ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaNVC/Consulate Questions - Canada [split topic]

My husband and I have been married for over two years. I just had my interview a few weeks ago.  Here are some details that I can share about my case:

 

1) Our case hasn't made it to the embassy yet, can we start filing any out or working on anything? Scheduling the medical appointment? 

I live in Toronto and made the appointment in Toronto.  There are many reviews on this forum about Ontario doctors.

- The cost was $300 plus $50 to have the medical delivered to me (optional) 

- Needed my vaccination records from the doctor, mine are up to date

- They take one vile of blood and one x-ray included in prices

- The doctor required only one passport photo for my medical

- Got the results delivered in 4 business days to my house

 

2) What documents should my fiancé be gathering to get ready for his interviews?

 I made a binder but since I filed everything electronically they only asked for the following:

1) All Finance records from the US

    - I-184ez only had copy they wanted the original signature but they accept the copy just fine

    - Original W2

   -  Original 1040 

All of these items were returned to me

 

2) My Canadian Police check and Fingerprints

- don't thing fingerprints were required but to $70 I just did them as a precaution 

All of these documents were kept on the US Embassy

 

3) Passport photos of my the Beneficiary (x2 copies)

there is machine in the waiting room that you can print photos.

The cost is either 2x$5 bills or 1x $10 bill; must have exact change

 

4) Canadian Birth certificate

 Needed my original copy (it was returned to me)

 

5) Marriage Certificate 

Needed my original copy (it was returned to me)

 

6) Medical envelope was required

Gave me back a copy of the x-ray and form

 

8) MUST have copy of your interview appointment 

 

I have everything ready to show them:

- copy of flights

- phone bill

- photos

- I-130 

- DS260 

- Husband passport page and photo

- etc

 

They needed nothing else although I had all documents handy.  They only asked a few questions:

- How we met

- How long we dated before getting married

- What I did for a living

- Where my husband lives not in the US

 

That was it! Super easy.

 

Good luck!!!

 

 

 


Cunuck waitingMaleCanada2014-10-08 10:14:00
CanadaInterview approved to passport back in hand

Hello, 

 

our interview is on Monday, September 29.  What is the typical timeline to have your passport returned?

I normally fly every other week so I do have travel plans on October 11. 

 

Do you think that will grant me enough time? 


Cunuck waitingMaleCanada2014-09-02 11:08:00
CanadaNVC Thread for Canadians

Hey all, 

 

Just an update. I was going to wait for an email but called and found out I got a case complete on July 31.

The online system updated my status from paid to n/a.  Think that correlates to the system updating the status.

 

Good luck all! 


Cunuck waitingMaleCanada2014-08-04 14:20:00
CanadaNVC Thread for Canadians

I haven't received that email either.

Has anyone at MTL??

 

 

Hey.  I haven't received an email either, so I'm hoping its is not 60 days.  

 

Online I notice that my AOS support fee was changed from paid to N/A. I read on the NVC forum that this means they are working on the case.

Check online.  I'm going to wait a few days before calling. 


Cunuck waitingMaleCanada2014-08-04 09:37:00
CanadaMedical and Interview timing in Montreal

You can call Medisys and they are very accommodative in Montreal to give you back results in 3 days. I got my results in 3 days from Dr's Lyndon's office  but you have to make that arrangement before confirming appointment and following instructions on his website. I did get reply from Medisys as well to get it done in 3 days. So give it a try. 


DMXMaleCanada2014-04-25 23:07:00
CanadaMedical and Interview timing in Montreal

You are on the right track. Set up medical in Toronto about 3 weeks before. Doctors office can mail them to you for a fee. Go direct to Montreal a day before. I will suggest Dr. Lyndon. His office is very good if you follow instructions :) his website is visa doctor dot ca.

I just did my medical with him and they are good with emails. Just follow directions on the website and you are good to go. Normally you will have about 2 months the day you get interview date. So enough time to plan. I will put interview experience after my interview with suggestions where to stay very soon. Good Luck


Edited by DMX, 23 April 2014 - 09:19 AM.

DMXMaleCanada2014-04-23 09:17:00
CanadaApplying for K1 - Will I need parental consent to bring my 4 year old

Sure get the consent and put dates starting today till next couple of years. Get it notorized as well. It costs about 20$. And if you are in Toronto I know a person who will do it for 5$ or 10$ as long as you can meet him in down town. The person giving the consent have to sign in front of the lawyer. You can google the format of the letter or PM me and I will send over a copy.


DMXMaleCanada2014-05-02 15:43:00
CanadaMontreal Email Response Time

4 to 5 days for the form. 


DMXMaleCanada2014-06-21 18:18:00
CanadaQuestions Regarding Having a Baby in Canada and bringing him or her to the US

Was a thing in the news last yr about the BC govt starting to go after people that are doing exactly that! No longer entitled to Healthcare but keep using it! Its fraud! All adds to the increasing cost of healthcare


But she's not using it, she lives in Luxemburg. It's basically just making it easier for her to move back and not have to have a 'waiting period' which i've heard they don't really stick to anyways.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-05-24 08:35:00
CanadaQuestions Regarding Having a Baby in Canada and bringing him or her to the US

She never told them she was leaving so her address is still in BC. I told her a while back she needed to cancel it but she didn't do it.


Oh that's good then. My cousin did the same while living in Europe. Can't blame them!!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-05-23 18:59:00
CanadaQuestions Regarding Having a Baby in Canada and bringing him or her to the US

They live in Luxembourg right now. He is doing a post-doc at a university there. My friend isn't sure what kind of visa he got, but I'm assuming it would be the H1-B - specialized knowledge - because he teaches engineering.


In that case, she should probably also find out if there is a waiting period in her province for health coverage to kick again in Canada. Some provinces have a waiting period.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-05-23 16:31:00
CanadaQuestions Regarding Having a Baby in Canada and bringing him or her to the US

Where does he work now? If they are in the US, they may be eligible for COBRA between jobs. When will his current insurance end? Is there anyway to move up the start date of the insurance?


I was going to suggest COBRA too, but honestly it can be expensive too, $1200+ per month.

Can he not bargain to have his insurance kick in faster? Has he asked for an exception based on his situation with his wife? Some employers might be flexible or willing to negotiate given the situation.

Another benefit to giving birth in the US will be US citizenship (and Canadian through parents). I'd almost push to see if they can make it happen in the US for that benefit alone.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-05-23 10:20:00
CanadaWhat do you like best about Tim Hortons?

My parents told me about the sizes that's just crazy. I wonder if the did that to the hot chocolate too. I miss their peach juice, I'm not a coffee drinker at all.


MMM I forgot about peach juice! It was sooo good.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-01 10:58:00
CanadaWhat do you like best about Tim Hortons?

well i think it has more to do with family and hockey probably. Also last i knew they supported young hockey players etc as well. its a huge boon for the kids. i guess i just remember it as being very community oriented. and i always thought of hockey and home with tim hortons.


You are right. I remember going to many hockey tournaments with my parents and brother and always stopping in whatever small town we were in to get some Tim Hortons.

I remember Tim Hortons being at its best in my high school days, which was 1998-2002. Makes sense now that you mention they changed baking methods in 2002!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-02 14:43:00
CanadaWhat do you like best about Tim Hortons?
I wasn't a big coffee drinker when I lived in Canada, but now I am and wonder how I would like their coffee!

My fav. items were the Iced Caps made with Chocolate milk, french vanilla cappuccinos, dutchies, sour cream glazed, chocolate glazed and boston creme donutsand the potato soup.

Not sure how it would all taste these days.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-01 18:58:00
CanadaTN visa during k-1 process
Have you tried emailing the Montreal consulate? I would try them.

I honestly don't see how it is possible given that you have already expressed your immigrant intent by applying for a K1 visa and TN visa is one that comes with a non-immigrant intent. I've also always thought that you couldn't have more than 1 visa in the works.

I think it would be a lot better to turn down the job and wait until your K1 comes through and you have a work permit to consider a job. Sucks, but the reality is that you have immigrant intent and you're much better off in the long run going the K1 route if your intention is to live and work in the US long term/indefinitely and marry your fiance.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-05 11:10:00
CanadaNexus Card and Green Card?

I have CR1 status and my green card just expired. I previously filed the paperwork to get the condition removed and received my I-751 receipt notice so I have an extension on my status for a year.
I went through Nexus and I was stopped by customs because my green card was showing as expired in the nexus system. I was carrying the I-751 letter that shows my conditional status as extended and yet I was given a Nexus violation. Has anyone had this happen? I don't have an updated green card so I didn't think there was anything to update. The customs officer said I needed to go into an erollment office and have the I-751 entered into the system. I thought it was fine to have the expired green card as long as I had the letter with me when they asked about it. I didn't think the letter was something the enrollment office needed to see. Any one else have this happen?


The letter is technically your new greencard so that makes sense that you should change your Nexus.

When I used my expired card and stamped passport with I-751 extension back in December they made me go through secondary. Reading all of these posts makes me realize it was probably to update the system with the new document/date since the card was expired.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-06 09:15:00
CanadaAmtrak Maple Leaf
Not bad!

I remember freight trains were a problem the whole way to Syracuse when I used to take it. We'd just be stopped for an hour and it was because of freight trains. We'd always arrive a couple of hours late.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-08 12:16:00
CanadaAmtrak Maple Leaf
The only benefit to taking the bus is that I believe there is a shuttle bus from the bus station to the airport but I know it's annoying to get to Toronto when I'm guessing you'll be more west in Oakville?

Also - I remember Greyhound used to have a stop in Mississauga, might be worth seeing if they still do.

Do you know how much time that 1:30 p.m. arrival leaves for customs? I remember it taking a long time sometimes but I'm sure it would work. I'd also take down the number of a cab company there. The stations did look a bit desolate!!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-01 10:17:00
CanadaAmtrak Maple Leaf
I used to do it often when I was still dating my husband. It's spacious and a nice ride, but it can be slow and get delayed from freight traffic. Not sure if it is still like this, but at the border the train stops and the border guards come on the train and question people at their seats. Takes a good hour or so depending on how full the train is.

It's a great way to travel if you are not in a rush or okay with being a bit delayed.

I'd probably look into MegaBus as well since that is sometimes a lot cheaper. Or even Greyhound since it is such a short ride.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-01 07:12:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
^^ If you don't mind the smaller 4.5 version, they often go on sale at Target for $199 or even $179.

I want a KitchenAid Mixer so bad also! I want to get it in an interesting color, I'm thinking the matte black or maybe the light blue.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-10-20 10:59:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

Hunts has a no HFCS ketchup now and it is inexpensive...

I see canning jars fairly regularly at Walmart and other grocery stores around here but maybe because we live in the LA area where fruits and veggies are available year round..


I buy the Hunts with no HFCS and I think it tastes pretty similar to Heinz in Canada. Not exactly the same, but close enough. It's easier to buy it here than to keep lugging back bottles of ketchup since they are so heavy and I always fly.

I really miss Kraft peanut butter. I think I'm going to bring back a jar next time I'm visiting for old times sake. I also really wish we have Bulk Barn. I cannot find nutmeg that doesn't cost $6 for a tiny little container anywhere to save my life!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-10-20 09:07:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
Try this recipe. Best chocolate chip cookies ever!!

http://www.joythebak...e-chip-cookies/
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-10-04 16:58:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
I use Grandma's here and I think it smells terrible, but the cookies always turn out amazing!!

I've never used the fancy kind though. I only started baking after I moved, ha.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-10-04 13:43:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
I'm surprised you guys don't hear the accents! I've been here now for two years and I hear everyone's accent, Canadians, New Yorkers, Southern accents. I hear it all. When I call home, I now hear an accent on my Mom and Dad. I also notice that Canadians do say 'eh' a lot! I never noticed it while living there, but wow it's really noticeable when you don't hear it at all and then go a place where people are always saying it. It's very endearing though, I think!

I just got back from visiting Canada and I got a few comments that I sound different. I guess I'm picking up a bit of a New York accent and I don't even realize it!

I still get teased at work though for some words! I don't mind :)

Kimbear - i hated the first time I was apart from my hubs when I first moved too, but I have to say now when we are apart for a few days, we seem to really miss eachother and afterwards we get a nice boost in our romance, haha.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-06-09 09:26:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
But he said 'per hour' at the end of the sentence? Sounds like english is not their first language. Perhaps you should suggest speaking over the phone to discuss.

It does seem like she should be in school though, but maybe she starts next year?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-10-15 09:48:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

Oh the downside is that they have gotten lost a few times, but for 31.00 they take the long way home for all I care! I'll sit back and enjoy my cheap assed ride. Oh and there was a big accident in Syracuse this weekend because it went under a bridge and didn't clear it, it's a double decker bus... so I won't sit on the top at the front... :P

I'm willing to risk it, especially with the way I drive... everything I learned about driving I learned in Jersey... I think a Megabus is safer for me.


I've read some bad reviews about MegaBus (mainly about not being on time and the WiFi not actually working) but I think if you go in with really low expectations and without the need to get back in a hurry, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

And regarding accents, I can hear the Canadian accent now when I go home or call my Mom on the phone and wow it's really strong! My sister told me that my accent has changed, which I find pretty funny.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-09-14 15:11:00
CanadaName Change - Adjustment of Status
It's actually more like cardstock :P

This is what it looks like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_I-94

You fill it out and then they tear off the bottom portion and put it in your passport. They didn't staple mine. You'll get a new one of these if you use AP to cross back afterwards as well.

If you are flying, make sure you grab one at the counter with all the customs cards and fill it out in advance.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-09 08:09:00
CanadaName Change - Adjustment of Status
This is exactly what I did BUT I will say they did try to give me a hard time because my name in the system at the SS office was my maiden name or something, so they have to verify me and said it would take longer to get my card. It wasn't long, only took 5 days for my card to arrive, but I would be prepared to ask to speak to a manager when you are there just in case. It was something about coming in on a K1 but then getting married. The important thing is that YOU CAN do it, but you might get a rep at the office who says you can't and you just have to be firm. Others have printed off a page from the website, but I didn't do that, just insisted I could do it and she did it. When I asked to speak with a supervisor/manager she all of a sudden knew how to do it :)

I also used my maiden name in my passport until I renewed it. Just remember when you renew, you'll have to fill out the complete form and will need a guarantor (it can be any CDN citizen, even a parent), you can't use the shorter form.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-08 06:21:00
CanadaHealth Insurance

Thanks! I will definitely not go with visitors insurance (I didnt think that would be possible)

I think I'll go with Empire blue (its basically emergency coverage in case I need to be hospitalized) which is where the costs would be insane anyways

I'm very excited to live in New York City!


SapphireDreams- Did you guys get married at the City hall?


Yes, we did get married at the city clerk's office. You have to go get the license in advance and then must wait 24 hours to get married. I moved on Saturday, we got out license Monday morning and then got married on Tuesday! It's nice because you get the certificate on the spot, so you can file your AOS immediately. If you need any other tips, feel free to message me!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-12 10:49:00
CanadaHealth Insurance
The one benefit of NYC is that there are a lot of people, so there are a lot of non-insurance options. Obviously that won't cover hospitals or emergencies, but last night at my Dr. in Queens there was someone there who didn't have insurance they paid $70 for their visit, which I didn't think was too crazy. You probably won't find that pricing in Manhattan, but if you live in a borough, you'll probably have better luck.

I would definitely do a Google search. I've seen ads around the city for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Welcome to NYC (almost!). I LOVE it here!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-12 06:27:00
CanadaHow have you changed?
I just saw my cousin the other day while he was in NYC and he told me I have a bit of an accent now. I didn't think I did though! I don't say eh anymore, that's for sure.

I don't really drive anymore now that I live in NYC. I can still drive, but just don't so that's weird.

I am a lot more in shape now - I took up running and love it. Actually I've taken a bit of a hiatus and need to get back into it.

I stopped dyeing my hair blonde! I am now a natural light brown and I love it.

I'm much better with my money now - Living in the US has made me a lot more aware of money and the importance of having a savings/fun/buffer
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-05-29 13:55:00
CanadaPassports one or both do you use

You mean like flying to Cuba or not being targeted by terrorist organizations? :hehe:


Americans can go to Cuba now! They recently opened it up for tour groups, I know someone who went. So there's another reason I don't need it!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-08 15:11:00
CanadaPassports one or both do you use
I plan to just use a US passport if I ever become a citizen since a. the passport lasts 10 years and b. it's cheaper.

Other than for sentimental reasons, I can't really think of any benefits to having a Canadian passport. Would there be a benefit I'm not thinking of?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-08 15:01:00
CanadaK1 and AP...can i return to Cda to work for 4 months?
I can't see why not, the only thing you need to figure out is if you can have your residence as in the US, while working those 4 months in order to ensure you are meeting the guidelines of the greencard. You'd need to check with your employer and ensure that would be okay with them.

You just can't be a resident of the US and Canada at the same time, but you can be a resident of the US and work in Canada most likely.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-15 17:31:00
CanadaWhat to send for ROC evidence
That is plenty of evidence!

You don't even really need to send the cards you sent eachother or cards people have sent you, those are secondary really and you have a lot of strong evidence and don't really need them.

For bank statements, we just included maybe 4-5 copies from throughout the two years, so they could see that we had the account together the whole time.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-18 15:06:00
CanadaCDN Passport application - okay to send certified copy of Marriage Cert?

Yes, sorry, still getting familiar with where to post things :).

That said, I thought I'd share with y'all what I was told when I called Passport Canada. I phoned and actually got through to a person, and she was very friendly and helpful!
She told me that, since I am including copies of my DL and Green card (both of which have my married surname and signature), I don't need to include the original marriage certificate since the other two documents are sufficient proof of identity; but, she did say that it would be wise to include a photocopy of the document and have my guarantor sign it and date it just the same as the other documents.

Mystery solved!


That's exactly what I did and didn't have any issues.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-20 19:25:00
CanadaCDN Passport Expiring
I'm just curious though, for those that just use a greencard (and say you don't have a passport with you at all) what happens if you have to fly back in an emergency?

Or, even if you live in the US and had an emergency in Canada and had to get on the next plane back? Then what's the plan?

As a non-US citizen, I just think it's important to have my Canadian passport just in case I need it. 99.9% chance I won't need it unless I have a trip planned, but I guess I see it as insurance.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-27 06:26:00
CanadaCDN Passport Expiring
Yes! You most definitely need a passport! Just because they didn't ask you for a passport upon re-entry into the US doesn't mean it's not required. You should always have a passport if you are travelling internationally. They will not let you on a plane if you are flying outside of the US without a passport.

You can apply for it by mail while living in the US. I don't believe you can do it at a Consulate. Takes about 3 weeks.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-26 08:50:00
CanadaThe Walmart
See I don't think Canadian realize that they do it. And I know I never did it all the time.

I would never say, "I'm going to the Wal-mart", but I would say, "Let's go the Wal-mart to get the patio furniture and the the Pizza Hut for dinner". I would only use it when I'm referring to a specific location that correlates with the next place.

It's kind of hard to explain, but I think it's used more in the context of, "Let's go to the Wal-mart [on Main St.] for the XXX" - we are leaving out the specific location details.

At least that's how I would use it. I don't think Thea means in a redneck kind of way.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-14 08:50:00