ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaWedding Invites (just a funny story, not a Q)
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Apr 13 2009, 06:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, a co-worker of mine is getting married this summer. We'll call her 'E'. E's soon to be hubby's brother's sister.. lol (so sister in law technically... we'll call her 'B' )... well, B's kids are going to be the flower girl/ring bearer for E's wedding. Today apparently B asked E if E would invite one of B's friends (who are COMPLETE strangers to E) to the wedding so that they could bring THEIR kids so that B's kids would have someone to play with..... laughing.gif

This comes to mind...


Wow are you serious? That is horrible! How lame! You did say kids right? Oh my goodness if they have a sibling they already have someone to play with!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-13 20:10:00
Canadamy K3 interview review @ vancouver consulate :)
QUOTE (borderdriver @ Apr 10 2009, 01:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my appointment today was at 1pm. I arrived at 12:45pm @ 1095 W. Pender Street. I look at the board that shows which floor is the consulate. It says that I have to enter from the Enterance @ 1075 W. Pender street. The doors are on the side of 1075 W. Pender Street.

I presented my appointment letter and they check my name off their list. There were 3 other ppl for K visa appointments. I go through the first security and metal detector check. I had to give them all my documents and present my passport w/ the appointment letter. I had to take my belt off, my pen, and wallet. everything was good and they told me to go up the stairs. I was putting my belt back on before the next door. lol. then the lady on the other side of the door told me to come in. Turns out the check is not over yet. haha. The lady had to clear the security card for me for the elevators and I go up to the 20th floor. Once I got out of the elevator, there is another security and metal detector. So i had to take my belt off again and give the security all my other stuff. The second security guy was kind of grumpy. took everything out of my envelope and left it for me to put it back together. good thing i stapled everything and made sure they werent as easy to tear apart and mix it up (another girl from my medical exam warned me about this as she had to rearrange her papers after going through the security check). Then they let me through the non immigrant visa room.

Once I walk in, there were numbers being called. I didnt know where to get a number ?? I asked one of the girls with the number sheet where she got her number. Of course.. she was mumbling so i had to ask another girl. She happens to be there for her K1 visa. So ... you do not need a number. They will call your name.

THIS IS STEP 1:
Once my name was called, you have to go to counter B. It's just a counter window just like when you get your tickets @ the movie theatre. They will collect all the documents that was listed on your checklist and make sure everything is complete. So I gave them:

* passport
* 2 pictures 2"x2"
* 2 prints of DS 156
* 1 print of DS230
* Sealed medical exam results
* Long form birth certificate - I was born in Philippines and the guy said he has never seen the form of my birth certificate before. It might be new. He said the ones he has seen is an ugly paper old looking paper. LOL. Mine was printed nicely and clean looking but had complete information. LMAO. I started getting worried.
* 1 orig copy of Police Certificate - NOTE: I received my police certificate from RCMP with my married name. The consulate said they want your police record from ALL your names. You are suppose to tell the RCMP about this. Since RCMP does not do finger print check, you have to tell them other names to give you a full report of your background. The consulate said it should read something like - Jane Do aka Jane Do Johnson aka whatever other name you've used. I didnt know this and I was sh*tting my pants hoping i dont have to get another one - but they accepted my police report at the end. But thought you guys should know as he said it is a common mistake.
* 1 copy of Scotia Bank Receipt - This was one of my biggest boo boo. I thought the other copy was for me. I overlooked the checklist and I HAVE to give them 2 "original" prints NOT copies - but it all works out at the end as they said I can come back and give it to them and they will still process my application.

They will give your folder or envelope your forms are in. They also gave me back my checklist.

So they told us to wait for 30 minutes. Which felt really long and its really warm in the room so it was making me feel tired.

STEP 2:
They call your name up again and you approach Counter A. they take your finger prints and tell you to take a seat. So I wait for about 20 more minutes.

STEP 3: the interview

It didnt even feel like an interview. They have all your files in front of them and they just want to confirm a couple of things.
* How, where and when did we meet
* when did I get engaged
* where and when did I get married
* What does my husband do for living
* What company he works for
* how much he makes - the lady could barely hear me so I just gave her my husband's employment letter which states everything she was asking me.
* What do I do for living
* How much I make
* asked for an evidence for bona fide marriage - I showed her the pictures which she flips through within 10 seconds
* Asked if I have ever been arrested

And finally she tells me that the only thing missing is the one copy of Receipt from Scotia Bank. by this time, its 2:50pm. I volunteered to run home and give her the receipt but they close at 4pm so it was too close to closing time. she said to bring it on Tuesday and she will trade the receipt for my visa. she reminds me that they do not process AOS and EAD and I cannot work when I arrive in US. Otherwise, at the end, I ask her "so I am good to go and approved?". she said yes and to come back on Tuesday at 2pm to pick up my visa. smile.gif yay. then she said to have a seat for a couple more minutes until our name is called.

STEP 4:

Finally, my name was called again and the guy just wanted to repeat everything the lady said and that my police certificate and birth certificate are accepted. He said I just have to promise to bring the original receipt from Scotia Bank and they will print my visa for Tuesday. He kept asking me and making sure that I actually have the receipt. LOL. or else he jokingly said he will make me pay another fee for printing a visa.

so i am basically approved smile.gif

The Vancouver consulate is very casual and friendly. You do not have to dress up. You are not in a small 4 wall room for the interview. You just talk through the glass window. It is warm in the waiting room. It is a small room. They didnt ask me about I-134 which some of you know I was freaking out about the day before. I talked to 2 other K visa applicants and learned a lot about their visa journey. Both girls didnt know about VJ. (i was surprised.lol) One girl hired a lawyer. the other lady did it herself but i felt sad for her b/c somewhere down the line, her spouse and she read that they cannot see each other until the whole visa process is done. so she hasnt seen her fiance in a year. I told them to go to VJ if they need answers or assistance in the future.


I was in at 12:45pm and out at 3:05pm



Congratulations!! Now the long wait over the long weekend for your visa!! The hard part is over!!

Do you get your long form birth certificate returned to you at the end of the interview?
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-10 02:38:00
CanadaCanada postal service
QUOTE (skinny @ Apr 14 2009, 05:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee received her package 3 info today...11 days after it was mailed from Montreal. Apparently they still use dog sleds to get mail from Montreal to Hamilton!... wow.gif


LOL I was joking around with some people in January CSC K-1 thread Canada Post might as well be by dogsled laughing.gif . I just got my Pkt 3 letter too, but from Vancouver, dated April 3rd, postmarked April 7th.
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-14 19:18:00
CanadaAPPROVED!!!!
Congratulations!! kicking.gif kicking.gif
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-17 10:32:00
CanadaTravis & Kim and July09Bride - Good luck with your interviews in Montreal on Thursday!
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-16 16:57:00
CanadaNOA2 Approved
Congratulations!! kicking.gif kicking.gif
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-19 13:36:00
CanadaCrossing the Border- No Ties
QUOTE (JillA @ Apr 19 2009, 08:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think that fact that you'll have no luggage, have an interview letter, and have a car full of people (why would they go with you) if you're planning on sneaking in. I'm sure you'll be fine! I myself have to go to DB soon, I heard they have really good prices on dresses....


Indeed they do! I got my dress, bra, slip, veil and tiara all for under $1000.
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-19 13:38:00
CanadaCrossing the Border- No Ties
I think your interview letter for Montreal might be a sufficient proof of tie, plus you aren't bringing any luggage with you, as it will just be a shopping trip. I know what you mean about no DB near! The closest one is almost 7 hours away in ND for me! If I don't get something ordered by April 30th I will be up the creek to allow 6 weeks for alterations!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-19 00:24:00
CanadaMontreal Review
Congratulations! You made it! kicking.gif kicking.gif
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-20 10:46:00
CanadaWhat do you do?
I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Social Work and I am currently licenced as an LSW in ND. That being said I am currently not practicing as an LSW, rather working in Canada until the big move!

After college I worked in ND for 1 year on OPT on the student visa. I worked at a psychosocial rehabilitation center for persons with severe mental illness, and also worked full time for the state of ND at a Transitional Living Home for persons with severe mental illness. I absolutely loved my jobs in ND, the clients and my coworkers were amazing to work with.

Currently, now that I am back in Canada I work for the Goverment of Saskatchewan/Social Services as a Youth Facility Worker. I work with kids between the ages of 9-15 at a "stabilization" facility. The issues that kids/teens come in with vary greatly from parent/teen conflict, neglect, abuse to prostitution and IV drug use.

I am undecided as far as what field I want to work in once I move to NE, I really enjoyed working with persons with mental illness. But I realize to advance in that field, I would need to consider getting my Masters Degree in Social Work. I am still undecided about that venture as well. I would like to explore working as an LSW in Child & Family Services and I think my current job has been great experience to that affect.

As posted in another thread it is really unfortunate that my field of work will not be comparable to what SK pays in NE, but I guess thats the tradeoff for love. LOL.

Great to hear about everyone else's jobs as well!

Edited by minnew, 17 April 2009 - 10:10 PM.

minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-17 22:08:00
Canadawhy did u choose to live in US instead of Canada?
We met as well when I was on a student visa. My fiance is in the US Air Force. Most the decision was based on him wanting to stay with the US Air Force, although he did think about getting out at the end of his 6 year enlistment. The way the economy was going and they offered him a bonus to stay in, he enlisted for another 6. He says he will retire after 20 years then look for civilian work in the aviation field. He is also definitely not a fan of the colder temperatures the furthur north you get, and so glad not to be stationed in ND anymore. Neither of us come from big families, but at least for the next 5 years or so (hopefully) we will be right in the middle as far as distance between SK and GA. I feel fortunate that I will not have to worry too much about healthcare as we will have TriCare through the military. The unfortunate part about me moving back to the US is that a job in my field of work pays considerably less, almost 1/2 of what I am making now sad.gif But I knew that before I moved back to Canada, as i worked 1 year with OPT in the US.
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-17 21:45:00
CanadaMontreal Interview
Congratulations!! kicking.gif
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-19 13:40:00
CanadaMontreal Interview-Complete and Successful
Congrats!!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-20 18:40:00
CanadaAPPROVED I-751 for AntandD!!!
Congratulations! kicking.gif kicking.gif
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-20 18:43:00
CanadaI'm so proud of you flames9!
congrats flames!!
minnewFemaleCanada2009-04-23 15:55:00
CanadaMoving this weekend
The weather here is amazing! I haven't gotten a tan yet - mainly because I've been unpacking.

I'm so glad our trip is over. Thanks for all the well wishes! I can't imagine anyone ever having a worse trip than we had! But today my mom called and said it's -34 and they have snow up to their yingyang so I'm so happy I'm here and not there!
saskswanFemaleCanada2009-03-06 11:29:00
CanadaMoving this weekend
Well here it goes!

We left ND finally Thursday morning and drove for a few hours then stopped for lunch. My husband gets out of his van and says "my tire is going flat again" so he went to a local garage to get it fixed. We enjoyed our lunch and left again.... he started out driving fairly quickly then kept dropping his speed. He calls me and says - there's something wrong with the wheel balance on my van. He decided he didn't trust the guy who fixed it so we would keep going until we got to another larger center.

We couldn't find a tireshop but they had a Walmart so we went there. The kids and I went shopping while John went to get his tire fixed. He came in to find us and said - they think it will be about an hour. So we shopped.. picked up a few odd's & end's and spent way too much money again! Finally they finish and we get loaded up and leave again.

By the time we reached Souix City it was snowing again.... and we keep going, the closer we get to Des Moines (where John's kids are) the harder it was snowing. It was dark, the traffic was thick and we kept driving. Finally we get to Des Moines. Spent some time with his kids (so they could get to know Lily (our 8 month old). Two of his kids weren't talking to each other so it made Dinner really interesting. The younger two ask us to go shopping in Walmart again. John agree's. So off we go again. It was about 10:00 at night so we only drove about 1 hour before we pulled over for the night.

The next morning we wake up to about 4 inches of snow. We go for Breakfast and get on the road. Hard to believe in this day and age that they don't plow immediately after the snow is done but apparently in Missouri they don't in all counties. We watched car after truck after car go in the ditch. At one point some genius was passing John and lost control and went in the ditch.... does that stop my husband from driving - nope..... we keep going. We get to Kansas city about lunch time. The roads have been sanded and aren't that bad but still there are these idiots that think they are invincible drivers. We are delayed waiting for them to pull a few cars piled up off the road. We get on the road heading towards Wichata. A black truck gets between John and I.... at this point John decides the road is good enough to do the speed limit, he pulls ahead. The idiot in the black truck must have decided that he can't let a minivan go faster than him so he hits the gas and some ice........

The next thing I know this black truck is slamming into the lefthand barrier and bouncing off and flying across the road....... missed us by inches!!! Hit the righthand barrier and was flying back across the road at us...... We managed to avoid getting hit barely! The entire time this happened (felt like hours!) John just kept driving - didn't see any of it. I get stopped... luckily the people behind me and the idiot in the black truck managed to stop. At this point I realize John is just continuing to drive.... so I get going again. I'm barely able to hold myself together - the kids are crying and Hayley (my 10 year old) is freaking out... begging me to stop driving and to get a hotel. I finally catch up to John (at this point he realized I wasn't right behind him and slowed down). He pulls off into a Wendy's. I just fell apart.... I come from a town with ONE traffic light and here I am in a city with a bunch of idiots that can't drive in snow or ice. I have a husband that can't realize that I'm not behind him because someone just tried to kill us... We pulled over for a few hours and got some road condition reports - decided to change our route to go straight to Wichata because the storm didn't go through there.

I was okay until we started driving through Wichata, I was just too nervous to drive at night.... we drove a bit longer but finally we pulled over when I called John and said I just can't drive anymore.

The next morning we managed to get an early start and had a relatively sane drive until we got to Dallas..... The traffic was horrendous!!! I mean bumper to bumper... even when we got I-45 from Dallas to Houston - there were just insane amounts of vehicles. We drove and drove and then we stopped.... litterally on the road. There was a traffic jam by Huntsville, TX. We sat on the road between Huntsville and Houston for over two hours. We moved a little bit but not much above 10 mph. Lily was screaming at this point. We are trying like hell to just get to the house. Finally we make it to Houston... Little did I know but John decided to take us on the biggest roads he could find in the city... I-45, Beltway 8, I-10!!! I have drove in cities like Edmonton, Saskatoon, Calgary but never in traffic like this..... I was totally nerve wracked! But we made it to the house without a scratch.. Thank God!

So the way I look at it now.... something was trying like hell to keep us away from here..... so we must be meant to be here. This is our home.

That was my journey in a nut shell...... I'm here - I refuse to drive for a while. And the kids/dogs/cat are so happy to be in a house - the culture shock really hasn't set in yet. lol
saskswanFemaleCanada2009-03-04 11:31:00
CanadaMoving this weekend
Just wait for the second installment! Pretty soon they'll be changing the name of Murphy's law to reflect my trip! I'll post more tomorrow! Today we have to get home!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!
saskswanFemaleCanada2009-03-01 07:50:00
CanadaMoving this weekend
Well we made it just past Des Moines today! We went this way because John's (Adult) kids live there. Now we finish our Journey tomorrow or Sunday (depending on how tired we get). Only issues we had were a bit of blowing snow and John having a faulty rim on his van - we had to stop twice to get it resealed. Stupid how there are no KIA dealers around when you need them!

Things are looking up finally! At this point all we can do is laugh when things go wrong!!!

Edited by lawg, 28 February 2009 - 12:20 AM.

saskswanFemaleCanada2009-02-28 00:19:00
CanadaMoving this weekend
We are finally moving!!! We planned to leave on Friday morning (Feb. 20th) that ended up postponed to Saturday because of some issues with health insurance etc. And this has been such a hilarious series of unfortunate events I had to share…

We finally get the van loaded (after the guys had to pull everything out of the van to find Hayley’s Birth Certificate that we needed for the border)… We meet my mom for Lunch and head out…. Approx. 1:30.. 20 minutes out of Meadow Lake I realize I forgot my Camera – John races back for it while I continue with the kids…

About 10 minutes out of Saskatoon I notice John’s Van catch a pothole in the road… He pulls over a couple minutes later he is having low tire pressure warnings in his van. We go to Canadian tire they fix it – by the time he drives over to where the kids and I are – it’s low again so he takes it back. Guess what – his rim is bent and they don’t have one that will fit his Van. They seal it and hope it makes the journey. Off we go again…

We get to Regina that night and the “pet friendly” hotel charges a $15 per night per pet fee… so they $100 room cost us $150. We get up and hit the road about 8:30. Three of us all sick with colds! We drive until I phone John and tell him I need to stop at the next town for Gas….. about two minutes later my engine light comes on…. We pull in at the gas station… fill up – restart the van….. now the engine light is on and there is a distinct noise…. I can’t even explain the noise it was so weird! John runs back in to the station and gets some numbers of mechanics to call. He gets one to come out to look at it.. he tells us he thinks it’s the transmission but he can’t work on it for two days…. Tells us to “limp it” to Estevan. We drive about 3 minutes down the road and John stops gets out and says – we aren’t going anywhere – it started slipping 3 & 4th gear. It’s only -44 in the wind so what the heck… lets stand outside and tinker on the van right! John takes it to Canadian tire (with the kids) and I go looking for a hotel. I find one and come back and take the kids to Tim Horton’s.. We waited for 45 minutes. John calls – It’s definitely the transmission (they used their computers) and they can’t fix it. So we go back to the hotel….. The next morning John takes the Van to the local Dodge dealership (at 8:00 am) at 8:20 he calls and tells me they have it in the bay and they are looking at it. Unsure of the cause (the transmission fluid is black). They decide to drain the fluid and flush it. They drain it and find filings….. it’s shot. So they had to rebuild it. Turns out the Torque converter failed and forced Engine oil into the transmission fluid.. blah blah blah This cost about $2500.00 and took until 9:00 Wednesday to fix. So we spent my Birthday in Weyburn… By the way Meadow Lake Restaurants could battle Weyburns in worlds worst places to eat! Even Dairy Queen managed to forget our ice cream on our banana splits!

We finally get on the road yesterday and manage to cross the boarder in 1 hour or so! North Portal had no idea what to do but they did what they thought they needed to do pretty quickly. It was amazing! We drove until Kenmare, ND and had lunch. Then we drove until Carrington and got some gas (I filled my van from empty for $32.00) Amazing huh! We then drove to Jamestown and had dinner (I’m in America and I am not suppose to say Supper!) and after dinner we left and drove to Fargo… The hotel we wanted decided 2 days ago to no longer accept pets so we had to change to another hotel. OMG – Sleeze motel move over! We walk in the room and it smells like Urine! The dogs go nuts running all over sniffing and sniffing.. I didn’t want them to sleep on the floor! It was 10:00 pm and we wanted an early start so we stayed.. at least the sheets were clean!!!

This morning we get on the road… The roads were horrible. Blowing snow and drifts. I kept thinking where the heck are the plows! Well about 10 miles out of Fargo I see this sign saying Christine to S. Dakota travel not advised… Well Little did I know that Christine was the town we came to about 2 minutes later looking for a place to have breakfast – but the café on the GPS didn’t even exist! (6 miles off the highway on very poor roads!) We managed to drive another 45 minutes before we finally give up (the visability was horrible and the drifts were terrible! Turns out they pulled the plows off the road because it had gotten to zero visibility). We pull off at a small town (Mooreton). The Café owner was great – she even let Lily use her grandchildren’s walker. She helped us find a hotel in Wahpeton (about 12 miles away). We drive here slowly and get to the hotel when John’s Engine light comes on in his van! At this point I’m ready to just go jump on the next bus! We checked in and they kindly let us have the room early. John found a mechanic to look at his van and he left. We went shopping at Walmart because we are running out of clothes (we packed for a 5 day journey, not a 7 – 8 day adventure). We meet back at the hotel both John and I got stuck at the same intersection….. we both got out and luckily his warning light is just an issue with ice build up on a sensor or a wire. All fixed!

Now we sit and wait – hopefully the storm ends soon, the hotel has finally cleaned the parking lot but we have a 2 ft high pile of snow behind our vehicles…. So lets all hope we can get out tomorrow! This has been one of the weirdest trips ever, at the rate we are going we drive 1 day – rest 3! Ha, ha, ha! For once the border services / immigration were the easy part!!!!

Hugs to all!

Gail

saskswanFemaleCanada2009-02-26 22:04:00
CanadaMoving this weekend
So we are off to Caravan from Northern Saskatchewan to Katy Texas this weekend. We have a 10 year old and a 8 month old we will try to keep entertained as we trek! lol

We are taking what we can in our two minivans and will transport the rest this summer. It should be an interesting journey. I think we are going through Portal so I will post how it went entering on our K3/K4's! My husband usually makes the trip in 2 1/2 days - we are planning to take 4 days or so.

Wish us luck!
saskswanFemaleCanada2009-02-19 21:26:00
CanadaVisa mailed, FINALLY!!!
QUOTE (Pandora01 @ Oct 27 2008, 06:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 27 2008, 08:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Pandora01 @ Oct 24 2008, 10:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JillA @ Oct 24 2008, 10:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAY when's the big move?

In a week or so. As soon as I receive the papers, my sweetheart is going to drive up here. It's a 3 to day trip. He'll stay here for 2 or 3 days and then we're off smile.gif


That's awesome! It's funny I received my Visa in July and I am moving Nov. 15th you just got yours and are moving before me laughing.gif

Well, to sum it up, we've been dating for many years and the length of the process (had to go through USCIS in CA sad.gif ) made it that I planned things to move as soon as I got the visa. VJ has been a great help in that regards. We just couldn't envision staying separated for any longer than necessary. smile.gif


Congratulations on getting your visa! Good luck with the big move to ND! I used to live there while going to school on F-1, its definitely a culture shock from living in a bigger city! Lots of open country! Where I lived in they still accept cheques for everything! groceries, gas, clothing! Its enough to drive a person mad waiting in line! Anyways good luck with your travels!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-30 20:55:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
QUOTE (TheATeam @ Oct 23 2008, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I did just that...interview on Tuesday and then my medical on Wednesday. It was $350, and they did the xray and blood work in the same building. It was very easy and painless, but you have to be there really early, like 6 am when they open and I think we were there until 11 am. Then we went back at 3 pm to pick up the results. Actually, we were there early as the consulate had told us to bring the results back at 3. I let the receptionist know that we needed the results asap and they did the best they could to get it out early. We then raced back to the consulate and skipped the giant line (thank goodness!!!) and handed our results in. She took them briefly into the back, then called me back to the window and said that everything was okay and that the visa was approved. We then had to go back the next day to pick up the visa. We had to stay 3 nights, but it sure was worth it. If you've got anymore questions you can pm me. I also have the email address of the receptionist/nurse at Dr. Morgan's office, who was super helpful.


Thank you for your reply! I feel at little more at ease now. I will definitely have to stay three nights too, but thats okay maybe some time for some sightseeing!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-23 23:41:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
QUOTE (vanee @ Oct 23 2008, 07:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SonoranSongbird @ Oct 22 2008, 11:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dr Morgan can schedule an appointment around your interview date, and the consulate is willing to give you the interview before the medical (if, for example, you have an interview on a Monday or Tuesday), but you will need to bring them the results before they can issue the visa, and hotels in Vancouver can be pretty expensive. I think you could probably ask them to give you an interview on a Thursday and they'd accomodate the request.

When I had my medical with Dr. Morgan in August 2007, I met another K-1 applicant there who'd had her interview the day before. She had been approved pending the results of her medical, which she brought to the consulate after picking them up from Dr. Morgan's office = 2 days that she had to spend in Vancouver. She would've spent 2 days there anyway as the Vancouver consulate has visas ready the day after successful interviews.

My experience with Dr. Morgan was fine, and every review I've read of him has been good. Actually you spend only about 5 minutes with him. The rest of the time you're filling out paperwork, getting blood drawn, getting a chest X-ray, taking an eye exam, or waiting between these steps.


I am happy that Vancouver would be flexible and let applicants submit medical results after the interview! and pick up the visa next day! Do you remember how much Dr. Morgan's medical cost? Do you do the X-ray and bloodwork on site at his office? or Does he send you on a wild goose chase around Vancouver? LOL. laughing.gif

Thanks in advance!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-23 21:58:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
Awesome! Thank you! I will definitely renew it before dealing with the consulate!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-22 11:57:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
Not very many Saskies around! I am from Regina.

I sure hope they will be accomodating! I am still going to have to spend 3 nights in Vancouver at the very least. I am thinking ahead because we have not yet filed for K-1 yet but will be in the next few months. I just hope CSC is decent when we do! Heck maybe by the time I get to consulate stage there will be a doctor in SK!

I just thought of another question..by the time I get to the US it will be late 09/ I am thinking(hoping), but I know you can never plan for anything with immigration!..My passport expires june 2010...I know I need 6 months validity to travel, but what applys to a person on K-1? How soon before expiry can you renew a canadian passport? Will I need it renewed before my interview? I tried looking on passport canada website with no luck.

Thank you for your replies!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-22 11:23:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
They really need to get new panel physicians for SK and Edmonton! Looks like I will be doing medical and interview in Vancouver! If medicals are only done on Wednesdays in Vancouver that really leaves me a limited option for an interview date (thursday or friday, preferably thursday). As long as the results are available same day! and that doesn't change! wacko.gif Is there a way to ask Vancouver for a specific interview date? Thank you for all your replies!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-21 20:01:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
Thanks everyone! I'm still bummed out about no doctors in SK! mad.gif I would love to go to Calgary to get it done being that I have family there, and a friend I haven't seen in a while but that means one more trip on top of going to Vancouver for an interview! It really depends on what season it is I guess! I don't want to be wandering around Vancouver by myself whistling.gif How much do the doctors charge? Calgary vs. Vancouver? Anyways thanks for your help!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-21 13:59:00
CanadaCanadian Medical
Hello to all! I have a question related to a post I saw a while back but cannot seem to find! It was about US civil surgeons in Western Canada. I was wondering if anyone had a list of the doctors for Canada. I am from SK and I believe the post said there were NO USCIS CIVIL SURGEONS in SK anymore! mad.gif How long does it take for the results in Vancouver or Calgary? Same day? Next day? or Mailed out to you?

Thanks!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-10-21 13:28:00
CanadaVisiting the US & Taxation
QUOTE (Reba @ Nov 4 2008, 06:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you are in the US on a specific visa, you're expempt from the 183 days rule. The rule is for visitors only.

Canadians are not part of the VWP, we're entirely different animals that they don't have a name for other than "Canadian visitors"


Thanks so much!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-04 11:06:00
CanadaVisiting the US & Taxation
Oops! Just realized January-May 2008 would only be somewhere around 150 days!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-03 21:53:00
CanadaVisiting the US & Taxation
Long question & sorry if it has been answered before!

I have a question regarding the 183 days that you are allowed to stay in the U.S. I am confused because my situtation is this:

January-May 2008: Living in U.S on F-1 visa OPT (Probably somewhere around 175-180 days)

VWP visits: 30 days (so far)

June 2008: 3 days
July 2008: 0 days
August 2008: 3 days
September 2008: 13 days
October 2008: 11 days

Projected days to visit:
November 2008: 4 days
December 2008: 4 days

Will this be considered an overstay? blink.gif

Will this be an issue when it comes time to prepare my 2008 US tax return? Last year I filed as a resident alien due to the fact I had been in the US since 2002 and over the 183 days limit.(Started my OPT in June 07, was a student before then) I am no longer living in the U.S. Do I file again as a resident alien or a nonresident alien? I can't remember if I had to declare world income on my 2007 return (I did not work at all in Canada in 2007) but I remember something about declaring school loans or tuition.

I am trying to decide if I can prepare my return myself or hire a tax professional...that means another visit to the US in 2009! And hopefully I get my W-2's in a timely manner from the U.S! I hired someone last year and ended up going to the college where a free seminar was happening by an IRS rep to help international students because the tax professional had no clue what they were doing and it was crunch time!

If anyone has any advice or could point me in the right direction please help! Thank you!

Side note: Will be petitioning for K-1 early 2009.
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-03 21:50:00
CanadaUS citizenship anyone?
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Nov 7 2008, 06:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have to obtain at my earliest, my US citizenship for my husband's employ. Period. At first, I was told by his employ that I HAD to renounce my Canadian citizenship. We can all bander about all we want about whether or not we want dual, but can you imagine how I felt knowing I might have to officially renounce it??? I was SO angry! Anyway, because of this, I started to look at how I would have to do this, and it's very convoluted.

First, you have to make written application, and you HAVE to appear in front of a JUDGE, IN Canada. HE/SHE gets to determine whether or not your application gets approval, and I can't remember right now what the reasons are, but I could frankly say that from what it looked like to me, no one in VJ would EVER be given the right to formally renounce their citizenship. This is NOT taken lightly at all. This is NOT an everyday occurrance. Secondly, you can't just say, I don't want it because I don't want it...*sigh* You CAN'T have your citizenship renounced because you are GOING to be another citizen from another country. All it means is that the other country won't recognize it.

You will NOT be allowed to renounce your citizenship if you're not already a citizenship of another country. Not on the promise of it, not on "while I"m going to get it eventually...". You CAN'T be in limbo with no citizenship.

Sorry if I sound like I"m ranting, I kind of am. I had to seriously look at what I was going to do. My whole life I felt was on the line. Gene was SICK...SICK thinking I would have to choose. Call me a traitor, but I would have chosen him. I will ALWAYS be a Canadian in my heart, no matter what any damn papers say but no one was going to keep Gene and I apart.

Anyway, after all was said and done, I can have dual, which is what I'm going to do, and what I was prepared to do anyway.


I have a feeling I will be in the same situation as you as far as spouse's employer. When you have dual citizenship which passport do you get to keep? Is there something from Canada you can get to prove you are a citizen without a passport? (besides birth certificate)
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-07 14:34:00
CanadaUS citizenship anyone?
QUOTE (ruby_mtl @ Nov 6 2008, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (minnew @ Nov 6 2008, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys and gals!

Someone had mentioned spouse's employment as being a factor for becoming a USC. I am wondering if this applies to me. My spouse will be is active duty military. There were lots of jobs on the base is he presently at the REQUIRED US citizenship. Do you think the military would require me to become a USC? or just a suggestion? If he ever gets stationed overseas and I am a PR not a USC would that present a problem? (As a side note he is transferring bases soon and will be required to go under review for a TS clearance, me being a non citizen, will that constitute extra review time, he tells me no)

Thanks in advance!


I'm guessing that you would have to be a USC to be in the military. I know that here in Canada, if you want to be in the army, you have to be a citizen. I also think they can help with the citizenship process, dunno if it's the same in the US. You should look into it.


I do not plan on joining the military myself, my spouse is/would be active duty. The only thing that concerns me is me being a non citizen spouse and having possible issues when it comes to possible overseas change of station? or because of his TS clearance reviews. Anyone have anysight to this?
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-06 19:43:00
CanadaUS citizenship anyone?
Hi guys and gals!

Someone had mentioned spouse's employment as being a factor for becoming a USC. I am wondering if this applies to me. My spouse will be is active duty military. There were lots of jobs on the base is he presently at the REQUIRED US citizenship. Do you think the military would require me to become a USC? or just a suggestion? If he ever gets stationed overseas and I am a PR not a USC would that present a problem? (As a side note he is transferring bases soon and will be required to go under review for a TS clearance, me being a non citizen, will that constitute extra review time, he tells me no)

Thanks in advance!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-06 13:33:00
CanadaWedding Apparel
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Nov 11 2008, 08:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (BermyCat @ Nov 10 2008, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm debating going in something like this to the courthouse.
http://www.davidsbri...p;prodgroup=210

I find David's bridal pretty cheap and I know they're reputable. Maybe they have something that would suit you.


~ Catherine



Lovely dress. Very reasonable in price as well. I don't know about reputable. Ask Sprailines about that. laughing.gif If you named the thread David's she'd be here in a second. I think they were very very rude to her, and sold some personal information of hers as well.


Yikes! I have heard mixed reviews of Davids Bridal as well!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-11 10:41:00
CanadaWedding Apparel
QUOTE (BermyCat @ Nov 10 2008, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm debating going in something like this to the courthouse.
http://www.davidsbri...p;prodgroup=210

I find David's bridal pretty cheap and I know they're reputable. Maybe they have something that would suit you.


~ Catherine


That is a pretty dress! That is the kind I have been looking for! Thank you! Do they ship outside the US?

Edited by minnew, 10 November 2008 - 01:05 PM.

minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-10 13:03:00
CanadaWedding Apparel
QUOTE (flames9 @ Nov 9 2008, 06:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
REVIEWS (keep in mind many people wil complain, but rarely praise,lol, but if it sounds too good to be true, prob is!)

http://www.dropkicke...ight-In-the-Box

http://www.resellerr...ight_In_The_Box

Personally, I would not do any business with them! best of luck


Thanks! I could not find any sites that reviewed them!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-09 16:14:00
CanadaWedding Apparel
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Nov 8 2008, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for sharing. The prices on that sight ARE amazing. Maybe too much? Gosh...they do say that if it sounds too good to be true it probably isn't? I didn't check out the site other than to view some of the dresses and the prices. Even if they were second hand that's still a fantastic price. I'd maybe google the company name and see if there are any sites that are devoted to complaints or kudo's on this company.


Even the prices on electronics look pretty nice! I may have found my site to do my christmas shopping!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-08 09:53:00
CanadaWedding Apparel
So I was browsing the internet looking for some ideas for a dress to wear at the civil ceremony and stumbled upon this:

http://www.lightinth...g-Apparel_c1180

I am a bit wary of buying on the internet, but the price looks amazing! I haven't heard anything good or bad! It will be hard to find anything now a days that is made in Canada or made in USA when it comes to clothes, or any electronic for that matter, I guess I did not realize wedding dresses are the same way. Anyways just wanted to share this site with anyone who may be interested.

Thanks!
minnewFemaleCanada2008-11-08 01:29:00