ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaIn a tough Situation
Sorry if this is going off on a tangent, but when you're terminated with an at-will employer, what happens to your letters of recommendation for your next job?

I just started working for an at-will company in New Jersey that stipulates they can walk me to the door at any time but expects me to give 2 weeks notice if I quit. If I take another job, I'm going to demand an employment contract that sets out severance.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-10-28 08:07:00
CanadaIn a tough Situation
Whoa. You've been thrown a couple of curve balls but don't do anything rash just yet. His job prospects may still be better in the States than Canada. And if he was let go, there's a law that lets him continue his company health insurance for 18 months. I thinks it's COBRA.

Why not deal with one thing at a time? Let him get well, and then get a new job. Sounds simpler than uprooting yourselves and doing a 180 at this point. (Just one opinion among many.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-10-24 18:55:00
Canadaquestion on interview
Do you hold onto photos and other evidence of a relationship until they ask?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-14 06:27:00
CanadaREPORT ON VANCOUVER MEDICAL TODAY
Glad there were no glitches for this part of your journey!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-14 06:18:00
CanadaMy baby is here!
Beautiful baby! Congratulations! He has lots of CanAm aunties and uncles here who'd be happy to babysit!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-15 07:59:00
CanadaAT LAST!! INTERVIEW DATE CONFIRMED!!!
Happy to hear it! Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-14 21:44:00
CanadaYay! Interview date!!
Fantastic news! So glad your transfer strategy paid off!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-15 07:49:00
CanadaPOE Dorval-Trudeau airport
Linda, I'm haunted by your experience, because this whole process has been one unexpected delay after another. First it was IMBRA and double RFEs. Then there was a long silence after finally being approved. Then it took 3 weeks for Package 3 to go from Montreal to Toronto with the wrong postal code.

I can't believe it has been 5 months since the NOA2 and we're still a month away from the interview! Murphy's Law has been in full play.

So why not play it safe and spend an extra night in Montreal? Three nights in a nice hotel could be a well deserved treat. Especially since we're spending Christmas apart and haven't seen each other since last March!

Edited by Jersey Girl, 15 December 2006 - 08:54 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-15 20:50:00
CanadaPOE Dorval-Trudeau airport
Wow, Linda, thanks for the report. Sorry they put you through the ringer. Things that should be easy turn out to be complicated! But you're done now, thank goodness.

I'm trying to plan the day after the interview, when the passport is stamped. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to get a flight out of Montreal that day, or stay another night.

You have to get to the airport hours in advance these days for an international flight, and if we have to allow 2 extra hours to activate a visa, it could be a very long journey.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-12 17:50:00
CanadaPOE Dorval-Trudeau airport
I'm assuming there's U.S. pre-clearance at the Montreal airport. Lots of people interview in Montreal but I haven't seen anyone report on flying back to the States from there, activating a K visa. (Or, will we be activating when we land in Newark, NJ?)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-10 17:25:00
CanadaWE GOT THE VISA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We all love a happy ending! Congratulations and Merry Christmas!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-15 19:54:00
CanadaPolitics in the US
I was raised in the States, where there's a lot more "Civics" injected into the curriculum: history, pride in one's country, the importance of freedom, and your responsibility to vote. I was also a student teacher in Canada, where the emphasis is on multiculturalism and tolerance. Huge difference.

Americans identify with political groups and can be fiercely passionate about their beliefs. Canadians are live-and-let-live, which is important in a small country (population) with vast geography and often severe weather.

Frankly, I'd rather be in a place where people are engaged and involved, instead of disinterested or cynical. Democracy works better that way.

(Let the debate begin.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-14 07:31:00
CanadaGreen Card In hand!!!!!!1
"Perseverance brings goood fortune." (Chinese fortune cookie). Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-16 15:12:00
CanadaWoo hoo my baby is here!!!!!
Lucky you! Glad it worked well!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-17 20:18:00
CanadaSeverence Pay
Government jobs may not seem attractive at first, until you factor in pensions, severance, and everything else a union will get for you.

My boss (another writer) was telling me about a laborer who worked on sets in the California film industry, doing manual tasks. This union laborer is now 52, retiring, moving to France, and starting his own vineyard. (!) None of the writers still have those sexy Hollywood jobs. My boss is now living in New Jersey, writing cr*p, and is unprotected by a union.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 18 December 2006 - 07:23 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-18 07:21:00
CanadaSeverence Pay
If you have an employment contract that spells out severance pay up front, you're lucky. Many people these days have an "at will" agreement where a company can let you go without giving a reason or severance. They expect you to collect unemployment. And you can expect them to keep quiet about anything that might harm your chances of getting another job.

On the other hand, when big companies have massive lay-offs, they often give "packages" to protect their public reputation as well as reward the outgoing workers.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-15 07:56:00
Canadainterview date for MTL
Sorry to throw this out, but, there's talk of a new routine in Montreal. They may not be giving visas the next day, and may be mailing them. We'll know 1st week of Jan. (I'm only hearing this 2nd hand.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-18 19:51:00
Canadainterview date for MTL

Jersey, its great to be getting the details in motion but I think I'm starting to panic already. Work wouldnt give me time off to go for the medical as of yet, its scheduled for Jan 8th. The reality of the whole process is really sinking in now, and I'm horribly nervous about relying on someone who knows neither of us to decide that we can cross the border, get married, and start our lives together. I probably just need to relax, grab a drink, and bask in the glow of getting an interview date lol


Don't panic. Say your prayers! Regardless of how Montreal may be giving misinformation, God is protecting you. I've never heard of a 2:30 appointment. Our Package 4 says 8:15. It may be worth another phone call if your Package 4 has not arrived yet. Call: 514-398-9695 Press 4 (between 2:00 & 4:30 eastern time). The old option of pressing 6 Ext #3833 is apparently no longer valid.

Sorry your employer is being a nasty about the medical. But in the end, you'll win. You'll get everything done regardless and you'll be together, starting a new life before you know it. Have a sleep, a drink, and a deep breath, so you can get all the details right! Good luck!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-18 07:38:00
Canadainterview date for MTL
Great news! After all this time, isn't it nice to be arranging the details? :yes:
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-15 19:52:00
CanadaAnyone who has a K3 timeline and is going through a US Consulate in Canda:
K-3 may not be faster than a CR-1, and you might consider "staying the course." Lots of K-3 couples thought it would be faster but had many whammies thrown at us that slowed things down. You just can't predict what 2007 will bring in terms of changes. Ultimately, you want an immigrant visa (not the K-3 non-immigrant visa), and it may be faster to go for CR-1 instead of K-3 plus AOS.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-19 19:00:00
CanadaBank letter question as it pertains to the Montréal Consulate...
My bank filled in a standard form they have. It's a one-pager with room to report 3 different accounts. They get asked for this information all the time, especially when people are qualifying for mortgages.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-12 17:40:00
CanadaBank letter question as it pertains to the Montréal Consulate...
A lot of people have trouble getting a letter from their bank stating exactly what's asked for. But if you get a notarized letter from them showing how much is on deposit now, that's probably good evidence. Also, if you have some current monthly statements, that's further evidence.

Even though you meet the income requirements, I wouldn't show up with nothing from the bank, hoping you won't be asked. I'd spend $20 and get some kind of letter from them about your assets. (But I'm overly cautious.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-10 08:03:00
CanadaMontreal says they mailed my visa!!!
You go girl! (And don't forget to bring a pair of boots!)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-22 07:38:00
CanadaI'm in Canada with my honey :)
Enjoy keeping each other warm!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-22 19:47:00
CanadaVisa approved!
Sounds like you overcame a few obstacles and are home free! Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-17 09:30:00
CanadaGot packet 4
Glad to hear you finally got the letter and are prepared for their new routine, even if they're not! The time will fly!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-22 19:53:00
CanadaApproval :)
Congratulations! The year 2007 will be a good one with new beginnings!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-22 07:14:00
CanadaAdvance Parole at Buffalo/Ontario Border
If you're using the Peace Bridge, it's supposed to have more knowledgeable officers, since it's a commercial crossing. The Rainbow Bridge (Niagara) could hold you up.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-24 08:37:00
CanadaChristmas Eve
Merry Christmas to all, with best wishes for love, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year!
-Marianne
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-25 07:18:00
Canadagot my interview date in MTL!!!
Perfect timing. Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-23 08:59:00
CanadaHow long should I wait?
Montreal sent our Package 3 with the wrong postal code but it eventually got to Toronto. After 3 weeks! (Be patient.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-29 16:03:00
CanadaCopies of Medical
I can't answer your question, except to ask another: if you're doing AOS, don't you need a copy of the K-visa medical (to avoid doing it again)?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-27 18:17:00
Canadaweird topic but: bringing christmas gifts to canada
Leave them unwrapped and throw them into gift bags with tissue when you get there. They'll look nice.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-09 22:41:00
CanadaMy love is here!!!
So glad to hear of your happy ending! Enjoy the new year and all the good things to come!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-31 10:33:00
CanadaHappy New Yr 2007 to all fellow Canucks!!
Happy New Year from the Garden State, where it's mild (50s) and raining. I hear from my husband that Toronto is 9 Celsius and also raining. We've all been through a lot in 2006, so I hope 7 will be lucky for everyone!

Best, Marianne
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-01 12:54:00
CanadaUS Immigration for Canadians (marriage based)
What does she use as proof of her U.S. citizenship?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-02 21:19:00
CanadaCanadian geese
Sometimes I get homesick too. For Toronto. (Yeah, don't laugh.) So when I want to plug in, I go to the online newspapers.
conservative take
liberal take
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-26 17:04:00
CanadaHow to answer "have you ever been refused admission"
Thanks. The consensus is to answer "yes" and provide an explanation on another sheet, rather than glossing over an event that's definitely on their radar.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-03 11:15:00
CanadaHow to answer "have you ever been refused admission"
I asked this in another forum, but wanted your input:

My husband was turned back at the Canadian border because he didn't have enough evidence of ties. But he returned later that day with lots of documents and was admitted. He was photographed and fingerprinted.

The question asks if he has ever been refused admission. If we answer "yes," there's no place on the form to give an explanation. If we answer "no," it might be construed as a lie.

What's the best answer?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-03 10:06:00
Canadafiance received packet 3....couple questions...
On the tax return question: the IRS sends tax transcripts for free and it doesn't take much time to get them.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-03 10:11:00