congrats on the ez experience.

Gosh I pray that it is this easy for my husband in June when he comes down to help me move to Michigan. We believe he is on the lookout list from back in Sept 05. I really am sweating it out. I will be so screwed if they don't let him in because I'll have to pack a truck by myself and also drive for 5 days alone. :(

I have SO MUCH stuff for him to take to the border, if they drill him he is definitely prepared. Everything from the hotels I have booked along the way back, the contract with the movers with the dates specified and also the letters we sent to Montreal and CSC withdrawing our K3/CR-1. I am just so worried they'll look him up and see he (was) applying to move here.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 15:14:00
CanadaBorder Crossing
At least you didn't get to meet with my creepy guy

creepy poe experience
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-02-28 15:09:00
CanadaI'm GIDDY and excited, I found an apartment!!

Congratulations on finding an apartment.
I agree with Jersey Girl... you're going to love Canada. My husband says he'd move here if he could find a job.


ew let's not even talk about that. I am freaked about finding a job. I will probably go back to waitressing or something!! luckily my husband has an awesome job with lots of potential he loves... he'll be having to help me for a while I think.
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-30 15:06:00
CanadaI'm GIDDY and excited, I found an apartment!!
You know, some people here are telling me I am crazy. I am crazy to move, crazy to go somewhere without a job, and I really just want to say SHUTUP! to all of them! Everybody has a fricking opinion for me about my life right now. I only have 2 friends supporting me, oh and my mom too.

CRAZY is being a newlywed and never seeing my husband. Crazy is not knowing if we'll be waiting 7, 8 or 12 months for the canadian visa. I think you guys can understand more than anyone, people just have to give their opinions and I'm so sick of it.

I have been hating my job since sometime last summer (I posted here how my boss decided to give me his opinions about my husband during my year end review, and how he's "using me" for a greencard) and I really just can't flippin wait to march in and say BUH-BYE!!

EEEEEEEEEH I just get giddy thinking about it!

June 23 will be my last day at my job. Loading the truck all weekend, movers drive away with it June 25, hubby (hopefully) and I take a 5 day roadtrip with the cat. Utah/Nebraska/Illinois/Michigan. Get there in time for Canada day too! :)

I :dance: am :dance: dancin :dance: around :dance: the :dance: house!
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 18:04:00
CanadaI'm GIDDY and excited, I found an apartment!!

Hey.. would it happend to be in the Detroit metro area ?


YEP. I was looking all along the 94 and anywhere from Port Huron down to Detroit. The apt is in Clinton Township, so I can job hunt in the detroit area now too. :)
Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 15:36:00
CanadaI'm GIDDY and excited, I found an apartment!!
Hey everyone, I have been diligently looking for a short term lease in Michigan and was not doing too well! I could find 6 month leases, but I really don't want to commit in case (hope and pray) my visa comes thru before 8 months.

ANYWAY, blah blah I found an apartment that will lease for 3 months! and they accept cats. YAY! so after July 1, I will be 2 hrs and 15 min away from my husband. I am so happy I could cry. :dance:

We can finally (at least on weekends) be real life newlyweds. I seriously can't stop grinning.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!

They're also being cool about me renting without employ. Just have to show them my savings account balance. ROCKING GOOD NEWS.

Edited by Married_my_love, 29 April 2006 - 03:18 PM.

Married_my_loveNot TellingCanada2006-04-29 15:18:00