ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaFinding a Job in the America
I'll be moving to Dallas somewhat soonish and I'm just curious as to how long it took everyone to find a job in the States once you had your EAD? Also, when did you get a job? Also, did you notice anything significantly different in the hiring process that you did not expect?

The economy is scaring me. I don't imagine it would be that much different than trying to find a job in Canada, but how would I know? I'm way the hell up here. Thanks!
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-09 19:32:00
CanadaQuestion about airports and preclearances
The last time I went to the US I was asked two questions by US customs:
1) How are you today?
2) Where are you going?

Twice before I was asked who I was visiting. I said, "my fiance". Customs didn't care.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Edited by eyoa, 07 February 2009 - 02:38 AM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-07 02:34:00
Canadawhat do you do to pass the time?
You mentioned that you have some medical issues that are preventing you from working, but have you considered volunteering? You can probably find a volunteer position working from home making phone calls or sending emails. It might make you feel like you're accomplishing something and helping others while you're waiting.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-17 01:28:00
CanadaInterview question
^^That is for the K1 petition. The OP was inquiring about what is needed at the interview.

The packet I received from the Vancouver Consulate made no mention of my USC finace's BC. They have proof of his citizenship from the approved petition. What they want is your BC - the long form.

Edited by eyoa, 17 February 2009 - 01:34 AM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-17 01:33:00
CanadaLiving Together
QUOTE (to_hope @ Feb 17 2009, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't have the information to back this up, but I am 99% sure that the divorce rate for couple who live together before they are married is notably higher than for those who do not. I don't believe you need to live with your boyfriend at all before marriage in order to "get to know" him.


The divorce rate is higher among couples who live together first, however, there is a confounding variable which explains this. Couples who live together first tend to have amalgamated their finances, friends, families, and may have had children together. They are likely to stay together when there are problems in the relationship rather than break-up because of these reasons. They then get married and find that that doesn't solve the problems they had before they married.

Off topic, but I can't pass by a chance to put my Psych degree to use. wink.gif

Edited by eyoa, 17 February 2009 - 10:03 PM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-17 22:02:00
CanadaTime to packet 3 to arrive
Canada Post is generally pretty speedy. I'd guess by the end of this week or beginning of next week. Their website may have info regarding estimated delivery times.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-24 18:59:00
CanadaCharlotte NC expat group
Canadian Expat Groups and Canada-U.S. Groups in the U.S.

good.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-24 20:12:00
CanadaAFTER MEDICAL...WAITING FOR INTERVIEW..????QUESTIONS
QUOTE (ozone_1974 @ Feb 26 2009, 11:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eyoa @ Feb 27 2009, 01:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Vancouver instructions state to fax DS230 straight away. If it is different for Montreal, then I apologize for speaking out of turn.


Aww cmon .. there is no need to apologize at all, I was just saying that this might be another possibility to handle it through the Montreal consulate. Maybe it is different in Vancouver, I have absolutely no idea.
You should not apologize for giving advices, this is OK wink.gif after all maybe I am wrong unsure.gif but this is the way I did it, I sent the DS-230 along with the checklist and a cover page mentioning my case number in the same envelope to the Montreal US consulate.


Apologizing too much is a bad habit of mine... one that I'll probably need to stop before I move to the States, or it will be obvious that I'm not an American wink.gif

But yeah, I just don't want to give inaccurate info.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-27 02:34:00
CanadaAFTER MEDICAL...WAITING FOR INTERVIEW..????QUESTIONS
QUOTE (ozone_1974 @ Feb 26 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eyoa @ Feb 27 2009, 12:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am ready to send back my checklist tmrw with my DS230. I only send the checklist right? I don't give them photocopies of all the documents until my interview?
The DS230 should have been faxed to them immediately. Make sure you fax this asap even if you don't fax your checklist tomorrow. Also, you are correct not to fax all of your supporting documents. Bring all documents/photocopies to your interview. They only want the checklist & DS230 signed and faxed.

I'm not sure how accurate this is, but here's an estimate anyway:
Montreal Wait Times for Visa Interviews


Correct me if I am wrong but I believe you can also just send your DS-230 along with your checklist to the Montreal consulate .. You do not have to necessarily fax it.
Just to be on the safe side though, I would send both DS-230 and the checklist together. Sometimes documents tend to get lost.


The Vancouver instructions state to fax DS230 straight away. If it is different for Montreal, then I apologize for speaking out of turn.

To the OP: just follow the instructions in packet 3 explicitly and you shouldn't have any problems. wink.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-27 01:52:00
CanadaAFTER MEDICAL...WAITING FOR INTERVIEW..????QUESTIONS
Also, you can read Consulate reviews to get an idea of what you're in for. Go to "Embassy Info" or "Reviews: Embassy/USCIS" link up near the top right-hand corner of any page on VJ.

Edited by eyoa, 27 February 2009 - 12:50 AM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-27 00:47:00
CanadaAFTER MEDICAL...WAITING FOR INTERVIEW..????QUESTIONS
QUOTE (poprocks @ Feb 26 2009, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, I am just learning all the terms etc... so bear with me wacko.gif

I am applying for a K1, with my son on a K4...

We had our medical yesterday. I am waiting for blood work to come back from my regular Dr for my Immunization to show that I had it... this should take another week or so, so I guess it'll hold up med results.


I am ready to send back my checklist tmrw with my DS230. I only send the checklist right? I don't give them photocopies of all the documents until my interview?
The DS230 should have been faxed to them immediately. Make sure you fax this asap even if you don't fax your checklist tomorrow. Also, you are correct not to fax all of your supporting documents. Bring all documents/photocopies to your interview. They only want the checklist & DS230 signed and faxed.

I fill out the DS160 on line, does that go directly to them? or do I mail them a copy of it after printing?
That goes directly to them, but bring a printout to the interview.

I'm hoping if I send in packet 3 this week, i'll have an interview by May innocent.gif We are hoping for a June wedding smile.gif
I'm not sure how accurate this is, but here's an estimate anyway:
Montreal Wait Times for Visa Interviews

I also went to York Region and got the Police search for all of Canada... I assume this is the right one?
I think that's beyond what they require - it should be a police certificate from everywhere you resided for at least 6 months since the age of 16. A Canada-wide certificate is more than adequate.

Any other advice from anyone at this stage would be appreciated smile.gif
Read the instructions carefully and be sure to bring everything required. Organize all of your documents in a logical manner. Check the Montreal Consulate website for specific instructions and info on security checks to get into the building. Good luck!

defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-27 00:39:00
CanadaMaking the medical appointment
Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-01 14:40:00
CanadaMaking the medical appointment
Absolutely. Many people do both on the same day or within the same trip. If you're in Alberta, I'm assuming that you'll be traveling to Vancouver, so just be aware that Vancouver only does medical appointments on Wednesdays, though Thursdays can be arranged in certain circumstances. You can request a specific interview date in Vancouver when you fax your checklist (I'm not sure about Montreal).
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-28 23:16:00
CanadaNeed Clarification
Yep to the above 2 posts. Seems like you're confusing what is required to get into Canada (passport, ties to the U.S.) with the new requirements to register online to go to the States on the VWP.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-03 17:02:00
CanadaHappy NHL Trade Deadline Day :)
QUOTE (Holliday @ Mar 4 2009, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hate the rumour of Bieksa, Raymond and a 1st rounder for Bouwmeester. If that deal goes down, I'll probably cry. Bieksa is my FAVOURITE! Plus, that's way too much to give up for a rental player.


Looks like this one didn't go through anyway, so no crying for you.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-04 16:00:00
CanadaThe Vent
It's god damned snowing in Vancouver. What is this... every other part of Canada??
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-26 00:37:00
CanadaThe Vent
So I don't know whether or not this venting thread has a theme, but I'm not about to read through 300+ pages to find out. tongue.gif

I had a meeting with my boss today to receive my yearly evaluation (2 months late) and find out my raise/bonus. It tuned out that my raise was less than it was the previous year.

In 2007 I was still relatively new to the job and had much less knowledge/responsibility than I had last year. Last year I took on several extra projects, improved my productivity, trained new staff, and was generally awesome. I'm quite disappointed that I'm not being rewarded for this. I don't care if the economy is ######, there is a huge variation in the pay scale for my job, and I'm right in the middle. If I had one of the best evaluations (which was the case according to my boss), then I think I should be closer to the top of the scale. Bah!

Edited by eyoa, 17 February 2009 - 02:38 AM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-17 02:37:00
CanadaThe loonie's demise
I'm very worried about the exchange rate. I've been saving up for quite a while now and was planning on using my savings to go towards a down-payment on a house when I move to the U.S. Now I'm thinking that I'll have to keep it in my Canadian account and wait until it gets better. I am kicking myself for not exchanging what I could when the dollar was par and better.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-07 01:02:00
CanadaHometown Canada
QUOTE (Holliday @ Mar 10 2009, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (borderdriver @ Mar 10 2009, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm. there's not a lot of VJers from Vancouver. here I am thinking Vancouver is too small for me that I need to get out after living here for almost 16 years. lol.
Oh what to say about vancouver.... i used to work @ GM Place for a long a$$ time and I was sad to see Grizzlies sold to the Yankees tongue.gif I lost interest in basketball after that. And go Canucks go! i love the rollercoast they put me through


Yeeeeaaaahh! Go Canucks go, indeed!! biggrin.gif


good.gif I concur.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-10 19:07:00
CanadaHometown Canada
QUOTE (hheaven67 @ Mar 5 2009, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Grew up in Choiceland...small town of about 350 people (at that time, is now booming due to the potential diamond mines in the area) about a 2 1/2 hr drive NE of Saskatoon...moved to Saskatoon in 1985 and moved to California 2008...

For the wrestling fans, the Undertaker is also from there as well as Gene Simmons' wife...legend hockey player Bobby Clarke was a friends' cousin...


Gene Simmons would not approve of you calling her his wife.

and... Off-Topic2.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-05 23:18:00
CanadaHometown Canada
QUOTE (neiks @ Mar 2 2009, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
no one else from Manitoba yet.?? ..lol I am feeling lonely

I'm from Manitoba. Grew up on a farm but our "hometown" was called Glenora. Population 26.... yes 26 people not 26 hundred or thousand. I actually went to a small two room school house. It had no gym or library and the principal (one of the two teachers) actually had a hand held school bell that he rang to end end recess. The one room had grades 1-4 and the "big" room had grades 5-8. Some grades may only have one person in it and one year there was a grade that had nobody. We had a big class with 6 kids. After grade 8 we went to a "larger" town for highschool. The school is now closed but did survive to see it's 100th anniversary. The town itself is actually a neat and tidy little town and everyone takes much pride in it. It has one store called "the Mall" which is basically a general store. It also has a community hall and a very active curling club - which still uses natural ice and not an artifical plant.
So did I move to a bigger community when I moved to the US? Actually, NO! The place we live right now has a population of 12 full time residents. It's basically, a dumpy little North Dakota town that died years ago. Only thing remaining here is the bar - which is a dumpy hole in the wall but is very popular in the area.


Believe it or not, I've actually heard of Glenora. I love the idea of small-town living, but I don't think I could do it myself!
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-02 16:17:00
CanadaHometown Canada
I saw this topic somewhere else and thought we should have our own. List your Canadian hometown and perhaps an interesting fact about it.

I'm originally from Burlington, Ontario, however I've been living in Pitt Meadows, BC for most of my life so I'll go with that one.

Pitt Meadows is a small city in the Lower Mainland that is about 45 mins east of Vancouver. Happy Gilmore was filmed at one of our golf courses and NHL player Brendan Morrison (Anaheim Ducks) is from here.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-01 13:23:00
CanadaLooking for someone who was at the Consulate when I was
I must be the one who's inappropriate because when I first starting reading your post, I thought it was going to be a "You-cute tall guy engaged to an American woman. Me-attractive woman engaged to an American man. Waiting for an interview to receive visas to marry others could not have been a more romantic way to meet your true love."

I'm obviously a terrible person. I hope that everything worked out for him and think it's nice that you care.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-13 18:36:00
CanadaI'm a bad spouse
I love that picture too. He should be grateful to you that you made him do it. wink.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-14 16:24:00
CanadaWell... here we go!
QUOTE (Arabella @ Mar 17 2009, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OMG I just noticed that Stiggy and Danu both met their SOs via a MMORPG! That is so awesome!
My fiance and I have been playing EverQuest 2 since November of 2004 and we met on February 9th, 2007!
We are still in the same guild and raid 4 nights a week.
Yes I know we are nerds. Yes we love it and each other!!

This is a picture of our characters:



Sorry if I'm highjacking this tread, but quite a few of us met through MMORPGs blush.gif

Here's a semi-recent thread all about it: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=177413
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-17 14:29:00
CanadaWell... here we go!
Congrats and have a safe trip!
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-16 18:42:00
CanadaMarriage in Canada
Did not know that. Weird frenchies!
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-17 15:44:00
CanadaHow did everyone meet their american/canadian significant others?
I am normally very reluctant to tell anyone how I met my finace because it's so incredibly dorky... but we're also a WoW couple.

We randomly picked him up for a UBRS run, or something like that, and then ended up offering him a spot in our guild. He first struck me as cocky and not my type. One of the first times we talked on Ventrilo, I remember thinking that he talks way too much and never shuts up. After a while, we started noticing that we had a lot in common and started talking on the phone. One of our first conversations lasted 9 hours straight, no exageration. We decided that we should meet about 3 months after we started talking, so I went down to Arkansas for what was supposed to be 2 weeks. I was supposed to come back home for my University graduation, but I ended up staying for an additional 2 weeks. He was driving to L.A. to a co-op position he had in the summer, so I bought a new return ticket from L.A. and went with him. Since I had just graduated and had no long-term plans at the time, when he was done with the co-op, I returned to L.A. and we drove back to Arkansas, stopping in Las Vegas for a few days. I stayed in Arkansas for 3 months. I found a job when I got home so we were unable to see each other as often or for extended periods of time.

Neither of us play WoW anymore. It was my first and only MMORPG. I'm glad that I played it though. smile.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-08 15:16:00
CanadaHow do you know where to apply for a SSN?
Sorry, I realized this was CR-1 after I had posted and everyone had quoted me. sad.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-20 13:19:00
CanadaHow do you know where to apply for a SSN?
editted to remove post.

Edited by eyoa, 20 March 2009 - 01:18 PM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-20 13:15:00
CanadaFor all the hockey fans here
I approve of this thread. good.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-20 22:07:00
CanadaDS 230 ????
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Mar 23 2009, 04:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eyoa @ Mar 23 2009, 02:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ZansGirl @ Mar 23 2009, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
#25 of the DS-230 asks: List dates of all previous visits to or residence in the United States. (If never, write "never") Give type of visa status, if known. Give DHS "A" number if any I am in the us at least once a month, if not more....and i always go to the same place, my husbands house...so what do I out there, becasue I cannot be 100% positive of each and every date over the last 2 years....


There was a debate over this a little while ago. Some people seemed to have put "too numerous to count" or something to that effect... basically since most Canadians live within 100 km of the border, or something like that, I think the CO will understand that we can't necessarily account for all trips to the U.S.
I entered the dates of major trips to the U.S. that I could remember. I also wrote something like "Numerous additional trips for shopping or concerts, not exceeding 2-3 days each."

I think they're basically looking for admission of an overstay, so being honest that you travel frequently should not pose a problem for you.

I'm too tired to look at your second question. I'm going to bed. Hopefully there is another nightowl around here. wink.gif


You must be very tired eyoa... laughing.gif I don't believe there has ever been a debate over this issue. And most Candians live within 100 km of the border?? blink.gif Ahem...don't think so!

OP...put down the ones you remember of course. TRY and be specific as possible. Just putting down that you don't remember, or too numerous to mention is just laziness. You could in addition to what you put down, put something about the numerous additional trips as stated above.

You don't put anyone accompanying you if your kid(s) aren't coming. They could care less about whether your USC spouse/fiance is arriving with you.


Yes, I was tired. It's 100 miles, not kilometers wink.gif
I don't know how accurate that is, I just remember learning it in school.

http://wiki.answers....f_the_US_border
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-23 12:19:00
CanadaDS 230 ????
QUOTE (ZansGirl @ Mar 23 2009, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
#25 of the DS-230 asks: List dates of all previous visits to or residence in the United States. (If never, write "never") Give type of visa status, if known. Give DHS "A" number if any I am in the us at least once a month, if not more....and i always go to the same place, my husbands house...so what do I out there, becasue I cannot be 100% positive of each and every date over the last 2 years....


There was a debate over this a little while ago. Some people seemed to have put "too numerous to count" or something to that effect... basically since most Canadians live within 100 km of the border, or something like that, I think the CO will understand that we can't necessarily account for all trips to the U.S.

I entered the dates of major trips to the U.S. that I could remember. I also wrote something like "Numerous additional trips for shopping or concerts, not exceeding 2-3 days each."

I think they're basically looking for admission of an overstay, so being honest that you travel frequently should not pose a problem for you.

I'm too tired to look at your second question. I'm going to bed. Hopefully there is another nightowl around here. wink.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-23 02:32:00
CanadaDS-230 - List Trips to the US
If they wanted to know your last 3 trips, I'd imagine that the question would be, "List your last 3 trips".

Use common sense. If you had any "major trips" that you remember dates of, then list them. I listed my main trips to the U.S. and included a blurb that said something to the effect of "Numerous 1-3 day trips for shopping and concerts, since I live near the border."
defunctFemaleCanada2009-02-03 02:13:00
CanadaShould I be worried, yet?
Sorry to hear that. sad.gif

I had a big setback in my case too which delayed everything by about 7 months, so I empathize and hope for a speedy journey for you from here on out.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-23 22:09:00
CanadaShould I be worried, yet?
QUOTE (TayL @ Mar 23 2009, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They haven't cashed the cheque. How long should I wait before getting worried that they're just going to send it back because something important got forgotten?


Just wanted to mention that cashing the cheque and receiving an RFE are not related, unless you forget to include the cheque of course, or make it out for the wrong amount.

I'm not sure if both service centres do things exactly the same, but an ex-USCIS adjudicator once posted that at the centre they worked at once the package arrives, they open it in the mail room, remove the cheque, and forward on the rest to the correct department for processing.

Edited by eyoa, 23 March 2009 - 06:24 PM.

defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-23 18:23:00
CanadaMedical question
QUOTE (TheATeam @ Mar 25 2009, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it depends on the doctor. I didn't even have to get out of my underwear at Dr. Morgan's in Vancouver. (I'm female.)


Yep same here. I did have to remove my bra though the doctor could feel me up a bit. wink.gif
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-25 14:08:00
CanadaVancouver Medical & Interview
QUOTE (borderdriver @ Mar 23 2009, 03:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As for Tdap, my family doc didnt have them (adacel)... i emailed the medical lab about this b/c i was over 10 years for my tetanus shot and the email said, "dont worry about it as you will not be able to get it within 2 years" blink.gif i have no idea what that means if Adacel wasnt available for 2 years (?). But my doctor said Adacel is not yet popular so it may not even be available for some clinics. Anyways, i printed the email just in case they make a stink on my medical exam.


I had to call around to find out anything about where to get Tdap Adacel. My doctor's office didn't have it and wouldn't even order it in for me because this is a U.S. vaccination which isn't really used in Canada at all... at least that's what it sounded like.

I tried going through the Health Authority but they directed me to the Travel Immunization Clinic, which charged around $55, so it sounds like trying to get a prescription is cheaper.

I have no idea what they mean by not being able to get it within 2 years. At my appointment, I just told them that I needed to go get it and they called the Travel Immunization Clinic to tell them they were sending me over.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-24 14:53:00
CanadaVancouver Medical & Interview
QUOTE (easytarget @ Mar 21 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Get an interview date from the consulate - hopefully it is on a Thursday or Friday
email the Doctor's office for an appointment - which is only on Wednesday's

go to medical on Wednesday,
go to interview on Thursday


When you send back the checklist, there is a space to write in a preferred interview date, so she could always write "The first available Thursday or Friday".

defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-21 19:24:00
CanadaVancouver Medical & Interview
QUOTE (TheATeam @ Mar 19 2009, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As for the missing immunizations, if she doesn't have a record of when she's had her shots, she should get her family doctor to do a titre test to show that she's had them, or she needs them. If she needs to have her shots she should be able to get them at her family doctor before the medical. Then she won't have to worry about that!


It depends on the immunization. I needed a Tdap, which my doctor's office did not have. If she can get them from her doctor, then that's obviously going to be easier/cheaper, but if not, then don't worry. The Travel Immunization office is within walking distance of the medical office and you can easily do both in the same day.
defunctFemaleCanada2009-03-19 17:35:00