ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaPossible to move from Mtl to Van consulate?
Not worth the hassle of moving, especially to an expensive city like Vancouver. Nor is it worth stressing at this point. Relax and enjoy the time you're in Limbo because it will be over before you know it. Trust me.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 06:16:00
CanadaRealistic processing times
It takes however long it takes. We all make guesstimates based on others and we all have surprises, good and not so good.

It's important to remember that no one is entitled to a visa, regardless of their relationship to a USC. You're responsible for knowing the facts and having a realistic timeframe. Your life and happiness are in your own hands (not the USCIS), which is why we all have strategies for living through the months it takes to get a visa.

You're just beginning and could probably sign on for a 6-month contract at work. If you have to leave early, well, stuff happens. You might also try a month-to-month arrangement. Need a beer?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-14 14:09:00
CanadaMontreal Consulat
I'm guessing a 3-month wait, but who knows?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-13 06:45:00
CanadaStill no K3 interview
cali, I'd be careful about doing things in a way that makes more sense to you, rather than exactly what they ask for. Also, I hear Montreal is "very picky," especially about using the exact forms they send. Why colour outside of the lines?

Can somebody elucidate the checklist? This comes with Package 3, right? Is it simply a list of things to do? Or a list of things you've already done before you send it back?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 06:51:00
CanadaStill no K3 interview
Ummm, aren't you supposed to wait for the interview appointment BEFORE booking the medical? Don't they ask for a letter confirming your interview date?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 15:06:00
CanadaStill no K3 interview

What happens if you get a interview and then you can't get into your medical?

My guess is that when you're paying cash, you can get a convenient appointment for the medical.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 12:19:00
CanadaStill no K3 interview
Yikes, now I'm confused. I thought the K3 stayed at NVC only a short time (2-4 weeks?), and after a bit of background checking, was forwarded to Montreal. Then, the Embassy sends Package 3 and later, Package 4, which has your interview date. Am I smoking banana leaves again?

In any case, waiting for a date in Montreal can be a lengthy process (2-4 months?), so hang in there, tommysgirl because it's coming. Montreal wiil have fabulous weather in a few short weeks and you'll have a wonderful Fall visit. Ahhhh the criossants ... and lattes .....
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 06:12:00
CanadaMontreal Success
Wow, Buttons, it's all over and you have the visa! I'm so happy for you! Enjoy this new chapter in your life!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-10 15:30:00
CanadaK-3 Visa and Non-Immigrant Status
To reiterate, and get other people's opinions:

You might consider having your baby in BC and then entering on your K3. Aussiewench or someone here may have an answer on how long you can sit on a K3 before using it for the first time.

But once you enter, there's no more BC health insurance, unless there's a short grace period. You need to start investigating U.S. health insurance now. If your husband has benefits at work, find out if you'll need a social security number before they'll take you on.

There are companies that provide short-term insurance for foreign visitors. And others that provide discounts on out-of-pocket expenses in exchange for a low monthly membership fee.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 18:12:00
CanadaCanadian Immigration
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you'll still have to file an income tax return in the States, every year, even if you move back to Canada.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 18:18:00
CanadaGot an interview date but....
Both of you guys are laughing! End of October is great weather for driving. Imagine getting an interview when snow is falling and all of Montreal is somewhere under it. (Excuse me, I have to go find my winter boots.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 08:39:00
CanadaGot an interview date but....
The stats say 2-4 months to get a Montreal interview, so we're all prepared for the worst. But look on the bright side. You escaped IMBRA and the ulcers it caused. You can see the end of your journey. You're going to have one helluva Halloween party. October is not that far away. You've got time to prepare a terrrific homecoming. Others don't know if they'll be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas alone.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 07:03:00
CanadaI have a Interview DATE!!!!!
They give you an appointment, not the other way around. This is at the Package 4 stage. If you check the Embassy Info (top of this page) an interview in Montreal takes 2-4 months to get, after the NVC (National Visa Center) stage, and after receiving (and answering) Package 3. No need to live in fantasy-land, just read up.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 14 August 2006 - 02:42 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-14 14:41:00
CanadaI have a Interview DATE!!!!!
Congratulations on the interview date. I've heard of some people (Montreal) coming back the same day to pick up the visa and others having it mailed Expresspost.

I'm not sure what I'd do with a Friday interview. Possibly stay until Monday? Think of it as a vacation? Be ready to cross into the States immediately after getting the visa? This would mean parking the car in a safe hotel garage for the week-end. Too many break-in stories.

An alternative is to go back home, wait for the Expresspost, and then leave for the States.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-13 07:45:00
CanadaMontreal Finally Comes Through
Hey, Ed, we're all happy it turned out for you. At some point, maybe you can tell us why they didn't accept the original sponsor.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-19 08:15:00
CanadaAre Americans allowed to apply for dual citizenship?
wally, an American with income must file a U.S. return every year no matter where in the world they live, whether they owe tax to Uncle Sam or not. It's not easy finding a tax preparer with credentials in both Canada and the U.S., nor is it cheap. Something to think about before moving to Canada or taking out citizenship there.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-07-25 18:53:00
CanadaAre Americans allowed to apply for dual citizenship?
karlita, you've gotten the straight facts from zyggy, Reba, and Kathryn41. Now here's some personal experience. I'm an Amercan who lived in Canada for decades, first as a Landed Immigrant, and then as a citizen. You do not lose your U.S. citizenship by becoming a Canadian. However, at the border, it's best to show your American passport to the Americans and your Canadian passport to the Canadians. Don't flash both at once.

Also, an American living in Canada (legally) has an obligation to pay taxes in both Canada and the U.S. It's a lovely headache every year at tax time. The only consolation prize is that you can fly from Canada to Cuba and have a great time with your Canadian passport.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 17 July 2006 - 01:49 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-07-17 13:48:00
CanadaFinally in the US

does the us petioner have to have a passport for the interview?

Not sure if they ask for it to enter the Embassy. Or if they want to see it at the interview, since it's your passport they'll need for the visa. But he'll need it to go to Canada and get back into the States. A driver's license is not proof of citizenship at the border. Those days are coming to an end. Where's his passport?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 08:49:00
CanadaFinally in the US
Wow, Cygnet, you made me feel so relaxed just reading about your interview and trip across the border. We need more stories like this. Congratulations on completing the journey and starting a new and happy chapter in your lives together.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 17:58:00
CanadaVisa Arrived Yesterday
Congratulations, Ed, we know you persevered. Hope you have a smooth move to the States and lots of happiness in your new home.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-22 10:21:00
Canadainterview success!!
Congratulations on getting to the end of the tunnel. May your new life in the States be all you dreamed.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 08:17:00
CanadaDouble YES day !!!!!!
Fantastic news! Best of luck on the rest!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 08:21:00
CanadaRCMP Check
Yup, my husband in Toronto knows about this site but it's too much for him to wade through. I'm the designated driver when it comes to research and forms. It's a natural division of labour in many marriages, I suspect. This is a tough process to get your head around, so I try to keep him informed by phone. But my summaries sound confusing, even to me!

We've known each other 18 years and were good friends before there was any romance. So we're better equipped to live through a long separation. I feel sorry for the hotheads who are madly in love and incensed the government is "unjustly keeping them apart."
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 06:43:00
CanadaTIM Hortons
Maybe the change in flavour is due to the coffee beans themselves. Even if they keep their "recipe," it might taste different depending on the current crop.

There are TWO Tim's in Sackville, New Brunswick, a town so small you can walk end to end. In winter, there are more snowmobiles parked in the lot than cars!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 08:14:00
CanadaDCF or CR1 Domicle
Thank, zyggy and flames9. My RRSP is self-directed and with E*Trade Canada. They steadfastly refuse to deal with anyone with a U.S. address for compliance reasons. If I leave it in Canada I'll have to move it.

If I withdraw funds, here's what happens, according to Mark Serbinski himself:

There's a graduated withholding tax of 25% on the first bit that easily becomes 30%. It's just a downpayment until tax time. If I withdraw enough to push myself into the 46% tax bracket, that's what I'll owe RevCan.

Next, the sum is reduced by the currency exchange.

Next, E*Trade issues a tax form and the withdrawal is considered income by Uncle Sam. I thought there was no double taxation but Mark informs me otherwise. It's considered investment income that's taxed at the highest rate. The foreign tax credit doesn't seem to apply.

Then, I get hit with New Jersey tax, another 6%.

A lifetime of savings and investing is ruined, so I might just leave it there.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 29 August 2006 - 04:55 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 16:50:00
CanadaDCF or CR1 Domicle
Tracy, I'm a U.S. citizen who lived in Canada for decades and became a Canadian citizen. When I decided to move back to the States, I sold my house in Toronto. After being in Jersey several months, I accepted a marriage proposal from my Canadian boyfriend. He's in Toronto now, waiting for Package 3.

As an American, I've always been obliged to file tax returns in both countries. You know about this, right? So it was a surprise to find that I still have to file in Canada simply because my husband lives there! The other surprise was that my RRSP will shrink to roughly 1/3 its size after it's taxed on both sides of the border.

There are tax implications for Americans returning from Canada and I hope you can sell your house and cut ties without getting wacked too hard!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 08:39:00
CanadaHmmm!
If you got a call from EI in Canada, that may be all it was: someone verifying dates and eligibility. I can't imagine USCIS getting in touch with EI in a Canadian province.

Is there a previous spouse who's hurt and wants to cause harm? If so, you may want to resolve any issues before getting married.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-31 09:24:00
CanadaInterview Date!! Montreal
You've been really lucky. Congratulations and all the best for the interview.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-20 07:06:00
CanadaOntario, Canada Questions
evergreen, it appears you have approvals for I-130 and I-129f. Are you pursuing K3? If so, your husband in Ontario will be receiving Package 3 from Montreal. It comes in about 3 weeks. At the same time, you'll receive a different package with instructions for becoming his sponsor, etc.

I've answered you in the K3 forum. Meanwhile, read all the guides on this site. Do a signature to give people a better snapshot. (My Controls > Personal Profile > Edit Signature). Best of luck.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-30 10:59:00
CanadaHotel info Montreal?
I've heard too many incidents of cars being broken into in downtown Montreal this year. If I drive, I'll probably choose a mid-range hotel with a safe parking garage. Spend a little more and get a lot more security. There are two Delta Hotels within 1 km of the embassy.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 30 August 2006 - 11:12 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-30 11:09:00
CanadaBest way to move stuff long distance?
This may not be what you want to hear, but I when I moved from Toronto to New Jersey, I left everything behind except what I could fit into the trunk of my Civic. It was better to give things away or sell them and start fresh. Cheaper, easier, less worry. Have you considered renting a station wagon or van and driving with your stuff? It could be a wonderful adventure.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-01 17:34:00
Canada2523.5 klicks later
I drove through the prarie provinces once and can't remember much except the giant blue sky. But I have to say that my most loyal friend is from Manitoba. I met him in Toronto years ago and we've always kept in touch. He's a big hockey fan and I hope to get him to a real Devils game in New Jersey someday.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-03 07:44:00
CanadaIs there a faster way to get police certificate?
You need a nationwide name check (also called a background check). You can go to your local RCMP and get it done right away. If you're near Toronto, you can go to the Commissionaires (retired RCMP service org). Some people have gone to their local police and asked for the nationwide check. It may run $25 - $35. But if you have convictions in your past, you may need the more time consumming fingerprint check.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-04 06:05:00
CanadaMedical Costs
There's an overall cost to getting him here and finally getting the greencard. We're just sucking it up and counting ourselves lucky we're not paying thousands more to a lawyer. The real cost, if you ask me, is the stress. You're in the home stretch, so look at the happy ending instead of the cost.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 06:39:00
CanadaMedical
As far as I can see, everybody does: medical, interview, visa, enter, and in that order. Maybe by "permission" the doc meant having an approved visa (and not just a medical) before entering the U.S. Don't worry.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 06:48:00
CanadaGetting an RRSP out of Canada
When I callled E*Trade Canada and asked to have my RRSP statements sent to the U.S., all hell broke loose. They will not deal with anyone with a permanent U.S. address and recommended I collaspe the account right away.

I tried transferring it to TD Waterhouse Canada, but they also refused since I'm a non-resident of Canada. So leaving everything there and withdrawing in increments wasn't an option, especially since small withdrawals could go on for years.

I'm a dual, but they don't seem to see me as a Canadian living in the States, and someone who maintains an RRSP in Canada. They seem to see me as an American, living in the U.S. and not eligible to have an RRSP.

I sent my de-registration forms today and am withdrawing the entire (hefty) sum. My U.S. tax rate this year should be low, since I will have only worked 4 months. But the amount of the RRSP withdrawal will push me into the stratosphere of tax brackets. It will be considered investment income by Uncle Sam and the foreign tax credit does me no good, since I'll have no foreign-source income to apply it to. Evidently, that's how it works.

I get grey hairs every time I think about this...
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 17:44:00
CanadaGetting an RRSP out of Canada

Feel rich until tax time

What's THAT supposed to mean? Are you anticipating more tax on top of the withholding?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 08:06:00
CanadaGetting an RRSP out of Canada
I'm a dual citizen. While living in Canada, I built a self-directed RRSP at E*Trade Canada. I thought I had a plan for getting it out after moving to the States. I read "The Border Guide" and moved everything to cash and money market funds to avoid capital gains tax down the road.

Then, I sold my house in Toronto and moved back to the U.S. I cut ties to Canada: OHIP, driver's license, credit cards, etc. My Canadian boyfriend visited NJ, we married, and he went back to Toronto to wait for his K3.

I thought I was a U.S. resident for tax purposes. But according to Mark Serbinski, the marriage makes me liable for Canadian income tax in 2006, even though I never set foot in Canada and cut ties. News to me. He also said if I take funds from the RRSP, it will be taxed on both sides of the border. Also news to me.

I called Keats Connelly for a second opinion and was told what I originally thought: non-residents of Canada can withdraw at 25% withholding tax. Being married to a Canadian living in Toronto does not change my status.

I tell this because Serbinski is often mentioned on this site and is very good for doing U.S. and Canadian returns. But for RRSPs, you might want to add this contact to your resources:

KEATS, CONNELLY, Phoenix, AZ
www.keatsconnelly.com
Claudia Freeman, CFP® (US) and CFP™ (Canada)
claudiaf@keatsconnelly.com
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 07:19:00
CanadaVisa(s) in Hand !
Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-10 12:57:00
CanadaApproved - wooHOOOOO!!!!
Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-10 10:08:00