ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
CanadaThe Walmart
I know exactly what you're saying and it's funny because my hubby will always ask "which one" after I say something like, we go stop at "the Key Food" haha. He doesn't do it!

Funny.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-13 16:38:00
CanadaNew Embassy Rules
I'm pretty sure your fiances can join you. It's always said that "extra" relatives are not allowed. So you can't bring your Mom or Dad or whatever, but I think fiances are technically applicants.

Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that's not how I read it.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-06-09 08:05:00
CanadaNeed July 2012 Calgary Interview
What visa are you applying for?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-03 17:57:00
CanadaAnother one of those

Hello everyone,
I have been reading recent posts about the passport renewal process from the US, including a very helpful one from Inky, but I have a couple questions still. If anyone cares to chip in, it would be great! :thumbs:

I'm doing the adult form since I'm changing my name to my married name. I'm also going to Canada for a visit in a couple weeks, so I was going to get my pictures taken there and get my guarantor to sign it all as well. Is this OK?

Once I get back to Virginia, I was going to mail it from here to the office in Gatineau. Is this correct? They will mail my passport to the US, correct?

Thank you for your help everyone!


Exactly what I did, easy peasy. I recommend shelling out and sending it UPS. It's the only way to get a tracking number. USPS can send it too, but can't do a tracking number into Canada.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-02 20:17:00
CanadaFinally! Pearson POE review
They searched my bags at Pearson during my POE as well.

Welcome to the US!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-03 21:18:00
CanadaAsked for I94

you should be able to open a bank account anywhere just with your passport. who refused you? any non us citizen can have a bank account here.


That's not true. Chase Bank requires a SSN. At least here in NY they did.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-16 20:23:00
CanadaTemporary Return Of US GC Holder To Canada
I'd apply for citizenship if you are eligible before you leave and maintain a residence in the US until you become a citizen. If that's not possible, you can always just plan to apply for an IR-1 visa when you want to move back, which isn't the end of the world if you plan it right.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-16 20:22:00
CanadaCrossing border after just filing for K-1
I travelled back and forth regularly without a problem. I brought with me:

Proof of my return ticket
A letter from my employer stating when I'd be back at work
A copy of our K1 NOA1 (when I got it)

I never visited more than a week and always had a return ticket, so I think that helped a lot.

If you plan to visit for a long period of time, on a one-way ticket, then you'll probably want to bring more proof of ties to Canada. If you're only going for a week or two and have a return ticket, a job to get back to etc. then you have nothing to worry about.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-06 16:17:00
CanadaWhen visiting Canada....
You are visiting, exactly the same as your husband, the US citizen. You follow all the guidelines of a visitor to Canada.

Residents of Canada have different allowances, but they don't count for you since you are a resident of the US.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-14 15:37:00
CanadaWhen You Eat Your Smarties
Try to find the King Arthur brand of flour. I started using it on a recommendation of Kathryn on here and it works a lot better than the other brands. It's a bit more expensive, but worth it!

They carry it at my local grocery store, which doesn't have a good selection of anything so I'm sure you can find somewhere!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-27 10:08:00
CanadaWhen You Eat Your Smarties

I spent a bit of time wondering why you were taking honey to the store. :lol:


I love Arrowroots and bring them back too. lol

The Campbells tomato soups here are way too sweet. Same with the tomato juice. I haven't brought any soup back with me because I mostly make my own, but I do bring back the juice. Even my husband likes it better than what you can get here. This trip I brought back:

- Rye Bread
- Shreddies
- Vachon Au Caramel
- Liquid Bovril
- Turkey Bites Pepperettes (hubby says "I'm not sharing no Turkey Bites with no Canadians out there" as he sees I am writing this on VJ. :lol: )
- Dark Chocolate Digestives

I couldn't find Malt Bread anywhere so I didn't bring those. :cry: I'm sure there are other things I brought but I can't recall what they are at the moment. I did take care of my buttertart craving while I was there so I didn't bring those with me this time. I meant to pick up some date squares but forgot. :(

Oh wait! I just remembered I also brought back both regular and mint Aeros, as well as Smarties. I did not eat the red ones last.

:hehe:


A good alternative to Shreddies is Wheat Chex (or maybe it's whole wheat chex... something like that). It's very very similar in texture!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-04 10:55:00
CanadaWhen You Eat Your Smarties

Some of our local Kroger grocery stores have a small British section and they usually have Maynards wine gums in there. I have seen them at World Market before as well. Not sure if you have either of those near you.

I find that the US doesn't have nearly as good a selection of candy/chocolate bars as Canada, and I am really shocked in the poor selection of cookies as well. This may be a regional thing, but here about 50% of the cookie section is some version of oreo's!! I had to get my parents to bring me some boxes of Arrowroot cookies for my LO when they were here recently! I would have loved to have the Dare Bear Paws as well, but they didn't have enough room to bring everything :(


We actually have a really good British section here because I live in a very Irish neighbourhood. I am lucky enough to get Crunchie and Smarties if I want them! I haven't seen wine gums though! Need to look harder!

I have seen Arrowroot cookies here, but I wonder if they taste the same. Those are awesome cookies. I totally forgot about them!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-03 09:59:00
CanadaWhen You Eat Your Smarties
Wine Gums are hard to replace! I always buy a whole bunch when I'm home in Canada to get my fill. Like you said, it's probably a good thing that I don't have access to them on a regular basis!!

I ate a whole roll the other day... and probably could've eaten another one!!

Edited by SapphireDreams, 02 January 2012 - 09:45 PM.

SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-02 21:45:00
CanadaWhen You Eat Your Smarties

I find the Wegmans Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water is just like the kind I bought in Canada. Plus it's only .99 cents a tin!! Gotta love that.


We don't have a Wegman's near us, but I will keep trying various brands. I'll have to stop importing tuna eventually, haha!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-05-25 10:36:00
CanadaWhen You Eat Your Smarties
I can't say that Smarties was my chocolate of choice when I lived in Canada. I liked them, but I was more partial to a Crunchie or Oh Henry, haha. I've recently cut out eating junk food, but I'm sure I'll indulge a bit when I'm in Canada next week!

I'm really excited to stock on Catalina salad dressing and Clover Leaf tuna! I can't stand US tuna. It's so mushy!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-05-25 10:21:00
CanadaIs it mandatory to submit I-134 form and supporting document?
Of course he can get an employer letter - he just needs to ask his HR department. All it needs to say is that he is currently employed and how much his salary is. Why is he being so difficult? That's a red falg to me, is he hiding something?

He should also be sending you pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns.

This is important stuff and he should be able to get all of it.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-07-29 09:12:00
CanadaVolunteer work while waiting for EAD?
QUOTE (chapstick @ Jul 7 2009, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

I've been a troll on this forum for a while now (meaning that I lurk, but never post.. hehe), and I decided to come out of hiding today to ask a few questions smile.gif

I have been approved for my K1 visa and will be entering the US next week. As far as getting married is concerned, we will be doing the whole civil/legal marriage paperwork stuff as soon as possible and having the whole big wedding ceremony for friends and family sometime next year.

My questions are:

1) Are you able to do any volunteer work (say, at the hospital or what not) while you wait for your EAD?
2) For those who apply for advance parole to leave the country prior to getting your status changed (lets say I want to go back to visit home), how long does that take to approve and is it only valid once or can I go back home several times? On a side note, I hate that they call it "advance parole"... it makes me feel like a criminal sorta. Yeesh!

Thanks for all the help!


Yes, you can definitely do volunteer work.

AP is taking around 2-3 months right now. When you apply, they ask you if you want to use it multiple times and you just say yes and you are generally granted a multiple entry Advanced Parole.

SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-07-07 16:58:00
CanadaWe are moving back to Canada
Sounds like you guys did your best but ultimately sounds like the universe is calling you back to Canada. You gave it your best try and that's all you can do.

Good luck with the move back! Hope things go smoothly for you from here on out!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-24 19:47:00
CanadaAOS RFE - urgh.. Question about Biometrics

Thank you :) I think my hormones are making me over-react! Another question: If the AOS (for some reason) were denied, what happens to my EAD/AP? Do they continue processing? Could we re-apply for AOS if it is denied?


I don't think you need to worry about a denial. If they have any doubts, they would schedule an interview before they straight out deny I would think.

I think you can appeal if they deny it - but I wouldnt put any thought into that, I think it's kind of rare to get denied.

When did you do you K1 medical? Has it been longer or close to a year ago? Maybe it's expired? Or, maybe they lost it. That happens a lot.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-08-06 14:19:00
CanadaHow I Lost My Fear Of Universal Health Care
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis Peachey.

I am all for universal healthcare, I think it really does make a difference in so many ways.

However, I have to say that I have had a really great experience with the American system, mainly because we have great insurance, but they just really do get down to the root of the problem. I had an issue in Canada for years that just never went away. My Dr. could not figure it out, basically just kept telling me to take drug store medication and she basically said it would just be something I would have to live with. Fast forward, saw my first Dr. in the US about it, she immediately prescribed me with some medication (that isn't available in Canada funny enough) and my issue went away. It comes back once in awhile, but all I have to do is call my Dr. and she'll send in the prescription and I'm good again.

The waiting and the difficulty seeing a specialist is an issue in Canada. No doubt. BUt the security of knowing I'd be okay if I was unemployed etc. is a huge benefit.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-08-10 17:54:00
CanadaWho is allowed to ask for our greencard info?

I understand if it was the government or military asking for it, but it wasn't, it was my son in law. Are we allowed to give the number out??? Can't people use it for fraudulent means if we do?


But isn't it the son in law asking for it because he needs to give it to the navy? That's how i read your post. If he just wants it to have then, no, but if the navy needs it, ask him to give you the form so you can fill it out and see that there is an official need for it.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-08-11 07:02:00
CanadaRFE for Birth Certificate on I-485
We both submitted the long form as well.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-08-16 07:16:00
Canadainterview I-134 or i-864 tomorrow
K1s only need the I-134 - you are in good shape try not to panic. The interview is really a lot less stressful than it seems it will be.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-24 20:00:00
CanadaCanada Police Certificate
Yes, that's what mine looked like. There should be a box somewhere or something that says that his name was checked in the CPIC or something like that. Mine then had a raised sealed on it.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-08-20 20:33:00
CanadaAny VJers from South Western Ontario?
I'm from Mississauga (right on the border of Etobicoke) and now live in New York City.

I love the city, but can't wait to settle down in the suburbs again!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-05-11 06:16:00
CanadaGetting Canadian Passport Picture in US
Hmmm, I have to do the same thing soon. Are you going to Canada for Xmas by any chance? I think I'm just going to have my pictures taken while I'm visiting.

A few other places to check:
Wal-Mart
Sears
Costco
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-12-06 14:37:00
CanadaJury Duty
I got a notice right before I was about to move to appear on a date after I had planned to leave.

I contacted the office and told them that I would no longer be a resident of Canada on the date they requested me to be there. I had to fax them a letter explaining this and then a copy of my US visa showing that I was leaving and I also included my place ticket reservation receipt.

They then took me off the list for good and sent me a letter confirming that I would no longer be requested for jury duty :)

They didn't give me a hard time at all.

Oh and this was in Peel Region (Mississauga/Brampton) and I remember the letter they sent me had the name and contact information right on and I just followed the instructions it listed for those with reasons they couldn't attend.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-10-04 13:41:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA
You don't need to have your SSN to APPLY for EI benefits from Canada. You may be required to prove you can work later into the process, but you should most definitely get the ball rolling and fill out their online application within 4 weeks of quitting your job.

They'll process your application and then ask you to prove you are eligible to work in the US. You won't need to do that right away, you can wait until you get the right documentation. You just won't get paid right away but once you send them your SSN and greencard, they'll process it, you'll begin your two week waiting period and then start getting the payments.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-20 14:48:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA
You should be able to collect. When you leave the company, see if your HR dept. will mark on your record of employment that you are relocating for spouse. it's not required, but it will help.

Also just wanted to add, that you being eligible to work is important, but you don't have to be eligible just in Canada. You just need to prove you are eligible to work in the US. Which you will be able to do with your greencard after you cross.

Edited by SapphireDreams, 17 February 2012 - 12:55 PM.

SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-17 12:54:00
CanadaCustom House
I have noticed the exchange rates getting worse and worse and also just got the email and came to post about it.

I think I'm going to try looking into some new options now. I've been using them to transfer money every month to pay student loans.

I think I read on here that TD Bank can now transfer between TD Canada Trust over the phone only - I think I'll look into opening a TD Bank account here in the US.

Anyone else have any good, cheap options for transferring money from a US to Canadian account? I need to be able ot do it within a week, so writing cheques isn't going to work.

I guess I could also ask TD Canada Trust if I can just my line of credit by US check/mail.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-11-01 07:56:00
CanadaCredit Card?

I just called TD again and they confirmed that I can't have a CC.. Apparently people can slip by by not saying that it's a permanent move, but if it is the card has to be closed. Too bad. :(


I think that's just not true. They mail me a new card everytime mine expires to a US address and I keep my Canadian TD account open with my US address. Or, just tell them that it's not permanent to keep it open. It's not a lie if you don't give them specifics. I wouldn't let them close it.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-10-30 10:43:00
CanadaCredit Card?
I had the same problem when I called TD Canada Trust to change the address on my credit card. I can't remember who I called initially, but I think I called my bank initially and they told me I couldn't do it and then I called the credit card directly and they changed it no problem and told me that whoever I talked to didn't have the right information and I could keep it and live in the US.

I think you should try calling back or try calling a different number.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-10-29 08:20:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...

...you've made some major changes in your diet and start working out at the gym again and are rewarded by a 30-pound weight loss in only 5 months.



Amazing Necrotica! Congrats, that is a major achievement.

My first job interview in American and my first interview in close to 3.5 years and I got the job :D


Congrats!! That is amazing. Where is it?!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-01-27 12:23:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...

You're thinking of planning a trip to San Diego, and the following day get a deal on the airfare? $327.00 for two of us...RETURN!


Wow amazing Carla!! Have fun!


Mine is:

Don't you love it when everything has fallen into place? We finally moved into our new apartment that I love and we spent much less on furniture and stuff then I anticipated. We have such an amazing family who has helped us SO much. We are so lucky.

I moved here just over 7 months ago and I've managed to find a job that I love, we have an amazing apartment, amazing friends and best of all, we never have to be apart again. I feel so lucky today.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-01-11 09:54:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...
Congrats Trailmix! That's awesome.


SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-08-25 19:14:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...
Thanks Krikit and Kathryn!

I'll be working at a public relations agency in NYC. It's pretty similar to what I was doing in Toronto. I'm looking forward to going back to work!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-08-25 14:50:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...
I am so happy! Things are falling into place very nicely right now.

I got my work permit in the mail on Saturday and I got a job offer yesterday and accepted the job today! I even negotiated for more money and they gave it to me.

Wooooooooooooooooooo!

I start Monday!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-08-25 13:25:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...
I got my EAD approved and I went on two great job interviews today!!

One of them in particular seems so cool and promising! Also have a second interview for another job on Tuesday!!

Not going to get my hopes up but things seems to be going well...I'm glad I trusted my instinct and started applying for jobs before my EAD.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-08-13 21:52:00
CanadaDon't you love it when...
Sounds like things are right on track! Good luck smile.gif


I am just happy that I've started networking/job searching and am feeling really good about it. My instincts are telling me that I'm on the right track. My resume is looking good, 2 recruiters have my resume and I've made about 4 connections at different agencies. I haven't sent out any more cold resumes yet, I'm waiting until I'm closer to the EAD... but I'm just really happy with the networking so far. Once I get my EAD and I'm full force job hunting I think I'll be in good shape. I think my career and the city I moved to is the perfect combination.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-07-24 10:27:00