Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	I 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!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-02-12 16:00:00
Canada	I asked for a new interview date	Hi, I have an interview date of March 12, which was pretty short wait (2.5 months), not the 4 to 6 months I was expecting. I emailed Montreal and asked them if I could move my interview date out a month or so. They just emailed me back and said if I wanted to do that I would have to get to the end of the 4 to 6 month line again. If I go to the interview in early march I won't be able to attend my parents 50th wedding anniversary in early Apriil because it is in the U.S. and I won't be prepared to move and exercize my visa until the summer. Does anyone have experience with moving their interview dates in Montreal? Is this par for the course? I should be celebrating getting an interview date, but I feel so disappointed. Karen	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-02-12 15:45:00
Canada	Losing a furbaby...	Hi Kimmbo I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I lost my sweet boy Kingsley on December 14. He was a lovely ginger tabby with a heart of gold. It's hard to believe, but it's true that each day gets a little easier. I still miss him so much, but I am finally getting to the point where I can remember his life, rather than his death. So, I guess I would say to you to take it day by day and feel as much as you can bear to. It will help. And like someone else said, grieve in your way as much as you need to. it doesn't matter if others don't understand. These are some of the things I did to help me get through the really tough times: I bought a shadow box and his ashes are in there, along with a little paw print in clay. When I can, I will print off some pictures for it. Whenever I remember anything about him, I write it in my journal. It helps me remember him and feel that I won't completely lose him. I went to the book store to get books on bereavement. While I didn't find any for pets, there were a couple of books that really helped. I read them in the morning and at night before I went to sleep ... when it was hardest. I also wrote a little memorial email in remembrance of him and sent it to my family and friends. It was hard to write, but it somehow helped. I also got a couple of massages ... we store so much sorrow in our bodies and the massages helped me process my pain. I also believe there are pet bereavement forums out there that have helped other friends. If I'm lucky, he shows up in a dream on occasion I have two other cats. One is very sad and has lost some weight, so I'm keeping an eye on him and giving him extra TLC. I brought him to the vet for a check-up to make sure it wasn't physical and it wasn't, so I think he's just sad and a little traumatized by Kingsley's death. I also decided that after a couple of weeks I need to put some of my grieving aside for part of the day so that they could feel something more positive. They're so sensitive to emotions. You and Toby were and are so lucky to have each other. Now you feel the loss, but your love will always remain. Please know that we are sending loving thoughts your way. Karen	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-02-22 19:25:00
Canada	My Medisys Appointment Today	Good luck with your timing!!! This is not the time for Montreal to suddenly speed up! All in all I think I was 93 days from the NOA2 to the interview date.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-04 17:06:00
Canada	My Medisys Appointment Today	I don't think you HAVE to book the medical, but you might want to book ahead so you have the medical on a date that works for you. Hopefully, it will all work out with your interview date. If not, you can always change it. I was able to switch my medical with about 2 weeks notice. When they sent me packet 3, they said the interview wait time was 4 to 6 months. So, I went ahead and booked my medical for March 11 as I wanted it to be as later but give myself enough time if the interview was in 4 months. Then I got an interview date of March 12. So, I had to rebook to an earlier date.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-04 16:53:00
Canada	My Medisys Appointment Today	I just picked up my medical. I was going to ask for a copy of the vaccination worksheet. I had my elbows up expecting some resistance. Then I noticed a piece of paper clipped to the outside of my medical envelope. It was my vaccination worksheet. Yay! Maybe they're getting the message that people need them. People haven't had good things to say about Medisys, but my experience was ok. Thanks for the good wishes on the interview. One week to go! I think we have everything ... we're in copy and assembly mode. After all this waiting, it's hard to believe it's almost here!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-04 16:23:00
Canada	My Medisys Appointment Today	I had my medical today at Medisys (how do you spell that?) at Yonge and St. Clair in Toronto. It wasn't the best way to spend an afternoon, but for what it was it went smoothly. My appointment was at 1:30. I got there at 1:20 and was out of their offices at 3:00. Then it was off to get my x-ray that no one will ever look at at their imaging offices at Yonge and Davisville. I was finished there by 3:30. So, all in all 2 hours. After hearing what others said, I thought it was going to be a nightmare, but it was more like organized chaos. The reason I say it was organized chaos is that there was a lot of back and forth from offices to the waiting room. Quite a few people were there for appointments ... maybe 15. After I filled out some forms, they called me into an office to register. There they took my passport and told me they'd give it back when I paid at the end. They also took my 3 pictures, my titers test results, and my appointment letter. Then back to the waiting room. They then called me to another room to weigh me, measure my height, test my eyes, and take my blood. Then back to the waiting room. Then they called me to review my vaccinations. I had a titers test done and thought I was ok, but they told me I needed a tetanus shot for $40, so I got it (feeling a little ill this evening). Then back to the waiting room. Then they called me for the physical exam. That was pretty straight forward with blood pressure taken, a look in the eyes ears, the obligatory deep breathing with a stethascope on your back, heart beat listened to, breast exam and a quick peek under the hood! With the tetanus shot, it came to about $235. They say I can pick up my results on Monday, in good time for my interview the following week! I thought they were professional, friendly, and organized. Another thing to check off the list!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-02-28 19:49:00
Canada	Got our NOA2!!	Congrats on your approval! The NOA2 is very exciting! I'll cross my fingers for you that your timing works out so you don't have to get the Gardasil thing.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-04 16:32:00
Canada	When should I send it back?	I think Vancouver lets you request an interview date, but I don't think Montreal does. I requested a later date when I sent my Packet 3 in and they pretty much ignored my request. I emailed them and asked again. They said they could cancel my current date and put me back at the end of the line to get a new date which they said would be in 4 to 6 months. I know it's a little faster now, but I kept my original date. If I was you I'd send the package back a little later or look into the idea that you don't need your vaccines until AOS.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-09 15:41:00
Canada	How long could an interview in Montreal take?	We arrived at 7:00, were second in line. We were finished and out on the street at 9:15. Best advice is to get there early. There were a lot of people in the waiting area when we left and more people lined up outside. There's a nice Second Cup on Square Phillipe to chill afterwards! Because you need to do that after the whirlwind of preparation and the stress of the interview. At least I did!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-13 09:31:00
Canada	DS230 help	On the form, I filled in "numerous" with no other details. I think there's a place on the form where you fill in your two most recent visits, so I filled those in. For the interview, I spent more time than I'd like to admit documenting my almost-100 lifetime visits. I was ready to hand it over, in case they asked. It didn't come up in the interview. So, saying "numerous" seemed to suffice in my case.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-14 12:52:00
Canada	Good luck to Gypsyangel,beatrix kiddo,and Ontarkie	Hey guys! Great, great news ... we are approved! I'm so excited and so wiped out at the same time. A full review later today! PS. We had bagels but no poutine.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-13 09:23:00
Canada	Good luck to Gypsyangel,beatrix kiddo,and Ontarkie	Thanks you guys! It helps to know you're is sending good thoughts our way. My emotions are all over the place -- I am intermittently calm, excited and extremely nervous. Also, I am very tired of looking at my package over and over again. I think I need to go to Staples one more time and make one more copy and then I'm done. I promise to check it only 100 times or so between now and when I leave tomorrow. Just checked the weather in Toronto, Philly, and Montreal ... it all looks good for flying, though a little cold Wednesday in Montreal. Yikes. The only meet-up that's probably planned is 7:00 a.m. outside the consulate! Thanks to everyone for their help! I used Liz's list as my starting point and it was invaluable! After all this waiting and watching others go through it, now it's here! Holy Moly! Here we go!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-10 17:44:00
Canada	Bearmirus - good luck at your interview on Monday!	I'm sorry to hear about this Bearmirus. I admire your great attitude in such a trying time. I'm crossing my fingers for a speedy approval process for you.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-18 16:53:00
Canada	Much Success! Approved!!!	Hi! Thanks to everyone for your congratulations! I'm finally coming up for air after getting sick after the interview. I guess all that adrenaline was keeping it at bay. QUOTE (IR5FORMUMSIE @ Mar 14 2008, 04:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There are no crazy questions only crazy people. That's good to know Mumsie! I think I may have qualified in the days leading up to the interview. Can you say, "compulsive folder checking"? QUOTE (melusine @ Mar 14 2008, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i felt all the emotion and could quite quite well imagine doing exactly the same with my sweet. I just need to convince him *hum* (well he wants to go anyway.. but that depend of his job) to really come I know I could have done this on my own, but we decided it was an important event to experience together. I was so happy to have him with me ... to help manage my nerves (he wasn't nervous at all!) and more importantly to experience the approval together. I know things like money, jobs, and timing can prevent your honey from coming with you, but it's sure great to have the support! QUOTE (sandozwalker @ Mar 14 2008, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I get teary reading this too-especially on a day that we just found out we have our INTERVIEW IN 13 DAYS!!!!!!!!!! I'm so stressed out! But this post has relieved so many of my fears. Thanks so much-the Bruce Springsteen song is one I'd never heard before-BUT THANK YOU! Its perfect Congrats on your interview! Best of luck ... glad to have helped out in my small way. I'm glad you liked the Bruce song! On his current tour, it's the closing song of the concert. Mike and I get teary-eyed when he plays it. QUOTE (cattattude @ Mar 14 2008, 11:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks for sharing! Made me tear up with happy thoughts (the first time since this process has started). Thanks for sharing the song, I just DL on iTunes. I wonder if any immigrants to Canada have made any songs about our Canadian Land?! I haven't heard any Canadian songs like American Land, but another song by Jann Arden, "Waiting in Canada" might be appropriate for some here!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-18 16:45:00
Canada	Much Success! Approved!!!	I just updated my signature, typing in those 8 wonderful letters - A P P R O V E D. Yay! I didn't realize what a weight it was on my shoulders until it came off on Wednesday morning. I knew it was stressful, but I didn't realize I was carrying this heavy feeling around with me until it was gone! First of all, thank you to everyone who posts here and answers all our crazy questions -- it really helps. In the spirit of that here's my detailed review of our interview in Montreal. Mike and I both flew in on Tuesday evening -- me from Toronto, him from Philly. I waited for him at the airport and we made our way to the Hotel Square Phillips (thanks for the posts in the "where to stay" thread). It was a little spendy, but we felt this was a momentous occasion worth the splurge. We even got upgraded to a cavernous suite! It's a "nice" hotel, but I wouldn't rave about it. The staff was very helpful, but I would say the room was nice, but lacked charm/warthm. One very important feature - it was about a 5 minute walk to the consulate. Also, they had a business centre with computers. After checking in, we made our way up to rue St. Catharine and found a restaurant for dinner. Then back to the hotel to sort through the mountain of paper we had accumulated. I used a see-through plastic accordian folder and somehow it was bursting at the seams. We made a couple of extra copies of things at the front desk of the hotel. I think I freaked out the desk person when I showed up with my volumnous folder and asked if I could make a few copies -- I assured her that we just needed a couple of pages and she was visibly relieved. We set our alarms for 5:30 and after a relatively sleepless night because of colds and tension, we headed out at 6:30 a.m. to the free continental breakfast at the hotel. It was just what we needed because it opened at 6:30 and had Montreal bagels! Now I'm sure there are better bagels in Montreal, but these were the real deal. A good way to start the day. At 6:55 we set out in yet another snow storm (flurries, they called it). The sidewalks were so filled with snow and we were tired of walking over snowbanks, so we walked on the road around the corner to the consulate. There was one person in front of us and we got the lucky letter B. Several people arrived right around that time. One thing about the consulate is that they are very prompt. At exactly 7:30 a.m. the security guy game out and invited Letter A into the security area (I know you're reading this "A", you fingerprintless lurker you! I hope you were approved! We didn't see you afterwards.) Then they invited us in, read our appointment letter and checked us off a list. They confirmed we had no bags or purses, then asked that we put our documents in one tray, empty our pockets into another tray, and put our coats in another tray. These went through the X-ray machine while we were wanded. There were two security lines and a guy in the back reading the x-rays and another guy in a glassed off room, looking at a monitor. I wondered what he was screening. Hmmm. We then went down the stairs to the waiting room. "A" was already down there and others joined us. At promptly 7:45 another security guy asked for letters A to ? to go to the elevator. He turned someone back because he wasn't ready for them yet (line jumper!). We got onto the elevators, getting out at the back and he told us to go to straight and to the right to the room with windows 7 to 12. We sat there and then someone came to one of the windows and asked for our appointment letters and "letters". They then sent us back to the main waiting area. At promptly 8:00, "A" was called by name. I was called shortly thereafter to window 11, which took us a minute to find (I couldn't really hear the announcement even though the room wasn't crowded yet). The woman at window 11 was nice but stern. She asked for my documents: - passport (no copy) - 2 pictures - Expresspost envelope - medical (she asked if I had opened it in a very accusing way. I said no. I didn't tell her that I'd tried to read through the envelope.) - documents from the checklist: birth certificate, police certificate, divorce certificates, supplement (by which she meant the unsigned 156K), notarized affidavit of support (she wasn't sure we'd given her the original and there was a flurry of papers at that point. She asked if there was anything we'd like to include with the affidavit and we gave her a bank letter, 6 months of pay stubs, 4 years worth of tax returns, and a letter of employment.) - didn't ask for my marriage certificate from a previous marriage ( think they may just ask for this in Vancouver) We were then sent back to the cashier to pay our $131USD - they showed the Canadian conversion rate, so I assume they would take Canadian dollars too. The cashier had quite a line at it and didn't open until 8:30. When she opened, the person there told those of us looking to pay to stand aside so she could issue numbers to applicants. We assumed that if you're not amongst the early arrivers, they stop giving out letters and send you up to the waiting room to get a number. The room was really beginning to fill up. Once again, we were so thankful we went early. As I was finishing paying, we were called back to Window 11. Now I could see my lovely photo up on her computer screen. I gave her the receipt and then it was fingerprinting time, which was uneventful except that my hand was shaky due to nerves. Back to the waiting room. At promptly 9:00 my name was called to go to Room 6 I think it was. Mike and I gathered our things and headed to this little room. There was a guy waiting behind the glass. This was it. Our interview! He had our folder full of stuff and welcomed us. This was the nicest guy ever, making the experience positive. Mike later said, what if the guy was really awful, it would have made for terrible memory of this experience. But, as it turns out, our guy was super nice. He said all my paper work was in order, my medical was fine and that I didn't need the X-ray anymore because my medical verified that I was negative for TB. He explained that I had to sign the 156K which he slid under the glass. I signed it and slid it back to him, and he signed it. He then asked us to both raise our right hands and swear that every thing in the application and everything we said today was true to the best of our knowledge. We swore. He didn't ask us too many questions -- how we met, what Mike did for a living, what I would do for a living when I moved. There was a little more, but I can't remember. It was more like a chat. One thing for sure is that he didn't ask us for any more proof of a relationship -- I didn't need the extra photos, phone bills, evidence of trips. He then casually looked down at our pink folder stuffed with paper and said he was going to approve us! Big smiles from us. He very informally wrote "approved" on the front of the pink folder. Mike and I later laughed that we wanted him to pull out a a big stamp with the word APPROVED on it, followed by a frenzy of official-sounding stamping with papers flying everywhere, and we'd walk away dazed with a big 'ol official approved stamp. As it stands you walk away with only your little $131 receipt and a feeling of ... did we really get approved? The next thing he said was that he would keep my passport and send it back to me. This is where I jumped in about the question that has been making me nervous -- I explained that I wasn't planning to move until July but my parents' 50th wedding anniversary was April 5th and the celebration would be in the U.S. I explained that I'd heard that they could return my passport to me now and I could send it back to have the visa inserted after I'd returned. He asked when we were getting married and I said July. He replied that when I went over the border to tell the immigration officer that I wasn't getting married until July and that I didn't want to exercize the visa on this visit. I told him that I'd read that the visa allowed one entry and that I was worried that they wouldnt' allow this. He then said he'd go and check with his supervisor. When he came back he said I had two choices: 1) a soft refusal today and I'd take my passport with me and then send it back, or 2) just do what he'd outlined above. He reiterated that he'd checked with his supervisor and that this was fine to do. Well, as you can imagine we didn't like the sound of a soft refusal, so I said I would go with Option 2 and get the visa asap. I know I won't relax until immigration lets me into the U.S. If they insist on exercizing the visa on that visit, I just won't go. I understand that it will be up to the immigration officer, so there is risk, but it sounded better to get approved and worry about that later. So, I told him we'd take the visa approval today. It was such a great feeling to get that approval. I told him that the reason they must have all these windows is to stop so many people from hugging him. He then put his hand on the glass and we did a "high five" through the glass. He then left and Mike and I looked at each other and hugged - We did it! I INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT - MY PASSPORT/VISA JUST ARRIVED!! WOW THAT WAS FAST. IT'S SO OFFICIAL-LOOKING! It was 9:13 as we walked out the doors and into the snowy Montreal day. We headed for the Second Cup on rue Square Phillipps for a hot tea and a warm mocchacino. It was so incredibly beautiful sitting there together, full of relief and happiness ... a feeling that we could really begin. We watched the big fat snowflakes drift to the ground and felt serene for the first time in awhile. They got it right when they called this site Visajourney. It sure is a journey with ups and downs, twists and turns. I know there's a lot more to come, but it feels great to be approved and to close this chapter on our journey. To finish up, here is a link to a song that has kept us company on our visa journey. I hope it can keep you company too! Enjoy!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-14 12:29:00
Canada	Can I visit him while the K1 is in progress???	I would say to just be honest and be ready to show whatever proof you have of ties to Canada. I went through the Peace Bridge many times saying I was visiting my fiance and that we had filed for a K1 and there was no problem. There was a time when I wasn't working and that seemed to cause more concern. At that point I was pulled over into secondary. It was kinda daunting but in the end they let me in after fingerprinting and going through my wallet and purse. He asked me a lot of questions and I told him I had proof of ties to Canada in my bag, but he didn't want to see them, but told me to always bring them with me when I travelled across the border. The good thing about being pulled into secondary was that every time after that, when I drove through they barely asked me anything -- sometimes nothing. Maybe the guy in secondary gave me a green light. The only time I was asked for proof of ties was at Pearson and when I pulled out my mortgage and everything else, the guy just looked overwhelmed and rushed me through.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-14 13:32:00
Canada	Montreal bound	Good luck! My advice is expect the best and be prepared with all your documents and your $$$, which it sounds like you are. Line up at 7:00 a.m.! Breathe! Let us know how it goes!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-25 13:29:00
Canada	Any canadians here have info about getting a US driver's license?	Hey Laura, I was wondering about NJ too. I found the following link that says new residents have to give up their foreign licenses but that temporary residents / non-citizens don't have to give up their licenses. I'm not sure where permanent residents, but non-citizens fall. You might be able to show them this page (with the line at the bottom) and at least confuse them into letting them keep your licence! http://www.state.nj....on-Citizens.htm	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-03-09 15:27:00
Canada	Will I Ever Need Another Canadian Police Certificate	That's very helpful. Thanks guys.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-04-15 10:06:00
Canada	Will I Ever Need Another Canadian Police Certificate	Hi, Does anyone know if I will need a Canadian police certificate again in this immigration process? In my nervousness at the interview, I handed over my original and all my copies and they didn't return anything to me. The reason I'm asking is that it is so easy to go and get one while I'm still in Toronto. But, I understand once you're a resident of the U.S. it could become more complicated and time consuming -- a friend of mine had to get fingerprints and it took her almost a year. If I need one, I can just quickly get another one before I move. Any thoughts?	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-04-14 11:00:00
Canada	Going to the US and not activating a K1 visa	When I went for my interview in March, I asked if they could delay putting my visa into my passport as I needed to travel to the U.S. in April for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. I needed to travel through Pearson because we were going on a cruise that left from San Juan. The interviewer told me that he could give me a soft refusal or he said a better route was to just tell the immigration officer that I didn't want to activate my visa on that visit. After I told him that I had heard that this was not possible, he went to check with his supervisor. He came back and verified that it would be ok for me to ask not to activate the visa. He said to explain that I wasn't planning to move/get married until July. He assured me that it wouldn't be a problem. So, last Sunday I went nervously to the airport. I went up to the immigration officer. He scanned my passport. He asked where I was going and when I was coming back. I saw him glance at my engagement ring. He opened my passport. I held my breath. He didn't flip through. He didn't see my visa. He stamped it with a B-2. I wondered if I should say anything, but I assumed that my file on the computer gave him the information, but he decided to look the other way. I felt kind of guilty like I should point it out, but it seemed like he was maybe doing me a favour so I said nothing. And I was on my way. He seemed like a nice guy ... I've had some real jerks going through Pearson in the past. On the way back, we went through immigration in St. Thomas. Immigration came aboard the cruise ship and everyone on the ship had to go through. I, once again, nervously approached. He looked at my passport, opened it up and stamped it. Didn't see the visa. He said I was one of the few people on the ship that was lucky enough to get a stamp ... heh, heh, nervous laugh from me. And I was out of there. So Kathryn, I'm not sure if that helps or not. But, that's my experience. I spent a lot of time being nervous about it, but it turned out ok. I also have another trip that I'd planned for the end of April, but I don't know if my nerves can stand going through that again. I may have to cancel. I'll be interested to hear about your experience! It's interesting that they said on the phone that it's not a problem. Good luck!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-04-14 10:54:00
Canada	Guys, I need a hug	My heart goes out to you Laura! All this long distance stuff can be pretty stressful and it's hard to think straight because there are so many choices involved. My suggestion is to give yourself some breathing space. You've come this far with U.S. immigration ... go to your interview and get approved. Then you have six months within which to move to the U.S. Or not. If your promotion is working out, maybe you can begin the Canadian immigration process. If the promotion isn't working out, then you can move. Also, the thing about promotions is that they can give them and they can take them away. It can be a lot of pressure to balance your whole life on a promotion. Another thing to do ... maybe you call off the house hunting until you can get your breath and think straight because house stuff can become really stressful. This is already a very stressful process, and the house stuff adds another huge layer. There's always renting as an alternative to get you through periods of transition. Or just waiting a bit. I know you want to be with your sweetie asap ... I'm know you guys will find a way that supports you both! Deep breaths! Ohm! PS. I'm moving to Jersey too! South Jersey, near Philly. I NJ, except for all the driving (and aggressive drivers!) and the weird malls. And now I know why NJ women have a reputation for big hair. It's the humidity! Whew!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-04-24 12:09:00
Canada	Custom house - setting up a new account	What exactly is Custom House? Are they a bank? Or do they just clear your funds and send them to a U.S. bank account? I need to figure out some of this $$$ stuff soon too. It sounds like they're reputable, but I still worry about sending anyone my life savings! I plan to give them a call in the next couple of weeks. PS. I've been to their website, but it doesn't explain much. Edited by Gypsyangel, 30 April 2008 - 02:11 PM.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-04-30 14:10:00
Canada	TD Banknorth	I've seen a bunch of TD Banknorth branches in NJ. Has anyone used them? I have a Canadian TD Bank Visa card, and I'm wondering if they'll transfer it to a U.S card or look up Canadian credit when it comes to mortgages and things. The Canadian and American web sites are pretty separate so couldn't figure out from there. Another call to make I guess!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-04-30 14:16:00
Canada	FIL passes quietly and peace rains down	Spirit, I am sorry for your loss. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-05-06 17:30:00
Canada	MTL Timeline to Interview	Hi Liz, Can you pls add us to the Montreal waiting list. I sent our Packet 3 stuff to Montreal yesterday. Do you need anything else from me? Thanks! Karen	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2007-12-18 13:50:00
Canada	crossing the border with a baby	I don't have much experience with this, so I'm in no way an authority on this, but I think I remember my sister saying that she needed the Canadian long-form birth certificate. Not sure what the U.S. equivalent is. She also got a passport to be safe ... though I know you don't have time for a passport. But you might want to get that rolling sooner rather than later. I was also just talking to a friend who was moving to the US with her family. They had two young boys and a baby. They decided that the Dad would drive with the two boys and that she would fly with the baby. She's very organized and made sure they had all their visa paperwork in order. But they forgot to have letters from each other saying that the other spouse had permission to bring the kids over the border. It led to being detained for hours at the border. I think the letter might have to be notarized or certified or whatever. I think the Canadian government website gives details on what's required for the Canadian side.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-05-16 09:09:00
Canada	NJ drivers license	I'm moving to NJ in July, so I'll report back. When are you guys moving? From what I've read, it sounds like you have to do a written and a visual test. I guess there's potential for an actual driving test, but it doesn't sound like you have to do one. I guess we'll see! I'm not looking forward to going to the DMV ... it sounds like a bit of a nightmare. And I've been spoiled by the easy licence and tag renewal processes here in Toronto. We're very high tech compared to DMV in NJ from what I've heard. Oh well, it is what it is!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-01 18:09:00
Canada	Interview in Montreal: question about I-134 supporting documents	From what I remember, they were most interested in the tax filings. She specifically asked if she could keep the copies of them, which we had provided. We had a letter from the bank, but they returned it to us after looking at it - didn't seem like they were that interested in that. I'm fairly certain they kept copies of all the W2s as well, but I'm not 100% sure of that. I also think the pay stubs helped. I think whatever you can provide helps. You're trying to remove any doubt they have. Basically, we provided what was required for the affadavit of support. Then she asked if there was anything else we'd like to submit regarding the financial picture. And that's when we handed over everything we had. I wish I could be more specific, but it was a whole 3 months ago that we had our interview and my memory is already fuzzy!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-06 16:55:00
Canada	NOA1 & NOA2	The NOA2 was the written notification that you were approved (on paper) and that your application was moving to the next stage, the interview. It was sent to the USC. It is on a form that says, I think United States Government (or something like that at the top) and looks pretty official.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-17 09:40:00
Canada	Appointment Letter Received!!	I made photocopies of mine before I sent them in. I brought the photocopies with me to the interview. I don't even know if they asked for them, but I had them. My D156K which was filled in by hand. I remember one of them had to be signed at the consulate. Sorry, can't remember which. If I had to guess I would say it was the D156K. It was such a flurry when I was handing over documents ... it was a good thing I was organized ... but it also means I can't remember exactly what happened with each document. I even handed over my appointment letter and my copy of it, so I don't have it to refer to to help answer your question. My motto ... if in doubt, bring it!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-17 09:36:00
Canada	The other side of the fence...	QUOTE (Eric_and_Corinna @ Jun 7 2008, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> LOL...Reeena, that's so funnny! There is absolutely NO MEXICAN FOOD here in Sudbury that bears any resemblance to what I'm used to in the States, and it kills me! I figured out that in the last calendar year I've been in Sudbury for 24 weeks, all without Mexican food Whenever I get back to the US all I make is Mexican food. There's a really great mexican restaurant in "downtown" Sudbury. It's run by a Mexican family who immigrated to Canada a few years ago. It was there last summer, not sure if it's still there. I can't remember the exact location. It might be on Elm, west of the City Centre, or maybe Cedar ... LOL. Anyway it's west of Paris, closer to Elgin. I grew up in Sudbury, but I never knew any of the street names. We always described things as ... on the same street as Demarco's. Or where the old Odeon used to be. Anyway, the restaurant is very authentic. And the family is so sweet and lovely.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-08 12:56:00
Canada	Aaron & Carrie - Good luck tomorrow	Good luck with your interview!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-16 12:14:00
Canada	Maeve - Good luck today	Good luck! We'll be thinking about you, sending good vibes!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-16 12:13:00
Canada	Good Luck Tomorrow - Laura & Nick	Good luck Laura! I'm sure it will go great. Have fun in Montreal!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-19 14:43:00
Canada	Butter or Margarine	I'm with Laura ... what exactly is margerine? I was once told that it was the left overs from everything else (ie. garbage) in the processing of dairy products. I don't like to eat something if I don't know what it is. Plus, butter tastes way better imo!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-17 09:47:00
Canada	Car Insurance	Hi, Thanks for the responses. We are looking into getting me added to future hubby's insurance. I will cross my fingers that it will be no problem. I've read the NJ insurance industry "rules". They don't like lapses in insurance, so this would be the best solution. Thanks!	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-16 12:12:00
Canada	Car Insurance	Thanks for the input. I guess I'll give them a call closer to my move date. I'm not all that comfortable with having not having insurance for awhile. Hopefully, i can get something quickly when I get down there.	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-15 08:21:00
Canada	Car Insurance	Sorry if this has been covered, but I can't find it when I do a search ... When I drive my car to NJ, do I stay on my Canadian car insurance until I register my car and get SSN, etc.? Do our Canadian insurance companies cover us if we're no longer living here, during the transition?	Gypsyangel	Female	Canada	2008-06-14 17:55:00