ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaCanada GST Cheque

So, in the mail today I got a notice stating that I am not eligible for OSTC sue to residency requirements, and a bill for the last 2 GST cheques I received. Thankfully, I have yet to send them back. Now, I am just going to cash them and then pay it back. That way I know for sure it goes to the right.

Pocheros, have you received anything in the mail like that yet?


Nope, nothing in the mail. I mailed back my cheques and spoke to them on January 16th, too. Sorry to hear that the CRA didn't get it right for you :/ Whyyyy is it so hard for them to get this right? :bonk:
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-09 01:09:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque

Wow! This is a really good stuff. I am working on my taxes right and very close to book my interview. You know what ?

I going to call the GST number and ask them to send me check instead of direct deposit. Because i will have the chance to send the cheque back, Well, I will close my banck account any way. I dont think I will be here when they start paying 2011..


I wouldn't recommend closing your bank account (if it's a Canadian bank account) because when you do your taxes next year they won't direct deposit into American bank accounts and American banks are very finicky with Canadian cheques (and Canadian cash too, for that matter). They are not as internationally friendly as Canadian banks are :/ So the easiest method for your tax refund is direct deposit into a Canadian bank account.

It is a good idea to start getting GST cheques though. The CRA is sooo slow processing everything...

Edited by pocheros, 28 February 2012 - 09:14 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-28 21:14:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque
It's been over a month since I talked to the CRA and sent my cheques back and still nothing... no letter in the mail (like they said I was supposed to get), nothing. I'm guessing they're just moving at a snail's pace like usual but maybe I'll give them a call soon... I really hope my letter didn't get lost in the mail.

Edited by pocheros, 28 February 2012 - 01:58 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-28 13:58:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque

I finally got through! The guy told me the address you posted to mail my tax return, but gave me a totally different address for sending my cheques back to. He told me it was Canada Revenue Agency, Ottawa Technology Centre, Ottawa ON K1A 1B1. What is the Ottawa Technology Centre????


Hmm, not completely sure. It is related to the CRA though. Check this link: http://www.cra-arc.g...c/twts-eng.html I still don't know if I'm going about this correctly since it's only been 2 1/2 weeks since I talked to the CRA and mailed my cheques back, so I haven't got any mail or any kind of confirmation from them yet.

The technology centre is kind of an odd name for a CRA branch :blink:
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-03 17:54:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque
You are not eligible for most tax credits if they are dated after the day you POE. For example, I POEd on September 9th. If they mailed me a GST credit dated September 5th I could deposit it.

I believe the child tax credit is slightly different from the other ones and you may still be eligible for it after you move but I'm not sure. Hopefully someone else can clear that up.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-18 17:16:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque

Do you need your notice of assessment that comes with your GST/HST cheque? When I called a few months ago to tell them I moved and to not send them to me anymore, I needed to have that info, which I did not. I just found it last week and haven't had a chance to call back. The girl told me I had to verify some more information...I know I probably have another cheque on the way (but I lived with my parents before I moved so I am not too worried about that, as I know it will get to them).


The first time I called the GST/HST line in September they asked me for some info from my tax return (how much my return was and how I filed it.) Today they just asked me for SIN, birthdate, mailing address, and how I filed my taxes last year.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-16 16:36:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque
I just got off the phone with the CRA. Apparently the GST/HST line cannot change your residency- for that you have to contact the international office at 1-800-267-5177. Have your social insurance number ready.

They moved the international tax office from Quebec to Ottawa: http://www.cra-arc.g...tional-eng.html

Here is the new address, and the one the lady told me to mail my cheques back to:

International Tax Services Office
Post Office Box 9769, Station T
Ottawa ON K1G 3Y4
CANADA

I hope talking to that lady helped. She had a thick accent so I had some trouble understanding her :S I think she said they would update my information and that I should receive a letter in a few weeks stating that I am no longer eligible for the credits. Sigh... let's hope it works.

Going through my mail I found something from the CRA saying that I was no longer eligible for the Ontario sales tax credit, which makes sense because I called the provincial line so it wouldn't affect the GST credit. So I urge anyone who hasn't called the international office yet to do so.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-16 15:31:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque
By the way, if anyone wants a contact number here's a list: http://www.taxes.ca/info/info-cra.php There's a GST/HST help line on that list.

They're closed today of course. You can talk to someone between 8:15am-5pm Mon-Fri.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-15 16:44:00
CanadaCanada GST Cheque
Argh, I just got a GST cheque this morning! I called them in SEPTEMBER and asked them not to send them to me anymore... I even updated my information on the CRA website. I thought I was safe because it had been four months, but nope, looks like they didn't get it either. :bonk:
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-01-15 16:34:00
CanadaDS-160
I put 50 years on mine.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-10 21:51:00
CanadaIs my I-751 Package Complete?
This is completely OT, but Spoom, do you by any chance read 8-bit theater (judging from your avatar). :) My husband & I met on the 8-bit theater forums...
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-08 14:08:00
CanadaMTL ... yay!!!!
Just a tip if you pay on the day of the interview: they want 350 USD cash only- no canadian cash!

Also I recommend waiting until DOS says packet 3 has been logged before sending it because there is a chance for an RFE before they send it out to you. Congrats on receiving your case number :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-12 18:18:00
CanadaCan I cross the border while waiting?

This is a reoccurring question because there is no right or wrong answer.

On paper, the answer is simple, yes. In reality a little more complex. If you are from Canada or a VWP country, there's nothing legally stopping you from trying to enter.

The complications arise when trying to convince the CBP officer (who has the final say) that you plan to return within 90 days. This is where most people struggle.

If your spouse is American, they'll automatically suspect that you might be intending to stay or try to adjust status once you get past the border.

Obviously, they know it's a natural thing though to want to visit, so if you can prove that you have a house,a job and a white picket fence to go home to, they'll probably let you in if they're convinced.

The story they would want to hear is basically that you plan to move eventually, but this is just a trip to visit, and you have no intention staying or adjusting status this time around. This is true because you have the following evidence showing that you're not yet done with Canada: (include evidence of choice).

Some key evidence may be an employment letter, a house or apt, family ties etc. Also, I've heard of people arguing that since they have an immigrant visa pending, there's no logical reason for them to want to jeopardize that.


Great post :thumbs:

Just a nit pick- Canada is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, and Canadians are "technically" allowed to stay in the USA for double the time, 180 days.

Edited by pocheros, 13 February 2012 - 04:25 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-13 16:25:00
Canadadifferent answer every day
Yeah, it took me about a week before packet 4 was logged. If they say it's been sent out or logged then you can schedule an interview.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-09 17:57:00
CanadaI am confuse and need some insight
Edit: nevermind, i misunderstood who the USC was.

Edited by pocheros, 13 March 2012 - 07:14 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-13 19:12:00
CanadaMedical Review in Toronto
Wow, a lot has changed since I had my medical there last June! Guess they moved the office. Glad to hear your medical went smoothly, and thanks for making such a detailed post.

Edited by pocheros, 13 March 2012 - 07:58 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-13 19:58:00
CanadaDS-156
Yes. :) http://www.panelphys...munizations.htm This lists what vaccinations are required for the medical exam, so you'll want ot ensure these are up to date.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-13 22:11:00
CanadaDS-156
If possible, I would fill out the DS-156 on the computer again with the correct date and then print it out. However, if for some reason you can't do this, crossing out the mistake very neatly in ink is okay. Then write the correct date above it and sign your name next to the new date so they know who corrected it. They understand that mistakes are made, and it's better to have the correct date on the form than the wrong one.

On the day of my interview, they handed back my original packet 3 and asked me to look over it and make any necessary corrections. My husband's phone number had changed so I changed that. You should be okay as long as you write clearly :thumbs:

Edited by pocheros, 13 March 2012 - 07:01 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-13 19:00:00
CanadaLiving in the states while working in Canada.
As everyone else stated, CR1 (marry and THEN apply for visa) would be the best route. However, I'm concerned about how you'd maintain permanent resident status in the USA if you're in Canada for 8 days at a time and then in the US for 6 days at a time. I think you have to spend a certain amount of time in the USA in order to maintain your status/green card. I don't know how much time that is though...

Edited by pocheros, 13 March 2012 - 07:21 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-13 19:18:00
CanadaBooking an interview at Montreal…

Posted on their homepage: "Our system is currently experiencing technical difficulties, we are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience." Go figure...is this part of their updating the system to post dates?? Just curious if anyone has experienced this before.


In the past the website has gone under maintenance before they release new dates. It's not a guarantee, of course, but it's a possibility.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-08 13:58:00
CanadaBooking an interview at Montreal…

Hi frostiana,

Thank you for your feedback. I will do just that! I guess I’m just so anxious and I want to get things done already, lol. Phew…hopefully this part of the journey will end soon enough :dance:


Make sure it's in USD, they will not accept CAD. And it's $350 :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-02 09:34:00
CanadaBooking an interview at Montreal…

And also what about the date of approval on the NOA 2? Mine expires on June 1, 2012. Do I have to contact NVC to get that extended if I have not gotten an interview by that point?


It will be automatically extended, most people have their NOA2s expire when going through Montreal without an issue.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-01 23:53:00
CanadaBooking an interview at Montreal…

This is the most disheartening/maddening thing I've ever heard :(
We filed in July and received Packet 4 two weeks ago. Planned the wedding for May because the lawyer ASSURED us everything would be completed by January...guess not.

I'm glad I found this community, because I've been feeling very low about the whole thing. Thanks for taking the time to write out your experiences everyone :) And happy waiting!


Nothing is assured in the immigration process. It'd be nice if it was. One Canadian VJ member just got out of advanced processing which was nearly 3 months long... That is, she went to the interview, got approved and had to wait 3 months for her visa to be printed and mailed back to her.

It's best to either plan your wedding far, far in advance or not plan it at all until your visa is in your hand. Until then your wedding date is a moving target. I know this sounds harsh but it's true, there is potential for delays at every step throughout the process, including after the interview. I wouldn't trust a lawyer who gave you a hard and fast date because no such thing exists.

Edited by pocheros, 27 February 2012 - 09:23 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-27 21:21:00
CanadaBooking an interview at Montreal…
Some people have waited as long as 2 months before they got an interview. :( Just gotta be persistent. I gave my husband my login information so he could check while I was at work.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-24 15:45:00
CanadaAOS status

Once you get your EAD you are allowed to work even if you do have out of status days. The problems with the out of status days are when you are still out of status, or if you leave the US and try to return. You shouldn't have any problems with the EAD. Out of status days (as well as unauthorized work) are 'forgiven' when you obtain your green card. You are also allowed to get your green card even when you are out of status as long as you are married to a US citizen. That is the only category that allows AOS from an out of status state. :)


You are an angel. Thank you for help :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-16 22:21:00
CanadaAOS status

That's a tough place in which to be. Hopefully one of those job interviews will bring in an offer of employment and the two of you can get back on track with both your immigration journey and your lives. Good luck to you both.


*huge sigh of relief* I'm just glad that 1. I won't get deported 2. as soon as I have a green card I'm in the clear. Thank you for putting my mind at ease, and thank you for the well wishes. :)

Er, I have one more question, since you're so knowledgeable :) Do out of status days trump the EAD as well, or just the AP? Thanks again.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-16 21:19:00
CanadaAOS status
If I understand correctly, upon my AOS being approved and the receipt of my green card it basically means i have nothing to worry about even if I was out of status for so long, right? That is as soon as I become a permanent resident I'm in the clear? Sorry I'm kind of freaking out here, and just want to be extra sure. I'm looking up some links on out of status days and it's kind of scary :X
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-16 21:03:00
CanadaAOS status

There is no time limit on when you can apply for the AOS, however, just because you got married within the 90 days, it does not mean you are now free and clear. The K-1 visa is permission to enter the US in order to get married within 90 days. Getting married within 90 days allows you to apply for permission to remain in the US (green card) based upon satisfying the requirement of the K-1 visa - getting married within 90 days.

When you 'used' the visa to cross the border, your status was next established by your I-94 visa. The K-1 authorized the entry; the I-94 authorized the 90 days stay. The I-94 is your basis of 'legal status' in the US. Once those 90 days expire - whether you married within those 90 days or not - you are out of status unless you file the additional paperwork to change your status from a non-immigrant fiancee to a permanent resident based upon marriage to a US citizen.

So, you start accumulating 'out of status' days once the I-94 expires and they will continue to accumulate until you file the AOS and it is accepted. Those out of status days remain on your immigration record until your AOS is approved. While it shouldn't cause you problems in the US (eg being stopped by immigration authorities) since you are eligible to apply for AOS you would not be deported but you would be told to apply for AOS right away, if you needed to leave the US it definitely would cause you problems. If you had accumulated more than 180 out of status days (that means after the I-94 expires) and you left the US - even with an Advance Parole (AP) - you would incur an automatic 3 year ban on re-entering the US. If you have more than a year of out of status days, that ban becomes 10 years. Your spouse would have to file a hardship waiver along with the I-130 and the whole CR-1 application process to allow you to return to the US.

So, while there is no legal requirement that you file for AOS within a specified period of time, it is in your own best interest that you do so as soon as you can in order to protect your status in the US, and to allow you the 'freedom' of working and being able to travel out of the US - and return safely. You don't want to be faced with the hard choice of whether you go back home to deal with a family emergency (eg, the death or serious illness of a family member) and face starting the whole immigration process all over again with a hardship waiver that may not be approved and then having to wait out the 3 or 10 year ban, or giving up the chance perhaps to say goodbye to a parent or a sibling because you know you cannot leave and return to the US because you have no status or you would incur a ban.

Filing for the AOS should be one of the highest priorities on your list right now, right behind basic survival needs of food and shelter. This is one of those situations where if you need to borrow money it would be a good investment. You could also get your EAD and that would give two of you looking for employment, doubling your changes.

Good luck.


:o That is scary. What if I accumulate 180 out of status days but don't leave the US until I have my green card (not advance parole) will I still get a ban? Or does it just basically mean that I can't use AP if I have out of status days?

Thank you for the detailed response.

We both really want to apply for AOS but have had bad luck, and we don't have anyone who could co sponsor us. However, my hubby has a couple job interviews lined up so things are looking okay. We're at the point where he will take any job. Unfortunately Las Vegas has the highest unemployment in the country right now so I'm still worried and just wondering what would happen in the worst case scenario :X

Even if we had the filing fee ready I'm not sure if we could apply for AOS since the I-864 requires you to prove that your spouse or co sponsors can support you and currently my husband doesn't have a job nor enough assets to do so. Both his parents are unemployed and don't make above the poverty guideline and besides his parents there's really no one else.

Edited by pocheros, 16 March 2012 - 08:53 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-16 20:44:00
CanadaAOS status
Just to double check- if you enter the US on a K1 visa and get married within 90 days, there is no time limit for AOS, right? I'm asking because with my hubby's unemployment I'm coming up on 6 months of living here and it could be quite awhile before I apply for AOS.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-16 18:34:00
Canadano arrival record I-94 for I-130 form

Wow thanks everyone!! I am just starting down this road. You can bet you"ll be hearing from me again. Do you think it is imperative to get an immigration lawyer to deal with the process or is it ok to go it alone? I have a consultation on Monday to see we should go down the K visa or CR-1 visa route.


Unless your case is complicated (one of you committed fraud before, for example) a lawyer is unnecessary and a waste of money. The process is already expensive enough- you don't need to line the pockets of some fancy pants lawyer who often is behind on all the immigration procedures (which update frequently.) This is especially true of a Canadian- Canada is one of the easiest countries to obtain an American visa from. Be grateful for that ;)

From one of my old posts:

If you go the fiance route you must get married in the USA. The main difference between the K1 (fiance) and IR1/CR1 (spouse) is that upon the approval of the visa the K1 does not receive a green card but the IR1 does. So a K1 will receive a visa specifically for the purpose of entering the USA to get married and from within the USA will apply for a green card with USCIS [and the fee for applying for a green card is about $1,000, so you have to have that ready if you're a K1.] The green card gives you permission to work and travel outside the USA along with all the other benefits of being a permanent resident.

Now the catch is if you go the K1 route it's usually a couple months shorter than IR1 EXCEPT for the amount of time it will take you to receive your green card which will take 3-6 months from the date you apply for it, and you can only apply for it after you've been married. So for at least 3-6 months a K1 will be unable to work and also unable to leave the USA. For example if someone in your home country passed away and you were here on a K1 you could not just simply leave the USA and re enter because the K1 is a SINGLE entry visa. You would first have to seek special permission called advanced parole or obtain the green card.

However, a spouse will receive a green card along with their visa and upon entering the USA will be able to seek employment and travel abroad. It's a little longer compared to the K1 but you get more paperwork out of the way at the same time since you don't have to wait 3-6 months to get the benefits of being a permanent resident.


Since you will be so close to home the CR1 seems like a good option because even though you'd just be on the other side of the border, if you had a K1 you'd have to wait a minimum of 3 months before crossing again.

This is also a good summary: http://www.visajourn...content/compare

The drawback of the CR1 is that it's not quite as romantic as the K1 :lol: But keep in mind if you don't have the money or the ability to plan a wedding just yet, you can simply be legally married and have your real celebration later :) Immigrating is all about being pragmatic.

It's also convenient that you live in Montreal because that's the consulate that most Canadians interview at, so you get to save on travel costs :)

Whatever you do, don't file for a K3. It's basically a dead visa that's been replaced with the CR1 and K1. :)

Edited by pocheros, 11 February 2012 - 01:51 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-02-11 13:45:00
CanadaDHL confirmation proof
The printed out appointment confirmation email is good :) Make sure to also bring proof of payment if you paid the interview fee online (print out your receipt).
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-19 17:13:00
CanadaIR1 interview in Vancouver??
If Montreal requires further documentation, your husband will not need to do a second interview- instead you will send it to Montreal where they will review it. As Flames noted, if this is the case they can take a very long time to actually issue the visa.

I would carefully read over the domicile thread and try and gather as much evidence a possible, including some letters/affidavits from your parents (though affidavits are considered secondary evidence), and anything else you can think of to prove that you intend to move to the States. You could even make up some kind of lease or contract between you and your parents (even if they're not charging you).

Edited by pocheros, 19 March 2012 - 05:23 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-19 17:18:00
CanadaIR1 interview in Vancouver??
Well, evidence of domicile is about the US citizen, not the Canadian, since your husband has 6 months to enter the US on his visa (I think?). What I meant is that at the interview he will have to prove that you maintain a domicile in the US. I have little experience with evidence of domicile as it was not an issue for me but judging by what others have posted in that thread it seems like mere cell phone bills and bank statements are not enough. Think stuff like leases, a letter from an American employer, etc. In some cases Montreal won't issue the visa until the USC has moved back to the US already and actively lives there. The reason Montreal is so hard about it is because there's a lot of Canadians and Americans who like to mosey on over to whichever country they prefer at the moment and try to maintain permanent residencies in both countries which is a big no-no.

Edited by pocheros, 19 March 2012 - 03:03 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-19 14:59:00
CanadaIR1 interview in Vancouver??
IR1 interviews are only held in Montreal. Your husband will have to fly out there. The US citizen is not required to attend. Also since you are living in Vancouver be aware that Montreal is notoriously difficult when it comes to evidence of domicile which your husband will have to prove at the interview. There's a big thread about it pinned at the top of the forum.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-19 01:59:00
CanadaA bunch of stupid questions
1. Yes, he can work right away. That's the nice thing about IR1 visas :) The green card is issued concurrently with the visa, if I understand correctly (I went the K1 route).

2. Generally, most people are eligible for EI if they meet enough qualifying hours of work. Make sure you husband applies for EI within 4 weeks of leaving his job. Even if he does not immediately have proof that he is ready and willing to work (i.e. he leaves his job before receiving his visa and green card) he can open his case in the meantime and then send in the necessary documentation as he receives it.

3. No idea. Canada is harsher on DUIs than the US is, incidentally.

4. Yes, you can be both a Canadian and American citizen. Even some VJers here are dual citizens (along with some celebrities, like Alanis Morisette :lol:) The US basically doesn't acknowledge dual citizens but they cannot force you to revoke your American citizenship. Certainly it would be very handy to get your Canadian citizenship, in case you want to move back in the future.

Edited by pocheros, 19 March 2012 - 05:14 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-19 17:10:00
Canadawhat time of day were appts released
Spoom, if you made that a plugin for firefox that would be awesome, especially if you have a smartphone that notifies you when you get an email :lol: I grabbed my first interview at 5pm and 3 weeks later I re scheduled it at around 6am. That's a big window!
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-20 13:54:00
CanadaPolice record check in Montreal
VJers have successfully used checks from the commissionaires before- after all, if the RCMP re directs you to that website it can't just be anyone dong the checks. They are legit.

Only Quebec and Ontario maintain their own municipal and provincial policing- the rest of the provinces contract most of their policing with the RCMP so in certain provinces it can take awhile to get a police check.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-20 14:13:00
CanadaAirport Checklist
Just be as relaxed and calm as possible and answer any questions truthfully. When I POEd they gave me a mini quiz of maybe 5 questions but it barely phased me because they just asked who I was marrying, where in the US I was going, etc., very very basic info. Other than that as long as she has her passport and unopened brown folder she shouldn't be denied.

Edit: also seconding that she makes sure she gets an I-94- it's some white card stock that gets stapled next to her visa. It is VERY VERY important that she gets this. Of course, it's unlikely that they'd forget to attach it to her passport but it's happened before.

Edited by pocheros, 20 March 2012 - 11:26 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-20 23:25:00
Canadaapproved visa, could i be denied at airport entry?
A visa is never a guarantee or "right" to be let in to the country but it's very unlikely that they will give you a hard time as you did not circumvent the process and obtained a visa legally. Many VJers have been turned around at the border before, only to cross the same border with their visa later. As SF2007 said be 100% truthful in all your answers, but you don't have to volunteer information unless they ask for it.

I also had a ton of clothing with me when I POEd (three pieces of luggage plus two purses that were practically exploding) and it wasn't a problem. Air Canada has a deal at the time where the first piece of luggage was free so I brought as much as I could.

Edited by pocheros, 20 March 2012 - 06:45 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-20 18:44:00
CanadaMy Overdue Vancouver Consulate Review
Belated congratulations :dance: It's good to see a detailed Vancouver review here since most people go to Montreal. :yes:
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-11-02 11:50:00