ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
I learned fairly early on that to cash a Cdn Cheque at Wachovia I had to deal with 1 teller at a certain branch. If not it was just a pain in the butt that would involve the bank manager--who was great, but he would have to explain to the teller on how to do it properly! I think the worst experience I had was going to a different Wachovia branch---tell told me no fees--but then about a week or later in the mail I got my cheques back with a note saying they could not cash them, as it was under $200 and my account would be debited the amount! The 1 teller that I used, moved on or quit---so then I found customhouse and just mailed back any Cdnb cheques to my folks, who then deposited them into my Cdn bank account. But like anyhting else--there are some great banks and some crappy ones!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-09-24 09:39:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?

Does having a Canadian bank account open impact taxes at all if you are collecting some interest? At what point should you be concerned? I'd like to avoid tax issues - I hate paperwork (even more so since this immigration bureaucracy started! :P)


I know if you have made less than $10 in interest on USA banks--you do not report it!! I keep Like $1 in my CVdb bank!! Every now and then I transfer $$$ so it stays active!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-09-21 16:19:00
CanadaShould I close my Canadian bank account?
Been in the USa since 2004 and still keep open 1 Cdn bank account!! I keep very little in it!! But it comes in handy now and then
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-09-21 15:32:00
CanadaCanadian wanting to visit USA for 6 months then apply for visa

Thats what I was wondering! When I went for my 2 week visit, my passport wasn't stamped, nothing indicating that I had a specific amount of time there or had to leave by a certain date. I didn't know If it was legal to extend my stay, within the 6 month range


yep one can do that. They can put a date on it, but they rarely do!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-12 07:39:00
CanadaCanadian wanting to visit USA for 6 months then apply for visa

Thanks everyone, I think I will go for a shorter visit, I may have a better chance of staying then. 6 months is probably pushing it


Always go for a shorter visit...then out of the blue decide to stay longer..as long as the POE officer didn't put a date when you must return!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-11 22:54:00
CanadaCanadian wanting to visit USA for 6 months then apply for visa
Really comes down to the POE officer! Anytime you stay for an extended amount of time, it is most likely going to raise eyebrows and further questions--but it may not!! Going down for a week or two, probably no questions asked, staying for 6 months, different story.

Edited by Flames9_RN, 10 October 2012 - 06:10 PM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-10 18:09:00
Canadaphew.. was worried about visit
Majority do not have problems! Enjoy ur trip
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-26 17:27:00
CanadaOntario Vehicle Registration Expiring this month... Can't get Connecticut License
And I'm sure if an insurance company can find a way to not pay out..........lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-26 21:18:00
CanadaCredit report follows you to the US?
Like Huggle stated some can do it, but rarely do they do it. What some have done to speed up obtaining a credit rating in the USA is get A Cdn American Express card....and when the time comes..American express can switch it to a USA account. And capital 1 has a CC for people with poor to nil credit. And if your American Spouse has excellent credit, it may not matter. best of luck
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-27 14:22:00
CanadaSpecific question about the medical
Or just go get the Flu shot before the Interview and get a receipt for it!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-17 11:14:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA

I looked on Service Canada's site and couldn't find anywhere that said that I can receive EI when moving to USA. Does anyone have a link or more info (other than a phone #) where I can verify this?

Thanks!


There is a whole thread at the top of the forum! Since ur coming in on a cr-1 or IR-1--your work eligible right from the beginning--as long as you have enough qualifying hours. The reason moving to be with your spouse is a valid reason to get EI, its all legal and a lot of us have received it.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-31 13:32:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA

To The Getty:

How long did it take you to get your SSN? I have been told by other members that with my CR1 visa (once approved)that I will be eligible to work in the USA right away (something about having a stamp in my passport stating 'employment authorized'). I am assuming from your post this is not entirely correct until I receive my SSN. I just hope that doesn't take too long.

BTW - thanks to all who have posted replies - they have all been very informative and helpful.



After approx 10-14 BUSINESS days after POE and still no SSN card (if u checked the box on the DS-230 form) head down to ur local SSN office and get them to check! If the # has not been issued, they will ask you to submit a new SSN application! So what most do is print 1 out at home, so when they ask for it, viola--u hand it to them! They will ask for ID--such as ur Passport and birth cert. And there are other acceptable ID that they will accept. Quite often the SSN arrives approx a week later.

http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-02-20 16:11:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA

Back in 2005, it may have been the case that you didn't need your SSN to start collecting EI and perhaps things have changed....I don't know. All I do know is when I arrived in the US just 4 months ago, until I had my SSN, I was not paid any EI from Canada as I was considered to NOT be available for work. This came straight from the agents who actually review and process the EI applications. I had to be ready, willing, and capable of working to receive EI benefits - capable of working meant being able to legally accept work in the US, and not having an SSN was deemed to not be able to legally accept work.

As for the second part of your response, from my own experience, before I had my SSN I was told point blank that without an SSN, my application wouldn't even be accepted/reviewed. maybe this was just the businesses where I tried to apply, or maybe it was because of the state in which I live; your guess is as good as mine.

To the OP:
In my honest opinion, you would be better waiting until you had your SSN before applying for EI benefits from Canada. As I've posted, without my SSN I was deemed to not be available to legally accept work in the US, thus, not eligible for EI until I had received my SSN. If you want to try with just your green card, by all means try. And if you are successful, then all the more power to you. I'm just relaying personal experience from 4 months ago.


1 has to appply for EI benefits within a certain time frame as well. Usually the SSN comes rather quickly. if after approx 10 days after POE arrival, 1 can go and check/reapply for it, so its usually not an issue. But just having a SN does not make 1 eligible to work. cheers
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-02-19 13:45:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA
I'm fairly certain back in 2005 when I came on a CR-1 visa that I didn't have my SSN when I started collecting Ei. Oodles of posts on VJ on what to do when ur SSN does not arrive soon

I know there have been a fair # of people on VJ that have started to work as well without a SSN--they just didn't get paid until they provided the SSN
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-02-19 10:24:00
CanadaAm I Eligible to Collect EI When I Move to the USA
As a cr-1/ir-1 ur eligible right away when u enter the USA, as these visa come with you being able to work right away(as long as you have enough qualified hrs in Canada, and you should) Just dont quit ur job too soon! 1 gal quit well in advance and they denied her Ei claim! I can't recall how long in advance she quit, but I think it was well lover a month.

You won't be dealing with ur small town Ei office for the claim, its an international office. Its been 2005 since I collected and things have changed! Best of luck
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-02-17 15:35:00
CanadaPOE at YVR
I would think they would just send you to secondary--That "Nexus" officer isn't going to be the one that is going to stay and do the paperwork! OR he could just say--sorry---head to the normal lane......so worth a try, all he can do is say no.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-27 19:43:00
CanadaScotiabank Serial Number Will Not Work

I'm not sure exactly what step you did there but it's unlikely you can pay as wire from a Canadian bank. I believe in the notes I saw from fellow VJ's you send a money order from the Canadian side.

In our situation I had the money order at the bank and then forwarded this with the documenation.


disregard (thought they were going thru Vancouver)

Edited by Flames9_RN, 31 October 2012 - 04:20 PM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-31 16:19:00
CanadaCustom House
I have mentioned CustomHouse a fair bit in tx'ing $$$$. When they were just Customhouse, they were geat--then a few years ago they were bought out by Western Union and like Krikit has mentioned, the rates they were giving, were not as good as before.

Today I got an email from them stating: "We would like to inform you that our fees for Electronic Funds Transfers have changed. Effective November 1st, 2012, the fee for outgoing EFT payments will be 5.00 USD." But I guess since I am a valued client,lol those fees do not start until March 2013!!!

Still an option, but maybe not as competitive as they once were.

http://business.west...-payment-types/

Edited by Flames9_RN, 01 November 2012 - 07:15 AM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-11-01 07:09:00
CanadaMarried on a work visa
Amazing what telling the truth,being polite and being prepared does,lol congrats
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-11-01 10:58:00
CanadaMarried on a work visa

Is that true that if I get denied for a tn visa it will stop me from entering the USA in the future ?


Again it all comes down to the POE officer. I'm sure on there screen they can see if you have had A TN in the past and/or been denied entry! And having a spouse to some POE officers increases their spidy senses,lol. Always bring strong ties with you, that you will be returning to Canada.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-31 11:46:00
CanadaMarried on a work visa

Thanks for the info , stressfull , looks like I no matter witch way I turn Canada or the USA I will be separated from her for about a year . You know I have two engineering degrees ,thought I new everything and come to realize I know nothing about anything . Looks like I need a team of lawers to keep my new family together . Canada+USA+marriage=? Not being bitter but we just got married traveled and never new we were breaking any rules just wanted to live,love,and enjoy never thought we would be separated by any government .


Don't worry, your just 1 of many that do the same thing!! I belive in ur case its easier for the American to immigrate to Canada as one can live together during the process...but don't quote me on that as I have nebver gone that route. Roadtocanada.com for more info
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-30 16:14:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview

Good to know! That's funny. I emailed them yesterday and have only received an auto response :)



Getting an email from Mtl--is about the same odds as winning the Lottery!! lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-18 12:43:00
CanadaSuper Worried for Interview
Many USA spouses//fiances do not come up to the interview in Canada--Mine did not. Its not a problem!! You have a monthy til your interview, if one is that concerned they will spend the 10 min in filling out a Passport application and head to their post office. For Cdns, its usually the easiest part of the whole process

Edited by Flames9_RN, 17 October 2012 - 03:24 PM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-17 15:23:00
CanadaHorror stories at the MTL consulate?

Got my IR1 approved on October 17th and I have to say that it was a flawless procedure. I was denied at the border in 2008 (now THAT was a horror story) so I was terrified of what they might ask me. Let me tell you, it was YEARS of me thinking the very worst of the interview and in the end, the actual interview was no more than 5 minutes. The adjudicator asked me no more than 6 or 7 very basic questions, none of which were difficult. The most difficult one was probably "Walk me through your relationship", only because it was an open ended question.

From the time I got in line to the minute I walked out of the consulate, no more than 2 hours had lapsed. So the majority of that time was waiting for my number to be called and even THAT wasn't bad at all!

In case you're curious, aside from my denial in 2008 (all due to our naiveté), there isn't a thing about my past or my relationship that would give me any problems. Not sure what made my case so easy for them to approve, but I have to say that it was a really pleasantly surprising day!


Thats ur typical interview for a boring Canadian(no criminal record, not born in another country)! They are very quick!

Edited by Flames9_RN, 02 November 2012 - 01:40 PM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-11-02 13:39:00
CanadaHorror stories at the MTL consulate?

I've read quite a few reviews on the MTL consulate... And all seem to show a very quick and smooth interview process.
Are there any horror stories or bad experiences out there?



The few that have had some difficulties tend to be people that were not born in Canada! Come from countries that have high fraud rates, or countries that are not friendly with the USA.

Then their are the domicile issues--whole thread at the top regarding that. Where the USA citizen is residing in Canada-(whole thread on it,lol)

Some that have had a criminal background

If your a born in Canada Canuck and who have triple checked that you have all your paperwork, and been honest all along, its a cake walk!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-20 21:18:00
CanadaCanadian citizen, US boyfriend
As a Canadian, you don't need to goto a USA Embassy/Consulate to get a visitors visa to visit the USA!! This all takes place when you POE(port of entry) in ur case when u drive up to the border crossing in ur car! Very easy process!!

Where you may run into problems with---staying for such a long time!! The longer one stays, the more questions the POE officer may ask! Some POE officers may not even bat an eye and let you in! others may ask more questions--others may just say no! All depends on the POE officer!! A Cdn has no right to enter the USA and the POE officer can set how long your stay is--just because a Cdn can stay up to 6 months--does not mean the POE officer can not make your stay less for that!

I know here In Nicaragua--a Nica has to coem to the Embassy here and pay $160 just to make the application for a visitors visa--and then has some strict criteria to be met to visit the USA. If he is denied---does not get the $160 back!! This is not the case for Canadians--all done at the border, sometimes in a matter of a few minutes!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-11-06 13:19:00
CanadaCanadian citizen, US boyfriend

Why would it not be illegal for me to work from the computer?
I'm still working in the US, I'm just visiting my husband in Canada right now.
The only illegal thing is working in Canada.


disregard....

Edited by Flames9_RN, 22 October 2012 - 09:28 AM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-22 09:28:00
CanadaCanadian citizen, US boyfriend

Isn't that the same as not getting a B2 and just going back and forth for 6 months there, 6 months here? Or is it if I leave after six months I can go back without waiting six months again?

I'll go read up on a B2.

Thanks for replying :)


Theoretically, the clock starts fresh, once you leave! BUT if the USA POE officer belives your spending to much time in the USA.....he can deny you entry!! And keep in mind, if one is spending over 6 months in the USA--or anywhere outside of Canada, one can loose their Canadian health benefits!! Which if you will loose once you move to the USA down the road.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2012-10-19 11:58:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
In a few days our new adventure in a new country begins! Sound exotic, but its a very poor country, but should be very interesting. Will have a nice house, maid/cook and lucky enough to have a small pool. Will have to learn a new language as well, sucks to be me,lol but have known for awhile that I had to,and what have I done?? Not much,lol. I figure once there, will be forced to learn it. Which I will, as the onus is on me to learn their language, not them trying to understand me,lol

If your moving to another country and want to know their regulations in bringing in animals, check out http://www.aphis.usd.../iregs/animals/ Scroll down and find the country!! As well, as I found out, its best to contact that countries Consulate in the USA and see if the requirements have changed!! I was told that NO, our country that we are going to, does NOT require to be stamped by their embassy/consulate!! WRONG, yes it did! Beauty of living in the DC area, could catch the metro and walk down and get it stamped! Otherwise one has to mail it in and include return postage envelope

The biggest pain in our moving as been with the animals!! Ones vet has to give them a Physical! Send paperwork to the head vet of your State (and return postage paid envelope)and then to the host countries embassy!! All that costs $$$$ for the physical, fees and mailings. Plus one has to book the animals on flights, and they are separate, so 1 has to call he dog people and to ensure dates are available,then the regular booking line,lol And of course they only allow so many dogs and cats on a flight, AND only so many can book well in advance! Good times!

Life is an adventure and looking forward to it!! Getting further and further away from Tim hortons! lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-08-03 17:37:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

hehe I suppose every one is different. I'm slightly self-centered so can't be around people all the time. :rofl:

My husband also works in the restaurant industry so he works weekends and nights a lot during the week. I work days. There are times during the year that we continually miss eachother for over a week sometimes. It doesn't bother me that much.


I hear ya! lol I enjoy my alone time!! I just got back from a month in Canada and wife is away. I wont see her until July 4th long weekend in Rhode Island.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-06-09 10:00:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

my husband and I have not been apart for more then then a day since I moved here 6 years ago ..lol


wow!! My wife travels a lot. Been away for 6 months a few times, 3 or 4 months, etc etc I go back to canada on my own a fair bit. Everyone is different. We both enjoy our space
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-06-09 09:46:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
Always made my shift at the hospital when people asked what part of canada I was from!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-06-07 22:17:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

Thanks for the site, I actually have been researching about heart murmurs all day long, The problem I am having is that there is really no way to tell till the puppy is much older 16 weeks-25 weeks is roughly when they will say it is not going to go away.

I am pretty sure she will say no to me about lowering the price due to her having a few puppies in the past with heart murmur's and as she says the owners never called to say they did not go away.
I dont care I will pay full price for her but It would be nice :)

Ok.. Thanks for your help, I am actually more calmed down now. I too am a AVID animal lover so much that it is hard at times lol


Had dogs all my life--but only 1 was a pure-bred--A Sheltie--Simba, best dog I ever had, but passed away from Canacer last yr, he was 9 yrs old! I have 2 pure-bred Siberian cats--and 1 does have a murmur--and I have never contacted the breeder. What are they going to do?? And the cat is fine.

a new puppy is always exciting times!! Can be frustrating too,lol My dog and I are making the trek to SK thgis weekend, 2100 miles of bonding,lol I don't think she is looking forward to it,lol

All one can do is make an educated decison and you have!! Enjoy the puppy!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-04-29 14:04:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

I am getting her, I have too I have been waiting weeks to get to bring her home and have already fell in love with her. My concern is more should I ask for a small amount of her to compensate with upcoming vet visits? Or for the possibility that she may continue to have this murmur. I mean am I out of my mine to even consider that. I have a 5 day health guarantee to go see my vet and make sure that there in no else wrong with her But that will not change anything If it does in fact turn out to be some "heart Issues".


You could ask for a lower price, but be prepared for her to say no, but if you do not ask, the answer is already no! But to better educate urself in getting a lower price, do some research. If the murmur does NOT go away, she is going to need this and this and this, its going to cost a lot. The Breeder has to tell future owners about the murmur, so she may or may not have difficulty selling it! And many animals, people have murmurs and it causes them no problems!

here is 1 forum--just googled it, so no clue how trust worthy it is: http://www.pedigreed...r=96435&pagen=1
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-04-29 13:40:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

Im having a super dramatic day today and I am so confused as to what to do. I bought a purebred chi puppy and am suppose to go pick her up today. Yesterday she was taken to the vet along with her siblings to have shots and get a check up before leaving. Last night I got a phone call from My breeder telling me that the puppy has a grade 2 heart murmur and that the vet said in most cases it should go away as puppies tend to have this and grow out of it by 18 weeks or so. HOWEVER I woke up this morning still slightly worried so I have been researching all day long to find out the percentage that do grow out of it, and what if she doesnt grow out of it, then she could live a long life even with a grade 2 or she could progress over time ending up in medications and maybe surgery. It is more likely she will grow out of it but I am so confused as to what to do right now. I am paying 600 for this puppy :(

HELP



Tough decision and one you probably not going to get a 100% answer on. You could call a few vets and see what they have to say. Post on a few animal forums. Tough decision! I know many breeders offer one a Gaurantee--they will take the dog back--BUT what good is that?? One is soooooo attached to it, most would never give it back. I guess one has to look at if the murmur does not go away, waht are the medical costs associated with it?? Can you afford that?? I'm a huge animals lover--love animals more than I do people, bui tone has to look at the whole picture! Probably little help, sorry! But phone a few vets and quickly tell them the story. Best of luck
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-04-29 12:53:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
At 65, my dad just bough this first Mac (all in one) and loves it!! His friends have had them for years and most do not use any anti-virus programs! A few aid they just use a free 1 like AVG
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-04-26 14:49:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq
MMMMMM Cupcakes!!! Finished up my last day of work on Sunday, now happily unemployed,lol Start my drive to SK this Sunday night. 2100 miles of highway between DC and SK. Wife thinks I'm crazy, needless to say, she is not making the trip. Hoping to make it to Madison Wi the first night. Will take a bit longer as I have my dog with me! Should be a cool excursion, our 2011 CRV already has 12000 miles on it, whats another 4500. Great hockey on tonight, Bos/Mtl, then Chi/Van.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-04-26 07:41:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

Agree about the veggies. I'm hoping I can find a local Farmer's Market around here. I'm still getting to know the area so keeping my fingers crossed.


The property management company is a great way to go. And it was very helpful to receive the year-end amounts for tax purposes. The only issues I have run into is them deducting amounts (twice now) from the monthly cheque for contracted maintenance services which should have been run by me prior to the deduction. I do expect to have some costs associated with maintaining the house, but I do object to covering the cost of the tenant calling an electrician to reset the breaker following a storm. <_<


This property management company makes sure the new tenants meet with them and they go what is covered what isn't, whats considered an emergency, etc etc! Have many many good reviews from them. We shall see
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-03-29 08:08:00
CanadaOff Topic Part Cinq

I mentioned this on Facebook but the manager of our current place called us yesterday and basically begged us to stay :P she said if it was the money that she could reduce the rent.. but I told her that we just wanted more privacy, yard and a better parking situation. She said that she was sorry to see us go...

it is hard to find tenants like us :P.. we don't cause a fuss and no one complains about us etc... and in the 4 1/2 years we lived here we were only late with our rent once but we told them we would be ahead of time...



Come to DC and rent from us!! lol Were going with a property management co. to look after our place, so hopefully all goes well and we find good renters that don't demolish the place. I wanted to just sell the place at a rock bottom price to avoid the rental hassles--but the wife wanted to rent it out, so to keep peace will go that route,lol Just can't wait to get out of DC!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2011-03-24 06:56:00