ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAnybody know anyone who has a NEXUS pass?
QUOTE (She-Ra81 @ Oct 26 2007, 01:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Married_my_love @ Mar 28 2006, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just wondering if I applied for one of these for the Port Huron/Sarnia back-n-forths if I'd get denied cuz of immigration pending....... ?

Would be kinda neato not to have to explain myself every time I drove in to canada.



Today my valuable nexus pass was "confiscated" by the US Border Patrol 'cuz they said I had a pending immigration application to live in the USA (plus I had just quit my job etc etc). I was soo pissed cuz I voluntarily went to their office to update my info with my new married name & passport number! Boy it sucks to be honest!! Canadian side no issues just the U.S.

So just warning any of u in the same position as myself that they can easily take back your nexus privilidges at any time or when u most need it! Why do they make it so tough to be with your family in America??!?!?! i hope they still "allow" me to visit my hubby south of the damn border! mad.gif


Oh wow - good thing we didnt apply for Mary to get one!

I love my NEXUS card. It rocks. I rarely get hassles at the border, but a few times of being held up for an hour is enough to pay for the NEXUS.

We were going to wait until Mary has her GC to apply for a NEXUS card - but when I went there they were all so nice and said if anything changes (my passport, my citizenship status, my drivers license) that I should just stop by the office and they'll rescan the new documents.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-10-26 10:19:00
CanadaDual Citizenship
QUOTE (MarilynP @ Nov 7 2007, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just bring along the marriage certificate when traveling....


Good note about the marriage cert. I suppose it would be best if we updated her CA Passport to match her GreenCard.

QUOTE (Len_and_Bren @ Nov 7 2007, 07:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just a reminder when it comes to timelines: for her to attain a US passport she will have to have US citizenship.


Yep - I forgot how long that takes, I got a little ahead of myself. Becoming a citizen is very important to her. She wants to be able to vote and participate in the country that is her new home.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-07 19:01:00
CanadaDual Citizenship
QUOTE (flames9 @ Nov 7 2007, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Like Misa Said,lol! Just because ur a Cdn Citizen doesn't mean ur entitled to Cdn health care! Once ur a non-resident of Canada, no more Cdn health care.


I know its based on residency - but she lives with her parents now. So I was thinking we might have a little time where shes still a "resident"

Which brings me to another question. US Passport says her married name (or it will), but the CA Passport would have her maiden name. Do we have to update her CA Passport right away? The different names is what I thought would raise eyebrows with traveling.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-07 18:44:00
CanadaDual Citizenship
I was thinking more or less health care stuff (in case we need health care in Canada). And really she just had worries, I was just double checking smile.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-07 17:42:00
CanadaDual Citizenship
QUOTE (warlord @ Nov 7 2007, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The only thing to decide is if you want to bring both passports with you on your visit to Canada (showing the Canadian one to customs there and then the US one to US customs on the way home) or just bringing in your US passport. That's the only delima there is.


Is that legal?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-07 17:11:00
CanadaDual Citizenship
According to what I know Mary can still retain her Canadian Citizenship. My friends family are all Duals (from what they told me)... and our ex-attorney told us the same thing.

Now I know there has to be some difficulties and she doesn't think it will be so easy.

How does it really work? What privileges does she loose?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-07 16:41:00
CanadaTax Question
The W4 only is for withholdings. If you put the exemptions at 2 on the W4 and there is little to none un-taxed income then she will pay less taxes on each check and it should be closer to the amount owed to the IRS. If its set to 0 then you should get more back at the end of the year.

If you are immigrating to the US I would say that you could only file a tax return in CA for yourself. It would be different if your wife and kids moved up to you. With out a SIN # I don't know how you could list them as a dependent regardless of marriage.

Again, I am just applying what I know of the US tax law to CA - you should talk to a tax professional up there when its time for you to file.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-12 15:21:00
CanadaTax Question
QUOTE (Earmuffs @ Nov 12 2007, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I guess I shouldve mentioned that the one son is hers and the other son we had together here in the US.

so I guess she file here for all of us and I file for all of us in CA.


Well did the kids live in CA? Do they even have a SIN #?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-12 15:12:00
CanadaTax Question
Sorry I missed some of your questions. If you dont make income you should still file taxes with your wife for the deduction benefit.

When you said claim - did you mean on income taxes or on the W4 on file with her employer ?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-12 15:10:00
CanadaTax Question
If they have SSN's I say claim the dependents (kids) since you are married..... when she did the K1 application its pretty much admitting that she plans to provide for the beneficiaries. Right? If filing jointly you will have a standard deduction of $10,700 for 2007. Form 1040 6a and 6b will be checked and you'll list the dependents below that. Adjusted gross income - deductions - $3400 per dependent = taxable income. Of course this is if you are not itemizing deductions and she doesn't make over 117k a year.

Now if you lived in CA for awhile and earned income and are filing taxes I say claim the dependents up there too if you did provide for them. The SSN and SIN #'s are different. Of course I am far from a tax professional in regards to Canadian tax law.

Edited by jonandmary, 12 November 2007 - 03:03 PM.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-12 15:02:00
CanadaHoneymoon question
QUOTE (Delicia @ Nov 13 2007, 07:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can go to Alaska too, I hear its wonderful in January!


I would be in big trouble if I suggested that!

We are going to Disney World but I would have much rather gone to Australia or Europe. But Disney World is going to be fun too and saves money. I just hope the weather cooperates ..... Florida in October should be pleasant and not blistering hot.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-14 10:37:00
CanadaFood stuff at POE
QUOTE (kimmbo @ Nov 11 2007, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Coffee Crisps


There are Timmy's in the US ... and I've seen Coffee Crisps in the stores here. Just started noticing them.

But on to subject, I have driven across with fruit, sandwiches, etc. I even flew with some special type of Italian salami. Each time I did tell them and they let me thru. I don't think its always super strict.

For that matter I've always say what I'm bringing over (small gifts and stuff) and have never had to pay duties into Canada.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-11 21:23:00
CanadaWeird (but nice) experience for a Canadian trying to get a SSN ;)
That is odd. In my plans I would like to try to follow the K1 flow chart on this site. Get the SSN in the maiden name, then the marriage license, and then with the marriage certificate get the name changed on the SSN and go to the DMV.

Good luck with the AOS!

Edited by jonandmary, 30 November 2007 - 10:34 AM.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-11-30 10:32:00
CanadaWhat are you guys doing for American income taxes?
QUOTE (thermophile @ Dec 11 2007, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If the Canadian makes less then $80k (outside of the US), I don't see any reason not to file jointly. You put both incomes in line 7(or there abouts) then deduct it all line 22ish with form 2555. So it's not a tax credit, but your US taxes are calculated as if both of you are living on the USC income. if you make more than that, you can probably afford to hire an accountant to help you out. my advice is only for those of us that are poor. happy.gif


The way I always thought about it - is if you are not a USC or Resident Alien and you don't work (can't legally anyways) that you don't file a tax return. I don't comprehend how the IRS would even keep track of a non-resident alien with out a SSN. If you are a Resident Alien it is just like you are a citizen to the IRS and you would have to claim income regardless of where you made it.

If you were living together and you could use the joint filing to work out you stated, and then take benefit of the added dependent as a tax break.

It's a tax credit because you are adding in the income made in CA, then counting the fact that taxes were already imposed on that income - nullifying the need for further taxation on the CAC's claimed income. I'm assuming they'd be at a lower tax rate in the US - even taxable income over 188k (joint) is at 33% which I imagine is less than what it would be up in CA.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-12-11 17:47:00
CanadaWhat are you guys doing for American income taxes?
QUOTE (G&A @ Dec 11 2007, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think you are correct. From what I understand, if we file jointly regardless of my residency I will be deemed to be a resident alien.

thanks for everyones help...what a mess!


I'm pretty sure too - I just threw in the EDIT because I re-read something and it looked like it also was assuming that you'd be a resident alien anyways by the end of the year.

I went through a few IRS publications to try to figure it out myself and I can't believe how crazy that is. I thought my taxes were complex being that I have a corporation, investments, property, etc.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-12-11 14:56:00
CanadaWhat are you guys doing for American income taxes?
If you file jointly, even though you are a non-resident alien you will be treated as a resident alien. Resident aliens are treated like Citizens in the fact that any (outside of US) is taxable. You would have to attach a statement to that effect.

EDIT - I TAKE THAT BACK ..... because you are not ending up as a resident by the end of 2007 it might change your eligibility.

Because of that I'd seriously recommend a competent tax professional. All of the sudden you are treated as something you are not so you are right in the fact that there is no clear cut answer to many things.

Besides your normal income is there any interest income or investments you would sell before moving?

Edited by jonandmary, 11 December 2007 - 02:01 PM.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2007-12-11 13:58:00
CanadaTheoretical Pre-Visa Entry Entrance Question
This is more for you couples living on border towns.

I have a friend in Detroit getting married around the time we think Mary will get her visa. I was thinking she could drive to Windsor from Toronto, and I would drive to Detroit from Chicago. I'd cross (using nexus) and pick her up. We'd leave her truck somewhere safe for the night. I'd cross over for the wedding with her (not nexus) and explain the situation. The next morning I'd cross back into Windsor to drop her off (not nexus) and just pull a quick U-turn back to Detroit and blast thru the nexus lane.

Is there anything wrong with my plan? Are any of the border officials going to get weird with me about making so many trips back and forth?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-01-30 00:21:00
CanadaIV @ MTL
Yes ... sorry .... "File".

sad.gif Sometimes I can't even get it straight. It's crappy that I have to view the ability for my future wife to live here as a petition, then a file, then a visa .... like its a little pet or something that will eventually grow up to be a green card.

Thanks wink.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-12 23:14:00
CanadaIV @ MTL
NVC sent out my Visa a week ago. I emailed IV @ MTL but they said NVC still had my file.

I don't want to bug / annoy them - buuuuuut I'd like to know when they get it and confirm everything is alright. Also wanted to see the average wait times now. I'd really hope to get an interview at least before the end of August.

Suggestions?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-12 16:26:00
CanadaMTL PK3 - Plz Confirm (sorry for the re-post)
QUOTE (Galateia @ Feb 20 2008, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I brought my DS-156 and DS-156k to my interview, I did not send it with Packet 3.


the letter said to 'please complete and return immediately the 230 Part 1 and the DS-156 in duplicate. It said to complete the DS156K - but nothing about sending it in.

Do we send in the forms right away and then the checklist after the medical exam? Or just send in the checklist with the forms?
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-20 20:36:00
CanadaMTL PK3 - Plz Confirm (sorry for the re-post)
QUOTE (itsallgreektome @ Feb 20 2008, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The only thing I would do is start to get the I-134 going. There maybe somethings that you will have to get right up to the last minute like most recent paystubs and maybe 2007 tax return. That's about it.


Thank you

She has a medical appointment on March 6th. I filled out the I-134, but things like my pay stubs and letters from my banks will be old info. I could do everything but the letters from the bank in 1 day.

I just want to make sure she can send the forms in with the checklist now before she has gone to her exam or get the record from the police.

Thanks!
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-20 15:51:00
CanadaMTL PK3 - Plz Confirm (sorry for the re-post)
I know there are packet 3 questions sprawled all over the site. I did a lot of reading last night.

Mary received the packet 3 and I just wanted to confirm a few things.

Mary is going to schedule a medical exam and get her police & immunization records.
Mary already has her long form of her birth certificate.
Mary is going to fill out (fill out pdf and print) (2) DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-230 (Part 1) and mail (xpresspost) them in with the checklist.

We'll then wait for the packet 4?

Sometime closer to the interview I'll get my 134/Support Affidavit ready?

If we don't get our packet 4 by the expiration date on the NOA2 I'll write MTL a friendly email asking them to be sure to extend it?

I've been over it a million times and I just want to make sure I didnt miss anything. It's very stressful and we need to send it in asap just in case we do have to wait 6 months for an interview. Thanks!
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-02-20 09:32:00
CanadaPassport photos for Medical
Paperwork said same as candian passport photos. Listing the sizes and the fact that it had to be 100% straight on - that any on an angle are not acceptable.

Walmart thought "US Visa" meant "US Passport" and gave Mary smaller ones at a very slight angle (new US passport photo req.)

She got them re-taken according to Canadian passport req.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-03 17:38:00
CanadaMedysis Review
Mary had her medical exam last Thursday and she wrote this review ...

QUOTE
Review for Medysis Health Care on St. Claire Ave West.

Appointment Date: Thursday, March 6 @ 12:45

Total Cost: $377, plus $15 parking (I believe the parking only accepts cash)

Arrival
I arrived at 12:20 and spoke to the girl at reception. Her name was Hazel and she was very friendly. Before we went into anything, she asked me if I had my passport, letter stating case number and 3 photos dated 30 days prior to that date. I said yes. She asked me to fill out a form in the waiting room across from the elevators.

First Form
The form about my medical history, it contained the following categories:
* Cardiology
* Pulmonary
* Neurology & Psychiatry
* Obstetrics & STDs
* Endocrinology & Hematology
* Allergies – eggs, yeast, gelatin
* Other – leprosy, chicken pox, ever smoked, do you smoke now?
This form doesn’t take long to fill out. I handed the form back to the receptionist and she notifies another lady that I’ve completed it.

After First Form
My name was called about 20 minutes after I handed in the form. The lady took me into a room next to the waiting room and asked me to give her the letter with our case number on it, the three photos, and the passport. She said she will hand the passport back to me at the end of the exam when I go to pay. She had me write my name on the back of each photo. She had me sign a consent form that I know what the purpose of this medical exam is. I also signed an acknowledgement form stating I am aware they are taking blood to test for HIV. She also gave me a requisition form for a chest x-ray which has to be taken at another building, just a block away. (Details to follow) She gave me a bottle and asked me to give her a urine sample, bring the bottle back, and sit in the waiting room. After dropping the urine sample off, I waited almost an hour before being called by a nurse.

Nurse Calls My Name
She took me into a room and asked me to remove my coat. Here, she had me read from an eye chart (20/20 with my glasses on!!) She wasn’t the best at drawing blood, but another nurse came in, her name was Susan. She was very helpful and gentle. She drew from the other arm because the first lady screwed up on the first one. The first one had dark red hair and a thick accent. Didn’t like her too much. Susan left, and the first nurse took my weight and height. Then she lead to me to another office where Susan was to administer the vaccinations.

Nurses Office
Susan asked for my vaccination records and informed me that the shot which I had taken at my family doctor on Monday was NOT the correct shot. I got diphtheria and tetanus shot with my family doctor… the US Immigration wants diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough. This vaccine IS covered by OHIP, but Medysis charges $40. IF you plan to get your shot at your family doctor, make sure they give you the right one. I decided NOT to get the whooping cough vaccine at the Medysis, I’d rather get it for free from my doctor. I’ve made an appt to see my doctor this week.

I turn 26 next month, so that means I am forced to take the Gardisil shot. They charge $165 for the first shot. The second shot has to be taken 2 months after the first. The third shot has to be taken 6 months after the first. I experienced ZERO side effects after the shot.

She led me into an examination room and told me that the doctor will be in shortly. She asked me to undress and put the robe on.

The Doctor
His name was Dr. Site (I’m spelling it wrong.) He was nice, respectful, and gentle… but he barely made eye contact with me. He poked my throat and neck two or three times and said “ok good.” Then he put the stethoscope to my back and asked me to take a few deep breaths, “ok good.” Looked in my ears and eyes for 2 seconds, “ok good” Asked me to lay down. He covered my legs with another robe and pulled the one I was wearing up to just under my breasts. He told me he was going to listen to my heart. He slid the stethoscope under the robe and listened. Then he said there are two more things: breast examination and take a look under the bottom robe. Breast examination took all of 15-20 seconds. He asked if I had any history breast cancer in the family. Then he asked me to put my knees up and politely asked me to open my knees… this lasted 3 seconds.

“Ok good” He told me the examination was over and I could get dressed. He reminded me to take my chest x-ray (like I’d forget) and to visit reception to get my passport. I checked the time when he left, it was 2:20.

Reception
Receptionist gave me back the passport and asked if I was going to come back to pick up the results, or if I would like them couriered out. I opted for the courier.
This is the breakdown on my receipt:
Exam: 105
HIV Blood work: 50
Chest X-Ray: 35
Courier: 20
Gardisil: 165
TOTAL: 377.25

Driving to the X-Ray Building: It is located at 1849 Yonge Street.
I asked how to get to the x-ray place, and they said once you exit the parking lot to turn right on the St. Claire… BUT, there’s a sign up that you can’t make a right turn. What I did was just drove straight through the lights, turned around back down, and made my left on to St. Claire. Same thing. Turn left on to Yonge Street, it will be on the RIGHT side. Huge building with a huge blue sign and white lettering that says “1849 YONGE STREET.” Stick to your right.

I parked at a street called BALLIOL STREET just around the corner that has free one-hour parking. It’s honestly not a far walk at all.

They are on the Lower Level, in Room 6. It’s called Edward Street Radiology.

Getting the X-Ray
Receptionist was sweet as pie. Filled out a quick little form, name, address, Health Card Number. I was called in within 10-15 minutes. She asked me to take my shirt and bra off and put a robe on. I finished changing and the doctor came out and told me enter the room. Had me face a wall where this white rectangle was, made me press myself up against it with my arms out of the photo. Zapped the image, then told me to relax. He asked me to wait until the proof came up to make sure it was a clear shot. Everything came out clear, so he said I could leave. I was finished at 3:15pm.

jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-08 17:17:00
CanadaMTL / Gardasil?
Almost another week goes by with out a response.

I'm just going to wait for the interview date and go from there.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-20 15:09:00
CanadaMTL / Gardasil?
We have been told by Medisys that only the first is needed. That it happens "all the time". I faxed MTL last week after not hearing back from my email. If I dont receive a response I'll just drop it and hope for the best. If I do hear a response I will post it up as soon as I get it.

Thanks everyone,
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-17 09:50:00
CanadaMTL / Gardasil?
QUOTE (TheATeam @ Mar 14 2008, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I got my reply from the Vancouver consulate today. Needless to say, I'm about ready to cry. I don't understand why it's like this!



No word from MTL - I just sent them a fax. Even if we get the shots a week or two early each time she would be ready in August.... but they told us an interview would be possible in June. I dont want to get denied in June because the last shot will happen in August.

As long as Mary can move in September we will be happy and good. But since this process started we've been stressed and frustrated.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-14 16:24:00
CanadaMTL / Gardasil?
Wrote MTL a week ago ... no word back yet sad.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-14 11:21:00
CanadaMTL / Gardasil?
Yes ... everyone I have talked to is shocked that it is required.

I have read that the immunizations are not required until AOS - but I've read on VJ that Canada is different and it is required for the Visa.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-07 13:58:00
CanadaMTL / Gardasil?
Mary had her medical exam today. They told her she had to have the Gardasil. The first shot was $160. She'll get her second shot in a few months. The third shot is due in 6 months tho.

I think we'll have our interview in June or July ......

Have we figured out if all 3 shots are required before the interview?

Oh, and she is going to be 26 in 2 months... they said she needed it. She'd have to be 27 for them to let her pass without it.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-07 13:30:00
CanadaHow long to receive Packet 4?
They havnt responded to my emails for the past 2 weeks in regards to vaccinations - so thats why I didn't email them in this case. I will tho - just to try it.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-24 12:41:00
CanadaHow long to receive Packet 4?
We sent the packet 3 back 3 weeks ago.

Just curious.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-24 11:39:00
CanadaInterview!!
I just realized I said a month ahead of - I meant "a month later".
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-27 12:59:00
CanadaInterview!!
Good news - we sent out packet 3 back a month ahead of you. That would put us in June hopefully for an interview. Which is good. I'd love a July interview date.

Much Luck!
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-26 20:43:00
CanadaPacket 3 to interview date in MTL
QUOTE (melusine @ Apr 1 2008, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
it would be very strange, if you look liz spreadsheet that there would be no interview in april or may.....
I strongly want to believe that jonandmary (you guyz are the first waiting for a date) will get their date in approx 10 days and their interview perhaps end of april.
This is my bet !


1 more week no answer. I'm about 40 days since mailing the Packet 3 back sad.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-04-09 12:14:00
CanadaPacket 3 to interview date in MTL
We sent ours back at the end of Feb. At that time MTL told us approx 4 months until we would get an interview. With other time lines and what MTL has said (and havn't said) we are expecting to have our interview in June. We are in the same boat, we'd love a late July interview - but we dont control the dates sad.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-03-31 22:41:00
CanadaDays Inn Downtown Montreal
We booked at the Courtyard Marriott on 410 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest.....

There were not too many hotels right by the embassy according to the maps I was looking at. Some of the hotels were also crazy expensive. huh.gif
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-04-15 15:48:00
CanadaI'm Illegal...apparently
You indicated that you were not a USC? I remember I had a problem with a question, and answered a certain way. They denied me. I called them, they explained it and I mailed something back stating that I really meant to answer the other way.

Really I'm sure they just tried to look up your info and couldn't find anything. It's not like they are building the space shuttle in Springfield wink.gif

Give them a shout an explain your situation.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-05-09 07:38:00
CanadaMTL Interview Review (Approved)
QUOTE (liz_legend @ May 21 2008, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
sweet!
when are you moving?


I'm moving to the new house in June, Mary will be around to help.

We are going to move Mary from Toronto Labor Day Weekend, so she'll be moved in September 1st.

Wedding is October 11th. We fly out shortly after for our Honeymoon in Disneyworld.
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-05-21 17:30:00
CanadaMTL Interview Review (Approved)
visa came today
jonandmaryMaleCanada2008-05-21 15:44:00