ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaChanging Canadian Passport to Married Name
No, she means the VJ timeline feature which helps people search on country, consulate, type of visa, etc. :)

http://www.visajourn...le.php?id=32550
misaFemaleCanada2007-04-07 21:23:00
CanadaK3 Approved!
Keep going with the CR-1. IMHO, the cost of flying back will outweigh the hassles and additional costs of AOS. Your I-130 is already at NVC being processed so stick with it. :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-19 23:10:00
CanadaWhat to Expect
It's the departure record that says how long you can stay on that status. For a K1, they will have an I-94 expiring in 90 days. For K3s, an expiry of 2 years.

For CR-1... I don't know actually! I don't know if CR-1s even get an I-94 since they enter with PR status.

Edited by misa, 21 June 2007 - 01:07 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-21 13:07:00
CanadaWhat to Expect
If you're crossing by land, I have my POE review in my signature. Don't forget to bring some U.S. cash with you as they may charge you $6 or $7 USD for the I-94.

After you get to your U.S. destination, staple the I-94 a bunch more times. I have heard of people losing theirs. The officer only stapled it once and it's perforated so it could be lost easily. I think I have about 4 extra staples in mine. :P

Edited by misa, 21 June 2007 - 10:18 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-21 10:16:00
CanadaHelp with options
Couple of questions:

1. What was the intent upon entry to the U.S. Simply a visit?

2. When did you officially get engaged and decide on her moving to the U.S. rather than you moving to Canada? Prior to entry or after?

If after entry, then get married and file forms I-130 (alien petition for immediate relative), I-485 (adjustment of status for permanent residence along with the required sponsor form I-864), I-765 (employment authorisation, takes about 90 days) and apply for Advance Parole if she needs to go back to Canada while her adjustment of status is pending. If you do decide to follow that route and she did NOT have immigrant intent on entering as a visitor, make sure she does not leave the U.S. until she is granted AP (advance parole) or has her greencard in hand.

If you decided to get engaged and go through U.S. immigration prior to her visit then file for a K1. It will take awhile though since she is in Toronto.

Edited by misa, 21 June 2007 - 02:53 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-21 14:52:00
CanadaVisa Approved
congrats! :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-19 20:20:00
CanadaPOE
Check this link for POE land crossing times and delays.

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

Edited by misa, 15 June 2007 - 12:12 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-15 12:12:00
Canadavancover and montreal
I visited every 3 weeks prior to and after getting married as well as while my K3 was being processed both at USCIS and the consulate.

I went through YYZ (Toronto airport) each time and was never really given any problems. In fact, the last time the officer wished me good luck at the interview (which was 2.5 weeks away from my last visit) and looked at me sympathetically when he said "it must suck to live apart". Was only asked specific questions about my K3 once and wasn't asked to provide any paperwork and was never pulled into secondary.

Always brought proof of ties: bank statements, apartment lease, letter from employer, pay stubs. Also brought my entire case file each time.

Edited by misa, 22 June 2007 - 11:49 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-22 11:47:00
Canadaanother little question...
Get him down to a passport office ASAP along with a copy of the checklist from the consulate stating the required validity period along with the interview letter. He should be able to have it expedited (but will pay extra).

Edited by misa, 30 May 2007 - 10:34 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-05-30 10:33:00
CanadaAOS Interview Scheduled
Hey, mine's 5 days after yours and we filed around the same time. :)

What did you receive an RFE for?

Edited by misa, 22 June 2007 - 07:33 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-22 19:33:00
CanadaA couple pre-interview questions
I believe that your IV bill that you paid to the NVC takes care of the cost of your visa, so no cost at the consulate.

Definitely phone the doctor and tell them that you do have paperwork indicating your case number (you should have something from the NVC with your case number) and ask them if that is sufficient.
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-23 10:20:00
CanadaAnother interview story

Hey misa, don't stress about that interview. I heard it was pretty easy too. But I understand the reason to feel stressed. The people who married legitimately, who love their spouse, who actually live with their spouse, will always do fine I bet. Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.


Thanks for the kind words! You know I'm going to stress even though everything is on the up and up. It's just the nature of this crazy rollercoaster ride we're all on. :)

Let us know when the visa arrives in the mail and the moving date! :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-23 22:27:00
CanadaAnother interview story
Congrats! We all stress about the interview and are relieved when it's a lot easier than we though. :) But having said that, I'm still stressing about my AOS interview in August! :P
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-23 00:09:00
CanadaFINALLY!
I rolled mine up with an elastic and threw it in my closet (high shelf). Actually, all my important papers are hidden away like that because of my destructive cats. :P
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-21 10:15:00
CanadaNOA :)
Heh, glad you made it through and enjoy your trip! :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-24 17:22:00
CanadaNOA :)
Congrats Cat! You're probably already in the U.S. right now. Hope that the POE was without any hassles. :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-23 10:24:00
CanadaOK, we all know about flames'sss obsession...
Blech, I hate Starbucks so I chose Second Cup. Though I prefer coffee shop coffee (e.g., Tim's, Country Style, etc.) versus cafe (e.g. Starbucks, Second Cup) coffee.

Edited by misa, 23 June 2007 - 12:11 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-23 00:11:00
CanadaHow well do you Know Canada
Some of the questions, like school supplies are weird. Because how would we, as Canadians, know it wasn't common elsewhere? My USC husband was looking at it when I was doing the quiz and didn't know what any of those were. :P
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-21 19:47:00
CanadaHow well do you Know Canada
I got 14. I suck!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-21 16:43:00
CanadaUpdate on my Case
Good luck and keep us updated!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-25 15:24:00
Canadainterview tomorrow!
Congrats!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-23 23:10:00
Canadainterview tomorrow!
You'll do just fine. Vancouver is awesome to deal with! :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-18 22:43:00
CanadaBank statements and employment proof?
No, brad is already in the U.S. and filing I-130 and I-485. I-130 for an approved immigrant petition (his wife is the USC) and I-485 for adjustment of status.

Anyway, the Canadian's finances are not required at the AOS (adjustment of status) interview, only the USC sponsor. But bring everything to the interview that you submitted to them as well as updated paystubs, employer letter, tax forms, w2s, etc. for your sponsor (I'm assuming it's your wife). The only time the immigrant needs to bring proof of finances is if the immigrant is using their income or assets as part of the sponsorship.

If you don't already have a joint account or joint bills, etc., start getting her to add your name to things to show proof of common residence and relationship. You'll need it at the interview.

Edited by misa, 26 June 2007 - 10:55 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 10:53:00
CanadaEI, cards and address
I think Federal employees are supposed to be bilingual but I'm not sure.

Mephys, I'm glad that you got that worked out!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 10:50:00
CanadaEI, cards and address
Mephys, what is the woman's name you're dealing with? If it's Maureen, she's awesome. Chitchat with her a little about missing Canada. She's very nice and likes to chat. :)

ETA, she'll be on vacation the first 2 weeks of July. I remember her telling me that.

Edited by misa, 26 June 2007 - 09:58 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 09:56:00
CanadaEI, cards and address
HA! I haven't received any money because I'm a K3 and not work authorised upon entry. Still waiting for my EAD. My mailman did actually deliver my cards anyway because he know that it was for me. I've moved since then and need to mail them my new address (stressing that the apartment number should not come first).
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-25 15:57:00
CanadaEI, cards and address
Yeah, the address issue. Get them to change it so that it's address first then apartment number.
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-25 15:17:00
CanadaThe Visa is Here
Congrats!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 11:59:00
CanadaE-mail to the Montréal Consulate...
Necrotica, that's fantastic about the job. I hope you hear something about it turning permanent soon. :)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 10:37:00
CanadaE-mail to the Montréal Consulate...
Feel free to rant here ANY TIME you'd like. There's enough garbage and true "dirty laundry" posts all over other forums. Your rants are nothing compared to those. Hang in there!
misaFemaleCanada2007-05-25 09:50:00
CanadaVisa In Hand
Congrats!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 11:58:00
CanadaWould EI considers this Ilegal?

Goodluck......my beef is that I can only collect if I have employment authorization - which we all know is a few months down the road once married...it ticks me off that I've paid for the last 18 years and now when I want to collect for a few months while 'waiting' to be eligible to work...I can't.


K1s are employment authorised. You can collect EI after you cross (not sure if it's before or after marriage). Have a look through the pinned EI thread.

K3s are the ones that need to wait for an EAD or greencard. Still waiting for my EAD...

(sorry, don't mean to derail the thread)
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 21:11:00
CanadaHow I spent my Sunday.
Oh dear! They showed that on the news here in VA as well.
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 10:56:00
CanadaMoving tips...
TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov/t...ited-items.shtm

Also check with the airline you're flying with about how much weight of stuff you can actually bring with you.
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-27 16:55:00
CanadaMoving tips...
For those driving long distances during moving day:

Day before or day of moving (if driving for hours)

- get takeout sandwiches or room temperature food from your favourite restaurant for the road trip (now you're probably thinking "oh I can just get something along the way" but again trust me... food that you choose ahead of time will be much better than "settling" for whatever is around especially if you happen to be vegetarian or vegan or have other dietary concerns)
- bring some of your favourite snacks along as well
- buy at least a 6 pack of bottled water for the drive
- cds for the drive
- bring lots of cigarettes if you smoke and extra lighters
- don't wait until your tank is on E before you fill up because gas stations are few and far between along some stretches

- if you think that you can slack on packing for a "few days", think again. Do it all ahead of time so you don't have to worry the week of moving. TRUST ME! I thought that packing up everything the last week was going to be feasible... it was pure hell.


I'm quoting my own "tip". HA! I was reading this to my husband and he just started bitching about how I had TWO WEEKS to pack before he came to get me and I had to wait until the last minute... He said, and I quote, "I could have killed you!"

:P

Edited by misa, 26 June 2007 - 09:21 PM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 21:21:00
CanadaMoving tips...
1. Packing tips.

- Steal filing boxes from offices if you can. They are the perfect size to fill up with books. Not too heavy and they stack well.
- Invest in some large rubbermaid bins if you can afford it (check out freecycle or craigslist in your area). I lucked out and my friend gave me 10 of them. They are great for throwing stuff in and for storage later
- Label each box by room (and content if you're so inclined)
- Purge your clothes... if you haven't worn something in a year (unless it's special occasion clothes) give it away to Goodwill
- Pack up all your kitchen stuff except for what you desperately need the last few weeks before the move and plan your meals

2. Countdown

- ASAP
--- Schedule the cancellation of all utilities, cellphones, etc. Some places won't cancel until 30 days after you call in a cancellation (like Sympatico DSL).
--- Also start giving away what you don't want to keep. Trust me, giving away furniture is a lot more of a hassle than I thought and I wished I had started earlier.
--- If you are on a private health insurance plan, MAX IT OUT before you go. Get your massages, chiropractic stuff, optometrist and dental stuff done and over with
--- Get refills of any prescription medications (as many as you can get)
--- Schedule appointments for your animals to get re-vaccinated, checked up. If you are driving across the border, you do NOT need a health certificate. If you are flying, you probably do and you can't get that until 10 days before you fly. Dogs will need their rabies vaccines at least 30 days before crossing. Cats do not require vaccinations. Print out this page and keep with your important documents: http://www.cdc.gov/n...d/dq/animal.htm

- 1 month before or more
--- Start packing up everything you don't need right away including clothes and kitchen stuff. Only leave out the essentials (2 forks, 2 spoons, etc.). Also start eating up everything in your fridge and freezer

- 2-4 weeks before:
--- Meal plan all your meals (seriously, it makes things a lot easier) and plan your wardrobe.

3. Important papers to keep with you

- visa stuff (your entire case file) and passport of course!
- birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
- your ROE and any other EI related stuff
- banking records & credit card records
- veterinary records
- any health records for yourself including proof of vaccinations and the vaccination worksheet from your medical
- extra passport photos (you'll need this if you are filing for EAD and AOS after entry)

4. Saving money

- schedule going away parties/get togethers with friends (they'll pay for your drinks and meals!) :P
- steal boxes from your office, cozy up to the mailroom manager
- ask friends to give you any boxes and or old newspapers for packing

5. Other Tips

- if you think that you can slack on packing for a "few days", think again. Do it all ahead of time so you don't have to worry the week of moving. TRUST ME! I thought that packing up everything the last week was going to be feasible... it was pure hell.
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-26 11:49:00
CanadaPOE @ Queenston-Lewiston (NY)
Hey Emily! I had been wondering about you recently since we both had interviews the same day (albeit, across the country from each other). Glad to hear you made it "home" okay despite having to deal with rudeness! :)

Edited by misa, 28 June 2007 - 10:07 AM.

misaFemaleCanada2007-06-28 10:06:00
CanadaMTL Interview Question
Maybe it sat on their desk during U.S. thanksgiving and Christmas holidays?
misaFemaleCanada2007-05-03 12:33:00
CanadaBack From K3 Interview
congrats!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-29 12:07:00
CanadaI'm back from Montreal -Had my poutine and smoked meat!
Congrats!
misaFemaleCanada2007-06-29 13:10:00