Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	what did you all do today?	QUOTE (Reba @ Mar 8 2009, 06:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yesterday afternoon, we went to see Watchmen, then after that went to the comic book store to buy the book and pick up a few of our subscriptions that we hadn't picked up since like Christmas. Then we went to Big Lots and put a big ol' cuddler reclincer chair on lay-away (they were out of stock ) then came home to eat my pork shoulder that had been cooking all day in the crock pot while we were out. Today my friend came over while our hubbies are out D&Ding together, and we watched Nights in Rodanthe (*sob*). After she left, I raked the front yard for a while, then pulled weeds out of the front flower bed. Then the dogs and I played "box" out in the backyard for a while (i give them a cardboard box and they chase each other around with it until it's shredded, it's one of their favourite games) and then I came in and had something to eat. Now I'm here, procrastinating. I really should be organizing my receipts to we can get our taxes filed. Isn't NIGHTS so good... I watched it with my sister a few weeks ago and bawled!!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-08 18:30:00
Canada	what did you all do today?	Worked out this morning; then I finally finished our US taxes this afternoon and since then have been reading this great book called Shoe Addicts Anonymous.... I can't put it down, started on Friday and nearly done, it's 320 pages... I guess soon I'll get around to making dinner. Today was rainy/dreary but yesterday was beautiful and warm so went for a long walk	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-08 16:43:00
Canada	After it's all over question..	Hello, Since you filed for a K-1, no you cannot leave the US after you are married. You need to apply for adjustment of status and advance parole, which takes about 90 days to be approved. Leaving without AP means your AOS case has been abandoned and will be unable to re-enter the US. Perhaps you can plan a honeymoon in the US and plan for something more exotic at a later date!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-09 10:59:00
Canada	CONTACTING CONSULATE IN MONTREAL	QUOTE (SapphireDreams @ Mar 9 2009, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ^^ I honestly think that you'll be fine and get an interview in time. It might be a week before, but I think you'll have it. If you don't, I really think you should just go on with the wedding and just not sign the paperwork - and just make it official once you get the visa. Duncan will just cross over for a visit and come back for the interview. The only thing you would need to cancel is the officiant. If you're having a priest/minister do the wedding, I'm sure they will understand and be happy to 'fake' the signing of the documents. The vows are just vows without the certificate. I honestly don't think you should worry though. I think you'll get it in time. I had the Xmas holidays mixed into my wait and I think that slowed me down by at least 3 weeks. You have no major holidays or anything between now and July. Just stay positive, the only thing you can do is wait and time will tell what you need to do. I agree with Sapphire, to can the whole thing and start over with a CR1 seems like a waste of all your efforts thus far.... just remain positive! And the wedding is a good idea even if it's not legal... after all, many of us have had our wedding and we were already legal in a civil ceremony, so there's nothing wrong with doing it the other way around!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-09 11:06:00
Canada	CONTACTING CONSULATE IN MONTREAL	That's not the phone number for Montreal. They cannot accept phone calls, you have to e-mail them.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-06 09:34:00
Canada	The loonie's demise	http://www.thestar.c.../article/599197 Ugggghhh.... The $$ closed at the lowest in 5 years	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-09 21:47:00
Canada	The loonie's demise	It's awful, and am doubtful it will change anytime soon.... the past summer was the best, doing $$ exchanges! Now using Custom House, I'm losing so much with every transfer	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-06 16:57:00
Canada	Hometown Canada	QUOTE (Danu @ Mar 2 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am from everywhere and nowhere. Was born in Germany, moved to Canada when the base was shut down. First place in Canada that I lived was Bordon, ON. From there I moved to Vernon, BC. Then to North Bay, ON. Now I am in Kingston, ON. An interesting fact....the Harvey's in North Bay that had the ecoli scare earlier this year....I use to work there. Lol. An interesting fact from abroad. The hospitals in Germany generally don't have names. They are called Krankenhaus which literally translated is the Sick House. I remember reading about that! I love Harvey's veggie burger, the best out there!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-02 14:30:00
Canada	Hometown Canada	Lived in Kirkland, Quebec (right outside of Montreal) until age 15 and then moved to Oakville, ON and lived there until age 28 when I moved to Philly! So I consider Montreal sort of my hometown since I grew up there but grew up also in Oakville in a different stage of life.... I love both places!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-01 23:10:00
Canada	Maiden name after the marriage	QUOTE (redBlue @ Mar 10 2009, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Guys: After the marriage takes place in US,is it mandatory to change the last name ?If I don't change it,would it cause any problem after my case is forwarded to the consulate in Montreal? Is it also mandatory to officialy inform the Canadian government about the US marriage? Thnx in advance. You do not need to change your name, I didn't There would be no problems in regards to immigration and not changing your name. Alot of women choose to keep their own names. No you don't have to inform the Canadian government, you do have to inform the government if you receive any $$ from them that you are no longer eligible to receive once you move, that's all. Edited by JillA, 10 March 2009 - 08:02 PM.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-10 20:01:00
Canada	Why do I feel 2 inches tall	I have an RBC account in Canada but was told since they don't have a branch in PA I can't open an RBC account here, which sucks. I was hoping to, since they would have my credit history, etc.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-25 14:39:00
Canada	Why do I feel 2 inches tall	This discussion makes me think I better start doing something to build my US credit. In Canada I had excellent credit, I had an auto loan and several CC's that were always paid on time. In a few years, we would like to buy a home so I know we'll run into trouble without any credit on my name. I got a joint CC when arriving here with my husband's bank but I better get one in my own name.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-18 10:20:00
Canada	The Vent	QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jan 21 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would but I keep asking myself: "Is it really that bad?" Its not terrible, I have a sore throat and my head is stuffy. If it gets worse I will go home. Hey, I have what you have My first week in America and already this big city is eating me alive lol. Hopefully this sickness goes away soon for the both of us. -Kerri	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2009-01-21 12:12:00
Canada	The Vent	Side note: While we're on conditional status in the states, can we get section 8 housing? I always thought we weren't able to get any kind of government assistance at all? Welfare, food stamps, low income housing, etc. Anyone know the rules that can help me out? -Kerri	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2009-01-14 11:23:00
Canada	The Vent	flames9, so true, that tracking system isn't worth too much. OBX, Thanks for the kind words	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2009-01-09 15:30:00
Canada	The Vent	Did just that a few days ago, waiting on a reply and refreshing that useless Canada Post tracking site every 5 minutes	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2009-01-09 12:40:00
Canada	The Vent	Well, here I am. All my stuff is packed up and ready to go. I was planning on making my move to the states today but the Consulate still hasn't sent my Visa and Passport! (I had to send them my medical results which they recieved Monday, I figured, all they have to do is print the darn visa and stick it in that pre-paid pre-addressed envelope and hand it over to Canada Post...how long could that take?) Apparently I got so caught up with this process finally being over that I forgot to look at the past performance of government workers during this entire time... Makes you start to wonder, will I ever move? That's better -Kerri	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2009-01-09 12:26:00
Canada	The Vent	JillA Someone needs to invent a switcheroo machine, that way we could switch your mom's place with my husband's place, and we'd all be happy. We could switch them back later if you really want to Someone get on that, k?	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2008-12-22 10:55:00
Canada	The Vent	Stupid snow!!! My husband was supposed to catch a bus from NYC to Toronto last night (and would have been here by now) but the winter storm warning cancelled the bus! (Even though he called them before he left his house to make sure it wasn't cancelled and they said it wasn't) Which means he went to NYC from Philadelphia for NOTHING, and then had to weasel himself back onto a sold out bus to get back to Philadelphia, only for him to try it again tonight *fingers crossed*. Don't get me wrong, snow is nice (to look at) but it can be so inconvenient sometimes! I haven't seen hubby since August and had been counting down the days...b'ah, more waiting i hate waiting okay...starting to feel better now -Kerri	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2008-12-22 10:49:00
Canada	The Vent	Hi Jenni, Sounds like whoever you spoke to was misinformed. Did you happen to take it to a UPS store? I work at one in Canada and know that sending to the states, we can only insure a ring up to $500, but we can certainly send it! The UPS Stores don't always give the best training and its easy to be given the wrong information... If you didn't take it to a UPS Store, then just ignore all of that	Frazell Thomas	Male	Canada	2008-11-17 21:42:00
Canada	The Vent	What in the flippin' hell. Why are there STILL people being approved for their I-130 in less than a month when people like me sit on our asses for OVER 200 DAYS waiting for things to go through. What. The. Hell. I'm about to cry. This is ridiculous. I feel like a big ball of stress. Andrew and I have been married for one year and two days. This is NOT what I thought married life would be like. And why won't they flippin' update the processing timeframes for VSC? If they had, my I-129F would be outside of them. BAH.	Rachel Marie	Female	Canada	2008-08-27 05:26:00
Canada	Time to packet 3 to arrive	QUOTE (Rob and Mel @ Feb 24 2009, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We had problems with Canada Post. They mailed it one time and it never arrived. We had to email the consulate at: Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov to get them to re-send the package. There was someone else who had the same problem. Yeah and there are problems with Montreal not addressing properly. I received my packet 3 along with another girls, her name to MY address. I e-mailed MTL to tell them of this error they told me to throw out the girls packet 3, they will mail her a new one. Well they did, to MY address again! HELLO this poor girl was waiting waiting waiting for her packet 3! I e-mailed MTL AGAIN and they said sorry, again will send her a new one. This was over the period of 1 month. Simple clerical error.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-24 19:38:00
Canada	Advice Needed-Got a New Pup...	Awwww that pic is so cute! They look like they belong together	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-25 16:40:00
Canada	Canadian marrying US military	QUOTE (Krikit @ Feb 2 2009, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JillA @ Feb 2 2009, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Phew... sorry for over-reacting, I am a huge worry wart. Anytime I go through US Customs my heart pounds and I feel like a criminal, even though I have nothing to hide nor lie about!! I'm planning 1.5 weeks in Oakville and 5 days in Montreal which I'm very excited about.... *fingers crossed for AP* Haha. I'll be in Oakville next week. If we were there at the same time we could have met up. I Montreal. Ahhhhh that's awesome!! My Dad lives in Montreal, Mom and Sis in Oakville so I'm gonna make the rounds!! Then come back, buckle down and look for a job	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-02 12:29:00
Canada	Canadian marrying US military	QUOTE (Krikit @ Feb 2 2009, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JillA @ Feb 2 2009, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Krikit, are you serious!? I thought AP was issued by USCIS, so why wouldn't the CBP officer allow you back in? You are doing everything the "right" way.... I am dying for my AP so I can go home in March.... but now I'm freaking out!! I have to be able to come back!! It's okay, Jill. It's not going to apply in your case. You came in on a K-1 visa. I was thinking more along the lines of someone who came in without a visa and was adjusting with an overstay. I wouldn't want to be the one trying to gain entry under those circumstances. I returned to the US numerous times with my AP. It's not a big deal. QUOTE (Neophyte282 @ Feb 2 2009, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks again for all of your replies. I will have to go home sometime soon since I don't have nearly enough of my things since I was only planning on staying here for 10 days. The benefit of me getting married asap is that my fiance and I can get our own place and the military helps pay when you are married. Money is a bit of an issue, so I think I'm going to have to talk to an immigration lawyer to figure out the best way to go. sigh. Well, you can still get married right away, then apply for a spousal visa. That lets you return to Canada and then you can visit until you receive it. Phew... sorry for over-reacting, I am a huge worry wart. Anytime I go through US Customs my heart pounds and I feel like a criminal, even though I have nothing to hide nor lie about!! I'm planning 1.5 weeks in Oakville and 5 days in Montreal which I'm very excited about.... *fingers crossed for AP*	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-02 12:14:00
Canada	Canadian marrying US military	QUOTE (Krikit @ Feb 2 2009, 08:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Neophyte. Welcome to VJ. If you're okay with staying in the US and not being able to return to Canada for a while, you can marry and apply to adjust status. The downside of this route is that you will not be able to return to the US if you leave prior to either receiving Advance Parole (AP) or your greencard. And, even if you do use your AP to return to the US, it'#######-and-miss as to whether or not the CBP Officer will allow you in. The length of time to receive your greencard varies greatly. Some have received it in a few months, while others on the other end of the scale waited years. I believe the average is just under a year. A K-1 visa allows you to enter the US to marry in the US, and then adjust status. You will need to return to Canada to complete this process. The downside of the K-1 is that you will still need AP if you leave the US prior to receiving your greencard. As Kathryn says, there are other visas. You're best to start here and begin to read up on the different types of visas and what fits best in your situation. Good luck. Krikit, are you serious!? I thought AP was issued by USCIS, so why wouldn't the CBP officer allow you back in? You are doing everything the "right" way.... I am dying for my AP so I can go home in March.... but now I'm freaking out!! I have to be able to come back!!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-02 10:47:00
Canada	quick question	Yeah even when I came here to the US for a weekend, I brought a copy of my lease, letter from my boss saying I was due back at work on such date, etc. Just because I never lie so when asked where I was going and to see whom, I always said boyfriend and fiancee when that was the case. I wanted to show proof I was coming back, but was never asked to show it.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-28 14:57:00
Canada	BENEFICIARY: WHAT THEY DO FOR A LIVING...DOES IT MATTER?	Honestly I don't think they can discriminate or judge you based on your job. As long as you're not doing anything illegal in your profession and have no criminal background, there's nothing wrong with it. Plus they are more interested in your US Fiancee's job and to ensure he can support you financially when you are there, not looking so much at your job. In the interview they likely ask you what you do though, so just be prepared for the question. But you've done nothing wrong so there's nothing to hide!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-28 20:26:00
Canada	Passports and interviews	You are indeed. They keep your passport in order to affix your visa inside, then they mail it back to you (you must provide the Xpresspost envelope requested)	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-02 19:38:00
Canada	Train to montreal?	QUOTE (Travis & Kim @ Feb 27 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> thinking of taking the train instead of driving since I don't know French at all and am afraid of getting confused by street signs lol has anyone taken the train? does it drop you off far from the consulate? I will be coming from Toronto The train is a good choice, it's such a pretty ride. And I love VIA it's just more relaxing and you don't have to worry about security/checking bags etc. It doesn't drop you off really close, I mean I don't think you could walk or anything. But the Concierge in whatever hotel you're staying in will speak English, so you can ask for directions. Most cab drivers and people in that area of Montreal speak English, lots of tourists. Edited by JillA, 27 February 2009 - 11:53 AM.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-02-27 11:52:00
Canada	New to the board	QUOTE (ozone_1974 @ Mar 2 2009, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Welcome to VJ Funny to see how people who moved to USA never really left Canada .. they seem to be in USA physically but in Canada Spiritually You got that right Ozone!!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-02 11:01:00
Canada	General Consensus on Interviews and approvals in Canada	Don't worry, we've all be there worrying about the what ifs and having freakout moments.... Just be organized and prepared and you have nothing to worry about! If you have nothing to hide, there is nothing to worry about!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-02 15:58:00
Canada	General Consensus on Interviews and approvals in Canada	QUOTE (Tankgurl38 @ Mar 2 2009, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> But there are also cases from Canada that have been denied, it is easier, but they can still say no. Recently there was the one couple where the Canadian half admitted to using drugs once in the past three years at her medical exam. At the interview she was denied and I think banned from the US for three years and ordered to go to rehab, just because she was honest and said she had tried a substance once. So you just never know. Really? Wow. That sucks.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-02 15:25:00
Canada	General Consensus on Interviews and approvals in Canada	I believe so. Canada is a low risk visa fraud country. Spralienes will tell you that at her interview the guy said something along the lines of we're not worried about Canadians! I hear ya, I always say that our lives are in the hands of the USCIS employees! It's stressful and nervewracking. Edited by JillA, 02 March 2009 - 03:11 PM.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-02 15:10:00
Canada	Flying with dogs	QUOTE (TimandJoyce @ Mar 2 2009, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks everybody for your great advice! I'm glad to know she won't be quarantined! She's a very healthy dog, and I'll be sure to have all her shots updated before I move. I'll contact the airlines listed that would take her, and ask about night flying. I figured it would be a lot cooler if we went that way, and landing would be early enough in the morning it shouldn't be too warm yet. * she's guessing here*. I'm sure some company would fly her! Thanks again!! This website may be of help too: http://www.dogfriend...elcustoms.shtml	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-03 16:58:00
Canada	AFTER K1 APPROVAL HOW LONG FOR ADVANCED PAROLE?	QUOTE (Danu @ Mar 3 2009, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> out of curiosity, the AP paperwork asks for approx date of travel....what if you are just applying so you will have it and have no idea about when you will travel...do you just make something up and put it in there? (like...put in a date a few months from when you are applying?) Yeah, it doesn't really make a difference. I put "2 weeks in March" and "1 week in September" and when it asks to explain I put "to visit family and friends and also in case of emergency"	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-03 21:22:00
Canada	AFTER K1 APPROVAL HOW LONG FOR ADVANCED PAROLE?	QUOTE (poprocks @ Mar 3 2009, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JillA @ Mar 3 2009, 06:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You can't apply for a US passport, unless you are a US citizen (naturalized). You would travel with your Canadian passport. Most people obtain AP before their conditional GC. Once you have your GC then you no longer need AP. You apply for Adjustment of Status/AP/EAD as soon as you are married if possible. Sooner the better! AP can take anywhere from 60+ days, I am on my approx. 65th day and not yet received AP approval. Sometimes it could take longer than that. Thanks Jill Ok, so let me understand this. I get married, then apply for advanced parole... what is AOS? is this the adjusted status? Is this what I am seeing take 6 months or so? So after the AP, will I be travelling with my conditional GC? So confused I just worry that one day i'll cross over to Canada and not be let back in lol! Yes isn't it confusing!! Most of us did it without a lawyer too, with VJ a lawyer isn't needed in my opinion! So what happens is you must get married within 90 days of your K-1 activation. As soon as possible, you apply for adjustment of status after the wedding (AOS). Along with AOS (it doesn't cost any extra if you apply at the same time) you apply for advance parole (AP) and your employment authorization document (EAD). AOS approval can take approx. 6 months, it all depends on if you get called for an interview OR if your case gets approved without another interview (many people get approved without a 2nd interview, it all depends). Therefore if it takes 6 months or so to get your green card (conditional 2 year card) in this time you're hopefully granted AP and EAD so you can travel and work in the meantime! Unfortunately it's just a waiting game and you can't be sure when you get approved. I am dying for my AP so I can make a visit home! Then after your 2 year conditional GC expires, you must remove conditions you then receive a 10 year GC and are a permanent resident of the USA. I forgot to say.... I've never personally seen anyone denied AP, I'm sure it's happened but there probably has to be a good reason for it. Edited by JillA, 03 March 2009 - 07:21 PM.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-03 19:20:00
Canada	AFTER K1 APPROVAL HOW LONG FOR ADVANCED PAROLE?	You can't apply for a US passport, unless you are a US citizen (naturalized). You would travel with your Canadian passport. Most people obtain AP before their conditional GC. Once you have your GC then you no longer need AP. You apply for Adjustment of Status/AP/EAD as soon as you are married if possible. Sooner the better! AP can take anywhere from 60+ days, I am on my approx. 65th day and not yet received AP approval. Sometimes it could take longer than that. Edited by JillA, 03 March 2009 - 06:51 PM.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-03 18:50:00
Canada	My Visa Journey has officially begun!	Congrats Danu!	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-03 10:20:00
Canada	Awaiting Montreal Interview - How to get organized	QUOTE (July09Bride @ Mar 4 2009, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (flames9 @ Mar 4 2009, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> They are not going to keep any of your evidence. In majority of times, they DO NOT even ask to see any of it! What about the information we supplied with the I-129F... what (if anything) will we get back? All of it? I hope I don't sound like a real summy asking all these questions. I'm just curious and want to know how to best plan for the "big day" once it somes... then again, errr... we still need the date. I didn't get anything back that was supplied with the original package sent.... all the pics & evidence were kept on file.	JillA	Female	Canada	2009-03-04 10:59:00