ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaForm I-485, App to register for permanent res or adjust status
Sorry, as I write this i realise how dumb it sounds! So here's the deal: was issued my k1 visa on Aug. 30 2010, it expires Feb. 24, 2011. I activated the visa/entered the US on Dec. 27th 2010, got my i-94 which expires end of March...90 days after entry if not married, which we did so we're good.

Question is: on form i-485 it asks for my current status...would that be K1 visa or i-94 holder? Also, asks for an expiry date...worried about putting Feb. 24 2011 as today's Feb. 15 and they won't even get it by then.

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-02-15 16:19:00
CanadaAOS/EAD
Hi all - so I'm getting all together and was reading in the 'step-by-step guide on how to file for adjustment of status for K1 Visa holders' which basically says that i'm not required ot have another medical exam if i file the I-485 within a year of my exam, which I am. Then it says if my DS-3025 is marked incomplete I have to file the I-693...

So couple questions - at what point would I have received a DS-3025? Where would it be? Don't remember seeing/receiving this, and can't seem to find it.

I'm assuming my medical exam was fine as I was approved so should I just go ahead and send in my package without this I-693?

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks, B
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-02-16 14:55:00
CanadaAOS/EAD
Thanks all. I ended up phoning/emailing Dr. Seiden's office to ask for a copy and eventually, after much back and forthing ('we gave it to you', 'no don't think you did, but in any case don't have it could you please send a copy') they ended up emailing me a copy. Whew. One less thing to stress about.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-02-20 19:06:00
CanadaAOS/EAD
Thanks everyone - was seriously having a heart attack here...would that void my medical? lol

So I definitely don't have it, the DS, so I'm going to address it in the cover sheet as you suggested Vero and as you suggested J will send my vaccination card from my Dr and receipt from Dr. Seiden/TO and hope that that'll be just fine.

Okay, off to work on another form, jees...would it be wrong to have a glass of wine while doing it???
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-02-16 16:05:00
CanadaAOS/EAD
Oh right, so given that, should i have a copy of the DS-3025? And if I don't have a copy do I have to submit the I-693/see a civil surgeon? Oh goddddd, please say no!

The DS-3025 is the Embassy Medical. They would mark it incomplete if say for instance, you were pregnant and they couldn't take an x-ray or couldn't give you an immunization. If that was the case, you would have to get another medical in the US to complete all the requirements. The I-693 is the USCIS medical form.


Oh right - so should I have a copy somewhere of the DS-3025? should they have given me that at the embassy/interview? And if I don't have it do I have to submit the I-693/see a civil surgeon? Oh godddd please say no!

The DS-3025 is the Embassy Medical. They would mark it incomplete if say for instance, you were pregnant and they couldn't take an x-ray or couldn't give you an immunization. If that was the case, you would have to get another medical in the US to complete all the requirements. The I-693 is the USCIS medical form.


Oh right - so should I have a copy somewhere of the DS-3025? should they have given me that at the embassy/interview? And if I don't have it do I have to submit the I-693/see a civil surgeon? Oh godddd please say no!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-02-16 15:07:00
CanadaAOS/EAD
Hi all - so I'm getting all together and was reading in the 'step-by-step guide on how to file for adjustment of status for K1 Visa holders' which basically says that i'm not required ot have another medical exam if i file the I-485 within a year of my exam, which I am. Then it says if my DS-3025 is marked incomplete I have to file the I-693...

So couple questions - at what point would I have received a DS-3025? Where would it be? Don't remember seeing/receiving this, and can't seem to find it.

I'm assuming my medical exam was fine as I was approved so should I just go ahead and send in my package without this I-693?

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks, B
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-02-16 14:55:00
CanadaApplying for credit cards
Can't believe I forgot to mention that if you've had a Canadian issued Amex for more than 12 months and are in good standing they'll issue you a US one hassle free - I called and was approved within minutes, card arrived 3 days later. Again, they just refer to your Canadian credit history.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-18 11:20:00
CanadaApplying for credit cards

Actually they told me the same thing regarding our preapproval for a mortgage. Although they info can't be used the same way as US based info it shows a history be it good or bad and can help contribute. I was surprised lol.


Well that's good to know...we'll be buying a house in the next couple months so will be sure to mention it, thanks!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-18 11:16:00
CanadaApplying for credit cards
Someone may have already shared this info. but thought I'd post in any case.

Just off the phone with Bank of America credit cards - they received my application and had some additional questions for me. As I'm not working/can't work till i get my green card she suggested they pull my Canadian Credit history which would give me a much higher credit limit to start with instead of the typical really low one for immigrants with no job/no US credit history.

Isn't that great? Dunno if it's the same for other US banks, would assume so.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-15 09:46:00
Canada485 notification/'touches'
Alrighty then. Guess I'll just wait for whatever they send me - emails, texts, mail, whatever - and take it from there. Nice that it's so arbitrary isn't it? lol
Thanks guys!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-25 08:37:00
Canada485 notification/'touches'
Hi all - having a brain blip here...was surprised to receive my case transfer notification in the mail without any 'touching' (ha ha, that always makes me laugh, easily amused), other than the initial NOAs and the bio appt.

In any case...I just assumed because I'd signed up for email notification that's how i'd be notified of any activity/that would be considered a 'touch' but now I'm wondering if i should be logging onto the uscis acct we set up when we filed for the K-1 (I tried to but it won't accept our username nor pwd). I did enter my receipt # but it just gave a very generic 'your case is being processed' message.

When you have a sec., thanks, B
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-25 07:43:00
CanadaFiling taxes in Canada
That does help, thanks everyone!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-30 14:16:00
CanadaFiling taxes in Canada
Apologise...think I saw a tax thread at some point, now can't find it. Would someone send me the link please?

In the interim - I poe'd Dec. 27th, want to file my Canadian taxes for 2010 in the next couple weeks...can I do it on line as I usually do? Think I read somewhere that once you move you can't, you have to mail it in...

When you have a sec., thanks, B
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-03-29 14:56:00
CanadaTemporary health insurance
Thanks guys, that's very helpful. Golden - you said you bought travel insurance as opposed to temporary health insurance...didn't think travel insurance would apply to us as you noted we're not really travelling, but you had no problems with it?
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2010-11-18 09:37:00
CanadaTemporary health insurance
What have people been doing for health insurance while in transit? I assume it'll take me a couple week to get sorted once arriving in the US and don't want to go without (ie. in case I drop a giant moving box on my foot! :)) I live in Ontario so have OHIP, but assume once I POE I'm no longer entitled...when you have a sec., thanks
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2010-11-17 14:51:00
CanadaJust for fun...when is the next time you're going "home" to Canada?
Not till August unfortunately but will be there for 2 weeks. I POEd end of December so that'll be about 7 months...wow, time flies!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-04-07 14:17:00
CanadaNaturalization!!!
Have to say I find the term 'naturalization' quite amusing...laugh about it with my husband all the time...how, being Canadian, I just feel 'un-natural'. hahahaha! I'm sure I'll feel much better when I become a citizen in 2 1/2 years! :)
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-07-21 12:25:00
CanadaReceive 4 electronic NOA's for AOS

You were right, yay! :star: All NOA's all showing up properly online now :blush:


Hey, that's great, fast too! Now you can relax and look forward to the next stage, it'll be over soon. Now that I've got my green card I have to laugh at how stressed out I used to get about everything - it really was just lack of control, hated waiting and waiting and waiting - had I just given it up to the gods think I would've felt better. Don't worry, it'll all happen, maybe not as fast as you'd like but it will.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-07-22 13:38:00
CanadaReceive 4 electronic NOA's for AOS

Hello all,

I sent in my concurrent I-130 & I-485 AOS application from a TN visa based on marriage and today I received 4 different emails from USCIS with 4 different receipt numbers saying my case had been received and routed to the National Benefits Center for processing. Why 4 notices? Is that normal?

I tried to check my status case online with all 4 receipt numbers but they all said my case couldn't be found. Also, none of the 2 checks for the I-130 and I-485 have been cashed, kinda weird. You'd think they'd cash the checks before sending in notices??

Any ideas on this? I got all excited to get my notices but when I logged in and it said the case couldnt be found, my heart kinda sank :crying:!


I saw someone on this board say "USCIS works in mysterious ways". I could not agree more :rofl:


In my experience, yes that's normal - that you received 4 different emails with different receipt numbers (they're for each thing you applied for...your 485, EAP, EAD and I forget the other one, sorry, been a while). Also normal that their website isn't up to date, and that your cheques haven't been cashed yet. That's the wacky way they seem to work! It'll all come together but perhaps not in the most logical order.

I think you should be excited, congratulations! I'm sure your cheques will be cashed, the website will reflect the right/same status as your emails eventually. That was the case with me anyway.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-07-21 19:19:00
CanadaNEXUS after Green Card

I recently got my NEXUS card (at Christmas), but I had had my green card for awhile already. Since I'm removing conditions, they told me once I get my new green card I will have to go into the office and update my information so they have it. Personally, I don't think it would hurt to go in and have that info.
Also, any time I cross the border with my NEXUS, they ask to see my green card. So going in and providing them with that info is what I would do.
Good luck! :)


Thanks Moosker - I just called the office in Erie (where I'll be crossing) and as you suggested they'd like me to come in and give them a copy of my green card, no need to make an appt thank goodness. Thanks for your help!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-07-25 11:13:00
CanadaNEXUS after Green Card
Hey guys - I'm heading back to TO next week, been in the US since I poe'd end of December.

I'm a Nexus holder - went on line and changed my mailing address months ago. Anything else you think I need to do? Does Nexus require a cc of my green card? Do I need to go into an office?

When you have a minute, appreciate it...for once my husband's freaking out about this, not me!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-07-21 12:21:00
CanadaFiling Taxes for 201

Collecting EI means you have to file in Canada as well as put the EI listed on the US returns. You need to keep filing Canadian tax as long as you keep collecting EI. You can file an exemption for the EI since it is already taxed in Canada.


What a coincidence - I was just about to ask the very same question, thanks Inky!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-01-22 12:42:00
CanadaFiling Taxes in Canada from US
So did some more digging and came across an article about electing to file Canadian Tax Return as a non-resident of Canada for tax purposes - requires filing of a '217' as you mentioned Udella&Wiz.

If you're interested have a read: http://www.cramagazi...8/article04.htm
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-02-05 10:09:00
CanadaFiling Taxes in Canada from US
Thanks both for your input. Yup, they did take the 25% up front.

I did have a sneaky suspicion that even though I'm a US resident now, and had filed a 2010 exit return in Canada I should file a Canadian return for 2011 for the EI. Will call just to do diligence but makes sense to me, surprised my CA would advise otherwise, will let him know!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-02-04 13:10:00
CanadaFiling Taxes in Canada from US
Hi all - apologies if the answer exists in the EI thread but I couldn't find it.

Background:
- I poe'd Dec. 27th, 2011, got my Green Card in May 2011, and have been collecting EI from Canada ever since (payments stopped Dec. 31 2011).
- last year/April 2011 I filed my Canadian tax return, an exit return (in anticipation of becoming a US resident)

Question:
- I think, as I received $$ from a Cdn source/EI that I should file a 2011 Cdn tax return, but my Cdn acct is telling me that as a US resident I don't ...is that true?
- fyi: I intend to claim the income (and tax collected) on my US return

Appreciate your input when you have a moment, thanks, Brenda
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-02-03 09:19:00
CanadaChange of Adress
Yes, thanks everyone - I'm moving next month, appreciate your advice.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-10-23 18:15:00
CanadaDrivers License and Permanent Resident Card Expiry Linked

<shrugs>

Up here in Hagerstown Maryland I automatically got a 5 year drivers license, I guess it goes DMV to DMV


Yes I suppose it does. Hagerstown huh? Hi neighbor! :)
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-10-26 08:01:00
CanadaDrivers License and Permanent Resident Card Expiry Linked
Thanks both, I'll contact our DMV. I tell ya, I'm constantly perplexed by this process...if it takes more than 90 days why don't they just have us start earlier? Jees.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-10-25 11:55:00
CanadaDrivers License and Permanent Resident Card Expiry Linked
Early days, but just curious: my temporary Permanent Resident Card and Drivers License (which the expiry date is linked to the PRC) expires end of May 2013. I intend to file the ROC 90 days prior to expiry of the PRC as requested, BUT, what happens if if takes longer than 90 days to process? Will the DMV give me an extension? Anyone have any experience with this? I'm in Baltimore, Maryland btw.

Thanks in advance.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-10-23 19:04:00
CanadaHorror stories at the MTL consulate?
My only issue was that they couldn't get a read on my fingerprints (apparently they're shallow...what?), so we had to do them multiple times which resulted in a 3 hour visit. No other problems though, easy peasy.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2012-11-03 08:52:00
CanadaEI entitlement
I also collected EI after I received my EAD card, great program, really appreciated it after paying in for years!

If you do end up collecting EI call Canada Revenue agency to see if you're eligible for a tax credit for income tax the following year, even if you filed an exit tax return - in my case it was the only income I earned for the 1st year I was in the US so I filed in Canada as a US permanent resident and was credited about 2/3 of the taxes they deducted!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2013-04-16 18:45:00
CanadaHas anybody imported MAZDA from CA to US

Just wondering if this info is still valid? I have a Mazda and want to keep my car. Is it an issue when you go to your local DMV in the usa with a "Canadian" car?


I didn't have an issue registering/getting plates for my Mazda at the DMV in Baltimore - I had a mechanic do a safety inspection prior to and just took the report with me. All they seemed to be interested in were the number of miles...which of course were kilometers but they insisted on recording them as miles cause they just couldn't seem to wrap their heads around it, even though I did the math conversion for them, hahaha! In the end, doesn't matter.
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2013-04-22 07:27:00
CanadaCanadian Passport Renewal from US

Sent it express mail on Monday, it arrived in Gatineau today...know some others have renewed, how long did it take to process and return to you? Just curious. A little stressed not having a passport.

 

And much to my amazement Fedex just delivered my new one moments ago - 2 weeks to the day! Whew, feel so much better!!


Brenda2010FemaleCanada2013-05-20 09:33:00
CanadaCanadian Passport Renewal from US

Sent it express mail on Monday, it arrived in Gatineau today...know some others have renewed, how long did it take to process and return to you? Just curious. A little stressed not having a passport.


Brenda2010FemaleCanada2013-05-10 15:59:00
CanadaThe IRS/CRA Income Tax Thread

Wow, wealth of knowledge here, hoping someone can help me out...pertinent info:
- POE'd on K1 Visa Dec. 27 2010
- married Jan. 21 2011, now in the midst of AOS

Am planning to file a tax return in Canada only (no income in US for 2010), and understand I should do an 'exit return'...is that the same as the general form, and you just note that you've moved/exited?

I sold my home in early December before moving...I don't need to declare that do I? It was my principle residence so not subject to capital gains...

And one last thing, I have some $$$s in a chequing account and some RRSPs in Canada - do I need to file a form with my Canadian return to declare that or is that next year when i file my US?

When you have a minute, thanks



Hiya - turns out a husband of a friend of mine is well versed in Cdn/US taxes so has agreed to do my return for me so no need to hit you nice people up for advice!
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-04-27 18:01:00
CanadaThe IRS/CRA Income Tax Thread
Wow, wealth of knowledge here, hoping someone can help me out...pertinent info:
- POE'd on K1 Visa Dec. 27 2010
- married Jan. 21 2011, now in the midst of AOS

Am planning to file a tax return in Canada only (no income in US for 2010), and understand I should do an 'exit return'...is that the same as the general form, and you just note that you've moved/exited?

I sold my home in early December before moving...I don't need to declare that do I? It was my principle residence so not subject to capital gains...

And one last thing, I have some $$$s in a chequing account and some RRSPs in Canada - do I need to file a form with my Canadian return to declare that or is that next year when i file my US?

When you have a minute, thanks
Brenda2010FemaleCanada2011-04-26 14:25:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

 

Wow that is some crazy stuff. So if someone calls and inquires about their case three times they automatically get a green card? That doesn't seem right lol. I am glad you got everything figured out and you kept calling them. Congrats on finally getting approved! It's about bloody time. 
 

 

Seriously! Thanks so much!! And now I anxiously check the mail every day...lol


Brenda2010FemaleCanada2014-06-03 12:27:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Aw thanks J&J, mandaNchris! Sorry, haven't been on in a while, just so sick of the whole thing...

 

So here's what happened - once I finally got through to the immigration officer he said he would submit another inquiry and that because it was the third inquiry I'd made they'd probably just spit out my 10 yr card...what??? My other option was to email the uscis ombudsmen and report my situation/complain...so I did that too, and voila, one week later I got an RFE to get a criminal record history pulled in light of the fact that my fingerprints suck/won't match.

 

So I did that...interestingly enough they do have to take your fingerprints to get your criminal record pulled but for some reason they seem to know how to do it, andddd it worked! Mailed in my rfe evidence May 8 and on Friday May 30 I got my congratulations/approval letter saying my cards been ordered and should be here in 60 days. Thank god! My 1 yr extension expired May 23 so I was getting a little stressed!!


Very sorry to hear about that, Brenda.  Have you heard anything yet? That's just crazy of how long you have had to wait, I'd be so upset.  I hope they start working on it for you, it's not fair for you to have to wait this long, when all you have done is everything right since the beginning. Other then Immigration problems... I hope you had a wonderful Easter!!!

 

 

 

Wow that is insane! I'm so sorry you are going through this still. Someone needs a kick in the butt over there at USCIS. Hope everything gets moving for you.

 

Aw thanks J&J, mandaNchris! Sorry, haven't been on in a while, just so sick of the whole thing...

 

So here's what happened - once I finally got through to the immigration officer he said he would submit another inquiry to vermont and that because it was the third inquiry I'd made they'd probably just spit out my 10 yr card...what??? My other option was to email the uscis ombudsmen and report my situation/complain...so I did that too, and voila, one week later I got an RFE to get a criminal record history pulled in light of the fact that my fingerprints suck/won't match.

 

So I did that...interestingly enough they do have to take your fingerprints to get your criminal record pulled but for some reason they seem to know how to do it, andddd it worked! Mailed in my rfe evidence May 8 and on Friday May 30 I got my congratulations/approval letter saying my card's been ordered and should be here in 60 days. Thank god! My 1 yr extension expired May 23 so I was getting a little stressed!!


Brenda2010FemaleCanada2014-06-02 17:04:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

Dunno if any of you will see this post...you've hopefully, happily all got your 10 yr cards and are now living life in the US without the worry of dealing with immigration issues!  I, however, am not so lucky...thought I'd share my experience in case someone else is having the same problems.

 

Here it is now April 2014 and I STILL haven't got my card after filing end of March 2013 - re-did fingerprints back in November, heard nothing, called in December, again in January (both times was told they were 'working on it, still within the 1 year timeline...what?? what happened to 6 months???), had an info pass meeting mid-Febrary (they said someone had my file as of February 12 and to be patient), and here it is April andddd nothing! 

 

I'm currently on hold for an immigration officer with USCIS, we'll see what they say today. Good lord, sooooo frustrating!


Brenda2010FemaleCanada2014-04-03 09:51:00
CanadaAugust Interviews Crew - AOS Journey

You really are the best people, I'll miss you guys!

 

Looks like I'm in it for a while still - 2 days ago got a letter from USCIS saying they couldn't get a hit on my fingerprints taken back in APRIL!!  Way to go guys, nothing like waiting 6 months to tell me that. So I've got an appt to do the prints again November 14 but I'm just gonna do a walk in. Lord. This is what happened with my 2 year card - I ended up going 3 times, the last time to a special 'print' place. Blech.

 

Patience, must have patience...


Brenda2010FemaleCanada2013-10-29 07:43:00