ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaMontreal November Interviews
Hey guys! Add me to the list - November 6th!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-10-20 15:52:00
CanadaGood luck today's interviewees!!!!
Awesome news!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-23 19:32:00
CanadaChristmas Presents...whatcha going to buy?
Brian and I went to Vegas this summer, and learned about this exclusive shirt for Vegas from Tommy Bahama. We were supposed to order it before we left, but it never happened and he was bummed about it. I called up the store about a week ago, ordered it, had them wrap it and ship it to his parent's place. He's spending Christmas with them this year, so it'll be there waiting for him!

Edited by cdn_gewels, 02 November 2009 - 12:39 PM.

cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-02 12:39:00
CanadaGot my Florida license and bank account open a few days ago
Thanks for the info!!! I have had a Florida license before as well, so I hope it'll be just as easy! I have been in contact with DMV for Florida with some questions and the lady that answered my messages was very helpful. Here's hoping my experience is as positive as yours.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-01 23:37:00
CanadaGreat Christmas Gifts You've Gotten?
Just got my gift in the mail yesterday from my fiance. I got a white gold heart pendant necklace. The heart has 27 little diamonds, which is particularly special as our wedding date is March 27th. Isn't that sweet? smile.gif
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-24 08:29:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
QUOTE (cdn_gewels @ Dec 31 2009, 12:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yup. Security will send them back out of the Customs Hall - so we have to be pretty strict at the counters. It was a real pain trying to explain this to many, many ladies today. They aren't even allowing "man-purses" for men! (At least our airport's security agents confirmed this today.)

The Customs Officers have also reminded us about the size restriction. So, they're looking too!!!



QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Dec 31 2009, 12:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well that must be annoying! Nobody is throwing my Coach into a cargo hold! laughing.gif Are there any exact dimensions to look at or are you just playing it by eye? It would just be nice to know to what exact size we are restricted to. I tried to google it but couldn't find anything specific.


We do it by eye... but I had to use a paper as my guide for some questionable purses today. We're kinda the first line of defense for what is accepted and what is not, so we try to catch what we can to avoid delays with security. I can't say I saw any security agents measuring stuff when I went through today, but it took me just a few mins to pass so I don't know more than what I saw during those few minutes.

I think that any official site may just say "small purse," but during our breifing, we were given papers with the acceptable items and they added a note about the paper-size guideline so we could have an idea as to what they consider "small."
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-31 00:32:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
QUOTE (Arabella @ Dec 31 2009, 12:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Right I know. What I mean is I used to just carry on my luggage so I could save the fee. Now it looks like I am forced to check my bags and pay the fee.


Arabella, I believe that this new restriction is imposed by Transport Canada for flights bound for the US from Canada. I don't believe that flying within the US has the same rules as of yet. I know my fiance flew within the US to visit his family for the holidays and did not face these restrictions.

So, if you fly with an American carrier within the US to visit your fiance (as I believe you then drive across the border) you won't have to worry about this. Just keep an ear out if this happens within the US too!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-31 00:25:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Dec 31 2009, 12:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've always been a big purse kinda gal. Would they really make you check it if it was a little bigger than that piece of paper? huh.gif


Yup. Security will send them back out of the Customs Hall - so we have to be pretty strict at the counters. It was a real pain trying to explain this to many, many ladies today. They aren't even allowing "man-purses" for men! (At least our airport's security agents confirmed this today.)

The Customs Officers have also reminded us about the size restriction. So, they're looking too!!!

cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-31 00:16:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
QUOTE (Danu @ Dec 31 2009, 12:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Its just wierd I suppose because the last time I flew (october last year) they allowed my bag on no problems. Its right on the side guideline with a collapsable handle. I've had to check it on a few of the smaller craft where their overhead bins were smaller than the airlines poilicy, but never had an issue with it before. Its just like a mini version of my big luggage. Does this mean it wouldnt be allowed on as carry on anymore?


Unfortunately, the rules changed just a few days ago because of the incident that happened on Christmas Day. So, it's a no-go on the roller bag or even those smaller duffel bags that match the rollers. Every day when I go to work, I have to be breifed on the new changes.... it's crazy.

Honestly, now you have 1 personal item only:

SMALL purse OR laptop bag with laptop inside OR small bag with medication OR musical instrument OR baby bag as long as you have an infant. That's it. Take your pick. Crazy times. But - it does make for fairly quick boarding without people taking so much time to stow away all their stuff!!!


cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-31 00:12:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
QUOTE (Arabella @ Dec 31 2009, 12:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That sucks! I wonder if this is also a secret ploy to force us to pay the $15 each way to check a bag . . .


Most American carriers charge fees for checked bags. WestJet allows 2 pieces free of charge while Air Canada will start charging for the 2nd bag for transborder flights starting this January.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-31 00:05:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
QUOTE (Danu @ Dec 30 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm confused...I haven't POE'd yet so Im not sure how I had a bad POE officer...unless you are fortelling the future! OH NO! Anyway

I was reading last night, most of the airlines are waiving the fees for the first carry on bag that needs to be checked, as long as it would have actually been declared a carryon prior to the no-carry on rule going into effect, so you won't be charged for that one bag. It use to be a charge for extra carry-on bags that needed to be checked but as most flights only let you have 1 carry on now anyway, they are waiving it temprorarily. Depending on your flight though you want to check the airlines website. West Jet announced they won't take large backpacks or roller bags as carry on anymore (#######? my carryon is a roller bag with like exact measurements. pft)


It's not just WestJet - it's all airlines. CATSA (airport security) will not allow backpacks or any roller bags as carry-on. It's now "No Carry-on" just a personal item. As you said though, WestJet is waiving fees for the extra bag if it was supposed to be your carry-on.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-31 00:00:00
CanadaPOE next week! what should i expect?
I work for an airline and the new "No Carry-on" restrictions are incredibly frustrating for us!

You can bring a purse (no larger than a sheet of paper's dimensions) OR a laptop bag that includes not much more in it than a laptop!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-30 23:57:00
CanadaPOE Review and a couple of questions...
Glad to hear that all went well!

I'll be driving to Orlando too... 24 hour drive for me, but kinda looking forward to the road-trip with my Dad! Let's hope we miss a snowstorm too. I am planning on February 15th but keep joking that I'll look out my window and see a blizzard on that day! lol.

cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-30 23:51:00
CanadaHappy Wedding Day Peachey and Varba!
Love the pictures! Congratulations!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-01-04 14:37:00
CanadaPOE Review
Happy Wedding!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-12-30 23:53:00
CanadaPOE Jan 3rd
Glad to hear it was a smooth process. :)
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-01-04 22:53:00
CanadaHappy Wedding Day Sam and Ben!!
Awesome pictures!!! Congratulations!

I can't beleive it's been so cold down there, but you can keep each other warm. ;)
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-01-13 10:49:00
CanadaWe set a date!
I'll be just a few days behind Sean! So glad it's all coming together for you, Arabella.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-01-13 10:51:00
CanadaNew travel rules!
I was once on a flight where the puppy chewed itself out of the soft-sided kennel. Then he escaped to the back of the plane. lol.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-01-18 08:48:00
CanadaNew travel rules!
Hey lgg!

I work for an airline...at least I do for a few more weeks! I just sent off a flight to Florida in fact, and I just wanted to assure you that you can bring your laptop and your cat. Just be sure your laptop is in a laptop bag, not a back-pack style bag, and don't pack any clothes into it either!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-01-17 12:28:00
CanadaGood luck for all the people interviewing on the 20th !!!
I got mine at the door as the post lady said she couldn't fit it in my mailbox. I have one of those mailboxes where I have to go and get it with a key a few houses down. She rang at the door.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-25 18:56:00
CanadaGood luck for all the people interviewing on the 20th !!!
So I don't think I was interviewed by the Director because I just looked at the picture, and it wasn't him. KnJ, is that who you had?
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-20 17:47:00
CanadaGood luck for all the people interviewing on the 20th !!!
QUOTE (Arabella @ Nov 20 2009, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When we asked for him to delay issuing the Visa for Sean- he said that was not a good idea because it could get caught up in the 100s of applications they have coming through. He said we are allowed to cross without activating the Visa, but to be on the safe side, he told us that he was going to make a note on the computer system that the border patrol uses to say that Sean can come for a visit before he activates his Visa. He literally said "I, as the Consular Deputy, will let them know this is ok." He told Sean to tell them to look at their "CCD" screen for the note.

He did tell us that we are allowed to cross back and forth without activating the Visa, and if we don`t bring our entire packet then we really can`t activate the Visa anyway.


I wish he would have confirmed this with me too as I'm not planning on moving until February. I regret not asking him about this directly. I was under a very different impression.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-20 16:24:00
CanadaGood luck for all the people interviewing on the 20th !!!
Congratulations guys!!! I am so happy that you had an awesome experience!!! smile.gif
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2009-11-20 16:19:00
CanadaBrith Certificate Question
My birth certificate is in French as I was born in Quebec. I couldn't get an English copy (silly Quebec rule about having applied for the certificate in French when I was born), so I provided the consulate with a notarized translation. It was the original notarized translation, not a copy of it. Not sure if this info is helpful at all, but this is how I did it and I had no issues during my interview.
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-02-19 11:53:00
CanadaFinally Home!
Thanks everyone! It's good to be home. :)

Yay! Welcome to Florida! :D

It was a loooong drive, eh? Sounds like it was longer than mine, even... did you do it all in one trip?

Very glad to hear that things went smoothly for you, and that you're safely home.


We did the drive in 2 days. We stopped to sleep in Virginia. We drove for about 11-12 hours each day. We had some yucky weather in PA, MD, and VA, but it was smooth sailing into the Carolinas. I felt like the road would never end!!!

THANK YOU for posting this! My hubby and I were just debating which border crossing to use, Peace Bridge or Thousand Islands. (His stuff is in storage in Courtice so Thousand Islands would be a better option.) We were thinking of going the Peace Bridge route since I haven't seen any reviews on Thousand Islands until now. Its good to know this is really an option now.

Oh, and welcome to the US!!!


I don't think I've ever come across a review of the Thousands Islands crossing either, but, all went well. Good luck!!!
cdn_gewelsFemaleCanada2010-02-18 15:09:00
CanadaCanadian Visiting the US - General Questions
QUOTE (trailmix @ Nov 17 2009, 03:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi usmc and welcome!

Actually no, it is not 6 months in a calendar year.

I don't think anyone meant that he would have to give up his Canadian health care and he can never have it back! Just that he may forfeit it while out of the country - if he stays outside too long, of course he can have it back once he returns smile.gif



Sorry, it may not be within calendar year. Doesn't it seem like every website and every person you speak to has a different answer to these types of questions. I would swear I saw that written somewhere.

I did call the consulate in toronto, which was a long and expensive conversation, and tried to find a working visa category I would fit into with no luck. I would suggest trying to call and find out if your situation would be considered 'working in the us'. As I think that is the most important aspect of your situation.

Of course you can have your health care back after leaving the country. However, if you leave for 6 months (they have a certain number of days that i can't recall) you have to wait 3 months upon returning to be covered again. Unless you fill out that form. If you fill out the form you are covered immdiately once you return. That, and cpp coverage, is why most snowbirds only stay in the us for 6months or shorter.

I purchased travel insurance, which I highly recommend in case of emergency, and they require that form to be filed in order to be covered for over that 6 months.

Come to think of it, I might have gotten the OHIP 6 month requirements and US travel 6 month requirements backwards in reference to teh whole 6 month / calendar year thing. Because if it was required for the US they would keep better track of people crossing the border. Last time I drove down the guard barely even looked at my passport.

Anyway, once again, sorry if I'm wrong, but isn't it true that there are no really clear answers on any us government websites. Definitely spent many frustrating days trying to navigate through them.
usmcwifeFemaleCanada2009-11-17 09:31:00
CanadaCanadian Visiting the US - General Questions
You don't have to give up your health care. I am from ontario and OHIP allows you to leave the country for up to, I believe, 5 years, and still have coverage once you return to Canada. I was gone for 1.5 years to Japan and the day I came back to Ontario I was covered again. All you have to do is fill out a form before you leave letting them know where you are going and when you'll be back.

Yes, you can visit for up to 6 months within each calender year; and they do mean calendar year. You can be there from july to december, go home for christmas and then go back from january to june. You should not have any problems going back and forth between canada and the states. Before we filed for our k-1 I went back and forth 3 times this year. Be extremely careful answering questions though as each customs official will treat you differently. Once I had no issues saying I was visiting my boyfriend and his family. However, once, while leaving Toronto, I had a ton of questions from one official at 5:30 am about our relationship when we met, how long we'd been together, when i'd seen him last, when I'd spoken to him last and so on. Since then I've just said I'm visiting friends in the states. They basically want to know that you do intend to leave. And if you do get engaged, you can almost guarantee that you will be denied entry unless you have SIGNIFICANT proof that you will be returning. As far as I know they do not let you stay in the country while your paperwork is being processed.

That being said. I was there for about 2.5 months and desperately tried to find a way to work while I was down there and I could not. They are incredibly strict about their visa and immigration rules. As we all know. You mentioned you would be working online for a Canadian company being paid to a Canadian acct. I do remember seeing on and official site that this was still considered working in the US and does require a US visa. Since you will technically be working while in the us and will more than likely be drawing on that acct while there. I will try to find that site but it was a while ago. Also, like many things in the immigration world, it's the rules you don't or can't find that mess you up if you get caught. I decided it would be too risky to work without proper authorization. Also you can expect them to ask you at the border how you will pay for your vacation. I was going down for the summer and I was asked how i would support myself and if i would be working.

We decided that the best thing for us was to file the paperwork sooner rather than later and get into the US legally and permanently. Better to do it now then to wait and possibly do something that will look bad on an application later. It sucks to be separated from our partners, but it's just temporary. The sooner you file the sooner you can move down legally.

I hope this helps.
usmcwifeFemaleCanada2009-11-17 01:50:00
CanadaThings We Need For The K-1 Interview
QUOTE (darkchilde794 @ Nov 9 2009, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Its probably best for you to determine if you have completed all the vaccinations you are required to. This website gives you a list of those requirements:

http://www.panelphys...munizations.htm

Some vaccines need to be completed and they can't all be administered at the same time (ie. theres a waiting period before you can get the second shot, etc. and you need to finish the series before they will mark off your sheet). Gardasil is one you just need to start the first shot. And for chickenpox, you just need an oral confirmation that youve had chickenpox as a kid, if you did.

I would suggest to go through your vaccine records and mark off those that are in the list -- and if you need to get some, get them before the medical.

Also, you need P3 or P4 to get a schedule for the medical and to get in the building -- they will look at it and confirm that you are applying for whatever visa youre applying.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking any medications, etc, you need to bring them/documentation for them. I wear glasses/contacts so I brought my unused contact lens boxes and a copy of my prescription.

Goodluck!


Thanks, I have got my P3 and I'm hoping I'll get my P4 before the appointment. I haven't got any pre-existing medical conditions but I haven't had the gardasil shot. I would really rather not get it and when I was on the phone with the receptionist she told me that it was only required for the AOS phase of a K1. I might be 27 by that time so I might not have to. But I was wondering if anyone had been told by the actual doctor that it was necessary and maybe had it done at the medical appointment?
usmcwifeFemaleCanada2009-11-10 19:42:00
CanadaThings We Need For The K-1 Interview
Seems like everyone has done the medical part of the process. Mine is coming up. I'm really confused as to what I should bring to the Medical. I know I need my vaccinations and any pertinent medical info but what do I need in regards to my K-1 visa application forms. I just sent my Packet 3 back. Will I be receiving more paperwork that I have to bring with me? Also, if it turns out that i need any shots is there an option to get them there?
usmcwifeFemaleCanada2009-11-09 18:06:00
CanadaCanada Day Across the US
From what I can tell, there are no Canada Day festivities going on in good ol'Utah sad.gif I will wear my red dress to work, I'll wish people Happy Canada Day, and they will say "what's that?" (just like last year!). That said, we have these "peace gardens" near our house (it's a local park), and throughout the gardens, they have different areas that pay tribute to different countries. They have a Canada one. I think that on Canada Day, I am going to go there after work and hang out. Surely there has GOT to be another Canadian with the same idea in mind. You never know!
cdngrlFemaleCanada2009-06-24 23:10:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
I've seen at least one review that says it comes up a bit short in the scary ghostio department. I s'pose it depends on your tolerance for such things.
RebaFemale02009-03-28 08:11:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
yeah, I think you could probably safely say that the movie is "loosely" based on a true story. Kinda like Amytiville. There's a house there, and a family used to live in it. wink.gif
RebaFemale02009-03-24 06:05:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
ok, here's my one ghostie pic. Almost in the centre of the photo, kneeling in front of a headstone. You might have to adjust your screen if you have it tilted funny.


RebaFemale02009-02-25 20:36:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
I just wanted to bump this back up so I could find it again. I have to transfer our photos from the cameras to my computer, so I will post a pic I caught at one of the cemeteries we visited. It has something rather interesting in it.

We went on a ghost walk around the old part of the city on Friday night, and boy was it cold out! most of my pics are blurry because I was shivering, and that doesn't work too well with a slow shutter for night shots, but it was an interesting walk I will admit. Ghosts and history all rolled into one, and our guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable.

We went back along some of the route the following day, to see the places in day light, and got daylight pics.

We also went to Fort Sumter, and the aircraft carrier Yorktown, and a sub, and a Coast Guard ship. All really interesting stuff, and a lot of walking! Not nearly enough time on Fort Sumter, they only allow you one hour to see the entire fort. It's small, but could do with at least half a day anyway!

Anyhoo...I will post ghostie pics as soon as I get it transfered smile.gif
RebaFemale02009-02-24 20:02:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
That's the kind of place I like, places that you can just feel the history as soon as you get there. It gives a place character, makes it feel homey or something. Maybe that's why the ghost stick around? wink.gif
RebaFemale02009-02-13 19:37:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
I figure anything that is up in the air flying and I can't identify it, it's a UFO.
RebaFemale02009-02-12 07:11:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
Depending how sensitive you are to such things, a battlefield may or may not be a place you'd want to check out. If you're supersensitive, you may become overwhelmed.

I want to go to Ghettysburg, hubby doesn't. As a veteran himself, he thinks it may be too overwhelming for him. Which I can understand, so I guess I will just have to go with someone else.

Anybody? biggrin.gif
RebaFemale02009-02-11 07:24:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
I think that one is on hubby's list of must sees. We also have to go back to Wilmington to take the tour of the North Carolina. We had the dogs with us before and they can't go on the ship sad.gif TAPS investigated the NC on one of their episodes. Plus one out in California somewhere.

Most Haunted (buncha hooey! funny as hell though!) investigated the Queen Mary 2 (I think it was) out in CA. That show cracks me up!
RebaFemale02009-02-10 20:14:00
CanadaGhost Hunters
QUOTE (Emancipation @ Feb 10 2009, 10:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Awe.. I heart.gif Charleston...


This will be my first trip there. It's got a few of my favourite things. History. Pirates. And ghosts. And there's an aircraft carrier for James wink.gif

Hopefully the weather will be nice and not rainy, so that we can maybe get some photos and video while we're there.
RebaFemale02009-02-10 19:58:00