ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaHoliday Hoopla...the good, the bad and the ugly...share stories, ideas, recipes etc
QUOTE (trailmix @ Dec 9 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Dec 9 2009, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looking at it is a start! Oh come on! Put it up! It's your first Christmas back in Canada.

biggrin.gif


I took out a snowman decoration and put it on the table!

I think I will put up the little tree smile.gif


Hubby hauled a tree in, I found some ribbon and threw around the top. Everythings in the Attic.....stairs are down....ah yeah.
TinkerFemaleCanada2009-12-13 22:04:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Trois
I forgot, I came in to rant about how I'm even more confused than I was before I came online tonight.

So many confused and confusing people here laughing.gif
TinkerFemaleCanada2009-12-13 21:52:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Trois
I'm sorry JK........ whistling.gif
At least your there.
Jim has gone and booked us on a flight from Little Rock to Syracuse, with a connection in Chigaco crying.gif on Christmas Day. and back the same way on New Year's Eve.....*snort*
We'll see if we even get up there before we have to fly back....and if we get there, we'll have to drive I-81 between Syracuse and Ontario. LOOK OUT Tug Hill!!!!! wacko.gif

You can laugh at me after the New Year good.gif
TinkerFemaleCanada2009-12-13 21:48:00
CanadaFreaking out about visit...

Jauque - I'm glad to hear that all went well!!!

As the for the stamping of the passport.... they always stamp it when I leave from Ottawa. One Customs agent did write B2 once on the line of the stamp, but other agents have left it blank. Going through Pearson, they just stamp my boarding pass. Last time I went through at Pearson, I asked if she could stamp my actual passport but she said, "Can't." Powertrip maybe or different way of doing things in YYZ? Oh well.



cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-06-22 13:48:00
CanadaFreaking out about visit...
Hey there,

I have been back and forth by plane 15 times in the last year, and knock on wood, have never had any issues. I live with my parents, which means I don't have a lease agreement, etc. I always bring my visa papers with me and a letter from my employer, but have never had to show anything. I usually pack light because I have a good amount of clothes at my financé's condo, but in the past I have brought wine glasses and even a hamper with me! (The brand name wine glasses were a steal and the hamper was perfect for what we wanted, but we could never find in Orlando.) When they ask me where I am going, I state that I am visiting my fiancé.

I hope this gives your reassurance that all will be well. Be confident. You're not doing anything wrong.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-06-18 08:16:00
CanadaPOE experience
That's great news! Congratulations! Glad you had no problems. I've never really had any issues with Pearson's customs.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-06-21 20:10:00
CanadaHPV in Ontario
My doctor's office charge $150 a shot..... and luckily my doctor had me double check with my work benefits and it turns out they cover 80%. I hope some of you may also be pleasantly surprised that your benefits cover it too!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-06-30 15:13:00
CanadaMontreal Medical Questions
Hello fellow Canucks,

I received my packet 3 in the mail yesterday and will get it back out in the next few days. I'm curious to learn a little more about the medical that's required. I'm in Ottawa, so I'm looking at going to Montreal. From the two choices, would anyone recommend one over the other? From my research, I believe that one is less expensive than the other.

Also, when it comes to making the appointment, I know it's best not to make it too soon as the medical results are valid for 1 year, and this will come into play with AOS. If I send off my stuff on Monday, and make my appointment in early November, do you guys think that this will work in my favour for next year? I have my work schedule until mid-November, so I just want to work with what I have for now. From what I've read, it's taking at least 3 months to get an interview, right?

Also, when it comes to making the appointment, is it difficult to get one, or do you find they're pretty open and can schedule you easily on the day that you're available?

Thanks - and I appreciate your input!

Giulia


cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-09-24 11:31:00
CanadaQuick Packet 3 Question (Montreal)
Hey there,

How did you guys send your packet three back to the consulate? I know that there is an issue with sending a courier as the address is a P.O box. I'd love to hear how you guys did it! (I'm assuming Xpresspost would work fine as there's a tracking number.)


cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-09-27 18:48:00
CanadaCan someone please do me a favour?
Thanks Len. I was hoping to get it done tonight because I actually had a bit of time, but I guess I'll try again tomorrow night. Of course, the night I sit down to redo it, there's problem with the system. Ah well, I'm not all that surprised.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-06 21:42:00
CanadaCan someone please do me a favour?
Here's the website address: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-06 21:36:00
CanadaCan someone please do me a favour?
Hey there,

I realized a bit ago that I made an error with one of the dates on my DS-160. I emailed Montreal about it and the response was to redo the form. I am trying to redo it.... but when I click on the "Test Photo" or "Upload the Photo" there is an error with the webpage. I have tried it with Firefox and Internet Explorer. What bothers me most is that the photo was successfully uploaded when I did the DS-160 originally on this very computer. Can someone go to the website and see if they can get the "Test Photo" link to work without an error? I am curious if it's me, or if it may be their site!

Thanks,
Giulia
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-06 21:33:00
CanadaAmerican visiting Canadian girlfriend for a week
In the last year, I've visited my fiance about 15 times by air and have never had a problem. I go through Pearson often and last month, the officer didn't ask me one question. I just got my declaration stamped, and that was it. Just have a return ticket, pack light, and be honest. That'll help, for sure!

Good luck!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-08 16:01:00
CanadaPolice Certificate
So, I'm in Ottawa, and I went with the Ottawa Police Department. They have this form on their website. Here's the link so you can see what my paper looked like.

http://www.ottawapol...cords_check.pdf

I inputted my information on a printed form and then went to the station and they stamped it for me after checking that I was 'clear' on their system. It took 5 mins and cost $40.00.

Hope this gives you some insight.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-21 17:49:00
CanadaAll You Need To Know for Your Interview *CHEER*
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Oct 22 2009, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're not the only one.
Shall I bring sickness bags? rofl.gif


I work for an airline. I should take them off the plane! hahaha.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-23 07:57:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
Visa in hand! It just arrived!!! It's all colourful and has my fiance's name on it too! Fun times! I love the other part that has "DO NOT OPEN" all over it. I wonder what's in there! I'll guard it with my life. hehe.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-12 12:04:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
Thanks Wyatt's Torch. I have been playing with Aeroplan's site and think I may have discovered some options if we get married on a Friday in April.

I will still look into Allegiant Air for other possibilities! I live in Ottawa. A few people I know fly out of Syracuse which I believe is 3 1/2 hours away. It hurts cause I currently work for an airline but will leaving my job to move... so the paying taxes only thing to looking at fares for family over $700 each made my eyes pop out of my head! I've been living in a really nice travel bubble for 3 years! lol.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-12 09:31:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
So now my next frustration... Brian and I want to choose a date for our wedding. We're looking at late March or April. I'm looking at fares for my immediate family - and everything is quoting $700!!! Aeroplan sucks as it is NEVER available for the dates I need, even though we are looking at several different weekend options, even from different cities. Honestly, when will all this stuff end?
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-12 07:42:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Nov 11 2009, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I haven't heard back from the FL DMV either, cdn-gewels. I didn't realize that you're still a G2 though... that's rough.
Good luck with it. Hopefully you hear back from them soon.


I got my G1 back when I was 16, then got my G2. I moved to Florida for a year to work for Disney back in '04, and during that time I got my FULL FL license. When I came back to Ontario, they have me back a G2 for 5 years. I am not a fan of driving, so I've been putting off the G test. Then when knowing I'd be moving back to FL, I thought - ahh... I won't need my G! With the new restrictions though, it's all gonna bite me in the butt! And now I can't even get tested for my G!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-11 17:44:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
I tracked mine yesterday and it said it was shipped... I think a minute after yours KnJ! I think we'll get it tomorrow. I got so excited about waking up today to get my mail, but then realized it was a holiday. I still checked my mail box... just in case!!!

I lost the paper with the tracking number in the last 24 hours so I'm just gonna hope it gets here tomorrow. lol.

These days, the visa isn't stressing me out... it' my DL... I am hopefully going to get in touch with FL DMV tomorrow to confirm what they'll need to give me a license. My Ontario G2 expires in July. Brian and I want to get married in April. I think we need a SSN and the EAD to get my DL, but that may cut it close with the timing of everything! I'd try to get my G before I leave - BUT, the Drive Test people have been on strike since August and no one knows when they'll be back to work. I went to talk to the peeps at the License Bureau about extending my G2 for a few months, but they can't do anything. Blah. Blah. Blah. There is always something to worry about - this stuff never ends! Poor Brian answered the phone this morning not realizing that his crazy Canadian fiancee needed quite the vent session!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-11 17:14:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Nov 8 2009, 06:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats on being the most organized too, Cdn_gewels...!... star_smile.gif
What's your secret? Folders? Tabs? Having lots of paperwork?
Lol..Now everyone around here probably wants to be the most organized too....
Wonder if there is some sort of award for that...lol...
Cute with the post it note too! Aww..sure does bring a smile to everyone's day....smile.gif
Ant


QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Nov 8 2009, 06:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think, as part of cdn_gewel's review, photos and/or detailed descriptions of said organization must be included. whistling.gif


QUOTE (Arabella @ Nov 9 2009, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So you were voted the most organized based on your I-129f application? This was before he even looked at your interview paperwork?

Yes, I want details and pictures please!


Honestly guys, I think I was just as organized as any VJer. I just had the luck of going first....lol. Wait till each of you get there, they'll be like, "deja vu!"

I did my review of the interview in the review section and went through each item I submitted. I think that the first lady I spoke with at the window just asked me for items that I had ready and easily accessible when she asked for it. I have a French birth certificate, so before she could say anything, I handed her a notarized translation. I was proud of my I-129F - but it was likely just as organized as any VJer because I followed the example really closely. On one of the forms requested from P3, it asked for all my trips to the US. I submitted a list of each trip to visit Brian - 16 in total since June 2008. I also had copies of each boarding pass. Maybe it was just all these details that impressed them? You guys are gonna knock their socks off. wink.gif

Edited by cdn_gewels, 09 November 2009 - 04:59 PM.

cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-09 16:57:00
CanadaGood Luck KnJ, Missa and cdn_gewels!!
Wow, I just realized that a thread was made just for us November 6th peeps! How sweet! It was killing me not having any internet access until I got back home to Ottawa late last night!!!

KnJ and Missa - It was so nice meeting you. I was so happy coming out of that interview room and it meant a lot to be able to get some celebratory hugs from you guys! I'm glad that all went well with your interviews too! Congrats!

Friday morning was a very positive experience. The security guards were the most intimidating, while the agents that I dealt with were very warm and friendly.

KnJ - I can't believe that the interviewer spoke of me to you. That made me laugh! When I got the interview room, the first thing he did was congratulate me for being the "most organized applicant ever." He pointed to the sticky note that said so on my file and it had a happy face. I asked him for it for my scrapbook. LOL. When I called Brian after heading outside and told him about it, he totally laughed and agreed. (I've been the one making sure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed and Brian is so tired of all the paperwork!)

Anyways, I'll write my review soon in the official section on the site. Big hugs. For those with an interview coming up, let me know if you have any questions and I'll try to help!

Giulia
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-08 17:31:00
CanadaGood luck ScooterMac and Liz25 !!!
Congratulations Spoom and ScooterMac!!! Enjoy the awesome feeling!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-09 16:44:00
Canadaenvelope size
I went to my local post office in Ottawa and told her it needed to be 15X12 inches. She handed me a large envelope and said that this was the biggest they come. I remember that the P4 lists the mm and then the size in inches, but they don't add to the same. I took a ruler and measured the envelope myself and it was indeed 15X12 inches. I live in Ottawa, so I got the Regional mailer, as confirmed by the post office clerk.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-08 21:33:00
CanadaGood Luck on Friday the 13th!
Congratulations CJ! I am so happy that everything is working out for everyone. It's so nice to have so much good news.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-14 17:49:00
CanadaGood Luck on Friday the 13th!
I am so happy for all the approvals today!!! Congratulations!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-13 15:21:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
QUOTE (CanAmerican @ Nov 10 2009, 08:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
O great I just realized I had not purchased the "Signature on Delivery" option. I thought it was included b/c it had "Signature on Delivery?" Written on the back, but that was where they would put an additional sticker on. So now I have to go back tomorrow and have that added.


I didn't do the signature on delivery option and when I tracked my package, it was sent yesterday... so you don't need the signature option. All went well without it.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-11 01:57:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
My Xpresspost envelope measured 12X15 inches (I measured it myself). The mm dimensions on P4 do not convert to 12X15 inches, so I figured they made a typo. The envelope did not have bubble wrap in it. It folded quite easily. Mine also had a skier on it (or at least an Olympic athlete).

My interview was November 6th and they accepted my envelope without any issues.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-10 17:03:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Hey Everyone!

I just got back from Montreal a little bit ago. I have family there, so we made it 3-day visit! All went well Friday morning. I passed the interview! Woo hoo! I work at 5 am tomorrow, so I'm gonna hit the sack, but can assure that I'll post my review hopefully tomorrow. I will say that I got there at 6:30 am and was first in line. The interviewer commented that it was 9:01 when we finished up and wished me a good day.

I do want to say - pay in cash! I over-heard another applicant at a different window who did the Scotia Bank deposit and she was asked to go to a bank to get money as they only accepted cash.

Night....I'll be back!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-07 23:01:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
OMG... tomorrow is the big day! I'm starting to feel a little anxious!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-05 10:05:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Thanks Sam. I'm going to call my Walmart and see what they can do. =)
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-01 16:24:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Okay, so I want to be sure there are no problems, so I will try to get the "US" size. I'm thinking of just cutting my "Canadian" ones down to size.... If that doesn't work out so well, I'll look into getting some new pictures done.

Did any of you guys go to some main-stream store (like Walmart or Costco) that offers passport photos and they actually print your pictures in the right size, or this a "special request" kinda deal that means I have to go to a specialty camera place?
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-01 16:16:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Okay, so about the passport photos. In p3, it does state that US passport photos are 50mmx50mm. But later in the paragraph, it also states, "The requirements are the same as those of Canadian passport photographs." I got myself a whole bunch passport photos from the Real Canadian Superstore. They accepted three photos for my medical no problem... but hearing you guys talking about "US style" passport photos that I know are square... now I'm doubting myself. Anyone want to shed some light on the situation for me?! My interview is on FRIDAY!

Thanks.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-01 10:26:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Oct 30 2009, 09:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here's a silly question perhaps, but do Montreal theatres play English films? Heh.


You mean, movies, right? Yup! They do play English movies. Probably more English than French!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-31 07:19:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Got my medical done today at Medisys in Montreal. They were really professional and efficient. The doctor was really friendly. His name was Dr.Pigeon and he even joked that he looked like a bird! Too funny!

It's starting to feel more "real" now. I just wish I had a remote control for life with a fast forward option to bring me to February - that's when I'm planning on doing the big move!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-27 19:03:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Hey guys,

I just want to be sure. When the interview letter asks for a birth certificate, they mean yours, as the beneficiary. We don't need to bring the original of the petitioner, right? I can get it if I really needed it, but can you guys just assure me?

Thanks!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-26 16:39:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Got my P4 today. I laughed at the statment in the letter that goes, "Please plan to spend the whole day at the consulate."


cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-26 16:21:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
QUOTE (KnJ @ Oct 23 2009, 12:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
in other news:

OMG 14 days til my interview

Not even a week ago, I was figured maaaybe I'd be squeezed in at the begining of Dec and be down just before Christmas. Now the interview is 14 days away. Anticipated POE is Nov 15th. Whoa.


I noticed your ticker just last night and it hit me then! Holy Cow - our interview is in 2 weeks!!!

Knowing the estimates for the whole process, Brian and I started the paperwork in March figuring that it would all be done by early next year. The plan was for me to drive down March 2010! I'd have my car paid off and some money saved up in the bank. With it coming so soon, everything is up in the air! Now I'm starting to say February, but my parents are taking it a little hard because it's one month sooner than I was saying. I just want to be with him but I don't want to hurt their feelings. This is crazy.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-23 07:51:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Anyone know what the deal is with bringing a parent? My dad is going to drive me to Montreal, but is he able to come in and wait with me, or does he have to go and have many coffees at the nearest coffee shop?

PS - Hi November 6th interview buddies!!! It'll be nice to get through the morning together!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-20 17:03:00
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Hey guys! Add me to the list - November 6th!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-20 15:52:00