ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaGetting Canadian Passport Picture in US

Just had my wife's Canadian passport picture taken at the local US Postal Service office for $15. They used a fancy camera that actually has templates on its screen for the face size/position requirements of most countries. They used a white background screen and a flash, which left a very small shadow an inch or so below my wife's ears. I hope that isn't going to be a problem. The clerk also stamped both pics with the office name/address, dated both and signed one of them before I could stop her. The instructions I had said nothing about the pictures being signed by the photographer and said only one picture should be stamped/dated, not both. She said most countries want the signature of the photographer. I also just realized she wrote the date but did not prefix it with "Photo taken" like the instructions show in the example. Anyway I hope the pics will be accepted despite all that. They all seem like minor things but sometimes bureaucrats are ridiculous about following instructions exactly.

Also, she only had a cutting device for 2x2 pictures but the instructions call for 2.75x2 so she said we could cut them at home. Since the camera was set to Canadian template it printed 2.75x2 (actually very slightly smaller so, again, I hope a slight white border isn't a problem). Since the pics weren't cut when she signed one, I noticed the bottom of one letter is going to be cut off when I cut the pic. Blarg. So the Canadian bureaucrats have plenty of little reasons to reject the pics but hopefully it will be ok. The lady at the post office mentioned that some countries charge exorbitant rates like $300 per application and if they reject your pictures they make you pay $300 again to submit new ones! So at least that's not a problem with Canada.


Hope it works out---Canada is extremely picky when it comes to pictures--
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-11 22:56:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate Question

Now here I am having anxiety again lol. I have one of those accordion folders, it's about 10x12x2. I just like the way I can have everything in its own section so I can find it easier. Should I relocate the papers to a smaller file?



Thats what I had,plastic accordian folder, around 12" wide, had like 12 or so compartments! No problem at all! Its the big bag and purses they are concerned about and of course elctronics
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-06 15:04:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate Question

They can't tell you that you cannot lock your car. You can't lock your keys in the car thats pointless. lol


No they can't but they can and will deny you entry!! No skin off their back. Their is a place close by that rents out lockers
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-05 17:17:00
CanadaPassport with Visa in my hand!
Congrats
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-11 17:44:00
CanadaUS Citizens might be moving to Vancouver

I have a friend who moves back and forth between the US and Germany frequently, and he has been able to get out of US cell contracts and had his smartphone unlocked by saying he is moving abroad for good. You might need to do some complaining, but it's worth a shot. Even if you end up having to pay to get out of the contract, for me it wouldn't be worth the time, misery, and money you'll spend on gas just to keep from paying to get out of your cell contract.



Yes we gout out of our verizon contract as we moved out of the USA. Took a bit of talking, but got it done!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-11 11:22:00
CanadaUS Citizens might be moving to Vancouver
I don't think Google maps factors in TRAFFIC! Its truly terrible during rush hours! Now Vancouver does have a metro, but like anywhere else that has a metro train and u live near it---more ur housing is going to cost.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-11 10:33:00
CanadaUS Citizens might be moving to Vancouver
Vancouver is a pretty big city! I know some of the traffic coming in and out of the city is horrendous during rush hour
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-10 20:08:00
CanadaUS Citizens might be moving to Vancouver

:goofy: Hello. My English husband just received his U.S. citizenship last month. He is now being considered for a job in Vancouver that just came up. The salary is very good but I know the cost of living in Vancouver is high.


Would some of you that currently do or did live in Vancouver give me your thoughts on the area and housing prices for renting and/or buying. We currently live on the Gulf Coast in Alabama and I know right away there will be a HUGE climate difference. We currently rent a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, one level, attached 2-car garage with a medium sized front and backyard in a subdivision for $1050.00 a month. Our electricity (no gas) averages $90 in the winter and $175 in the summer. How might these prices compare to Vancouver and does Vancouver had houses to rent or only apartments? Any information on Vancouver you could give me money-wise would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU! :goofy:



You could go on craigslist and get a very rough idea on what it would cost to rent a house or an apartment. Vancouver housing market is pretty $$$$. Gas is a lot more than in the USA--but cheaper than England,lol One pays a lot more in Sale tax on stuff than what you would pay in the USA--that where the $$$$ comes for the "free" healthcare,lol

Vancouver is a nice area,lots to see and do. The mountains are close by, the ocean is right there!! I resided in Victoria for nearly 10 yrs and enjoyed it. Very little snow (usually) in Vancouver in the winters, but can be a lot of grey, rainy days instead!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-10 13:32:00
CanadaApplying for Spouse Visa

Nope, we are getting married in November. The reason why i'm asking questions is because once we get married, we want to apply for a US spouse visa immediately and we want to be prepared and make sure we have all the documentation required to avoid any delays.



Since ur not a USA citizen....Its a much, much longer process. All the best
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-06 20:23:00
CanadaApplying for Spouse Visa

Hi, the reason my greencard wasn't revoked at the border was because when at the border, I told them I was in College and University and am completing my studies by April 2012. When I told them this, it was accepted and put on my file and after that, when crossing the border, I just had to provide proof I was a student. I am currently in the United States under a green card. Can I have both a work visa and green card? If yes, can I apply for a work visa and then have the options available under a work visa to bring my spouse to the United States?
Also, I don't believe they will take away my green card now since I am now living in the USA with a permanent career job at a large international company. Also, my brother and sister have had there green card almost as long as me and recently applied for US Citizenship (They moved to the US 2-5 years ago) and my brother is now a US Citizen and my sister should be soon a US Citizen.
Thanks.



You have a greencard----no need for a seperate work visa.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-05 10:07:00
CanadaApplying for Spouse Visa

How can you still have a valid green card if you haven't been residing at all in the US?



I was wandering the same--if you got the grteencard 10 yrs ago and just now started to live in the USA.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-05 06:46:00
CanadaGreen Card Holder in US, expired Canadian Passport
Its pretty straight forward for the simplified process (hopefully ur passport has not been expired for greater than a year)

The biggest hiccup most have are with the Passport photos!! Trying to find a place that does them to Canada standards And then making sure they meet the specifications! Canada is VERY picky when it comes to the the quality of the pics (no shadows, correct size, etc etc)
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-14 08:49:00
CanadaProof of ties and extending stay?
Been awhile---but normally Cdns do not get an I-94 when traveling. I advocate never lying, as it can come back to haunt you. But people change their minds when traveling quite often. I would not take the ferret with you or over pack!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-14 10:21:00
CanadaWhen to transfer money?
When dealing with banks, it can vary from branch to branch! 1 Wachovia bank said I needed a SSN--Another 1 didn't!! Just more to add to the frustrations,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-16 10:06:00
CanadaSelling property in Canada/possibly buying in US
Lot of us keep saying--no fees---which is all fine--but really means nothing----you need to know what the exchange rate they are going to give you. A bank can say--no fees--but then give you a very sub par exchange rate! on $100 who cares--but on a lot of $$$ it truly matters. A few phone calls to a bank you can finds out the exchange rate. CH is free to set up--not saying their rates will beat your banks! CH may beat ur bank 1 time, and another time it won't! When I was home in Saskatoon this past summer--I found I got a better rate at the ATM (As I got the ATM bank fees returned to me) So I'm not a CH junkie,lol you just want to do your research---No fees and easy transfer does NOT always mean your getting the best deal
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-15 18:27:00
CanadaSelling property in Canada/possibly buying in US
I'm pretty sure when I used Custom house--they filled out the forms.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-15 14:10:00
CanadaSelling property in Canada/possibly buying in US

How'd you end up getting it across the border? I am debating between bank draft or just wiring it.. Better advice?



custom house at 1 time was its own company, centered out of Victoria BC--I walked by its office many times when I lived in Victoria. About 2 yrs ago it was bought out by Western Union. http://onlinefx.west...omhouse-generic

Not sure if the application process has changed, I'm sure it has ( I started using it in 2005) Not that difficult to do! Just need a Canada bank account and a USA bank acct. I had to scan and email in a few documents (one could fax or snail mail it)

If you do it EFT (electronically file tx) it is FREE and takes 4-6 business days! They do offer a Wire service-- for a fee. Someone told they off a faster free option as well. I'm never in a hurry, so have never bothered! They make their $$$ on the exchange rate! I found it to be a bit better than what the banks offer! If your only tx'ing a smal amount of $$$, not a huge deal, but if you are--wel its well worth it! Well worth to check what ur bank will offer--and what CH offers. No reason to give away $$$$$
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-14 22:38:00
CanadaSelling property in Canada/possibly buying in US
Anything over $10,000 just has to be claimed, but doesn't mean its taxed! I used Custom house to transfer over a lot of $$$ and was no big deal! And it was free using their EFT option!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-14 21:55:00
Canadano vaccination record pls help

i dont have a vaccination record back in my country..I migrated here in Canada and still doen't have any vaccination record. Can i go to my family doctor to get the shots needed prior to coming for a medical k1 visa appointment?( will it save me money?)anybody who went through the same process?or should i just get those shots during my medica k1 visa appointment?



One can go to your family DR and get a titr test done and see if you have had the shots in the past---and they can give you all the required shots as well!! Much better going this route then waiting until the last minute. Cheers
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-12 14:03:00
CanadaPetitioner (husband) joining me for our CR-1 interview?
Yep they can--with passport. But may not be allowed in for the interview. My wife didn't attend and many other don't as well. Canada is not a high fraud country. In other countries where it is, they can be highly recommended to show! for 99.9999% of Canucks, its the easiest and the fastest part of the whole process
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-17 11:11:00
CanadaPay Income Tax in Two Countries?

Note to self - don't answer posts if there is already a reply.


Nah!! I find many people dont even read the posts,lol so your best just to post again,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-18 19:57:00
CanadaJury Duty
My sister in Calgary got called for Duty Jury last yr! She and the others showed up, BUT they were suppose to be cancelled, but someone forgot to cancel them! But it counted as if they had been called, so back to the bottom of the list she and the others went! Sweet deal!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-10-04 20:30:00
CanadaName change on passport for visiting

I spoke with a Canadian citizen setting up a flower shop in Washington and she was harassed by customs virtually every time she crossed during the process. She was inside the one time and broke into tears. Someone came along and asked what was wrong. After explaining the situation, he handed her his card and said if you ever have issues again, let me know. It was a Supervisor and she was carefree after that.

So yes it "can" work but you would need to provide a concrete case in your favor.


Setting up a business---and visiting are two very different items.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-19 07:44:00
CanadaName change on passport for visiting

Hello!
I tried to make sure this wasn't asked elsewhere- but I didn't find a similar topic. Sorry if there already is one!
My husband and I are preparing the beginning of our immigration journey. I am Canadian and he is American, we live in border towns and are able to visit a few times a week. I have always said "visiting my boyfriend" when crossing with no serious issues and am a NEXUS card holder.
We married in early October and are preparing our process.
I want to know if changing my last name on my passport and NEXUS card and saying " visiting my husband" is a good idea or not. Will it make visiting more of a challenge for me?
I live with my parents but have a career, etc. just not a lease.

Thank you for your guidance! :)


Welcome to VJ!! Lots of info here! Rule #1-NEVER LIE!!! A simple lie can make ur life miserable. A denied entry is not a big deal! Being Banned is a totally different story!! One can visit during the CR-1 process--I did it monthly--and so have many others! Not a huge deal. The huge deal could be you saying visiting "your BF" when he isn't ur BF, but ur husband! Why--as your now lying!! Why should a POE officer believe anything you have to say? So from now on--don't lie!!

ALWAYS have proof that your going to return to Canada--IE letter from employer, utility bills, etc etc!! The onus is on YOU, that your going to return--not on the POE officer!! Most likely it will go well!! You can state you have started the CR-1 process (which they may have no clue of) and that your not going to do anything that will jeopardize it. Just never lie!!! Best of luck
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-17 20:28:00
CanadaWill this be an issue at the border?
#1 question asked in the Cdn forum--scroll down or do a search and you will find 1000's of threads on it!!

Many of us traveled before and during the process and never had a problem! Some do get questioned more, some get into secondary for further questioning and yes a very few do get denied entry!! One should always bring evidence with you that shows your going to return to Canada (letter from employer, return airfare ticket, etc etc) And even with that, it all comes down to the POE officer!! You as a Cdn--even being married to an American--gives you NO right to entry into the USA!! Don't lie, don't argue, be polite at all times. If the POE officer is going to deny you entry, remain calm and ask to speak to a supervisor!! Your never going to win an arguement and being rude isn't going to work in ur favor!! Don't be upset with the POE officer--Be upset with all the morons and people doing it illegal that make a POE officers job hard to do!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-21 13:22:00
CanadaProving Domicile

Evidence of domicile is for US Citizens who do not currently reside in the US. For example it's common for Americans to live in Canada with their spouse, and when interview times comes the Canadian must prove that the American will move back to the US. Since you live in the US this is not a problem for you.



Yep, so thats not your problem! lol Being only a Perm Resident of the USA is......A bi0 tlonger process for you. Best of luck
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-21 19:04:00
CanadaVenting about EI (2012)
Info here: http://www.serviceca...ar.shtml#Number
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-22 18:20:00
CanadaCanadian Citizenship for Children
I just mention it's more up to the Companies/organization policies if they allow it or not.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-23 07:05:00
CanadaCanadian Citizenship for Children
I know dual USA/CDN citizens that have TS clearance. Just many companies won't do it as it costs more to do say for a normal plain Jane USA citizen as it takes more investigating.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-23 06:08:00
CanadaCanadian Citizenship for Children

So I wonder then what this dude was yacking about since your the second person thats told me this now. This was 7 years ago that I asked, did something change?


You will find a lot of clueless people.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-21 20:56:00
CanadaCanadian Citizenship for Children
I know a few Cdns (not well) that have dual USA/American citizenship and have joined the USA military!! And they are not just sweeping floors,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-21 19:24:00
CanadaK-1 Approval!
congrats!! Now you can sit and wonder when the visa package will arrive
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-24 08:59:00
CanadaWaiting to hear back from NVC Please help
Too bad you had not found VJ before you hired a lawyer!! We did the same thing--- Huge waste of $$$$. My best advice is goto the CR-1 forum and READ the Guides--so you understand the process as believe it or not all Immigration lawyers do not. Spend time reading the guides and the steps--as no 1 cares more about the process than YOU--lawyer truly doesn't care he/she still gets paid.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-24 17:21:00
CanadaI am frustrated with the U.S. Consulate in Montreal

To my understanding, as soon as you have the visa you don't have a choice in activating it. The first time you cross the border after it's issued, you're using it.


not true--up to the POE officer. Many have crossed without "activating" it, but it all depends on the POE officer!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-05-17 17:10:00
CanadaI am frustrated with the U.S. Consulate in Montreal
One can email them--ensure ur case # is in the subject line! You may have to email them numerous times!

Mtl is SLOW--at pretty much everything!! Yes you would think since you just have to mail in1 thing,they would spend 1 minute, look at it, then mail out the approved visa! But nope, thats not the case. It takes awhile!!

1 member posted on how they reached the Mtl Supervisor--and it speeded up the process. I would look for it, but i'm out the door. cheers
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-02-21 13:18:00
CanadaF2A Please help
whats the problem?? They were nice enough to say yes they have it and explained the process. Now you just have to sit and wait and wait.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-27 08:45:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?

Came across a great article online from the 'Globe & Mail' regarding personal finance:
Buying-foreign-currencies-made-easy-online

I currently have accounts with TD & ING.
After reading this thread, Western Union (formerly Custom House) looks like a great option.
Moving to the state of HAWAII (Nov. 1st)


I have to agree with Krikit....that since Western Union has bought CH....their exchange rate hasn't seemed as favorable....but when tx'ing large sums of $$$, always best to check with multiple sources.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-27 15:29:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
That may be true...but many people just assume the banks give the same exchange rate--which they do not! 1 should phone around and research it before transferring large sums of $$$
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-26 13:25:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?

Is the exchange rate not based on the national exchange rate?
RBCs always seems to be.
Which is currently losing me about 20-40 dollars when I pay my rent each month :bonk:


No, banks can charge you what ever exchange rate they want. Thats how they make $$$. Thast 1 benefit of having Custom house---Not saying they give you the best exchange rate, but its a nice option to have.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-26 12:39:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
I think I stated this on another thread---Just because a bank charges you NO FEES--does not mean your getting a good deal! Ensure you know what the exchange rate they are giving you. Not a big deal if your only transferring a small amount of $$$--a huge deal if it is a larger sum!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-26 12:09:00