ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaNew Canadian Passport Rules
That's great that they're dropping the guarantor policy. :D But I would be interested in how that'll affect us Canadians who are living outside Canada. Does that mean we're going to be using the long form still? Do we still need a proper guarantor for that? I know it's probably in there, but I didn't get clear info when reading that announcement.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-06-09 16:24:00
CanadaI want to go back
I know Bee and I want to eventually live in Canada. The issue is convincing Bee's family that we want to move back. :lol:
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-04 19:30:00
CanadaDS-156 Question - Packet 4 from MTL
Just to be safe, take the DS-156 and the DS-156K to the consulate unsigned - you can sign both in front of the consulate officer.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-07-31 11:19:00
CanadaDS-156 Question - Packet 4 from MTL
Usually the DS-156K needs to be signed in front of the consulate officer. I'd just fill out one online (since it's easier) and take it to you for your interview. I believe for MTL the DS-156 also needs to be completed online to generate the barcode as well.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-07-30 22:04:00
CanadaBooked, booked, booked
Good luck, Len! Knock 'em dead at MTL! :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-13 07:01:00
CanadaANYONE LIVE IN VANCOUVER????
I work downtown, and I'll be honest - it's starting to reek. -_-

Around English Bay seems to be pretty decent though, I think because the ocean gives off a bit of ventilation, so Stanley Park and the surrounding area should be good. Robson was also pretty decent, if you can avoid the overflowing garbage bins - and you'll be somewhat near Yaletown, so go to the Yaletown Brewing Company and have a pint or two with a pizza. :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-13 17:26:00
CanadaVancouver consulate review

Just wondering (for those of you who have already had your interview) What did you say when asked why you wanted to move to the US or why you chose US over another country to live?


I said that Bee was much closer to his family than I was to mine, and that because his parents weren't in great health we wished to be near them so that we could spend time together.

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone! :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-14 16:04:00
CanadaVancouver consulate review
Now that Bee's gone home and I've recovered from the weekend, I'll fill y'all in on what happened at the interview. :D

Folder contents:
  • Police certificate
  • Medical results (without x-ray)
  • Nini's birth certificate (original and photocopy), passport, and two passport photos (2x2")
  • Forms (two copies of DS-156, one copy of DS-156K, DS-230 pt. 1)
  • I-134 (with copy of tax return, bank statements and letters, paystubs)
  • Proof of engagement (itineraries, phone records, emails, boarding passes, receipts and credit card statements, photos)
  • Checklist, copies of NOAs, and copy of entire K1 petition mailed to USCIS
Bee also brought his wallet and passport, and the frilly polka-dot umbrella that we used to protect ourselves from the stormy weather. We parked at a little underground parking lot on Alberni and Thurlow, ate at the local Timmy's, then went on our merry, nervous way to the consulate.

We unfortunately got a little lost on the way, but when we got to 1095 W. Pender St, the security guard in the lobby directed us around the building to the side door. The consulate security guards let us through the door at about 12:45pm and we gave them the appointment letter and our passports to verify ID. There was a security check and scan, then up a flight of stairs to an elevator directed for our floor, then another security check and scan before we were allowed into the waiting / interview room.

In total there were about four of us waiting, and at about one o'clock we were all called up in the order we'd arrived to present our documents. The window booths are next to the waiting area so we could all hear what was going on with each person. Basically we had to present everything but the evidence to the consulate officer and he was to prep it for the interview. The officer had a checklist which he filled out as we passed each document to him. The officer opened my medical results and commented on the way that the medical examiner had stapled my passport picture to the documents, which had several staples running across my face - I was so stressed out I couldn't even laugh at how ridiculous it looked. Bee had to sort out the I-134 for the officer because the bank documents were out of order and the pay stubs weren't necessary. After looking at my original birth certificate he returned it to me (and kept the photocopy), then told us that I would be fingerprinted and interviewed at two o'clock.

Around that time we were each called around the corner to get our fingerprints scanned, then we had our interviews with one of the two consulate officers available. Overall the consulate officer was extremely friendly and it took about ten minutes to go over the questions he had:
  • Where did you meet?
  • How long have you known each other?
  • How did you first meet in person? What other trips did you take after that?
  • Did you feel nervous or averse flying across the country to meet someone you met online?
  • Why do you want to marry your fiance?
  • Is your family okay with the cross-cultural differences?
  • Does his family approve?
  • Why are you moving to the States?
He asked to see the photos that I'd brought with me, and then he said we were approved and I could pick up my passport and package the next day at 2:30pm. I was so relieved that in the hallway, I turned to Bee and said Borat-esque, "High five!"

On Wednesday I went to pick up the package with Bee and encountered a huge lineup at the consulate door - I guess that's around the same time that everyone goes to pick up their various visas. Luckily I asked the security guard and she said I was allowed to bypass the line, so she let me dash upstairs while Bee waited outside with my purse. The consulate officer gave me my passport with the 6 month expiry date and my huge white envelope with the bold warning on the front about letting Homeland Security open it at a US POE. Now it's slightly wrinkled because I hugged that thing all the way home. :lol:

In terms of moving, it'll probably be at the latter half of the six month expiry date than anything - I've got a couple of student loans which I'd like to chip away at before I cross over and start the whole AOS/EAD/job search game, so the estimated POE date is January. We are both extremely unhappy about the prospect of being separated for another five months, so depending on how things go in the next few months the date may be bumped up earlier. I'm already looking forward to oatmeal for a few months. :whistle:
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-13 08:23:00
CanadaDocumentation from the Bank for I-134

I'm worried about this too. I keep Very little money in the bank. Most of my money is in a brokerage account with Vanguard. I was able to get them to send me official statements (since I receive only electronic ones). But do they even care what is in our bank if we are above the 125% guideline?


Bee didn't have very much in the bank, but he was also above the 125% guideline. We only used the bank statements and letters as support for the I-134 since Bee was pretty close to the guideline.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-14 18:21:00
CanadaDocumentation from the Bank for I-134
Bee got written statements from a bank officer which listed the date the account was opened and what the current account balance was, and the bank also supplied a deposit/withdrawal history of the past 12 months.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-14 15:26:00
CanadaCareer change at 33.
You're never too young to gain a new career!

I think honestly, a lot of us are in the same boat - not really satisfied with their degrees or their careers, needing a new change etc. The most important part is recognizing that and taking the steps to move on. So you're not alone, Stacey33. :)

At any rate, Caladan mentioned evening classes at a local college. Looking for a six-week program in your field of interest would also help - and there's always online courses too!
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-14 13:16:00
CanadaGotcha you...
Congratulations and good luck! :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-14 12:27:00
CanadaThe Move...
Yay! Congrats on your move!
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-13 16:48:00
CanadaVisa Denied
Ron and Sharon, my best thoughts to you both. I hope everything gets sorted out.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-13 08:25:00
CanadaI went to a bridal shower yesterday...

Tell me about it. Planning a wedding on each coast with a Chinese mother and a Jewish mother-in-law is a world of interesting in itself. ;)


My sister had the same problem. What they ended up doing was 2 receptions... a big Portugese one the night of the wedding and then a big Chinese banquet the week after. They could not get married in her (now ex) husband's church though as she's not Catholic so they did the ceremony at a Unitarian church.

I, on the other hand, had none of that. Got married on a visit, no witnesses, nothing. I didn't even dress up. :D


I'm quite tempted to tell both of them that we're eloping on a sunny island somewhere in the Caribbean. The hassle of two weddings is silly. :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-15 16:01:00
CanadaI went to a bridal shower yesterday...

Everyone has an opinon about something when it comes to weddings!


Tell me about it. Planning a wedding on each coast with a Chinese mother and a Jewish mother-in-law is a world of interesting in itself. ;)
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-14 16:07:00
CanadaI went to a bridal shower yesterday...
14 bridesmaids? I don't know if I'll even have more than two! :lol:

That bridal shower sounds really dreamy, but way too fancy. What would I do with "every day wine glasses" vs "fancy wine glasses" when I don't even like wine? :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-13 16:47:00
CanadaWahoo the CDN dollar is dropping!!!!

Weee! I am excited about this....I need to pay off my CDN student loans using U.S. funds, and I want to make the most on it, lol!!


Amen to that!
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-15 16:02:00
CanadaYAY! interview in the U.S.
Congratulations, Delicia! Crossing my fingers for you! :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-15 15:35:00
CanadaGood Luck Amy and Brian
Good luck! *crosses fingers*
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-15 02:00:00
CanadaIR1 interview

Then asked why anyone in the US would want to hire an archaeologist-hubby told him.


:lol: I bet your hubby sure told him!

Congrats, thermophile!
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-15 15:44:00
CanadaThe only Dr in Sask quit!!

if ur going to do the medical the same day as the interview, get there damn early!! There is a post on here, where some one did it the same day!! I belive its on a first come first serve basis (medical) I think that poster was there around 6 am?????


I was there by 5.45am and was done at around 8-ish. Got to pick up at about 2 o'clock :)
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-17 12:57:00
CanadaPlease send me good vibes
For the most part I find it absolutely hilarious that all these fees have to be paid in sections - sure, it helps to save for the next round, but then you have to remember to pay this check at this time for this form at this place...

I feel for you guys and all these ridiculous loopholes. It totally feels sometimes like we've been punished for doing things the proper legal way. :(
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-17 13:20:00
CanadaThe "Where are they?" thread
I'll most likely hang around here once I get my GC - where else can I get my forum trolling and Canadian nostalgia from? :lol:
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-15 18:21:00
CanadaWhere to go dress shopping in Vancouver
Zioni (on Robson St or Oakridge Mall) has some dresses, but they tend to run to the extreme funky. happy.gif

Otherwise, Zara (also on Robson St) is a good place to start, and their prices are quite reasonable too.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-19 21:30:00
CanadaKids in the Hall
QUOTE (misa @ Aug 18 2007, 10:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Chicken Lady is awesome... especially when she goes back to her old house... *giggles*


That was so hilarious. laughing.gif

And don't forget "girl drink drunk"!

Edited by Nini & Bee, 19 August 2007 - 09:28 PM.

~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-19 21:28:00
CanadaHow to explain...what CEGEP is...
QUOTE (mwinburn @ Aug 20 2007, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
An Associates Degree (never heard them broken down as AA or AS) doesn't really matter much. You won't find a job asking for it, nor will you find it gets you preferential treatment.


You mean, I won't get Bill Gates' job? But my professor at college told me I could! mad.gif laughing.gif
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-21 01:50:00
CanadaHow to apply for EI...
This is good to know! biggrin.gif
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-20 14:25:00
Canadavacation time
Have a great trip! Enjoy the Timmy's! biggrin.gif
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-21 15:27:00
CanadaIs this the most recent I-134?
The USCIS.gov site keeps the most recent editions of forms, as far as I know. smile.gif
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-21 19:56:00
CanadaDeath in the family
I hope things work out with the emergency AP. My thoughts go to you and your wife's family during this sad time. *hugs*
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-17 01:36:00
CanadaA well deserved kudos...
Here, here! *big hugs*
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-23 12:51:00
CanadaOMG I'M HOME
Welcome home! biggrin.gif
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-23 12:52:00
CanadaUS Dollar Accounts at Canadian Banks
flames, is there a setup charge associated with this, or a monthly fee?

I tried using their demo and that was a bit confusing, but I'm hoping there's a better tutorial. unsure.gif
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-24 14:45:00
CanadaUS Dollar Accounts at Canadian Banks
QUOTE (dearheart @ Aug 24 2007, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I would need to open a "Day to Day" personal account and then I would be able to open the RBC Access USA account which would then link me to a Royal Embassy Checking Account with Centura.


That's right. From what I read off the info package that the financial officer gave me, it's a required component of the RBC Access USA package to have an account in Canada.

My main concern (still) is the fact that I won't be able to deposit checks easily around Bee's area - but if so, a $2 fee is better than nothing!

I would love to know more about Customhouse though - I know flames is a huge supporter of it, but how do you get that set up, and what have people's experiences been like?
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-24 13:06:00
CanadaUS Dollar Accounts at Canadian Banks
Curiously, how hard is it to transfer money into the Centura account if a branch isn't near you? I guess that's more of a general question than anything, but I'm just concerned about receiving cheques from work or transferring money from our (eventual) joint account to the Centura account.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-08-21 23:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT
I'd suggest checking the poverty guidelines to see whether you'll be above the minimum for support. For a 3 person household I'm not sure what it is, but I don't think it's as high as 77k.
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-07-13 01:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionThe journey continues...
I hope everything works out. Good luck!
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-07-13 01:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview
Hee, expect to wait for at least an hour before hearing back from your fiance. Congrats and good luck!
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-07-12 18:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion383 days
Congrats, Kym. You definitely deserve it. :D
~Nini~FemaleCanada2007-07-13 01:17:00