ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaCanadian Police Check
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 26 2009, 08:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mine was a 3-part form (or maybe it was 2-part). It was maybe 4x6 in size, and kind of official looking. Jill, if you read this.... did you get yours done at the Oakville detachment? Just wondering if you have the same form.


Yes! I got mine done at the Oakville Detachment right at Bronte and the QEW. I know there is another headquarters at Trafalgar and the QEW. Mine looked pretty official too, it looked like a real "certificate" and it was small in size, like a photo sized

Oh and there were copies under... like they tore off the original and underneath was a pink and yellow copy for me. Sort of like a receipt?
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-26 08:19:00
CanadaMy CR-1 interview review
Oh my god CanAm, that's the worst story I've ever heard! A true horror immigration story if I've ever heard one, and I don't blame you for posting it before. I'm just happy it worked out for you, but seriously I would have had a nervous breakdown if that were me. Good for your husband to go back to the Consulate, who knows what would have happened otherwise.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-21 08:20:00
CanadaWalk in Clinics?
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 26 2009, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have no idea. I suppose we could google it. laughing.gif


laughing.gif G stands for gigabytye... when they say 3G I think they mean that's the amount of storage you have on your Iphone? I know it has something to do with internet on your phone
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-26 08:16:00
CanadaWalk in Clinics?
It's so wierd, I guess I just haven't seen any around here. I don't live in a big city, about 30 mins north of Philly in the burbs. Around where I used to live in Canada, you saw them everywhere. I just thought maybe they weren't as frequent because of the insurance/health care issue
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-25 18:45:00
CanadaWalk in Clinics?
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Aug 25 2009, 05:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My doctor works with a number of other doctors and while they take appointments they also have a 'walk in' clinic type of approach so that if there are no appointments available that day you are welcome to come and 'wait' and they will try to squeeze you in somewhere. It often includes waiting 5 or 6 hours but maybe that is an option. You still pay when you see the doctor though - no freebies:-).

You could also try googling 'walk-in clinics' for your area and see what comes up. Also, CVS Pharmacy in this area offers a health clinic with nurse practitioners who can provide basic medical services. That may also be something that fits your needs. They accept insurance plus they have non-insured fees posted for those who lack insurance.

Good luck.


Thanks Kathryn, I found a clinic at my local CVS, I had no clue they had that service. I think I'll pop by there tonight, they take my insurance
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-25 16:45:00
CanadaWalk in Clinics?
Thanks guys, it really really sucks having to worry about insurance, co-pays, etc. It really makes me second guess going to a clinic, hospital, if needed. Obviously if it's an emergency I would, but you know what I mean. I hate the unknown factor out there, you hear horror stories about medical stuff and it really bothers me that I even have to THINK about that. I.E. not being able to afford treatment, etc. You should never have to worry about getting health care. If I was at home, I'd go to the walk-in clinic and feel comfort sad.gif

Edited by JillA, 25 August 2009 - 04:41 PM.

JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-25 16:40:00
CanadaWalk in Clinics?
Hi All,

So I know in Canada, you see "walk in clinics" everywhere. For after hours and weekends, if you need to see a Doctor you can walk in and wait to see a doctor who isn't your regular doctor. And luckily, you don't need to pay a penny!

I never see walk in clinics anywhere here. Do they have them, or no because of the insurance issue? I'm just wondering, as if your doctor is closed or cannot see you right away what are you supposed to do? Go to the hospital?

The reason I ask, is because my regular doctor is busy and I have a medical issue that need to get attended to fairly soon, but it's not an emergency where I want to go to the hospital or anything. If I was at home, I would go to a walk in clinic. I don't really know the procedures here I guess
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-25 16:30:00
CanadaAny advice on a car loan
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 27 2009, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Misty, if you had good credit in Canada, get the dealership to pull that report. Nissan America called Nissan Canada and had them pull mine. The sales manager said it was easy.


Oh that's a good tip, I didn't know that. At least our good Canadian credit can come in handy somewhere!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 12:41:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
Thanks for the tip Krikit, I'm off to Walmart this afternoon to pick up a few items and will try out that Downy. I loathe Ironing
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 13:05:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Jul 9 2009, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Jul 9 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone have a good tip how to clean out your gerbarator? (Not sure if that's spelled right!) I've never had one before, and I think it's getting stinky.



There's a product called "Disposer Care" that you can buy almost any grocery store in the same area where you buy dishwasher detergent. They are little packets that you stuff in the disposal then turn it on with a slight stream of hot water going into the disposal. It foams up and cleans out the disposal of any odors and crud - when its done it gives a big "WHOOSH" and everything flushes down the disposal and you can then turn it off. It works really well. They say do it once a week, but I generally find once a month is plenty. It isn't expensive either and comes with 4 packs in a box. Oh, it's also lemon scented.


Oh cool, that sounds exactly what it needs! Thanks for the tip, will look for that at the store biggrin.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-09 15:10:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
QUOTE (charles! @ Jul 9 2009, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Jul 9 2009, 11:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone have a good tip how to clean out your gerbarator? (Not sure if that's spelled right!) I've never had one before, and I think it's getting stinky.

is that something that disposes of gerbils? unsure.gif


laughing.gif No! I think in America it's called a garbage disposal
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-09 12:04:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
Anyone have a good tip how to clean out your gerbarator? (Not sure if that's spelled right!) I've never had one before, and I think it's getting stinky.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-09 11:13:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jun 25 2009, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay, this isn't a cleaning tip.... but it's a tip! LOL

When trying to open tightly sealed lids on brand new jars, insert the tip of a can opener (the kind that pierces holes in cans) underneath the rim of the lid until you hear the vacuum release. The jar will open easily after that.


Yeah! I just tried it, thanks for the tip! Works so well, I'll never have to struggle again with a stubborn jar
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-28 18:03:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Jun 26 2009, 05:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Dad just sent me his favourite cleaning tip so I thought I would share it with you . . .

Always keep several get well cards on the mantle...
so if unexpected guests arrive, they will think you've been sick
and unable to clean


laughing.gif love it!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-26 16:59:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
QUOTE (July09Bride @ Jun 20 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To clean up splatters in the microwave... get a washcloth damp, and put it in the microwave for a few seconds (no more than 10). When you open the door, be VERY careful! The washcloth will be extremely hot. Carefully use the heated washcloth (or another warm-water wet washcloth) to wipe down your splattered microwave walls. The walls should wipe clean, nicely.


Ohhh I need this tip! Some melted butter exploded in my microwave a bit ago, and I still can't get the yellow stains out
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-20 11:59:00
CanadaYour best cleaning tip!
Ohhh wax paper is a good idea! Right now I use tea towels, I'll try wax paper.

I am a huge cleaning person, I love cleaning, I don't find it a chore really. A few months ago I decided to stop using harsh chemicals when cleaning. Sometimes, after scrubbing the tub I would literally choke and felt sick, it was all the chemicals being inhaled. I realized, I am probably giving myself cancer! So, I've started using vinegar and water for most things! Works so well, and smells fine too! For windex, I use "green works".

Before vaccuming, I sprinkle scented baking soda on the carpet.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-06-20 11:27:00
CanadaVisa Journey Cost?
The interview in Montreal is one of the easiest parts of the process, for most of us. You have to get there really early, like 6:30-7am no matter what time your letter says. It is first come first serve. They just ask you basic questions about your fiance/fiancee, relationship, etc. to confirm that you are a real couple. It's rather straighforward, but if you search "Montreal Reviews" you will get a TON of posts to read with great detail smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-26 09:29:00
CanadaVisa Journey Cost?
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 26 2009, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hugglebuggles @ Aug 25 2009, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With a K-1 you also have the ability to live with your fiance and get to know he/she on a different level before you commit to the marriage.

How times have changed. laughing.gif


I only waited 6 days to live together then commit to the marriage laughing.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-26 08:20:00
CanadaBorder Crossing Saturday..
Yeah I can see them being wary of certain meds like painkillers and stuff.... but I don't think birth control pills will be frowned upon suspiciously
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 17:13:00
CanadaBorder Crossing Saturday..
QUOTE (Naked_Smurf @ Aug 27 2009, 05:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Prescription medications should be in their original containers, it is advised that you travel with no more than personal use quantities, a rule of thumb is no more than a 60 day supply. If medications or devices are not in their original containers, you should have a copy of your prescription with you.

Medicinal purchases that you make abroad may be subject to FDA restrictions, which are detailed on our web site.

If you are traveling with medical devices such as needles or oxygen tanks that could pose a security or safety concern to others, be sure to have a copy of the prescription for those items from your doctor. You should also contact the Transportation Safety Administration about any additional requirements they may have.


Source: Customs and Border Protection Website


I think that's just for travel though.... moving is different. Like if you're going on a trip to the US, you're not supposed to have more than 60 days worth
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 16:56:00
CanadaBorder Crossing Saturday..
QUOTE (beans @ Aug 27 2009, 05:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thats what I figured...my doctor was like well since you're leaving just take a whole years worth and then I had two months from before. lol God I feel like I could open my own womens clinic...lol Thanks for the help.


laughing.gif Have a smooth POE!! Let us know when you're "on the other side" LOL
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 16:46:00
CanadaBorder Crossing Saturday..
Shouldn't be a problem at all! I moved here with about 6 months worth of BC pills and blood pressure meds, not that they asked or checked but I had a copy of the prescription and pharmacy receipts to be safe. If you had 14 months worth of oxycontin or something, that'd be reason to be maybe a bit suspicious but not for BC pills smile.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 16:37:00
CanadaIf You Could Choose to Live in Any State, Which Would You Choose???
I'd live in Scotland, the beautiful north of Scotland luv.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-21 10:38:00
CanadaIf You Could Choose to Live in Any State, Which Would You Choose???
I'd say California right now.... but there are probably other really nice States like Colorado or Hawaii that I might love too and change my mind
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-21 08:28:00
CanadaBeen exactly a year since I saw my family
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Aug 27 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I love the snow. I lived in the snow belt and it was amazing. I also loved going into Tim Hortons in the mornings for my coffee and hearing everyone complain about the snow or people making fun of the people in Buffalo for getting the army involved when only a couple of inches fell on the ground. laughing.gif

I love winter.


Buffalo? Toronto's Mel Lastman called in the army in 1999 due to a heavy snowfall laughing.gif All the other provinces made fun of us so bad
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 11:32:00
CanadaBeen exactly a year since I saw my family
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 27 2009, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I guess every one is different that way. Winter was always a blast for me and I never minded the cold. It;s so beautiful sometimes at night when the snow is coming down.


Me too, I actually missed the winter this past year. Here, we barely got any snow and I missed it. Not the commute in snowstorms, but the beauty and fun of winter
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-27 11:25:00
CanadaBeen exactly a year since I saw my family
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 25 2009, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm like TheTreble. And, by the sounds of it..... Jill too. LOL. When I feel the need to visit I do. Sometimes I drive, because I like to. But when Southwest has a sale I find it a little hard to justify driving. LOL

I, too, feel a sense of peace when I go home. And the interaction with my friends and family is as if I had never left, so I don't have any sense of loss in that respect. Except I wish they all lived here so it'd be easier to go for coffee. laughing.gif


Me too biggrin.gif I got that feeling that Treble did when I crossed the border... it's like you see the signs, get closer to home, and a weight comes off, a smile crosses my face, and it feels so good! Who knew going to Canada could be such great medicine for the heart heart.gif

And I was thinking today, on the ride home, I love the drive to and from Canada! It takes me 8ish hours, the scenery is lovely and it relaxes me. I'm back now and feel good.

Edited by JillA, 25 August 2009 - 03:17 PM.

JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-25 15:16:00
CanadaBeen exactly a year since I saw my family
That must be so hard, Udella. I can't imagine going a year without seeing my family, the longest has been 3 months and that was enough. I felt so homesick after those 3 months.

I wonder if there are any VJers close to where you live. Meeting up with fellow VJrs/Canadians has been so good for me. Even though we've only hung out a handful of times, it's just great knowing they are there and know what I'm going through. It feels nice to have Canadian friends nearby.

I hope you get to see your family sooner rather than later rose.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-24 20:38:00
CanadaK1 Approved!!
QUOTE (surfndan @ Aug 31 2009, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everybody, my k1 visa was approved! Now, we just have to set up an interview and go from there. My fiance was planning to visit me before we found out that the k1 had been approved. Is she allowed to still come and see me?

I know that once she has the k1 visa, once she comes into the US, she has to get married to me in 3 months, correct? I just want to make sure she is ok to come visit me with the application being approved. PLease advise, thanks!!


Hi,

Sorry please clarify a few things... you say your K1 was approved, but you still have to do the interview... so do you mean you received an NOA? Have you actually had the interview in Montreal yet?

Your fiancee is allowed to see you BEFORE the K1 interview... once the K1 is in her passport she is not allowed to go and visit you, she must activiate the visa the next time she crosses the border. And yes, you have 90 days to be married and must adjust status after the wedding.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-31 09:26:00
Canadaasc appointment
QUOTE (CherylandRichard @ Aug 31 2009, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i got my notice today for my asc appointment date to have my biometrics done, i just need to know is there a fee? the paper says nothing about it and i cant find a number to talk to a real person i just dont want to show up and not have the money


The fee was included in your AOS application, $80 was part of the $1010

Oh and if you have your SSN # already, bring it with you. They ask you for it, I didn't have it on me
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-31 18:48:00
CanadaI gotta ask...
QUOTE (Peachey @ Sep 1 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tri_gear @ Sep 1 2009, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lgg @ Aug 31 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
t i have about 89lbs of ties to Canada with me.


Just curious...do most people have problems after they apply for the K-1 and getting through the border after?


Nope! I'm going to visit next week and we sent in our I-129F in February, still don't have my visa. I usually bring a letter from my boss saying that i have to come back or I'm fired basically and my NOA's to prove that we're doing it legally. They've never asked for my ties to Canada documentation, but I bring it just in case.


I had no probs either, went at least 3-4 times after applying including to Disney for a week. I also brought my NOA's and ties to Canada, but was never asked to see them or anything like that
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-01 11:48:00
Canadathose who are moving to the states or already moved...
QUOTE (redBlue @ Sep 1 2009, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Aug 31 2009, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I used Uhaul... cost $800 from the GTA to Philly area.... plus gas. There are many different ways to move your stuff, Uhaul is the only trucking company you can drive yourself, one way from Canada to the US



how big was ur truck?not sure what size I'd like to rent yet...


17 foot.... It was packed as much as it could be, including the passenger seat as I drove my car to the US. My car was also packed!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-01 08:30:00
Canadathose who are moving to the states or already moved...
QUOTE (Peachey @ Aug 31 2009, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm gonna rent a U-Haul and put the rest in my car. My fiance's helping me move and my mom's coming with me.

Will it be a problem at the border that I have 2 vehicles with my stuff? I just figure we'll all go into secondary.


Not at all, if I recall correctly Julybride had 3 vehicles with her!
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-31 21:08:00
Canadathose who are moving to the states or already moved...
I used Uhaul... cost $800 from the GTA to Philly area.... plus gas. There are many different ways to move your stuff, Uhaul is the only trucking company you can drive yourself, one way from Canada to the US
JillAFemaleCanada2009-08-31 16:33:00
CanadaBanking and Building credit in the US
QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Sep 1 2009, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OKay so I followed the advice of others and tried to apply for a Capitol One visa - the one targeted to new immigrants and even with a job and pretty good joint income i was denied because I don't have a credit bureau file.

Can anyone explain to me what that means? If I don't have a file, how do I go about getting one? If my husband adds me to his credit card, I know that won't do anything to my score, but will it at least give me a file?


That's so wierd that they denied you - I don't know what that means, sorry! It's wierd because I put down 0 income and I was a "homemaker" as my occupation and I still got approved blink.gif
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-01 15:44:00
CanadaBanking and Building credit in the US
QUOTE (Colleens @ Jul 29 2009, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I went to the RBC last week and I was able to open a us funds canadian account as well as an account at the US branch of RBC Centura. I will be able to apply for a credit card there, and since they are linked to a Canadian branch, they can take your canadian credit into consideration when applying for credit. The only drawback to this is that they only have branches in some of the states on the eastern seaboard.

Another benefit is that I will be able to set up my finace's bank account as a payee in my on-line banking and transfer funds to his account this way for FREE!!! No more western union fees!!! He is going to look into if he can set his account up the same way to transfer funds to my account if necessary as well.


Custom House is also free; and a great service. I use it all the time to trasfer $$ back and forth between my Cnd and US account
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-29 11:35:00
CanadaBanking and Building credit in the US
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jul 21 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My biggest words of advice are to never ever EVER try to cash a Canadian cheque in a US bank. Never. mad.gif


I even had a heck of a time trying to cash a US money order here. It was from a Canadian bank so I guess they figured the funds were Cnd, even though it clearly said US FUNDS on it. Dummies
JillAFemaleCanada2009-07-21 08:40:00
CanadaReminder from the Canadian Consulate
QUOTE (domegirl1978 @ Sep 2 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the responses guys. Are there any downfalls to NOT registering or not registering right away?


Well the downfalls of not registering just mean you're not on record as living/travelling abroad as a Canadian citizen, and if you needed assitance from the local consulate it could take longer to get help
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-02 09:44:00
CanadaReminder from the Canadian Consulate
QUOTE (domegirl1978 @ Sep 2 2009, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What is this for exactly? Can anyone explain? Thanks.


It's for Canadians living abroad, it's wise to register with your local consulate. In case of emergency, disaster, etc. they have a record of you living there. I registred when I got here.
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-02 08:30:00
CanadaFormer ON Attorney General Kills Cyclist
QUOTE (flames9 @ Sep 2 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
girlfriend stated the biker was drunk: http://cnews.canoe.c...0723006-cp.html


I heard that too! If you put yourself in the situation, a drunk cyclist is hanging on to your car and possibly trying to attack you, what would you do? I would attempt to drive away as well, out of fear of being attacked! It's terrible that he fell under the car, but it's obviously an accident and the AG called 911 right away... it will be interesting to see how this plays out in court
JillAFemaleCanada2009-09-02 17:07:00