ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
Canadahow long does it take driving from Toronto to LA,CA
I've been wondering whether or not I want to drive over when I move too (from London, ON to Santa Barbara, CA... so very similar to your route). I've been told it takes 5 days all things considered, at a relaxed pace (and I'm not referencing speed limit here.. lol) but I think 3 or 4 days of steady all day driving could be done. But, let's face it.. unless you're in a hurry, it would NOT be enjoyable to just be booking it through at 12-16 hour days. My parents will be driving over for our wedding, but I'm telling them to anticipate 5 days for sure, because they'll want to stop and see stuff all the time I think.. lol Although my dad's a driving beast, my mom would make him stop... or he'd stop just to get out of being stuck in the car with her a bit laughing.gif

Edited by ashenflowers, 01 September 2009 - 03:33 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-01 15:31:00
Canadapacket 3 questions
Oh... One thing I'd add, is to make sure your CASE # is written on any cover letter that is sent with it!
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-06 22:09:00
Canadapacket 3 questions
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 6 2009, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Sep 6 2009, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The only nice thing about the packet 3 forms, is that if you're missing something or fill something out incorrectly they'll ask you to clarify at the interview. They aren't going to send you an RFE for missing information and then delay your case by a couple weeks until they get their information together. I was a really stressed out trying to get all the information correctly, and then I went to the interview and I hardly noticed the IO even glancing at the forms I sent them! She looked at the DS 156 and that's it. So, try not to get stressed out about the details.

As far as the school question goes, I assumed they wanted to know all the schools I attended so I listed them all.


Oh boy, the school part's going to be fun for me.
My parents have moved me around so much I've been to like 2 elementry schools, 1 junior high school, 2 high schools and one college.
Fun fun.


They ask for course of study and degree or diploma received, so you should be ok with just putting the high school and college. smile.gif That's what I'm doing.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-06 21:53:00
Canadapacket 3 questions
Thanks for the responses guys, and support in tolerating my little freak out... I'm glad to hear that Packet 3 isn't just a pain in the butt for me.. LOL Misery loves company! laughing.gif
My employment history is done now... I went by memory, and googled the addresses of a couple of places. It has 14 listings on it.. LOL

Thanks for the example cover letter... I am going to make one to send as well. That's helpful. smile.gif

Oh oh, I meant to ask... for question "23. List below all educational institutions attended." Do they just mean post-secondary? Or do I need to include my high school and elementary/public schools too?


Side notes:
I also hit a snag, because I'm filling these out on my roommate's desktop since I don't have a wireless router at the moment... and their printer isn't working... so I had to take my printer out of my bedroom and bring it in the living room, and hook it up and install there, and it's sitting on the floor under the desk right now... Also, my parents just moved this month, and I am not sure their exact new house number... and I tried calling them twice today to find out, but there was no answer. laughing.gif Oh god I hate this....
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-06 14:35:00
Canadapacket 3 questions
UGH... and now I'm noticing that the DS 230 asks for employment history of the last TEN years, not just FIVE like on the G325... so now I have to scrounge that up... it's like every job I've ever had... and I've had a lot, including some temp jobs that I'll have to find info for... this sucks! I wanted to send this back on Tuesday, but now I don't know if I'll have everything together by then... I got the impression that the Packet 3 was easy to fill out and send back... but this is turning out to be a big pain in the butt!!!
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-06 12:47:00
Canadapacket 3 questions
I'll post this in the suggestions area as well, but I'm wondering if anyone might be able to update the Wiki for Canada and Packet 3 forms. I had a bunch of questions about some of the things on the form, but eventually found answers filtering through VJ. However, if we could have direct links from the 'Canada' guide on the Wiki, that would be very helpful!!

Also.... I'm getting confused about the DS-230. My packet 3 only asks for Part I, but I'm getting a vibe from what i'm reading around here that I should be filling out the whole thing (Part I and II), and only SIGN Part I, but send II back with it anyway???


edit-- I also know that this has been discussed before, regarding the medical... but I don't yet have the evidence of support information gathered from my fiance in the US... We will have it for the interview, but still... I feel like I'm lying by sending back the checklist! LOL Anyone else feel like that? It makes me nervous sad.gif

Edited by ashenflowers, 06 September 2009 - 12:28 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-06 12:25:00
Canadapacket 3 questions
Yikes... this is an appropriately timed thread for me! lol I just got back from a visit in the US and my Packet 3 was waiting for me. It arrived about 5 days ago. It appears that I received the 'new' version of the list of forms that was posted here. As far as I can tell we just send the DS-230 Part 1, DS-160, DS-156K, DS-156 (2 copies), Confirmation receipt for DS-160, and the enclosed checklist. Was hoping to be able to fax, but yeah, doesn't look like an option for Montreal sad.gif
I'll keep you guys posted if I have any issues! I'll be hopefully sending this stuff out on Tuesday, after the holiday!

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-05 21:56:00
Canadado the forms all have to be filled out online?
QUOTE (Kimbear @ Sep 7 2009, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For montreal i believe the ds-160 replaces both the 156 and 156k. however some ppl have mentioned for packet 4 they needed to fill out the 156. i'd suggest emailing them and finding out.


The current Packet 3s (I received mine last week), still require for all of those forms (the 160, AND the 156 and 156K). I suspect we're in a transition period, but i'm sending them all in just in case, since that's what they've asked for. It's seems a bit silly and redundant, but better safe than sorry. wacko.gif

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 12:26:00
Canadado the forms all have to be filled out online?
hmm.. I'm not sure. I did mine online, just so that I knew it was legible. I don't remember if there are instructions for the forms (I am at work right now, but have them at home.. I can check later!).

I think as long as the writing is clear it should be fine.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 11:38:00
CanadaStill waiting for first notice.
I think they say wait about 4 weeks before you contact them to ask. But, as mentioned, since they cashed your cheque, it shouldn't be long now. smile.gif Were you able to get a copy of the cheque from the bank? It will have your receipt # on it, and you can sign up on the USCIS website to get updates there. It's handy, when it works smile.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 13:30:00
CanadaJust a little off topic....
Do you think they put Bailey's or Kaluha in the coffee to make a toast? laughing.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 13:00:00
CanadaJust a little off topic....
Have you guys tried the bloom donuts? They only have Strawberry here that I've seen, but oh they are yum! And SO CUTE.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 11:41:00
CanadaJust a little off topic....
aww... that's kind of sweet, since it clearly means so much to them. I wonder if corporate heads of Tim Horton's will hear about this and send them a little something! That'd be cool. smile.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 00:05:00
CanadaI 29 forms
QUOTE (tessatoxx @ Sep 7 2009, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now does my fiance, who is American have to order the fiance visa application from USCIS and get them to mail it to his address before we can fill them out? Or can we just fill out the forms online, print them out and send it away with our Cheque or money order?


Fill them out send them. There is nothing to order.
Check out the K-1 guide here: http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide
It's VERY helpful. smile.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 13:41:00
CanadaHow do you feel about strippers?
I really don't think I'd like it.. ESPECIALLY if there were lap dances involved, I'd be really not impressed. lol I trust my fiance and would not be worried about cheating, but the whole purpose of a strip club and lap dance is really just to turn people on, no? All the girls there just want some money and some sort of response from the men... our money can be spent elsewhere. There are other ways to have fun without some random chick having to shove her bits in my man's face or touch him or dance on him near areas reserved for me... lol
no thanks.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-07-19 02:04:00
CanadaMixed feelings about having civil wedding first
I have mixed feelings too, but as Sapphire said, it's really the ability to be together that is more important than how fancy a wedding it is. We are getting married at a beach as well, and my parents are coming down for it (it's from Ontario, to California, so it's a far distance), so we can at least have some sort of special thing. I would like to be able to do everything at once, but it's just far too much to handle. And since we have to get married in the US, I wouldn't expect anyone to travel way out to California, and don't want to get married on a border town near here just so people can go (it's still a 2 hour drive for most guests to the US border town anyways). We plan to hold a renewal of vows and reception in Canada for our in the summer of 2011 or so, when we have more time and money to plan (he is from Canada originally, so we have mutual friends in Canada, so it makes sense to us to make sure we come back and have something special here too). It's not the way I'd have imagined it, but really, the marriage is more important than the wedding!

BUT, it is your special day... no one says you have to get married in a courthouse, just because you're having a small civil ceremony! You can do it anywhere, if you're able to get a flexible officiant. smile.gif

I guess it all depends on the situation though. The funny thing about US/Canada relationships, is that depending on where we live some of us are still within a couple hundred kms of our SOs, and some of us are thousands of miles apart... sad.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-06 20:44:00
CanadaCanadian Please!!
They're from London!! biggrin.gif
If you look at this one, they mention the Dairy Queen that a friend of mine owns! LOL This Dairy Queen is about 3 blocks from my house... hehe The owner was freaking out about this, she was so excited... LOL


ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-08 18:48:00
CanadaJumping a bit ahead of myself, but I'm curious...
From Ontario to California is too far to NOT fly usually... We don't have a lot of choice. sad.gif It's 12 hours of travel, vs. 4-5 days. lol

As far as the border goes Frenzy, first: you should always be honest, but you don't need to offer more information than they ask. You are going to visit your fiance. If they inquire further, you can tell them about the interview, but make sure you have copies of paperwork to show them... any correspondence you or your fiance have received from the consulate and NVC. Usually the Canadian side of the border isn't as strict as the US side (but maybe I just think that because I'm Canadian.. I dunno. lol). I don't know what knowledge the border patrol on the Canadian side of the border would have about a fiance visa for the US. Maybe one of our American friends can let us know how it went for them! smile.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 12:08:00
CanadaJumping a bit ahead of myself, but I'm curious...
I'm really hoping that my fiancé can join me for mine as well. I have also heard, as Jill said, that it is encouraged. I say definitely go for it! Especially if he's a worrywart, like me, he'll appreciate your presence there to back him up... plus, then you can celebrate together when you're approved!! biggrin.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-07 11:40:00
CanadaNeed some advice...PLEASE!!!!
http://en.wikipedia..../Risky_Business
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 12:03:00
CanadaBank can't handle investments anymore
They really should be able to keep your money there, if you want it kept in Canadian funds. Is this money something you access on a regular basis, or is it just sitting there in investments and what not? I'll assume it's sitting there as you mentioned you just want it to grow.. the tax issues also depend on what type of account you have. I.e., do you have a retirement account that it's sitting in, or is it just sitting in investments.

Investing is not exactly the same from Canada and the US (I was a licensed stock broker for the US a few years ago, so I have some basic knowledge, but am NOT an expert any more... I strongly suggest talking with a financial adviser). Depending on if you have your money in stocks, some of those stocks do not trade in the US anyways, and some US stocks don't trade on Canadian exchanges, so you can't just transfer them over to US funds as is. However, there are people in Canada who trade in the US, and people in the US that trade in Canadian exchanges/stocks/investments. I'm not familiar with the cross border tax stuff, but as zyggy mentioned, try to find an expert that HAS dealt with that before, so they can explain it. Not only would you have the aforementioned 25% non resident tax, but you'd have taxes involved with liquefying your investments and things like that (with capital gains as income, and capital losses in consideration as well).

There are a lot of banks that deal with both US and Canadian accounts on both sides of the border. I'm shocked if BMO claims they can't. You could look into transferring all your assets to another Canadian bank (such as TD Canada Trust, or Scotiabank, or RBC), and see what they will offer you. There's no tax involved in transferring from one Canadian account to another and keeping all investments intact. I would also look into some American banks that will allow you to have an account in Canadian funds, with Canadian investments (I worked for TD Ameritrade... I know they do it... not that I necessarily recommend them, I just know that it can be done) and see what taxes are involved with transferring to them.

As for whether or not you should wait for a 'good day'.... no one can help you there. lol There's never a really 'good' day on the markets. With or without a recession. It's all chance, IMO, but you can research it further. At the very least, it looks like the recession is either ending, or over, so things should start looking up again soon, but it will probably be another year or two at least, before you see anything looking like it was before. again, not expert, just opinion.

Good luck!

Edited by ashenflowers, 17 August 2009 - 01:47 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-08-17 13:45:00
CanadaTraveling to US by car
QUOTE (dutchmatt @ Sep 8 2009, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Malrothien @ Sep 8 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have been told yes and no. I would just keep it as a record yourself as you do not want an overstay issue.

Are you planning on going down for an extended period? You will need serious ties to Canada.


I'm actually asking for a friend of mine who is (coincidentally) dating someone from the US. She was hoping to take a Leave of absence from work and travel to the US to see him, but she's nervous that saying she's gonna be there for so long might raise some red flags.


how long is she planning to go for? As mentioned, she will need ties to Canada. Including rental leases, utility bills, letter from employer stating the expected return to work day. That sort of thing. And yes, she can't stay longer than 6 months.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-08 16:39:00
CanadaThis whole process
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 9 2009, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Long form birth certificates are pretty easy to get.
You can order one from here:

https://www.orgforms...tart.do?lang=en

And don't pay extra for fast shipping.
They come pretty fast in the first place if you provide enough info.


Yeah, I got mine way faster than I expected. I think it took 4 days.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 19:34:00
CanadaThis whole process
QUOTE (Michyme82 @ Sep 9 2009, 08:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No I don't


Let us know when you send in the I 129F and we'll tell you how to get the long form tongue.gif LOL! One step at a time wink.gif

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 19:18:00
CanadaThis whole process
QUOTE (Michyme82 @ Sep 9 2009, 08:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When do you have to send in the birth cert. and a long one??


You bring them to the interview (the last step before getting the K1). Do you have the long version?

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 19:13:00
CanadaThis whole process
Also, I've seen people get an RFE (which is not 'devastating', but not good, and can cause delays) BECAUSE they used a lawyer. I've never heard anyone go through this process saying 'wow I really wish we used a lawyer'... but I HAVE seen people say 'I really wish we had done this on our own WITHOUT a lawyer'. lol
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 18:55:00
CanadaThis whole process
I'm a worry wart too... but trust me, you CAN definitely do this WITHOUT a lawyer! As mentioned, read the guides, as ANY questions, use the 'search' tool.. and most of all, take it one step at a time! You'll have lots of time between stages to prepare for the next smile.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 18:46:00
CanadaQuestions about on-going relationship
QUOTE (Michyme82 @ Sep 9 2009, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have plenty of photos but no boarding passes because I drove here.


Gas receipts? They should show date and location. Did you take any mini trips together on a train or bus? Could show those tickets... maybe some restaurant receipts, or hotel receipts.
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 18:53:00
CanadaHow long???
QUOTE (Danu @ Sep 10 2009, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Krikit @ Sep 10 2009, 08:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danu @ Sep 9 2009, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is also (this is not to scare you, they pick people at random) the possibility of AP (advanced processing) when they send the package to NVC which can add up to another 50 days to the process.

unsure.gif

Isn't it Administrative Processing?


lol...omg it is. Thank you! Seriously I need to read over what I post more ><


Either way, it was a very thorough answer smile.gif good.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 12:37:00
CanadaHow long???
QUOTE (trailmix @ Sep 9 2009, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yay another K1 thread!!




eb0dfafc.gif

Also, let's just say you'll find this icon useful : ClockWatch2.gif
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 18:57:00
CanadaCan you get EI once u quit ur job and move to US
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 9 2009, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Peachey @ Sep 9 2009, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 9 2009, 10:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dumb question, but what is Employment Insurance and why is it good to get?



When you work somewhere not under the table you pay into the EI (Employment Insurance) fund with the government. When you lose your job, or quit, you can now claim EI. You have to have worked a certain amount of hours within a certain amount of time and the amount of EI you get is dependent on what your salary was. You also have to be eligible to work to claim EI. Meaning if you move to the US, but don't have your EAD or Green Card you cant' claim EI.

You also can't claim Canadian EI if you lose an american job.

That is my brief summary of Canadian Employment Insurance smile.gif


Thanks, that's useful.
I'll make sure I claim it when I quit my job.

Oh crud.
I forgot that I "technically" quit my job in March but went back.
I even got the employment record for it.
I wonder if that'll screw me over. wacko.gif


As long as you have worked the required minimum of hours since you went back, I believe you'd still qualify. Cause technically, you have to quit your job 'again'. lol

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 22:42:00
CanadaDoes Canadian police cert. has expiry date ?
QUOTE (Danu @ Sep 9 2009, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
oh you laugh now, you should have seen me freaking out when I got the damn thing home.


Oh no doubt, I can only imagine. I never noticed that on mine, or i'm sure I'd have freaked out too!
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 12:40:00
CanadaDoes Canadian police cert. has expiry date ?
QUOTE (Danu @ Sep 9 2009, 08:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh, just so you don't get wierded out if it says the same thing as mine, its only valid the second they check it, as they can't say you didnt kill someone right when you left the police station. HOWEVER, as Inky said, its good for a year, if you get it now as long as its not a year to your interview you should be fine biggrin.gif (I only posted this cuz I freaked out when I saw the little done :today valid until :today thing on the back of mine)


rofl.gif

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-09 19:59:00
CanadaInterview, Interview, Interview!!!
QUOTE (mikey78 @ Sep 10 2009, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just called NVC and got my interview date! Oct 29!
That is if I understood correctly because I have been way too excited to listen to the very end!!!
So I guess the email will follow biggrin.gif yey!



Woo hoo!!!

timeline.gif lol
How long have you been waiting for it?? Are you on K1?
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 17:20:00
CanadaWhat does the packet 3 consist of???
QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Sep 10 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You need to use the search function, it really will help you out to read other people's experiences. Recently there have been quite a few on the Pkg 3 contents and how to fill them out.

This is a forum for questions, but it's good to get reading too.


Yes, please use the search. You will find exactly what you are looking for. We were just discussing this within the last couple of days... screen shots included.
http://www.visajourn...h...c=209864

Additionally... you have to do the I 129F well before packet 3. I know you're trying to gather knowledge about the process, but one step at a time! lol seriously.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 21:12:00
CanadaWhy doesn't the 'world'd talk about visas???
QUOTE (poprocks @ Sep 10 2009, 05:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Peachey @ Sep 10 2009, 05:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She probably has a work visa since she probably was technically "working" while on the Bachelorette...


Wouldn't that cause problems? I mean a work visa issued with clear intent to marry and immigrate?????? lol.... It's the Bachelorette...kinda hard to hide that lol....


LOL!!! That's true
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 16:28:00
CanadaWhy doesn't the 'world'd talk about visas???
QUOTE (Peachey @ Sep 10 2009, 05:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She probably has a work visa since she probably was technically "working" while on the Bachelorette...


Are you allowed to come and go (reentry) when you are on a work visa?

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 16:26:00
CanadaWhy doesn't the 'world'd talk about visas???
I just happened to get done work early today and caught the tail end of an episode of Ellen (love that show). Anyways, she was talking with the couple from The Bachelorette... I didn't know that she was Canadian, and he lived in the US. I'm ignorant to the details, I know...I don't know her or him or their situation... but did they mention Visas or immigration? No of course not. They did mention marriage and engagement, and how she's moving this week from Vancouver to Chicago to live with him, but that they'd 'like to get married within the next year and a 1/2 or so', but are focusing on doing charity stuff, and living and working together etc... like a 'regular' couple. How can they do that?? I'm sorry, but ANYONE here feel like a 'regular' couple?!? raise your hands?! Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?? Why can't real life be like hollywood?!! LOL

We don't have it easy... our friends, family and colleagues don't understand what we have to go through just to be together. BAH!!! Sorry, frustration is high....


on the plus side.. they ended the show with a guy on a flaming pogo stick (seriously)... so that was cool.. laughing.gif

Edited by ashenflowers, 10 September 2009 - 04:00 PM.

ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-10 15:59:00
CanadaWedding idea
It doesn't seem weird, but keep in mind we here are all going through the visa process, so our sense of a 'normal' wedding is blown out the window. laughing.gif 'normal' people will think it's weird, but who cares.

My fiance also has dual citizenship, and originally lived up here, so all our mutual friends live in Canada, with his family scattered around. We're taking the route of doing a renewal of voes some time later (either 6 months later, or a year later, we're not sure), so that our friends/family can join us there. Not for religious reasons, just to be able to share and celebrate, and do the declaring love thing. smile.gif

I like your idea of doing it in Canada first... I wish I could do it that way (I can't, for a million reasons, but it'd be nice... I say go for it)
ashenflowersFemaleCanada2009-09-14 01:41:00