ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (redmen99 @ Sep 30 2009, 05:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Sep 30 2009, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (redmen99 @ Sep 30 2009, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 30 2009, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's cool that grocery stores and Targets (some not all) sell alcohol, but that makes their selection suck.
I LOVE the LCBO.
I don't really drink, but I like going in there just to look around at all the stuff they have.

And I like how the Beer Store has everything on their walls laughing.gif


I will never forget the first time my hubby took me into the LCBO or the Beer Store. I nearly fell over when I saw the prices! I know he took me in there just to get a laugh!

I'm really hoping he doesn't have a hard time transitioning into living in the states. He has stayed with me alot over the course of our relationship. He had a great working schedule where he would work 5 days and be off for 5 days so on his days off he would drive the 8 hours and visit with me even if I was working. We even got to see The Tragically Hip at a very small venue in Philly and was so excited to finally see them because "you'd never get tickets in Toronto for a place like this". So he knows my area pretty well and how to get into the city if he wants to explore. He is an explorer at heart and likes to venture off the beaten path to see things so I really don't think it will be an issue for him. His family is scattered between Montreal and New Brunswick so he never really sees them all that much anyway and his/our friends, well, that's only an 8 hour drive away to Toronto for us. good.gif

Reading this thread and the VJ boards in general I'm realizing how lucky we are that we never minded that 8 hour drive back and forth and that no matter what happens and who moves where, I think we will both be comfortable wherever we are as long as we have each other. Now if only we can get there... . whistling.gif


Hey, we're close! I'm in Huntingdon Valley smile.gif


How cool! good.gif I used to work in Huntingdon Valley! Beautiful area. Now I work in Fort Washington.. smile.gif


Oh nice! Yeah I love it here, it's a great neighborhood. It actually really reminds me of the town I lived in back home, Oakville ON so it makes me feel more at home smile.gif and I like being a quick commute into the city as well!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 16:57:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (redmen99 @ Sep 30 2009, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rhiann @ Sep 30 2009, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's cool that grocery stores and Targets (some not all) sell alcohol, but that makes their selection suck.
I LOVE the LCBO.
I don't really drink, but I like going in there just to look around at all the stuff they have.

And I like how the Beer Store has everything on their walls laughing.gif


I will never forget the first time my hubby took me into the LCBO or the Beer Store. I nearly fell over when I saw the prices! I know he took me in there just to get a laugh!

I'm really hoping he doesn't have a hard time transitioning into living in the states. He has stayed with me alot over the course of our relationship. He had a great working schedule where he would work 5 days and be off for 5 days so on his days off he would drive the 8 hours and visit with me even if I was working. We even got to see The Tragically Hip at a very small venue in Philly and was so excited to finally see them because "you'd never get tickets in Toronto for a place like this". So he knows my area pretty well and how to get into the city if he wants to explore. He is an explorer at heart and likes to venture off the beaten path to see things so I really don't think it will be an issue for him. His family is scattered between Montreal and New Brunswick so he never really sees them all that much anyway and his/our friends, well, that's only an 8 hour drive away to Toronto for us. good.gif

Reading this thread and the VJ boards in general I'm realizing how lucky we are that we never minded that 8 hour drive back and forth and that no matter what happens and who moves where, I think we will both be comfortable wherever we are as long as we have each other. Now if only we can get there... . whistling.gif


Hey, we're close! I'm in Huntingdon Valley smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 16:41:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (redmen99 @ Sep 30 2009, 04:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Sep 30 2009, 03:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
PA is much like Ontario, they have a liquor control board.


This is true, but they are starting to sell beer in certain supermarkets, but under bar rules, which means you can purchase up to 2 six packs at a time. So if you need more, you take your purchase to the car and go back in for more. There is one market by me in Lansdale that has that, and I got a flyer in the mail recently about a Wegmans opening up in Collegeville soon that will have a restaurant where you can buy beer to drink in the store and I believe for take out as well.

Right around the corner from where I live I have a "drive through" beer distributor. I took the hubby through it once and he just looked like a little kid at Christmas. You mean you just tell them what you want, they go get it and put it in the car for you, you pay and leave and there's no line? REALLY? That's so cool! All I could say is, um yeah and I looked at him like he had 3 heads. Then I realized I grew up with places like this and since Ontario has nothing even remotely like this its going to be new and different for him. So now when he gets like that I just smile, chuckle a bit, wink at him and call him a nutbar.


COOL, beer at Wegmans!! kicking.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 15:49:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (Marilyn. @ Sep 30 2009, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
most every grocery store sells booze here...


Not in PA, that would be nice. I miss Quebec for that same reason
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 14:58:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (raymaga @ Sep 30 2009, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My first few months were probably the easiest.... due to the fact that everything was new and seemed exciting.

I am finding it harder and harder the longer I am here. I have lived in the U.S. for 5 years now and I still miss my family and friends in Canada terribly. It definitely ISN'T the same when I go back to visit as it was when I lived there.

Thankfully, my husband and I plan to move back to Canada in about 6 years when my husband retires early.

On the positive side, I love the cheaper groceries, liquor, car insurance, etc.

I miss Tim Horton's terribly!!!


You love the liqour here? I've had the opposite experience. I really miss the LCBO and Beer Store. The Beer Store sells beer, LCBO liqour. Here, I can never find coolers, etc. they are at the beer store mad.gif I still cannot figure out where to buy my booze laughing.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 14:33:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (trailmix @ Sep 30 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think that's the thing. Having moved to a few different countries, when you are 'different' they don't expect you to know anything laughing.gif People hear your accent and they try to help you out!

Now i'm sure that's not true for all immigrants, especially if English is your second or third language and you are struggling with that a bit, however here we have a lot of immigrant organizations to help with things. Can you imagine if a Canadian showed up at an American immigrant center? laughing.gif - one of your should try that!


rofl.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 11:46:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
You know one thing that's changed with me.... at the beginning, when people find out you're from Canada, and they ask (seriously) ridiculously stupid questions like, "Do you get summer there", or "do you have to hunt for food", etc. it used to humour me.... I thought it was quite funny.... now, after almost a year, it really bothers me and almost offends me, that there are so many stupid, ignorant fools around
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-30 11:41:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
Sombercat: he likes Dunkin Donuts!? ohmy.gif

hehehehe.

I agree with you about women being more close to family, emotional, etc. I think men, in general, don't keep as close contact with their families when they move out. My husband calls his Mom maybe once a week, if that, whereas even when I lived 10 mins away from my Mom, we chatted several times per day. My male cousins rarely call me aunt, she can go weeks on end without hearing from them. I think it's fair to say men may get less homesick then women do.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-29 12:20:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
As for food items and different brands, I've been pretty lucky finding most things I want. Of course I always bring back my HFCS free salad dressing, Shreddies, chips & wine gums from home, but got so lucky with Wegmans (sorry Krikit). They have a large import section and sell so much stuff from home, it makes me happy to shop there!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-29 07:43:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Sep 28 2009, 03:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Sep 28 2009, 03:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know that if I had moved in with the in-laws, things would have been alot worse. I was not willing to live with the in-laws, period. I know some people have to for money issues, which I understand but I would have put off the move, saved more, etc. if it came down to that. I think when you start out in a marriage, and a new country, things are crazy enough without having in-laws around. That's just how I feel though, my in-laws live in a zoo and are so different from me and my lifestyle, going over for an afternoon is plenty enough. After one afternoon I seriously cannot wait to leave and come home to our place!!


For us it's really been ideal. We've saved a lot of money BUT, and this is a big BUT, my in-laws are very quiet, mind their own business (for the most part) people. They leave us alone and help us when we need it. They want us to stay until after our wedding next year so we can save even more money but we're ready to leave so that's not happening... If my inlaws were louder or more invasive, I think we would've re thought our move completely for sure. Another thing that my husband was adament on was me having other people around when I got here. He didn't want me to be alone all day. Which, in hindsight I completely agree with him. I bonded really well with my sister-in-law who is 18 and lived at home. We had a blast all summer lounging around the house watching tv, going to the beach, shopping and such. If I was in an apartment alone, we would've have had a chance to bond. It's definitely a personal choice though for sure!


You are really lucky to have such nice and quiet in-laws! I'm happy it has worked out well for you. and you guys can save up while you're there! Mine, well they are generally nice people. But they have so many loud animals, they have a disabled son with very high needs and the house is always so LOUD. People are shouting (not in a bad way, they just talk loud) and it's, um, very messy whereas I am a clean freak and I would go NUTS living there! There are dishes piled in the sink at all times, the bathroom is icky, and they have very different opinions that I do (think strong Republicans) so alot of the conversations they have... oh boy!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-28 15:00:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
I know that if I had moved in with the in-laws, things would have been alot worse. I was not willing to live with the in-laws, period. I know some people have to for money issues, which I understand but I would have put off the move, saved more, etc. if it came down to that. I think when you start out in a marriage, and a new country, things are crazy enough without having in-laws around. That's just how I feel though, my in-laws live in a zoo and are so different from me and my lifestyle, going over for an afternoon is plenty enough. After one afternoon I seriously cannot wait to leave and come home to our place!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-28 14:48:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
One thing that doesn't really have anything to do with homesickness, or maybe it does - I have yet to get used to, and don't think I ever will, how many close minded, ignorant, racist, etc. people I meet down here. In Canada, of course there is discrimination but to a much lesser extent. Here, the things I see and hear, shock me. I really don't like that about this country, and I truly miss Canada's culture and open-mindedness
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-28 12:32:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
I adjusted surprisingly really, really well.... I expected to be homesick and cry alot, and I didn't.... of course, I have bouts of homesickness that come and go, and have had maybe 2 REALLY bad days where I've been in tears.... but I truly expected it to be ALOT worse. I've adjusted better than I ever thought I would, even my family was surprised. They expected lots of teary phone calls back home, and there have been none. I'm not sure why it's gone so well.... I have an extremely supportive hubby, have been back home 4 times in 10 months, have a vehicle to get around and explore so I don't feel trapped, and have made a few friends smile.gif

I wouldn't do anything different, I don't think. At all! Everything has been quite smooth. I've been so lucky star_smile.gif

QUOTE (Rob and Mel @ Sep 28 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But i've lived almost my entire life in the U.S. and this thread doesn't pertain to me. Can I talk about the big truck with llamas or maybe they were alpacas that was in front of my car on this mornings commute?


Maybe you can talk about how Mel has adjusted to life in the US....

Edited by JillA, 28 September 2009 - 12:22 PM.

JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-28 12:23:00
CanadaAP & GC Question???
You will be fine. The exact same thing happened to me. I left for Canada, got my GC approval via e-mail when I was in Canada (I was there for 2 weeks). So when I crossed back on my AP, my GC had already been issued/mailed as I got it a few days after I got home. There was no mention of it at the border, the AP was fine. I mean you don't have it, so what can you do! Have to use your AP! Obviously next time, you use your GC and the AP can go in your souvenier pile LOL.

The story about your son is too funny! I don't know how you do the drive overnight, I find it too dark I would fall asleep. I have to do that drive in daylight!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-09 14:07:00
CanadaCDN/US exchange rate looking good
I have a lump sum to transfer, I saw the rate yesterday.... I think I'm gonna wait, I called Customhouse to increase my limit and they told me it's going to be at par by December most likely.... I think I'll take a chance!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-10 10:31:00
CanadaEver see a fatality from an accident?
That's so sad and disturbing to see that. I get upset seeing a deer at the side of the road, so a person would be so awful. The worst I ever saw was driving from Banff to Edmonton, we saw a family's car flipped over with blood on the road... you could tell there were kids involved as the toys spilled out onto the highway, bikes, etc. The people or bodies were gone by that point though. It was really sad.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-08 19:38:00
CanadaHow long have ou overstayed before filing?
QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 12 2009, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I understand what you're all saying and I have a couple things to reply, but, I still hear the bitterness in your words. So, I'm just going to take a break right here.

Thank you all for your input and I hope your situation all work out.

**edit

As far as the government program, my point was not to illicit sympathy, but when people say "you've been here illegally!" to me, it always sounds like they think I've been here living on thousands of dollars in a mansion. I have not. You want to make yourself feel better at my expanse, you go right ahead. I was raised in the real world, where No One, and I do mean No One does the legal right thing all the time. So to me it's just hypocrisy, like the person who wished so much bad things upon me, but that seems to identify as some kind of religious person.


No one does the legal right thing all the time? Really? So you can speak for all of us here? Actually, so you know, I have always done the legal right thing. And I can sleep at night without worry of repercussions. And I live in the real world
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-12 18:41:00
CanadaCountdown to Citizenship test/interview...
Congrats MISTY!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-13 17:59:00
CanadaThings you love/look forward to about America
So true everytime I go to Target I spend 80 bucks just like that, on nothing. I would miss Popchips, any of you tried those? They are awesome. And a healthy snack good.gif Sold at Target or Wegmans
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-08 19:44:00
CanadaThings you love/look forward to about America
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Oct 6 2009, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes the authentic Mexican food is awesome, I agree. biggrin.gif

There are so many things I would miss about here if I left, I know that for sure.


Me too biggrin.gif I'd miss Wegmans and Wawa like Nevada said. Also the milder winters here, more TV channel selections, cheaper food, yummy restaurants I've discovered, cheap books, Target, Trader Joe's. I think I'd miss Trader Joe's the most out of anything here!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-08 15:33:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 5 2009, 04:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 5 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is no K-1 to Canada.... for him to come to Canada, you must be married to sponsor him. They have no fiance visa



lol all we have to do is get married and he can just come here?


Umm no, it's not that simple LOL. If you want info on immigration to Canada, visit roadtocanada.ca


JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-05 15:08:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
There is no K-1 to Canada.... for him to come to Canada, you must be married to sponsor him. They have no fiance visa
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-05 14:46:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
I provided iteneraries, yup... that's secondary evidence, I guess boarding passes are best but if the itinerary has your name on it, that's cool! I also sent e-mails (G rated ones rofl.gif ) and lots of photos with the date and place written on the back....
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-02 14:46:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 1 2009, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh Peterborough to Montreal is only about 5, 6 hours tops by car!!



really? on a bus trip i took there once i swore it took 8 hours!


Oh I'm sure it did on a bus, they stop so many times!! But if you drove straight there, it would only be 5-6 hours
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 19:27:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
Oh Peterborough to Montreal is only about 5, 6 hours tops by car!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 19:19:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 01:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 1 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, if you are in Ontario, you will need to get to Montreal for the interview


yeah thats what i meant was montreal. thats 9 hours away i dont even know how i'd get there!


Train, car, plane, bus, etc. Immigration is very expensive sad.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 12:17:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
No, if you are in Ontario, you will need to get to Montreal for the interview
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 12:04:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 1 2009, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No you're not annoying, I was just as confused and overwhelmed to the immigration process when I started as well. If you and your BF both do some research here on VJ, read the guides, sample forms, timelines, etc. you can surely do this yourself with no lawyer. That's a fact, because many of us VJ did it with no lawyer. There is no reason why you can't too.

It's really up to the discretion of the BG to decide if you'll be let in... A return ticket is good, but not exactly proof enough you are coming back. After all, you could cancel the ticket or choose to skip the flight back. This is just my own opinion, and how I felt but don't you want to spend your last few months/year in Canada with family and friends who you'll be leaving? The transition of moving to a new country away from everything/everyone you know is incredibly hard. You won't know how hard it is until you do it, you cannot fully prepare yourself for the adjustment life will bring you.

How would you get mail from USCIS if you are in the US? Would your parents collect it for you?



Yeah my parents would collect all that information for me but i'm starting to think now me doing that would make things a bit more complicated in the end? What's the BG? im not quite familiar with that term yet. I think we'll probably skip the lawyer. I just dont want to go another 8 months on top of the 7 months that i haven't seen him and i thought that would be a good way to do it is to just go there for 5 or so months and maybe come back for the last of it? I know it will be a huuuge life changing thing, and im very ready for it the original plan was for him to come and live here but i had wanted to live in the US with him ..crazy eh?


Sorry, BG = border guard.

Yup, it's pretty crazy what we do for love laughing.gif

Just out of curiosity, what province are you in and where would you be moving to in the US?

JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 11:50:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
No you're not annoying, I was just as confused and overwhelmed to the immigration process when I started as well. If you and your BF both do some research here on VJ, read the guides, sample forms, timelines, etc. you can surely do this yourself with no lawyer. That's a fact, because many of us VJ did it with no lawyer. There is no reason why you can't too.

It's really up to the discretion of the BG to decide if you'll be let in... A return ticket is good, but not exactly proof enough you are coming back. After all, you could cancel the ticket or choose to skip the flight back. This is just my own opinion, and how I felt but don't you want to spend your last few months/year in Canada with family and friends who you'll be leaving? The transition of moving to a new country away from everything/everyone you know is incredibly hard. You won't know how hard it is until you do it, you cannot fully prepare yourself for the adjustment life will bring you.

How would you get mail from USCIS if you are in the US? Would your parents collect it for you?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 11:33:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 1 2009, 11:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.


He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.


Don't worry. First of all, you came to the right place. VJ is an excellent source of information, and many of us (myself included) did this entire Visa process from start to finish with NO LAWYER. Take some time, read the guides (above) and learn about the process. Yes, from the very beginning of the K-1 to the end takes longer than 5 months right now I'm afraid, it's not a quick nor easy process. Immigration isn't meant to be simple, I'm afraid. But try and be patient, and the time will come!

Well it is a physical, but they don't do an internal exam or anything if that's what you mean... they take a quick "peek" under your gown to ensure your female. They also do a breast exam. Since you are 19, you will be required to get the gardisil vaccination.




You have no idea how much i appreciate your help your pretty much my savior at this point thank you so much..i really didn't think it would take longer then that i was expecting 4-5 months thats a reallllly big letdown i'm so sick of waiting. If a lawyer is used doesn't that mean the process would be speeded up a bit? so another question, could i visit for six months while the process is happening? Six months is the time your allowed to visit right? 6 months of the calendar year or something like that? So could we file for the k1 and then i go visit him for six months while it happens?


No problem, that's what we are all here for. VJ will be a huge source of help to you.

Now, first of all - NO, a lawyer will NOT speed up your process. In fact, people who have used a lawyer have sometimes reported longer waits then those who do it themselves. Why? Because a lawyer doesn't pay as much detail in filling out the forms as you will, you can't control when the lawyer sends in the package, etc. Plus immigration is costly enough as it is, you really don't want to have to spend thousands more on a lawyer, do you? But of course, that is entirely up to you and your boyfriend.

It is a letdown, but the honest truth. It is hard to wait to be with the one you love, but think of the big picture. What's another 3-4 months in the long term? Really nothing, and that's just how it is right now.

Yes, you are technically allowed to visit for 6 months as a Canadian in the US. HOWEVER, when you enter the US you need to prove ties to Canada. The border guard will be very suspicious if you say you are going to visit for 5-6 months. How will they know you will return to Canada? What proof will you have? At your age (assumption here) you probably live with your parents? So you don't have a lease agreement, etc. Do you work? Would an employer be willing to give you a letter to state you are coming back to work? These are all things you need to think about. Also, you need to be present in Canada to do your medical, get the package from Montreal stating when your interview is, etc.

Bottom line is, you can definitely visit the US while your K-1 file is processing. However, you need to be prepared to answer some tough questions at the border (will you have a return ticket)? You don't want to get turned away, and you also don't want to risk an overstay. They WILL ask you at the interview what the longest is you've spent in the US

JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 11:03:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.


He was supposed to of started it last week he had a consult with a lawyer but everything got postponed so i had decided to come on here and look for information. sorry i forgot to mention that we'd be applying for the K1-visa. 8-12 months? that's horrible...and yeah i know i posted in the wrong area and im sorry but i just didn't know where to post. for the medical exam is it a complete physical?

thank you so much for responding your help it so appreciated.


Don't worry. First of all, you came to the right place. VJ is an excellent source of information, and many of us (myself included) did this entire Visa process from start to finish with NO LAWYER. Take some time, read the guides (above) and learn about the process. Yes, from the very beginning of the K-1 to the end takes longer than 5 months right now I'm afraid, it's not a quick nor easy process. Immigration isn't meant to be simple, I'm afraid. But try and be patient, and the time will come!

Well it is a physical, but they don't do an internal exam or anything if that's what you mean... they take a quick "peek" under your gown to ensure your female. They also do a breast exam. Since you are 19, you will be required to get the gardisil vaccination.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 10:42:00
CanadaNew Member - Need Help
QUOTE (kaylamarie @ Oct 1 2009, 01:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi guys...sorry if you get mad at me for posting in the wrong area..i'm sooo new to this but im about ready to pull my hair out and cry. my boyfriend and i have been dating for..2 years feb.24th but we've known each other longer. I'm moving there to the United States in Oregon (I'm a Canadian citizen he's American) I'm also 19, hes turning 21. please no comments about age . anyways how long estimate should this take? Just an estimation i would really love, from reading everyone's stories here my guess was about 5 months for everything to be done? does that seem right. anyways he's visited here twice once for two weeks, and again for 3 weeks. and being apart is just too hard (we've been apart for about 7 months) I was calm about all this before, but then reading things is really stressing me out. Anyways so my questions are.

1. what happens during the medical exam
2. estimate time of how long it takes

those questions are pretty different from each other but..those are just the little things i have to ask before i start hyperventilating lol.

Thanks.

-Kayla blush.gif


Kayla,

Maybe a mod can open a new discussion for you, as this is in the wrong area. Anyway, take a deep breath and relax. First of all, have you applied for a Visa yet? If so, what kind of Visa? Regardless, 5 months is too soon, you won't get approved that quickly. From start to finish, it can take from 8-12 months.

As for the medical, they take blood tests for HIV, and take your blood pressure, listen to your heart, take down your medical history, etc. It's pretty straighforward.

Welcome to VJ!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-01 08:46:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Oct 13 2009, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just wanted to update and let everyone know that I went home to Canada and was parolled back into the US with no problems yesterday at Pearson.

The main customs line wasn't busy, we walked right up after filling out the customs form and I-94. Then we waited about an hour in Secondary to be processed. They just took my fingerprints and photo, had be sit down and wait... and wait... and wait... and then they called me back up and told me I was ready to go and handed me back my passport with the I-94 stapled inside, boarding pass and AP document stamped. They kept one of the APs.

They actually never asked us any questions at all. Not even when we initially walked up, as soon as the guy saw my AP, he put everything in the yellow folder thingy and sent us along.

Anyways, hopefully I get my GC by Xmas so that we don't have to wait in Secondary again. We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare because I knew it would take awhile, so that kind of sucked. A lot of people were missing their flights because of the long wait and not being prepared so going there early definitely pays!


That's great! I told you it would be a breeze tongue.gif At least your hubby is reassured for next time if you need to use it, since he was mostly worried about it. The worst part is def waiting in secondary
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-13 17:16:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
QUOTE (Krikit @ Sep 23 2009, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's definitely gotten better. But I've gone back ever since. lol. I think I might be going back again. I'm not quite sure. Actually, now that I really explore that, I think I probably won't be able to handle it well if I don't go. It's also my daughter's birthday so it's like a double-whammy for me. Maybe I'd better go. lol


You should go then! Oakville is so beautiful that time of year luv.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-23 08:28:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
QUOTE (Krikit @ Sep 23 2009, 09:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ooops, sorry. sad.gif Me and my big mouth. lol

The first time I was here for Canadian Thanksgiving (before I moved here) I went out and bought a chicken and made a Thanksgiving dinner. My husband came home, ate, and didn't say anything. I guess I wanted him to acknowledge that it was Thanksgiving, but he didn't realize! laughing.gif I felt so sad and lonely. I swore I would never do that again.


Awww. Has it gotten better yet, are you going home this Thanksgiving
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-23 08:22:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
QUOTE (Krikit @ Sep 23 2009, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That is awesome, Sapphire! I totally agree with Jill. Using the AP is a process-pain only. I'm so glad you don't have to spend your first Thanksgiving in the US. It's too sad.


crying.gif I'm spending my first Canadian Thanksgiving here, it's gonna suck! I just got back, and I've been visiting home so much I can't go back again in a few weeks. But, I've decided to make a huge feast! All the foods my Mom makes for Thanksgiving, I'm going to make here so hopefully that helps a bit. I might even attempt a turkey, even though I don't even eat turkey wacko.gif I just want it to be a real thanksgiving!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-23 08:07:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Sep 22 2009, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So after speaking to my Mom tonight and thinking about this all day, I've decided to go home after all. I miss everyone and I know my family misses me.

I have a job now and am not really broke and my work let me have the day off without having to use my vacation/personal days.

So I'm just going to go. You only live once right.


YEAH, GO!! That's awesome, it'll be good to get back. And seriously, don't worry a bit about AP. It's honestly stress free, you have nothing to worry about.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-22 21:23:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
Using AP was sooo easy, I wouldn't cancel your plans to go home for Thanksgiving just because you're worried! I used mine at Queenston driving, and it couldn't have gone better for me smile.gif I only used it once as I had my GC the next time I went home. You have nothing to worry about, as you didn't overstay or delay filing AOS (that's when I hear you have troubles with AP) I agree the wording on the AP makes you a bit paranoid, as it did me but you would be perfectly fine if you use it
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-22 08:56:00
Canadahow DO people get by doing the A.O.S
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Oct 16 2009, 09:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I dunno I didn't find being apart was all that bad, after two years of marriage I sure could use some time apart now. laughing.gif


rofl.gif I TOTALLY agree with you
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-18 18:21:00
Canadahow DO people get by doing the A.O.S
QUOTE (thetreble @ Oct 15 2009, 08:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
....



rofl.gif Cute baby luv.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-10-15 19:23:00