ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Vietnamoff topic Favorite Vietnamese Food
I'm relatively easy to please...



Gio Cuon!
betazedFemaleCanada2009-08-25 02:24:00
Asia: East and PacificBiggest F*&C!K* UP EVER in history of VISA JOURNEY. HELP.
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Jun 4 2009, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (betazed @ Jun 4 2009, 06:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Perhaps a copy of the death certificate would help her case as well. I would like to think the US Consulate in HCM would be sympathetic towards an event like that.


Wow! You used "US Consulate in HCM" and "sympathetic" in the same sentence. I think that's the first time I've ever seen that here! whistling.gif

I hope you realize I'm just teasing. Please don't take it personally. The US Consulate in HCM is known to be one of the top 5 toughest consulates in the world.

Even though my ethnic roots are from VN/Cambodia, I was born & raised in Canada. Thus, the polite optimism whistling.gif
Ah, that sucks that it's a tough Consulate. I wonder if history has anything to do with it.



We're all looking forward to updates on this re-issuance situation.

Edited by betazed, 07 June 2009 - 02:29 AM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-07 02:27:00
Asia: East and PacificBiggest F*&C!K* UP EVER in history of VISA JOURNEY. HELP.
Perhaps a copy of the death certificate would help her case as well. I would like to think the US Consulate in HCM would be sympathetic towards an event like that.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-04 08:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMulti-Entry K3 info confirmation
Scratch that last post. I found the K3 FAQs. Ahh, too many ppl mixing me up cuz they're thinking about K1s.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-02 11:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMulti-Entry K3 info confirmation
QUOTE (payxibka @ May 29 2009, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
K-3 is valid for multiple entries until receipt of greencard or expiration of visa... the CBP person was absolutely correct.

I hate to be such a pain, but I've been getting very different responses since receiving my K3.

Do the rules change when one receives a green card (ie travelling in & out of Canada)? When I receive that, is that when I should get an AP?
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-02 08:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMulti-Entry K3 info confirmation
QUOTE (Reba @ May 31 2009, 06:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just ask anyone who moved to the US on a K1 wink.gif

Ohh yea, there were plenty of those in the waiting room mellow.gif. I can only imagine how they're handling the move.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-01 03:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMulti-Entry K3 info confirmation
Hey All,

I went to pick up my passport (K3 Visa enclosed). The Consular agent also handed me a package that has to remain sealed until I cross over. He also handed me an information page regarding the terms of my K3.

Turns out, I can definitely travel back and forth!

Can you imagine the torture if I couldn't, given how close Vancouver is to Seattle?

Edited by betazed, 31 May 2009 - 07:34 AM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-31 07:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMulti-Entry K3 info confirmation
QUOTE (TimandJoyce @ May 29 2009, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ May 29 2009, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (betazed @ May 29 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, at the end of my visa interview @ the Vancouver Consulate, the agent told my that my visa will be ready tomorrow. He also noted that a K3 Visa is a multiple entry one, so even after I cross with this visa, I can in fact come up back up to Vancouver anytime I wish to visit.

Me: "Even when I apply for AOS?"
Him: "Even then."
Me: "For how long?"
Him: "2 years, when the Visa expires. By then you should be in the process of the Green Card."
Me: "And when I receive that, can I still come back up?"
Him: "Yep. This is one of the perks of having a K3 Visa."


Can someone who is a K3 confirm or negate this?


K-3 is valid for multiple entries until receipt of greencard or expiration of visa... the CBP person was absolutely correct.

Cool!! Congrats!!! Does this mean you can keep you job for now??? *still wondering how all this immigration stuff works..lol*


I can definitely stay in the auxiliary pool. That is, if my direct supervisor is willing to keep me. A lot of ppl are pretty sad that I am leaving the full-time position, and he's been ripping me for the last 2 years about leaving.


In response to the confirmation: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! kicking.gif


betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-29 13:09:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMulti-Entry K3 info confirmation
So, at the end of my visa interview @ the Vancouver Consulate, the agent told my that my visa will be ready tomorrow. He also noted that a K3 Visa is a multiple entry one, so even after I cross with this visa, and have unpacked & settled in Seattle, I can in fact come up back up to Vancouver anytime I wish to visit.

Me: "Even when I apply for AOS?"
Him: "Even then."
Me: "What about when I'm in the process of AOS?"
Him: "Even then."
Me: "For how long?"
Him: "2 years, when the Visa expires. By then you should be in the process of the Green Card."
Me: "And when I receive that, can I still come back up?"
Him: "Yep. This is one of the perks of having a K3 Visa."


Naturally, I'm a bit weary of info, as I've heard way too many conflicting facts about the perks of this visa.
Can someone who is a K3 confirm or negate this?

Edited by betazed, 29 May 2009 - 01:00 PM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-29 12:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs K3 even worth doing anymore?
You know, I've often asked this question even before joining VJ.

My husband was getting very impatient with physically living apart especially since we've been married for a year. For him, the higher certainty to be able to be together faster (no USCIS agent would outright say that the CR/IR was just as fast in reality, just b/c something COULD happen) was what made him decide to go with the K3.

I really pushed for the CR/IR-1 for as long as I could. Not because in practice it is just as fast, but rather the idea that it would take longer (I really love Vancouver and my job), and all the benfits I would have when it finally arrives (ie. work authorization). As opposed to a possible 30-90 days wait for EAD, I would still be working with my job in Vancouver til the bitter end, and when I cross be automatically authorized to look for work.

But alas, my husband is stubborn and can be a bit selfish when he gets impatient. rolleyes.gif

If your circumstances allow it (ie: you have a full-time steady job), go with the CR-1/IR-1.
I can only really see K3 being an advantage (ON PAPER) if the distance between spouses is a few plane rides away, and the international spouse's quality of life in their homeland is considerably worse. But, the K3 is apparently being phased out, which makes arguments for the K3 moot.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-10 08:28:00
Canadawere any of you ever majorly stressing out over finances before leaving and when in the states
Fortunately I've paid off my student loan in full, so it's one debt I no longer have to worry about while in Seattle. I do have 1 credit card with a $500 balance left, but I should be able to pay that off as well by next week.

I'm very fortunate of my job. In terms of work, everyone's been sad about my leaving, but they understand that I got married to the guy I've been with even before I joined my job. They've been aware of this relationship for a good 4 years, and the marriage since last year. They did advise to give them "ample" notice; however, it;s because my job requires an enhanced security check & typing/general computer test prior to hiring anyone. Also, I also think they need me to train my successor on certain programs.

What I'm worried about is how long will I have to go without a job? Like many of the Canadians in the forum, the hardest adjustment will be from being in a full-time job to no job at all, especially with the economy in its current state.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 03:50:00
CanadaProud To Be Canadian...
My husband comes up quite often to spend the weekend with me. He's obsessed with Timmy Ho's chilli. Remember when they were offering it w/ garlic bread? He does, very vividly.

I will miss the food in Vancouver. To me, the sushi is the freshest (even compared to Seattle), the food has more of a kick to it, and....I love Aritzia. blush.gif and always will.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 03:27:00
CanadaWedding photos
^^ Thank You!
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-28 20:51:00
CanadaWedding photos
Our civil:


And our religious:

Edited by betazed, 28 May 2009 - 08:46 PM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-28 20:45:00
CanadaDesignated POEs?
During the interview wait, one girl asked if there was a particular POE that all Ks had to cross. I was surprised that there may even be such a case, because I was just planning on Pac Hwy.

Can anyone clarify this?
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-30 02:16:00
Canadawhy do people not listen when you try to give them good advice? VENT
QUOTE (MrsCat @ May 31 2009, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Krikit @ May 28 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Don't buy the KitKats in the US. They're horrible.


Have to agree, they disgusting here. Had one for the first time last week. yuck.

I've discovered this when I was about 11, and had to spend the summer in Seattle with my grandma while my parents travelled.

Ironically, I like their McDonald's filet-o-fish sandwiches better. Haven't decided about the fries, though.

domegirl1978, what's the update on your friend? has she upped & left Montreal already?

Edited by betazed, 01 June 2009 - 03:48 AM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-01 03:46:00
Canada...what a journey thus far...oh boy!!!
poprocks, what a rough start!!

Holy ####### is this the kind of thing I should expecting in 2 weeks???
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-07 02:16:00
CanadaCrossing a land border
Yes! This is exactly what I was wondering too. I now have a feel of what I can expect at my own land POE (Douglas/Pac Hwy) in BC.

One question though: Is it acceptable that my husband (& his car) accompanies me when I cross over? I'm just bringing my personal affects (clothes, shoes, bags, make-up/straightener/blowdryer, books), as my parents are turning my bedroom into a guest bedroom and aren't letting me take any furniture. I'm guessing that since its only a few boxes, we can probably use folded the backseats of both of our cars.

Any advice will be appreciated.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 04:03:00
CanadaHonda's Contact Info
I have both letters on the way. Yaaaaayyyyyyy!
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-17 17:01:00
CanadaHonda's Contact Info
Thanks so much, trailmix.

UPDATED: I've contacted both last Tuesday. Honda USA just called 10 min ago. Apparently Honda Canada still did not change the name of the owner (from my brother to me back in `06), and thus, Honda USA won't do anything until this info is updated. So aggravating. You would think all the copies of the registration and bill of sale I faxed over to both Honda offices would suffice them to make the appropriate amendments.

Naturally, I am weary about Honda Canada's lack of efficiency. I've had to call them again to make things right, and the agent is saying it should've only taken 24 hours for the updates.

Ugh, I should've known this would happen.

Edited by betazed, 15 June 2009 - 12:28 PM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-15 12:26:00
CanadaHonda's Contact Info
My letter has yet to arrive, and I'm slated to move on sunday the 21st.

Has anyone had any problems with bringing the car across while the letter(s) are in-transit?

Or, will I not be allowed to go through, and thus, should wait til they arrive.

Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-10 05:10:00
CanadaHonda's Contact Info
I'm going to be bringing my car with me when I move to Seattle, and was wondering if anyone can direct me to Honda's contact information so that I can get a compliance letter made.

TIA
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-27 07:24:00
CanadaGrocery Items Unavailable in the US
I didn't notice the food I'll be missing out on til rather recently.

My husband does, however, and he's American.

He says our McDonald's burgers tastes very different, as does our sushi --it tastes better, he declares.

Oh, and he's pretty upset that the US doesn't carry Old Dutch Rave Buffalo Wing chips. He grabs a big bag every time he comes over.

Edited by betazed, 22 May 2009 - 08:35 PM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 20:34:00
CanadaWearing shoes in the house?
My husband & I both grew up in a culture that forbade shoes in the house. So naturally, our apt is the same way.

Now that I'm older, it makes sense to take one's shoes off when entering the home.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-22 12:22:00
CanadaWhere are you from in Canada?
Vancouver, born & raised.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-21 07:20:00
CanadaFinally in Seattle
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jun 25 2009, 09:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Great! I shall meet you at the Starbucks! laughing.gif

omg, what have i started? lol.
ironically, i haven't had any starbucks since i arrived.
but i am missing timmy ho's.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-07-02 23:07:00
CanadaFinally in Seattle
Hey everyone!

Just wanted to update everyone that we arrived to our apartment in Seattle last night. Actually, we left the POE after receiving my I-94 in the early evening, and spent the night in & cooked dinner. The Immigration officers were very nice to me, and aside from waiting in line with all the other people who were brought in, our process took 45 min. I have no idea if it's because I'm moving here and have been through enough hassle these last few months, if I have a pleasant demeanor, or that I only had clothing & other personal effects in the boxes...regardless, they were sweet. I asked to make sure that it was alright that I come back in about 2 weeks to import my car (Honda USA's compliance letter has yet to arrive), and none of the officers found anything wrong with that. Once we moved my (few) boxes in, I called home to my family in Vancouver to let them know that I've arrived.

As some of you may recall, both my husband and I have been to Seattle many times growing up. I'm less than 10 minutes away from my grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and childhood friends on both his and my side. Actually, right when I submit this topic, I'm off to visit my grandmas.
While we do live in a nicer area than the aforementioned people, it's definitely an area that's deeply in the throws of gentrification whistling.gif . But my experiences as a newlywed in a new hometown has all the makings of a romance thus far.

Hope everyone's doing wells. Looking forward to reading your experiences of your lives Stateside.

Edited by betazed, 22 June 2009 - 12:18 PM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-22 12:16:00
CanadaWhere are you moving/living in the USA?
From Vancouver, BC to Seattle proper.

What can I say, I like what I know.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-04 03:24:00
CanadaFavorite Things About Where You Live(d)?
Before I even met my husband, I spent a lot of summers in Seattle with my extended family while my parents travelled. When it was the school year, I was cooped up at home, rarely allowed to go out late. I believe that this went on for so long (from birth until the start of college) that I've developed a dual personality, and each city brings out a different part of me based on my own experiences.

Vancouver:
the variety of food!
the multicultural mural the whole city presents.
the sleekness and prettiness of everyone and everything. i have never seen so many people wearing authentic name brands.
the guys take very good care of their appearances.
the girls take even better care of theirs.
it's lululemon and aritzia's birthplaces.
that i can go snowboarding in whistler, golfing in the westside, and dinner downtown all in one day.
it brings out a side of me that is very ambitious, and actually makes me work hard to improve on whatever current condition i'm in.
i find that i have a set of standards that are unwavering, and don't take it well when others can't meet them.

Seattle:
the fact that in the grand scheme of things, it's not drastically different from Vancouver.
the big emphasis on local art.
the Thai food!
America's coffee home.
the guys are much more approachable (in looks and in personality).
it brings out a much more laid-back, accepting nature in me. i don't freak out (as much) on minor setbacks, or other people's tardiness. i am very comfortable and content in my own skin. i tend to go more with the flow of my life at the moment.


betazedFemaleCanada2009-08-05 12:58:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
QUOTE (minnew @ May 31 2009, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Betazed- Congratulations on your approval! What time was your interview on Thursday? I was there around 2:30 pm to pick up my Visa, there was a whole bunch of people there waiting that I had seen at the medical a day earlier! I had to run and catch my flight so I didn't have time to chat! I got stuck in the long line out front for Visa pickup...then I realized holy ####### these people are just picking up Visa's in the lobby...not having to go all the way upstairs to the 20th floor, I need to ask if I can cut in line and the guard let me through. I have heard sometimes they don't. wacko.gif I was exhausted and not thinking straight.

Hm, I had my interview scheduled at 1:00pm, but we all didn't get out until almost 3:30pm, so you most likely saw me in that room. I was the one in the corner with the blue striped dress shirt & black slacks. My aviators were hanging obnoxiously on the front buttons of my dress shirt.

Funny enough, the next day when I went back to pick up my visa, the guards almost didn't let me in either. I think it eventually clicked that I was there to pick up my Visa, and after a couple seconds, they let me through. No wonder the Consulate agent told me to emphasize that I was to pick up my visa and not line up.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-01 03:38:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
QUOTE (TimandJoyce @ May 27 2009, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (betazed @ May 27 2009, 01:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My interview is this Thursday.

Best wishes!! I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Let us know!! star_smile.gif


...AAAAAAnd I'm back home.

My interview was just like all the other K Visa interviews that took place in Vancouver (you've read them already, so I won't re-hash). The main difference between myself and the other applicants in the wait room was that I was the only K3 (I was also the only one that lived in Vancouver, and because I came from work, the "dressiest"). I suppose that the agents sorting our paperwork & asking us the interview questions were so used to seeing K1's that day, that my case threw them off-balance for 15 min (how long they took looking for my "declaration" sheet amongst the piles).

Alas, once they realized I was a K3er, it went by very smoothly.

I think most of the questions that took longer than 10 seconds to answer had more to do with mine & my husband's ethnic backgrounds (we're both from the same indigenous ethnic minority from the Vietnam/Cambodia border). I didn't mind this much, as I've had to explain to almost every person I met about my ethnic background.

Other than that, everything was smooth. I think the only complaint is that I wished the agents had louder voices or used microphones. The whole room had to cup their ears to even hear their names being called.

I'm picking up my visa tomorrow afternoon!

Edited by betazed, 28 May 2009 - 07:29 PM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-28 19:28:00
CanadaAnyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?
My interview is this Thursday.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-27 03:13:00
CanadaWhich dress would you choose for a beach wedding?
NOT #3. I love it the most, but for a beach wedding, it would create too many minor annoyances (esp if you're in the sand).
betazedFemaleCanada2009-08-05 16:33:00
CanadaHow long after the interview did you wait before you got your visa??
Had the interview this past Thursday. Fortunately, I work close to the Consulate, and was able to pick it up the next day.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-06-01 03:26:00
CanadaIf You Could Choose to Live in Any State, Which Would You Choose???
I did choose WA, actually.
When we first started dating, he lived in PA.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-08-25 02:29:00
CanadaStories of Finding Employment
Its' been a while! My apologies, as much has happened.

As you can probably tell by my signature & profile info on the left, I've had a successful AOS interview, and am waiting for my PR card to arrive. I also have since gotten an SSN with the restrictions removed, and been on a mad job-hunt and series of interviews since Sept 8th.

This morning, I was offered a job that I thought I wouldn't stand a chance at getting. It has been quite a process!!

I hope if anything, this serves as encouragement for everyone in this process to be relentless, and NEVER GIVE UP, no matter what the circumstances may indicate.

I look forward to reading your adventures.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-09-30 11:11:00
CanadaStories of Finding Employment
How long was it for you guys before you got you were legally able to look for work?

They say 30 to 90 days, depending on a variety of cirumstances.

Edited by betazed, 27 May 2009 - 03:00 AM.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-27 02:59:00
CanadaStories of Finding Employment
QUOTE (TimandJoyce @ May 22 2009, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ May 22 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TimandJoyce @ May 22 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I read that a Canadian living in Washington somewhere, still crosses the border to go to work. That may be an option for you.
But as Canadians, don't forget, we CAN receive EI for the first 90 days after crossing the border, and again with the EAD. Check out the EI thread!! You can't imagine how good that feels!! biggrin.gif


Cannot leave the US while Adjusting Status after marrying...fyi


*slaps forehead!!* blush.gif blush.gif blush.gif blush.gif Right!! Silly me....ok..forget that!!! laughing.gif

However, what if you can work for them online!? Is that an option with them? I met a gal that lived on the mainland and moved to Comox Valley..*where I live*. She worked for a lawyer, and they liked her so much, they gave her an online job so she could do her own hours and work from home!! Look into that. Major dream job..to do some online..*a real job that is*...

Oh...I think the other Canadian that crosses the border was a CR-1 now that I think about it. Can't remember who though.

Quite alright. You meant well. My current employer is wondering if I can still come up, so they can just transfer me to the casual/auxiliary pool. I'd basically be filling in for my co-workers when they're on vacation.
Alas, other than the AOS issue, there's enough distance to make the commute draining in the long run.

Thanks again, everyone, for sharing your experiences.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 19:51:00
CanadaStories of Finding Employment
Thanks for letting us know about your own experiences. I'm definitely fearing my luck with finding employment with the recession. Even before thing got really bad, everyone has been suggesting that I not move for a while.

QUOTE (Carlawarla @ May 22 2009, 04:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think we need more information. I'm not employed, and haven't been looking for work so I'm the last person that could give you any information, but your question is very general. Yes, some experiences could give you ideas, but it might take a load off your mind if you could tell us where you're going to be living in the US and what area of work you're looking for, what education you have, and even what mode of transportation you'll have.


Good point! To specify:

+I'll be living in Seattle proper.

+I currently work a government job up here in Vancouver that deals with report-writing, investigations, accounts payables, and previously, employee benefits.

+I have a Bachelor's in Criminology from Simon Fraser. I had originally wanted to go into some form of law enforcement (prior to even meeting my husband), but my only goal now is to see how an SFU degree will fare in Seattle's job market.

+I will be taking my car with me when I move over to Seattle.

One thing I find an advantage is that I don't get too optimistic to the point where I'm delusional. When people ask "So what kinda work do you think you'll be doing down there?", I usually respond with:

"Making candles in a factory owned by Pottery Barn."

The scary thing is, I think that is aiming high these days.

betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 09:54:00
CanadaStories of Finding Employment
My main concern is finding work once I cross over.

So Canadians who have moved to the US, I would really like to hear about your experiences when it comes to finding employment, so the rest of us know what to expect.
betazedFemaleCanada2009-05-22 03:02:00