Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Moving, unaccompanied items	I used ABF back in 2010 and I did have to fax my visa and I-94 to them. Your goods can not preceed you so that is why you must provide the I-94, so if the CBP agent asks they can prove that you have already entered the US. Your visa alone does not prove this. Gah! Okie, I must of gotten a dud agent when I booked... I just called the local ABF office (not the 1-888 customer service number I called to book it) and they knew the score, I have to fax/email a copy of my visa and I-94 (+ customs form). Gave me all the numbers and such. YAY! Made it much easier than I thought it was going to be. Thanks all <3	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-13 17:25:00
Canada	Moving, unaccompanied items	That's what I thought too - that I need an I-94 thus me POE'n first. The moving company said it doesn't matter and they just need a copy of my Visa when they come to pick up my shipping container. Bleh, doesn't sound right to me.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-13 15:52:00
Canada	Moving, unaccompanied items	I'm moving via http://www.upack.com/ I found them searching around the Canada forums - anyone have recent experience with them? What I was confused about, is what they told me over the phone, plus with the paperwork they sent, I just need to do "U.S. Customs Form 3299 and Proof of Status/Citizenship - Visa, Passport, or documents that show you have legal permission to move yourself and your personal items into the United States." They said I just need to give that to the driver when they grab my stuff in Canada and that's it. I thought everyone had to fax back an I-94 once I've done my POE? I described that situation to them and they said I don't need to fax anything to them once I enter the US.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-13 15:26:00
Canada	DS-156	My lawyer misspelled my work's name and we didn't have time to fix the form before the interview. I brought my business card/work information just in case. During the part of the interview when they take your DS-156, I let the person know that there was a mistake on the form. She just corrected it on the form, it didn't seem like a big deal.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-13 20:07:00
Canada	Interview Questions	I did my interview in Vancouver earlier this month. I was just asked to say my fiance's full name. Also was asked what he did for work and where are we going to live. It was like a conversation as the guy flipped through my paperwork. At least those were the direct questions, I was adding and commenting on stuff the interviewer said as well. http://www.visajourn....php?entry=9288 ^ my review (slightly crazy) Please ensure they don't stuff you in the INSANELY long line up! Don't bring electronics, cosmetics (I'm still pissed off about losing my favorite tube of lipstick).. but really, just bring yourself and your paperwork. Security pretty much dismantled all the things in my wallet and purse.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-23 01:54:00
Canada	My YVR POE experience	Hey, I recently POE'd through YVR (Vancouver) and wanted to share my experience. I checked in for my flight 2.5 hours early (I usually show up 90 minutes early for my flights), which was on a 4pm on a Thursday. I came with 1 checked luggage (my stuff being shipped). I did arrive earlier than that as my Dad wanted a tour of YVR (for when he flys to see me) and eat Tim Hortons. Everything is pretty normal experience YVR flying to US wise - check in, drop off checked bag, go through some lines for them to check boarding passes, security (body scan HURRRRRRGGGG) and then I was in customs. I think I was on a slow day, so getting into customs wasn't too much of a wait. I told the first agent I saw who was delegating lines that I was entering on a K-1 visa. He directed me to a both off to the side to fill out a I-94. I had to wait as it was busy full of noobs who didn't fill out that blue customs form. There is an example taped to the both showing how to fill out the I-94 (which i failed at doing, I needed to enter "Vancouver" at one part instead of "Canada" - secondary didn't care and fixed it.) The first customs guy redirected me back into the customs lineup to see a customs officer. I had my passport, blue customs form thing, I-94 and my big DO NOT OPEN OR DIE envelope from the consulate. When I was up, I told the customs person I was entering on a K-1. She checked my boarding pass and passport and directed me to some doors behind her to go into secondary. Interestingly, I got to walk there on my own - most people there were escorted into secondary (guessing for other visas). In secondary there's a desk on the side where you "check in". The customs person there told me to take a seat, as I am scheduled to do an immigration interview. I sit down and watch people get escorted in and seated in some other area. I get called up and annoyingly its either to stand at a bank teller like booth set up, or sit in some high bar stool thing. The customs officer takes my documents, scans my passport/boarding pass stuff. He asked me questions on how long I've known my fiance, when we were engaged, what date do I have picked out for the wedding. He cracks open the DO NOT OPEN envelope, but to my dismay, it's just the entire K-1 package. He goes through each page and types lots of stuff in the computer. We get interrupted a bunch as the officer helped his colleagues, a couple people in secondary "purchased their Visa with their credit card online" and were totally scammed. Right after he's done the paperwork, my checked suitcase magically appears in secondary. He goes through the usual customs stuff on the blue form (entering with food/gifts/etc.) then opens my suitcase. Gahh.. I have no luck apparently, with the consulate security destroying my tampon now secondary pulling apart my suitcase. Pretty thoroughly checks all bags, pill bottles, opened all my makeup and zippered pouches. I had some embarrassing personal things in my suitcase and of course, there's no privacy in secondary - less than the consulate interviews - as it's all separated by glass and it's an open area behind the customs officers. After that is done, he deals with the paperwork, stamps the visa/sticks in I-94 and approves my checked luggage. Lots of talk of "You have to leave the US when X happens: I don't get married or I marry someone else" and leads me out of secondary, congratulating me on my engagement. Overall, really nice customs officers. I didn't time how long it took as my phone was off during customs, but I had 1 hour left until my flight started boarding, thus an hour to get through security and customs. I can see it being longer if one was flying on a more busy day, like on a weekend or holiday season.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-03 11:49:00
Canada	Tricky Vaccinations?	According to the list (I'm at the end of the age range for it), I'll need.. Tdap (Adacel or Boosterix) - ensure you get Tdap not just Td MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough). You need MMR Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed Influenza (only required during October - February, annually) My doctor didn't think I'd need any MMR boosters, I hope I can find them somewhere. I did have the flu shot last october and I had chickenpox as a kid. I was planning to get a tetanus shot. That's not so bad, then. Hopefully the requirement in Calgary is similar if we have a panel here (I thought I read there was one..Yeah I haven't recieved my packet 3 yet but I like to be a step ahead). I showed my doctor the list on what is needed, as stuff like TDAP they don't do in Canada for adults too often (my doctor had to research how much to give me). It may not be medically needed, but it is needed for your medical. Could try another doctor who might be more compliant. I overheard while i was at Woking medical people who missed their flu shot (it was flu season) or MMR lots of arguements of "My doctor said I don't need it and wrote it right here on the doctors note!" but yep.. have to come back with proof they got it to be done the whole process. Checking travel clinics, at least in BC, it was $10 to get an MMR booster. Some travel clinics have a cheap-o option to jusy have a nurse vaccinate you vs. a consult with a doctor on what you need (which is needed if you don't know what you need to visit like africa or asia). You can also hit up a health unit for vaccines but wait times might suck.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-26 17:55:00
Canada	Tricky Vaccinations?	At least for the Vancouver medical, you only need a select few for your age group see here: http://www.wokingmed...ccinations.html vs what is said in your Packet 3 checklist For my age group, I got varicella (blood titre first then 2 rounds of vaccines), MMR and TDAP + flu shot. My family doctor did them all over 2-3 months. Another option is a travel clinic. MMR was a problem for me because you need 2 rounds - at childhood and adult. I lost the childhood records, so I had my doc shoot me with another dose so I had a date for both shots.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-26 16:18:00
Canada	Moving personal belongings to US	Glad to be stumbling upon this thread : a woman with an antique shop in my home town travels to the states on a monthly basis to pick up articles and furniture for her shop. She offered to bring my stuff down in her empty trailer (since it's in the same area). I was wondering what was the procedure. I'll check out the form you've posted. Was it all you had to fill out in order to send your belongings? Yeah, 3299 form filled out if your stuff is coming into the US without you present. I also passed a copy of my Visa/I-94 to show that my stuff is allowed into the US. Probably varies for each area, but the shipping company said I might have to fill out some Moth inspection form for California, but I didn't have to in the end for my area (that or they failed, I have no outdoor furniture anyways).	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-05 16:14:00
Canada	Moving personal belongings to US	Gah! I emailed customs, but of course they didn't get back to me in time. I got one question I had incorrect (I checked 10c), but my stuff it in the USA now (but not in my hands). My questions to them: For the CBP Form 3299: Part II, 9c - is a fiance visa considered emigrating or visiting? Part II 10ac - do I check off both A(1) and C(1)? Part IV D - I heard I don't have to fill out (3) and (4) for K-1 Visa, Just provide a detailed list of what is in my boxes. Is that true? Their response: 1. Emigrating to the U.S. 2. You are considered a resident when emigrating into the US with the K1 visa-answer is 10 A/1. 3 You must complete the list of articles being imported into the US under Part IV-D.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-03 10:29:00
Canada	Moving personal belongings to US	Yeah, I was asked to fill it out and I thought it comes standard I have to if I'm personally not crossing with my stuff. There is parts the shipping company fills out though.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-25 16:28:00
Canada	Moving personal belongings to US	My POE is fast approaching and I'm stuck on parts of the CBP form 3299 "Declaration for free entry of unaccompanied articles". I'm having a moving company ship my stuff after I POE. I watched	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-03-25 11:47:00
Canada	Vancouver or Montreal for Interview?	Go with Vancouver if you can. When it was time to book my interview last month, I could get it scheduled in 2 business days, it was nuts.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-12 16:13:00
Canada	Paypal	I have a Paypal account in which I do business off of - I sell crafty stuff on Etsy and Ravelry. All the funds I get are in USD. However, I heard since I set the Paypal account up in Canada, I'm not able to add a US bank account to which I can withdraw funds to. Anyone have any experience with this or know a way to get around it? In the end, I guess I could open a new Paypal account, but it seems like a major PITA with having to use another email address.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-10 12:43:00
Canada	Coordinating Medical and Interview?	I did my medical/interview last month in Vancouver, availability was pretty good. 2 days in advance good. I scheduled mine a week in advance and there were no issues.	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-18 23:41:00
Canada	Ughhhh - AOS questions!	Yeah we got married at the courthouse and it says 6-8 weeks if applying by mail, not sure about if we got married there (hopefully less). But another VJ member who got married at the same place/on the same day (!!!) said something about 6-8 weeks, hence my freaking out. I'm going to call them tomorrow to double check. I thought the paperwork we had would be sufficient but it definitely isn't! I'm hoping they just say that 6-8 weeks to cover their butt if it takes long >__<	awkwardsoul	Female	Canada	2012-04-17 22:35:00
Canada	Comlex situation (for us) advice needed	QUOTE (Cassie @ Oct 17 2007, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (bradcanuck @ Oct 17 2007, 12:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My wife (the USC) still goes by her maiden name as that was her name when we filed the I-130 so we stuck with it. She is not going to change her name until the process is over. I am going in this week for an emergency AP, and my wife is applying for an expedited passport. The cost for that is $150 + AP which comes to $500. The problem is as soon as the interview comes in (January/February) she is changing everything that day basically. Will this cause problems if we want to travel and her Drivers License / SSN / all ID says my last name but her passport is the maiden name? Can she travel with a birth certificate for proof to get around that? What would you guys do? We need to travel before the interview is approved or else we would just wait. Thanks in advance. No, it won't be that big of a deal, in my humble opinion. All my US ID is in my married name, and my Canadian passport is in my maiden name. I always carry a copy of my marriage certificate to connect the dots if asked. When we fly, my tickets are in my maiden name. I haven't had a problem yet. I agree, carry the marriage certificate around. Should be all you need!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-17 11:16:00
Canada	Question about montreal after visa approval	QUOTE (kevin & Lee @ Oct 16 2007, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Regional package??.............the one that montreal requested on the paperwork they sent me. According to the paperwork its susposed to be express post, is that the same?? Help me QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Oct 16 2007, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Our interview was on Weds Oct 10, saw the package on the Canadapost tracking by mid Friday and received it the following Monday...me thinks you will need to hang around your old mailbox Would your current landlord mind checking your box for you until it's received? PS: ours was a regional package - Que to ON so that may have made a difference in how quick I received it....nothing say Montreal can't take a few days just to get it in the mail. Also i thought you had to sign for the package when it was delivered, not just placed in your mailbox. ???? QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Oct 16 2007, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Our interview was on Weds Oct 10, saw the package on the Canadapost tracking by mid Friday and received it the following Monday...me thinks you will need to hang around your old mailbox Would your current landlord mind checking your box for you until it's received? PS: ours was a regional package - Que to ON so that may have made a difference in how quick I received it....nothing say Montreal can't take a few days just to get it in the mail. Maybe this will help: I'm looking at my envelope right now. Mine was accepted at the post office in Montreal on Oct. 10, and was here in Vanc on Oct 11. I guess it took them a few days to get my package together On the back of the envelope it explains Regional and National. Regional: For use within a region of Canada National: For use between 2 regions within Canada Mine was a National, and was here within 24 hours of being accepted at the post office in Montreal, and I think I paid about $23.00 for it.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-17 11:24:00
Canada	Question about montreal after visa approval	I think depends on what province you are in. I'm in Vanc and the post office lady said mine would be National Expresspost, because of where I was. Someone else might have a different answer though. Yes, in the instructions, it tells you to make sure you get the "signature required" sticker, so someone will need to sign for it when its delivered. Edited by samaci, 16 October 2007 - 11:24 PM.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-16 23:22:00
Canada	Question about montreal after visa approval	You used to be able to pick up your passport/visa/envelope the day after your interview in Montreal, but they don't do that anymore. When you have your interview, they tell you to bring an Expresspost Paid envelope to leave with them, so they can mail everything to your home address. Some got theirs within days and others have waited up to 14 days. The express envelope has a tracking # on it, so you can track it once its accepted at the Montreal post office.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-15 20:33:00
Canada	APPROVED	Congrats!!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-18 02:45:00
Canada	Good Luck to jenmac75 & Melyssa	Oh, good luck to you both, and happy travelling!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-16 23:34:00
Canada	Interview Fun in Montreal	QUOTE (jenmac75 @ Oct 18 2007, 12:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lincoln81 @ Oct 18 2007, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sorry to hear about your delays but congrats on your interview! What did you say when asked what your fiance feels about u being a canadian? That WAS a weird question.... I think I said something like "Oh, he loves Canada!" What would the right response to that question be? "He likes how I say out and about and call a winter hat a toque?" Very strange... Glad you ae having a better day!! Those are the exact 2 things I get teased about "out and about" and "toque"... Everyone just sits and laughs their heads off at me!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-18 14:53:00
Canada	Interview Fun in Montreal	The clearance will be here in no time and you'll get your visa. The hard part is over. Keep your head up!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-18 02:32:00
Canada	Another Festivus Miracle	Congrats on the good news! You got lots of notice too!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-18 01:53:00
Canada	1 quick question b4 I go to my interview tomorrow	They might not even ask, but I would make a copy anyway!! Just in case. Like Flames said, you weren't denied, so you should be fine!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-22 11:52:00
Canada	Montreal Travel	Everytime I went somewhere, they said "Bonjour!!", and I said "Hi there!!!" back. From then on, they spoke English! (My hotel, airport, restaurants, taxi, etc)... You'll be fine.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-21 20:13:00
Canada	My POE with my IR-1	Thanks everyone. I was pretty darn sure she was wrong. Annoys me though, that they would give such wrong info like that. If I didn't have this site where I have learned so much, like I'm sure they are many others who don't, I probably would've filled out the application and paid more money and sent it off!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-22 11:44:00
Canada	My POE with my IR-1	QUOTE (flames9 @ Oct 21 2007, 06:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I don't know for sure, but I believe she is wrong!! I came in on a CR-1 (DEc 2004)and there was no more forms to fill out for work authorization!. My greencard came in about a months time! Regarding the SSN, by checking the box; works for some, some it doesnt! If after 10-14 BUSINESS days, no SSN, head to ur local SSN office and reapply. One can down the form off the internet and take it with ya Yeah, I know there is a 50/50 chance my SSN card will arrive. I'm just wanting to make this woman was wrong about the EAD.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-21 20:20:00
Canada	My POE with my IR-1	I activated my visa today at the border. AS she handed me back everything, I wanted to confirm that my SSN is "supposed" to be mailed out to me also, cuz I checked the box on whatever application it was. She said no. I have to go to apply for it, but, in order for me to work, I ALSO need to apply for an EAD, and she printed off the application and instructions for me. (I-765) I told her I'm here on an IR-1, and that I don't have to adjust my status or anything, and that I thought she was mistaken. She said that everyone has to apply for this to work now, and that they changed things a year or two ago, and hands me the forms. ????!!?!?!?!?! She also mentioned, not to lose my passport, cuz that visa in there is good for 1 year, especially since it will take 4-6 months to get my green card???!?!?!?!?!?! (Yeah, ok) She did looked confused a couple of times, as she was going through my stuff.... Please tell me she's wrong!!! UGH and AAAARRRRHHHGGG!!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-21 20:00:00
Canada	Made it...	Best wishes on your new life together!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-22 11:48:00
Canada	ANOTHER question...	I would come up with another option. Yes, it can be delivered fast if you are in Montreal, but that all depends on how long it takes them to get your package together and off to the post office. It was 5 days after my interview, that my package was accepted at the post office in Montreal, then in Vanc 24 hours later. You could end up spending alot of money on a hotel room, just waiting for it. I paid $800. for my flight to Montreal from Vancouver and I searched for 2 weeks straight. Your muliple city ticket sounds like a good price to me! But I know it sux having to go all the way there, spend the money, for a 5 min interview!!! Nothing like moving to another country and having more debt!!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-21 00:47:00
Canada	Name Change After Marriage...Seeking Answers!	QUOTE (trailmix @ Oct 16 2007, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (samaci @ Oct 16 2007, 10:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Even if you file the I-130 in her married name, it still asks for her maiden name or birth name. So, if some dicuments that you have to submit are in her maiden name, they will see it on the application form. I would file it in her married name, as you could be waiting approx 12 months to get the visa, and I'm sure by then, she will everything changed to her married name. All she needs to do is have her marriage certificate with her. Some places ask for it, some do not. (changing her DL, any bills, credit cards, bank accounts, etc).. I just got my passport renewed in Vanc, and I was able to pick it up exactly 14 days after I applied for it, for an extra $10 dollars. But if her passport isin't up for renewal yet, then all she needs to do is send it in to have her married name added to it. I think it was $12. and form to fill out. I think that's good advice samaci. She will need to get a new passport though. "You may no longer add your married name as an observation on a passport. If you wish to obtain a passport in your new name, you must apply for a new passport". Link AAAhh, good to know! I remember reading that probably a year ago, wondering how to change mine!! Thanks	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-19 04:05:00
Canada	Name Change After Marriage...Seeking Answers!	Even if you file the I-130 in her married name, it still asks for her maiden name or birth name. So, if some dicuments that you have to submit are in her maiden name, they will see it on the application form. I would file it in her married name, as you could be waiting approx 12 months to get the visa, and I'm sure by then, she will everything changed to her married name. All she needs to do is have her marriage certificate with her. Some places ask for it, some do not. (changing her DL, any bills, credit cards, bank accounts, etc).. I just got my passport renewed in Vanc, and I was able to pick it up exactly 14 days after I applied for it, for an extra $10 dollars. But if her passport isin't up for renewal yet, then all she needs to do is send it in to have her married name added to it. I think it was $12. and form to fill out.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-16 23:32:00
Canada	Does anyone who when visa are sent out in the mail?	You can enter your tracking number and add your email address and they will email you as soon as it has any action. Thats what i did.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-25 13:29:00
Canada	My MTL Experience	Congrats!!	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-25 01:07:00
Canada	CR1 MTL Waiting to Interview	I have met 2 people who both got thier visas last year. They both filed the K3 app's with their I-130's, and their I-130's were approved first. Both ended up going to Montreal for their interviews, and both lived in Vancouver.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-09-22 19:43:00
Canada	Overnight Delivery for Visa?	Once Montreal got my package to thier post office, it was here within 24 hrs. I just assumed thats what "express" meant, as in next day. Thats all it took from Montreal. It still took them 5 days to get my package there. Its a matter of them getting your package together, and how long it will take them. I would think it will depend on how busy they are, and how many others have to go out. I know the day I interviewed, there was at least 100 people waiting.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-10-23 22:35:00
Canada	interview letter	QUOTE (trailmix @ Oct 30 2007, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (stacy28ca @ Oct 30 2007, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Since Montreal is no longer taking phone calls, i had sent them an e-mail regarding my interview date and They responded Your interview date is Nov 5th and you will be recieving a letter in the mail. Well it is now Oct 30 and i have not got the actual interview letter from their office as of yet. I have emailed them but they have not got back. Is this normal not to receive the letter this close to the interview date ? Is there certain instructions included in the appointment letter ?? Someone posted this pre-interview instruction letter the other day, hope it helps and good luck with the interview, be sure to let us know how you get on! http://travel.state....P-ENGL-0704.pdf That link is to the same intructions Montreal sent me. and to Stacy, if you haven't received your letter by your interview date, print off all the emails between you and Montreal and hi-lite the date. Thats what i did, just in case.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-11-01 23:10:00
Canada	Do most USC attend Consulate interviews with their fiances/spouses?	I went alone too.	samaci	Not Telling	0	2007-11-01 23:00:00