ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffd. of Support Evidence - Benefit information?
Benefits from an employer, and life insurance, are not considered part of the mix, no matter what kind of picture you'd like to paint. They're not liquid assets, that is, money you could get your hands on easily to support the alien on a day-to-day basis.

They ask for income and liquifiable assets such as savings and bonds. So pony up. Because that's the only picture you must paint. If you appear with a different kind of rationale, the officer could deny you based on the fact that you didn't follow instructions and he/she has no way to compute the assets you think are so relevant.

Stick with the program!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-11-28 08:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSlightly out of the ordinary I-134 question.
For the I-134, they're looking at the sponsor only (the USC). If that's you, then your gross income will be supported by evidence from the IRS (tax transcripts). If you have assets, such as the value of your home, and bank accounts, those count, too.
tips
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-03 09:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 cosponsor's spouse
My understanding is that the co-sponsor fills out the I-134 and signs it. Their spouse does nothing. The married-filing-jointly tax transcripts are evidence for the co-sponsor only. (This is what we're doing.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-03 09:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMontreal Consulate Experiences?
It took over 4 months for us to get a Montreal interview from the time we sent back the checklist. :(
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-07 19:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionaffidavit of support i-134
I'm not a lawyer, but my understanding is that the I-134 is a serious oath, taken before a Notary, that you will sponsor the alien. You give evidence, in duplicate, of your financial abilities to keep the alien from becoming a burden to the taxpayer.

But since a K visa is a non-immigrant visa, the I-134 may not be as serious as what's coming next: the I-864. That's when you complete the process for an immigrant visa (greencard) and the financial obligations of the sponsor(s) do become legally binding for 10 years (I believe) whether you stay married or not.

I had a hard time convincing my brother to be a co-sponsor on the I-134 until I explained we'd be adjusting status as soon as my husband comes to the States. This means my brother will be off the hook in about 6 months. By that time, I shouldn't need a co-sponsor.

Look down the road to see if you only need a co-sponsor on a temporary basis (I-134) or for the long term.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-10 07:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionaffidavit of support i-134
You could tell them that the I-134 is not a legally binding contract, but only a moral obligation on the part of the USC sponsor to keep the alien from becoming a public charge. Co sponsors are simply back-ups.

You could also tell them that the I-134 is a short lived document, since you'll be getting married and most likely applying for AOS. By that time, you might be in a better financial position and may not need a joint sponsor.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-09 22:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMontreal changing procedure?
The downside is that they say it will take 10 days to 2 weeks to receive your passport by mail. This means many plans will be changing.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-19 18:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMontreal changing procedure?
We have anecdotal evidence that the Embassy in Montreal may be changing the way it delivers visas. Instead of asking you to return the day after the interview, they may be mailing them by Express Post.

This is what one person was told when she called. They also said they can't confirm anything until the first week of January. Meanwhile, another person was given an afternoon interview during the third week in January. This is the first afternoon interview we've ever heard of, and suggests they may be using the afternoons to give out interviews now instead of visas.

Montreal has been painfully slow to give interviews and this may be an attempt to clear the backlog. It also conforms to Embassies around the world, who mail stamped passports.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-19 07:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionco-sponsor
My understanding is that the USC is the sponsor. If you don't have enough income/assets to qualify, you need a co-sponsor. You each fill out the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) and have it notarized. You each supply evidence of income/assets: tax transcripts (free from the IRS), notarized letters from your bank, employer letters, W-2s, and whatever else you want to add that shows an income stream and assets that can easily be turned into cash. Yes, get your mother on board now and familiar with what she'll need. But be sure to use the actual form they send.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-12-23 07:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 and DS-156k
For a K-3 visa -

Package 3 from Montreal has a page asking you to complete the DS-156 on your computer and print it out. At the end of the paragraph it asks you to complete DS-156K. Does this mean we're filling out 2 forms?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-02 21:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to answer "have you ever been refused admission"
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 GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-02 21:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-3 and DS-156k
The DS-156k, which is obviously meant for a fiance and not a spouse, was never mentioned in Package 3. And in Package 4, it appears almost as an afterthought (or typo) after an explanation of filling out DS-156 on the computer.

So I've hunted down DS-156k just to be on the safe side, but. It asks if you're married and if you are, says it makes you ineligible for the fiance visa.

What's a K-3 person to do?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-03 14:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK3 Packet-3 to Packet-4 waiting time for Montreal
Give them a call. Even though they're very slow (see my I-129f timeline), they're very polite and will tell you where you stand. 514-398-9695 Press 4 (between 2:00 & 4:30 eastern time).
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-06 10:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDevistated
Ready4ONE, thanks for finding that information. Seems clear now what lampshade can do.

Beyond that, as bradyvicky tried to point out, it's probably best to abandon her physically. That is, do not meet or accompany her if she tries to enter. Not that the USC is required to accompany the entering foreigner, but that he can reinforce the message to her that he no longer supports the petition. If she's smart (as well as cunning), she'll get it: his withdrawal from the process makes it impossible for her to stay legally.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-07 08:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDevistated
Bradyvicky is pointing to something we should all keep in mind: no one is entitled to a visa simply because they're engaged to, or married to, a USC. And the visa process can be halted at the interview stage or the POE stage. It's up to the particular officer you encounter. Never take anything for granted.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 06 January 2007 - 04:50 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-06 16:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 Barcode
I don't think Page 3 is essential to the form. It's just to let you know that some answers may have been blanked, such as "none," because it could possibly be someone's name. No bar code needed for this page.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-07 19:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionA Very Frustrating Interview Experience
Sacha, with all due respect, I suggest you direct your energies into providing exactly what they they ask for. Forget the letter. Forget about India and Pakistan. Just concentrate on whatever documents are required at this stage, whether it's an interview letter or affidavit that there is no birth cert. This is an exercise where you need to follow instructions precisely regardless of what you may think. Best of luck.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-01-23 07:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-3 financial support
My understanding is that you are the sponsor and need to fill out the I-134 with a page attached explaining your status and why you never filed income taxes. You also need a co-sponsor, who fills out a separate I-134, supplying evidence of their ability to keep the foreign national from becoming a public charge.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-02-06 07:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDepression-does it affect visa chances?

i bet there is probably alot of people who are going thru the immigration process that are depressed, they shouldnt be surprised after what they make us go thru


Didn't you know? The government is in bed with the drug companies and gets a kickback for every intending immigrant who succumbs to depression. They also get a piece of the action for us parnoids taking Lithium. :no:
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-02-22 20:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDepression-does it affect visa chances?
Be sure to work with your doctor to wean yourself off gradually.

And don't worry. Paxil and other anti-depressents are prescribed for a range of conditions including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It's a common drug these days. It won't affect your visa.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2007-02-21 20:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMontreal IS HORRIBLE
Take a deep breath. Be patient. You've done everything possible. Except open a beer, go to a movie, get a pedicure. Things will sort themselves out, so treat yourself well in the meantime.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-16 15:13:00
CanadaWhy no interviews for K3 in Toronto?
Am I right in assuming that the only two locations in Canada for interviews are Embassies in Montreal and Vancouver? What's up with the Consulate in Toronto?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-19 11:17:00
CanadaCanadians getting Driver Licence
Recent experience in New Jersey. Had to do vision and knowledge (computer) tests but no road test. They never asked me to hand in my Ontario driver's license or plates (when I registered my imported car). Proving one's identity, citizenship, and address, however, is the bigger hurdle. Be sure your name appears exactly the same on everything, especially if you have a middle name.

Getting car insurance in Jersey was twice as expensive as Toronto. Perhaps because I added my husband, who only has a G1 in Ontario.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-25 10:29:00
CanadaNOA2 already!
Hat trick, cdngirl06! Best of luck on your continuing adventures.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-25 09:36:00
CanadaDon't want to be hassled at the airport

return tickets are not proof that you'll return

Right. Nothing is proof that you'll return. But the more evidence you have that it's highly likely, the easier it will be. Why not have everything on their checklist and more? A return ticket is at the top of their list. Why risk being denied entry, fingerprinted, and being on file as a possible problem, especially when you're about to emmbark on a complex, lengthy, but legal immigration process?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-19 11:24:00
CanadaDon't want to be hassled at the airport
mrs.schmoe: Put together a package of supporting documents to show you plan to return to Canada. The first thing is a non-refundable return airline ticket. Paystubs and letter from your employer are good but you should have more: recent mortgage and utility bills to show you're domicled in Canada. Bank and credit card statements. All the bits and pieces that prove you're a resident of Canada and have reasons to return. Always travel with this up-to-date package in your purse.

When asked the purpose of your visit, simply say you're visiting friends. Leave the boyfriend bit out because that's a red flag that you may plan to stay. As mentioned earlier, it's entirely up to the discretion of the immigration officier whether or not you can enter the U.S., so wear something nice and be on your best behaviour.

Canadians don't need visas for tourist-type trips to the States but still must pass an informal interview. If they smell anyone who may have illegal immigration in mind, you could be turned back or even denied entry for five years.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 17 April 2006 - 04:25 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-17 16:22:00
CanadaAn unusual situation...any thoughts

the americans should be happy I am staying in their country, not working, not causing trouble and spending money here.

Immigration is a hot-potato issue in the States, so if you want Americans to be happy, you need to do things the right way. It may come as a surprise to you, but the U.S. economy does not depend on you spending money here. Until now, you came and went at will, as a jetsetter, a tourist, a bon vivant. But now, you married a Yank and that changes everything. Now you're seen as a potential immigrant, and hopefully, you want to be in the "legal" category (even though"illegals" maintain that the U.S. economy depends on their being here).

It doesn't take long to get a K3 visa, so get busy and make it a priority. Then you can come and go as you please again. Plus, you'll eventually be eligible to work (remember work?) and even become a citizen if you choose.

My humble advice is to start now and imagine being together permanently in the Fall: legal, no problems, nothing that will come back and bite you in the butt. There are two people to consider now, and possibly more if you plan a family. So do it right, at least for your wife, and the Americans will be happy as well.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-29 09:21:00
CanadaAn unusual situation...any thoughts
There's always the possibility that you could be turned away at the border because it's not apparent that you have enough financial ties to Canada that make your return likely. This is what happened to me (dual citizen) and then boyfriend (Canadian) when we tried to cross at Niagara Falls last Dec. It appreared he might have immigration on his mind since he lived on savings and investment income, just like you. Without a job to go back to, he was, in their opinion, a risk.

He was refused, we drove back to Toronto, gathered lots of supporting documents to show he'd be returning to Canada. They'd given us a checklist that included a return airline ticket (non-refundable is what they like), utility bills to show a domicile (they prefer mortgage records or rent receipts), a letter from his sister explaining that he lived in a family home (common with Portuguese), bank statements, investment records, etc.

We came back to the border that same day, fully prepared with this package and he was allowed to cross. However, he had been fingerprinted and photographed on that day's first attempt. We were married in New Jersey in March and he returned to Canada soonafter to wait for the K3 to be processed. We made sure he went back to Canada with that airline ticket.

You need to look at yourself through the eyes of U.S. Immigration, since they may perceive you to be a risk. Travelling all over the world hardly establishes you as a Canadian resident. But tax returns and bank statements would, so travel with as much supporting documentation as possible You're not a typical snowbird who winters in Florida and who needs to get back to Canada in 6 months before their Canadian health care expires, so don't position yourself that way. You're a person of means with a U.S. wife who has not yet filed for your visa.

So why not file for the K3, and stay in Canada like a good boy? With all your money, you could fly your wife to Banff as many times as you like. Need some sun? Go to to the Dominican Republic and even meet her there. Forget your past lifestyle because you changed your status (in the eyes of Immigration) by marrying an American. Don't compare yourself to other Canadians who travel to the States unless they're in your current position. There are a few here.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-28 07:22:00
CanadaDress code for interview
Agree with alleycat: business casual. Nice, not sloppy. Shirt with collar ... casual jacket. Leave the T-shirt and jeans for washing the car. Montreal is fashionable no matter where you go, and you may want to go celebrate afterwards.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-28 06:48:00
CanadaI'm in the USA visiting my fiance!
Silverbutterfly, you're doing it the right way and have nothing to worry about. I generally cross at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls but had to return to Toronto last Dec. so boyfriend could gather more documents to show he'd be returning to Canada. We're married now, he's in Toronto, and once he has his K3, we'll probably cross again at Niagara. I believe it's a tourist-type bridge compared to the Peace Bridge, which is more commercial (trucks).

Edited by Jersey Girl, 29 April 2006 - 08:46 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-29 08:44:00
CanadaI'm GIDDY and excited, I found an apartment!!
You're going to love Canada once you get there. I stayed 38 years.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-30 08:16:00
CanadaMontreal interview.
I'm gearing up even though the interview checklist is a long way off. Does anyone know if they want the I-134 or I-864? I'm a dual who just moved back to the U.S. and don't yet have a job. I've been self-employed since 1992, but last year was a sabbatical with almost no income. I want to use assets I still have in Canada (RRSP) as evidence of support. Hope this won't be an issue.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-02 13:14:00
Canadatransfering a pension

taking them out as a non resident can actually be better

That's what I thought when I realized RevCan would only take 25%. It's a much better rate than 46%, which you could easily reach if you continued to build assets and retired in Canada. What I didn't realize (and here I'm completely out of my depth) is that when you cash in your RRSPs, you receive a form saying you had income from Canada. Ah ha, says Uncle Sam, who considers it taxable pension income. So if you're a non-resident, poverty-stricken student, you could be in the best position to cash out now, provided your RRSP balance isn't so big it sends you into a much higher tax bracket. In that case, you may need a plan for systematic, tax-conscious withdrawals. But I'm not qualified to advise you...
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-02 14:02:00
Canadatransfering a pension

I do not believe you have to do a cdn tax return each yr, if you have no incoem from Canada.

Even if you make almost nothing, you may want to file and get a GST refund. But that's not the point. Now that we're involved in an immigration process, we need to look at things from that perspective. So here's the deal as I, a complete twit, understand it:

Canada's taxes are based on residency. If you live in Canada, you need to file. If you're a non-resident of Canada, you do not have to file. However, RevCan may consider you to be a resident even if you're not there! They base this decision on your financial ties, and an RRSP could be one of them.

Here's a twist on residency: I'm a dual citizen who left Canada at the end of 2005. But I'll still be on the hook for Canadian taxes in 2006. Why? Because I married a Canadian who went back to Toronto to wait for the K3 Visa. The matrimonial home (for tax purposes) is wherever the husband lives, according to our friends in Ottawa. They don't care whether I'm actually present in Toronto or not; I'll still be liable for tax! This fun fact wasn't covered in The Border Guide, but something I learned from Mark Serbinski, who did my taxes this year, thank heavens.

One upshot is that I won't be withdrawing my RRSPs in 2006 as a non-resident, as originally planned. I can't claim a departure date from Canada until my husband gets his K3 visa and leaves! That's when I officially become a non-resident and can start getting my RRSPs out. Only then will Ottawa finally consider me a non-resident and not obliged to file a return. This fact alone was worth the price of admission at Serbinski.

I know you want to keep your options open and possibly return to Canada to retire. But you need to know exactly what this will mean for your taxes, as a couple, whether you're making money or not. If your RRSP is small, it may be worth considering getting it out of Canada so you become a true non-resident and not taxable. Take your pennies and re-invest them in the States. But what do I know? Only that it pays to talk to the real experts, who are worth their weight in gold when it comes to cross-border tax planning.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 02 May 2006 - 08:12 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-02 08:09:00
Canadatransfering a pension
We all need to start viewing ourselves as couples when it comes to taxes, and get advice on the best way to handle everything. I sleep better when I have a plan and know why I'm doing what I'm doing. Personally, I'd like to take my RRSP assets out of Canada for this simple reason: as long as it sits there, I have "financial ties" to Canada and will be considered taxable by RevCan.

Frankly, I hate the idea of having a decent American salary taxed into nothingness because Canada wants a huge piece. Remember Michael Corleone in Godfather III? "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!"

We are not snowbirds who let their RRSPs sit for half a year. We're U.S. residents who can't trade our accounts. (Unless we live in certain states where TD Waterhouse is licensed to open an account for us.)

I figure I have two choices: collapse the RRSP and take my knocks, then re-invest the pathetic sum that's left. Or, leave it in Canada and continue to be taxed at userer rates on my worldwide income. My head hurts, because I can't remember whether the foreign tax credit means nothing in NJ for the first or second option or both.

Did you read The Border Guide by Robert Keats?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 20:11:00
Canadatransfering a pension

I'm a student so no income

As soon as you withdraw funds from your RRSP, it's considered pension income in the U.S. and taxable. That's after RevCan takes its 25% and you've paid the exchange rate. If you built a decent pile of assets, it could catapult you into a higher tax bracket. Not a hard thing to do in Canada. And if you're filing in both countries (including a state), it gets more complex, since some states (like Jersey) don't recognize foreign tax credits. And now, since I'm not an expert and you've taxed my brain, I'm wishing for a Brick Premium Lager, or Upper Canada Rebellion, or any other medicinal microbrew.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 19:37:00
Canadatransfering a pension
Agree, get thee to Serbinski and be sure you have a cross-border plan for taxes. I'm not an expert, but can tell you that I left my RRSP in Canada, for now. The U.S. views it as a fully taxable investment account so you'll want advice on the best way to handle it, especially in conjunction with your other assets. There is no mechanism for rolling it over into a Roth. Not sure about the pension. But I am sure there are plenty of cross-border wrinkles for U.S.-Canadian couples, so it's best to get personalized advice.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 19:16:00
Canadaoriginals at interview
Thanks, zyggy. I've started applying for certified copies of previous marriages (1 in North Carolina, 2 in Ontario) and all 3 divorce certs. Naturally, it's easy to get things online, except divorce certs from Ontario. There's a phone number, no one picks up, you can't leave a message because the mailbox is full. Guess this is my punishment for making bad choices.

Meanwhile I'm having my husband in Toronto send me a photocopy of the booklet they use in the Azores for a Portuguese birth cert. I'll track down a qualified translator for him in Toronto for this and his vaccination record. I'm adopting this policy: when in doubt, be overly prepared, and have originals and translations of everything.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-03 13:17:00
Canadaoriginals at interview
hockeygal, what did you decide? I'm grappling with this issue myself and want to start NOW if originals or certifieds are required, even though photocopies have been okay up till now. We don't have an interview date but I'm thinking of contacting Montreal and asking. Also, about translating Canadian husband's birth certificate, which is in Portuguese.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-03 08:09:00
CanadaToronto translators (Portuguese to English)
Need a proper translator (not somebody's cousin!) for birth certificate and vaccination records from the Azores. Know any?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-03 13:57:00