ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaThe Interview Process
I'm pretty sure they asked me this for my K1 and I never even thought to say "To be with my fiance (now husband)"... :whistle: :lol:

I think I said something like "His family is closer so we would have more support when we have a family."

Maybe something like that?
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-02 23:13:00
CanadaVancouver Consulate question
There is 1 flight of stairs to get to the floor with the elevator. After that, you can use the elevator to go up and down.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-03 22:53:00
CanadaEAD/AP Question
Thanks all!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-11 21:36:00
CanadaEAD/AP Question
We sent in our RFE response at the start of September and my EAD was approved on Sept. 28 - "card production ordered". My AP also shows it was approved Sept. 28th, but the USCIS website still says "Post Decision Activity" as the status with the message "On September 28, 2012, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I131 APPLICATION FOR USCIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT."

I got my EAD on Oct. 6th (It was mailed on the 4th) but I still haven't received my AP in the mail. I noticed on the bottom of my EAD that it says "Serves as I-512 Advance Parole" - is this what I need to re-enter the country? I thought I would get a piece of paper I needed to bring with me.

Can anyone clarify? Do I need to contact USCIS?
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-10 21:06:00
CanadaUS Citizens might be moving to Vancouver
If it's in North Van, then you probably want to look at North Van houses. Coquitlam/Richmond would be an hour/hour and a half drive away. North Burnaby wouldn't be too bad, maybe an hour at the most.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-12 17:00:00
CanadaUS Citizens might be moving to Vancouver
I would suggest looking into living in a smaller suburb (Coquitlam, Burnaby, Richmond) because housing costs will be less, but still expensive. A 3BR home would be at least $1500 to rent, probably more. It depends on the landlord though.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-10 21:00:00
CanadaProof of ties and extending stay?
Your proof-of-ties is pretty weak. Quitting your job and bringing your pet would look very suspicious. Unfortunately, the surgery could be done anywhere - so that isn't really sufficient proof.

Normally they look for things like: a job, rental agreement, home ownership.

Maybe a quick trip would be better, but you could always try going. Being turned back at the border would be emotionally stressful but it wouldn't affect you if you applied for a K1/CR1. Just be honest because the only thing that will mess you up is lying.

Good luck!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-14 13:07:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
I kept mine open and put my Mom as power of attorney.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-09-22 21:50:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Being nervous is totally normal. I laughed at myself after about how stressed I was for no reason! That stress all came back when I applied for AOS. It's just uncertainty. Try to relax - I know it's hard.

pocheros is bang-on. Don't worry too much if you can't go inside. It won't affect your fiance's interview.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-17 22:54:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
As long as the relationship is real, and you make enough money... Everything should be fine. Just relax. It's almost over.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-16 22:37:00
Canadahow do you know if you passed the medicals?
If they give it to you, you passed.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-07 23:41:00
CanadaFinally mailed off AOS!
Congrats! My EAD came really fast so hopefully yours does too! Good luck!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-10-25 01:17:00
CanadaGetting Ready for Interview...Do I Have Everything I Need?
Both the USC and the Beneficiary need to have a Letter of Intent - at least, you do in Vancouver.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-11 12:48:00
CanadaConsidering getting immigration medical done in Montreal & do not have Immunization record
I just went to a walk-in clinic and asked for a blood test (I needed to prove I hadn't had chicken pox). She asked me a bunch of questions and finally gave me the form for the blood test. I told her it was for immigration purposes and I needed to get a varicella vaccination. Getting the blood test for chicken pox is hard because no one believes a 25 year old hasn't had chicken pox - lol!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-15 14:38:00
CanadaConsidering getting immigration medical done in Montreal & do not have Immunization record
They're usually free at a health unit except for Tdap. You will need a blood test prior to getting shots to prove you need the shot.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-07 23:38:00
CanadaCan anyone help me navigate this nightmare? SSA vs Immigration records
Not sure if it was the SSA database or not.

Update: Good news - I applied for and received my (temporary) driver's license with my name spelled CORRECTLY! Thank goodness!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-24 00:09:00
CanadaCan anyone help me navigate this nightmare? SSA vs Immigration records
Haha - I'm just trying to avoid doing anything wrong. They did tell me I could try to get the license, but I'm not sure if I trust their advice!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-15 17:37:00
CanadaCan anyone help me navigate this nightmare? SSA vs Immigration records
I need to take a written test first (permit) then a driving test. You only have to wait 1 week between the two tests so no big deal. I'm mostly concerned that I'll be "using a false name" and get in trouble if I try to get the license using the incorrect name.

Ugh, what a nightmare. Sorry you have to put up with all this BS. What is it with SSA offices and incompetence? Seriously, they seem to screw up constantly.

Yeah I mostly hear of SSA horror stories. I thought I was going to get through without one... lol

I am sorry that i cannot help with this but just want to share my stories so other people may be aware when they consider changing their names before they get all ID cards.


I almost wish I hadn't!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-15 16:31:00
CanadaCan anyone help me navigate this nightmare? SSA vs Immigration records
I already went back and they said "We only have 2 records and BOTH show "Hollyanne" not Holly Anne".... I said how would my first card be CORRECT as Holly Anne. She said "it's not correct there's just a space there" - what kind of sense does that make? She's saying it's USCIS because they sent my info to be verified and it "verified as Hollyanne not Holly Anne" so that's why I got the card the way I did. So maybe she was just trying to make it seem like it wasn't their fault and the last person messed it up?

I wish I had that info before I went in, but if they mess up again I'll be sure to write it down.

So much bureaucratic nonsense. I'm so fed up!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-15 15:07:00
CanadaCan anyone help me navigate this nightmare? SSA vs Immigration records
Okay. When I first got to the US I got my social security card in my maiden name. Everything was perfect and correctly spelled. We got married and I tried to change my name but by then I was out of status and they told me to wait til I got my EAD. Fair enough. Finally got my EAD at the start of October (I applied for AOS in July but had an RFE). I took in everything to the social security office and applied for a name change to my married name. Everything was fine, she told me they would need to verify my EAD with USCIS. Fine.

2 weeks later I got my social security card in the mail. To my dismay, my new card had my first and middle name combined into one name. My first name is Holly, middle name is Anne and this card says "Hollyanne". I called the 800 number for social security and after talking to two idiots I asked to speak to a supervisor. The whole time they insisted my name is Hollyanne and that is how my ORIGINAL (maiden name) card had it spelled. I told them, "No, I'm looking at my card and that's not what it says..." The supervisor told me to mail in the misspelled card "Hollyanne" with copies of the documents I submitted and a letter of explanation and I should get a new card within 2 weeks.

2 weeks later I get a phone call saying "you need to come in with your original documents because we can't change your name without the originals".... Ugh! So today I missed a day of work and brought all of my cards, birth certificate, original social security card - everything. They told me that my name in their system is "Hollyanne" and they cant change it because that's what USCIS says my name is. I asked how I got the original card correctly spelled then and they replied "Well it was never in the system as Holly Anne..." and I was like "Do you see the space between the two names?" and she said "Yes I see it but I'm telling you that's not how it is in the system..." - lol! So I asked if I should contact USCIS and inform them of the mistake. They told me there's no point, they're sending my stuff in for manual verification and it will take up to 4 weeks. I asked if they were sure this would correct it because the first time I came in for the name change they said the EXACT same thing (my information needs to be verified). They said - either they will update their information and we can issue the card in the correct name or you will get back the same card "Hollyanne".... WHAT THE HELL? --- the worst part is they actually said "It's because you're not a US citizen" Well, screw you too. I'm pretty proud I maintained my composure.

So my question is: what the hell do I do in this situation? This has already been a month and a half ordeal. I need to get my driver's license but I can't without an updated SSN. They told me I could "try" taking in my receipt from today - but the DMV would issue my Driver's license as "Hollyanne". I need to drive for work (it's about an hour drive away and taking the bus for 2.5 hours is getting old fast) and I need to drive for the actual job itself. My employer has been amazing and understanding so far but once they don't need my help in the office I'll lose my hours until I get a license. I'm thinking I should just go try to get the license in the wrong name and change it later (if possible) but I'm not sure if this will cause a bigger mess in the end. (I live in California if this matters at all)

Should I try calling USCIS? Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice would be appreciated.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-11-15 14:32:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...
You have an awesome workout and relaxing yoga session after a crappy day at work.

BONUS: A nice hot London Fog while curled up in bed with your fluffy kitty on your lap.

:luv:
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2011-11-21 23:58:00
CanadaDoubts
I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I think it's pretty common to have these kinds of feelings though. I've been lonely even though I find it easy to make friends - I just don't really know how to outside of work or school. The company I work for is very small and the number of people I can meet is limited. Even though I get along with everyone, I don't really feel comfortable asking people to do things outside of work. So I kind of know how you feel. I'm sorry about the job stuff, but that kind of thing happens to the best of us unfortunately.

I'm not sure what to recommend. You could try toughing it out for a while longer until you can move - but that may not solve the problem. I'd sit down and talk with your hubby about what you both think is best and make the decision together.

I wish you the best of luck and feel free to message me if you want to vent or anything!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-12-10 00:03:00
CanadaAPPROVED!
Congratulations!!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-12-08 17:40:00
CanadaRecommend some good banks in the states.
US Bank gave me a credit card with an 800$ limit to help build my credit. No credit history required (just no bad credit). I thought that was awesome instead of having to do a secured card!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-12-13 23:18:00
CanadaDo I need to file a Canadian Tax Return??
You are supposed to inform them when you are no longer working/living in Canada. I'm sure as long as you prove that you did not live/work in Canada at that time, you shouldn't have a problem. Not sure how to go about fixing it so I would follow the advice of others, but you could always give Revenue Canada a call and ask.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-12-26 01:13:00
CanadaAOS interview scheduled!
Dang you got your interview fast! Good luck :)
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-12-23 13:28:00
CanadaOur POE Review in southern BC
Wow that's nuts! I Crossed there in February and had no problems. I think I had a more senior person processing my entry because he was helping other officers out at the same time. Glad you got through okay!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-12-28 22:50:00
CanadaQuestions about Immunization/Medical
I got my blood test for Varicella immunity from a walk-in clinic. Just go to the clinic and ask them for a blood test. Explain you lost your immunization records and you need to get vaccinated for immigration purposes. Bring a list of the vaccines you need to be tested for... but they can only test for a few of them.

As for Tdap - that's weird... I hadn't had any vaccinations/boosters for over 10 years and I only needed 1 shot. They never said anything at my medical. Not sure where the "1 year series of shots" is from but I've never heard that before.

Good luck!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-01-01 16:32:00
CanadaMoving my Stuff...Twice
Just be careful if you get someone to move your things for you. I was told that I would be responsible for everything they were bringing in.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-01-12 14:42:00
CanadaQuestion about Tax Rebates (GST, HST, etc)
Yes, you are supposed to cancel your health care as well as you are no longer a resident. It was really simple calling BC health, not too sure about other provinces.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-01-13 00:41:00
CanadaQuestions... need clarification...

Capri, you are completely wrong about not being allowed to get the SSN in the married name. I'm beginning to think you work for them. :hehe:


lol! Pretty sure part of the job description for working at the social security office is to be wrong all of the time. That place is a nightmare!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-01-31 03:50:00
CanadaTD canceling my Visa becase moving to the US?
No one told me to cancel my visa. I use scotiabank and I didn't update my address because my mom has POA on my account. I don't see why they'd have a problem as long as you continued to pay. As others suggested you should call customer service.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2012-03-08 16:10:00
CanadaHELP so lost
Unfortunately a visa is the only way to live together aside from visits up to 6 months. Visiting for a long period of time can be rough because, as others have mentioned, you need to prove strong ties to Canada. Proof of ties are usually having a job, a lease, school - which obviously are tough to maintain if you leave for more than a few weeks!

My (now) husband and I visited back and forth for about a year and a half and then decided we wanted to get married. We got engaged and started the visa process and eventually got married. It's rough but we made it work because we love each other. It's do-able.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-02-23 21:29:00
CanadaAny value bringing Canadian Credit Report to US
I don't think you can import your credit history - if there is I don't know about it. As for driving history - I had ICBC e-mail me my driving abstract. When my husband added me to his insurance, they just asked when I got my license (16); where I got my license (Canada).... and that was it. They didn't ask for the driving abstract. Our insurance also went down $50 because we were married and both have a clean driving record. I was pretty surprised at how easy it was!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-01-31 01:38:00
CanadaDress Code for an Interview( winter)
I didn't interview in Montreal, but I did interview in Vancouver during winter and I layered up. Big mistake. Try to keep it simple (pants, shirt, coat, shoes). I bundled up with a huge sweater, scarf, and jacket and it was a pain taking all of my layers off and put them back on while the security guard was waiting to escort me upstairs!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-03-01 01:14:00
CanadaTd booster
You need a Tdap booster every 10 years. If you haven't had it in 10 years you need to have it done before your medical. Also, make sure you get Tdap NOT Td.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-03-04 00:44:00
CanadaVaccines
You only need MMR, Tdap, and Varicella (or have had chicken pox). Flu vaccine is required between October and February only (as far as I remember. The other ones you listed are not necessary.

Edit: Ah yes, I forgot about the age thing. What I posted is accurate between 18-64.

Edited by dukeandduchess, 04 March 2013 - 01:17 PM.

dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-03-04 13:13:00
CanadaPolice certificate
It shouldn't matter what name it's in as long as that is your current legal name. You were supposed to inform them of any other names you have gone by, if I remember correctly.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-01-25 15:02:00
CanadaRant: "Inactive Account" on USCIS Website.
Hmmm, that's weird I just changed my password. Maybe I'll take another look. Thanks!
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-03-05 15:36:00
CanadaRant: "Inactive Account" on USCIS Website.
I log in every few days to check my AOS status. Last night I tried logging in and it gave me an error: "Inactive Account". Now in order to log in I need to "correct the error". Hilarious - I guess I should call up USCIS and tell them to process my darn case already?! (kidding) Has anyone had this problem? Hopefully I can still check the status using my MSC# but I haven't tried yet.

I applied for AOS well over 7 months ago, but it has been 6 months since they received my RFE response. It's still sitting at NBC - collecting dust apparently. Groan.
dukeandduchessFemaleCanada2013-03-04 14:28:00