ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaDOS
Get them to confirm that they have the correct case number and name. The same thing happened with me when I called about Packet 4. One operator said that they received packet 3 and that the instructions for 3 and 4 were going out in the mail. The other operator had said that they received nothing so I had to call back again. I explained to the 3rd operator what had happened, she confirmed my name, my fiancees and our case number.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-03-28 10:07:00
CanadaOngoing relationship proof

Thank you so much! I can't wait until the day my family is together again. And thanks so much for saying that you don't think it will cause a problem.. Now that I think about it I'm sure it won't. But yes there is no way I am going to cross again until the visa is issued... I know I'll have problems that's why we decided its worth it now to go for the visa it will be worth it in the end so we can be together with no more problems of me having to come back to Canada.


Witherwings, make sure you also have you NOA2 with you when you travel. I had a very nice CO give me that information once when I crossed over at Whirpool (Nexus access only) in Niagra. He said always carry that notification with you when you are entering the US to show the CO that you have an application in progress. I also get a letter from my employer stating what days I will be absent from work and when I am expected back. I carry a small file folder of current bills, bank statement, employment letter and a copy of my confirmation of appointment and NOA2 when I cross over. I've only had an issue once and showed them this paperwork and then everything was fine.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-02 09:05:00
CanadaCanadian Citizen Visiting the U.S. and Returning Back to Canada After K-1 Issued
I stopped at the Queenston Lewiston bridge a couple of weeks back and spoke to an immigration officer and posed this very same question as my fiancee lives on the US side in Western NY and me in TO. My interview is in 3 weeks and if all goes well, K1 should be issued before May. However, I have to finish up projects at work which will take me all the way until the end of May. Since my honey and I see each other every second weekend, it would be weird for us to go almost a whole month and a half without me visiting him.

The immigration officer told me that when I decided to cross to visit him that as long as I show ties to Canada and that I was going to go back home and informed POE customs agent when I do go to visit that I would not be activating my k1 until June then I should not have a problem.

If I decide to try this, I will post and let everyone know what the outcome was.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-04 11:53:00
CanadaFolder? Binder? organizer?

Okay Canadians (I hope other countries can eavesdrop) here's the million dollar question. How do you trim down hundreds of pages of Emails, IM, Chat. Logs are no issue its the mountain of emails. I mean just the 1 tear we used Facebook to solely email it's 759 pages I copied and pasted into a word document. Goodness. I just filed so have alot of time so whats' your expert advice.


My fiancee and I have been together for almost 5 years so what I did was take 1 phone bill from each year showing our long distance calls, a photocopy of 1 travel ticket for each year, 1 email from each year (the good or not so good if we had a fight) and 1 photo of us together from each year. I also threw in the engagement ring receipt and a copy of a couple of stamped envelopes and cards that he had sent. That was all I submitted with our K1 petition and that seemed to be okay.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-04 12:07:00
CanadaFolder? Binder? organizer?

This is what my folder and bag looked like: http://journeythroug...w-tomorrow.html

The rings on your binder won't be a problem, as alizon said, since the binder will go through an x-ray machine (like at an airport with your carry-ons). It'll only be you going through the metal detector (so try not to wear any unnecessary jewelry). The thing you have to be concerned about is the SIZE of the binder. I know the consulate will not let anyone in with backpacks or laptop bags, and if your binder is too big (like, I mean oversized), then you can be refused.


HAHHAHAHHA Saylin, I set up my folder the exact same way and it is even the same color and same folder...it is amazing how heavy it is. Just a couple of more things to put in for my interview and then I am ready.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-03 11:48:00
CanadaFolder? Binder? organizer?
[quote name='Flames9_RN' timestamp='1333328833' post='5264593']
Plastic accordion binder. Think mine had 13 slots. Keep ur interview letter and passport at the front
[/quote

I gought one of those at Staples for $14.00. Put the confirmation letter and passport and the front, put post its on all other info...I'm good to go for my interview.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-02 08:54:00
CanadaMontreal Airport X Via Rail

Yeah, we noticed that the tickets are very EXPENSIVE now, high season, sucks!!!!

We still have to figure out, to make sure we will have enough time to each transportation.
Its an expensive trip for just a couple of hours, I am going to try to convince my fiance to stay and cheers for me. :(
We both are nervous and excited.. well, he is calmer than me.

Thanks guys..

moemac59, your info is very useful. Thanks


You are so welcome. Glad it came use!
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-09 12:31:00
CanadaMontreal Airport X Via Rail

Depends who gets there first, but really, I concur; your fiance should either take a cab or look into public transport to meet you downtown. Montreal is bilingual, he won't have any issue with that. Most can now accept credit cards, he just need to ask the driver prior getting in the cab (so no carrying around Canadian dollars)

It looks like VIA Rail makes a stop at the airport, but I would call them and make sure you can connect there: http://www.viarail.c...irport-shuttle. Otherwise, you want to go downtown and get off at the Montreal downtown stop on ''de la Gauchetiere''. There is a subway stop right in the building, you could meet your fiance there.

You can find an interactive subway map for Montreal here: http://www.stm.info/...o/a-mapmet.htm. Pretty easy to use and get around but if you have an early morning appointment, buy your tickets 1 day ahead. Automated booths in stations are often not in function.


I found this on Via's website. Hope this helps

The free shuttle service from the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport to the Dorval rail station runs every 20-30 minutes. To take the shuttle, passengers need to call at 514 633-0975 in order for the shuttle to come and pick them up. The shuttle is located at the arrivals level at column #2 (go outside the arrivals area at the second curbside by the Best Western and VIA Rail sign). Approximate travel time is 10 minutes.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-05 10:29:00
CanadaMedical Insurance in the US
Well, gawd knows that will spark the discussion...better hide my head now :D
[/quote]

:lol: !!!

Thanks everyone for your responses...like everything else, I guess we will have to figure it out.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:07:00
CanadaMedical Insurance in the US

Nope living in the US makes you no longer a Canadian resident so no OHIP. The employer health benefits in Canada are usually supplemental they cover things that OHIP doesn't that is why it cost less. Private rooms dental and drug benefits, chiropractors and such. There are ppl who think they are still allowed to use OHIP when they are not and one day it will catch up to them.

Aahh gotcha.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 12:48:00
CanadaMedical Insurance in the US

Working in Canada will no help you at all since once you move to the US and become a resident you are no longer a resident of Canada and no longer entitled to healthcare here.

There should not be an issue with getting insurance with a pre-existing condition since you are coming from a country with national health care, it is like moving from one insurance company to another. They may charge you more for your premiums though. Coverage through an employer is your best bet. We had the absolute basic coverage through Blue Cross Blue Sheild and it cost us $360 a month. And we had high dedictibles, co-pays and out of pocket. We now have insurance through my husbands employer and it costs about $550 a month, but the coverage is pretty good. You will have to look at what the plan offers and compare it to other options.


If I work in Canada but reside in the US, I should be covered by my Canadian employer. How does this work for people who are Canadians living in border towns ie. detroit but work in Sarnia? Are they not covered by OHIP?
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 12:24:00
CanadaMedical Insurance in the US

Unfortunately you're basically screwed if you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on insurance each month. You either take the risk of having no insurance and spending way too much money on it. Welcome to America, land of the free and uninsured and/or destitute :(

I am a healthy 22 year old woman, no conditions, don't smoke, etc. and the cheapest health insurance plan my husband's company would offer cost $320 a month. My jaw dropped to the floor and after asking my husband a few times what we could do about it I realized there was no alternative except private health insurance, which would cost the same or more.

Start playing the lottery :rofl:

I may end looking for a job in Niagra Falls, Canada or St. Catherines once I am able to cross over the border. The commute wouldn't be to bad as we will be living about 48 mins away.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-10 15:21:00
CanadaMedical Insurance in the US
[quote name='sheeshkabelle' timestamp='1334076581' post='5287452']
Due to the recent health care reform, an insurance company can no longer deny you for pre-existing conditions. BUT they can charge you out the wazoo for premiums and deductibles.

Getting a private plan will more than likely be more expensive than going on your husband's new plan when he switches. An employer pays part of the premiums for their employees. A private plan will leave the entire premium up to you to pay.

Some private plans have low premiums, but do not cover nearly as much and have high co-pays.

You will have to shop around to find out.
[/quote

BOO this is what I will miss about living in Canada! Even though we pay high taxes would much rather do that and not have to worry about this.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-10 12:34:00
CanadaMedical Insurance in the US
Okay so my fiance and I were talking about this over the weekend. He doesn't make much money, is in the middle of switching health insurance providers and to cover the two of us will be very, very, very expensive$$$ as I have a pre-existing medical condition (asthma). Can I buy some sort of Blue Cross package to cover me until I am able to find work and be covered with medical benefits? Just want to know what options that I have until I get a job.

If anyone can shed some light on this please let me know.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-10 08:14:00
CanadaLength of time to receive passport back

I really hope this is the case for me (I also went with Brampton) because the wedding is the 12th. And with the interview on the 25th, I'm dangerously close to not attending my own wedding, eeeek! Fingers crossed!

Satchmo...OMG our interviews are on the same day.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:22:00
CanadaLength of time to receive passport back

I'm in Toronto and chose Brampton as my pickup location since it was closest to my work.
I got my Visa & Passport back the next day (my interview was March 28th and I got mine back on March 29th).
I was very surprised how quickly I got it because the immigration officer told me it would take 10 business days.

Thanks S88. Mine will be Markham. Maybe Brampton is quicker because it is closer to YYZ..who knows.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 12:04:00
CanadaLength of time to receive passport back

Hi Everyone,

Just curious for those who have recently had interviews in Montreal, how long did it take to get your passports back from DHL? Just curious to see what the wait times are like now. Thanks!

Green Giant,

Can you PM when you receive your passport? My interview is toward the end of April. I cannot give notice at work or 60 days on my apartment until I have my visa in hand...but want to know how long it took. I'm in TO.

Thanks
Moe
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-09 12:39:00
CanadaAppointment Letter for Interview in Montreal
Awesome! Thanks Jbel!
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-03-16 16:10:00
CanadaAppointment Letter for Interview in Montreal
Thanks Saylin. Very much appreciated your prompt response.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-03-16 09:46:00
CanadaAppointment Letter for Interview in Montreal
Hi All,

Just require some clarification. Apparently the consulate is now using email to send out the appointment letter instead of sending it via snail mail.

I called the CSC number and the CSR confirmed that this is the case.

Can anyone confirm if this is true? If so, did you have issues (ie. non entry) with entry at the consulate because you didn't have a letter that was mailed but an email confirmation?

I believe someone had stated on another thread regarding the medical that they received their appointment letter from NVC. I called NVC to see if they issue this appointment letter and they stated that they do not issue letters for appointments for K1 Visa's.

Hoping someone can shed some like on this.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-03-16 08:36:00
CanadaToronto Medical March 19th/12

When you pick up your passport from DHL it comes with a big brown folder that you DO NOT OPEN. Inside the folder is your medical exam as well as all the other paperwork you have completed throughout this process (I-129F, packet 3, all the stuff you submitted to Montreal). You submit this envelope at POE where an officer will open it up. Then everything in the folder is forwarded to a USCIS center.

The only thing you need a copy of from the medical is the Vaccination Worksheet. It is referred to as DS-3025 although it may not say DS-3025 on it. It should look something like this: http://www.craigandg...3149528.jpg?600 You need this paper for your AOS. Dr. Seiden's should've given you one at the front of the brown folder. If you did not receive a copy of the vaccination sheet you should request a copy from them.

Thanks Pocheros...knew that you would have the answer and a quick response...picking up the medical this Friday but want to make sure all bases are covered.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-12 08:08:00
CanadaToronto Medical March 19th/12

People have done their medicals a day before their interview and then mailed the results to the consulate. It delays the issuance of your visa however. If you had no other choice you could do this- they won't deny your visa as long as all your other documents are okay. They'll just wait to get your medical and then review your case. It's kind of like doing an RFE.

Medicals can be done in Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto. I -think- it takes Medisy's 3 business days to get your results, so you could plan to stay about a week in Montreal (you can check how many days are needed on their website. In contrast, I think Dr. Seiden's only takes 2 days) There are also TWO Dr. Seiden's offices, one in Montreal and one in Toronto. The other physician in Montreal is Medisy's.

Elsinha: Dr. Seiden's was $275 when I went last year. The price went up! Also congrats on your packet 4 and medical exam. I have a detailed review of Dr. Seiden's in my signature although some of the information is obsolete since they've moved offices.

Hey Pocheros,

Dr. Seiden won't issue an extra copy of the medical and I know that this is required for POE as well as AOS. Did Montreal give you your medical back when you went for the interview or was it in the packet for POE? Can you please advise?
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 15:23:00
CanadaToronto medical parking?

there is a green P lot at the bottom of jarvis right before the highway, its hella cheep tops out at $12 for the day, its the closest your going to get for that price

Brooksie are you talking about Jarvis and the esplanade? If so, that is a hell of a hike. The parking lot across from Pape Subway station is also a green P and to take the subway is less than a 10 minute ride.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-12 15:05:00
CanadaToronto medical parking?

I know it's late for this poster but in case anyone else wants to know / has their interview later -
There is parking on Huntley Street that connects directly to the building. When you turn onto Huntley from Bloor, it's on the left hand side almost immediately after you turn onto Huntley.
The only thing is the elevator / doors are locked until later in the morning. I was lucky that a security guard was nearby.
If not, you could just walk up the stairs / out and wait outside.

This parking lot was so super convenient especially when I picked up the medically later on.


You could also park across the street from Pape subway station, take the train westbound and get off at Sherbourne station...2 minute walk from the subway to dr's office. Parking is cheap in this lot too.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 10:15:00
CanadaPolice certificate.
Hey Janie,

The only way that you really need a police check from the RCMP is if you were previously arrested or convicted of a crime in Canada. Otherwise, you can just go to the local police station and let them know what you need. I have also posted information below. Hope this helps. I printed off this information and took it to Metro Headquaters at 40 College Street in Toronto. Mine took 7 business days and was $25.00


http://travel.state....ocity_3531.html

Inside Canada: Applicants who are physically present in Canada should contact their local police service or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office regarding criminal record check procedures. Applicants may obtain a certificate of no conviction issued by any Canadian police service so long as it notes that Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or the national criminal records repository was searched using the applicant’s name and date of birth.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-10 10:14:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto at Dr. Seidans

I did see you there. I was near the door with jeans and black boots..dark hair. Cool!

And I remember when you walked in thinking...hmmm..'wonder if she is here for K1' and also if you were a VJ'er. I also checked out your ring...very nice!
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:04:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto at Dr. Seidans
I did see you there. I was near the door with jeans and black boots..dark hair. Cool!
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:01:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto at Dr. Seidans

I'm sure we saw each other in the waiting room :)
My experience was exactly the same (other than the times - I showed up late because I foolishly trusted the TTC to function), except I didn't have to keep my bra on. Also, my roommate had hidden chocolate around the house for Easter and apparently thought my dresser was a good spot, because I had melted chocolate all over my shirt and neck!! Embarrassing, but not an issue, haha.

I'm worried about my chest xrays, but overall, this was the least painful part of the process thus far.

Satchmo what time did you get there and where you doing a crossword puzzle in the corner?
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 12:02:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto at Dr. Seidans
Side note about the bloodwork...it is tested for syphillis. I asked the blood tech. She said they used to test for HIV but don't anymore.

I would say get there early in the morning. I was done by 8:40 am.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 09:21:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto at Dr. Seidans
Just wanted to post about my medical experience this morning. As I live in TO, I headed down to Dr. Seidans office and got there around 6:50 am. There was one guy outside waiting..chatted with him for a little bit and asked if he was a VJ'er. He said no so I told him to check out the site as it was very helpful and super informative. A girl came down to let us into the building at 7 am. We were the only 2 there. We were asked for our passports, appointment letters and a letter indicating our MTL case number (I used the letter from Packet 4 that has the case number on the back page) Make sure that you have this.

I went and sat in the waiting room for about 10 minutes and then dealt with Erlene (she is the lady that books the appointments and calls you back if you leave a message). I gave her my passport, photos and immunization records. She had me sign some paperwork and attached my photos to this paperwork. I was given an envelope (do not open this envelope_ with paperwork in it that had to be taken to an xray clinic outside of the building and around the corner. I then paid my $300.00 cash.

You then are escorted into an exam room and given a gown and asked to remove clothing but keep your bra on. (They do this to verify your gender...I asked the nurse and she said yes). The nurse then takes your weight, height and blood pressure and records it. You wait for the doctor to come in. The doctor comes in, ask about your medical history, if your on any meds, any pre-existing health issues and listens to your chest...just like going to the family doctor for a check-up or physical. The doctor was very nice. After he was finished (exam took all of 5 minutes) he told me that I would be doing blood test and was instructed to go back into the waiting are and wait to be called. He gives you some form to take the front when you are done your blood test You are instructed to then go back out into the waiting room. At this time it was about 7:40 and the waiting room was filling up. Got bloodwork done, gave my sheet back to the receptionist at the front, was told I could pick up my medical anytime after 12 on Friday.

Went to the xray clinic, gave them my passport and envelope. Then was called to go and get the xray done. You put the gown on and the xray tech did his thing. That was it. Done.

I did ask Erlene about getting extra copies of paperwork and she informed me that they only give you the paperwork you need for your interview and not to open the envelope that the medical comes in. The only extra copies of anything that you get is the immunization stuff. She also told me that I would probably have to have another medical done for the AOS which is weird because I thought that you could use your medical for your AOS if it was within the year that you had your medical. Hoping someone can clarify if this is true and what they will need in terms of this at the biometric appt. for AOS.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 09:19:00
CanadaHELP..approved for K1 today son has US Dad not approved

Do you have access to it? Or is it in a sealed envelope that can not be opened until POE??

I was approved 6yr old daughter approved but not my 10 yr old son..He has another appt at now an ottawa consulate next thurs? but if i cant access my passport im guessing i cant go in with him if security is what it was like at the montreal one today?? so what do i do? unbelievable only me..


Tammy, that sucks!! So sorry to hear this as I know that you were so excited. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and hope that everything works out in time.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-26 13:32:00
CanadaVisa Issued

Green Giant

Can you let me know how you were contacted that your passport was available for pick up? I have to give my boss notification that I'm leaving but don't want to do that until I know that it has been issued and on it's way to Markham.

Thanks for letting me know. I called DOS today (interview was on Wednesday) and nothing :(. Congrats to you two that is great that it came so fast.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-27 17:37:00
CanadaVisa Issued

Just wanted to let everyone know my fiancee had her interview Monday and she was approved. She was told she would get her visa in 5 days. We called DOS to see if the Visa was issued yet (just wanted to make sure the time frame they gave us is true) and it was issued today. It's looking like the 5 days might be right! Good luck to everyone who is going this week.


Green Giant

Can you let me know how you were contacted that your passport was available for pick up? I have to give my boss notification that I'm leaving but don't want to do that until I know that it has been issued and on it's way to Markham.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-27 06:16:00
CanadaInterview Today

Congratulations on your Approval !!!!! Welcome to your new life in the states!

I have a question for yo: Were you asked for I-864 form?

Somebody had an interview on Monday and they were asked for this form.. Mine is coming soon and I would love to have this figured out.
Thanks,

Hi Eli,

I had the I-1864 prepped and ready to go. I tried to give it to the CO but she pushed it back at me and told me that she didn't need it. You were right, someone was asked for this on Monday so I guess it depends on the CO at the time.

I also had a co-sponsor who had a large amount of assets etc and the amount of paperwork that my co-sponsor gave me was crazy, when I pulled this out to give it to to the CO, her eyes almost popped out of her head.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-27 07:15:00
CanadaInterview Today

Was great to meet you in line! I wasn't especially chatty as I was near throwing up from nerves, but we were approved too! Woohoooo!! Congrats! :-D

Congrats to you guys too!! Very exciting!
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-27 07:12:00
CanadaInterview Today
Just had my interview and was approved. Met some great fellow VJ'ers at the consulate. Thanks to everyone I met this morning, because we all chatted, I think it really helped relax me. Hope everyone else got approved.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-25 09:10:00
CanadaCan the consulate change their mind once the visa has been approved

Yes it can happen. One person from Canada was turned back when he entered the US and his visa was subsequently revoked due to something they discovered after he was issued the visa.

Your pertinent information is given to you in the sealed envelope. You turn it in at the POE and it goes to USCIS to await your filing for AOS and then follwos you around until citizenship when it is sent off to that warehouse you see at the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

The decision can be reversed at any time until you become a citizen and even then could be reversed if you fraudulently represented anything to achieve a benefit at ANY point in the process.

Sleep well.

Anything else you want to ask? :P

All of this is exceedingly rare.


There was no problem with my I134 as my co-sponsor had more than significant funds$$$ to sponsor. This was topic was posted more out of interest than anything else. The CO only asked me 2 questions during my interview. Maybe because my fiancee and I have been together for almost 5 years and see each other almost every weekend. She was actually very nice and I found the interview very easy.


I love the comment about the paperwork following me around until citizenship and then going to the warehouse..that was funny.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-27 20:17:00
CanadaCan the consulate change their mind once the visa has been approved
Is it possible for the consulate to reverse their decision once they approve the visa or is it guaranteed that you will get it

I wonder what they do with your file once your interview is done..does it go to someone else to review especially the I134..reason that I am asking is that the CO barely reviewed my financial stuff
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-27 17:42:00
CanadaNOA2 Letter of Approval(I-129F)Looks like what?

It'll look like NOA1, just with something different written on it. Don't lose it becayse you need it to adjust status. After USCIS approves your case it makes a short stop at NVC and after NVC goes to Montreal. When it's approved at Montreal they will send out packet 3 which is a letter telling you to fill out some forms and mail them back. When they approve packet 3 they send out packet 4 which is a letter telling you to book an interview. However Montreal is known for dropping the ball and failing to send out pkt3 and pkt4 so a couple weeks after your petition is sent to NVC you should start calling department of state to inquire about your case, specifically asking if pkt3 has been "logged." As soon as it's logged you can mail off pkt3, you don't have to physically receive it in the mail, just know that you've been approved. Check out the K1 guide pinned at the top of the forums for more help with pkt3, and be sure to read the newer posts in it as some things were updated.


Make sure you bring this with you to the interview as well. Apparently you need to show this along with part of the DS160...says right on the DS160.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:19:00
Canadadeclaring an item on the 3299 form
Hey VJ'ers hoping someone can help me out.

I am packing up my household here in Toronto. My fiance and I just purchased a house in Western NY and to make a long story short, I want to rip out the carpeting in the rooms upstairs and replace it with new laminate flooring.

I work in highrise new build construction and got this flooring dirt cheap from one of my suppliers. I love the product and color and have not been able to find a similar product for the price I got.

My question is how do I declare this on form 3299? I am driving a Uhaul over the border with all of my stuff and plan on packing this with my belongings.
moemac59FemaleCanada2012-05-17 17:38:00