ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaCanadian youth more adventurous than American youth
crying.gif I miss Peter Mansbridge too, and Lloyd Robertson... the news down here is so.... awful
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-29 20:57:00
CanadaCanadian youth more adventurous than American youth
QUOTE (trailmix @ Sep 25 2009, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CDAgirlMI @ Sep 25 2009, 04:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Both my fiance & I got passports because we had a relationship with each other & we had to get one to cross the border. Otherwise I don't think we'd get one. His mom recently got a passport because she wanted to come to my wedding shower in Ontario, otherwise I doubt she'd get one.

I don't know if this is a slight drift....

I find a lot of Americans DO NOT stay in the State they were born in. Some, not all. A lot of Americans I've met say they live in State "X", but originally from "O".


That could be said for Canadians too - "I live in Calgary, but i'm originally from Winnipeg" laughing.gif


Yup! "I live(d) in Oakville, but I'm originally from Montreal!"
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-25 19:45:00
CanadaCanadian youth more adventurous than American youth
I travelled alot within Canada growing up, spent many summers in Banff and PEI.

At the same time, I have travelled alot in Europe, and there is no comparision to the US (food, culture, etc). Even though the US is quite diverse, it cannot compare to spending a few months in Malta and touring Italy. It's just totally different.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-25 13:01:00
CanadaCanadian youth more adventurous than American youth
QUOTE (bowflex @ Sep 25 2009, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I actually agree with this too. From the time we're born Americans, for the most part, are told that the American dream is getting married, having kids, and buying that big house with the white picket fence. It was only in my last year of school (I graduated h.s. back in 1999) that the recycling programs even hit public schools and public buildings. Americans are definitely far more individualistic in everything we do than Canadians (*cough* healthcare *cough*).

Heck even living less than 40 minutes from the US-Canada border, I'm the only one of the people in my group of friends that even has a passport. It's weird but vacations or trips to most Americans is just a way to see more of our own country rather than going away and broadening horizons, at least for the most part.

As far as the public transportation, most American cities just weren't built with it in mind. Detroit have 'The Peoplemover' that goes to probably four places downtown and takes hours to get to anyway Lol.


That's one of the reasons we decided to have our wedding in the US instead of Canada.... literally none of my husband's friends have a passport, nor any of his family members.... and all of mine do, so it made more sense to have it here.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-25 10:26:00
CanadaCanadian youth more adventurous than American youth
I think that's true. So many Americans that I meet have never left this country. It's like they think America is the only place to be, go on vacation even (Florida is considered their vacation). On the other hand, growing up I travelled all over Europe, went on holidays to Central America, explored as much as I could. All of my friends did as well. Many Americans that I know don't even have a passport, and don't plan on getting one.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-25 08:34:00
CanadaI134 question
Read this thread re: importing car, the question was just posed a few days ago

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=211005
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-06 13:23:00
Canadawoking medical clinic
QUOTE (Quail @ Aug 6 2009, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i filled out the appointment request form for the medical in vancouver but I have a question.. at the bottom of the form it says "We will contact you within 72 hours with your appointment date.
Please do not send this form twice or contact us for confirmation until 72 hours have passed" .

Does that mean I won't know for sure that I have my appointment on the day that i want it until 3 days prior?


No, it means they will contact you within 3 days of you submitting your request
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-06 18:43:00
CanadaFavorite Things About Where You Live(d)?
Montreal, QC - The diverse culture of Quebec, all the delicious foods this province has to offer. Lots of beauty in this province too, and great skiing

Oakville, ON - Being so close to the Lake, going for walks around Bronte Harbour and all the wonderful trails to go hiking at. The little shops in downtown Oakville. Also being near Toronto and enjoying all the ethnic food

Philly, PA - Proximity to NYC, Jersey Shore, great shopping. I'm sure over the years I'll learn to love more about this city but I haven't been here long enough yet
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-06 14:00:00
CanadaAOS package sent
Good luck with your AOS! It looks like lately, AOS approvals are coming much quicker than before. So hopefully you get lucky smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-07 16:00:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
QUOTE (minnew @ May 28 2009, 08:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
APPROVED!!! VISA IN HAND!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif


Congrats!! kicking.gif kicking.gif biggrin.gif smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-05-28 19:20:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
I hope for the best Minnew.... It sounds like you were approved.... and good job on getting those details for her! I'm sure that put her in a good mood!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-05-28 12:33:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
QUOTE (minnew @ May 25 2009, 05:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone else going to be in Vancouver this week?

Well guys the time has come, I off to Vancouver today and I am nervous and excited to get the medical and interview over with! I don't think it has hit me yet that my interview is TOMORROW! I hope it all goes smoothly!

I will update when I can!


Good luck!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-05-25 17:41:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
QUOTE (Wis-Can @ Feb 10 2009, 08:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are awaiting an interview date for the Montreal Consulate. I didn't realize there was a thread for it already, can someone send me the link? I can't seem to find it. THANKS, kicking.gif


http://www.visajourn...howtopic=160083
JillAFemaleCanada2009-02-10 21:25:00
CanadaNexus Experience-Not what I expected.
Thanks for the directions! Will print those out and keep them handy. I do come from the same way as Amanda.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-06 10:20:00
CanadaNexus Experience-Not what I expected.
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 6 2009, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've actually gotta LEARN how to got hrough the peace bridge! If any one can tell me directions to the bridge from the buffalo area I would appreciate it!


Me too! laughing.gif Mapquest and my GPS both tell me to cross at Queenston, so I obey! I don't know the Peace Bridge directions (to, and when I cross where exactly it takes me)
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-06 09:52:00
CanadaNexus Experience-Not what I expected.
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 5 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't have the card yet. They said it takes about 3 weeks but you don't need your card at the kiosk machines because they are done with retinal scans. I just look into the camera and it knows who I am smile.gif


That sounds great! I may consider getting one at some point, the only thing that discourages me is they don't have a Nexus lane at Queenston which is where I always drive through. But, the airport often has a large customs lineup so it would help for that!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-05 19:03:00
CanadaNexus Experience-Not what I expected.
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 5 2009, 06:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I used to NEXUS program on the way back to the US today. IT WAS AWESOME! I felt so good as the 100+ person line was lined up to clear US customs in Pearson airport and I was through in less than 1 minute!


Soooo cool! So you got the card on the spot, you didn't have to wait for a background check, etc. and for them to mail it to ya!?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-05 17:42:00
CanadaNexus Experience-Not what I expected.
That sucks.... but in a way it doesn't surprise me, as border officers are often rude and abrasive. They have a "holier than thou" attitude, alot of them anyway. I don't think it's right that they treat people that way, but they often do

Edited by JillA, 02 July 2009 - 05:48 PM.

JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-02 17:47:00
CanadaTim Hortons sponsors NOM events
Oh wow! Glad to see Tim's backed out/apologized, good for them
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-10 13:16:00
CanadaMontreal Interview question
I dressed casual, it doesn't really matter what you wear unless you go in the nude, that may pose a problem smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-10 11:04:00
CanadaClarifications of Strong Ties
QUOTE (ThePirateStar @ Jul 1 2009, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, another twist in the story -

When I got laid off, I applied for EI but I didn't have my Record of Employment yet. I am currently not collecting EI because I didn't have the information. I got a new job (temporarily) and they let me have the weekend off because I booked the trip way before I was laid off. Today I just receieved my EI access code to enter in my report.

I called to cancel the claim but since its Canada Day, I can't. I haven't actually recieved any money from the government, and I have a letter to go back to work. If I haven't filled out the information to make any claims, and I'm not getting paid EI, will the border know I actually applied but haven't recieved anything, and do I have to tell them up front that I had applied for EI but haven't made any claims because I got a temporary job during the waiting period between when I filed and when I was prompted to make a report?


The border will not know you have applied for EI. That is a totally separate system / Govt entity.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-01 12:13:00
CanadaClarifications of Strong Ties
QUOTE (Holliday @ Jul 1 2009, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
All of the info in this thread is easing my mind a little bit. I'm a nervous wreck because I'll be attempting to cross the border today to go visit my husband for 4 weeks. I feel like I might be bringing too much stuff, but I have no idea what the "appropriate" amount of stuff is for a 4 week vacation! I'm bringing all my paperwork, including my interview letter, along with a letter from my boss stating when I'll be back at work, a few pay stubs, a phone bill and the invitation to my friend's wedding in Ottawa at the end of July. I'm always nervous about crossing the border, but it feels worse this time since I'm driving. I've driven there before (before I was married), and I didn't have any problems, and I didn't even know I was supposed to be nervous back then and I didn't bring any ties with me. I reaaaaallly hope I'll be allowed to cross today! Ack! Wish me luck!


You'll be fine! You have the interview letter, that shows you have to come back. Anyway, good luck and have a nice visit!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-01 08:59:00
CanadaClarifications of Strong Ties
QUOTE (ThePirateStar @ Jun 30 2009, 09:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I guess I am really confused about what to say. I've read that you get red flagged when you say fiance, and I've read that you should always be honest but don't give up too much information.

So if you're asked "Pupose?" and you say "Visiting for the holiday" and they ask "Who?" "My fiance" ..wouldn't that be with holding information compared to you just said "I am visiting my fiance for the holiday weekend" - yet saying that is giving up too information.

This is why I am worried about misrepresentation. I have no doubt in my mind I want to marry him, but I also don't want to be flagged for using the word fiance. Some people say they don't blink an eye, others say the guards get really defensive when they hear the word. Ugggh.


I think you may be over-worrying yourself here smile.gif but I completely understand, as I was the same way!! To be honest, I think you should say when they ask your purpose to visit - that you are visiting your fiance. That is the truth, as since you have applied for a K-1, he is technically your fiance regardless of ring or proposal (as the other poster mentioned). I have never heard of being red-flagged just because you say fiance. You have the evidence you are coming back, you have applied for immigration the legal way, therefore you having nothing to hide or be dishonest about! The thing is, you just have to be truthful with the border people. They have a way to sniff out a story and you never want to get "caught". For example if you said boyfriend and they found out you applied for a K-1, they might say why didn't you say fiance, you know what I mean.

I don't think you are giving up too much information by saying you are visiting your fiance for the holiday weekend - after all, that's what you're doing!

QUOTE (flames9 @ Jun 30 2009, 09:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
99% of people have no problems visiting. Just be honest. u stated he hasn't proposed yet, so he isnt ur fiance--he is ur BF!! If they ask for more info, just be honest and explain the situation, and ALWAYS tell the truth--it is ALWAYS easier to recall the truth than a lie!!


But technically, if they applied for a K-1, and signed that paperwork, doesn't that mean he is her fiance regardless of an "official" proposal?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-30 20:38:00
CanadaClarifications of Strong Ties
Deep breath.... smile.gif Don't worry! You seem to have it together just fine. When we sent the K-1 package, we weren't officially "engaged" either. I mean we knew we were getting married, but engaged doesn't mean you have to have a ring on your finger, you know what I mean? You can say boyfriend if that's what you feel he is. I really don't think when they scan your passport, they see you've applied for a Visa. The number of times I visited after applying, it was never asked if I had applied and I never brought it up. I think I said boyfriend too. Of course if they ask you, tell them the truth that you have applied for a K-1, etc. Just don't say "friends" when the truth is, you are going to see your love! You don't want to get caught in a lie.

Your evidence sounds like enough to me. An employment letter is very good proof you are returning home, as is a return ticket! Just bring all you have, and be honest and relax!

So you're moving to Philly? That's where I am biggrin.gif Whereabouts does your BF live?

Edited by JillA, 30 June 2009 - 07:26 PM.

JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-30 19:22:00
CanadaHow often do you clean??
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Aug 10 2009, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know with my inlaws, they live in a large house and it's beautiful BUT they don't clean it that often. I mean it's not filthy but things would just lie around and their cleaning lady would only come once every two weeks and she didn't do a good job.

They have ceramic tile on their kitchen floor and people wear their shoes in the house, so eventually they had to go out and buy a steamer because dirt and grime would get stuck in it.. like permanently stuck. I always figured that if they cleaned it at least twice a week, it wouldn't come down to them having to go out and buy a steamer... also: TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF IN THE HOUSE.


Ew my in-laws house is the same way. A bloody mess, with dog hair on all the furniture and they all wear shoes in the house. Dishes are always piled high in the sink, it's gross. I would have not been able to move in with them and live there, that's for sure. Even for a few months, I don't think I could have handled it
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-10 11:05:00
CanadaHow often do you clean??
The chore I despise most is dusting - that's the one I do the least (probably only twice a month or so). It makes me sneeze and there are so many photos, nick nacks to dust, it's just a pain. I like vaccuming the best smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-09 15:41:00
CanadaHow often do you clean??
OK who replied that they only clean the bathroom when it starts to smell funny, EW laughing.gif

I am a bit OCD myself, if I used the bathroom alone I wouldn't need to clean so much but men are more messy, so I give it a good scrub once a week and a wipe down with antibacterial wipes a few more times per week. I can't stand grunge/gross bathrooms it makes me sick.

I windex my glass tables/mirrors about 1-2 times per week, I don't like dust or smears on there. Vaccuming is more relaxed, since we have no pets it doesn't get too bad but at least once per week.

Oh and the above poster asked about sheets/towels - sheets once a week, towels twice a week
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-09 15:30:00
CanadaEver had doubts?
QUOTE (Skillmare @ Aug 11 2009, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, we argue often. But you're assuming I start them all, are you not? Listen, arguments are typically both ways. Many times I have shut my mouth for her. Sometimes I do not. Sometimes she does things I don't agree with, sometimes I do things she doesn't agree with. It causes arguments. Everyone faces these issues. The problem is they affect her more than they affect me. I've grown up around controversy all my life. I shrug things off if I think they are minor. I don't feel like Leighann does this. It's not a bad thing, nor is it an insult; but it causes her more stress than she needs.

EDIT: And separating from me isn't going to fix this problem. That's my point. If it saved her from having stress... I'd be a little more okay with it. If I was the center of her stress... okay. But she was stressed long before she met me. She's had a rough life...

In any event, it's not worth debating. I'm just stressed, she's stressed, and communication isn't possible currently I suppose. UUUUUUUUUUUUggh


No, not at all, I don't think you start the arguments all the time. My point is, if you argue this much (both of you, together) maybe it's not meant to be, maybe you're not right for eachother from the get-go. It's just a bad sign if arguing happens on a near daily basis, especially in the early stages of a relationship. It will likely only get worse and more frequent.

I understand you must be stressed, take a breather smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 16:58:00
CanadaEver had doubts?
If you argue this often (as you both state you do) early on in a relationship, and not even living together married - that's a really bad sign. You should be in the "honeymoon" phase right now which many couples do in early dating.... It's not good that you're arguing this much. I think it would only get worse once you get married, not better. Sorry if that sounds mean but it's true, if you argue alot now it doesn't get all better and rosy once you're married

I do wish you both the best of course, whether you get back together or not...
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 16:51:00
CanadaEver had doubts?
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 11 2009, 04:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Again, even in reading this last post, I don't think you guys are ready to get married yet.

I think I mentioned like 4 pages ago that you'd only met for the first time 4 or 5 months ago? And since then, only two face to face visit on your relationship record so far? You guys need to get to know each other better in person, spend more time with each other, and make sure the relationship is going to work out. That's the best piece of advice I can give you.

Time is on your side! You're young. Spend time getting to know what you guys both want, and mature a little bit...and hopefully things will work out the way you want them to.

As someone said previously, love isn't always enough. You can love someone to death, but it doesn't mean that you are both fully prepared to move countries, know that someone will be dependent on you financially for awhile, etc.


Couldn't have said it better! What's the rush, explore the relationship for a few years and see how it works out. Most if not all of us here had to endure years in a LD relationship, and we're all faring pretty well smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 15:43:00
CanadaEver had doubts?
Sorry for what you're going through, Skillmare... but unfortunately in my own personal experience, people don't really change. They can try to change, but changing as a person is difficult and one often goes back to how they were before. Old behaviours come back after the "change" period has worn off.... I'm not saying you need to change as I don't know you or your situation, I just know it's very difficult for people to change who they are/how they act.

It sounds like Lee just needs space... unfortuntely you can't "make" someone be with you or love you, as much as it hurts.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 15:33:00
CanadaEver had doubts?
One more thing I thought of.... You should have this serious discussion about your future over the phone (since unfortunately you cannot have it in person). Text and e-mail to discuss these serious issues isn't really appropriate, I don't think. It's hard to read eachother over a text, a phone convo would be better. In your original post you said you had an argument over texting, definitely call eachother next time smile.gif

Edited by JillA, 16 July 2009 - 08:06 PM.

JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-16 20:05:00
CanadaEver had doubts?
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 16 2009, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You guys just met, tell him you just want to take your time, you'll have your whole lives together. A couple more months to a year isn't a huge deal in comparison to all the time you'll have together in your future.


Yeah he doesn't sound very mature about this at all (no offense intended in any way). I think you did the right thing and are being smart about delaying. After all, why rush the K-1? Why not date long distance for a year or two like many of us have done. You need to be 110% sure it's right. And it doesn't sound right for you, at this time.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-16 19:26:00
CanadaI'm in Montreal!!
Best of luck to you, I'm sure it will go great. When you're all done, enjoy the sights of Montreal!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 20:15:00
CanadaInterview question
If you want more details on a TN visa, send a PM to Warlord. He's a TN expert smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 09:42:00
CanadaWell don't we look like the a-holes...
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 11 2009, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just a case of someone overstepping the mark, I would guess that customs people do it regularly. What kind of stupid training are these people given. It's about time they jumped in to the 21st century.


Maybe one day we'll all have to do biometrics to confirm our identities, sort of like Nexus but mandatory!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 18:25:00
CanadaWell don't we look like the a-holes...
Ottawa dragging feet on repatriating Canadian

http://www.thestar.c.../article/679346

That is shameful!!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 15:36:00
CanadaWell don't we look like the a-holes...
That's awful. It's funny, since the US passport is valid for 10 years I often wonder about the photo. Most people look different 10 years down the road, so they don't match their passport photo that well
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 14:17:00
CanadaWeighing options...
QUOTE (GregBu @ Aug 12 2009, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmm...ok, another question. What about K3 vs. CR-1, I don't have a firm grasp, yet, of the difference between the two, and in our situation, which would be most beneficial?


Definitely do a CR1! Someone else will tell you why, LOL I just know the CR1 is better from what everyone says on here

You can read the differences here:

http://www.visajourn...mp;page=compare
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-12 21:03:00
CanadaWeighing options...
QUOTE (GregBu @ Aug 11 2009, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 11 2009, 11:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GregBu @ Aug 11 2009, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Misty1979 @ Aug 11 2009, 11:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On the plus side, you can visit back and forth while undergoing the visa process. One of our members; flames9, who has already gone through the process has a pretty good guide in his signature on how to cross the border with ease:
http://www.visajourn...p?showuser=6471


Thanks, I'll check it out. What are the chances of an 'extended' visit after she graduates, before her Visa is approved? I mean, she can't work, but could she come to the U.S. for several weeks, maybe even a few months while it's processing?


As long as she has ties to Canada, won't be a problem. She will need to bring proof that she plans on going back Canada before she gets her visa approved.


Does return airfare (like a roundtrip ticket) count?


Sure does! Also, a letter from her employer if she's working that she's due back on such date, a lease if she has one, etc. those types of things work well
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-11 16:13:00