ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaSo if we were to ship a couple of boxes from Canada after I POE...
I'm curious about this procedure as well, since I don't have that much stuff and it needs to be mailed.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-03 17:34:00
CanadaPacket 3- Montreal
It's odd- some people have had their PKT3s approved without including the photos, but other people have had RFEs for not including them. It doesn't seem to make much sense as I've read that people who submitted photos with their PKT3 were asked for more at the interview. But anyways, long story short, yes you need to bring 2 photos to the interview and 3 for the medical.

Also, I dunno if you've mailed it already, but you don't *have* to use DHL. Many people here used xpresspost (myself included) because it's fast. DHL is just free. Xpresspost was only $15 for me, though, and it got there in two days.

Also, after you've submitted PKT3 you can start calling Department of State (their phone number is listed on their website, press 1 and then 0 to get a visa specialist) for updates. You DO NOT have to wait to receive PKT4 in the mail in order to book an interview- it only has to be "logged," i.e. Montreal is about to mail it to you. Once it's been logged you can register at the CSC website and start viewing interview dates.

Edit: ALSO this is important! If you have not yet received PKT3, call department of State asap and ask if PKT3 has been mailed to you. If it has, then you can mail the forms right away. Many people do not receive PKT3 or PKT4 hardcopies in the mail, this may potentially save you weeks of waiting.

Edited by pocheros, 03 August 2011 - 05:44 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-03 17:39:00
CanadaPacket 3- Montreal
You DO NOT need to submit the police certificate, birth certificate etc. They DO NOT want that from packet 3- just the forms that you listed and the checklist. Also, a colour photocopy of the biographic information page on your passport and passport photos. That's it though.

They see the police certificate, birth certificate, etc. at the interview.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-01 23:10:00
CanadaMy Appendix burst less than a week before my interview
Sorry to hear about that caroline :( Maybe you'll have some good luck now to balance things out, eh? Sending some good vibes your way!

The doors for the consulate open at 7:30. People start lining up early (like 6am) so if you go later you'll have to wait (I haven't actually had an interview yet, this is just my impression) but presumably you won't be standing around for 1.5 hrs like the early birds if you get there when the doors open. You'll have to wait longer inside the consulate but at least you'll get to sit.

Edited by pocheros, 09 August 2011 - 08:46 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-09 08:44:00
CanadaMontreal Review August 2011

Congratulations! Sucks about the appendix but at least that's over :(

Just a question- did they not ask you for any proof of ongoing relationship? Reading other Montreal reviews on here, it looks like they don't, but I just want to make sure.


They didn't ask me either. It might be good to bring some along just in case, i.e. if you're not losing anything by packing some extra photos or whatever. However, it seems like it's not required.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-13 18:32:00
CanadaPACKET 3
I'm under the impression that DHL sends it to the other address, but if you mail it through any other service you use 315 d'Youville. Isn't expresspost faster than DHL anyways? Plus it's cheap.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-15 18:38:00
CanadaDetailed Montreal Interview Review for August 11 2011
Glad you guys like my review! Thanks for the congrats!

Awesome review! Since we had the same interviewer, I hope she gets your passport back as quickly as she did mine. Did she have you sign the DS-230? She forgot for me and when they opened my envelope at POE there was a big sticky note on it to have me sign it immediately at POE :)


Thanks! Yes, I forgot to mention that. At the second window I signed one page from packet 3. I forget which one the DS-230 is so I'll assume it was that. >_>

I hope I get mine back soon too. It's been 3 business days, so I'm not too worried yet. Hehe.

Edited by pocheros, 16 August 2011 - 02:11 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 14:10:00
CanadaDetailed Montreal Interview Review for August 11 2011
Montreal Review for August 11 2011

It's been a few days since I had my interview so I don't know if I'll remember everything correctly. However, as soon as I got back to the hotel after my interview I jotted down some notes so those should help. This is a very detailed review so get some popcorn! I put a TL;DR version at the end.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency hotel, which is about a 5 minute walk from the embassy and about a 15 minute walk from the VIA train stain station.

The consulate is this big gray building with dark windows. It's on the corner of Boulevard Rene-Levesque and Rue Saint Alexandre. The entrance is on the side street (Rue Saint Alexandre), not on the main street. The entrance is two big glass double doors with the American crest on them. It lists the hours and what items are permitted inside (no cell phones, electronic devices, etc.) Don't bring anything you don't need! Just the paperwork and maybe some spare money and/or cards in your wallet.

I got there way too early, at 6am, because I didn't really sleep the night before and figured I might as well go and be first in line. I sat outside the doors for awhile and studied my paperwork when a nice guy from Toronto arrived. We joked for awhile (he said he thought he'd be the only person crazy enough to show up that early). After a little while longer a few more nice people showed up. I asked if anyone was from VJ and I think a couple of them said they referred to the website for a few things.

The guy from Toronto said he paid his lawyers a lot of money but it seemed like they gave him incorrect advice (one of them said he'd get his passport and visa back on the same day!) This guy was a CR1 though- do CR1s get their visas back in the mail too? I'm under the impression that they don't get them the same day, just like K1s. Anyways, I digress!

By 7:30 there were about 15 people in line. A security guard opened the doors. He asked to see my passport (and my appointment letter too I think, don't remember for sure but it makes sense that he would). You go inside where there's an airport-style scanner. They look for your name on this list and scratch it off. You put your personal belongings in trays that get x rayed and you walk through a metal detector.

Once you've gone through security you go down a set of stairs to a waiting room. Sit near the elevator as everyone eventually goes down there and if you were first in line outside the consulate it doesn't really mean anything. There's a photo booth in case you didn't bring any passport style photos. I sat in the waiting room for awhile while everyone else went through security and trickled downstairs. By the time the guy opened the elevator, it looked like there were about 30 people in the room. He instructed people applying for immigrant visas only to get in the elevator.

As noted in previous reviews, when you get off the elevator it's the door at the BACK that opens, not the door that you entered through. You go up to the 19th floor and once you get off a lady escorts you to a window where a line forms behind you (if you're first, like I was. lol) The lady at the window asked me for my appointment letter and (I think) my passport as well. Then she gives you a slip of paper with a number on it. I was C1.

Once you get your paper you sit down in a large waiting area. There's a screen that displays numbers and which booth to go to. I sat right in front of the screen so I'd know when I got called. The two people behind me were called first. They were CR1s and I'm a K1 so I don't know if that has to do with it. I was the third person to be called. The booths are just down this little hallway. They're like booths where you buy bus passes or something, haha, just glass windows with a slot to pass your paperwork through.

At the first window I gave them my passport, medical exam (not the xray), passport photos, and appointment letter. He took my fingerprints with a digital machine. Then I was told to sit down again and the lady in the next window would see me next when she was ready.

After about 5 minutes the lady was ready. At the second window I was given back my original Packet 3 and instructed to verify the information on it and make any corrections if necessary. My fiance had since changed his phone number so I wrote in the correct one.

After reviewing packet 3 she asked for:
original birth certificate
photocopy of birth certificate
translation of birth certificate
original police check (they don't want photocopy)
USC letter of intent (signed and dated within 30 days of the interview)
affidavit of support and supporting evidence

I want to make an aside about the affidavit of support. It seems like VJers recommend IRS transcripts from the last 3 years. I had IRS transcripts frm 2008 and 2009, and a tax return from 2010 along with the original W2 and a copy of the W2. I was a little unsure about the 2010 tax return because it was done on a computer and didn't look very official, but they accepted it without a problem. For the evidence for the affidavit of support, they gave back the 2008 and 2009 tax transcripts. The most recent tax year is the most important, obviously. :) They also kept letters from the bank, letters from the employer, pay stubs, and a printout showing how much money my fiance has in his 401K.

At this window they keep your originals and assemble them into a folder for the interviewer to look at.

I returned to the waiting room and waited about 10 minutes before my number appeared on the screen again. The interview takes place in front of a window but it's in smallish room. All the windows/booths are fairly open, which made me feel somewhat more relaxed.

I got the nice soft spoken dreadlock lady. She swore me in and then asked if everything was okay because I seemed nervous. I kinda of stuttered that everything was okay just that the whole process has been nervewracking. She smiled and said not to worry because she was sure everything would be fine! That made me feel better.

She asked me to put my thumb on the digital fingerprint reader to verify my identity. Then she started asking me questions:

-Have I ever been married
-Do I have kids
-Where does my fiance live
-Where is he originally from
-What does he do for a living
-Who he works for
-How we met
-What website did we specifically meet on
-How we met in person
-When we met

While asking these questions she was looking through my paperwork and also doing stuff on the computer. I think she might've googled the company he works for and the website we met on to see if they exist but that's just a wild guess :P She handed back some of the originals throughout the interview- the birth certificate, W2, the copy of the birth certificate translation. She did not ask to see my fiance's birth certificate or a copy of his passport bio page. She did not ask to see evidence of our relationship. She kept all the evidence for the affidavit of support except the 2008 and 2009 tax transcripts. There were also two letters from the bank and two letters from the employer- she kept one of each kind, I got the other ones back.

After about 5 minutes she handed me a piece of paper that said Welcome To The United States. I asked her if I was approved and she said yes at which point I let out a little gasp, haha. Then she smiled and said I bet it was a lot easier than I thought it would be! I said yes then thanked her before leaving.

Actually, I read a bunch of reviews before my interview and figured that if I had all the right papers and documentation it would be easy but of course I was still a little nervous. If anything I was a little disappointed that it was so easy because I had worried so much beforehand and brought a folder with so many copies of everything and so much other stuff they didn't ask for and it weighed at least 5 pounds! Hahaha.

When my interview ended it was 9am. I was the first one to get an interview so when I went back out to the area the guys I chatted with earlier started asking me a bunch of questions! :lol: I answered some (I was a little disoriented and rambling, sorry if I didn't answer your questions very well guys!) but then I left quickly so I could get back to the hotel and call my fiance. I hope that the other guys were approved too, as some of them had unique circumstances. One couple did electronic filing, one nice lady from Ottawa had her case expedited and they couldn't find her in the "system," and I was kind of worried about the guy from Toronto because he seemed unfamiliar with some of the forms we were talking about earlier because he said he just did everything his lawyers told him to do (and as noted on VJ, some people don't have very good experiences with lawyers...)

TL;DR Summary:

1. The doors for the embassy open at 7:30am, get there earlyish
2. Then you go through security, don't bring phones, keys, etc., just your paperwork
3. Sit close to the elevator
4. Get a slip of paper with your number on it
5. Wait for your number to get called. You get called up 3 times (assuming your case is typical)
-once to give them your passport, medical, passport photos, and fingerprints
-once to give them your birth certificate, police check, letter of intent, and affidavit of support (and any appropriate copies)
-once for the interview, where they hand back your originals

Okay, that was my unnecessarily detailed review! It was really easy guys, just make sure you have all the right paperwork beforehand. I'll add an abbreviated review to the reviews section later.

I hope this helps out future interviewees!

Edited by pocheros, 16 August 2011 - 12:42 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 12:40:00
CanadaFees after noa-1

The worst part about the ROC fee is that there's no delaying it at all. You have to file and pay it within the 90 days or you're out of status. At with AOS there was some leeway with delaying it if funds are tight!


Thanks for the heads up! ROC is 2 years after you get your first green card, right? Gonna go do some research...
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 17:13:00
CanadaFees after noa-1
Ah, I see. Pricey but not unmanageable, especially since it's awhile away and gives you time to save up for it. Well, if it's for one person it's not bad, that is, but bringing a family over is certainly expensive!

Thanks for the reply, Udella.

Edit: For the OP- I also forgot to mention police checks. Mine cost $50, the price varies depending on what province you live in and where you go, I imagine.

Edited by pocheros, 16 August 2011 - 11:45 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 11:44:00
CanadaFees after noa-1
How much is removal of conditions and naturalization? I haven't even thought beyond AOS! :P
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 10:09:00
CanadaFees after noa-1
The interview fee: $350 USD. I don't know if that's "per applicant" or whatever, someone should be able to chime in. You can pay for it either online or in person on the day of your interview, but BE AWARE if you pay for it in person it MUST be in US cash- no debit, credit, cheques, or Canadian money!
The medicals: Depends on where you're going, it's less for children but will be a couple hundred per person, at least. There are three doctors that do the medicals, one in Montreal, one in Toronto, and one in Vancouver. I recommend checking out the website of the one you'll be using to find out what the fees are.
Don't forgot to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. If you get vaccinnes at the medical exam they'll charge you, when you might've got them for free from your doctor.
Traveling fees, hotel/motel rooms.
Passport style photos.
Personally, I spent a lot of money at Staples making way too many photocopies of everything I had. Haha.
If any important original documents are not in English, you need to get them translated- that'll cost too.
Then of course the cost of moving all your stuff across the border!

Hope this helps.

Edited by pocheros, 15 August 2011 - 06:34 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-15 18:33:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal

Hi fellow MTL Vjers,
I have a quick question about the NOA 2 expiry dates. My NOA2 expires in Sept, however the only interview spot i could book is in October in Montreal.
I'm wondering what the process is to renew /extend the NOA 2 for the montreal embassy..has anybody been in the same situation? Its really frustrating to get someone at MTL to reply back..

Oh and thanks so much for your advice earlier :)


You don't need to do anything. Your NOA2 is automatically extended when you book an interview date. Most MTLers book their interview after or close to when their NOA2 expires from what I've seen (myself included.) If you didn't do anything at all and your NOA2 expired they'd see it as you abandoning your case but since you have an interview you're good to go.

Edited by pocheros, 19 July 2011 - 11:57 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-07-19 11:57:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal
Heads up, K1 appointments are available on August 30th! At least they are right now.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-06-17 23:04:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal

For anyone whos looking, yesterday afternoon a bunch of Late July and all of August just opened up for interviews in Montreal!!

I upgraded from Sept 19 to July 26!!

Cant wait!!

Cheers


NOOO!! I was working when that happened! :crying: It was a shift I took for a co-worker too. Should I hold a grudge against her now? :lol:
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-06-10 20:25:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal
There's a bunch of September 2nd dates open, if anyone wants to grab em :) Still hoping for something before August 22nd... lol
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-06-09 17:47:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal
I meant to add this to the post above but it went beyond the time limit.

Proracer: Also, if you haven't received packet 3 or packet 4 within a few weeks of booking your interview, you may want to call the place where you're doing your medical exam. I don't know about Montreal, but in Toronto they require you to bring either packet 3 or packet 4 with you on the day of your exam. So, you'll want to double check if you think it may be an issue, and if you never receive packet 3 or 4 ask the secretary what other proof you can bring.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-06-01 17:44:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal
proracer: And yet another tip: there was a thread recently where someone had sent their packet 3 through DHL, and DHL insisted on sending it to the consulate's "old" (it changed in January) address, which was slower because it had to forward the mail from there to the proper address. I recommend you xpresspost it to the address Ralyse listed above- it's faster. If you use DHL be aware that they may send it to the consulate's other address. And make sure your name and case number is on the folder you send your packet 3 in! :)

Although it's not common, some people never receive their packet 3 from Montreal. I guess some of them just get sucked into a black hole? :S

Edited by pocheros, 01 June 2011 - 05:39 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-06-01 17:37:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal

Thank You for the information. I will do that Tueday, being that tomorrow is an American holiday. I sure appreciate the fast reply.


Just a tip, if you haven't already come across it... If DoS tells you that packet 3 has been logged, you don't have to wait to physically receive it in the mail before mailing the packet 3 stuff back. That speeds things up a bit. The same thing goes for booking an interview with packet 4- start calling them about a week after you mail packet 3 (if you use xpresspost to get it there quickly, though you're "supposed" to use DHL, which is slower) and ask if packet 4 has been logged yet. I called them 3 times, the first two times I was told it was logged but I "shouldn't" book an interview yet. The third time I called the lady told me I could book an interview, and I did so on the same day! :)
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-05-31 19:56:00
Canadak1-ers waiting for Montreal
August 22nd is my interview date! My birthday is on September 19. What a nice birthday present that'll be. ^__^ It's 3 months from now but it's probably for the best since I started my current job in September '09 so that'll put my employment at a nice round two years and my fiance is going to summer school, so that'll be out of the way by the time I get there.

Congrats to everyone who's been approved! :)

Edited by pocheros, 19 May 2011 - 03:59 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-05-19 15:58:00
CanadaMontreal - No appointments?

I am having the same issue right now. I got the letter almost 2 weeks ago to schedule my appointment online, but it says "There are no available appointments at this time." All the waiting to FINALLY get to that step and nothing! It is very saddening :( Any one else having the same issue? Any advice?


There's not much to do except to keep refreshing. Don't give up! They do eventually open up more appointments, and you can always reschedule for an earlier date if it shows up. So, as soon as a date comes up, grab it no matter how far away it is, so you at least have a "spot." Then keep refreshing, people do cancel their appointments. I rescheduled mine from August 22nd to August 11th but it was after weeks of refreshing!
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-15 19:40:00
CanadaNOA1 not received...

I was worried for nothing. On cam with my fiance and just got a TXT saying NOA1 was received !!!!! WOOOOOOOOO! !!!!!
thank you everyone for your help! now i just wait again hahaha !!! wooo!


Congrats!!!

...Waiting for NOA2 is a pain. :lol: Everything goes faster after you get NOA2. Use the next few months to do some research and get your stuff in order. Make sure you have a long-form birth certificate, get your vaccinations updated, get translations for any original documents that aren't in English, maybe find out how to get a police check in your area and how long it takes (but don't get it until you receive PKt3). :yes:
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-17 09:19:00
CanadaNOA1 not received...
As Inky noted, I attached that form but didn't receive any text or e-mail notifications, so it's not a guarantee.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 21:21:00
CanadaUS Passport Photos and how many?

Yikes, I didn't know I needed that many! Is there a place I can somehow order like 20 of them altogether or something?


Have you filed the I-129F yet? If you haven't, then wait before ordering a bunch of photos, because they have to be very recent (within 6 months) for the interview, medical, and (I'm assuming) AOS paperwork. And typically waiting for NOA2 (which you get after the I-129F) takes about 4-5 months, sometimes longer.

You could get 2 passport photos taken somewhere, then scan them, put the file onto a cd, and then print out multiple copies at Wal-mart or something very cheaply.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-17 09:07:00
CanadaUS Passport Photos and how many?
For packet 3 they also ask for 2 photos. Many people have sent in packet 3 without the photos and were approved for packet 4 but for some people, not sending in the photos held them up. I'm not sure what the official stance is regarding photos and packet 3, but I sent in photos just in case.

You also need photos for the I-129F. So in total:

I-129F - x2 for you, x2 for your fiancee
Packet 3 - x2
Medical exam - x3
Interview - x2
AOS - I haven't done this yet but the poster above me said it's x6

That would make a total of 17.

More photos will be required if you have children. Also, the photos for packet 3, the medical exam, and the interview (and I'm assuming AOS) have to be taken within 6 months of the appointment. So don't get all the photos just yet.

Edited by pocheros, 16 August 2011 - 10:22 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-16 10:22:00
CanadaInterview Monday!!!
Ralyse & Missing, thanks for pointing those things out! :) You always come to my rescue lol.

Like the others, I brought the USC birth certificate original but they did not ask for it. And like the others, I went to Montreal, so Vancouver might be a bit different.
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-17 17:30:00
CanadaInterview Monday!!!

Ughh she didn't sign her middle name!!! is this going to be a problem? I never include my middle name in my signature neither does she.


I'm not sure but the instructions state that it should be signed in her full name- that's why it doesn't have to be done before a notary. But honestly I don't know if it will cause any problems. I don't want to worry you unnecessarily >_>;; I was really ####### about the whole process so... Maybe someone else can chime in? I probably shouldn't have mentioned it.

Edited by pocheros, 17 August 2011 - 10:55 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-17 10:52:00
CanadaInterview Monday!!!

Thanks for the info, had no idea that I needed their tax return I just have the I 134 papers, I'll get the tax return.
I'm going to get my fiancee to fax me a copy of her birth certif just to be safe


Ah :) You might want gather extra evidence too- my fiance included letters from his employer and bank (as described in the instructions for the I-134) but it might be a little late for that now. However -I think- they mostly care about the 2010 tax return. You might want to include some pay stubs too, and if she has a 401K maybe a printout (if she can view it online) showing how much money is in there.

Edit: Also make sure you fiance signed the affidavit of support in her FULL name.

Edited by pocheros, 17 August 2011 - 09:53 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-17 09:51:00
CanadaInterview Monday!!!
I wasn't asked for the USC birth certificate, nor were recent interviewees, but it seems some VJers in the past have been asked for it. If it's not too much trouble you might want to bring it although I don't think they ask for it anymore. Better to be safe than sorry.

It looks like you have more than enough, but do you have supporting evidence for the affidavit of support? They need your fiance's most recent tax return or tax transcripts, at least.

I had my interview on the 11th, you can check out my really detailed review here: http://www.visajourn...august-11-2011/

Edited by pocheros, 17 August 2011 - 08:59 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-17 08:58:00
CanadaK1 and vaccination requirements
I have nothing against gardasil but it would be a pointless vaccine for me since, uh, I'm with fiance and have only been with my fiance for several years, and intend to stay with him for a long time. :P I thought they'd be more likely to require hepatitis A or something.

^^ Don't worry, this thread was old and brought back to life (for no good reason) and Gardisil is no longer required. It was required for a short period of time a couple of years ago. I was one of the lucky ones that had to get it!!


Oh! I didn't notice that it was just revived. That was a weird scare!
pocherosFemaleCanada2011-08-18 08:49:00
CanadaMontreal Medical-a few questions
Here's the link to the VJ page Medical Exams by the USCIS, Everything you Wanted to Know

Read it and it should ease a lot of your fears. Celiac should not be an issue, and neither should the previous depression issues, but because of the self harm, you should obtain a letter stating that you no longer suffer from depression, or are self harming. If you can get the doctor to include that it was probably Celiac causing you to do that, even better.

It's not the doctor that decides, it's the consular officers, so having a letter like that is key. The doctor at the clinic will know that that's not any concern, but the consular officer will be sure to know if a doctor tells him that.
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-12 17:37:00
CanadaIs it possible to raise a Canadian in the US?

I think under the circumstances, your best hope lies in helping your son learn that he is MORE than an American - he is a true NORTH AMERICAN - a child who is from both the US and from Canada - and perhaps allow him to develop a greater sense of cultural consciousness. That will be your job, to find ways to integrate 'Canadianism' into him as he becomes Americanized. I think it is a good thing that we are all moving to a greater global awareness and your son has an opportunity to present the best of this endeavour. Good luck.


More than an American - Canadian??

I'm really hoping that there are some subtle ways to enlighten my son, knowing that there will be mostly peer brainwashing to fit in to the stereotypical American ideal. We're seeing the branding of the teenager going on here in Canada too, and I'm concerned that the lack of diversity, or the American perspective in school will override that which we as Canadians are, more globally minded, more diverse, and yes, more than Americans in that regard. The very fact that Canada is so diverse within itself is not grounds to say Canada has no culture, we are a culture of diversity. I really hope that there is some way to retain that in the middle of America.

Any updates from the posters in the thread three years later to say how their children fare on the Canadian/American scale?

My son can't wait to be an American, says he hates Canada, can't wait to go, so I've already threatened to beat him if I hear him saying zee....
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-17 14:56:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap
bump!

I can't find the link to the Montreal embassy instructions, the one that tells you where to stand on the elevator and the like? My laptop died and I had all the links bookmarked, this was one of them, so I'm bumping it again to the top for anyone currently at this stage with me! Ralyse, you must be getting totally psyched about your interview date, it's under a month now, right? (yeah yeah, stalking the KW filers!!!)
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-17 12:35:00
CanadaMontreal Process Recap

When I was getting ready for my Physical I had no idea how to track down my old Doctor to get my immunization records, a quick internet search showed me that anyone in Ontario can get a hold of their public health unit (I'm in Simcoe county so mine was the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit) who have complete records. Any time you get a vaccine in Ontario it is reported to the health unit so there are complete records. One quick phone call and they mailed me out one of those yellow forms with names and dates of every vaccine I had ever received.



I work in family practice, and can tell you that Public Health will only have records of vaccines that parents have notified them were given. If your parents didn't send in the records to them directly, or the school didn't forward them, then they will not have the records. This is why so many parents get letters every year from Public Health threatening them with suspending their children for not being up to date on their vaccines, because the parents didn't report it. I can also tell you from experience, that vaccine records that the doctors have on file don't always match with what Public Health has on file, and even when we try to help a patient fix it, often times Public Health still gets it wrong.

Just an FYI, I'm not sure where I read it on this site but it was in the last couple of weeks, apparently you can't get titer tests done for this in Ontario or Canada anymore. It may have been in the DCF forum..



What you want to ask your doctor for is proof of immunity, or IgE. If you have ever been pregnant, then you already should have the blood test done and in your medical file for Rubella, and often times that is accepted as proof of immunization, though I can tell you that there are people that have had the MMR and still don't show antibodies in their blood to the virus, so ideally, you want your dates of immunization, as, you may find that you don't show immunity, then have to have the vaccine anyway, kinda a time waster when you're trying to get things done for the interview in a timely manner.

What you could do is see if your mom kept a record of your doctor's appointments in your baby book, and then you could extrapolate what vaccines you had on what days according to the guidelines for vaccination that were around when you were an infant.
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-04-19 19:56:00
CanadaHow did you deal with health care changes?
I've worked in Family practice in Ontario for 7 years now, with a one year stint at an Obstetrician's office, and 2 years at a Urologist's office. So I get to see just how much that visit to the doctor costs you here, via OHIP, of course you don't see it, but I'm sure taxes are higher here than in most of the States.

A 15 minute surgery requires booking the OR theatre for 45 minutes, as they have to sterilize it before and after every surgery, so there's a fee for that. Then you have the Anesthetist's bill, and then the surgeon's bill, depending on what he's doing, it can range greatly. I know of two simple procedures that are done all the time that cost the taxpayer 5000 bucks, and yes, they're both 15 minute surgeries.

That physical at your doctor's office? Not counting any testing, as I don't see that, the doctor bills about 100$ for a half hour of your time. A ten minute visit is 37$

A wait for a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist in Kitchener Waterloo is currently 1 to 1 1/2 years for screening only, and there's even new private style clinics that have popped up to do nothing but this test as the wait is so long, but if you want the Gastroenterologist and not just the clinic guys to do it, you have to wait.

Dermatology referrals for routine screening is either outright refused by the doctor, or booked a year away. Allergists routinely book a year away. ENT in our area is not so long, maybe 4-5 months, Diabetic counseling is about 6 months, there are no Psychiatrists taking OHIP referrals at all, unless you see them at emerg, and that's always a one shot deal.

Yes, we have a lack of doctors, but we also have a culture of entitlement here. When I get emerg reports for patients that went to the Emerg and racked up hundreds of dollars worth of health care (yes I know the hospital fees too) for getting a sliver, it irks me. Parents that take their kids to emerg with a sore throat when they could see their doctor instead... people going to the doctor for colds, bruises, and there's nothing we can do for them... I think that if they were given even a marginal up front fee, a lot of the visits would stop. Most of it is common sense. We even joke at work, do you think we'll see anyone today that I needed a medical degree for?

As to medications, yes they're cheaper here, but a lot of the people that are on Ontario Drug Benefit because they can't afford it are often told by the ODB that they can't have the drug the doctor prescribed and have to go with something else instead, and the doctor is left scrambling, wanting to give them the meds they need, but can't afford. At least the drug reps help us out with free meds for select patients, but it doesn't help the majority.

Funny how the medical industry in Canada thinks that privatization of the health care system will save it here, and in the US, it's the exact opposite. (sorry 'bout the rant!)
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-22 18:09:00
CanadaMoving with a dog.
I have dehydrated raw available as a backup, Honest Kitchen makes some superior food, it's from the US, and it's the reason why I know you can't import American beef to Canada even in pet food!
Orijen/Acana is a great company, but their food supply is sporadic with the fish brands, Evo is good, but never heard of Blue. At any rate, I'd go canned over kibble, but the dehydrated is perfect backup, I use it camping already!
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-22 19:31:00
CanadaMoving with a dog.

I traveled with six cats. We took rest breaks every 3 to 4 hours and I would let them out of their crates one at a time to use the litter box (they did) and to have something to drink (which they also did). We planned on driving no more than 10 hours in a day so it took two days to drive from Chatham to just south of Atlanta. We spent the night in a pet friendly hotel, paying a refundable $25 deposit. I brought travelling litter boxes and put those in the bathroom for the cats to use, along with some of their own water from home (bottled) so I could give them that to drink. I also brought a small hand held vaccum (like a dust buster) and used that to vacuum up any scattered litter in the morning. The litter boxes themselves were disposable so I chucked those in the garbage when we left and had another disposable one in the van for the rest of the journey. My then fiance (who drove the van) had already set up the spare room with litter boxes for their arrival so that helped in getting them settled into their new home.

One thing I noticed while driving - every time a big transport truck passed us the cats would 'shrink' down into their carriers so I ended up putting fabric (extra towels, clothing) over top to block out their view of the windows. That seemed to make it easier for them. You might want to investigate spraying the cat's carriers with Feliway before the trip - it is a pheromone based product that reassures the cats that they are safe. Be sure to find some way to secure the carriers with seat belts so they don't go airbourne if you have to stop quickly. There are usually lots of rest stops along the interstate that you can use for your dog and your own relief.

Yes, in this weather it is unsafe to leave an animal in a car unless someone is with them and the car is on with the air conditioning running. You can remind the officer if they don't allow someone to stay with the animals that you need to bring them in. Most places in the US also have laws against leaving children and pets in cars when the temperature is above or below certain degrees. They need to be considered like small children and provided with a safe environment while you are being processed as well. You might want to print off some of the information about what staying in a car for even 10 minutes in summer weather can do to have added ammunition if you run into any opposition. Leaving windows open is just not good enough.

If you haven't done it you might want to microchip your pets and include their new address, as well as have collars with an emergency phone number listed right on the collar, as well as including the same information taped onto each carrier, as added safety precautions. Hopefully there will be no problems along the way, but these are actions you can do that can help in emergencies.

Good luck and safe travels



Had NOT thought of that one! Thanks for the tip, added to the list!!

I have mixed reviews on the feliway, as to how bad it smells etc, and we will be in the car for a few days with these guys, also it might interfere with the dog, no? I'll get it if it's worth it, was even looking at the little pheremone collars they sell for cats and the large air freshener for dogs, but don't want the scents competing with each other, or making us gag either. I know I can use the Rescue Remedy for all of them, (and myself!) but am on the fence about the Feliway... what do you think?

Oh, edited to add, you cannot bring pet food containing beef across from the US to Canada, not sure of the other way around, but I've seen that you can only bring unopened bags of food across the border. I feed raw, so only have to stop at the butcher along the way, but it's a good idea to bring lots of your dog's regular food with you, as it might not be available where you're going. Either that, or switch your dog before the move, you DON'T want your food confiscated at the border, and then have to switch to what you can find at the local Walmart, only to end up with a dog with the runs...

Edited by Stuart and Thea, 22 July 2011 - 07:00 PM.

Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-22 18:58:00
CanadaMoving with a dog.
I plan on bringing my dog and two cats with me when we cross. I will have papers for all the anaimals stating that they are in good health, as well as their shot profiles. It is up to the officer if they think an animal is in poor health, they can order it to be seen within a time frame when you cross, though I don't know how they'd police that exactly.

I plan on having the dog loose in the back of the car, and the cats in carriers, but if they won't let my fiance stay with them, they'll come with me. (it's against the law here to leave an animal in a vehicle, and I'll be damned if a border guard is going to make me break the law, even if it's not the law there!)

I will be planning lots and lots of rest stops, and have a bottle of rescue remedy ready to slip into their food and water for the trip to make it more comfortable with them, and I already have a vet lined up there in case of emergency. I also plan to find local vets on the route, and find out who has emergency clinics just in case...
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-22 18:18:00
CanadaDevastated right now, we are in Administrative Processing

:dance: :wow: :dance:

After all that...I just got my DHL email to say that my passport is on it's way!!! Woohoo! Thanks to all of you that eased my mind, hearing those dreaded words really worried me.

Congrats! :dance: :dance: :dance:
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-24 10:48:00
CanadaClaiming moving expenses?
I think the realtor was hoping I'd go along with her and she could get the commission. If I could claim it, it looked promising, not having to do the paperwork myself is always a plus. In any case, misinformed or on purpose, she's crossed her own name off the list of people I'd choose to sell my house.
Stuart and TheaFemaleCanada2011-07-24 16:37:00