ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaBanking and Building credit in the US
QUOTE (poprocks @ Sep 1 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Any American account or credit card you apply for prior to moving to the US, will not start assisting your credit or record until it is transferred onto your SSN #...it may help you with leverage with that specific company, but not on your credit score...it is tracked by your SSN...

My only advise is to appy for 3-4 credit cards peior to your move....get them based on your canadian credit, SIN and canadian address....once you move, you can change them to your SSN and new married name...and within 3 months of moving you can have 3-4 credit cards smile.gif


Great advice to apply for cards prior to your move. It sure makes things easier. Also, I just found out that it may help to get them as soon as you can on your Canadian SIN. Here is what I just experienced ... I signed up for Myfico to understand my score better (I've been here about a year). One of the things that helps your score is how long your credit history is. To my surprise they have my Target Visa recorded from the first day I signed up on my Cdn SIN, which was a about 2 years before I moved.

Also, I couldn't transfer my Target Visa to my SSN until I had my NJ driver's licence, which I couldn't get until I had my green card. Even though I moved last July, I didn't get my driver's licence until April 2009. So instead of having a credit history starting this April, I have about 3 years. They say the average is 19 years, so it may not affect the score much. But, hey, every little bit helps! btw, I don't know how much they look at the Canadian history, but at least they have a record of me.

btw, my credit score is a little over 700. Nothing to brag about, but it's a good start. They say it's low because of lack of history and because how much I put on my card is too high for the limit that I have (even though I pay it off every month). I guess I need to apply for some more credit cards to bring my score up!

Also, I find credit cards a little confusing here. In Canada I just made sure I had a Visa, Mastercard (from one of the banks), plus an American Express. Then I acquired some store credit cards over time. Here, you get credit card offers from out of the blue from god-knows-who. It just felt more straightforward in Canada in that I knew who I was getting credit from.

This game is a little frustrating, given the credit I had in Canada, but what can you do?
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2009-09-01 09:42:00
CanadaGot a call from Montreal
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you guys!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2009-09-02 11:27:00
CanadaA US TD Bank ? Anyone heard of it or tried them?
My hubby was a Commerce Bank customer, so now we're TD Bank customers - America's Most Convenient Bank! I wonder what people would think if they knew TD stood for Toronto Dominion. smile.gif

They're a pretty good bank as far as I can tell, but i haven't tried to get Canadian funds from them. I bet they'd look at me like I was a Canalien if I tried!

Anyhoo, I hope they make some changes. I was excited to sign up for on-line bill payments (hubby is still into writing cheques and mailing them ... I haven't done that for years) but get this ... this is how on-line payments work ... you pay your bill on-line ... then the bank processes your payment and MAILS the company a cheque, so you have to allow 10 days for processing time and mail time. It's kinda cute and annoying at the same time. I never thought I'd miss Canadian banks.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-12-01 10:48:00
CanadaDid anyone use Dr. Arnold?
I also just sent in my vaccination work sheet and was approved with no problem. Someone phrased it really well ... if you are in a real rush and can't afford the delay that an RFE would cost you, then go to Dr. Arnold. If you can risk an RFE, and the perhaps two week delay it would cause, then just send in the worksheet.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2009-06-19 23:01:00
CanadaHow many of you actually used your AP
I used my AP a number of times at Pearson. I was nervous at first, but it's pretty straightforward. Here's how it goes down:

- they look at your paperwork and then immediately send you to secondary to get parolled
- when they pull out that yellow folder, you know you are going into secondary
- you are greeted by whomever is available and hand over your passport, AP, I-94 (that you filled out when you enter the customs area)
- they tell you to sit down, while they look up your stuff on the computer
- they call you back up (it took anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to be called back up. Pretty fast.)
- fingerprint and picture
- they might ask a few questions (one question I got was, when are you getting married? Duh. I was already married on a K1. Trick question!)
- then they stamp your AP and your passport (parolled!) and send you on your way.
- You have two copies of AP. They take one of the copies the first time through and don't ask about it again.

They knew what AP was and I never felt that they weren't going to let me in. They just needed to do the paperwork. That said, I was nervous the first couple of times I did it, but it was a piece of cake. It got faster each time I did it.

I know you've decided not to go on Canadian Thanksgiving, but I just wanted to let you know that it's pretty easy at Pearson. As long as you have all your paperwork in hand (and you haven't overstayed in the U.S.), you're good to go!



GypsyangelFemaleCanada2009-09-22 08:37:00
CanadaMy Cat
Thanks for all the info about Feliway. I just ordered some spray and some diffusers from Amazon. I have a question. My cat's "safe zone" is a room where he has both his bed and his litter. I was reading that Feliway is also used to discourage kitties from peeing in the wrong places. Is it ok to use the diffuser in the room that has both his bed and litter? Or will that confuse his peeing instinct?

Thanks for any experience or info!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-12-09 11:12:00
CanadaMy Cat
QUOTE (BH45 @ Dec 7 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When I crossed in June, all I had was a travel certificate from the vet stating that Salem's shots were up to date. The BP didn't even question any of it.


I had all Asbury's vaccination info on hand in case they asked. I thought it would be better to make sure I had stuff just in case they asked. I don't know if I'll give him any more vaccines at his age as they're hard on his body. I need to find a holistic vet for him and figure that sort of stuff out.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-12-07 12:53:00
CanadaMy Cat
When I crossed the border, by car, with my cat, they really weren't interested in the cat. No questions about him or his food. If he has food he likes, I would bring it. The worst that could happen is they take it away.

At the border, they also made me leave him in the car. It was July at 10pm at night so that wasn't too bad, but it could have been a disaster if it had been in the mid-day heat. My fiance was in a separate car and they wouldn't let him stop with me. In retrospect, I should have given Asbury to him before he drove off but I didn't think of it until it was too late. Make sure you plan for the weather when you cross the border.

I had him in his carrier in the back seat and his kitty litter was in the back seat as well. As it turned out, he preferred to sleep in his kitty litter so we travelled like that for the better part of the first day. In the end, I think it was because I didn't put a towel over his carrier to block out the light. I figured that out eventually, but i wish I'd figured it out sooner.

Regarding medications, my vet said my cat was too old (he's 11) to take any sedatives to calm him down. Apparently, all they do is slow their hearts down which isn't good for an older cat. I've never heard of Feliway ... is it ok for our older guys? My guy is so jittery ... he'd be so much happier if he would relax.

We stayed at Red Roof Inn, they were cat friendly ... I checked the web site to determine that. On our second night we had to sneak Asbury into a hotel that didn't allow cats because our car had broken down and all the hotels in the area were sold out. That was way too stressful for all of us! We had to check out in the wee hours of the morning because Asbury (the quietest cat, ever) wouldn't stop meowing. Poor guy.

I think he was pretty traumatized by the move. He's doing good, but it was very stressful for him. We moved again a few weeks ago, but it was only a mile! If I even touch the carrier and it makes a noise, he heads for the closet!

The other thing as Katherine mentioned is to make sure he has a place that makes him feel safe in his new house. I've found that it helps to confine them to a smaller place (a bedroom or even a bathroom) for a couple of days (they will let you know when they're ready to venture out) so they know it's safe there and can run there if things get tense.

I'm gonna look up Feliway ....

Best of luck with your cat. He's a handsome fellow!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-12-07 12:46:00
CanadaThe pet thread!
Hey Mephys,

I think our cats were separated at birth.

Your cat (the one in the background in your pic):

Attached File  1yo004.jpg   310.72KB   16 downloads


My cat:

Attached File  DSC_0037_web.jpg   23.28KB   18 downloads



My first time posting pictures ... wonder if it will work... hmmm
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-08-09 16:11:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (JillA @ Apr 24 2009, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wish there were sidewalks in my neighborhood. I like to go for long walks and used to go for an hour or so around my old town Oakville, there were sidewalks everywhere. I don't know what it is with here but you don't find sidewalks anywhere. Where do people walk their dogs, on the street? I don't feel comfortable walking on the street with my music in my ears, I'm afraid to get hit by a car!


I agree with you sister! And what's up with the lack of street lights? I'm so used to Toronto where you can walk down the street at night and see where you're going. I never even really thought about it or noticed it. Here it's so darn dark at night I can barely see where I'm going. I'm going to have to get a flashlight or something. It makes driving difficult too. I'm just not accustomed to it.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2009-04-26 10:48:00
CanadaRetiring and Going Home
Congratulations. What a long and strange journey you guys have had. Safe travels back to your home. yes.gif
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2009-11-04 14:17:00
CanadaA Solemn Announcement
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. (F)
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2010-01-11 15:37:00
CanadaMarriage Certificate Needed?
I didn't need one in Montreal.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2010-02-04 09:50:00
CanadaK1 visas for celebrities??
There was a woman in my yoga class in Toronto who was an actor. She wasn't famous by any means, but she legitimately acted on stage and in tv ads. She moved to LA on a "unique talent" type visa. It only took her a few weeks to get her visa, while I was waiting for mine for months.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2010-02-06 19:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 February 2012 FILERS

Did you guys include your 2011 tax returns?


I submitted tax transcripts for 2008, 2009, and 2010. If we've done our 2011 taxes by the time our interview rolls around (which is highly likely), I'll bring our 2011 return with me to the interview. This is the only financial proof of a relationship I filed per their instructions:

4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
a. Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children; or
b. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past 3 years; or
c. An IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.

For AOS and ROC, they wanted a lot more financial stuff. I wonder if they'll be happy with what I sent or if they'll ask for more financial documentation for the interview.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-02-11 23:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 February 2012 FILERS
Adding myself ...

Please preview post before you Add reply [/color]to make sure you have edited correctly :thumbs:

Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list:
1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting.
3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list.
4. Remove the "Quote Coding" at the top and bottom of the list.
5. Always use [Courier New] Font and font size [2]
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

**For more detailed instructions with screen-shots "CLICK HERE"**

=================================
N-400: February 2012 Applicants
=================================


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USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox
=======================================
UserName.....|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice.......|
=============|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|==================|
LLbeans......|02/06/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Philadelphia, PA..|
preciousgift.|02/06/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Charlotte, NC.....|
Jay Dee......|02/04/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|New York, NY......|
Gypsyangel...|02/08/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Mount Laurel, NJ..|


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USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox
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UserName.......|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice......|
===============|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=================|
...............|../../...|../../...|../../...|../../...|../../...|../../...|--/--/--.|.................|



============================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
============================================================================
UserName.........|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice.|
=================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|============|
Example..........|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|City, ST....|
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-02-09 09:20:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDoing walk For biometrics Appt. at Drummond Road Philadelphia
I did an early walk-in for my ROC last December there. It was no problem at all. They didn't even mention the date on my letter at all. Just looked at it and waved me in. I went on a Wednesday mid-morning because someone on here suggested that they weren't busy that day.

However, when I was doing biometrics for citizenship, they told a guy that his appointment wasn't until later that day and told him to come back. I think that might have been because he was there first thing in the morning when they opened up and there was already a line. It was too bad because when I left, he was sitting in his car waiting and the line was gone and everyone inside was just sitting around . He probably could have gone in then, instead of waiting.

If it was me, I wouldn't go first thing in the morning and I wouldn't go around lunch time.

Some people have also suggested that if you show them something that proves that you can't come on the day of your appointment (e.g. if you're travelling), that that might help.

Good luck!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-06-15 08:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassport Filers 2

@Gypsyangel: Where did you apply for your Passport in Philadelphia, PA. What is the name of the office & Address?

What is the reason we are supposed to give for expedite service?

Do they accept any Passport applications after oath ceremony in Philadelphia, PA. Any such Help counters.\?

In Oakland, California they accept US Passport Applcations?

Please post your experience



Sorry, I'm replying so late ... just saw this. My response may be too late to be useful, but here goes ...

I applied at a Camden County store in NJ. The one I went to was in the Echelon Mall. Not sure if that's of any use to you if you're in Philaldelphia. I did my oath in NJ as well so I'm not sure about accepting applications at the oath ceremeony in Philadelphia. I don't believe they accepted them in Mount Laurel (applications came in the oath package).

I gave no reason to expidite, though I did have travel plans and brought my travel itinerary. They told me it was possible that I would get my passport in time with regular processing, so they rcommended that I not expidite. They said, if I wanted to change it and expidite at a later date while it was in process that I could call them at any time and they would then expidite it. I ended up doing that and paying the extra $$ by phone because my travel plans were fast approaching and they web site could not give me any more details than that it was being processed.

It came very quickly after I expidited it. I paid for the courier service as well.

I hope that helps! :)
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-08-10 10:41:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassport Filers 2
I ended up expediting ... they allow you to do that by phone after you've sent it in. Received naturalization certificate and passport card the following week.

Filer:............ Date applied:.......City,State:......Expedited?:......Date received:

Anna C..............01/27/2012.........Cheyenne, WY..........No.......... 02/10/2012
mary&Ryan...........02/09/2012.........Chicago, IL...........No.......... 02/24/2012
anaqueen83..........02/21/2012.........San Francisco, CA.....No.......... 03/10/2012
NotBonJovi..........02/27/2012.........New York, NY..........No.......... 03/26/2012
karin_brenig........03/05/2012.........Fort Wayne, IN........No.......... 03/26/2012
Heliosphan..........03/06/2012.........New York, NY..........No.......... 03/22/2012
huniebee............03/09/2012.........Washington, DC........Yes......... 03/17/2012
MountainClimber.....03/09/2012.........Rancho Cucamonga,CA...No...........03/28/2012
bourne25............03/14/2012.........New York, NY..........No............./../2012
Jupiter07...........03/23/2012.........Columbus, OH..........No...........04/12/2012
uk2usa..............03/26/2012.........Fairfax, VA...........No...........04/11/2011
Luv2travel..........04/13/2012.........Southeast, WA.........Yes..........04/23/2012
HuffyTheSlayer......04/17/2012.........Los Angeles, CA.......No...........05/03/2012
prashp1.............04/18/2012.........Danbury, CT...........No...........05/03/2012
pandawars...........04/20/2012.........Boston, MA............No...........05/07/2012
DAndy127............04/25/2012.........Chicago, IL...........No...........05/12/2012
CB82................04/26/2012.........Orlando, FL...........Yes..........05/05/2012
Pepper..............05/03/2012.........Denver, CO............No...........05/19/2012
JB_VJ...............05/04/2012.........Baltimore, MD.........Yes..........05/12/2012
JeroenAndMichelle...05/10/2012.........Honolulu, HI..........Yes..........05/16/2012
liberal.............05/15/2012.........Pikeville, KY.........No...........06/04/2012
Gypsyangel .........05/22/2012.........Philadelphia, PA......Yes..........06/08/2012
LLbeans... .........05/31/2012.........Morrisville, PA.......No............./../2012
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-06-18 08:34:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassport Filers 2
Adding me to the list. I'm travelling on June 19, so fingers crossed. I didn't expedite, but they told me to keep an eye on it online and that I could expedite it by phone, in a couple of weeks, if I needed to.


Filer:............ Date applied:.......City,State:......Expedited?:......Date received:

Anna C..............01/27/2012.........Cheyenne, WY..........No.......... 02/10/2012
mary&Ryan...........02/09/2012.........Chicago, IL...........No.......... 02/24/2012
anaqueen83..........02/21/2012.........San Francisco, CA.....No.......... 03/10/2012
NotBonJovi..........02/27/2012.........New York, NY..........No.......... 03/26/2012
karin_brenig........03/05/2012.........Fort Wayne, IN........No.......... 03/26/2012
Heliosphan..........03/06/2012.........New York, NY..........No.......... 03/22/2012
huniebee............03/09/2012.........Washington, DC........Yes......... 03/17/2012
MountainClimber.....03/09/2012.........Rancho Cucamonga,CA...No...........03/28/2012
bourne25............03/14/2012.........New York, NY..........No............./../2012
Jupiter07...........03/23/2012.........Columbus, OH..........No...........04/12/2012
uk2usa..............03/26/2012.........Fairfax, VA...........No...........04/11/2011
Luv2travel..........04/13/2012.........Southeast, WA.........Yes..........04/23/2012
HuffyTheSlayer......04/17/2012.........Los Angeles, CA.......No...........05/03/2012
prashp1.............04/18/2012.........Danbury, CT...........No...........05/03/2012
pandawars...........04/20/2012.........Boston, MA............No...........05/07/2012
DAndy127............04/25/2012.........Chicago, IL...........No...........05/12/2012
CB82................04/26/2012.........Orlando, FL...........Yes..........05/05/2012
Pepper..............05/03/2012.........Denver, CO............No...........05/19/2012
JB_VJ...............05/04/2012.........Baltimore, MD.........Yes..........05/12/2012
JeroenAndMichelle...05/10/2012.........Honolulu, HI..........Yes..........05/16/2012
Gypsyangel .........05/22/2012.........Philadelphia, PA......No............./../2012
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-05-25 08:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPassport Filers 2
I apologize in advance if this has been asked before ... I did a search but couldn't find anything ... If you want to expidite, do you have to make an appointment at one of the Passport offices or can you do it at places like the post office?

Thanks!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2012-05-07 09:58:00
CanadaWe're new here!

Tell me about it! But I guess we are all here to help each other. You said your man is in NJ. Where in NJ?


He's in South Jersey, fairly close to Philadelphia. A nine hour drive from Toronto (that is if I don't get pulled over at the border)!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-07-30 23:43:00
CanadaWe're new here!
Hi! Thanks for the welcome. I'm sure we'll have many questions along the way. For a relatively simple process, it's very confusing!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-07-30 13:08:00
CanadaWe're new here!
Hi everyone!

This is our first post, though we've been lurking for awhile. Mike and I filed for a K1 and received our NOA1 on June 12. So, now we join the waiting list! Mike is in NJ and I'm in Toronto. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories. All the info has been very helpful to us as we begin this journey.

Mike and Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-07-29 12:05:00
Canadathe last 2 weeks
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-08-01 18:56:00
CanadaLand crossing into Canada w/girlfriend
I always get nervous crossing from Canada to visit my USC fiance in the U.S. Awhile back, before we were engaged I was crossing at Pearson and I told the Immigration guy I was going to visit a friend. He got really pissed when he realized it was my b/f and I hadn't said that. He eventually let me in, but it was tense. Of course, the next two times I went through Pearson I got that same friggin guy.

We filed for the 129F in June and I was crossing by myself at the Peace Bridge in July. The immigration officer was nice as could be, but he questioned me for about ten minutes at the booth, while writing stuff down. (If they start writing a note, you're getting pulled over). He asked for my car keys and asked me to pop the trunk (this happens frequently). Gave my back my car keys and told me to turn my hazards on and to head over to the parking area. I asked about my passport, but he was sending it over to the building in an enevelope with the note.

Anyway, for the first time I got sent into secondary. The thing that triggers them is that I'm not working this summer, so they worry about ties to Canada. Having read this site, I knew to bring paperwork showing ties to Canada but he didn't ask for them.

I drove over to the parking lot and went into one of the rooms and waited. After about 20 minutes they called my name and I went through the security door to the officer who had my passport. The first thing they did was fingerprint me and take my picture. Kinda intimidating. This is before asking any questions. Then they started asking all sorts of questions (where are you going, how long have you known your fiance, how did you meet, when are you getting married, why aren't you working, how much money do you have, what is in your car, etc.) He asked to see my drivers licence. Then he asked to see my wallet. Went through everything in my wallet - literally took everything out and looked at everything. Asked to see my purse. Went through everything in my purse.

I had a briefcase with all my papers in it and asked if he wanted to see the papers. He wasn't interested. He typed away. All this took about 20 minutes. Then he hummed and hawed. Then he said the problem was that I didn't really have ties to Canada because I wasn't working. I think he was trying to make me really nervous and he was successful! I told him that I had all my bills, and mortgage info if he wanted to see it, but he wasn't interested. After more humming and hawing, he then said, ok you can go and he gave me back my passport, and told me to make sure I brought evidence of ties to Canada every time I went through the border. So, it all ended up ok.

The interesting thing is that earlier this week my fiance and I were driving to the U.S. through that same border crossing (he had flown up the week before) and we were driving back together. I was kinda nervous. smile.gif We gave our passports and I braced myself. The immigration officer asked when I was coming back (in a week). She asked Mike if he lived in the U.S. (yes) And that was it. Two questions! I dunno. Maybe the previous guy gave me a good report. Maybe it helps having an American in the car (Mike did take all the credit for getting us through easily. LOL).

It goes to show, you never know. But be prepared. And be honest. What else can you do?
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-08-23 13:48:00
CanadaYet Another Police Check Question
Thanks for all your responses! One less thing to worry about! btw, I was there as a student, so I was legit in some fashion. I don't remember getting a visa, but it was a long time ago so who knows.

Thanks,

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-10-25 16:26:00
CanadaYet Another Police Check Question
Hi,

I know this topic gets covered quite frequently, but I am trying to figure out if I need a police check from the U.S.

It says you need a police check for everywhere you've lived since age 16. Well, I lived in Boston for four months several years ago. Do I need to get a check from Boston?

I read on another thread that it was only if you'd lived in the other country for 6+ months, but that it would be based on what the embassy said. Where would I find this info for Montreal? I've gone through the web site and can't find anything.

Anyone have any insights into this one?

Karen

PS. We're still waiting for our NOA2. Got our NOA1 on June 12.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-10-24 12:35:00
CanadaNOA2 Approved!!
Woo Hoo! We got approved. After 5 months of waiting for VSC to come through, it looks like we got our NOA2 on Friday. After visiting that USCIS site so many times, I had to blink today when I saw that the message had changed.

On to the next phase!

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-11-11 16:22:00
CanadaNotarized?
That helps! Thanks!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-12-05 13:31:00
CanadaNotarized?
Hi,

I understand the affidavit of support (from Packet 3) needs to be notarized. What exactly does this mean? Can a lawyer do it? Or is it someone else? I'm familiar with the term, but i just realized I have no idea what it really means. Do we get things notarized in Canada too, or is it a U.S. thing?

Thanks for any info anyone can provide!

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-12-05 13:24:00
CanadaTIMELINE FROM MONTREAL TO PACKET3 AT YOUR DOOR
Not sure if this helps, but our NOA2 was November 9 and I received Packet 3 from Montreal on December 5 (it was dated Nov 20). It was faster than I thought it would be.


Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-12-07 18:38:00
CanadaAbout to send Packet 3 back to Montreal
Hi,

I'm about to send back my checklist and forms for Packet 3. Wanted to confirm a couple of things:

- Given how long the wait is for an interview, I'm assuming you can send back the checklist before you have everything (ie. I still need to get pictures taken, go to medical, and Mike needs to do the affidavit of support, which we will do at Christmas. ). Does anybody see a reason why we wouldn't do this?

- Just noticed it said I need to submit a "marriage certificate" from a previous marriage. I have my divorce certificate, but they took my marriage certificate when they gave me the divorce certificate. For anyone who was previously married, did you submit your marriage certificate as well?


On a completely separate note, we don't want an interview before May 1. Is it worth saying anything at this point? Or should I just leave it and play it as it lays?

Thanks,

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-12-10 11:44:00
CanadaIR5forMumsie - Good luck tomorrow in Montreal
Best of luck!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2007-12-18 13:57:00
CanadaCriminal Background check
Clearance Letter

A Clearance Letter is a formal document produced on secure paper indicating that the subject of the inquiry has no criminal convictions in the National Repository of Criminal Records maintained by the RCMP.

Requests must be made in person. Please download and complete this form, then bring it to police headquarters, 40 College Street, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Two pieces of government issued identification are required, one of which must contain a photograph and signature. Click here to read about the suitable forms of identification.
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I did this in October at the Toronto Police Services station at Yonge and College. I lined up for about 10 minutes, paid $25, showed my ID, and had my letter mailed to me within the week. I downloaded the form from the web site and filled it out before I went, but they also had forms there that you could fill out. No fingerprints. Very, very easy.

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-01-08 20:06:00
CanadaVaccinations
I know. Being charged the $40 seemed strange to me, but my doctor is really by the book. She said the only thing scarier than U.S. Immigration is OHIP. All these small expenses sure add up over time!!!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-01-15 17:58:00
CanadaVaccinations
Here's my experience with vaccinations ... I went to my family doctor in early December and told her I wanted a titres test for U.S. Immigration purposes. I brought the list that Marilyn posted and she copied that list onto the blood work request form. She sent me off to the lab to have the blood withdrawn, but not until she charged me $40 for the doctor's appointment because she said OHIP wouldn't cover the appointment, though they would cover the blood test. (I don't understand that.) Results took a month. I've been told verbally that I'm ok for all immunizations and I just need to go down and pick up the paperwork.

Another thing to check off! smile.gif

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-01-15 17:49:00
CanadaI asked for a new interview date
Thanks to everyone for your comments. I'm going to think on it a bit more, but I am leaning towards Crikey's suggestion of keeping the interview date and asking them to delay issuing the visa. I will also probably send them an email explaining more ... it's worth a shot but I'm not sure it will work.

Thanks!

Karen
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-02-13 12:03:00
CanadaI asked for a new interview date
I thought that once the visa was in your passport that you had to execute it your first time over the border. I didn't realize you could ask them not to exercize it. I wonder how risky it is.
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-02-12 16:05:00
CanadaI asked for a new interview date
Yeah, I suppose it's worth a shot asking again. I did ask for a specific date, but I didn't tell them why. If I reschedule and it's only a 2.5 month wait, it's not that bad, but if it's 6 months, that would really suck.

Thx for your comments!
GypsyangelFemaleCanada2008-02-12 16:00:00