ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaExtension of Stay??
I just found the form and I showed it to BB, he said he doesn't think that's for me as I really don't have a reason except that I don't want to leave him, heh...besides its the same amount as if we were to file a K1/K3 so who knows....it was just something that came up and I wanted to know more info about as an option.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-19 15:00:00
CanadaExtension of Stay??
No, Ive never gotten a stamp...1 time I didn't even have my passport, I had my drivers license (which was expired even) and a birth certificate and got in just fine.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-19 14:12:00
CanadaExtension of Stay??
Well at this point I cant fill anything out because I don't have an I-94. According to what I have read, I need to have one of those filled out first. I'm debating whether I should ask for one or not, if it even is something you ask for, or if it's something they have to decide you get. (They being border patrol)
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-19 13:56:00
CanadaExtension of Stay??
So yesterday I was doing some more research on how I can avoid overstaying and such, and came across this link right here:

http://help.cbp.gov/...amp;p_topview=1

And halfway down it clearly says:

"If you are from Canada, the length of stay for tourism is 6 months. Canadians may file for an extension of stay with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services."

So I went onto the USCIS and found another page where it says the same thing, and the "apply here" link takes you to the immigration forms. The most amount of info I got on it says to fill out an I-539, so when I looked at that application, it was only the instructions on how to apply for it. It also says that you have to fill it out before your I-94 expires. I didn't get an I-94 as the site even says, most Canadians don't receive one.

So here's what I'm curious about. Will it help my frequency of visits to ask for an I-94 to fill out, then apply for an extension of stay? Does anybody know about the conditions for applying for overstays? Or any experience at all about it? I really don't want to overstay, but really, when I'm back in TO, I just want to be back here. Personally, I'm ready to take the risk and start filing, but I've always been the risk taker, and BB the smart, and thoughtful one. He wants to be absolutely sure its right for us, as we haven't been romantically involved for even a year yet. I totally understand this, but at the same time, I hate being in limbo in regards to overstaying. I don't enjoy having no independence and not being able to help out more with the financials.

I've looked around a bit but nothing really that tells me what I want to know about it. Any info would rock smile.gif
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-19 13:08:00
CanadaMy view of Canada
Wow! I think BB and I are almost the opposite. Columbus is very car heavy and our location here, its not pedestrian oriented at all, but the roads are SO much calmer! Driving in TO is soo much more stressful. I can see what BB was complaining about after I had been to Columbus. The driving in TO was so much crazier. My apartment was midtown, Eglinton and Avenue, and when he came, Obviously I took him downtown. The roads and the streetcar tracks drove him crazy, not to mention the busses all over the place. Nothing like that in his town.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-20 13:14:00
CanadaOrdering a gift from the USA and having it delivered to Canada...
I just ordered one of these for my sister:

http://www.personalc...duct_code=11257

I got 2 for my 2 year old nieces for their first Christmas, and this one is for her 3rd daughter for her first. It's an auntie Chrissy tradition smile.gif Luckily also, I found an online confirm code and got 20% off! Go HERE for the codes..They have all kinds, I love that site smile.gif

Completely off topic though, because they don't ship to Canada either, so luckily I was able to send it to BB.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-24 20:09:00
CanadaVisiting US and length of stay
I was actually wondering this as well, as Ive been back and forth from Columbus to Toronto... I most recently went into Toronto, by bus and when I went to customs, they asked me how long I was in the US, and I told them 3 months, however, he didnt even scan my passport, he just looked at it and handed it back. I think out of the past 6 or 7 times, my passport only got taken and scanned about 2 of those so Ive been lucky. My last time in TO ( I was just there) I was supposed to stay for 2 weeks but missed BB so much I came back early. Coming into the US (Niagara, also by bus) the guy asked me many questions about when I was coming back, what I did in TO, when was the last time I worked, If I had a return ticket...I was even ON a return ticket, purchased in Columbus because it was cheaper there, I explained this ti him....the whole time, he was looking at my passport and entering info into the PC..finally after like 5 minuites, he handed it back and said ok...such a sigh of relief...but then he said "Nothing's coming back up yet" But he had said it to his colleague and kind of away from me...I thought he said "make sure you come back then" I almost had a heart attack!

Im almost sure that Ive overstayed already. Ive been here in Columbus a lot. Every time we go through, we always say something along the same lines of "Im heading down for 2 weeks, hes driving me back on the following friday" However, I'm sure BB and I are on our last legs of luck and will need to make a move soon!

Edited by xtinab, 06 November 2008 - 09:11 PM.

xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-06 21:10:00
CanadaCheaper healthcare in Canada?
Wow, thats absolutely horrible :s Where in Canada are you? I've never had an experience like that before. Even at the handfuls of walk in clinics I've been to throughout the GTA were fast efficient and very personable. Have you tried looking for a Family Physician taking on new patients?
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-17 13:22:00
CanadaMaking the move to be an immigrant
I knew BB 3 years ago, through some mutual friends of ours and talked once in a while on msn and such. At that time in our lives, we didnt even consider the other anything more. It wasn't until last February ish that we started talking more, and he decided to come visit to TO. We both had the absolute greatest week of our lives, but knew that we had a big space between us. On top of that, I was supposed to leave on April 3rd, to go and work on a cruise ship in Australia (Yes. Australia!!!) for 6 months or more. When I made the trip down to Columbus 10 days later, we realized that our bond was much more than we could ignore. I ended up cancelling on Australia to pursue our future. It was a "If were gonna try it, might as well try it now" move, kind of how Travis & Kim did it. So far its been f*cking amazing. As long as WE are good as a couple and individuals, well keep at it and we'll decide what were going to do when it comes to be the right time for us. Finding vj i must say, definitely helped us get the info we needed. Right now Im so equipped for whatever path we take biggrin.gif Ive been researching going either way for him and I.


I have more but totally just lost my train of thought. (Dinners ready)

To be continued......
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-25 20:50:00
CanadaHappy Birthday Carla!
Happy Happy Day!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-27 22:04:00
Canadair1 recived today !!!!!!!
Congratulations!!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 15:08:00
CanadaGetting to Know You -
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping presents is the best part of xmas! (Besides opening)

2. Real tree or Artificial? Always had a real one, this is my first artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree? We put it up last weekend (the weekend before thanksgiving) but we knew it was early:P

4. When do you take the tree down? Just after New years

5. Do you like eggnog? YEP! With rum is even better! (you said it best! Rum must be dark!)

6. Favourite gift received as a child? my rocks glasses set with the glass ice bucket, the silver martini shaker, all the other shakers and the bottle of vodka and creme de cacao that one year mmmm........... Oh wait, as a child....I cant remember that far back...thanks to all the more recent gifts wink.gif

7. Hardest person to buy for? BB, for sure.

8. Easiest person to buy for? The twins (my 2 year old nieces)
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but my mom does


10. Mail or email Christmas cards? First year sending out real ones this year!


11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A bag of tootsie rolls, that were on sale from Halloween :S I dont even like tootsie rolls, and they were from my mom!!

12. Favourite Christmas Movie? Hmmmmmm not sure...Frosty or Miracle on 34th St
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December....15th...ish...dec 27th?

14. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? the mixed nuts my mom always gets..the ones you gotta crack open yourself...mmmmm walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts I believe?

15. Lights on the tree? Yes, All white.

16. Favourite Christmas song? Transiberian Orchestra's Christmas Album

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I cant, Buddy can, does that count?

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? errr..we have a mini santa hat on top of ours lol

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Eve!

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crowds at the malls. +1

22. Favourite ornament theme or color? Red Silver and white

23. Favourite for Christmas dinner? Turkey

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Legal status in the US lol

I just did this in my email from a friend so Im copying that rather than do it all again but I missed a few. sad.gif Nothing traditional that we do different than others, and on Christmas eve my mom usually just kind of makes a buffet with the typical christmas appetizers smile.gif

Edited by xtinab, 30 November 2008 - 03:35 PM.

xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-30 15:31:00
CanadaHi! Newbie from N.S!
Welcome to VJ!! smile.gif
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-07 18:18:00
CanadaHave you gained weight since moving to the U.S.?
I've lost 3 lbs! Finally the workouts start to show! This was before yesterday even! Im expecting that I'll probably weigh in a bit less because of last night/today, but I also expect to get that back in about a day.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-07 18:06:00
CanadaHave you gained weight since moving to the U.S.?
I'm bad with self control also. Ive said many times Im cutting down on carbs, but we LOOOOOOVE pizza and tater tots. And chips. Oooooh sandwhiches too...... I cant give those up! Also, this week, Im on a purge. BB and I usually have a beer or 2 with and after dinner so Im cutting those out. Ill have a glass of wine with dinner, but only one. Ive also given up a certain "spice" that I had given up but recently taken up again occasionaly. Time to cut that out again. Definitely increases the munchies so if I cut that out, I can cut the snacking out. I love snacking.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-03 14:44:00
CanadaHave you gained weight since moving to the U.S.?
While I don't officially live here, I can definitely relate. When I arrived I was hovering around 118, however, I was born without a thyroid and have always had a steady metabolism. Within about a month or so I went up to around 133 and have been hovering around that now. I blamed it on my thyroid levels and got them checked when I was in TO, but nope. Not my levels. So I had to look for more reasons (in other words, something else to blame it on tongue.gif ) so this is what I came up with:

In TO I was working as a bartender at one job, serving at another, and doing catering events whenever I could. I was on the go all evening till I was done and into the night. I took ttc everywhere. After work it was usually off to the karaoke show for the night. My meals were basically a quick bite to eat when I woke up (early afternoon usually) A medium size meal during work and then however many bevvies I had that night. Sometimes we'd get wings to split (who can resist half price wings??) Not much food, lots of activity (albeit unhealthy, yet still active)
Compare that to being here in Columbus, I wake up early, 3 meals a day plus snacks. BB drives everywhere. If there was SOMEWHAT good transportation id take it but theres not. I try to do some wii fit every day. I've been watching Addison (our friends daughter) more often so that keeps me active but not as much as before.
Im guessing my thyroid's control of my weight and metabolism took a back seat sad.gif That sucks for me. I have NEVER been over 120 lbs so Im definitely feeling it. And it was so instant for me. I mean, i gained about 15 lbs in about a month :S (This is taking in the fluctuations of the month/day etc)

After all that, Im gonna turn on the wii fit free step now lol
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-03 13:21:00
Canadaquestion
Hey,

In terms of it carrying over to a new year, think of it in fiscal year terms. If your year of his visiting started in June 08, and he stayed say some 4 months through 2008, essentially, he'd have about 2 months left visiting till June 09. I may not be 100% correct, but that's how I think of it and it works for me.

I'm a visitor in the US, staying with my bf, and have made various trips back to Toronto, and I'm almost sure that at this point, I've surpassed the 6 months. Actually I know I have. But I am going back in December. Since I've stayed so long for 2008, I'm already expecting to get turned away at the border if I were to try to come back again in January as Im sure they can see that I've spent more time in the US than in Canada for 2009. I think I got lucky last time I came back here (November) but we've made the sad decision of realizing that this chance is NOT one that we should be taking for too much more, if at all.

I'm proof that it is possible to overstay in the US, however, we've put our situation at great risk doing so. We're makin it harder on ourselves, being so used to being around each other, that when we do start our petition (unsure which one yet) It's going to be even harder to be apart. Also, my ties to home are getting less and less with each passing day I'm here. Which again, would put a damper on trying to re-enter into the US should they ask me for my ties to Toronto.

*sigh...damn international borders :s

Edited by xtinab, 06 December 2008 - 01:13 PM.

xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-06 13:12:00
CanadaWhos going Home for Christmas?
BB and I were planning on going to NY for NYE, but then my sister announced that her and her fiance are getting married on that night smile.gif They're having a small civil ceremony, and are doing it on NYE b/c its 10 years to the day they met. 3 kids later they're finally getting hitched smile.gif And so it seems our plans have changed, and we don't quite know what we're doing after yet. Regardless, Im excited for my sister.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-25 20:27:00
CanadaWhos going Home for Christmas?
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Nov 24 2008, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ohh a vj Canadian meet up! That sounds like FUN!! I would totally be up for that!

woohoo! danforth dinner and wine perhaps? Anybody whos going to be in the TO area around then is definitely welcome smile.gif
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-25 12:23:00
CanadaWhos going Home for Christmas?
Well if you find the need for company to get together for drinks or such, I should be around and definitely in for a bevvie! Especially in TO biggrin.gif

We're heading to TO on December 23rd, and BB is heading back on Jan 2nd I believe smile.gif
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-24 21:45:00
CanadaWhos going Home for Christmas?
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Nov 24 2008, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yep going home this year to Midland - right on Georgian Bay! Can't wait to hang out with my friends again and go sledding. biggrin.gif SOOO excited!


One of my best friends lives in Midland and I was being persuaded to head up there for even just one day, but I'm not too sure yet if we're gonna go or not. The 8 hour drive from Columbus is long enough, so to try to add on another almost 2 hour drive up even further isn't that appealing to him tongue.gif
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-24 14:48:00
CanadaWhos going Home for Christmas?
The topic and description say it all. Who's gonna be in Canada for Christmas, and what part?

I'll be in Toronto and Richmond Hill area. Anybody else?
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-11-24 14:06:00
CanadaGetting married in 71 days!
I dont have an answer for you but wanted to say Hi! Congratulations and welcome to VJ!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-03 15:01:00
CanadaApproved - interview details
Congratulations!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 14:47:00
Canadamoved!!
Nice! Congratulations smile.gif Enjoy your new home!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-08 13:14:00
CanadaInterview tomorrow
Yay! Congrats!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-09 14:18:00
CanadaInterview tomorrow
Good luck! Im sure it will be fine!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-08 14:33:00
CanadaI move today :)
Yay! Congrats, and have a smooth move!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-10 09:54:00
CanadaAmerican Manners vs. Canadian Manners
QUOTE (Emancipation @ Dec 11 2008, 08:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (aravis227 @ Dec 10 2008, 10:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The other one that drives me nuts here, and my husband is starting to understand, is going to the grocery store and people have their screaming children with them. Walmart is particularly notorious for it around here...all of these with moms and dads pushing the cart making goo-goo eyes because it's the only time they get to leave the house together and ignoring their 5 or 6 kids who are trailing behind screaming, grabbing stuff, and bumping into other shoppers.

wow that happens other places too??? boyz.. I thought it was just our Walmart!!! wacko.gif I always feel like I've been through a trauma after leaving our Walmart..


That last time we were there a mom was screaming at the top of her lungs every 15 seconds (and I timed it)... "Jared".. "Jared".... "Jared"..

He wouldn't keep up with her and she was just screaming at him instead of picking the little tike up and plopping her in her empty cart. I almost went over there and did it myself! whistling.gif





xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-11 16:08:00
CanadaAmerican Manners vs. Canadian Manners
I've also gotten funny looks for the bathroom one smile.gif
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-10 15:13:00
CanadaBreaking News in Central FL - The Case of Caylee Anythony
^^
The family I worked for all through high school is native. Well the mother was and the 4 girls were half native. My first real vacation without my parents was to a reserve for a month when I was 17. I had an awesome time. Cutler, Ontario is just a sign on the high way, and theres only one gas station/general store. Also got to go to the Annual Pow wow which was just HUGE. Great times smile.gif

Back on topic, If it is Caylee, RIP. Last night there was a blip about it on the local news of them finding the body but really, the majority of the coverage has been from Nancy Grace. Shes annoying as hell although I might have been brainwashed by her because I'm convinced Casey's where she belongs. Even if she's not guilty of actually killing her own daughter, she sure as hell has been acting guilty. Her actions are completely unjustifiable. Using her daughter, saying she'll take the cops to where her daughter is, then not doing so, or not even trying to help when she was let out.....just makes me sick. I feel this woman does not have a conscience at all.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-12 09:50:00
CanadaWe Need a Christmas Miracle
True say, at any point and time he could have at least attempted to adjust his status. That was a risk he took, he should have known how bad the consequences could have been. At this point, hes mostly just sorry he got caught. If he had been able to get that other job, he would have kept on working and living here illegally, no questions asked.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-08 15:16:00
CanadaCongratulations Ant
Heh, When I read that yesterday, I thought it was something that was already known, and I was just a bit behind. Apparently not!

Congratulations Ant!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-08 13:18:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
Ateam, I totally agree about results being bought. I'm not sold on the HFCS either. I never knew it was banned in Canada, then again, I didn't know much about it all. I was rarely even aware!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-10 17:43:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
Ever since this thread came up, I've been checking for it. Apparently it must have been driving Buddy a little cookoo, because he sent me this link:

http://www.earthtime...cs,646874.shtml
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-10 16:46:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
QUOTE (trailmix @ Dec 4 2008, 10:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
xtinab, maybe you could wash down those peas with some vodka! (people are going to start thinking you are a lush laughing.gif )


Self proclaimed Lush, I love a good drink. But I know my limits as well. I would definitely TRY Pea Vodka tho! Heheh!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 23:11:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Dec 4 2008, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But smoking pipes is bad too.

tongue.gif


Im on a purge and not hitting pipes this week :S The one thing I know that doesn't have hfcs. Go figure.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 19:08:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
None of the krogers near us have the ones without peas. And I hate peas. It sucks to eat a food you love, while having to pick around a food you cant stand.
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 16:53:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
[offtopic]I love meijer's. Its the only place I've found in Columbus that has Chicken pot pies without peas, but broccoli instead. And they're usually on sale for REALLY cheap. [/offtopic]
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 16:40:00
CanadaSo THAT'S why coke tastes different in the USA
Heh, on one of our drives from TO, we stopped in a small rural gas station and while paying I accidentally knocked half a stack of $1 off Rockstar coupons. I didnt notice that Buddy had grabbed the half stack that fell, and we used them all up when we got back to Columbus! Heh! On the day they expired, we picked up the last 8. Not as good a saving as 24 for 30 bucks, but it was still good for us!
xtinabFemaleCanada2008-12-04 16:27:00