ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadadS-230 Canadian/Generic Questions

Thank you immensely!


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2013-12-31 08:08:00
CanadadS-230 Canadian/Generic Questions

A couple of questions, both Canadian and more general.

 

I am just working ahead on my Ds-230 and I was wondering what to put in for question #35. We are a VWP country so we never have to apply for a visa to visit the U.S. (but on occasion I have known my passport to be stamped at customs and b2 written in the stamp). Do I list b2 visa for all my remembered visits or just write in VWP? If neither, do I just leave those spots blank? Also, for fellow Canadians that have made countless visits to the U.s., have you listed every single visit for the past few decades, or just more recent ones? I've crossed the border too many times to count to go shopping in Buffalo to remember them all in enough detail to put on the form.

 

Question # 33: a) Do they really want to know my grade schools? I can easily list them, but I am a little bemused at having to.

                         b) The sample form here on VJ shows listing the specific focus of your degree (electrical engineering for example) and the degree (as engineering). Am I to presume they do not want you to differentiate between the degrees? For example, I have an MA and a BA in the same course of study from the same university, so would I just be putting "RELIGION,  RELIGION" for each degree or "Religion, Masters" and Religion, Bachelor"

 

If I need to attach a sheet to write in more answers, do I simply write " Please see attached sheet" and then write the corresponding question number on the attached sheet before answering in further detail?

 

 

Thank you in advance!


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2013-12-30 22:59:00
CanadaPolice Check in Ontario

Little amused that I have to pay to show I'm no criminal. Crime doesn't pay my butt....


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-09 20:16:00
CanadaPolice Check in Ontario

Lucky! I just called local detachment to figure out which location to go to, and the automated system told me it was going to cost $30.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-08 19:53:00
CanadaPolice Check in Ontario

Wonderful! Thank you again.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-08 18:47:00
CanadaPolice Check in Ontario

I am compiling all the documents for our next stage and am about to get my police clearance. What exactly do I ask them for when I get to the station? As I have no criminal history, I am under the impression I do not need to go through the RCMP for this, but can go to my local police station, correct?


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-08 18:40:00
CanadaGetting to Montreal

Police check done. Seems overpriced for a carbon copy.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-20 12:09:00
CanadaGetting to Montreal

Plus, the train goes right downtown, so easier to get to hotels (provided you are staying downtown).


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-08 18:05:00
CanadaGetting to Montreal

Train from TO to Montreal is a nice trip (much more comfortable than bus) and on Tuesdays the fare is $39 (if you can afford to get in a coouple days early).


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-07 18:09:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

My long form ON BC is the same as well. All the pertinent information was written in by my mother.

 

 

EDIT: Nevermind, I found the answer and I have the right one!

 

 

So, my Ontario long form Birth Cert they sent me, is nothing like the one shown on the website above (of course that one is BC) but did any other ON born peeps have their long form BC be hand written info your parents would have written when you were born, but printed with the registered seal?

 

Am I just really old? lol

 

 


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-26 10:22:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

When I ordered my long form Ontario BC it took less than a week to arrive.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-22 18:05:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

Cool. Good to know. I am steadfastly holding on to my texting phone, but I have friends' phones I can borrow. Thank you!


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-20 19:39:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

I can't really fold my  B.C. for scanning as it has the seal at the very bottom and then at the top there is the disclaimer stating it is a certified copied from their records.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-20 18:34:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

Thank you for your help!

 


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-20 15:43:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

I do have a Staples, about 2 min from my house. I went there to photocopy my BC when I sent my hubby a copy with the I-130 (wanted to be safe than sorrry after reading the RFEs people received for not including one in the I-130 package). Didn't think of them when it comes to scanning things.

 

Will a reduced image of my B.c. be acceptable?


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-20 15:24:00
CanadaScanning Long Form Birth Certificate

So I am getting around to scanning all my documents, and I just went to scan my long form Ontario birth certificate (the one I ordered from the office of the Registrar General) and realized it is too long for my scanner. Can anyone recommend a place that I could get it scanned and a copy of the scanned file to add to my pdf package?


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-20 15:10:00
CanadaMedical Examination (Dr Ian Zatzman) - What To Bring?

Just double-checking. Trying to hit the ground running, as hubby is PCSing to a new training post fairly soon and won't be able to help with other forms, so trying to get all my bases covered.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-08 18:04:00
CanadaMedical Examination (Dr Ian Zatzman) - What To Bring?

If you've had none of those, then?


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-08 08:16:00
CanadaMedical Examination (Dr Ian Zatzman) - What To Bring?

I'm curious what they mean by documentation of medical history? I haven't had a family doctor for 20 years, and would never be able to remember who mine was to begin with.


MatsiepanFemaleCanada2014-01-07 18:33:00
CanadaReview of Panel Physicians in Toronto (Dr. Seiden's office)
they fed ex for a fee though... its $50.....just to make that clear....its not a free service.

when I called to book my appt the girl stated the reports would be available in 2 days after 12:00 pm (noon) but I was not required to pick them up only at that time...I could go at any time during business hours.

she also mentioned someone could pick up my envelope should I provide her with the person's particulars.

hope this helps.
toocoolFemaleCanada2012-06-15 16:34:00
CanadaHELP! Car Import from Canada to U.S.
Erin & Marc, I hear you totally. I researched bringing my Audi into the US. Mine would need the speedometer changed from km to miles or both (right now its only km)...a very costly fix since its dashboard work...the part is pretty reasonable itself but the labour to uninstall and reinstall is expensive. Fortunately I don't need to change the mileage as I'm able to flip between miles or kilometers at the push a button.

You mentioned (or someone did) that you have one year from importing to get the car updated and compliant....can this be re-verified for me please???


I would hate to sell it as I've recently put a ton of money in upkeep in it (and still need to replace the timing belt which will be mega $$) and will not recoup that money should I sell it..

Thanks!
toocoolFemaleCanada2012-04-12 11:24:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate Pictures/Maps
OMGosh! Can this site get any better?????

You rock Saylin and everyone else on this site for their information

.....totally magnificent Saylin for posting these very helpful tidbits!!!!

Keep 'em coming :yes:
toocoolFemaleCanada2012-03-28 16:53:00
CanadaWaiting for our passports from Montreal
Totally awesome.....can only hope mine shows up in 3 days....Burlington eh, that's mine too! Wondering if Burlington has dibs on fast delivery???
toocoolFemaleCanada2012-05-17 17:58:00
CanadaCanada Immigration & K1 Guide for Montreal
This is a great thread and it has helped me immensely. Thanks Ralyse and everyone for the tidbits (and a huge thank you for your time and devotion to help us newbies)

Found out something else today about the interview process.....which can also be read at...http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=post&section=post&do=reply_post&f=93&t=366569&qpid=5357951........I was trying to book my interview with the CSC and wanted to book in "ready to schedule" as my son is not quite sure he where he wants to complete his post secondary education....here or in the US....hence I don't want to book and pay for the interview in advance as there are no refunds should he cancel his appt....however Inky replied commenting that they've stream lined the interview process in MTL and you can no longer book without paying first.....this is good info to know.

Thought I'd pay it forward to those waiting packet 4.
toocoolFemaleCanada2012-05-06 17:53:00
CanadaCanada Immigration & K1 Guide for Montreal
Heads up everyone....the fees for the K1/K2 visa have changed since April 13 2012...yahoo....only $240 USD now....rock on! That's a huge savings!!!
toocoolFemaleCanada2012-05-06 10:22:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

Funny story. Well, I'm not sure if it's funny or sad or stupid...

A girl from the office met this guy online like 4 weeks ago. They went on one date and decided they were madly in love. So she comes into work two weeks ago and tells us they are getting married, after only knowing each other for 3 weeks. A few of my coworkers tried to talk her out of it, but of course she's so in love, their soul mates and meant to be together, yada yada, and nobody understands the amazing power of their love. So last Saturday they go down to the court house and elope, 3 1/2 weeks after their first date. To make it even better, they're both 20 years old.

So it's been a week and a few days. He calls the office constantly and asks for her. He comes into the office almost daily and bothers her. She complains about how he's annoying her and doesn't give her any space, he keeps her up at night, he feels the need to give her a play by play of his day, he doesn't know how to be assertive, he's bad with money... I could keep going. They've been married for a week! Nothing like getting to know someone before you tie the knot.



Bahahaha! Thats nuts!

Yes it is! :D

I mean she was nice, and funny but she sure made me feel like I was doing all of her work and she was taking home the nice salary.


Congrats! Thats awesome! Love to see hard work paying off!
LiLMermaidFemaleCanada2010-07-21 17:29:00
CanadaSeperating with 10 yr GC..living in Canada working in US

Ok - if you are using the 3 year option you cannot be separated from your husband when you take your oath. You must still be in a viable marriage so you may wish to rethink the timing of your separation. You are asked this question specifically on both the form,at the interview and again on the day of the oath ceremony. If you are separated and the marriage is no longer viable, then you are not eligible to apply based upon a 3 year marriage. You must also continue to meet the residency and the physical presence requirements and every day you are in Canada will deduct one day from that total. Depending on how many other days you already have out of the country that may make things problematic.


now being "in Canada" is only for a 24 hour time frame .. correct? What are the physical presence requirements? and if I rented temporary living accomodations in NY would that be sufficient with my primary residence remaining the same.. no legal separation documents upon agreement with my husband?

I did have an additional question when applying for naturalization ... I've travelled back and forth into Canada since I've been able to do so to visit with my family once to twice per month approximately... sometimes entering on a Friday evening and coming back on Sunday or entering on a Saturday and leaving Sunday and about 3 times over the past few years for longer than that on vacation one week max at a time. I haven't kept detailed records. Is that sufficient to put on my application?
lynamonFemaleCanada2012-05-25 09:10:00
CanadaSeperating with 10 yr GC..living in Canada working in US

You appear to be within striking distance of applying for Citizenship based upon 5 years as a Permanent resident so your best choice would be to file right away. Citizenship takes a much shorter time to obtain than any of the previous immigration benefits. If you decide to separate before you get your citizenship, your eligibility isn't affected although you will have to update the information at the interview or the oath ceremony.

That being said, if you separate, you can't be using a non-American address to correspond with USCIS about your citizenship application. If you are staying with your sister you should plan on it being for a short time only while you obtain a new US address.

You need to be residing in the US in order to have your green card. I am sorry that you are having problems in your marriage, but if you do decide to separate, do not leave the US to go and live in Canada with your sister. If you take up residency outside of the US you are deemed to have abandoned your green card and are no loner eligible to use it. It may well be confiscated on one of your cross border trips in to work which would be tragic since you are so close to becoming a citizen. You would be better off finding a temporary US address instead and plan on moving in with your sister after you obtain your US citizenship. It won't be a matter of years but a matter of months.

Since you are eligible for citizenship, start that process now. Plan to remain in the US until you obtain your citizenship (have the oath) and can obtain a US passport as you will need to have either a passport or one of the other designated proofs of citizenship in order to be allowed to re-enter the US from Canada. Apply for the citizenship card at the same time as the US passport and you can use that to travel back and forth more easily than with the passport, unless you fly in.

Good luck.




Yes, that should work, especially since you would be applying based upon a 5 year residency rather than the 3 year spousal option.

Well ... I've been in the US since July 26th 2007 but actually approved for my 2 yr green card 02/21/2008 so technically it will be the 3 year spousal option.
lynamonFemaleCanada2012-05-25 08:53:00
CanadaSeperating with 10 yr GC..living in Canada working in US

exactly--as a Permanent Resident of the USA you have to LIVE in the USA. If the POE officer believes ur no longer LIVING in the USA, they have every right to take away your Greencard. I would be applying for USA Citizenship ASAP. When u apply for citizenship, One has to list every visit one takes for 24 hrs or longer outside of the USA.



I will be applying for naturalization asap. My residence will still be with my husband during the seperation although I will be temporarily staying with my siser to be closer to the head office in New York to work on a special project. Is that acceptable as far as the border guards are concerned?

and by the way ... it's nice to see you're still on here Flames9_RN ... I was around when you were still going through school to be an RN :)

Edited by lynamon, 25 May 2012 - 08:40 AM.

lynamonFemaleCanada2012-05-25 08:35:00
CanadaSeperating with 10 yr GC..living in Canada working in US
I've posted this in appropriate forum but I thought that I would post this here to see if there are any Canadians with a similar situation ....

Here's the situation ... I'm a Canadian citizen and currently have a 10 year green card. My husband and I are having marital issues and I would like to seperate. I work for a US corporation with a head office in Niagara Falls, NY. I would like to live with my sister who is in Canada and 45 minutes away from the US head office and travel 3 days a week to the US office to work along with some travel within the US for work purposes. I qualify for naturalization which I'm intending to apply for citizenship and if things don't work out with the seperation once I do get my citizenship I plan on living in Canada and working in the US for a US based company as a dual citizen of both Canada and the US.

I'm concerned that my permanent residency may be deemed abandoned and whether or not the border guards will give me a hassel travelling back and forth across the border by land.
lynamonFemaleCanada2012-05-25 08:22:00
CanadaBooking my medical in Toronto.
How the hell do I make an appointment? I've called 7 times with no answer. I left a message and they called me back and left a voicemail in which they only provided their phone number. I called back like 2 minutes later and still no answer. Do they have the busiest phone in the city, or am I missing something?
GervlFemaleCanada2012-04-16 15:06:00
CanadaToronto Medical Review

Thanks for the great review, hopefully my fiance will be getting his medical there soon. Right now we're waiting for his passport to get back (he had to renew it) before sending in packet 3. Can any of you tell me approx how long it was between when you sent in packet 3 and when packet 4 was sent and you could schedule the interview? About how far out was the interview from when you scheduled it? What about the medical exam, how long was the wait for that? Any estimates are greatly appreciated!


I'm doing a CR-1 visa, so things are different for me.

Here are some K1 timelines you can check out: http://www.visajourn...=1&op5=&op6=All
GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-02 17:32:00
CanadaToronto Medical Review

OP, my experience could have not been any different that yours....Dr Seiden's office was great. Very efficient and courteous. I was out of there by 8:30.

Around the corner to the Radiology Lab, only to find out the x-ray machine was broken. The lady behind the desk kept telling people that it would be fixed "in an hour". Over FOUR hours later, I got my x-ray.

I don't live anywhere near Toronto, so coming back another day was not an option. In any case, I'm glad it's over with!

Glad everything else went well :P Thankful I got there a day before, haha. Good luck with your interview!

Edited by Gervl, 02 May 2012 - 05:25 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-02 17:25:00
CanadaToronto Medical Review
Just want to clarify something:

- There is one consent form you sign throughout the whole thing. I wrote it out in an awkward way. It's a form with your photo, a table with 3 rows (blood test, physical exam, and something else) which you sign beside each during each step. The nurse explained to me that the purpose of the form is to acknowledge that the medical results are solely for immigration purposes :yes:


Glad you guys found it useful! Good luck tomorrow, MB3, it's a breeze :)

Edited by Gervl, 01 May 2012 - 05:34 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-01 17:28:00
CanadaToronto Medical Review
I arrived at the building early at 7am. I was the only one there and the doors had signs showing the building was closed, and to use the intercom to gain access inside. I decided to pop over to Tim Horton's to kill some time. 

When I got back a couple of people slowly trickled towered the doors. One lady tried the intercom but no one answered. A couple more folks showed up and we stood around chatting until a security guard came and opened the door around 7:20. We all entered and headed towards the elevators. As we piled in, a lady who works in the building told us we need a key card before 7:30 to use the elevator. Bummer! We all got off and waited in the main foyer for a few minutes. A man who works for the building was pretty peeved that there were people storming the doors before 7:30. C'est la vie! After waiting a few minutes in the lobby a lady from Seiden's office called us all over asking if we were here for immigration medicals and asked us to please follow her onto the elevator. It was still before 7:30 as she used her keycard. Up to the 14th floor we went. 

The office is right by the elevators, can't miss it. We approached the front desk where the same lady from downstairs asked who had arrived first and to hand her our interview letters in that order. Technically, I was first, but I let an older lady and two nuns hand their letters over first - this didn't seem to matter once things got rolling in the clinic as I went before the nuns. There were about 5 groups, including myself. We were then ushered into a waiting room to wait for our names to be called. 

I was in the waiting room for maybe 10 or 15 minutes when I got called in by the "elevator lady." We went into an office and she took my passport, photos, and immunization letter. They glue your passport photos onto the paperwork, so there wasn't much point in writing my info on the back. I signed a few consent forms, handed over my $300, and the sealed referral to the x-ray clinic (big red 'do not open' stamp on it) and that was that. A nurse named Georgia (same name as me, ha!) then brought me into an exam room. 

I signed another consent form. She took my blood pressure, checked my pulse, and took my height and weight. She then instructed me to have a seat in the waiting room and wait to be called in for my blood work. She is super sweet :) I didn't wait long to get called for my blood draw. Signed another consent form. The nurse who did it was very good and quick, thankfully. She walked me back to my original exam room (#6) and instructed me to strip down to everything but my bra and put on an exam gown. Dr. Malcolm (very, very nice guy) arrived about 10 minutes later. 

He copied out my immunization record then began the exam. He asked if I had had any major surgeries, diseases, was on any medication, psychological/drug/alcohol problems, if I was a smoker and any long term health issues. I told him about my minor heart problem and he wasn't alarmed or anything. He didn't ask to see the paperwork from my doctor about it. He asked if my tattoos were done with clean equipment :P He then checked my mouth/throat, did a touch exam of my neck and clavicle area. He took some time to listen to my heart (perhaps because I told him about my issue?) He finished up and gave me the all clear. He handed back my immunization record and the form I'd been putting my consent signatures on and told me nurse Georgia would be back to do my "physical check" meaning to make sure I'm all female and in good visible health down there. She came in shorty after he left and had me lay back in the usual prone position women are used to at the doctor's and took about a  millisecond long to look. All done!

You then return to the very front desk of the office and hand over your consent form. The lady gave me a sheet showing when I could pick up my results and offered a map to the x-ray clinic which I didn't need. Adios, Dr. Seiden's office! I was out at 8:30. 

The radiology clinic is a grueling 60 second walk around the corner (South east side of Sherbourne) and in the basement. You can see the stairs leading down to it immediately upon entry to the foyer. Once in, you hand over your referral and have a seat with your passport ready. I got called in to change into my gown pretty quickly. You remove all clothing (bra too!) from the waist up. Leave your things in the change stall then have a seat on the comfy bench. I got called in within 5 minutes of sitting down. My nurse was very nice. I signed another form, presumably the referral as my photo was glued to it and handed her my passport for I.D. verification I presume. The x-ray was quick. I held a lead gown at my hips so that it covered everything that wasn't necessary for the image. I was in that room for maybe a minute and then went to change back into my clothes. You take the signed referral back to the front desk and they keep it. And that was it, all done. 

All said and done, the whole process took about an hour and a half - and that includes me wasting time. Get there early though, on my way out of Seiden's office the waiting room was packed! Two thumbs up for all the staff I met at both clinics :D 

*sorry for any weird typos, I wrote this up on my phone.

Edited by Gervl, 01 May 2012 - 09:29 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-01 09:27:00
CanadaMay/June IR/CR-1 Interviews!!
Haha! Same deal for us. I decided to remove the photos of us with our eyes half open, steins in the air and crappy Halloween costumes on. Also all the groping pictures.
GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-08 00:46:00
CanadaMay/June IR/CR-1 Interviews!!
That's so cute :P

How my husband and I talk:

Me: Hey! How's your day going? <3
Him: Boring and stupid, as usual.
Me: It's okay. Soon you'll have to come home to my face.
Him: Will you make me dinner and fix my haircut?
Me: ...yes...
Him: :D

Throw in a few "Hey poopmouth" or "Sup pumpkintits" and you've got a good idea about our maturity level.

Edited by Gervl, 08 May 2012 - 12:23 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-08 00:22:00
CanadaMay/June IR/CR-1 Interviews!!
Perfect :) haha, you made me go over my package ... for the 30th time.
GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-08 00:11:00
CanadaMay/June IR/CR-1 Interviews!!

Ok.. I think I have everything gathered for our interview!!

Bona-fide marriage evidence. Even though Montreal isn't too strict on it, I'm sure I'll be the one they ask it from.
- Warranty Deed to our House
- Title to Explorer
- Car insurance
- Passport stamps from both passports (there's only 2 lol)
- Boarding passes from wedding to now
- Copy of my Will updated to include him
- Land line call logs
- Skype call logs
- Skype call logs for his parents
- Various text messages
- Bank statements for both Canadian and US bank accounts
- photo sheet of wedding, reception and vacations
- Copy of my Grandmother's obituary

Interview Documents
- Passport (both)
- Original Marriage Certificate
- Original long form Manitoba birth certificate (his)
- Original signed I-864 for me and joint sponsor and tax transcripts for both
- DS-261 summary sheet
- Filled out DS-230 (you never know)
- DHL/Loomis confirmation sheet
- P4 letter
- Medical envelope (when he has it)
- My Certified Divorce Decrees
- My military records
- USB thumb drive with EVERYTHING on it as a back up

Proof of US domicile- and that I really am going back home (I don't have a return ticket)
- Warranty Deed to our house
- Copy of P4 letter
- Letter from the ex that he expects me back around mid July
- Proof of fall enrollment at East Tennessee University

Am I missing anything?


Yours looks like mine :)

- 2 passport photos
- Valid passport
- Original marriage certificate
- Original birth certificate
- Original police clearance
- Interview letter
- DS-260 confirmation (full document set including the questions and my answers)
- Filled out, part 1 signed DS-230 (I heard I might not need this anymore as MTL is coordinating all of us electronic processing geeks, bringing it in case)
- I-864EZ filled out with husband's original signed forms + original supporting documents
- Husband's 2011 tax return (he hadn't filed yet when we submitted our AOS paperwork) + 2011 W-2 + most recent earnings statement
- DHL/Loomis confirmation sheet
- Medical package


You don't have your passport photos listed! You need 2. Also your original police certificate :yes: Do we need our DS-261 (choice of agent?)

Edited by Gervl, 07 May 2012 - 11:59 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-07 23:57:00
CanadaMay/June IR/CR-1 Interviews!!
Yay! My interview is on Wednesday :D
GervlFemaleCanada2012-05-07 20:43:00