ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAnother Medical Review
Thanks for the review smile.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 16:37:00
CanadaK1, CR-1, K3 and other random questions.
also... check here to compare visas (this was recently posted in response to another similar question, and reminded me that it was there..lol)
http://www.visajourn...mp;page=compare

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 17:47:00
CanadaK1, CR-1, K3 and other random questions.
In terms of 'speed' are you willing to wait 3 months, 6 months, one year? It will take a long time to complete the visa process regardless. If you want her to be able to work and travel as soon as she arrives in the US, I would probably recommend the CR-1 route. That is not the visa I personally am getting, so I can't offer further info than what's in the guides, but someone else with experience gladly will.

Are you going to be deployed to Iraq again? If so, you might be able to apply for expedited processing, though I'm not sure how that works.

By 'wrapped up' with your previous marriage, do you mean divorce papers in hand? That is what you will need to proceed regardless of what visa you apply for. So I guess if you went with the CR-1 you'd have to wait until that's complete before you can get married and file. Keeping in mind you'll have to both remain living in your respective countries whilst the processing is happening (though I believe visits are allowed for this one).

As for the K-1, it seems to be taking about 7-10 months on average from application to visa. However, after you enter on that visa and get married, you then have to file AOS (Adjustment of Status), EAD (which allows her to work while waiting for AOS processing), and AP (which allows her to travel outside the US while waiting for AOS processing). You can file all 3 at the same time, and the EAD and AP seem to take about 2-3 months after you file, during which she can not work or travel outside the US. So, that's an added wait, and added expense, thus making CR-1 look a little better for you (I think...lol)

As mentioned, while the BA is pretty, it doesn't really have an effect, since she's not applying for a work visa.

Edited by ashenflowers, 26 October 2009 - 05:42 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 17:42:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Oct 26 2009, 10:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
P3 was just blanketing all of the shots required, not by age group. Much like all of the packets mention information pertaining only to DCF or spousal visas.

They're just too cheap to print up visa or age specific papers. good.gif


True, or to even put in brackets '(ages xx - xx)'. Oh well.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 21:21:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Tina&Roland @ Oct 26 2009, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm 29, too.

I'm just looking at the vaccination record I got back from the medical. These are the ones they mark down as "Not age appropriate":

Polio
Rotavirus
Hib
Hep A
Meningococcal
Human Pap
Zoster
Pneumococcal
Influenza

The only one you'll need to have is Hepatitis B.

Hope this helps.


Thanks!! That definitely helps. I DO have the ones I need then. *phew*. LOL Sorry... mini-panic-attack-for-no-reason moment whistling.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 20:01:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Oct 26 2009, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ashen, take a peek at the rest of the age groups on the site.
You'll find all the listed vaccines in them.


I know... but it just bothers me that on the packet 3 they don't specify what age group it's for....
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 19:50:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
Well, the flu virus they only ask for if you're 50+ too (but again, according to the 'website).
I wish these f'ing 'information sheets' from Montreal actually had all the right f'ing info... ranting33va.gif lol
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 19:21:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
EFF.... So I'm confirming some things for my medical, and comparing the list on the panelphysicians website, with the list on the packet 3. The packet 3 is a lot more extensive. And stupid me was basing my immunization requirements on the website.

Well, doing some cross referencing has got me worried.


According to the panelphysicians website being as I am a 29 yr old female. I need only the following:

Combination Vaccine for:
* Tetanus Diphtheria (Td)
* Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis

MMR Combination Vaccine for:
* Mumps
* Measles
* German Measles (Rubella)

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Hepatitis B

However, the Packet 3 says I need not only those, but also Hib, Hep A, Flu, Human Papillomavirus, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Zoster!!! I don't have those... #######?! I dunno what to do... do I have to get all of those two?! Or no? The medical office's website says no... the packet 3 says yes (unless it's medically inappropriate). ARGH

Edited by ashenflowers, 26 October 2009 - 07:18 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 19:17:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
I'm so glad I'm too old for Gardasil. lol

Anyone else have their medical on the 4th? I have to drive up myself... I'm not looking forward to it. sad.gif I don't want to have to deal with parking. lol
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-23 22:14:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Oct 21 2009, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Oct 21 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Huzzah! I'm booked for November 4th!! I'm hoping I get my interview letter in time. This afternoon I'm going to get dose #1 of the Chicken Pox vaccine... sigh.


side note.. my birthday was yesterday, and the girl on the phone asked how old I was... it was the first time i had to tell someone my 'new' age... :'(


That sucks.
I wonder why you never got chicken pox as a kid...
How strange.

I hear it's worse in adults, so make sure you get all the shots.


yeah, it's absolutely worse in adults. Like, scary worse. It only took me a 1/2 hour in and out to get the vaccine. I was expecting a longer wait, so that was cool!

Not ALL kids got chicken pox.. just like, 90% of them. I had to pay $60 today for apparently having a good childhood immune system. Boourns! LOL tongue.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-21 22:40:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
Huzzah! I'm booked for November 4th!! I'm hoping I get my interview letter in time. This afternoon I'm going to get dose #1 of the Chicken Pox vaccine... sigh.


side note.. my birthday was yesterday, and the girl on the phone asked how old I was... it was the first time i had to tell someone my 'new' age... :'(
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-21 10:58:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Oct 21 2009, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Called this morning and got ahold of a very nice woman who told me they couldn't accommodate for times outside their allotted window (long shot to begin with, I knew), and that if I had my medical on Wednesday and it all came back looking good, my results would be in my hand on Monday before 5pm.



good to know smile.gif thanks for passing on that info! Mine has to be a Wednesday, due to time needed off work, so if I can't get Nov 4th, I have to do the 11th, so I was worrying about getting results in time too!

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-21 09:22:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Oct 21 2009, 08:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Oct 21 2009, 08:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Spoom @ Oct 21 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On the subject of immigration medicals: Nobody should have to get up at 5 AM. Ever.

OK, that's a little more general than the medical itself, I'm just saying.


Amen to THAT. ugh...


Anyway... Does anyone every have trouble getting through to Dr. Seiden's office? I tried calling twice this morning, figuring they should be open since they start at 7, but haven't gotten through yet. I have to go to work, and it's hard for me to call from there. sad.gif Can we book and appointment via email?


Also, I think this has been asked before, my apologies... but I've never actually had chicken pox, and need to get the vaccine (argh there goes $150, give or take). It's a 2-shot process, with the shots a month apart. I don't have time to get both shots before my interview/medical... will they accept as long as I've got the first shot by then??


For Varicella:

QUOTE
A verbal declaration of chickenpox.

or

Proof of immunization against chickenpox. Normally two immunizations 4 to 8 weeks apart or the first of the two within the 4 weeks prior to your immigration medical examination.

or

An antibody titers blood test showing proof of immunity to chickenpox (varicella).



I'm personally a little worried about how close the medical is to the interview. I mean, we're leaving here the day before my interview... and if the documents are ready for pickup within two days, that means it'll either be mailed out the Friday or Monday after my interview... so they'd have to express it to me. Do they do this? Does it cost to have them mail it out in the first place?

I left a message for them to call me back around 4pm yesterday, so I can ask about that and see if there's any leniency with times (long shot, but going to try anyhow).

Apparently they used to do medicals in Windsor, way back when. I wish. sad.gif


hah... now that you post that, I remember reading it on their website. blah.

Anyways... This is frustrating.. I don't work a job where it's easy to get calls, and people get snotty here when we answer our cell phones at work. great... wacko.gif

And you're right Sapphire. It's $50 to courier the results within Ontario
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-21 07:57:00
CanadaToronto Medical and Vaccinations
QUOTE (Spoom @ Oct 21 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On the subject of immigration medicals: Nobody should have to get up at 5 AM. Ever.

OK, that's a little more general than the medical itself, I'm just saying.


Amen to THAT. ugh...


Anyway... Does anyone every have trouble getting through to Dr. Seiden's office? I tried calling twice this morning, figuring they should be open since they start at 7, but haven't gotten through yet. I have to go to work, and it's hard for me to call from there. sad.gif Can we book and appointment via email?


Also, I think this has been asked before, my apologies... but I've never actually had chicken pox, and need to get the vaccine (argh there goes $150, give or take). It's a 2-shot process, with the shots a month apart. I don't have time to get both shots before my interview/medical... will they accept as long as I've got the first shot by then??

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-21 07:08:00
CanadaBringing house plants
:|
Am I the only person doing a double take to make sure that I didn't end up in the OT forum? tongue.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-26 18:37:00
CanadaMy letter to Lee McClenny
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Oct 14 2009, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Varba @ Oct 14 2009, 10:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That would have been my call to them yesterday.

It was a wham-bam-thankyou-maam call of:

1) Yes, there is no interview and never was.
2) Further delays at Montreal, don't expect one till next year.
3) Stop calling every day.

I gotta admit, I cried.

But if you tell anyone..


I don't even know what to say to that.

This is why they now have call centers. Imagine waiting in line for an hour or more to ask someone, face-to-face...

"So, um, we filed about xx months ago, and we're wondering when our interview will be scheduled."
*woman stares at computer screen*
*woman stares at you*
*woman stares at computer screen*
"Well, despite the fact that it's only October now, and there are about five thousand other Canadians waiting for interviews from this office, we won't be able to schedule any of you until January, at the earliest."
*woman smiles sweetly at you*
*you stand there and blink.gif *



Honestly, all I want is to see their statistics. How many visas are they actually processing on a regular basis? And how many full-time employees do they have working there? Are there no lesser employees who can be trained to replace the supposed exodus over the summer?

headbonk.gif



I'm curious about that too. I remember seeing something posted on here somewhat recently that said Canada only had around 700 K-1 visas processed last year. Now, I realize there are tons of other visas as well, but other consulates can handle those... so splitting that between MTL and VAN is less than one K1 each PER DAY. No excuses. This is ridiculous.

Edited by ashenflowers, 14 October 2009 - 09:58 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-14 21:53:00
CanadaMy letter to Lee McClenny
I'm going to write a letter as well, but probably won't get to until perhaps the weekend. I'm dealing with some other personal stuff, and already had to write one letter of complaint to the payroll guy at work (tell me THAT's not risky... lol). Not sure I have it in me to do two in one day. lol
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-14 18:26:00
CanadaCanadians in/from Toronto, Canada!
I know there's been some mention of other places besides Toronto, but I just wanted to give a shout out to the NON Torontonians in da house... hollaaaah to Rest Of Canada!!! REPRESENT!!!

tongue.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-19 21:07:00
CanadaCredit Cards
huh... that's a cool idea. I have not seen that before either. We do sometimes have a choice of funky designs (my Capital One card in Canada has a Canadian flag on it, for example... which I did to remind myself later on that this is my Canadian credit card laughing.gif ).

p.s. the WWF is now just the World Wildlife Fund.... the 'other' WWF is now called the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, or something like that). lol
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-10-27 06:56:00
CanadaFinally!!!!!!!
Congrats on the house, and getting into the system!! lol smile.gif
Good luck on everything else, and *hugs* to your mom. I've kind of been detached from my parents for a while, since they live an hour and a 1/2 away, which isn't far, but far enough to make weekly or daily get togethers impossible... but we still see each other at least once a month. I don't want to think about what it's going to be like to be so far away and go like 6 months between visits ! AAHH
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-18 11:34:00
CanadaAny one on Twitter?
Am... just kinda x-post with my facebook status though. lol

ashenflowers there too
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-20 19:31:00
CanadaUnemployment Insurance...maybe?
QUOTE (dutchmatt @ Jul 20 2009, 10:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Quick question...

I'm totally hating my job right now and we are waiting for our K1 visa at the moment (probably another couple months) I want to quit so I can go to the US for a month or so and spend some time with family back in canada before our paper work come through. Is there any chance I can qualify for EI?


So you're quitting just to go visit? I would highly doubt you'd qualify. I'm confused... are you in the US or Canada right now? Check out the EI thread tacked at the top of this section for some insight, and also this: http://www.serviceca..._0.shtml#a6_4_1
It's a list of the legitimate reasons you could leave a job voluntarily (i.e. quit instead of being fired or laid off) and possibly still qualify.

*edit*
oh... sorry... apparently some other people gave you the same info at the same time basically.. lol
Also... yes, you would be quitting FAR too early to maintain your reasoning to quit for your pending move and marriage.... trust me, I hate my job too and would quit in a heartbeat if I thought it wouldn't screw everything up.

Edited by ashenflowers, 20 July 2009 - 09:43 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-20 21:41:00
CanadaA Moral Dilemma
I think really, the answer is obvious for you.

Follow your heart. .
heart.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-18 11:30:00
CanadaMy Kitty
wow, thanks for that info on Feliway! And for the feedback that it works! lol! My cat, love her, is a HUGE SPAZ! This put my mind (and hopefully hers) at ease a bit, knowing there might be a solution!

luv.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-21 17:28:00
CanadaPassport Photos
I got mine done at shoppers drug mart too... just for general knowledge to anyone reading this... I would double check that they'll accept them if they were taken a while ago... I also got some extra passport photos done in April when we first got our package together, but then was told that the medical office in Toronto wants them to be done within 60 days or something so completely wasted $.

Edited by ashenflowers, 21 July 2009 - 11:03 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-21 23:00:00
CanadaVIA Rail Train Strike
QUOTE (Danu @ Jul 24 2009, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Jul 24 2009, 08:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So after waiting for a week to see what's happening with it, it seems they've gone on strike.

I mean, even though Canada (mostly Ontario) has seen its share of strikes this year (LCBO -almost- and Toronto Garbage Collectors), I'd have to say this one actually needed to happen. They get no sick days and can't have 2 days off in a row and have been working without a contract for 3 years.
The Toronto people on the otherhand already have sick days, I don't even get those... let alone benefits.


But the main thing is, is this affecting anyone now with interviews and the like?
I'm worried they're not going to be off strike before a medical date or an interview date pops up for the people in March/April/May/June area.
The process is already expensive, and now we may have to pay for plane tickets? (For people in the semi immediate area)
(Or the bus, but who wants to be on a bus for 6+ hours to Montreal? Leg room please.)

More here:

http://www.cbc.ca/ca...57.html?ref=rss



Oh #######, hopefully they settle something soon. It doesn't affect me yet but it will come interview time...means I might actually have to drive (ew!) or take the bus...


Yeah I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a long strike... there was also the transit strike in Ottawa, and the city workers in Windsor on strike recently... it was a recession! People should be happy they HAVE a job at all!


ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-24 23:42:00
CanadaPublic apology to TheTreble...
I am not as active on this board as some other people, so I don't actually know what this is in reference to as I haven't yet seen that discussion, so I'm not taking sides, I don't know what it's about, I just am going by what I saw in this apology... but just thought I'd pipe in briefly... sorry if it's out of line. I'm Canadian, born/raised, very happy to say so, and love Canada, and am proud to be ALWAYS Canadian... BUT I personally know no less than 5 people who immigrated, or are currently in the process of immigrating, to Canada... 4 of them from the US, 2 of whom are immigrating for marriage... 3 of them are friends of mine, one of them is my mother, and one of them is actually my fiance, who was American before he was Canadian, then ended up going back to the US for a change after being in Canada for nearly 30 years (which is how I ended up being in this visa process to move to the US for him)...
Anywaaaays... point being... I bet if all of us Canadians looked around, we could find someone in our personal lives who immigrated (emigrated? I dunno..lol) to Canada and wasn't actually born here and thus had to go through the process we're going through, except the other way around. Including all the personal and legal adjustments that come with it.
Perhaps that will help us empathize with someone in Deadpool's position.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-25 10:39:00
CanadaFrom a friend in Ontario . . .
It's true, it's true!!! Summer has sucked this year! It's so weird! There's only been a couple of days that have even remotely resembled summer weather! Makes me sad for all the girls who would've planned a wedding this year betting on summer weather! laughing.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-29 20:18:00
CanadaGiving away a pet...
I had to give away my dog this year... it was really difficult, but I knew it was the best thing for him, and now he is living the time of his life with his new home. His new family offered me the option of going to visit him whenever I wanted to ('open adoption' as others referred to it) but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had to cut ties, or I'd want to take him back. laughing.gif I guess everyone is different. For me, it was the disappointment in myself that I couldn't provide him that home... though I suppose in a way I did, since I found a great new home for him, and they're happy, and he's happy... but it's still frustrating. I was angry with myself for feeling like I failed him in some way.

On a related but different note... last month I was considering giving away my hamster, just since with the move and the leave of absence and all I figured I'd find someone else to care for him. But people don't care about hamsters the way they do about dogs or cats. Usually anyway. So I was worried he would go to someone who just wanted the cage and not him (I had a lot of inquiries like that)... I ended up spending a good hour or so cleaning his cage, ready for sale, and we hung out and I took some really cute pics of him... lol Then I chickened out. I decided to keep him. laughing.gif How sad... I can't even give up a hamster without guilt.

I also was having a hard time deciding what to do with my cat while I'm gone next month. That was really stressful, especially since she doesn't really like cats or children. lol I eventually had to break down and accept an offer from someone who works with a friend of mine... they have 2 cats already, but she seems to be willing to do what it takes to care for Kitty and keep her safe and happy. I hope she's ok sad.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-29 21:00:00
CanadaDepressing email from the Consulate in Montreal
oh god... that would make me cry.
I'm figuring start of January, which would be about 8 months total, with February being a 'back up' plan, at 9 months total... longer than that would actually screw me over a lot... I'd be pissed. blink.gif I mean, I'm only at 3 months right now as is, so I've got a long way to go regardless, but if I get my NOA2 in another month or so, then take a month to get through NVC let's figure, then 4-5 months or something for an interview... oh god. That adds up ok, right? I won't be panicking and moving the day before I want to get married, right?!?! crying.gif lol

Edited by ashenflowers, 03 August 2009 - 05:43 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-03 17:42:00
CanadaMy Poor Wife's Road Trip to Toronto
hahaha oh man, I know that stretch of 401 extremely well too... I've driven it easily 100 times (grew up in the Chatham Kent area). It would NOT be a fun place to get stuck, as you are basically middle of nowhere for about 2 hours of the drive. lol
I'm glad they made it back at least!! Scary border stories always make me nervous! unsure.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-04 13:21:00
CanadaCase Number for Medical?
Just wanted to say thanks for posting this! lol I am at the same stage... well, actually a bit behind. My case hasn't reached Montreal. However, I called NVC today and found out they have my case, and I've got my MTL case #, so I can book my medical too now!! OMG!!!! I'm scared! It's happening! haha
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-13 14:06:00
CanadaVisa approved!
Congratulations! And yes, thank you for the review. They are so very helpful for the rest of us anxiously waiting for that stage!! smile.gif Good luck packing!
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-13 11:24:00
CanadaNo confirmation for medical.
hmm... is the online appointment request only in Vancouver? I can't find it on the site for the Toronto ones. That one appears that it's only via phone (or email I guess)
http://www.panelphysicians.com/
?
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-14 14:29:00
CanadaPassport Photos
QUOTE (Inky @ Aug 17 2009, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Blacks or motophoto, went to both of thos places, also there was just a small profesional place near by that does them its a mini photo place that does faxing and passport photos. maybe sears? they have photo centers. same with sobeys


Yeah, Sobeys and Loblaws (including real canadian superstore) have them as well.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-17 15:44:00
CanadaPassport Photos
Try Shoppers Drug Mart! They're good, and cheap.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-17 12:45:00
CanadaWhich dress would you choose for a beach wedding?
Yay Beach Weddings! smile.gif
I picked #2. I love how it flows, and the detail at the top
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-04 23:12:00
CanadaMarriage question
Yikes...
The main question is, where to you both plan to move to, and when do you plan to move (you won't be visiting forever! lol).

You say 'for the time being' you will just drive back and forth, but be aware that once you're married and you tell them at POE that you are visiting your spouse (if they ask, and as mentioned, always be honest) it may become much more difficult to cross. When you cross with your wedding items in tow (and any time in the future really), make SURE that you have a lot of proof that you are going to be returning to Canada. Rental leases, or mortgages, letters from employers, utility bills, contracts, etc. Bring anything you can think of that will show that you won't be moving to the US.

I know you didn't ask this specifically, but if you do plan to move to the US eventually, I would seriously consider starting a visa process as soon as you decide where you want to live (there or here). It will take a few (i.e. MANY) months to complete the process for you to move. Since you plan to already get married, you'd likely be looking at a CR-1 Visa. You can read about them here: http://www.visajourn...amp;page=guides

I hope that helps. I'm not an expert by any means, but if I said anything wrong, someone will correct me... lol. Good luck either way, and congratulations!! smile.gif

Edited by ashenflowers, 17 August 2009 - 12:44 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-17 12:42:00
CanadaHas anyone been scheduled a K-1 interview in Sept. or Oct. yet?
Sheesh, and I was just hoping for one in December! I hope I can get it! lol
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-18 12:36:00
CanadaIf You Could Choose to Live in Any State, Which Would You Choose???
I'm a bit against the grain, because in all honesty, I'm lucky enough to be ending up in the state I'd probably choose! California! There are some others I'd probably put in my top 5 as well, but this one would definitely make it near the top regardless, so I'm happy biggrin.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-21 01:12:00