ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaTravel to the US without activating Visa
There have been Cdns that have done this without problem. Again, like anything else, it is up to the POE officer
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-18 05:21:00
CanadaProud To Be Canadian...
QUOTE (MrsCat @ May 23 2009, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (flames9 @ May 23 2009, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ May 23 2009, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with you Poprocks, well put. Unfortunately that attitude is widespread, I have noticed. It's either "our way, or no way". Canada is alot more tolerant and multicultural.

I don't know if anyone watched this past season of the Amazing Race, but there was this team of 2 girls, Jamie and Cara. They were the most ignorant, stereotypical Americans. Obviously they were travelling in foreign countries, and she would scream and yell at people, especially cab drivers, for not speaking English. I was flabbergasted when watching, the ignorance she showed disgusted me. Unfortuntately it's people like her that give Americans a bad name outside of this country.


ya those two gals were plain just rude!! Ex NFL cheer leaders. They would get soo upset that people in foreign countries could not understand English! Glad they didn't win


Yeah there were total mean girls, with big butts.

How was AK Flames?



Alaska was awesome! 2 thumbs up
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-23 19:02:00
CanadaProud To Be Canadian...
QUOTE (JillA @ May 23 2009, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with you Poprocks, well put. Unfortunately that attitude is widespread, I have noticed. It's either "our way, or no way". Canada is alot more tolerant and multicultural.

I don't know if anyone watched this past season of the Amazing Race, but there was this team of 2 girls, Jamie and Cara. They were the most ignorant, stereotypical Americans. Obviously they were travelling in foreign countries, and she would scream and yell at people, especially cab drivers, for not speaking English. I was flabbergasted when watching, the ignorance she showed disgusted me. Unfortuntately it's people like her that give Americans a bad name outside of this country.


ya those two gals were plain just rude!! Ex NFL cheer leaders. They would get soo upset that people in foreign countries could not understand English! Glad they didn't win
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-23 18:50:00
CanadaProud To Be Canadian...
took a week to get my SSN, but a SSN doesnt = legal to work
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-22 17:42:00
CanadaDoes anyone know whats happening with VSC?
At 1 time VSC was the centre everyone wanted! I think they just go through cycles where they are fats, slow, fast!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-25 08:05:00
CanadaWestern Union to acquire Custom House
Ya i got an email about that awhile back, didnt pay much attention to it,lol Just made a trade with CH last week and all was the same. I thought I read in the newspaper while I wa sin vancouver, that CH was pretty much going to remain the same. Time will tell


http://ir.westernuni...eleaseID=382424
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-27 05:32:00
CanadaGood Luck Argent and canadian_wife !
kick butt
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-25 18:10:00
CanadaCruise???
I may eventually post pics, but none will contain pics of me,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-27 11:28:00
CanadaCruise???
Best site i found on cruises was cruisecritic.com awesome site. reviews from experts and us regular people. reviews on ports, ships, etc etc etc. Great site for cruises or trips to any destination.

Only have a few min, but our cruise was AWESOME. weather was SUNNY for 99.9% of the whole trip. Light mist in ketchikan for a few hrs, then sunny. Royal carribean rhapsody of the seas was a nice ship, lots to do, entertainment was very good. Food was averaage. 1 night it would be awesome, then the next only sos-so! Our wait staff was superb. Had a mix up on our assigned dinner seating which was a tad frustrating, but it eventually got sorted out and we met a pretty cool 3 older couples who sat by us, they haad $$$$$$$$ lol And whatwas funny they seriously asked us "Have u ever had suopper with Tony Blair?? yes the former PM of Britian,lol They had supper with him, Recently had tea with pelosi in her office, meetings wuth Rumsfield. they had big $$$$, but super duper nice. Took over 1200 pics, scenery was awesome and was just a very relaxing trip. loved our floatplane tour over the glaciers near Juneau, train ride in Skagway was great, and Zip Lining in ketchikan was great, but far too short. Highly recommend Alaska. I think for the most part , one can't go wrong with any of the cruise ship lines, theyare very similar. Most say to pick ur cruise for Alaska on ur destination rather than the ship. Glacier bay and Hubbard are the main 2 'glacier" places that most highly recommend, but ours went into tracy Arm Fjord and it was awesome, at the end of that is the Sawyer Glacier. We were totally happy with seeing that. We loved our balcony, some say it is a must for Alaska, guess it depends on how much time u plan on using it. We arent an over socially couple, so we used it a lot. ordered room service and enjoyed the view. 8 power binos are highly recommended. We booked our cruise with cruisescompete.com and figure we got the best deal that way. Was sme price as what the RCLoffered, but we got onboard cash credit. Well off to NCLEX prep class. cheers
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-27 08:44:00
CanadaCruise???
Thanks but thats higher that the others! That $899 doesn't include any taxes or fees. Thanks
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-11 13:33:00
CanadaCruise???
Nope no airfare,just the cruise!! Airfare from DC to Vancouver, and then from Seattle to DC is around the $300 per person range!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-11 13:05:00
CanadaCruise???
May 8th on Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the seas! For a D1 balcony for two people including all fees and taxes it is $1931.00. And many offer a Shipboard credit of $100--which can be used for anythign onthe ship and any unused goes back on ur personal credit card!! And no that doesnt include ANY excursions. Still trying to figure out which ones to do

Cruises do try and nickel and diem ya to death,lol Yes you can eat for free, BUT they do have restaurants that charge so much a person. Food is of a higher quality! Plus not ALL activities onboard are free! 1 ship (Norwegian) had a bowling alley, but wasnt free. Think it was something $10 a game. Most of the spa stuff isnt free either. So the extras can add up quickly!! And then u add on excursions! many are $100 per person. Saw one that was a helo ride and dog sled tour, belive it was $500 per person!! Your vacation can be pretty $$$$ if you dont watch it,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-11 10:15:00
CanadaCruise???
Just got off the phone with Vacationstogo, and their price was the same as the others. i asked if he could do any better or if they gave out ship board credits, and he said NO. So i say, your price si the same as the others, BUT many offer ship board credits, of around $75 to $100. he then says, if you make the deal right now, I can give you the $100 ship board credit! ,lol I dont deal that way!! He was nice and all, but I think will just stick with the other gal we have been talking to from cruisecompete.com
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-11 09:53:00
CanadaCruise???
Will check that link out krikit!! Back in My navy days on the west coast did pretty much all of the west coast, right up to, but not into Alaska. Love the scenery!! This is soimething my wife has always wanted to do, so why not now? Were a pretty mellow couple, so I'm sure we wil fit right in with the old foggies,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-11 09:40:00
CanadaCruise???
I think we have decided to go with Royal Caribbean on the Rhapsody of the Seas!! Itinerary: Depart from Vancouver, through Alaska inside passage, Juneau, Skagway, cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord, see glaciers, Ketchikan, and finish in Seattle!! This way we get a balcony and get to see Seattle. And we have a few days before the cruise to rent a car and drive to kamloops and see my brand new nephew! Guess we wont be brand new, around 7 or 8 months of age by then,lol

That Cruisescompete was a cool website! Not sure if we will use 1 travel agent from them or not, as we were dealing with another, and her rate is the same as the lowest on cruisecompete, BUT she isnt offering any shipboard credit,WHILE pretty much al that gave us offers from cruisescompete.com do! So if she doesn't We will probably use one of the offers from that website! We got 8 offers from the website, and one can see their reviews of those companies!

What we have found is that the price travel agents give you, is normally the exact same price one can get on the cruises company's webpage!! Only difference is the shipboard credit--which all depends on the room you get!

As well when one gets offers from these companies (from cruisescompete.com) one has to ensure your comparing apples to apples! As you will see a lower rate, but the lower rate cabin may have an obstructed view, so one has to ensure what category of a room they are quoting.

According to 3 different cruise agents, Holland America is #1, #2 is Princess and #3 is Royal Caribbean for Alaska. But they are pretty close, and Holland tends to be an older crowd, not sure what that means as Alaska tends to be an older crowd to begin with,lol

And according to the research i did,Rhapsody of the Sea had very high marks. I think they all pretty much do a good job! Thanks to everyone and especially Mrscat for the help, she answered my PM's in superb fashion!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-11 07:54:00
CanadaCruise???
Thanks! I signed up for it, and got 4 quotes right away, all the same price. Were talking with a travel agent as well, and she says the # 1 cruise ship for Alaska is Holland, followed by Princes, then Royal Caribbean! Will contact a few other travel agents, and see what their ranking is. Thanks everyone
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-09 18:11:00
CanadaCruise???
QUOTE (Emancipation @ Feb 9 2009, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Flames.. just hire Spirit & have her sail you to Alaska.. I'm sure you'll have a more interesting adventure that way anyway!!



She is too hard core!!! probably uses a sextant for navigation!! and I woul dhave to stand upper deck watches!! No thanks,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-09 11:35:00
CanadaCruise???
Wife has always wanted to do Alaska. I have been through a lot of the passages in the West coast, and then some,lol with the Navy, and love the scenery. We figure do the 7 day cruise, head to interior BC to see my sister and the new baby, and a few more days touring in Seattle. Just have to find the right cruise. The Norwegian sounded interesting--as they described it as "freestyle" one doesnt lock in their meal times, BUT after some reading, people complained the food sucked, and huge line ups at the "free" places, so many ended up paying extra for the meals. It did have a bowling alley, but of course that was extra $$$$.

Caribbean is ok, been there done that with the Navy,lol Wil see

Edited by flames9, 09 February 2009 - 10:54 AM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-09 10:53:00
CanadaCruise???
Howdy all. I graduate in May, so we have decided we want to do a 7 day cruise to Alaska. Been on numerous cruise review sites, but it is still hard to get a feeling of the better companies? You get a lot of great reviews,and then a lot of crappy reviews,lol What are your experiences with the various cruise lines? And I get the feeling the Alaska cruise tends to be catered for the "older" customer,lol We are only in our 30's. We have did 1 cruise, a short 3 or 4 day cruise from LA to Mexico, and it was ok, think it was on carnival. Love to hear advice, the do's and don'ts, thanks
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-02-09 08:47:00
CanadaInterviews at Montreal consulate
No, I forget who was looking after the k1 spreadsheet, but I believe her fiance past away due to a horrific traffic accident. Another Cdn member then offered to step up to the plate and take it over, i think i recall seeing post in the past few days about her intentions!!

here it is: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=198412 July09bride!!!

Edited by flames9, 28 May 2009 - 09:50 AM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-28 09:49:00
CanadaDoes anyone know if Neo Citron is available in the USA.
I love eccinachea,lol! I think in a lot of cases, if your mind thinks it works, that helps out a lot too!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-30 09:12:00
CanadaWhat is the best way to send/transfer money to Canada?
goto post office and get a money order made up in whatever amount. Ithink there is a special one that is for international use. or one could use paypal
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-29 16:39:00
CanadaNeo-Citrin= What is the "American Equivalent"?
Love me some neo citran, then take some Night Quil!! puts ya right out,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-28 18:47:00
Canadawhy do people not listen when you try to give them good advice? VENT
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Jun 1 2009, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (domegirl1978 @ Jun 1 2009, 01:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not even going to bother recommending an immigration lawyer. They basically all say the same thing. My fiance and I asked 13, yes you are reading right THIRTEEN immigration lawyers that we knew what route to go and 12 of the 13 said for me to just cross the border and adjust my status from the U.S.

And just to say, half these lawyers were American and half were Canadian and they basically all told us to go the illegal route. So its not even worth wasting my breath over.

I find that a little difficult to believe. Why would a lawyer suggest you do that when he or she could make money off you doing it the legal way? unsure.gif



We only saw ONE lawyer here in DC and thats exactly what she told us--for me to just stay and AOS! Of course we didnt, not could I at the time as I was still in the Air Force. So she stated, just do it when ever your ready, many people go that route and I'm sure they do.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:37:00
CanadaCornwall Border Guards Leave Post?
Canada has STARTED to arm their POE guards, but its a long process from what I have read, not sure when it will be completed.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:33:00
CanadaUSC Husband and Canadian Citizenship for him?
what kathryn said,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-30 21:07:00
CanadaFew tric to build credit....
One name doesnt have to go on the mortgage--I wasnt on the mortgage at all---just on my wifes credit--but Iwas put on the deed, lol so she can't kick me out,lol
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-29 06:59:00
CanadaFew tric to build credit....
With regards to piggy backing on ur USA spouses credit card and getting credit that way--According to CNBC chick Suzy Orman, that is supposedly going out the window. Thats what we did when I moved here in late Dec 2004, that and put me on the utilities and I got a CC and have excellent credit, yet have never worked here.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-28 15:13:00
CanadaPOE Windsor/Detroit, Ambassador Bridge
Congrats!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-05-30 17:29:00
CanadaGot a Teeny-Tiny Job!
QUOTE (LDora @ Jun 4 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks, SapphireDreams!

Regarding Rosetta, I actually wanted to mention that I can confirm the program works. My husband got a copy from his company because it pays to be bilingual, and I've been using the Spanish version myself. The method they use will get you a lot farther than any class you might take, a lot quicker. I really recommend at least checking it out and seeing if it works for you.


I have taken it out of the box and installed it on my computer! You mean I have to do more than that for it to work? lol 1 of these days will get crackin on it
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-04 14:04:00
CanadaGot a Teeny-Tiny Job!
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jun 4 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif

It could be. I bought a Learn Spanish CD so I can listen to it in the car. It doesn't give you the spelling of the words so, based on my recent education, I'm thinking that's a real word. good.gif



I have the Rosetta Stone CD series for Soputh American Spanish! I havent started it yet. 1 of these days!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-04 09:35:00
CanadaGot a Teeny-Tiny Job!
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jun 4 2009, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jun 4 2009, 10:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrtas!!


Is that Spanish? tongue_ss.gif


if you think it is--then it is,lol

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-04 09:32:00
CanadaGot a Teeny-Tiny Job!
Congrtas!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-04 09:26:00
CanadaCrossing the border with a Visa pending...
There have been members on here that by having that evidence has saved their butts at POE! So take some time, gather it and take it with you.
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-05 14:03:00
CanadaCrossing the border with a Visa pending...
I never had a problem, and they never once asked to see any of my evidence!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-04 11:07:00
CanadaX-Ray from Your Medical
threw it in garbage!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-05 05:34:00
CanadaBorder crossing
Yes, do not open the envelope, Simple as that,lol I suppose technically, the POE guard could refuse you entry,but DON"T worry about that. It is a very simple process at the POE. It may take sometime as not al POE guards are up to date with the procedure, so the ymay have to look things up and ask a zillion questions. But try to relax, it wil go well. So what are you to expect at the border crossing?
At the POE you will state you would like to Activate your CR-1 visa. I crossed over at Maine too-(Calias) Then instructed to go inside. Where you will hand over the Mysterious "do not open" envelope. they will ask some basic questions, Fingerprint you again and put a stamp on the page that Contains the I-551 (what Montreal put in ur Cdn passport) Most likely wont even check your belongings, but they may. Its a very straight forward procedure, but like I said, soem POE guards don't know it, so it can take awhile. So not sure how long ur bus is going to wait for you.

So when you depart the POE, you wil no longer have that mysterious brown envelope and you should have a stamp on the same page (or next 1) as your Visa that u got from Mtl! You don't need any "ead" stamp or I-94 that others have talked about as they are k1'ers. You can pretty much work right away with ur CR-1! You prob checked off the box on the DS-230 for the SSN to automatically appear, BUT it most likely won't,lol So you will have to goto ur local SSN office and re-apply! You should wait approx 7 -10 business days to ensure your in the system, otherwise they will just tel you to come back,but of course it may be in earlier, only thing your wasting is time,lol You can down load the SSN application form from http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html off course you can do it there, but speeds things up if you have it already completed!! Ensure you bring your Cdn passport that has the visa in it for proof of status and ID!! Your actual Greencard should arrive in the mail approx 1 month after POE! Normally you get a "Welcome to America" letter (sometime 2 or 3,lol) and then the actual card arrives a few days later!!

It may be a pain in the butt going thru the POE but you will get thru it.

and yes what marilyn stated, it appears by the time you cross, you wil have been married for over 2 yrs,so you should get the IR-1 (good for 10 yrs) So I would mention that, but be prepared for a blank look from the POE guard,lol

Edited by flames9, 07 June 2009 - 03:52 PM.

Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-07 15:50:00
CanadaPost-Visa questions
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Jun 8 2009, 09:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I always thought with a CR-1 visa you can come and go as soon as you immigrate, so it shouldn't be an issue at all. Immigrate one day, leave the next! smile.gif She could wait and process the vehicle at another time if she doesn't have the paperwork.



yes with a cri1 or ir-1, u can enter and immediately head back to canada if one wishes. many have done this to get the paperwork rolling. looking at the ops timeline, he/she just had the interview, so they are waiting for the express post envelope to arrive with their visa!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-08 10:35:00
Canada...what a journey thus far...oh boy!!!
sorry it isnt going well!! But it wil get better!

And to the above poster--not everyone will go one to get their citizenship!!
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-06 07:44:00
CanadaCan I cash a canadian check in USA?
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Jun 5 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (flames9 @ Jun 5 2009, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sam and Ben @ Jun 5 2009, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wonder what issues I'll face when attempting to cash a draft from my Canadian bank account into my USC fiance's bank account at WaMu.

That's how I was hoping/planning on transferring my own money own. The whole sum of it, heh.



if its a great deal of $$$--and nice to have anyways--is a custom House acct!! Many of us here have used it for years.

http://www.customhouse.com/ It has been recently bought by Western Union, so not sure if anything will change, so far it hasn't


I've heard mention of that place elsewhere on the site... Is it really necessary?

Yes, it will be a significant amount of money that I'm looking to bring over.



CustomHouse will normally give you a better exchange rate than the bank!! so the $$$ can add up. I have lived in the USA since Dec 2004 and I stil use it. When I'm going to head back to Canada, just transfer $$ to my Cdn Acct! Free to set up and NO fees if you EFT (electronic file transfer)

Does take a bit to set up, but it is very easy and staff (out of Victoria BC) are very friendly. A transaction takes between 3-4 BUSINESS days to complete. if ya need the $$ quicker they do offer a wire service, but does cost a few (never used it)

Is it necessary No? But it wil save you Money! Some USA banks really hate International cheques
Flames9_RNMaleCanada2009-06-05 15:35:00