ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaCan a Canadian travel to US with I-551 in his passport and ask or choose not to activate PR? Or I-551 automatically activates PR no matter what or ..?
As others have stated its up to the POE officer!! Sure one can call ahead and ask, but what are the chances you wil be dealing with that POE officer when u cross?? But many do with no probs
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-19 19:23:00
CanadaGot my Green Card today!

Hey zansgirl... when did you POE again??

I'm waiting for all my cards and stuff too -- I've been here exactly 2 weeks yesterday! I haven't even got a welcome to the USA letter yet!
Can't wait to get all my docs in order so I can go and get my license and stuff like that!
Hope you're doing well!
:D
LGG



Usually ur greencard shows up days after u get ur welcome letter. many get 2 or 3 welcome letters!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-13 09:30:00
CanadaWhen SSN is coming?
As stated above, one has to wait approx 10-14 BUSINESS days AFTER you enter the USA! Events just don't hsappen right away, its not liek as son as ugive them the brown envelope they ar emadly workign away on it! They have to send it off to the proper destinations, it takes awhile, thus the reason why one has to wait a bit. If you go too early, you wont be in the system at all, and you wil jus thave to come back. Ur proabbly close to the 10 business days, so coul dgive it a try. Ensure u download a form before u go to save u time if ur in the system, BUT no application for a SSN has been received.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-22 00:43:00
CanadaWhen SSN is coming?
Many times it does NOT come! After 10-14 BUSINESS days after ur POE, head down to ur local SSN office with a ALREADY FILLED OUT form and ask the status of ur SSN! They may say, nope, never been applied for--then hand them ur already filled out form and ur passport/visa for proof of ID and that meet the criteria for a SSN. The SSN office can be a popular place---So best to get there before it opens. I went this route back in 2005, 1 week later SSN arrived in mail

http://www.socialsec...nline/ss-5.html

No use going to the SSN office right away after your POE as your paperwork wont have been filed!! Thats why one should wait 10--14 business days
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-21 16:05:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.
Love USAA. Customer service has been top notch, and I LOVE scanning cheques, no need to mail them in, just scan them and viola, its in ur acct! 1 has to sign up for thier mastercard/visa--thats how the $$$ is backed up!!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-23 17:09:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.
Was another reason for wife not allowing me to buy the Venza--more proprtytaxes,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-04 10:14:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.
you can probably go on various counties websites and find out how much they will approx tax you. my 2005 scion was Assessed to be valued at $9400. The tax amount was $430, then they give you what they call car tax relief of $300,which left it at approx $129. And even better, if u pay by credit card,they add a surcharge!! so dont do that,lol. They almost want you to NOT have nice things!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-04 10:07:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.

Are you KIDDING me??? :o :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

OMG, I am hating this move more and more!!!!!!!! :bonk:



Ya when I went there with my expired license, I asked if they sent out a notification and the counter lady said sometimes they do, sometimes the don't,lol

Once ur here, emissions testing is every 2 yrs and the inspection is yearly.

Our 2005 Scion yearly property tax was $129 and our 98 Camry was only $55. So want to trade that camry in for a Venza, but wife wont allow me,lol She sees no reason to when it runs and looks as good as it did new for the most part. But why should that matter? lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-04 09:54:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.

Well, the glorious commonwealth of Virginia taxes your car each and every year, yee ha! It's based on a percentage of the blue book value of your car and you pay it to whatever county or city you are living in. I think (like us) you are in the City of Alexandria and you can find more information here:

http://alexandriava.gov/Cartax

I am not sure how much it will cost you but we pay around $125 per year for the 2003 Impala but the Saturn is so old that it has no real value so they only charge $50 for the decal.

And I would definitely check with both your Canadian insurance and the VA DMV to see if your insurance carries over down here.

So in order to register your car down here you will need to pay for registration which is about $40 or so, plus a safety and emissions inspections which will be about $50 or so for both, then whatever your personal property tax is, plus whatever it will cost for your license itself which shouldn't be more than $32. Personal property tax aside, Derek was gobsmacked about how cheap it is down here as compared to Montreal. Flames, am I forgetting anything?



Sounds correct. Your VA license will probably expire on the date ur 2 yr greencard expires. BEWARE that they dont always remind you when it expires! I drove around here for a month not realizing it had expired, duh!! Only way i found out it had expired--is when I went to the liquor store and the clerk told me,lol The DMV almost made me do my whole license over again and loose my motorcycle endorsement, but they took pity on me.

We deal with USAA , they are awesome, but one has to phone around and compare. For us they were the lowest back in 2006 when we switched from State farm. Never compared after that, soo happy with their service, cant be bothered too,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-03 17:04:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.
I posted the link earlier to get ur BC drivers record, for soem reason i think they emailed a copy to me. Never needed it as at that time we were with State farm, and they told us they were able to obtain my record from Canada, since they operated in Canada as well. Not sure if thats true, just know that I didnt have to provide them anything and was added to the policy with no problems
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-03 09:09:00
CanadaAuto Insurance in the U.S.
http://www.icbc.com/.../driving-record
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-02 23:06:00
CanadaT4 - former canadian employer refusing to send it.
If ur long distance cal plan allows it, I would just keep calling the employer throughout the day,lol Even track down their home #,lol I bet they get that T4 out quickly then!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-10 07:13:00
CanadaT4 - former canadian employer refusing to send it.
Have you contacted Revenue Canada and see what they have to say when a Company refuses to give one t4??
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-09 22:05:00
CanadaSo...
One can NOT phone and get any info about the SSN! one has to goto the office. Wait at least 10-14 BUSINESS days, then follow the steps I provided in an earlier post. Usually the green card takes 4-6 weeks. There was a time last yr where it was taking longer. And yes some do get it faster, all depends how fast that POE sent away your stuff.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-22 23:24:00
CanadaCanadian Police Certificate Questions
lol, this question is in the top 5 of all questions asked on VJ,lol but dont worry, ask all you want, thats why VJ is here. Yep like Wyatt stated only 1 is required for all of Canada. Most (not all) Police //RCMP do them. Some you get the results back in minutes, others a few days, some longer. Some charge a fee, some do not! Some look very professional, some look like a 3 yr old drew it up. If you have ever changed your name, ensure you get the search done on all names used. This is usually a very easy form to get. Welcome to VJ
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-25 13:47:00
CanadaCR-1 Montreal Visa wait

Yes Good Old Canada Post. Too bad Canada didn't adopt "mail on saturday" like the USA has. Then the wait would be considerably less. Too bad the consulate doesn't give people their visa the day of the interview....that would be living in a perfect world. LOL.



They used to. Then they went to next day, and now! Of course you can always ask, and yes some have managed to get it the same day. All they can do is say no!! Having a good "reason" may help,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-26 23:25:00
CanadaCR-1 Montreal Visa wait
it all really depends when they mail it out! In a perfect world they would send it out for delivery the same day of the interview, but thats not usually the case. And then many time sit seems they have mailed it BUT the tracking # doesnt work,lol good old Canada post!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-26 20:36:00
CanadaCR1 Interview - March 25th

In all honesty, I wasn't asked in depth domicile questions other than, where does your wife live and work. I had our lease from our apartment but was not asked for it. I also provided a letter of employment that stated the office location of her employment but that was submitted in evidence of the I-864. Maybe that served a dual purpose. I should also be clear that my wife has been living in the US for the past 2 years and not maintaining an address in Canada. With the pay stubs and W2 all reflecting a US address, I think this provided sufficient evidence.

Can you provide some further information on the exact reason they felt a lack of domicile?



With respect to the Hyatt, the service was fantastic and everyone was very helpful in terms directions, suggestions of restaurants and even a late checkout. I would say that this location is in need of some reno work in comparison to some of the Hyatts I've stayed at but it was absolutely well maintained and very very clean. Overall, I enjoyed my stay and would come back.

With the 14B issue, this window acts as reception basically. You won't be asked any questions other than to present your appointment letter. The lady reviewed my appointment letter and gave me the ticket number. What I'm curious about is whether or not the numbers are handed out on a first come first serve or did she assign the number according to the appointment time. My gut tells me that it was first come first serve. I certainly don't want this to cause a mad dash for the line. Rather, don't get so stressed out about where you are in the initial lineup outside or when you're going through security. My advice is once you go down the stairs, sit close to the elevator and keep in mind that the doors open at the rear (as Flames mentioned) when you get to the 19th floor. Then when you exit the elevator, turn to your left and you'll see the line for window 14B. There are yellow arrows on the floor showing you the way but it was very entertaining watching everyone exit the elevator and be in a daze trying to get their bearings. Once you have your ticket, the waiting game begins.



Thats why I JOKINGLY give people a hassle when they miss the elevator opens from the REAR,lol At 1 time--and in ur case---it didn't matter if u were the very first person in line downstairs for the cr-1/ir-1 people, as u got the line Letter upstairs! In my case, back in 2004, I was the ONLY 1 that knew (ty to Cassie on VJ) that the elevator opened from the rear, THUS, they all huddled at the front, while I stuck to the rear,lol, BUT still had 1 rude person butt in front of me by the window!! lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-27 15:14:00
CanadaCR1 Interview - March 25th
When I got my cr-1 back in 2004, you didnt get ur # until u got to the 19th floor! So even if u were first inline outside it did't matter--it mattered when u got up to the 19th floor, THUS why it was important to know the elevator opened from the REAR,lol congrats
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-26 16:25:00
CanadaMoney!!
if its the cdn parents, dont think u get taxed on that, I know I didnt when my parents gave us $$$. the magical # of keeping it under $10,000 I belive has nothing to do with taxes, but amounts over $9999 supposedly set off alarms with regards to money laundering.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-26 09:08:00
CanadaWho do I need to notify that I'm leaving...
http://www.serviceca...mysca_byp.shtml this may be it
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-28 10:08:00
CanadaWho do I need to notify that I'm leaving...
good advice from above. What I did as well was emptied my wallet, and cancelled stuff such as video store rentals, credit cards, etc etc, YEs, a little drastic cancelling video store rental places,lol but didnt want someone abusing them!!!

Maybe its in the links above, but there is a place on the Canadian govt webpage, that u can but in ur foreign address.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-28 10:06:00
Canadahealth insurance in usa
At the current time, there is no requirement to have health insurance in the USA. I belive with Health reform that will change, but not right now
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-28 10:02:00
CanadaInterview in May
Welcome to VJ. Would be VERY helpful to know which visa you are applying for, I'm assuming cr-1/Ir-1. as u stated wife. If you sent all the required documents in, you should be good to go. Hopefully u made photocopies, and if ya did, bring them as backup!

99% of the time they mail the visa out in the envelope YOU provide them which YOU bought at the Canada Post office. BUT one can always ask to pick it up that day or next day, some have been able to do that, BUT don't count on it--in other words, ensure you purchase that envelope. But do ask, all they can do is say no! And keep in mind, it can take them a day or two or three to mail the package out! It appears lately people have received the pkg fairly soon after the interview, in the past there have been a few unfortunate souls that took close to 2 weeks! Yep--makes it hard to make travel plans to the USA!!

To help others, would be great if ya filled in ur timeline. Welcome to VJ
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 11:41:00
CanadaProof of ongoing relationship..
99% of people in Canada, are not even asked for proof of relationship, BUT it is good to take a few items. Take a few pics of the two of you together, one doesnt need a whole album,lol, any travel receipts. I highly doubt the POE officer is going to print off their screen. I wouldnt worry too much, a few pics usually suffices if they even do ask.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 11:15:00
CanadaLong Form Birth Certificate
I posted the LINKS ABOVE.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 21:06:00
CanadaLong Form Birth Certificate
http://www.ontario.c...esidents/119279

http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/AttachDocsPublish/007-11076E~1/$File/11076E.pdf
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 18:15:00
CanadaAny early March POE-er's get SSN yet with going to SSA office?
Long line ups!! Thats why I recommend if ya can--go line up before the office opens! I did that and whammo, in and out. By the time it opens, the line ups can be long! I guess 1 way or another u wait in line,lol but usually shorter of a wait if u get there before it opens
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-30 19:51:00
CanadaAny early March POE-er's get SSN yet with going to SSA office?
well there u go, bring ur birth cert,lol Dont recall bringing mine to the office in Arlington, but one can never have too much paperwork with them
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 17:57:00
CanadaAny early March POE-er's get SSN yet with going to SSA office?
i just took the already filled out SSN form and passport. Can't hurt to take ur birth cert, not sure what that proves for you, might be good for kids, but not for adults!

Edited by Flames9_RN, 29 March 2010 - 04:40 PM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 16:37:00
CanadaAny early March POE-er's get SSN yet with going to SSA office?
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf download and fill it out prior to going. Odds are if you haven't received it yet, your not going to! They will check to see if you have been issued one, so no, it won't wreck anything!! Ensure you take ur passport as well.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-03-29 15:54:00
CanadaWhere to donate a used 55" tv? any ideas?
I have tried selling stuff on craigslist for cheap, very few people bite! BUT once you say FREE, open the flood gates! We gave away a perfectly fine washer/dryer and an oven, I just asked that people write a short blip on why I should give it to them! lol If I was going to give it away, i wanted to give it to someone that really needed it and could not afford to go out and buy it!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-01 14:34:00
CanadaSelling home in Canada - Purchasing in the US
not saure, but you could contact customhouse.com and see what they have to say, they do offer a wire service that is supposedly instant!! But I have never used that service. and with it being a large sum of $$$$, may have a few more obstacles!! Doesnt hurt to phone and ask.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-02-19 05:06:00
CanadaCongressmens help..
It helps more than do NOTHING, thats for sure,lol If ya dont try, you just wont ever know. For them it should be pretty easy to get a reply from Mtl--and political people like easy stuff,lol Hope it works out
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-02 16:41:00
CanadaVehicle Insurance & Registration in US
For 1 thing, one has to make sure one is talking oranges to oranges, as the rules differ from State to State. And it is something you definitely want to check out, as insurance companies are here to make $$$$ and not loose it, so if they can find away in not paying out they will!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-07 17:11:00
CanadaPOLL: Montreal - Visa CR1/I130 Interview Question
Mine wasnt there. They did ask though, and I stated she was at work, and that was that!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-08 13:27:00
CanadaHow to request a refund of CPP if I have no plans of returning
Believe one has to be of retirement age
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-07 14:30:00
CanadaTransferring Currency
I have only used it ONCE since Western Union took over, and i swear their not as generous with the exchange rate as they once used to be! But I could be wrong.

cashing a cdn cheque in the USA can be a real pain at times, i know it sure was for me when i first moved here. I learned to deal with only one teller, and if she wasn't there, I just walked out and came back later. They (wochovia) tried charging me $75 fee for a $100 cheque, once they even mailed me back the cheques (and took back the $$) stating they only accepted a minimum of $200,lol it just went on and on! Never had a problem with CH, even with big $$$ transfers. They will up your limit with a simple phone call
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-09 15:22:00
CanadaTransferring Currency
yep http://www.customhouse.com/ used to be its own company, but last yr was bought out by Western Union! I ran by their head office in Victoria many times! Super friendly staff--even though trailmix did have a unsatisfactory encounter! They will walk you thru the transaction if so required, but it is very easy to do and u see the rate they are giving you, so you can 1) accept it, 2) cancel the whole trade and walk away,lol, or 3) hit the refresh button and it may get better, or it may get worse,lol, so one can almost make a game out of it!!

Takes a bit to set up the account. As you have to send them some info, ie ID (drivers license, birth cert, passport) and banking information. YOu can do that by Snail mail, fax or what i did, Scan and email it in. They have a secure email addy. As well they will PHONE YOU at a time you provide, just to ensure it is YOU and not someone trying to scam you!! All very easy to do, so easy, a guy can do it! I send $$ both ways, I like to send $$ to my Cdn acct when I head back home. A transaction normally takes 3-4 BUSINESS days. As long as you do it electronically (EFT) it is FREE!! They do offer a wire service, where the $$ gets transferred very fast--how fast, i don't know as I have never used it, but I think they charge $15 for that! Some of the initial set up may have changed since they were bought out by Western Union. I think it is a handy service to have, even if you dont plan on using it that much! if ya have any questions, feel free to send me a PM and I can help walk you thru the set up or a transaction.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-09 13:01:00
CanadaThis has got to be the hardest part!
What many do that are worried, is list all the documents they are taking to the interview, that way if ur missing something, someone may catch it! Not much else one can do! Will the age difference play a part in their decision? in a perfect world, no. In an immigration world, hard to say, it shouldn't, but he should be prepared to have a strong rebuttal if it is brought up at the interview.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2010-04-09 18:32:00