ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAOS - Did you file for AP?
I would personally not feel right not having a passport or AP in case I ever needed to leave the country for WHATEVER reason.

He could potentially get a job that requires travel outside the country, something could happen at home he needs to go back for...all of it may be highly unlikely and he may never use it, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

It's also free and I believe it's now one card for both EAD/AP so that's also convenient.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-03-14 13:17:00
CanadaAOS status
Expect to wait approx. 3 months for the EAD and AP and then around 6 months for the actual green card.

Once you get the EAD/AP, you can work and travel.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-03-16 06:26:00
CanadaEstablishing credit score in US for Canadians

I was just discussing this with my fiance last night at dinner and my future step-FIL said they can import credit history from anywhere, which completely contradicts most things said here. I think he was being defensive because I said to add me to my fiance's credit card (even though I wouldn't use it)... Sigh.


I think the thing is that yes they can import it from anywhere, but it depends on if they are WILLING to do it and how much clout they actually put into it.

My co-worker is trying to buy a house right now and from what I'm learning from her, getting a mortgage is extremely complicated and NOTHING is for sure until it's finalized in writing and signed on the dotted line. She said every mortgage broker just tells you want you want to hear, but when it actually comes time to give you the money there are a lot of last minute things that will just "pop up" that they "forgot to mention".
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-03-16 14:42:00
CanadaCanadian married to American; Near Daily border crossing.
I'm guessing your Mom can't drive? Because I almost just feel like it would be easier for her to become a Canadian resident and for them to live in Canada and just have her commute and cross on her own everyday.

Seems a bit silly that he would go through all of the trouble to become a US greencard holder if he wants to live in Canada. Because he's just going to run into the same issues if he's crossing back and forth into Canada, maintaining a residence in Canada, but holds a US greencard. The border guards may see that as abusing the greencard system.

If he wants to get a greencard, he needs to reside in the US and become a US resident.

I'm guessing your Mom can't drive? Because I almost just feel like it would be easier for her to become a Canadian resident and for them to live in Canada and just have her commute and cross on her own everyday.

Seems a bit silly that he would go through all of the trouble to become a US greencard holder if he wants to live in Canada. Because he's just going to run into the same issues if he's crossing back and forth into Canada, maintaining a residence in Canada, but holds a US greencard. The border guards may see that as abusing the greencard system.

If he wants to get a greencard, he needs to reside in the US and become a US resident.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-29 09:28:00
CanadaBest US cell phone to text Canada

Does this include data Colleen's? Just curious, since I'm always trying to save a buck! We pay about $210 with Verizon, but that includes data on two phones, $30 each.

Like others said, Verizon doesn't charge extra to text to Canada. They also have a pretty good North American plan, but it was a little pricy.


Wow that's a lot! I've heard Verizon has the most expensive rates.

I'd definitely call around and see if you can switch to AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile depending on what your needs are. I'm on a family plan with my in-laws so I can't really compare since I get a super deal. But I really like T-Mobile. They are worth looking into if you want to save some cash and don't care about the iphone (they have plenty of other nice Android phones).
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-03-19 21:05:00
CanadaBest US cell phone to text Canada

Forgot to also mention that with google voice it's also free from a US land line to Canada.


I use google voice too on my Blackberry, doesn't have to be an Android phone!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-09-26 12:20:00
CanadaBest US cell phone to text Canada

Texting is texting - I can text my Cdn niece - it doesn't cost me anymore then texting someone here in the US. Get an unlimited texting plan and you can text like nuts for the monthly fee.

We use Verizon but check out each carrier's unlimited texting fees and then go from there.


Actually, recently T-Mobile changed their texting and now it's 10 cents/text to Canada. So no texting isn't considered equal by all providers. It just recently changed. T-Mobile plans are pretty cheap though, so I can't fault them and I mainly use BBM.

You should look into Boost Mobile, Metro PCS and Cricket (depending on where you live) - those are the equivalent to plans like Virgin America in Canada.

Edited by SapphireDreams, 24 September 2011 - 08:54 AM.

SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2011-09-24 08:54:00
CanadaA bunch of stupid questions

Excellent, now to find a board telling me the easiest way to apply for canadian citizenship ;)

Thanks for the information! I really wish I had found this board a year ago!


try roadtocanada.com
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-03-19 21:06:00
CanadaAirport Checklist
I would recommend filling out the I-94 before you get to the customs desk - they usually have them by regular customs cards.

Bring a pen to fill out both customs forms!

I would also recommend a cart to carry all your luggage if you have more than a couple of bags since you'll have to carry it yourself through secondary and then to the drop off location, so it's a bit of a pain and having everything on a cart will make things a lot easier.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-03-21 08:11:00
CanadaCanadian Citizen Visiting the U.S. and Returning Back to Canada After K-1 Issued
It's basically at the discretion of the border guard you encounter. There are people who have done it (although not that recently I don't think).

I asked at my interview if this would be possible as I got my visa in March and planned to move in June and wanted to be able to visit and my interviewer told me that I could not do that and shouldn't even try. So, I didn't. It sucked not being able to leave the country for a few months like that, but in the end, I'm glad I didn't try because you just never know the outcome at the border.

If you are driving, and live close to the border, and don't mind turning back if you had to, then it would be worth a try. I was flying and didn't want to give up on my airfare.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-03 20:50:00
CanadaWhat are my options?
Glad the change of date worked out!

Sending you good vibes that she gets there soon!!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-03 20:52:00
CanadaWhat are my options?

I hope that includes all food and everything. If so, I guess $40/person isn't too bad. I'd reschedule ASAP though, it sounds like there is little chance you'll be able to make it.


$12,000 is not the full amount I'm guessing.

It's not uncommon in Northern NJ for weddings to cost upwards of $100+ person. I know people who have paid double that. That's why they have such high cancellation policies.

Good luck!!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-15 13:49:00
CanadaWhat are my options?
To get back on topic, I was thinking about this and I really think you should consider rescheduling with the venue for a later date in 2013. Maybe not the summer, but later like November 2013. That gives you more than a year and half to get through immigration.

There is no doubt that they will be able to re-book your summer date. Of course there is no guarantee, and they don't want you to know that, but if they are as busy as they claim to be, I'm sure they will have no problem. I think you should talk to them about working out a deal, like you'll rebook and if they don't book someone on your original date, you'll add $2,000-$3,000 to your bill. Because it's not like you're cancelling altogether, you still want to give them business, you just need to reschedule. I know how crazy these contracts can be though, hopefully they are willing to work with you.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-15 09:13:00
CanadaWhat are my options?
I may have missed this in your inital post, but is rescheduling for later in the year or early next year with the venue completely out of the question?

It's still only February, with some time for them to rebook that July date. There are always last minute people. Esp. considering today is Valentine's Day and there will be more engagements and people who may want a July wedding date.

Maybe you can work out a deal where you reschedule for a later open date in 2013 and if they don't rebook for July, you pay them a lower cancellation fee, something like $2000? Maybe they'll be able to work something out?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-14 15:44:00
CanadaTricky Vaccinations?

Yeah, I think I'd rather just get boosters as I had my first blood test last year and almost passed out when I got antsy. So no panel in Calgary? I wish it were more obvious online but I thought it said there was one.. Hopefully I can book the appointment for that right before my interview. Good to know!


You'll have to give blood at the immigration medical, just as an FYI so you can prepare!

Did they make the flu shot a requirement for all ages? When I had my medical a few years back it was only for those 50 years or older.

Also - you can check with your public health unit for vaccine records. They had all of mine and it was good because the records my Mom kept were missing a shot and the public health record had the missing shot listed.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-05 19:05:00
CanadaAm I a resident Alien?
Yes, you are a resident alien. I believe that anyone with legal presence (including those with just a work permit/visa) are considered a resident alien.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-06 07:02:00
CanadaMontreal Airport X Via Rail

You are right, I just checked and thats what it says.

What is name of the Airport in Montreal?

From what I see it seems like all the flights are TOO early on Sunday morning and my fiance has to work Sun to have Monday OFF to come to Montreal.. Just wanna make sure i have the right name, otherwise, it will be easier to flight to Toronto and we both get the train. Pretty much the same $$$ if he gets the cab..
Complicating!!!! :help:

You are right, I just checked and thats what it says.

What is name of the Airport in Montreal?

From what I see it seems like all the flights are TOO early on Sunday morning and my fiance has to work Sun to have Monday OFF to come to Montreal.. Just wanna make sure i have the right name, otherwise, it will be easier to flight to Toronto and we both get the train. Pretty much the same $$$ if he gets the cab..
Complicating!!!! :help:



That's actually what we ended up doing! My husband just flew to Toronto and we made a visit out of it, took the train together (which was quite nice actually, it was good to travel together and spend time together) the day before, and then just took the train back to Toronto the afternoon after the interview. We booked a 3 p.m. train to be safe. We had plenty of time to sightsee before and after too, which was nice!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-05 10:50:00
CanadaMontreal Airport X Via Rail
I also just realized you wanted to travel overnight and I don't think Via Rail offers any overnight train service from Toronto to Montreal, so just something to consider.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-04 18:37:00
CanadaMontreal Airport X Via Rail
The airport is actually very out of the way of the city. When you take Via Rail, you'll actually be right downtown and only a few blocks from the consulate (it's an easy walk).

Is there any particular reason why you have to pick him up? Can he just meet you in the city? That would be a LOT easier for you and probably save you a lot of time and hassle.

Although, if you really you really need to meet him, you can probably take the train and get off at Dorval, and it looks like there is a shuttle service to the airport from the train station. Then you'll need to just figure out how to get from the airport to city. I think you can actually take public transportation if you are looking for a low budget option. If you google, you can probably find out what the taxi fare is as well (which is probably more convenient, pending traffic).
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-04 13:05:00
CanadaWhite Cheddar Mac & Cheese

:lol: I still don't have the desire for pickles. My big pregnancy craving is cheese! Cheese strings, cheese and crackers, anything with cheese in it really... Hence the increased desire for mac & cheese.

Speaking of cereal, how about Shreddies? I really miss those. With a light sprinkle of sugar... yumm.


Life is very close to Shreddies. Not exactly the same, but very close I think. I actually buy the Cinnamon Life and LOVE IT.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-11 07:04:00
CanadaWhite Cheddar Mac & Cheese

ok, how about Quaker Harvest Crunch???? miss it so..can anyone suggest similiar products or if anyone has seen this item in any american retail stores?



Honey Bunches of Oats looks similar! I'm not a fan of either, so I can't say taste wise...
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-10 18:55:00
CanadaWhite Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Mmmm ketchup on KD. Love that. I can't remember the last time I had KD now that I think about it. We don't really buy it anymore and now I'm craving it!

I also use the Hunt's No HFCS ketchup and think it tastes very similar to Canadian Heinz.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-02 21:30:00
CanadaPaypal
I remember having to switch accounts and set up a new one. However it was a bit tricky because you can only have one account per email address. So I had to change the email address of my Canadian account, and then set up a set up a new account.

But if you call them, they will explain it exactly.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-10 16:49:00
CanadaAOS processing- what to expect?
Definitely apply for AP and an EAD. You'll get to leave the country and work if you want to and it'll be processed a lot quicker, within 3 months at the most, whereas the AOS can take 5+ months.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-11 19:02:00
CanadaPolice certificate from home country
Yes, that makes sense. Your brazil police certificate will cover your addresses in Brazil and then you'll need a police certificate from Canada covering you for your Canadian address. Do you have that?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-18 21:54:00
CanadaA few basic tax questions
You can use Netfile, you just can't file it online, you would have to print it out and mail it in to the International Tax office. I just put in my US address and didn't have a problem. I'm sure I did the zip code in the postal code area and then the city and state wherever it fit.

You should file married, it won't affect your return. I just entered in my husband's income as 0.

There should be a question that asks you if you ceased to be a resident or emigrated or something like that and then it'll ask for the date you left the country. I can't remember exactly where, but I remember it was on there.

They determine the date you file it by the post mark on the envelope. So when you go and mail it, go in person to the post office and have them stamp it with the date. I just sent mine regular mail and it was fine.

They called me a couple of months after I sent it in to confirm my exit date and that was that.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-18 06:18:00
CanadaI have a surprise!

Well, we lucked out on this one. Its a short sale, and the owners are retired and live in california. the bank has made its money 6 times on this house since 6 diff mortgages were taken out on it. The last one for their retirement houe that was built brand new for 500k in california. This place originally listed for 120k, went off market came back at 90 we offered 75k. Everyone was desperate and there was only one lien on the house and one investor. Needless to say, CIti did not counter our offer, and we did our home inspection found some issues, they even offered to pay some closing costs to fix the issues which shocked the hell out of me and my attorney. Now i'm just waiting on the appraisal report from our FHA guy. As long as thats ok, we can move in probably next week. They already gave us the keys etc.

My horror story of home buying in the usa is finally over. It took over a year since our first initial offer and start of this messed up us home buying craziness. I managed to not go 100% crazy and i managed to keep my marriage intact. As for family relations with the parent in laws..well..thats a whole other story. lol.

lets just say i can't wait to get the ** out of here!


That's a quick move in, yay!

Even at the asking that's a steal of a deal. The area we live now houses go for $600,000+ and the areas we could potentially afford that are decent are going to run us AT LEAST $400,000 (if we are lucky). Don't even get me started on the property taxes, we have to budget at least $1000/month for those. But you do what you have to do here in New York City + suburbs. It sucks but I'm becoming used to it now and can see why people do it to live here but then retire elsewhere.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-06 09:19:00
CanadaI have a surprise!
Congrats, very very happy for you!

Jealous on how inexpensive houses are there!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-02 21:32:00
CanadaHad to mail in passport to MTL
Never hurts to ask! They are only human, you never know.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-13 16:26:00
CanadaHad to mail in passport to MTL
Hae you tried emailing?

If you haven't, I'd suggest emailing the consulate asap and explaining your situation and see if there is anything they can do.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-13 13:56:00
Canadadual canadian citizenship for my husband and i

I think some posters have misunderstood hikergirl- she simply explained how one would lose canadian citizenship (by renouncing it at an embassy), which is something that you could do if you WANTED to. She didn't say you HAVE to. Her information is correct.

Please read posts carefully.


I stand corrected! Sorry misread that one.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-24 21:14:00
Canadadual canadian citizenship for my husband and i

The only way he would not have dual citizenship when he naturalizes in the US would be to go to the Canadian Embassy and renounce his Canadian Citizenship. So you don't have to worry of him being stripped of anything.

For you the only way to get citizenship in Canada is similar to the US. Get residency through marriage and live in Canada a certain amount of time.

Hope this helped.



Your information is false you do not have to renounce your Canadian citizenship.

Like Pocheros said, you make an oath at the US ceremony, but it does nothing to your Canadian citizenship. You maintain both.

Bogart - Once you hit the three year anniversary of being a permanent resident, your husband can apply for US citizenship. Once he becomes a citizen, your Dad will no longer be legally obligated anymore. Like others have mentioned you'll first need to remove conditions on the 2 year greencard, which should happen 90 days before the 2 year greencard expires. In your case, it will be beneficial for your husband to become a citizen so that your Dad is cleared.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-24 19:44:00
CanadaEmployment Insurance from Canada
Another option would be to do direct deposit into a Canadian bank account and then sign up for Custom House to transfer the money.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-25 20:00:00
CanadaGreen Card filling from Canada VS US?

Great! Thank you for the advice. The uncle is a lawyer, lives alone, so I'm sure the income level is not an issue.
I was a bit intimidated by the process, but after talking it over with my wife I think it will be fairly straight forward.

Hope all is well.


It's not so bad once you read up on it. It just required a lot of patience because there is a lot of waiting. The 9-12 months it takes to process feels like an eternity, but I have been in the US for almost 3 years now and now that I look back at it, those 10 months went by really fast!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-26 16:43:00
CanadaGreen Card filling from Canada VS US?

Hi
Thank you for the responses.
Can I ask you one more detailed question regarding the last response?
You said our financial sponsor would have to make enough to support all of us plus his family, wouldn't he just need to make wnough to sponsor me(and himself, he's single), as I would be the one seeking a visa?
Again, I appreciate it.


That's a good question, I'm not sure. Hopefully someone else will pop in and answer (and I'm sure others will verify my other answers as well).
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-24 21:21:00
CanadaGreen Card filling from Canada VS US?
Answers below bolded. Probably not going to like some of them, but at least you have a year to prepare and get your ducks in a row. I would read the CR1 guide at the top of the page if you haven't already - it will help a lot. Welcome!

1. Is there any major differences in filing while we are both in Canada vs. the USA? (besides the forms relating to work and early parole). You cannot legally move to the US with intent to immigrate and then file. You'll need to file in Canada, or she can move back and file while you wait in Canada.
2. Since we have a child, we plan on staying together until we move, so we will not have a domicile. Can we use a relatives address? You can use a relatives address, but she'll still need to provide domicile beyond just an address... so things like a potential job offer, registration to vote, bank accounts etc. there is a pinned thread with all sorts of information. Take a read, this is definitely something that the US consulate in Montreal looks for from experience. Unfortunately having a child doesn't really make a difference to them and there have been plenty of families that have had to split up to wait out the rest of their visa journey so be prepared to create a strong domicile case (even if you don't really spend the entire time apart, she needs to at least create a case for herself)
3. As students, we have not had income for a couple years, does my wife need to show support when we are both out of the country? If so, will her uncles co-sponsorship(meets $ requirements) be sufficient? You can use her uncle as a sponsor as long as he meets the income requirements for the total number of people on his own family plus yours (whateever that is). She should also be prepared to show her last three years of US taxes. If she didn't file, she should work on that. (I'm pretty sure of this, but hopefully someone will correct me if i'm wrong.
4. Finally, is there any legal way for me to enter, that is not fraud, where we could settle, find a home, my wife a job and adjust status asap? Nope. You cannot move to the US with no visa or intent to immigrate as a visitor and then adjust status. Especially not if you are married.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-24 19:58:00
CanadaUghhhh - AOS questions!

I'm so glad to hear you got your marriage cert. sooner! I'll be getting married in CA too and planned to file AOS straight away. I was getting worried too, when you said 6-8 weeks. Thank goodness it's not so long!

So, hijacking the thread a bit.... is the DS-2035 something you receive at some point in the process? (ie at POE or something). Granted, my medical isn't approved yet, but I understand that it's a "do not open" package anyway. Where/when do you get the vaccination sheet from?

Thanks!


After the medical, you'll get the medical in a 'do not open' envelope and they should also give you a standalone copy of the vaccination sheet. You keep that for when you AOS.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-28 10:32:00
CanadaUghhhh - AOS questions!
I would try calling to find out if you can pick one up in person sooner. They might be able to speed it up with special requests.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-18 06:11:00
CanadaUghhhh - AOS questions!
I had the same situation as Huggle with HPV, I hadn't finished my HPV yet, and just sent in the document I had with a record showing I had the final shot. I also included a very nice letter noting that what I provided should be sufficient due to their guidelines. It was a couple years now, but I don't think it would hurt to send what you have and risk an RFE.

You definitely need a copy of the marriage certificate though. Exactly why we got married at city hall in NYC because my husband researched that we would get it on the spot!

For anyone reading this that is filing for a K1 that wants to do AOS immediately, make sure you research how long it will take to get the marriage certificate! If we had asked a priest or someone to else to officiate not at city hall, we would've waited too. Hopefully you'll get it sooner than the 6 weeks!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-17 20:12:00
CanadaCanadian Debt Problem in the US
It sounds like they are trying to scare you, which is common.

This link has some good advice: http://financialhigh...ction-agencies/

Make sure you are getting all of this from them in writing. You should also figure out what kind of legal action they are technically allowed to take. I might even see if you can consult with a lawyer to figure out if they even have the right or ability to take legal action on you before you use that potential bank loan to pay them. Are they a US credit collections agency, international or Canadian?

Usually when you go to a collection agency, they won't take payments anymore. The company you owe already wrote off your debt and sold it to the collection agency, who now basically keeps the money as profit. That is why they are so aggressive.

I find it hard to believe that they can garnish your wages - i think they would only be able to do that if it was court ordered. I would talk to a lawyer and find out what your rights are.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-04-29 19:26:00