ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaRecent cross country move with U-haul

Has anyone recently moved cross country (approx 2500 miles TN to AB) using a uhaul truck? We are going to be moving back to Canada soon and wanted to know approx how much it cost in gas? we are looking at either a 17 or 20' truck.

Thanks!


http://www.visajourn..._1#entry5305044
Not sure if I mentioned in my review - for my move from Vancouver to Southern California, ABF charged me $1200. I did estimate with Uhaul at the same time as ABF in March and it was $1700 O__O WTH
My flight was $300, so I saved $$$.

I swore last year I did an estimate and it was $200-$300 more for ABF vs. Uhaul. I dunno what happened there.

I'd personally calculate flying costs + using a pod vs. uhaul + gas + food + lodgings. Guessing if you are bringing extra people/critters it might even out.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-27 10:01:00
CanadaCanadian Favourites
What!?! There's no wine gums?? I just asked my husband and he thought I was talking gibberish! NOooooo!

Now I'm missing wine gums. And president's choice - they had amazing salad dressings, chips, ice cream.. Ooooh man PC Butter Tart ice cream!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 especially with a scoop of that on pie for double the pie!
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-05-02 22:08:00
Canadabring cell phone to the interview
Vancouver consulate was similar in no electronics/etc, but they also made me throw out my cosmetics and liquids in my purse - which was not listed on their website.

I would just bring yourself and your paperwork (and a simple wallet with your ID/money/etc). The more ####### you bring, the longer you are there stuck with security searching and taking apart all your things.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-05-11 17:08:00
CanadaVaccines.. ugh
http://www.wokingmed...ccinations.html
You need MMR, 2 rounds.. unless you are 50. I had emailed Woking before I did mine and they said 2 rounds. Sucks I know, last minute I had to run out and get a second MMR as I lost records for childhood.

Varicella is 2 rounds for an adult as well, if it turns out you aren't immune. Should be okay as long as you got the shot series started (if not done in tiem for you medical), but you'll need them finished for AOS I believe.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-05-08 22:34:00
CanadaPacket 3
We had an employment letter confirming employment/wage/position. Tax stuff with W2s (just 2010 as my husband didn't have his 2011 taxes done at that time). And I believe around 4 to 6 recent pay stubs. We didn't bring bank stuff (not sure if it wasn't necessary or for self-employed only).
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-30 20:14:00
CanadaPacket 3
When I did mine, I got a letter in a few business days that was Packet 4 - packet 4 was dated the day after I sent the fax. They move fast. I didn't confirm the fax, but you could email them (2 business day response from what I heard).
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-23 16:03:00
CanadaWhat do you like best about Tim Hortons?
I always get either Timbits or a honey cruller. For less sweet food their cheddar cheese bagel is pretty good - also like their sandwiches and soups. It's my ritual when I'm in YVR to eat Tim Hortons before I get on the plane.
Interestingly, I'm not much of a coffee drinker but there are only 2 ways I drink my coffee: Tim Hortons (small, double double) or my future father-in-laws french press coffee.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-03-27 11:50:00
CanadaFinishing my Move
https://help.cbp.gov...d/421/kw/moving

You got 10 years to move your stuff.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-21 19:42:00
CanadaHow have you changed?
I'm more active, lost weight and became stronger since arriving back in end of April of this year.

I started lifting weights with my husband 3 times a week and we started going to brazilian jiu-jitsu 5/6 times a week - and it's great as the main BJJ Gracie school is nearby! I bike the Los Angeles Bike path thing (painfully) and bike to the store, since I don't have access to a car when my husband is away. I think it's since I get stir-crazy/cabin feverish being stuck at home all the time, going out and being active helped me get around cabin-fever.

And I'm definitely more tanned (and sometimes burnt, I never needed to wear sunblock before now).
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-05-30 17:38:00
CanadaHAPPY CANADA IN THE US
HAPPY CANADA DAY!

I got my homemade nanamio bars chilling in the fridge and drinking DavidsTea "Oh Canada"! http://www.davidstea...oibos/oh-canada
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-07-01 10:53:00
CanadaCanada day Acros America
OMG I want free Canadian stuff and was thinking of doing something for Canada day! Thanks for the link!
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-06-06 12:25:00
CanadaABF moving review
I moved my stuff from Vancouver to Southern California with ABF - wanted to toss out a recent review of the experience for anyone who is interested.

I was living in a 1 bedroom apartment, very little furniture (3 foldable tables/desk, 1 chair) was to come with me. I decided on the relocube option.

Doing the estimate was easy online - which is sent to your email. I emailed them back a few times to see other options which are cheaper:
http://www.upack.com...small-moves.asp certain days are cheaper, also good to check Terminal-terminal price vs. having them deliver to your door. Keep in mind, they date you set it to is the date they DROP off the cube/trailer.
I moved mid-week, used Door-Terminal and it cost $1200 + change. They charge your credit card when your stuff is in transit to its destination. For my circumstance, it looks like an extra $200 to drop it at one's door each way vs. you pick up at terminal.

When I went to book it (having the estimate done already) they said they prefer 1.5 month notice vs. my 3 week notice. They were still able to secure me a relocube. Phew. When you book you can set the time they drop off.
From there, 7 days before they drop off you can cancel before you are SOL fee'd if you cancel.

I was nutty in when I was packing I taped off my carpet to see how much space I had in the relocube - be sure to check the measurements - take note to the height too.
I chose the 8am-12pm drop off time and they came at 11am.

They didn't mention the extra ####### you need for the relocube:
Pad Lock - there was none. I thought they had their own + I can put my own to be extra secure. You can put a pretty mean pad-lock on it. You DO NOT need to give them the key. They said they don't want it for reliability plus if customs wants in, they are just gonna chop the lock off. Though, I was reassured as long as my customs paperwork is fine, they won't hack up my cube.
Tarp/Bungee cords - if you aren't packing the cube tight and to the ceiling you NEED this. I got lazy and passed.

Since someone else is moving your stuff - they need customs form 3299. It's a pain to fill out and slightly confusing. I emailed customs but they replied late - thread here http://www.visajourn..._1#entry5275191 so check out the form, ask questions ahead of time to get it right. I also did the inventory/value for all my boxes as part of the 3299.

So - I had some headaches around them with my K-1 visa. On the phone with the main booking number they didnn't think I needed to fax in my I-94/stamped visa. I knew this was ####### so I called the local office and they said they needed my paperwork or my stuff wouldn't leave.
The local office gave me their email/fax to send in my I-94/Visa/customs form 3299 once I'm in the US.

When it came for pickup - you need to call the local office to set a time. Maybe I did it last minute since I called them once I was done packing it up, for the next day. Though, they really dropped the ball on picking it up. They were supposed to come the next day in the afternoon, but called me to say they were running late. I said it was okay to do it the next day in the morning, but no later than that. They didn't come that morning. I called them from the airport and they said "We are sending a truck right now" and this was 3pm. With that said, there was no sense of urgency for them to pickup - but they also knew they weren't moving it until I got my paperwork, but I was worried about break-ins to my cube.

I sent my paperwork the next morning and was told it would be moved that day (Friday), but it didn't move until Monday. The quote was for 3 business days but it arrived Thursday.

On the California side, they were great to arrange a moving time, since we were going to the shipping yard to unload my items. We took a few trips and the staff there was very nice.
Since I didn't tarp/bungee my stuff all the boxes were tossed around and others crushed. Please keep that in mind if you have lots of breakables.

Overall, the relocube concept was great and cheap (uhaul quoted $500 more not including food/gas/hotel for the drive). Found the local office I dealt with more knowledgeable on the customs process but customer service was kinda #######. The office I dealt with on the Southern California side was great to deal with. My stuff arrived in one piece but later than I was expecting.
I think I would of prefered to move with my things because form 3299 sucks to fill out and I'd get my things sooner, but I think I would of done it this way no matter what because of price.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-16 10:34:00
CanadaLots of questions for Vancouver interview
1. at the interview, they want a photocopy of your birthcert. I brought the original only and they asked for a photocopy and I was like "omg what?" but they photocopied it for me. So bring the original + copy.

3. no. But consider paying the extra fee at Woking for extra copy of your medical incase they lose it for when you are doing your AOS.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-07-19 04:57:00
CanadaWhat Are You Reading?
Currently Reading: 50 Shades Freed (I've been going through the series - 50 Shades of Grey)
Twilight fan fic gone... well... adult then name scrubbed.
Last series I just finished was the Hunger Game series too - I made my fiance (now husband!) take me to the movie and he liked it - now he's reading the books! HAHAHHAAHAHA!

Favorite Book: I have to choose? Probably a Lynsay Sands.. mebe "Single White Vampire". I dunno, I mostly read trashy romance.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-21 19:51:00
CanadaPassport renewal + AOS in progress

Does your passport have your I-94 in it? When I had my AOS interview they wanted the I-94 back. Also, the IO crossed out the K-1 visa and wrote AOS through it. So in my experience, having the passport was necessary.

Did you receive any notices indicating where your file is? If it was transferred to CSC you probably wont have an interview. Otherwise, you probably will. You can get a good idea by studying AOS time lines for your local office as well. Some offices rarely have AOS interviews, others almost always do. For example, my local office is Denver and it seems like everyone ends up with an interview. If you think you'll get one, I would make sure I had my passport.

Passport Canada will give your old passport back if you request it. There is a check box on the application. They gave mine back last time I renewed.

Are they seriously raising the fee to $260?!


Here are the new rates for passports http://www.ppt.gc.ca...x.aspx?lang=eng $260 if you aren't in canada for a 10 yr, 5 yr is $190.

My passport does have my I-94 in it, along with my K1 visa. I've been checking online on the USCIS case status thing and nothing comes up - bleh, I guess I need to call them to see what is going on. I haven't heard anything except my EAD coming in the mail.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-12-29 20:58:00
CanadaPassport renewal + AOS in progress
Hey all,

I'm in the process of waiting for my GC (via K1 and filing for AOS). I got my EAD combo card recently. Now that I can get outta this country, I would like to finally go on our honeymoon cruise before the summer before I start working. But, my passport is close to expiring, June 2013 - luckily before the passport fee hikes up to $260 this July. We haven't booked anything yet, and not sure to get the passport now or after our trip.

With no word from my GC progress, if I sent off my passport for renewal and I got called in for my GC interview... would that be a problem if I was lacking my original passport with my visa stamp? or lacking a passport entirely?

If I filed for a new passport now, would they 100% return my old one if I asked?
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-12-29 01:11:00
CanadaCanada Student Loan
Doesn't effect the visa process, though there's some hiccups once you are out of Canada.

If you are in repayment assistance - being out of canada one doesn't qualify you for it anymore.

For repayment, they do accept US checks but cannot auto-pull your payments through a US bank account. So, either you pay with a canadian bank account, or mail in US checks. What works for me, since I'm too lazy to wire money around to my Canadian bank account, is mailing 6 checks for 6 months of payments at a time.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-02-13 19:20:00
CanadaCheap & reliable moving company

I went with http://www.upack.com...g-container.asp

and got a cube. Kind of depends how much stuff you have and how far you need to go. I only had a 1 bedroom apartment and it all fit in the cube. I moved last year and figured out it was cheaper to go this way for me and fly down, vancouver to california, than uhauling it because of gas + driving time. Also upack gets cheaper if you can get your stuff from their lot vs them parking it at your house and moving during the week.

 

Though, if you go with your stuff unattended, you will need to fill out customs forms for unaccompanied goods.


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-04-27 14:17:00
CanadaAOS APPROVED!

WOOOOOT! Hmm, it's a few years for ROC, right? Until then, go on vacation? 

 

(hopefully they get to my case sooon!)


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-06-05 19:17:00
CanadaWhy did you pick K1 vs CR1? (for Canadian beneficiaries)

Another vote for K-1 - I was based in Vancouver, and didn't want to fly out the Montreal for the interview. Just seemed like a pain in the butt and costly (though, I didn't run the numbers if a lack of AOS > going to Montreal costs).

Also, while in the K-1 process, it was hella annoying of having to explain everyone "I don't know when I'm getting married, whenever my case is processed" vs. I can see being more annoying explaining why one isn't living with their wife/husband. Twice now, my husband has met people are in LD relationships, and they think simply getting married gives you an instant greencard without paperwork, fees and wait time.

 

 


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-06-17 23:49:00
CanadaInventory list

I had contacted customs about listing my articles with CBP Form 3299 (my things being shipped without me there) and they told me to put the value of each box, completing all of Part IV - D

 

Another person I knew who did a move from Japan mentioned to me you could even get away with $1 value listed for each article.


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-07-07 01:38:00
CanadaMoving belongings to the States

I shipped mine via upack in a moving cube - I only had an apartment worth of stuff, so not much. I did have to fly in first, and once I arrived, fax in my visa/customs forms before the shipping company could cross the border with my things. 

I was considering uhaul, but cost of rental, gas, 22 hours on the road so lodging and food was much more than having a company ship it for me and a plane ticket.


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-06-30 09:43:00
CanadaPast drug use

I wasn't asked at the medical or interview last year, nor did it come up at my AOS. I worked as an alcohol & drug counsellor when I lived in Canada and my work did come up in my medical/interview (I figure I had a mixed chance they'd ask as 1. many drug counsellors are ex addicts or 2. drug counsellors = don't use). Though, it would be easy enough of a question for me to deal with as I never used any substances. 

 

Has anyone been asked about this recently at their interview/medical? 

 

However, I was warned by a number of friends who all knew someone who was denied and told to reapply after rehab (for just admitting to using pot in the past, geeze!) in a year or two. If you are super worried, have her get a note from the doctor claiming she does not use substances/hasn't used in X years/not addicted to anything - I'm guessing that be the best evidence she can get her hands on - and only give it if asked.


Edited by awkwardsoul, 28 July 2013 - 03:04 PM.

awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-07-28 15:03:00
CanadaHappy Canadian Thanksgiving

My husband and I are smoking a turkey for canadian thanksgiving! My husband's favorite holiday is thanksgiving, so he's super happy to have an excuse to have two thanksgivings. I'm gonna make nanaimo bars and butter tarts too!


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2013-10-12 10:03:00
CanadaUgh, I need a rant...

Ewwww! I got out of my Telus contract (internet) due to moving, which was great! They even brought it up that I won't be charged any cancellation fees. 

 

For Bell, I did not pay $500 thats for sure, more like $200. I left BC in 2012.


awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2014-06-16 20:21:00
CanadaCanada Immigration and K1 Guide for Vancouver
This is great, thank you!

I should be getting my NOA2 soooon and I was curious of the process. Hoping that part where you waited 28 days before packet 3 could be sped up.. guessing one needs like a number or something off that letter?
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-01-24 01:33:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread

Did you ever apply for EI? Even though a k1 can't collect until you get EAD--one still has to apply ASAP. could always cal them and ask.


I applied before I got married, but haven't done anything after that. I'll call them.
Then yeah, I tried logging in, but it hates my access code and overall issues trying to get into my account online.

Edited by awkwardsoul, 16 November 2012 - 02:02 PM.

awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-11-16 13:54:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread
I entered on a K-1 and it took me 6 months to start my AOS paperwork, would I still get benefits, or did I take too long to apply for AOS?
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-11-16 12:57:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread
I filled out my EI application. Really annoying with the parts with being out of Canada. That and twice having to fill out why I moved/why my partner is far away.

It's like:
No, I can't commute to work from where I am, that is a 20+ hour drive. No I can't move back within 48 hours to take a job in Canada as it defeats the purpose of living with my partner and my visa. No will not be back to Canada soon.


/end EI rant
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-04-10 13:29:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread
Question: Would EI mail me the cheques into the US? I don't have any issues waiting longer for the money to arrive vs it going into a Canadian bank account.
I really don't want to keep a Canadian bank account around unless I really have to.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-03-19 12:00:00
CanadaThe Canuck EI Thread

? not sure if anyone has been in this situation or not....just found out im pregnant. awaiting noa-2 close to 6 months now..
can i go on mat leave and continue to collect while in the us?
thanks..
if nto what would you guys do?


I got a similar question too. I'm a little worried I might get bumped/laid off and I'll go on EI... and I figure they wouldn't let me collect EI when I leave Canada, but wondering if my EI payments would resume once I'm legally able to work in the US.

Edited by awkwardsoul, 20 November 2011 - 03:32 AM.

awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2011-11-20 03:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny Aug K-1 Filers got their case approved??
check this thread
http://www.visajourn...rs/page__st__90
theres been a couple so far... I wish it was me.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2011-10-02 15:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?
I picked up my Visa package today from DHL! I was happy it took only 2 business days to get it after the interview, WOOOT! Vancouver consulate works fast, that's for sure.

Now to pack my stuff <3
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-03-12 23:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?
I was approved at my interview today! YAY! OMG I can't wait to quit my job!
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-03-07 15:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?

guys do you still have the link of the possible questions during the interview? can you share it to me please.. thanks


I compiled my own list out of various websites. I always forget my fiance's birth year and age >_<
I took out questions on children/ex marriages as they didnt' apply to me when I compiled this list.

Possible Interview Questions for K1 Visas


What is your fiancé’s name and age?

What is his/her birth date?

Where does your fiance live?

Does your fiance live in an apartment or own?

When and how did you meet in person?

How much time have you spent together?

When did he/she visit you here? Did he/she visit more than once?

How do you communicate with each other? How often?

Why do you want to marry him/her?

What do you love about your fiance?

How and when did your fiance propose?

Do you know your fiance's friends?

When and where are you going to have the wedding? wedding plans? guests? honeymoon?

Did you have an engagement party?

How do your families feel about your plans to get married?

What is your fiance's occupation? How long has your fiance been there and salary?

What are your fiancé’s hobbies?

What kind of food does your fiance like?

Does your fiance have siblings?

Where did he/she grow up?

Are his/her parents still living? Where do they live?

What ages are his/her parents?




Questions about beneficiary

What is your birth date?

Where were you born?

What is your nationality?

Have you ever been to the US? How long and where did you stay?

Do you have any relatives in the US?

What is your profession?

Why are you getting married in the US?
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-02-25 22:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?
I just booked my medical - waiting to hear from them on what date I get. My packet 3 is almost done, I-134 has been a challenge to fill out.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-02-17 01:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?
Yesss! I got Packet 3 today!

Man, it does move pretty fast now.. finally
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-02-14 00:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?
APPPROVED!!! Today, Jan 26th!

I got the email only (no texts despite signing up for it) at 7:30pm! YAYYAY!

I've been checking my status frequently for a couple days, I had that feeling it was coming! <3
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-01-26 23:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?
Uggg come on CSC! I know this has to be my week for my NOA2!

My fiance and I are freaking out checking our phones/emails/UCIS site non-stop the last few business days as I've been seeing approvals for around my date on VJ.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-01-24 12:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny August filers?

My fiance and I filed in July and I will be sending in Packet 3 today. I'm hoping next week I'll be able to schedule my appointment on the CSC website. I've been looking through the stats and can't see the answer I'm looking for. Does anyone know or have you heard anything about the appointment wait time in Montreal for those who are trying to schedule this month?


ask in the canada forum, http://www.visajourn...orum/93-canada/ montreal is an ongoing issue for wait times apparently.
awkwardsoulFemaleCanada2012-01-11 14:42:00