ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaUSPS tried to Delivered my package to Chicago Lockbox on Saturday??
They may try redelivering first. I get packages mailed to my work address all the time and a lot of times when it is USPS and they try a Saturday delivery and my office is closed, the tracking number will say that they left a card, but they they show up on Monday and redeliver.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-23 14:07:00
Canada? re: passport as evidence, but need to renew
Yes, you can get your old one back. They'll just cut the corner off and make it invalid.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-23 15:57:00
CanadaVenting
I know it feels like a lifetime, but things will eventually work out. I hear you on wanting kids and also wanting to have a stable life for them. I always figured I would have a child by now, or at least be close to it. But, life doesn't always work out the way we hope. And, that's okay!

I can't imagine what being in limbo is like, but I hope that things close out for you soon.

Maybe set a timeline between you both? If you don't get out of AP in 3-4 months, start the move to Canada?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-23 11:16:00
CanadaI134/I864
While you don't have to show your bank balance or savings, if you feel like it would make your case stronger it can't hurt! They are looking to see that your fiance is financially stable and can afford to support you once you arrive.

The amount is obviously subjective, so I'd only show your bank statements if they will help your case. If they have like $1000 saved, I wouldn't bother. If you have $10,000+ saved, then go for it.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-30 11:40:00
CanadaProof of meeting ? we only have pictures

Same: rarely stamped, never stopped. Flying or driving.


Maybe it's a new thing, I don't know but they were definitely stamping everyone's tickets at customs and they checked for them at security. They may have only used to stamp the customs cards and not the ticket previously. They also scan your ticket at security too, which is pretty new.

But when I was dating my husband, we flew back and forth to see eachother monthly for 5 years and I always had a stamp on either my ticket or my passport when flying. Most of the time it was just on my ticket though, not my passport. Canada would also almost always stamp my husband's passport. He joked that his book would almost be full before he needed to renew!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-30 14:31:00
CanadaProof of meeting ? we only have pictures

Not likely - its very very very rare to get a stamp when flying or driving from Canada to the USA.


Actually you MUST get a stamp on your ticket to get on a plane. When we were coming back from Canada in December, we went through secondary because I'm going through ROC and so when we initially went through the regular customs desk, they stamped my husband (the USCs) passport, but not his ticket. Then in secondary, only I was required to see the agent in there, so he stamped my ticket, but not my husbands. When we were going through security, they wouldn't let my husband through because his ticket was not stamped... so we had to go back to the customer desk and they luckily just gave him a stamp at the main desk just before security instead of waiting in secondary again. They gave him the NEXUS stamp cause that is all the guy had, so even if you have Nexus, you'd get a stamp. The security agent told us that everyone must have a stamp on their ticket and if they had just let us through without noticing, the airline agent wouldn't have let him on the plane. We were glad that security agent was paying attention!


So technically, yes if they flew across the border, they would have a stamp on their ticket that they could show as proof.

I'm wondering if you could also just ask for a stamp if driving and if they ask why, you can just say it is for proof of travel for processing the K1 visa. The worst they can say is no.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-30 12:55:00
CanadaProof of meeting ? we only have pictures
Have they ever gone on vacation together somewhere? My husband and I used a receipt from a cruise that we went on together.

Any photos from New Years with the year in any of them?

I think visa statements showing purchases in eachother's countries is also helpful.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-30 09:32:00
CanadaThinking ahead of time

I had chicken pox when I was one (on my first birthday no less) and vaccinations for Measles, mumps and rubella when I was one as well. According to my records I have none since. Do I need to go in for booster shots since it is 26 years later?


They'll take your word on the chicken pox requirement.

The other you'll need to show proof that you have had the full series and kept up with booster shots. I went to go see my family doctor and she went over my records and ensured I had them all complete. I believe the only thing that I needed was to get a new Tetanus booster.

I got my full record from the Peel Region Health Department.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-30 14:35:00
CanadaThinking ahead of time

I have the small vaccination card my mother was given when I was born which has maybe 2-3 vaccinations listed and I have changed family doctors more than once in my nearly 27 years. Where should I go to get a complete list of my vaccination history?


You can try the public health department where you grew up. I grew up in Peel Region and they had my record on file. I just called them and they mailed it to me.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-25 10:00:00
Canada? for Cdns close to the border
Yeah, a lot of people in this process are looking to be done with it as quickly as possible, but for you guys, since she has the luxury of visiting often and are planning the move for later in the year, it makes a lot of sense just to delay sending back packet 3 and then also wait a bit to send back the RFE. I wouldn't wait until April, but maybe at least until the end of February/early March for the RFE for some buffer time.

There is no point in rushing through the process if you would ideally like to move in October. Once you get the NOA2 and are at the packet 3 stage, you'll be able to better gauge timing for October.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-31 17:16:00
Canada? for Cdns close to the border
It really is at the discretion of the border officer.

I actually asked about this during my interview, because I too had loose ends to tie up and got my visa in March, but hadn't planned to move until June, so I 3 months in between and I used to visit the US every other month or so. The officer who interviewed me said that I could not do it. She didn't even say it was at the discretion of the border officer. I even asked if I could just use my birth certificate by land because it was still allowed back then but she still said no. But, obviously people here have done it, so it can be done. Doesn't seem to be a hard and fast rule on it though.

In your daughter's case since she definitely needs to be able to cross back and forth regularly and not just a couple of times, I would almost think it might be best to just try and schedule the interview in September. That way, she can just keep crossing and not have to worry. Then, once she has her interview, she'll get her visa and then can just cross over to move. She can do this by delaying sending back her packet 3 and then just waiting for a September date to open up online.

When I did the K1, we didn't get to select our interview date, but we could've, I definitely would've scheduled something closer to my move date in June so that I could've kept visiting without having to worry.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-01-31 16:20:00
CanadaRemoval of Conditions
Any joint health insurance documents, life insurance documents, any tickets/receipts from trips you've taken together, affidavits from friends confirming your relationship.

You have some solid stuff though, as is!

Edited by SapphireDreams, 02 February 2012 - 04:23 PM.

SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-02 16:23:00
CanadaPersonal Question RE: DUI and Driving to the US from Canada
I'm pretty sure my Dad has a DUI that he got back in the late 80s or early 90s, and he's driven back and forth and never been questioned about in my presence.

I know your Dad's was a bit more recent, but I do think it matters more for those coming into Canada, then those going into the US.

Do you live close enough to the border that you could try crossing for a day trip to see if they give him any trouble?
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-01 10:00:00
CanadaWife is Canadian but she's working in Korea

I got my NOA2 now jsut waiting on the NVC and my wife to get her documents together. how long does it take to get a police record from Canada and how long is it good for? she already has one from before she left 2010 june time frame.


I think they are good for 6 months, so she'll need to get a new one for this process.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-02 10:38:00
CanadaOld Job, New Job

Thanks for your feedback, everybody. The industry I want to be in here isn't too bad. There are definitely a lot of companies doing what I was doing before. I guess I'm just nervous because I was fresh out of college and only worked a couple of years before moving. I'm polishing up my resume right now in anticipation of that EAD. Another question? Does anyone mention the EAD on their resume? How did you word it if you did?


I wouldn't be nervous at all. You're in a very good spot not being entry level because I find that entry level jobs in the US are highly competitive because there are SO many college grads here. Your experience is worth a lot, even if only a couple of years.

I did not mention the EAD personally. But did mention to HR reps that I did not require any kind of visa sponsorship and had a work permit.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-03 14:40:00
CanadaOld Job, New Job
I work in public relations and basically did a seamless job switch. I was pretty strategic though and had planned to work a couple of years in Toronto to build my work experience knowing that I was going to eventually move to NYC to be with my husband. I had researched the industry and knew that agency jobs were the most abundant, and found myself to be pretty good at that side of the industry, so I've stuck with it. I started going on informational interviews and applying to jobs as soon as I moved here. I used my network in Toronto to set me up with people in New York.

I think the job market here is decent, but it really depends on where you are moving. Larger cities have better job opportunities, hands down. People make longer commutes to work at jobs in cities. Like Udella said, I've found the pay is much better too. I make more money than a lot of my friends in Canada in the same industry who have higher level jobs.

Since you're in graphic design, I'd start researching what the opportunities are like in your area, create an amazing resume that really markets yourself well (I spent my first month in the US really perfecting my resume and cover letter) and then apply like crazy to jobs.

The city you're moving to will likely dictate how easy it is for you.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-02 09:36:00
CanadaWant to or plan to go back?
No plans to go back for us.

Living in NYC is expensive, but worth every penny. The income potential, culture, opportunity and milder weather is amazing. I look forward to raising my kids here (or in the suburbs).
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-06 10:06:00
Canadahelp quick..pack ds16the

the ? has anyone ever filed an immigration petition on your behalf??

do0es that incluse this k1? or does it mean anything else??


They are referring to using a lawyer or an immigration counselor to help you fill out documents.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-07 18:00:00
CanadaName changes
I changed everything into my married name except my SIN # and Health Card and I think my OSAP student loans (I can never remember what name they have when i call!)

I did wait until my passport expired to change it, so I did use a passport with my maiden name for over a year and it was fine. Always just booked my ticket in my maiden name because that is was security uses to verify the ticket.

I would urge you to change at least your driver's license as well into your married name, and your SSN, and just have everything in the US in your married name. I personally just think it makes the most sense and is less confusing.

But, stuff in Canada like your SIN #, health card, even the EI is fine in your maiden name. I did however chance my Canadian bank account information to my married name since all of my photo ID is now in my married name.

In my experience, whatever I can do to make avoid any issues or having to deal with stupid people who don't understand is my goal!
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-08 09:53:00
CanadaPhone number at Montrea Consulate that I can speak to someone
Did you put your case number in the subject line of your email? I noticed that speeds up email responses.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-13 10:17:00
CanadaBenefits and Canada
You may want to look into better health benefits in the US and/or ensure that the benefits you have will cover him suitably when he moves. If you health insurance is lousy, it might be very expensive to have benefits that will cover.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-13 09:01:00
CanadaWedding planning and travel with K1 visa
We did the civil wedding/larger wedding at a later date thing.

I am so happy with how everything worked out. I moved, we had a civil wedding 2 days later, which was convenient because it allowed me to get health insurance immediately. I also adjusted status right away, got a job and just settled things before having to plan a big wedding. We were then able to save a ton of money and just be settled which is harder than it seems.

In the grand scheme of things, both wedding days were equally special in their own way. Our large wedding was the most amazing day ever - it really felt like a true celebration of our marriage if that makes sense. We joke that the first year after our civil wedding was like our warm-up/practice year! It gave us time to adjust and get settled.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2012-02-14 09:16:00
CanadaDoes USA has TFSA saving accounts?

Perhaps it reflects the difference from the smaller community I was living in before moving to NJ. Certainly the cost of living here is much higher than where I was but perhaps not as different from say Toronto. I also find I am bombarded with coupons and offers galore making it so much easier to be tempted. But again maybe that's a NJ thing :)

As far as saving goes I have had the opposite experience from you. Spending and debt seems to be a normal way of living here, where as I grew up saving and investing from the time I had a job.



Oh man the coupon thing here is so amazing to me. I do find that a lot different here. Growing up my Mom always told me that coupons were just a way of making you buy things you didn't need, so I think that is true. I never use a coupon unless it for something I was going to buy anyways. My in-laws are like that too though and they are American. We are friends with another couple who is like obsessed with coupons.

I think save/spend depends on the person and how they were raised, not what country they're from. I think there are probably regional differences for sure, small town vs. big city etc., but the country is a moot point if you ask me.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-05-12 10:21:00
CanadaDoes USA has TFSA saving accounts?

:thumbs:


I don't know, I don't think it's that easy to generalize. My American husband has saved more money than anyone I've ever met. His friends are all pretty good about saving and investing too. My in-laws are also HUGE savers and they are American as well. Whereas a lot of my Canadian friends do not save a penny, I wasn't a very good saver at all and neither were my Canadian parents.

I'd say there's a lot more spending in America, but I'd say there's still a lot of saving going on too and I think the cost of living in the US is a lot lower, so there's more room to spend, while still saving. In Canada, you're paying a premium for gas and other such things so there's less room to spend more and buy more because it all costs more.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-05-12 09:56:00
CanadaDoes USA has TFSA saving accounts?


Thank goodness.


Speaking of spend, when Canadian banks encourage their customers to go paperless, American banks say that the regulation hasn't been approved and that it is still a few years away. (Well, that's what the customer service guy with RBC USA told me last time when I asked about paperless.) I have RBC Canadian accounts and an American account, which is very convenient in terms of transferring funds. I've gone paperless with the first for quite some time now, but still receive monthly statements with the latter. Wells Fargo joint account as well.

What a waste of resources... :P


I've had the opposite experience. I'm completely paperless in the US, including my credit cards. In Canada, they refuse to let me go paperless for my line of credit or credit card. They say that anything 'debt' related must stay paper in Canada - it's such a waste because i don't even open my statements anymore, I pay everything online so I just look at all my accounts online anyways. It's so lame.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2010-05-11 08:32:00
CanadaCan/how-to bring our pet snake into the US from Alberta?
My fiance will be coming to US on K-1 visa in April, he would like to bring his pet ball python with him, and we are wondering if anyone has any info on how to import a snake into the US. Any help is much appreciated!
mimi and seanFemaleCanada2012-01-02 22:33:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
We were approved today!! We were there at the door at around 6:50 and finished at around 10:00 a.m. - being organized and knowing what documents we needed and having copies of everything was really helpful.

I seriously couldn't believe how many people didn't bring an Xpresspost envelope.

Anyways, I'm so glad it's over with!! It really was so anti-climatic.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-18 22:04:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Thanks Jill - that's a really good idea... but unfortunately our receptionist is not very good with the mail... stuff goes missing all the time or she takes forever to hand out the mail. I think I'll just send it to my house and pick it up at the post office... sadly that is more reliable.

Poprocks - its a prepaid Xpresspost Envelope and no it does not go by weight. You can pretty much just fill them up as much as you can and send them. They are pretty ideal for heavy items actually - It was $11 something with tax, which isn't that bad.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-11 15:03:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (JillA @ Mar 11 2009, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Mar 11 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Quick q - it might be somewhere in this thread... but don't feel like searching...

Does my Xpresspost envelope need the "signature required" sticker?

I bought my envelope at lunch, but didn't get the sticker.


It doesn't need it, it's for your own peace of mind to make sure it gets to your address safely.


Okay thanks, I think I'll get one tomorrow just to be safe.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-11 13:04:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Quick q - it might be somewhere in this thread... but don't feel like searching...

Does my Xpresspost envelope need the "signature required" sticker?

I bought my envelope at lunch, but didn't get the sticker.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-11 12:50:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
^^ I'm sure the line will just happen naturally at the door.

I'm getting excited. In exactly 1 weeks time I should be finishing up my interview - I can't believe how fast the last few months have flown by.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-11 09:57:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (Danu @ Mar 7 2009, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question for the people now waiting on interviews. When you did the Packet 3...do you have to have the medical already done to send it back?> I'm just asking as I see the timeframe to get an interview is around 4 months and most peoples medicals look like they were done within a month of getting the packet 3. Are there any problems to send it right back when you have a medical scheduled or is there something you need to send back in with it? I thought it would be ok to send it back in as some people seem to be having their medical right around when they do their interview to avoid numerous trips, but I was just curious.



You can send back your packet 3 right away, you just have to ensure you have the medical done before your interview.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-07 18:08:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (July09Bride @ Mar 7 2009, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know that Congressmen can "assist" when paperwork is at USCIS... is the same true if awaiting interview?


No I doubt it. You're just sitting on a waiting list, they schedule everything as quick as they possibly can. It's just a waiting game at that stage.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-07 15:55:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
Our process will also be 9 months total...which I think is pretty standard these days.

My theory was that I could sit and be anxious about it or just plan for 12 months, and enjoy my last months in Canada and maximize my time here to make my move easier and more enjoyable. That has been working more to get more experience so i can get a better job when I move, save more money so I don't have to worry about getting a job quickly and lose lots of weight so I am fit and healthy when I move and have one less thing to think about... So far so good.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-06 18:29:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
^^ Yes the DS 156 instructions come with Packet 4.

I visited at that stage and had no problems. Just as long as you have ties back to Canada you'll be fine. If you have never had any issues before, I doubt you'll encounter any now.


SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-04 19:03:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (July09Bride @ Mar 4 2009, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yet another question... Can the USC request information (regarding interview date) on behalf of the K-1 beneficiary? Or should only the beneficiary request information? My name and email is listed on his DS-160 (the online form we submitted).

Thank you for your help with this!


I'm pretty sure you can call them or email them as well. I don't think it matters who contacts them. I know when I called them they asked me if I was the petitoner or the beneficiary to confirm.

I hope you get your interview soon!!

And, welcome Steph!!

I swear the last 4 months waiting for our interivew have flown by. They were much easier than waiting for the NOA2, that was pure torture for me.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-04 10:57:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (francie @ Mar 3 2009, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
DS160 and DS156 is the same.. so u get the 156K and 230 forms on the packet 3.

i usually email them and try to email them in the afternoon coz they tend to reply faster,like in an hour or so. maybe its just luck but it happens to me few times.



No the DS 156 and the DS 160 are 2 separate forms. You will get instructions to complete each of these with Packet 4 - so just hang tight and they will provide you with a link. I wouldn't worry about it just yet. It's simple to fill out.

I think that eventually the DS160 will replace the DS156 - but for now they want both.

The DS 156K is also required at the interview and that's the one you sign in front of them.


SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-03 20:46:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
QUOTE (poprocks @ Mar 3 2009, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Mar 3 2009, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I actually completed my DS160 twice - I noticed an error on the one I originally filled out so, not really thinking, I uploaded my earlier application, edited it and re-printed and it obviously gave me a new barcode.

I emailed them about it, but they responded back and told me to fill out the DS156 too (which i did and had nothing to do with it!) and haven't said anything about it being a problem.... I'm awaiting to hear back again... but I have a feeling it shouldn't be a problem... I'm just going to bring both confirmations and explain when I get there.



The DS156 is completed, but it's not to be signed until you get to interview right? I actually recall signing something like this in the beginning with our lawyer, but the bottom of the form says 'do not write in this area, consulate officer will assist you)....

With my packet 3 I only sent in my completed DS230's and a copy of the DS 160's... actually I think I also sent in the DS156 unsigned. Is this correct?


The DS156K is the one that you sign in front of the officer.

The DS 156 is a different form, seems to be new - you fill it out online and then it generates a PDF to print out and sign.

Nice and simple... NOT.

I really hope i didn't mess up my DS160, but eh... nothing I can do about it now. Seems like its still a pretty new process and they are trying to get all their ducks in a row.


QUOTE (mb_2_az @ Mar 3 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is there anywhere online to check on the K1 case status??

I was able to do this with the I-129F receipt... Dos anyone know if there is a website where I can check based on my consulate case # (beginning with MTL...)

Help!


You can email them. That's the only way to keep track.


SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-03 16:32:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
I actually completed my DS160 twice - I noticed an error on the one I originally filled out so, not really thinking, I uploaded my earlier application, edited it and re-printed and it obviously gave me a new barcode.

I emailed them about it, but they responded back and told me to fill out the DS156 too (which i did and had nothing to do with it!) and haven't said anything about it being a problem.... I'm awaiting to hear back again... but I have a feeling it shouldn't be a problem... I'm just going to bring both confirmations and explain when I get there.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-03-03 14:02:00
CanadaK-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal
So I went to go see if I could edit my DS160 online today because I noticed I filled out a question wrong - the one about ever having a US visa before, I've received a B2 in my passport a couple of times, so I should've said yes.... and I wanted to change the picture and the amount of years I plan to stay from 10 to 75... at the end I realized it said that there was no way to edit etc. and that once you submit it is final - so oopsy...

Anyways, I ended up getting a new confirmation # and it's a new form, so I emailed them to tell them and make sure I didn't just really screw up my application! I hope it's not a big deal...

I also filled out the DS156 online, the link that was on the appointment letter. There are a few odd questions that I feel don't really pertain to us K1'er's but oh well, I just

No all I need to do is get my XpressPost envelope.
SapphireDreamsFemaleCanada2009-02-28 21:15:00