ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaTD canceling my Visa becase moving to the US?
Though the posts weren't directed at me personally- I would list a Canadian address if I could, but I am not in touch with anyone in Canada who's address I could use, otherwise I would. :/ I'm a little worried now. I wish the reps on the TD help line were better informed because they give me different answers.

It's just strange because I went to a branch right before moving and told the lady straight up I was moving to the US, changed my address and everything- I've been receiving paper statements from them- and NOW it's a problem? ugh.

Edited by pocheros, 20 February 2013 - 05:09 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-20 17:05:00
CanadaTD canceling my Visa becase moving to the US?
Okay, I called them again because I had a question about my bank account (I'm not sure if I'm still allowed to have a bank card?) I explained the situation and the lady INSISTED that the information I got from someone else from the same number ten minutes ago was incorrect and that my credit card was fine... even though it says right on the TD website they have a non residency policy? #######. The left hand doesn't know what the right one is doing. Though, the website simply says they cannot open accounts for US or Australian residents, it doesn't say anything about maintaining bank accounts or credit cards: http://www.tdwaterho...jsp#nonresident

Does anyone know if the non residency policy applies to bank accounts? :/

Edited by pocheros, 20 February 2013 - 03:35 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-20 15:29:00
CanadaTD canceling my Visa becase moving to the US?
Funny seeing my old post in this thread. I called TD today to update my address because my credit card expires soon and I wanted them to mail it to the correct address- well they told me they have a non-residency policy and they couldn't issue me a new credit card card and that my current card would become inactive. I was expecting to hear that though and the guy was really nice about it so I guess I don't mind that much. He checked with his supervisor if there was any which they could get around it and issue me a new card but apparently not. He said that sometimes they'll re-issue cards if they're mingled with mortgages or assets or something but since mine wasn't I don't get a new card. :/

I updated my TD bank account address with no problem.

Edited by pocheros, 20 February 2013 - 03:18 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-20 15:16:00
CanadaTD canceling my Visa becase moving to the US?
I still have my TD Visa credit card intact 6 months after moving to the US. I made an appointment at the bank a few days before my POE and had them change all my addresses. There is no reason for them to shut it down- you should be allowed to retain your card. I've used it many time for purchases here in the US and simply pay it online.

I would make an appointment with someone at the bank to sort it out. They'll also tell you what charges to expect when using your card in the US.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-03-08 15:45:00
CanadaHELP so lost
My husband and I dated long-distance for 4 years before getting married. It was difficult but worth it. We discussed getting married early in our relationship so we could be together sooner but decided against it as we didn't know each other well enough to make such a commitment. Unfortunately there aren't any visas for the US for people who just want to cohabit; eventually if you want to be together in the US you will have to get married.

Edited by pocheros, 24 February 2013 - 12:29 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-24 00:29:00
Canadadouble check!
Looks good to me so far! Montreal rarely asks for evidence of a relationship. I brought a few photos of us, flight itineraries, plane and train tickets and a couple emails printouts. Good luck with your interview- I'm sure you'll be just fine :thumbs:

If you've already sent those few documents in your packet 3, you don't need them at the day of the interview as far as I know.


Packet 4 asks for all the packet 3 forms again + documents. It's better to be safe than sorry anywho- who knows, Montreal might misplace something.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-24 19:19:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto - What a long morning!
Varicella immunity is required, yes. There's a list of the required immunizarions on the panelphysicians site.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-18 02:26:00
CanadaMedical in Toronto - What a long morning!

Chicken pox is a required vaccine?
My husband has no idea if he's had it (eyeroll)


He might be able to get a titre test done to see if he's immune.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-17 14:13:00
Canadamoving my belongings on a K1 visa
UPS wouldn't deliver my boxes until I provided them with a copy of my I-94 which you get when you POE. Some moving companies are ill-informed about the process though (for example, requesting I-94s from IR1/CR1 holders).

Edited by pocheros, 26 February 2013 - 02:34 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-26 14:33:00
CanadaSo How Much Did Immigration Cost You?

I actually looked into it last night, and for like $100 more I can buy an airfare which only takes an hour to get to montreal. I'm still contemplating though, I might even end up driving down. I guess I will decide by the time I get my interview scheduled, I do like the train idea though, considering I've never travelled with a train before.


I've traveled by VIA train to Montreal and Windsor before and IMO it's quite pleasant- much more comfortable than an airplane! I brought my sketchbook and ipod along and just drew for most of the trip. Plus you can watch the pretty scenery. But, assuming you don't have to show up extra early for a domestic flight, it might be a bit longer.

Trains are just fun :)

I know where YOU live ;) It's just a crappy, boring drive across the 401. But easier with two of you than doing it alone. And also easier than doing it with 2 little kids. Extra potty breaks make trips take so much longer.


The train is way better for kids than an airplane!

im just driving
i dont like not being in control


:lol:

Edited by pocheros, 20 February 2013 - 09:59 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-20 21:58:00
CanadaSo How Much Did Immigration Cost You?

Emily, TAKE THE TRAIN from Toronto to Montreal. If you can get the time to do it anyway. The price of the train was less than the plane tickets we looked into. Obviously for us it's a little more interesting to take the train with the kids and we're trying to make a little bit of a trip out of it. But just consider the VIA train from Toronto to Montreal as an option. Going to the airport is so stressful to me so maybe it's just me but by the time you get to the airport and deal with parking and everything and then getting from the airport to your hotel in Montreal as well... plus WiFi on the train and being able to get up and walk around... just my two cents.


Seconding this for anyone who isn't too far from Montreal. I took the VIA from TO to Montreal and it was a breeze. $120 for round trip tickets, I think, and the station I got off at is right near the consulate. (Not Dorval station!) One way, it was only about 5 hours.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-20 14:42:00
CanadaSo How Much Did Immigration Cost You?
I think I spent somewhere around 2K, including airfare, train tickets, hotel and misc. travel expenses, filing fees, photos, photocopies of things, translations, medical exam, and taxis to and from the medical. That's not counting the AOS fee (since I'm a k1) or the second medical exam (since mine expired). I also could have got a cheaper hotel/motel.

Here's a list of expenses I could think of (some may/may not apply to IR1/CR1s)

-mailing things throughout the process (if you don't use DHL for certain things)
-if you don't already have one, the fee for obtaining a passport
-passport photos required throughout process
-filing fee for petition- I-129F or I-130
-fees for translation of any documents
-police certificates
-medical exam
-travel expenses to/from Montreal or Vancouver
-hotel and food expenses for when you're in Montreal/Vancouver
-travel expenses to/from anywhere else you need to go- the medical exam, police station, etc. if you do not drive
-fee for the interview
-moving expenses, any fees related to POE
-unpaid time off work
-photocopies, printers, ink, binder clips or ACCO fasteners :lol:

And if you're a K1 then there's the AOS fee.

Edited by pocheros, 19 February 2013 - 02:36 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-19 14:28:00
CanadaWhich birth certificate is required?
The long one is required. Notarization is not necessary AFAIK. The tape shouldn't be an issue. IIRC they mainly want to see you parents' names on it. Also if the certificate is any language other than eglish it needs to be translated. Hope this helps!
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-02 04:24:00
CanadaCalling all dual US-Canadian citizens
You can be a dual citizen, no worries.

Canada has recognized duals since 1977: http://www.cic.gc.ca...citizenship.asp
Department of state also recognizes duals (or rather, it does not "force" you to renounce your foreign citizenship): http://travel.state....s/cis_1753.html

Here is a helpful thread on the topic: http://www.visajourn...us-citizenship/

A post from Kathryn41:

You can hold dual Canadian and US citizenship. You don't even have to do anything to obtain 'dual citizenship' except take the oath of US citizenship. It happens automatically. While the US Oath says you give up allegiance to any other 'potentate, etc. (interestingly enough, the wording is such that the Canadian system as a country could actually be said to slip through the cracks of the definition if you wanted to get nit-picky ;) ), the US only has rights over its own citizenship. It has no rights over what another country says and does, thus it cannot take away your Canadian citizenship because that is the sole right of Canada. Since Canada recognizes dual citizenship and has since 1977, I believe, you still remain a Canadian even if you have citizenship in another country.

The only way to get rid of your Canadian citizenship is by filing an actual written application form of Renunciation with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and have it approved. The US basically turns a 'blind eye' to US citizens who retain citizenship in other countries and basically considers them to be only Americans, while at the same time recognizing that there are Americans who hold citizenships elsewhere. They don't like it, but they put up with it.

As an American you are liable for all of the laws and regulations that are in place affecting Americans - even if these laws do not impact you as a Canadian citizen. There will, therefore, be some 'limitations' on what you can do as a Canadian because of that - not because you are a Canadian but because you are an American - the example of visiting Cuba is one of those. As a Canadian you can visit Cuba but you are still an American, and as an American you can only go to Cuba under very narrowly defined conditions. It is a balancing act in many ways. You always have to remember that you have responsibilities and requirements for both countries, not just one or the other as it suits your convenience.

The benefits of having US citizenship in addition to Canadian citizenship, however, outweigh the liabilities (at least for now), so if you wish to be able to live and travel freely throughout Canada and the US, you may wish to take out US citizenship as well, knowing that your Canadian citizenship is safe and cannot be taken away from you. And yes, I have both a valid Canadian passport and a valid US passport.

To just renew the green card - and remember you are still subject to all of the residency and physical presence requirements of a Permanent Resident which means you really can't live and work anywhere other than the US except for short periods of time - you would file the I-90, re do biometrics and then get the renewed Green card.


Edited by pocheros, 04 March 2013 - 07:38 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-04 19:37:00
CanadaInterview done 2 weeks ago but missing Canada police clearance
315 is the correct mailing address, that lady doesn't know what she's talking about. Sorry, can't help with your other questions.

Edited by pocheros, 18 February 2013 - 05:21 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-02-18 17:20:00
CanadaNOA2 approved! What is next?

HI!
I know this has probably already been asked a million times, and I should follow the k1 flowchart, but after reading that, i'm still a little confused.
We just got the update from USCIS that my fiance application (i'm the beneficiary) has been approved.

What am I/my fiance to do next?
I've already filled out my ds230, ds 156, and ds 156k form, have my fiance's i134 affidavit of support form, have our supporting evidence, my vaccinations record and my police clearance already.
What are we do expect next? Will my fiance, (USC) receive a letter from USCIS confirming our approval, or will I? Does our case now go to NVC and then they send me some info? Or am I just to send them my ds230 pt 1?

Also, since filing, i've changed my address. How do I go about updating my address with NVC or the Vancouver Consulate?
THanks SO Much
Any fellow Canadians who've gone through this, or are going through this, its awesome hearing how Canada does their procedures! I hope its a bit easier for us Canadians....ps. Do Canadians have a lower chance of being denied at the interview? And does anyone know how close the Vancouver medical office is from the embassy? Is it walking distance?
Thanks SOOO much!


Here is a guide for K1s going through Vancouver: http://www.visajourn...uide-vancouver/ (this thread should be stickied!)

The USC should receive another letter, NOA2, from USCIS in a few weeks. NOA2 is a very important document as you will need it to AOS, so keep it in a safe place. If you lose it you can request a new one but try to avoid that :P

Next, your petition will be sent to NVC where it makes a short stop and you are assigned a case number. I found out what my case number was through a letter NVC sent to my husband (the USC). You might be able to call NVC or someone to ask for your case number once an appropriate amount of time has passed but I'm not sure how you do this. The case number should look something like #VAN20XXXXXXXX; once your petition has been forwarded to the Vancouver consulate you can use this case number to call the Department of State and inquire as to the status of your case. When you receive correspondence from Vancouver asking for packet 3 (or when DoS tells you that packet 3 is ready) you can go on ahead return the required forms to Vancouver. (There's more info on this in the thread I linked). After Vancouver receives packet 3 they will approve you for scheduling an interview and send or email you packet 4. Then you will get to schedule your interview date online. After you've scheduled your interview you then must schedule a medical exam with Dr. Gulzar Cheema located in surrey, BC (assuming this is the closest panel physician- there is another doctor in Toronto and two more in Montreal) His website is here: http://www.drgulzarc....com/index.html You need to schedule your medical exam an appropriate amount of time before the interview since it usually takes a couple business days for them to put your file together after the exam. Google maps says it's about a 40 minute drive from the medical office to the consulate but you will need to complete the medical exam before the interview anyways.

Canadians are not subject to as much scrutiny as other nationalities but that doesn't mean Canadians haven't been denied before. So long as you don't have a dodgy history with a criminal background or overstays in the US or attempts at immigration fraud and your bring all the required documents completed correctly you should be fine. Canadians usually run into trouble when they don't have sufficient evidence of domicile (this only applies to cases where the USC resides outside the US) or they're missing some important documentation. Even so an outright denial is unusual; the consulate will usually just ask you to provide the requested documents and then they will approve you. The interview is one of the easiest parts of the process. Mine lasted less than 5 minutes and the CO didn't even ask to see evidence of a relationship (but make sure to bring evidence anyways!)

Edited by pocheros, 05 March 2013 - 02:12 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-05 14:02:00
CanadaPolice certificate

If you live in Toronto, you can go to Metro headquarters on College street. Cost $22 and you receive it in the mail 5 days later.

Pocheros, correct me if I am wrong but should everyone who is K1 status make a photocopy of their police certificate so they can include it in their Adjustment of Status (after marriage) application?


Nope, a police certificate is not included in the AOS package for K1s. Just needed for the day of the interview. Also, Montreal keeps originals of police certificates.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-05 13:01:00
CanadaPolice certificate

Can I go to my local police department and get a criminal record check done, or do I have to go through the RCMP?


You do not have to go through the RCMP unless you have a criminal record in which case you'll need a fingerprint check done. Otherwise your local police department is fine so long as they search the CPIC or national records repository with your name(s) and date of birth. You can also use commissionaires: http://www.commissionaires.ca/ I went to my local police station in Mississauga and got a police check done in 5 minutes. It cost $45.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-03 19:21:00
CanadaPolice certificate

That is what mine looks like! Now the question is, just how long to they stay 'valid' for? I got mine done probably close to a month ago, and still haven't got our NOA2 (its been 160+ days) so we are crossing our fingers its any day.
Where I got mine from, they told me that this is what I need for immigration processes :)


The consulate considers them valid for one year.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-01-29 02:23:00
CanadaPolice certificate

Absolute newbie question here : why is that needed? Im applying for a K1 visa soon (I am the canadian beneficiary): do I need one of those?

(Sorry, this whole process is so confusing and overwhelming!)


It's needed because the consulate requires it. You will need to provide one when you attend your consular interview.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-01-27 20:14:00
CanadaPolice certificate
Looks fine to me! Mine didn't look very official either but MTL accepted it.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-01-25 15:51:00
CanadaDo you think....
It's generally best not to make hard and fast plans before the visa's in your hand. You could be placed in AP, the visa could spell your name wrong, or DHL could damage the envelope that comes with the visa (which means waiting for Montreal to re-pack it for you). Though many Canadian VJers receive their visa quickly after the interview without issue, many of them also face delays such as the ones listed here.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-09 13:06:00
CanadaPacket 3 Montreal
The mailing address is 315 Place D'Youville.

She should print an extra copy of every form for her own records and to bring to the interview just in case they lose the forms or something.

Edited by pocheros, 12 March 2013 - 03:42 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-12 15:41:00
CanadaToronto Police Clearance Letter
When I got my clearance I didn't get it in an envelope, they just handed it to me. I agree with MsHogan- if there are no instructions to not open it, she can go ahead and open it.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-13 23:32:00
CanadaWeird message from the CRA
My first guess is a scam of some kind? Either someone claiming they're with the CRA to get your info- or, perhaps, someone trying to scam the CRA with info they've obtained on you.

Edited by pocheros, 05 March 2013 - 09:38 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-05 21:37:00
CanadaI-134, what supporting documents are needed?
The instructions for the I-134 state that you need to bring tax returns or tax transcripts. If you go with tax returns you need the W2s and the 1040s (or whatever tax form they filed under); W2s alone are NOT enough. Tax transcripts are free to order from the IRS. Since you're using a co-sponsor you also need to bring evidence that the co-sponsor is an american citizen. Although it is not required it is highly recommended you also bring paystubs and a letter from your sponsor's employer stating what their salary is.

Edited by pocheros, 25 March 2013 - 02:01 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-25 02:00:00
CanadaPacket 3 CheckList

We are at the stage of sending in our Packet 3 to Montreal Consulate.

Question, as far as the checklist goes.

We are still waiting for finger prints to come back, police reports, and my taxes will be done in four days.

With that said, is it safe to send in Packet 3 now and mark everything as checked, knowing we will have it all done within 8 days?


Yes it's fine to send back if you're confident you'll get the police check back soon. (BTW, you know fingerprint checks are only required if you have a criminal history right? Otherwise simple name checks are fine.) Usually takes 2-4 months after packet 3 to have your interview at Montreal. I sent packet 3 back the day after I received it and then went about obtaining all the documents. Also worth mentioning- packet 3 only contains the forms, 2 passport style photos and a photocopy of the biographic info page of your passport. It does NOT contain the birth certificate, police check etc.- those you bring to the interview.

Edited by pocheros, 26 March 2013 - 03:59 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-26 15:58:00
CanadaK1 Interview Montreal
K1s who live in western Canada go through Vancouver, everyone else has to go through Montreal.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-28 01:13:00
CanadaDHL or Xpress Post for Montreal

My fiance was able to schedule an interview, but the date is so far away... Would you happen to know how soon in advance my fiance can get the medical completed? As in, can the medical be completed at least a month or so before the actual interview?


Yes, the medical can be completed a month before the interview. When I booked my medical it was about 2 months before the interview. Note that the medical exam is valid for one year and this goes for AOS too. Also, it takes the doctors a couple days to actually put together the packet after the exam, so you definitely want to avoid doing it right before the interview. Actually, it's not a bad idea to get the exam done a bit in advance because you never know if they'll find something at the exam that you have to get checked out- lumps in breasts, high blood pressure, etc. If they find a problem like this they won't "fail" you but request you get it looked after by a doctor and/or take the necessary steps to correct the problem before "passing" you.

Edited by pocheros, 27 March 2013 - 11:56 AM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-27 11:53:00
CanadaDHL or Xpress Post for Montreal

Yay!! Finally! Thanks for all the info fellow vjers. I'm assuming that she has to schedule her interview on the same website where Montreal requested for her to sign up for the dhl service for the visa. I will advise my fiance that she can go ahead with scheduling her interview.


Here is a copy of packet 4 with all the relevant instructions, including the website where she signs up for an interview: http://photos.state....t4-montreal.pdf Please be advised that K1s have their own checklist on page 6; disregard page 5. K1 is technically a non-immigrant visa, but sometimes people mix up instructions for immigrant visas with the K1. (K1s bring I-134s to the interview; Cr1/IR1s bring I-864s.)

Edited by pocheros, 25 March 2013 - 02:30 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-25 14:27:00
CanadaDHL or Xpress Post for Montreal

Thank you! I just called DOS and they advised me that packet 4 has been sent out this past friday. They also advised that Montreal is requesting 2 passport photos... I believe my fiance already sent two passport photos along with packet 3... Is it possible for my fiance to schedule her interview now? Or does she have to wait until the physical copy of packet 4 is in her possession?


She can schedule her interview now, yes. Packet 4 is basically a letter that tells you to schedule an interview online. However, she will need either packet 3 or packet 4 to attend her medical exam, as they need to see her case # in order to do it.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-03-25 13:38:00
CanadaQuestions about police record check for IR-1/CR-1
The fingerprint check is NOT necessary for your wife, not sure why the police dept. insisted on fingerprints. However, she can obtain a check from Commissionaires here: http://www.commissionaires.ca/ They are very reliable, lots of Canadian VJers have successfully used them before.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-04 18:04:00
CanadaVisa interview in 3 days!

I did not go the k1 route--not sure if it is still the case----But there used to be DIFFERENCES between Montreal and Vancouver regarding the k1's! Just saying............


Oh, my bad! I didn't notice that the OP was going through Vancouver. :blush:

Here is the K1 guide for Vancouver: http://www.visajourn...uide-vancouver/ (should be stickied IMO, at least then Q&A about Vancouver could be compiled in one thread)

Edited by pocheros, 05 April 2013 - 08:37 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-05 20:35:00
CanadaVisa interview in 3 days!
Have you registered for Loomis/DHL on the CSC website? You're supposed to do that and bring along the confirmation number.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-05 18:57:00
CanadaWhat is needed for medical exam?

I live in Vancouver but interview will be in Montreal...can I go to Dr. Cheema here or have to get my medical with approved physician in Quebec?


You can do your medical with any of the approved panel physicians.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-10 14:38:00
CanadaQuestion - Marriage Before Starting the Immigration Process
I'm fairly sure an SSN is not required to get married anywhere in the US- it's just an acceptable form of ID that you can use to get married.

I also vote for Vegas! I got married in Vegas (I also live here) and it was very quick. The certificates were ready the next day.

Edited by pocheros, 10 April 2013 - 01:38 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-10 13:36:00
CanadaMontreal!!! It must be a conspiracy I tell you.
For evidence of a relationship I brought the following: [Note that Montreal did not request to see any evidence of a relationship; they were much more interested in supporting evidence of the I-129F- so don't neglect this!]

1. 4 photos of us from throughout our relationship (we're not really a couple for photos :P)
2. boarding passes and train tickets from when we visited each other
3. flight itineraries
4. western union receipts (we sent each other money sometimes)
5. credit card statements that showed purchases in each other's countries
6. a couple emails

Edited by pocheros, 12 April 2013 - 07:06 PM.

pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-12 19:05:00
Canadawhen did u give up your CDN residency?
When you move to the US you need to call the CRA to cancel HST and GST checks. You have to call the international CRA office to cancel the GST check and change your resident status. I'm on my phone so I can't get the CRA number here but if you google CRA international office you should get the right result. I believe it's in Ottawa now. You'll want to do this when you have your POE date because the CRA prints off the GST/HST checks far ahead of time and they have a tendency to not listen to you and keep sending checks even when you ask them to stop. You are not eligible for GST/HST credits if you are not a resident of Canada so if you keep receiving checks after you POE make sure not to cash them, just send them back to the CRA with a letter asking them to stop sending them. Then when you file your exit tax return you just don't check off the box asking for GST/HST credits.
pocherosFemaleCanada2012-10-13 04:09:00
Canadanotifying CRA,OHIP etc..

I have a question- what happens if you don't notify OHIP and simply let your card expire (obviously without using any OHIP services) I haven't notified OHIP because I'm lazy- can I get in trouble for that so long as I don't try to use it?

 

Also, make sure to notify the CRA that you are no longer eligible for GST and related credits (you cease being eligible for them when you POE). Make sure to call the federal CRA office (I think it's in Ottawa now?) for any federal tax credits and to change your residency, as provincial offices can't do that.


pocherosFemaleCanada2013-05-14 21:28:00
CanadaUS Consulates in Canada

Do you know if all winnipeg applications get sent to Vancouver? Or is it based on which area you're going to be living in the states?


All K1 applications in eastern Canada go to Montreal, all K1 application in western Canada go to Vancouver. It's based on where you live in Canada. Unfortunately, you will have to travel to Vancouver.
pocherosFemaleCanada2013-04-24 01:43:00