ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaVancouver Consulate Interview
My interview date request was before December 21st, they initially scheduled it for the Tuesday, and yes medical are done Wednesdays only, so I emailed a date change to the Thursday and it was granted. Otherwise, we would've been in Vancouver for at least a week. They're efficient with a smile. Enjoy Vancouver! B.
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2008-01-02 16:51:00
CanadaVancouver Consulate Interview
I forgot to tell about the pickup of the VISA:

Dec 13th - arrived 1:30 at the Consulate. Different Security Guard, not very friendly - must have gone through this since the beginning of his career as a Guard at the Consulate. He said to return at 1:45. So we again went for Starbucks. I had the kids wait with my purse (with electronics) there. I arrived at 1:45 and was about 6th in line. Didn't want to tick anyone off, so I got through security and they advised to tell that I'm picking up my fiance Visa, so was actually expedited. We got the Visa, Ms. Ophelia was there to greet me at the window and reiterated her instructions with the pending K2. All is done, and I skipped back into Starbucks to collect my kids, coffee and purse and we walked back to our hotel to get our bags and onto the aiport.

Did I mention my best middle school friend took us out for lunch? It was a grand day.

So we got to the airport in hopes that we could catch an earlier flight to catch a connector home, to the Arctic, no chance, we had to book a hotel in Edmonton for an early morning flight, I wanted to party with my friends, bid my farewells and have a drink since it's been a few weeks. I think I lost about 7 pounds, but oh well, at least if I find a white dress it would feel not so big and white...... But white really doesn't have to be anymore right???? Sheesh!

Cheers!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-12-30 19:21:00
CanadaVancouver Consulate Interview
Dec 12 - Arrived at the Consulate at 1230 - a half hour early so the security recommended we come back at 1245. We went for coffee and a snack at Starbucks, attached at the Manulife Place. We lined up (second in line) at the Consulate, went through security - just like boarding at the airport, remove everything from your pockets, take off the jacket, watch, belt, etc. Don't bring your purse, big bags or electronics (read that on VJ). I brought the original Petition with copies and original supporting documents along with copies so we had a tonne, since there were three of us (one K1 and two K2s)., they flipped through the papers and I handed them our passports, they were expecting us.

We walked up one flight of stairs, another security guard escorted us in the elevator to the 20th floor. Then we again went through security, same as on the first floor, he checked off our names and brought us to the sitting room. He gave me a checklist of what papers I needed and in what order - I thought I was organized??? There is some reading material, but not much. One kids book - Jack and the Beanstalk, always a classic to refresh childhood memories, hahaa, a Money magazine (money? I've been spending it all along.. hahahaaaa) and some interesting photos on the wall. Electricians were carting about wire and a ladder throughout the area, they were rewiring their security cameras and perhaps enhancing communications at the windows.

We were second to be called up. Ophelia is her name and she is a lovely and pleasant gal. I hauled all of our papers (about 2 ft high) I had way too much paper but that's okay, better to be prepared...... Since there were three of us, I handed her the forms according to the list, so make sure if there is more than one of you, you have the papers in order according to the list, for each person, or per person, makes her job way easier; So she was going through her checklist and was checking the authenticity (seal and original format) of the documents. I handed her both, and she would return what she didn't need to keep (long form birth certificate, etc.). The divorce decree was not original (oh nooooooo!). Then she asked me to return to my seat and wait. Well I chewed on the same piece of gum (since my arrival) for about an hour, I thought about crying, what the hell am I going to do about Christmas, kids were now complaining, and that my parents made plans to arrive in Florida for Christmas. I didn't have my cell phone to text Gary and tell him that he might have to entertain my parents on his own - sheesh!). The oldest had to use a bathroom, through the exit part of the office, down the elevator to the main lobby of the manulife place, up to the second floor then back around through security - make sure you use the bathroom before you enter!!!!

We were called to another window (BTW - these windows are like ticket booths) and two gals were standing there. They took my fingerprints, then the 17 year old's fingerprints, but not the 13 year old - he was disappointed that he couldn't contribute at all again (~smile), then we were told to have another seat. The gals commented on the jacket that I was wearing, loved the colour - YAY!

We were called to another window (#3 I think) and a very pleasant asian lady (she too had a great jacket on) called my name. She asked how we were, questions:
- who does he work for?
- how much money do I make? (yes I'm motivated...)
- Do I know how much he makes? (I didn't look)
- Asked the boys what grade they are in? and what their future jobs might be? And where they presently lived?

Then she said, 'well I see no reason not to give you.... an approved VISA'. Yay - I smiled, thanked her pleasant self and we went back to see Ophelia and she asked what our intended entry dates were. The youngest and me were to enter on Dec 18th. The oldest wanted to finish high school and graduate with his friends.

NOTE - K2s have up to six months to have their Visa issued and six more months to use it. This was confusing to me, as I thought he had six months to use his Visa from the time I activated mine. Therefore they have his passport and Visa until the time that we decided for him to enter and activate his K2 Visa (he can't visit).

I'll post my POE and Marriage in another post!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-12-30 19:13:00
CanadaPoint of Entry (POE) Edmonton
Dec 17 - I had just two days to pack from our return to Vancouver. Went out with my lifelong friends, and packed (how did I do it?) because I waited just to make sure we had our Visas. This was the last of work, but I popped in to gather any other personal belongings, say goodbye to my co-workers who I loved working with and we had cake. I was glad to leave, because I still had to visit with my brother and tie up other loose ends before our flight at 5:00.

We arrived at the airport at 4:00, the airline said I could bring as many pieces of luggage as I wanted, for a fee, no problemo, I was prepared and thank god I worked two jobs. Well we had 'toooooo' much luggage but thankfully we checked in early, and were referred to cargo (thank God it's a small town). So they took it (another long story, and I'll have to deal with that when my parents get home) and we were on our way to Edmonton for the night.

Dec 18 - We got to the airport at 4:00, collected our luggage (10 pieces including a bike) from storage and went to United for our check in. We were about 6th in line. When at Customs, the lady said asked what he did for a living and how much money he made, my response was he worked for --- and I didn't look at his taxes but have them in my bag, then we were sent to secondary. In secondary, a very nice man had me fill in the I-94 and then processed us. He crossed out the Visa (in our passport) as a one time entry told us to get married asap, I advised our date (Dec 27th) and he led us to the boarding area. But before he did that, I asked if he needed our papers or anything else (x-ray), and his response was 'no - you can take it with you and process the rest once we get married'. Easy breezy I hope.

We arrived in time and I couldn't wait to see Gary - when I did I jumped on him. His daughter was there too and we loaded the cars, my youngest rode with the daughter and I had a little time to reflect and reunite with the love of my life - YAY!

Two days till my parents get in - was wonderful and a good transition for all of us. Eight days of visiting and holidays including our favourite home cooked meals was fantastic! I love my family, all of them!!!!!

Cheers again - hear me wine???? Yes!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-12-30 19:43:00
CanadaIce Road Truckers!!!!!!!!!
Alex Debogorski, the guy in the pics in front of his truck is a good friend, awesome family man and great at any challenge that he can pursue (raising 11 children, business prospects, playing broomball, just to name a couple).

I'm from Yellowknife, home of the ice road truckers.

Happy Canada Day everyone!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2008-07-01 12:30:00
CanadaK2 attending University prior to AOS
I live in the US, as of December. My son, who recently graduated high school in Canada plans to move here this summer, then attend University in the fall. Does anyone know whether he can attend University prior to receiving his green card, similar to the 'refrain from work procedure'???

Ask me if my question is not clear.

Many thanks, Bernie
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2008-07-01 12:17:00
CanadaRRSP and Survivor Benefit
I have chosen to transfer-in my Pension to RRSPs and have other RRSPs in place. My husband is listed as the Designated Beneficiary for my Locked-in RRSP, but there doesn't seem to be an option for the regular RRSPs. I'm awaiting answer from my financial institution (and of course will let you know as soon as I find out). However because the benefits are from Canada, should I hire a lawyer that will ensure the benefit goes to him? Which leads to another question, I live in Florida, does anyone know of a lawyer that is licensed or knows both Florida State and Canadian laws pertaining to this question? My children are involved as well..... Sheesh!

Krikit, you live in FL, can you help me with this?
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2008-08-20 10:39:00
CanadaRRSP's....another money question.
QUOTE (lincoln81 @ Sep 9 2008, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just reading that post about Canadian debt when you move to the US. I've been thinking about money issues a lot lately. I have some Canadian debt too, but I'm still going to pay it when I move down. My question is though..what did those of you who have moved, do with your Canadian RRSP's? I was going to cash them and use the money to pay my Canadian bills until I get a job, but it seems like such a waste with the heavy tax on it. I've read that you can take them out to pay for school or a down payment on a house untaxed but does that count if the school or property is in the US? Is there the option to move it into a US RRSP without being taxed big time?


Applicable to the locked-in RRSP's from a pension perspective, you can only claim them when you declare financial hardship. You can certainly cash in your regular RRSPs but of course with all of them you'll have to incur heavy taxes. I'm not sure about transferring for school or property in the US, but in speaking with a financial advisor, evidently you'll still end up paying for the tax component and then the CDN income taxable component as well.

In the meantime, you should think about your beneficiary assignment and a will for your investments, which should be good internationally. Therefore seek advice from a tax lawyer or accountant.

Just a reminder, I'm quite 'green' on this issue and learning as I go....

Good luck and let me know if you find some good solid answers.

Cheers!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2008-09-10 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsStill NOA1
We mailed our I129F April 30th, and still no mail received. Website access says they mailed receipt or notice on May 9th. When we followed up via telephone couple weeks ago, they advised they would send another copy, we haven't received that either. Anybody with similar status?
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-06-22 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHOW MANY OF US HERE HAVE APRIL NOA1s AND STILL NO NOA2? POST HERE...
We submitted our application Apr 30, and nothing received yet. When we called they were to 'resend' our notice and that's been well over 5 weeks. Our online status says May 9th, cheque was cashed and thats it. I honestly think their computer glitch is holding things up and/or they're waiting for July 30th - sheesh!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-07-04 00:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril and May Filers - NOA2 to NVC
I just called NVC today, and the very nice lady said that they received my file Nov 2nd. Then she put me on hold, and confirmed the received date, said to call back next week for further status and advised the file transfer to my Consulate could take 2-4 weeks. I'm lucky (and very satisfied) the receiver of my call was pleasant ~smiling of course.
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-11-05 22:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsATTENTION : MAY FILERS ... lets keep in touch!
Their system must be producing the paper notices, we just received our NOA1 in the mail, last week. And, we got our first touch yesterday. I'm sure we'll all begin to see some action on our case status online, as well as our mail. Good luck all!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-07-23 17:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhen will we get our NOA1?
We filed April 30th and no update online since May 9th, nothing received in the mail either. When we phoned they advised they would reissue hardcopy, still nothing since that call placed three weeks ago.
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-06-27 17:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan you travel to the US while K1 is processing?
I just called a Canadian Customs at an airport, and two agents there told me that we're not allowed to travel into the US while on the K1 process. I explained that was not correct, and that I would bring proof of ties with me. She then said that it's against the law and to look it up on the website. My fiance phoned Homeland Security and USCIS and they both verified the customs agent is wrong. However I am considering redirecting my flight out of a different city, if these two officers from the same POE have the same view, then my chances of being denied are more likely right? BTW - my son and his friend will be traveling from the 'other' city and joining with me from a connecting city, then to our destination. What are your thoughts on this?
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-07-19 17:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswould u believe it???
How do you add the footnote to your replies? Maybe I'm having a moment..... Thanks everyone!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-07-27 09:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBringing vehicle across Canadian Border into United States?
You could include this post on the Canadian forum, there are quite a few discussion on this particular topic. I too am considering taking my 2004 vehicle with me, if I can't sell it..... Good luck!
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-10-11 17:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK2 Interview
I have two sons, ages 17 & 13. Does anyone know what questions are typically asked during the interview?

Thanks.
Bernie and GaryFemaleCanada2007-10-22 10:28:00