ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaWe made it
So, we made it very easily. I think I'll make this post in chronological order with what's happened the last couple of days.

So, first, on Monday morning, I left Kristy's house to go grab the Penske truck over in the States. Thank you everyone that suggested Penske over U-Haul, our truck rocked! It only had 5400 miles on it and looked brand new. Had my grandfather follow me over to Kristy's so that he could help me load the few bulky things. Going back over to Canada with the truck, I got sent to secondary, but that took all of 30 seconds, as all they needed to do was open the back and see that it was indeed empty like I said it was.

So, we get packed up and on the road by 3:00pm. She and her daughter drove her '99 Grand Am ahead of me, in the Penske truck. We pulled behind one car, as the crossing was not very busy at all at that time. Kristy handed her passports to the officer and when asked the purpose of the trip, she said, "We're moving over to the States today, we have our K-1 and K-2 visas in the passports there." He looked at them quizically, and sent them over to secondary, of course, but was very friendly, he was just new (which I did confirm when I was chatting with him) and probably hadn't even seen someone activating a visa before. So, I pulled up next with the truck, and basically said that I can look in the back here, or I can send you over. I said, well, I'd rather be sent over, anyway. So, he gave me a yellow slip too and sent me over.

There were three people in line ahead of us, but two or three random NEXUS inspections came in and cut ahead. (NEXUS also gives you front-of-the-line privileges at secondary, but we were hesitant to whip ours out, since we didn't and couldn't use the NEXUS lane since we had a truckload of things to declare and were activating a visa.) We got another new guy inside, as he didn't have any idea what was in the big X-Ray envelope until we told him. So, Kristy had left index, right index, and a picture taken. He also had two supervisors come over to help him out, though. When we got to talking about Advance Parole and such, both the supervisors stated that she could still leave and come back before we got married. Once everything was in order, though, I had to tell him, "psst, this is the part where you say 'Welcome to America'," to which he obliged, and we were on our way home. All told, it took about an hour at immigration.

As a side note, the lady next at us was having a real hard time proving her ties to Canada. She was going to visit her son and her brother in Colorado for an indefinite amount of time, she lived with her parents in Ontario, and is an unemployed artist. She was ahead of us in line, but was still at the counter by the time we left, so I'm not sure what happened. It seemed like they were trying to let her go by rephrasing the questions so she would answer the questions "correctly" but she kept digging her hole deeper, I think.

So, we end up getting the truck unpacked by 8:00pm. I return the Penske truck at 9:00a on Tuesday, and it cost us about $50, including gas (round trip was 18 miles). Our Reverend called us at about 12:30 to ask us when we wanted to get married, as he was available either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday. I yell to Kristy, "Hey, honey, do you want to get married tonight?" Who says romance is dead? So, we got married at about 5:30p on Tuesday evening. Oh, if anyone need an officiant to do their wedding in Michigan, PM me; I can highly the one that did ours. Ours wasn't the first time he did a wedding first and then a marriage later for a K-1 visa.

We're piled high in boxes still, and we have to convert some rooms to other uses first and such, and find time to decorate the Christmas tree. But, we are together at last, and it sure feels good.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-22 09:05:00
CanadaHey, I might be able to be Canadian
Woohoo! Thank you for finding and posting that for me.

Do you know if you can track a bill's progress in Parliment online? Similar to the THOMAS portal to the Library of Congress here?
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-12-11 15:33:00
CanadaHey, I might be able to be Canadian
QUOTE (MarilynP @ Nov 13 2007, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I thought you didn't lose your Canadian citizenship if you naturalized in the US unsure.gif or was it different back then??


Different before 1977. That's why there is the hoopla over all the "Lost Canadians" that can't get passports.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-13 16:26:00
CanadaHey, I might be able to be Canadian
QUOTE (neiks @ Nov 12 2007, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You may want to check this out to see if you can actually retain your Canadian citizenship.
http://www.cic.gc.ca...eligibility.asp

I looked into this for my husband
My husband's (the USC) grandmother is Canadian. Unfortunetly he didn't fit the requirement and turned 28 before Feb 15, 2005.


That doesn't work for me, because my mother was no longer a Canadian when I was born. I imagine that my mother would perhaps be able to regain her Canadian citizenship but since she's deceased, that probably won't happen. Plus, even if she was able to posthumously regain her citizenship that still wouldn't make her Canadian on the day I was born.

I'd have to count on that new legislation. Where can I go to look up what bill number that is and at what point of the Parliamentary process it is?
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-13 08:39:00
CanadaHey, I might be able to be Canadian
I just found something, that, if this legislation goes through, I would be Canadian! I'm going to have to research this more.

QUOTE
Statement from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on Proposed Changes to the Citizenship Act

Ottawa, Ontario, May 29, 2007

* * * * *

Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, appeared before the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration and issued the following statement on proposed changes to the Citizenship Act involving cases that have become known as “lost Canadians.”

“Canada’s New Government has taken decisive action to resolve many of the cases that have been brought to our attention. However, more action is required. That is why today, I announced that I plan to introduce new legislation to amend the Citizenship Act.

This will mean that anyone born in Canada on or after January 1, 1947, will have citizenship even if they had lost it under a provision of the 1947 Canadian Citizenship Act.

Anyone naturalized in Canada on or after January 1, 1947, will have citizenship even if they had lost it under the 1947 Act.

And anyone born outside the country to a Canadian mother or father, in or out of wedlock on or after January 1, 1947, will have citizenship if they are the first generation born abroad.

My heart goes out to all those who have been affected by this issue due to outdated laws that have been on the books for many years. While the previous government chose not to act, we are taking action and moving forward to help those whose citizenship is in question.”


Because of:

"This will mean that anyone born in Canada on or after January 1, 1947, will have citizenship even if they had lost it under a provision of the 1947 Canadian Citizenship Act." My mother lost her Canadian citizenship when my grandparents moved to the US and naturalized when my mom was 14.

"And anyone born outside the country to a Canadian mother or father, in or out of wedlock on or after January 1, 1947, will have citizenship if they are the first generation born abroad." My mother would then have been a Canadian when I was born, and I would be Canadian, as I was the first one on that side of the family to be born in the US. Under this, my father would be Canadian, too, as he was the first one to be born to a Canadian mother, who also lost her citizenship after naturalizing in the US.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-12 16:38:00
CanadaWhat are you guys doing for American income taxes?
I'm taking mine to the tax guy around the corner from me who does both US and Canadian taxes.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-12-11 15:26:00
CanadaOh Christmas Tree
I'll have to take some pictures. We were looking and looking for the right tree, and when we finally decided the one we wanted was a particular one from Home Depot, we went to go buy it, but they were all out! But, they did sell us the display model, so it worked out! I still need to hang our stockings, though. I don't have a hearth, so they're going on the stair banister.

I'm lucky that our cats aren't paying much mind to the tree. One squirt from the water bottle the very first time this year was all it took. Last year the youngest one was all over the tree. She'll stare out the window at the squirrels behind the tree, though. The oldest cat couldn't care less about the tree.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-12-12 09:19:00
CanadaThe in-laws from heck
Not a whole lot to say, I love my in-laws. Although, my wife's step-mom tends to know everything about everything and has an opinion on it...
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-01 16:01:00
CanadaAwaiting AOS w/promised work back in Canada?
QUOTE (Doug n Amanda @ Jan 4 2008, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We would NEVER try to go thru NEXUS or FAST. We are grown adults, getting more educated each day on this process, and patiently abiding by all of the rules, not trying to skirt them. I was merely asking about AP to understand its' intent. My thanks to the VJers who have contributed to my understanding of this topic.


Yes, and to clarify, I didn't suggest to use the lanes, only that since you are card holders, it is probably the easiest way to talk to a CBP or Immigration officer, by going into the FAST office.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-04 13:11:00
CanadaAwaiting AOS w/promised work back in Canada?
Hey guys, we filed a day after you two.

Anyway, why not maybe check in with the FAST office? That would probably be the best way to get an answer from the horses mouth. I think I remember you saying that Doug had a FAST and a NEXUS pass, and you have NEXUS.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-03 14:54:00
CanadaWhat do I need for a VA state ID.
My local Credit Union had no problem adding Kristy to my account, but Chase couldn't figure out how. Now that she has her DL and SSN it shouldn't be a problem, we just haven't made it in to the bank again.

However, looking at the residency proof for VA, Liz, it looks like you or any other K1 visa holder would have a tough time fulfilling it. In Michigan, we brought a certified copy of the marriage certificate, along with her Ontario DL, Canadian passport, and my water/sewer bill. The marriage certificate was enough to link Kristy to me so that my water bill is her water bill.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-12-19 09:01:00
CanadaA Late Xmas Present....
Congrats, and Happy New Year!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-04 12:45:00
CanadaAOS Papers For K-1 Visa
Even though you are sending your husband's tax transcripts for the past three years (I did, as well), also send a copy of last years W2. They make it sound like you don't need a W2 if you're sending the tax transcript, but I read over in the AOS forum that someone got an RFE for that. If he's self-employed, then disregard, obviously.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-09 07:39:00
Canadainfo from Connect2Canada
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 7 2008, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jan 7 2008, 08:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oral declarations of citizenship and identity alone will no longer be accepted

Ahhhh the good old days. Well we can tell our grandchildren how they used to just smile and wave us through - as they are having their microchips scanned.


Well, they just smile and wave me through while my microchip is being scanned. (NEXUS)
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-07 13:25:00
CanadaYour first post - what was it?
Here's my first post, much like many others.

QUOTE (Lurgid @ Mar 14 2007, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello, everyone...

I'm just now getting everything together for the I-129F, and I don't think we have time. I'm Jeremy, and I'm the USC, and my fiance and her daughter live in Canada in the city just across the border from me (I can see Canada from my window). We set the wedding date for September 1st, 2007.

If I file for the K-1, and we don't recieve it in time, can we still get married? If that happened, though, she'd have to stay in Canada while we then file for a new K-3, right? All those tolls for the bridge are adding up!

Alternatively, since a Canadian can visit the US for up to six months, should/could she just move in with me anytime this summer, get married, and then file for something after the wedding?

As if wedding plans weren't hectic enough!

Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-09 14:54:00
CanadaTransporting your cat on a long trip in the car
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 11 2008, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I found this information on pet food today:

Pet food from Canada

Last Updated
11/19/2007 05:23 PM


Question
Can I buy pet food in Canada and bring it into the U.S.?

Answer
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently relaxed rules for travelers entering the U.S. with pet foods that contain ruminant meat or meat by-products from Canada. This includes pet foods made from cattle, bison, deer, elk, caribou, moose or camels. Pet food containing meat from those animals are now allowed entry in the U.S.

Commercial pet food that lists lamb, sheep or goat in the ingredient list is still prohibited.

http://help.cbp.gov/...ser/std_alp.php


Of course. After they threw out the nearly full bag of mine when I brought our cats across.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-11 15:05:00
CanadaAny recent EADs at the Windsor / Detroit POE?
If your son is under 14, then yes, the combined fee for you two will be $1610. That's what I'm looking at for my wife and step-daughter to adjust once they are here, too.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-19 15:06:00
CanadaAny recent EADs at the Windsor / Detroit POE?
QUOTE (Kayleigh+Kyle @ Sep 14 2007, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
can anyone show me where I can get these phone numbers to call these POE's to ask?


http://www.cbp.gov/x.../toolbox/ports/

I believe this is the list people use.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-14 13:53:00
CanadaAny recent EADs at the Windsor / Detroit POE?
QUOTE (Melyssa @ Sep 14 2007, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was kinda wondering the same thing but I looked up the Windsor/Detroit entry and it's SO out of the way! We wouldn't have the time to do that and it wouldn't be worth it for us... but anyway... blink.gif what do they have against giving Canadians a stamp to allow them to work anyway? Are there just too many of us or something? lol. I find it ironic that I live a lot closer to my fiance than say someone in California or Washington State lives to him but if he was marrying someone from the west coast, they wouldn't have to go through all this. no0pb.gif The only thing I can think of that would make sense is if they let us all take jobs in the U.S. they'd be afraid their people wouldn't get the jobs!


No one said it makes sense! I live closer to my fiancee than the next town over on the States side! Our houses are 3.7 miles from each other.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-14 10:37:00
CanadaFood!
When I go over to pick up stuff, what I usually have to bring back is Tetley tea, rye bread, and liverwurst.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-07 11:17:00
CanadaMarriages and Weddings for K1-ers
Other way around for us. We had our "wedding" first, and our "marriage" later.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-14 13:56:00
CanadaNexus Questions after being married ? ?
Until you actually have the visa, it doesn't matter. And then when you move to the states, make sure when you register your car over here, you change the license plate information and visa information with the NEXUS office.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-01-14 14:00:00
CanadaWhat the heck did they do to the Heinz Ketchup???
Check the "International Foods" aisle in your grocery store in the US. There won't be a "Canadian" section, but if you have a "British" section, you may be able to find the non-HFCS ketchup and other things there.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-12-19 09:12:00
CanadaHoly! $42 for a *basic* home phone w Verizon???
I have the bundle with all three services from Comcast. With two DVRs, HD Channels, and HBO, now that the introductory periods are over, my bill from Comcast is approximately $212/month. I was kind of looking at alternatives, but I had a telemarketer call me from AT&T the other day, and when he asked me what I currently have and I told him I have every phone service plus unlimited long distance to US and Canada for $40-some / month, he said, "uh, sorry, we can't beat that," and then he hung up.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-12-16 11:36:00
CanadaAP Approved!! FINALLY!!
QUOTE (Jeremy + Kristy @ Feb 21 2008, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Got a touch on the K-2 AP today, but no approval, yet.


Actually, the touch turned into an approval for both travel docs and the EAD!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-02-22 10:51:00
CanadaAP Approved!! FINALLY!!
Got a touch on the K-2 AP today, but no approval, yet.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2008-02-21 10:59:00
CanadaImporting the car
QUOTE (Doug n Amanda @ Nov 12 2007, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Jeremy, you need the other sticker, and a letter from GM; save yourself some time (Doug & I went thru this, here's what you do):

GM owners need to contact Vintage Vehicle Services (they ONLY do GM vehicles and are located in Oshawa, Ontario) at 1-888-467-6853. They email a form to fill out, with instructions on paying the $79.50 via. Visa or MC number. Once the form & payment is received, they can email the letter (PDF or Word doc) directly to you within 24 hours.


Well, I asked about it from one of the NEXUS officers when I was in the office last, and he said there'd be no problem. The car was probably made in Lake Orion, anyway, he said. I THINK because it's a '99 there is no problem as in '98 the US and Canada standardized on something or other I think I read. So, I think we'll actually take a chance. If we can't, then I'll leave it in Canada and pick it up after we get the letter.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-12 14:26:00
CanadaImporting the car
So, I checked out Kristy's car (1999 Pontiac Grand Am) and there is a sticker in the engine compartment stating that it complies with all US EPA regulations. However, I see nothing about FMVSS, CMVSS, or DOT. Do we need to try to get a letter from GM? Also, do we have to pay off the car first, or can there still be a lien with TD bank on it?
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-12 11:17:00
CanadaEasy way to build credit
QUOTE (piosenka @ Aug 22 2007, 06:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What about Sears? I hate their CC rates, but my fiance is in Thunder Bay and doesn't have a lot of the large chain stores that offer Credit cards. He has AMAZING credit in Canada right now and could probably get approved for just about anything.

I also remember reading that American Express does something similar when moving from Canada to US. Can anyone verify?


Hmm, American Express may have something to offer, I'm not sure. They are very international, and they issue their own cards, so it's not like Mastercard or Visa where a bank issues them. It might not hurt to dig around their website.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-08-23 10:04:00
CanadaEasy way to build credit
I hope Kristy doesn't see this thread. She'll want to go on a Macy's and Target shopping spree. We have both in our mall. Once upon a time I worked at Target, and we could sign up Canadians for the credit card.

I worked in the electronics area, and I also had a way for Canadians to get DirecTV before it was available over in Canada. They just needed to open a PO Box, first, and register that "address" with DirecTV.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-08-22 11:26:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
QUOTE (Doug n Amanda @ Nov 15 2007, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (PfcsBaby @ Nov 9 2007, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (irenovic @ Nov 9 2007, 09:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so i checked the mail today and I got my visa, yes!!! I'm leaving on nov 15 and we're getting married Nov 20 in Colorado. So exciting! But it doesn't stop there, now more paperwork before i can work.




Congrats! I'm also getting married the same day as you.


and DITTO! November 20 on the St. Pete Beach, Sunny Florida good.gif


Probably the same with Kristy and I. Looks like we'll be moving on Monday and getting married on Tuesday. Probably at the location in the picture in my signature, as that is literally steps from doorway.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-11-15 12:35:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
I can't believe that on the spreadsheet there are only five couples still waiting for an interview!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-28 14:33:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
QUOTE (LonaD @ Sep 24 2007, 04:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (irenovic @ Sep 24 2007, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OHHH MMYYY GOD!!! I got an interview - NOVEMBER 5 8:30. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! This is so exciting!!!

COOOOOOOOL Congratulations
same day as me . but I might already be in there when you arrive , my apointment is at 7:45 am


From what I've gathered from reviews on here, your interview time has no bearing on when you actually have your interview. That it's more or less first-come, first-served.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-24 15:16:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
It's official, we have our interview scheduled for November 9th at 9:00 with MandE!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-24 12:00:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
Congrats on the interviews, everyone. Kristy should be getting home for lunch soon and checking the mail. Crossing my fingers that there's some news in there.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-24 11:43:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
QUOTE (Mary&Trev @ Sep 17 2007, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (liz_legend @ Sep 17 2007, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone! As you can tell, I'm super excited..

and of course the spreadsheet is now updated with my good news from today =)



Huge Congrats! kicking.gif This gives me hope that we'll see Montreal in Dec!!!!

Mary


Same here. We're a month and a day behind Liz, so I have my fingers crossed that we get one early December! That would work out beautifully.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-17 16:47:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
QUOTE (Doug n Amanda @ Sep 14 2007, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tinker @ Sep 14 2007, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Breathe!
Remember when our bunch went through all the emailing, and calling and were given dates way off, turned out when we called the next week, the appts were booked.... and sooner then they said....soooooooo smile.gif


Yep, Tinker, that's what I was thinking.....on the list since June, and the last email I got from them said "we told you you were on the 4-6 month waiting list". 6 months is December, so they just threw it out there.....

Liz, I'll betcha we get a letter in the next 2-3 weeks for a November appt. yes.gif


You guys better, because I want a December one before the holidays!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-09-14 10:07:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
Hmm, so it looks like May people are getting scheduled in October. So, Hopefully it will be December for us, and we can spend the holidays moving, and my step-daughter-to-be could start school in the states after winter break!
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-08-22 11:53:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview

well, I was on hold with the classical music for six mins til it suddenly started ringing so I quickly took it off speakerphone in preparation for someone to pick up..

to only return to the classics again!!

sigh..

nothing.


Do you mean you're still on hold, or you got disconnected?
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-08-17 14:00:00
CanadaMTL Timeline to Interview
Well, I'm officially going to be in the waiting room very soon. Mailing off the Packet 3 today or tomorrow.
Jeremy + KristyMaleCanada2007-07-23 10:49:00