ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaAny recent Vancouver K3 Interview dates booked?
I don't know if this is typical or not, but I got my interview 2 weeks after completing packet 3. MUCH faster than I had expected.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-05-20 13:32:00
CanadaRe-entering US with K3
I've been travelling back and forth each week since I received my K3 visa, both before and after applying for AOS. I have not had any problems.
Some border guards like to us the US Visit procedure and fingerprint / photograph me, others don't seem to care. I do get a stamp in my passport now, that is about the only difference.

Emily
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-07-16 12:32:00
CanadaCanadian Bank Accounts
I've noticed the same thing Reba!

It feels weird to have to fill out a deposit slip at the bank!

Also, it seems to me that the BOA online system is pretty behind the times as it can take several days for a debit transactions to show up. I'm in WA and I know that WA and ID are on their own system. Maybe it is better for the rest of the country.

Sorry to hijack, but does anyone know if WAMU is better for online banking?
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-08-25 18:40:00
CanadaCanadian Bank Accounts
What part of Canada are you in? Coast Capital savings has a no fee account and I have only great things to say about their customer service.

https://www.coastcap...quing_Accounts/
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-08-25 18:08:00
CanadaThe Vent
QUOTE (Lili @ Mar 11 2008, 07:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (EmilyandJason @ Mar 11 2008, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Lili, I'm sorry to hear you are having such a tough time.

I feel similar - I just want a real life.


Spill it out "EmilyandJason". It feels so much better afterwards.

*hugs to you*


I considered it but then realized the topic was "The Vent" not "The Rant" .. lol so I'll try and behave devil.gif

I'm having one of those dark days where I am so frustrated I just want to scream. Some days are fine .. and some are ... not.

The problem is mainly that we researched the options after we were engaged in June and in the end we decided the CR-1 was really the best option for us. Jason is just starting up his career and we couldn't afford to have me unemployed while waiting for AOS. At the time we were told that the CR-1 would take about 9-10 months to complete. Obviously we were misinformed. It is hard to swallow that the K1 really would have been SO much faster. It is also hard to see so many approvals for people who filed after us. Not that I am not happy for them, but it has me concerned that maybe our I-130 is sitting on someone's desk who has gone on holidays or something. We've also had so many touches in the past few weeks I'm worried that maybe they've found something wrong. I don't know what it could be .. but you never know.

I feel like my entire life is on hold while this process is going on. I barely have time to do anything other than obsess about this because I'm traveling every weekend to see Jason. During the week I'm busy working overtime hours to make up the time I leave early on Fridays.

I also feel like nobody really understands how I feel, even Jason. My sister actually was insenstive enough to ask me how married life was. Unfortunately for her, she asked me on a "dark day". Jason, of course wants to be with me more than anything. I feel he isn't affected the same way as I am because he is both starting a new career and living with his parents to save money. I'm doing something I've been doing for years so don't have the same distractions ... and I live alone.

We really want to just start our lives together .... we want a family! I know pretty much everyone here has felt this way and gone through this purgatory of seemingly endless waits.

I know I just need to hang in there and when it is over, this truly will feel like a bad dream.

Edited by EmilyandJason, 11 March 2008 - 09:40 PM.

EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-11 21:39:00
CanadaThe Vent
Lili, I'm sorry to hear you are having such a tough time.

I feel similar - I just want a real life.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-11 21:18:00
CanadaThe Vent
I know the feeling .. I keep thinking a bottle of wine will solve it .. well at least precipitate the crash .. but nooooo ... nothing is that easy.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-07 02:01:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
I agree with Neiks, if you can afford it go with either a CA/CGA or a CPA depending smile.gif It honestly doesn't cost much more than H&R block.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-10 01:58:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
QUOTE (Emancipation @ Mar 8 2008, 08:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone know what the non-resident withholding tax rate is that I need to use for the Schedule C - Electing under Section 217?


SOOO Confused... wacko.gif


I'll look into it and get back to you ...
I feel a bit sheepish being an accountant and all but I really have zero experience with international tax issues. I'm guessing if you didn't set up your income to have the 25% NRT (non-resident tax) you may not have the option of electing under 217. I'll re-read the stuff and see what it says.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-10 01:16:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
It wouldn't let me edit .. weird.

I wanted to just add:

This shouldn't affect your Canadian return and will have no affect on you at all unless you were qualifying for the GST credit, if this is the case your husband's income may put you over the income threshold and you would stop receiving the credit cheques.

Sorry, I don't have a ton of time at the moment to think on this. I can't recall off hand what the guide says ... can anyone else give it a shot?
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-07 19:31:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
I believe you would use the his world income from the time you were married.

Sorry, I don't have a ton of time at the moment to think on this. Can anyone else give it a shot?

I'm away for the weekend but can look at this in more detail on Monday if you've not got an answer by then.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-07 19:23:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
Here is a really useful tax guide:

http://www.cra-arc.g...56/t4056-e.html

The 216 return is for a non-resident who receives Canadian source rental income.

The 217 return is for a non-resident to elect to file a Canadian return.

A lot of people have asked how to include their spouse, this guide provides that answer as well:

enter your spouse or common-law partner's net world income for the part of the year you were a resident of Canada.

For the year you emigrate there are special instructions - you file one return for the year. You have a choice - claim income only to the date you left, or claim it for the whole year. You do not received provincial tax credits for the period you were a non-resident.

Special instructions: http://www.cra-arc.g...html#P192_20253

Hope this helps.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-07 17:14:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
Yes, if you are living in Canada, mail as normal to your tax office.

You do need to include your spouses world income for the period that you are a resident of Canada.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-05 15:41:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
QUOTE (trailmix @ Mar 4 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (EmilyandJason @ Mar 4 2008, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah, I didn't look at my program before answering that. In the past I have used programs that you have to manipulate to get them to do what they want.

The one I use is professional, its good. I just click the spouses income is not zero box. I shouldn't do any posting before I've had my coffee ...

Hope I didn't confuse anyone.


NP happens to me all the time laughing.gif

I hope it isn't Cantax tongue_ss.gif



Nope, I've never used Cantax except in school. I use Profile.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-04 13:21:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
Yeah, I didn't look at my program before answering that. In the past I have used programs that you have to manipulate to get them to do what they want.

The one I use is professional, its good. I just click the spouses income is not zero box. I shouldn't do any posting before I've had my coffee ...

Hope I didn't confuse anyone.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-04 13:10:00
CanadaIncome Tax question
This is a lot like my situation!

Does the program let you put "non-resident"? If so, make sure that it isn't giving you the spousal credits. With the program I am using, I have to enter in enough spousal income so that I don't get the extra credits.

Are you planning on mailing your return? If so, just include a short note explaining the situation.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-04 09:43:00
CanadaGrocery Items Unavailable in the US
QUOTE (Udella&Wiz @ Feb 19 2008, 02:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (EmilyandJason @ Feb 19 2008, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've been unable to find any sunrype products. I really like their veggie/fruit bars and juices.

Also, I've been a ittle weirded out by the fact that rockets are called smarties.


have you tried Trader Joe's or Whole foods market?

For those of you who like DARE cookies and crackers, I was surprised to see these at Trader Joe's too! Considering I used to live right down the road in Kitchener from the factory

Also Whole Foods Market 365 brand ketchup.....not a bad imitation of Canadian Heinz...slightly different, yet very good. and no High Fructose CS. $1.99/ decent sized bottle



I'll be in Seattle on Saturday so I could check then, unless anyone knows offhand!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-02-19 17:57:00
CanadaGrocery Items Unavailable in the US
I've been unable to find any sunrype products. I really like their veggie/fruit bars and juices.

Also, I've been a ittle weirded out by the fact that rockets are called smarties.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-02-19 17:38:00
CanadaWhat's For Dinner?
Marilyn - That sounds really good, I'm going to try it later this week. I make something similar but use just soy sauce, honey and garlic. I think the worchester and lemon will make it a little more interesting.

Udella - I'd love to see your wonton soup recipe ...

Tonight I am having dinner at White Spot (which I despise) with my Mom .. the last two nights I was too exhausted to cook and had just cheesy noodles (yep .. bland .. and bad for me).
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-05 19:10:00
CanadaCanadian/U.S words & pronounciations
US -------------- Can

root (rhymes with soot) vs root (rhymes with boot)

roof (rhymes with woof) vs roof (rhymes with ... uh .. oh poof!)

trash vs garbage

restroom vs washroom, bathroom etc.

bum vs street person


One US saying that I find odd is "She's hungrier (or whatever) than all get out!"

I had a good giggle at the garburetor (sp) thing, I've been laughed at for that one too.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-02-26 22:05:00
CanadaCanadian RRSP withdrawal and our US taxes
[/quote]Hi ,
If you still have a bank account in Canada make the withdraw from RRSP into that account and then make the withdraw from your bank account whenever you go to Canada.
Doing this US gets nothing but you get to pay something back to Canada from the amount you decide to take out from your RRSP
[/quote]

(I messed up with the quote button)


If you do this, you will have to pay Canadian withholding taxes and you will have to file a Canadian tax return. The place where you make your RRSP withdrawal will issue you a T4RSP slip and a copy will be sent to the CRA. If you aren't a Canadian resident this isn't the correct way to do things and can cause multiple problems.

When you withdraw funds from an RRSP, your financial institution withholds the tax. The rates depend on your residency and the amount you withdraw. For residents of Canada, the rates are:

10% (5% in Quebec) on amounts up to $5,000;
20% (10% in Quebec) on amounts from $5,000 to $15,000; and
30% (15% in Quebec) on amounts over $15,000.
For funds held in the province of Quebec there will also be provincial tax withheld. For more information on Quebec withholding, contact your financial institution or Revenu Québec.

The tax rate for non-residents is 25%. This is a flat rate and you don't have to file a Canadian return.

Edited by EmilyandJason, 05 March 2008 - 06:38 PM.

EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-05 18:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 to NOA2 Timeline
QUOTE (kitty loves moudi @ Feb 24 2008, 10:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hyd617 @ Feb 24 2008, 04:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (scatluri @ Feb 24 2008, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My case is also uploaded online. The NOA1 that is received in the snail mail says that it is received in December and the notice date is February 1st.

But online it says it is received on Feb 1st. Does anybody have this condition?

Thanks,
Sobhan


ihave the same condition as you too!! uscis received my petition for i130 in ocotber and i got the notice in january but online in they system it says we received you app jan 11???????????

im gona cal them first thing monday mornning!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP IN TOUCH!!


Congratulations Germanchick on your recent approval!! good.gif

My case online also gives January as date of receipt instead of October. I think they will go with what the NOA1 says.. check on Received date, it should reflect the day that u know they received it, and online it just reflects the Notice date. But it won't hurt to call them to confirm.


I'm in the same boat. My I-130 was received September 10th, but the receipt notice on-line says Dec 28th. I've been advised that they are supposed to honor the actual date received. I'm curious to see what they say.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-02-25 02:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 to NOA2 Timeline
Hi

Could you add us to the list please?

I-130 rec'd Sept 10, 2007 NOA1 December 28, 2007

Thanks!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-01-18 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase status - last updated date
Thanks for the fast replies.

I wasn't sure if it just meant it was added to the online system or if someone actually looked at our application forms.

So that is good to know.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-01-28 13:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase status - last updated date
Does the last updated date mean anything if the status remains unchanged?

I am merely curious as our case was updated Jan 21, 23, 25 and 27 without any change of status. Furthermore, from anything I can tell they are currently approving late July / early August filers right now.

Any input would be appreciated!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-01-28 12:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about 2007 taxes while having spouse under CR1
Based on my research (IRS website and various publications) a non-resident alien would only HAVE to file if they earned US source income. You can choose to file though, I believe.

In my case, I live and work outside of the US so my husband cannot claim me as a dependant, I have no US source income, therefore I am not filing.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-02-05 22:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYay! Approval Notice
Congrats! That is wonderful news.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-06 22:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F K3
I hope we both do!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-14 15:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F K3
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 14 2008, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (kalaks @ Mar 14 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is it true that if you filed for a K-3 visa after your I-130, you are kicked back in the line???? I applied for K-3 four months after the I-130 since it took that long to get a NOA1 for I-130???


It appears that when the two petitions get put together, USCIS uses the I-129F receipt date as the priority date for both petitions, so yes.



Sorry to confuse, my post was in response to pushbrk.

Would you mind explaining why you think this?

I've tried searching timelines and it appears, to me at least, that there are people who filed both petitions who have not had their priority date adjusted.

Kalaks - I am as confused / concerned as you are.

Hopefully we get our answers soon!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-14 15:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F K3
Would you mind explaining why you think this?

I've tried searching timelines and it appears, to me at least, that there are people who filed both petitions who have not had their priority date adjusted.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-14 15:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRecent I-130 approvals
I did a timeline search and found there are at least some that have a I-130 NOA2 where a I-129F was filed. I searched only those filed after September 1st to avoid confusion with the old system.

I haven't found any evidence that suggests filing a I-129F will slow down processing of an I-130.

I noted that pushbrk commented in another threat that this was the case. Pushbrk could you please let me know how you arrived at that opinion?

I'm getting worried about the processing of my I-130 ....
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-11 18:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRecent I-130 approvals
I'm trying to determine if the filing of an I-129F has, in fact, delayed processing of the I-130.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-11 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe're approved!!!
Congrats! You've had a long wait, I hope the next part goes quickly for you!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-11 20:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan someone help me with this document
QUOTE (pinky pam @ Mar 6 2008, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am turning 18 year old this march 2008. So i wont be minor anymore which could be a plus point for me what do you guys think?



NOw I really want to take time and thank all of you for your great advise and help. I do have these followig thing in my posession.

1. A copy of my passport in which time stamped the dated entry of visiting india

2. Pic of myself and my fiance not together but we do have some

3. I dont have any pic together with my fiance before marriage Due to custom and social problems in india
they dont allow girl sand boys to be together even after engagment

4. I do have ticket and boarding pass of india still with me

5. I might have some recipts of shopping from shops when i was with my fiance in india

6. I do have some relatives and close friends who can write a statment which can be notarized by court of lawyer in india which show they where together with me when i was in india

anything else could be help please keep guiding me



I ALSO HAV VIDEO OF MY ENGAGMENT WHICH I DONT THINK USCIS CONSIDER BUT WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK I SHOULD SEND THEM COPY OF THAT DVD ANYWAY? OR NOT?


I think you should send them your tickets, boarding passes, receipts and passport (photocopy your passport only) and keep copies of the rest, and send them this ASAP so it doesn't hold you up.

All you have to do is provide evidence that you have been in each others physical presence within the last two years.
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-07 01:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan someone help me with this document
Do you have any proof of your trip to India? Airline ticket stubs .. stamp in your passport?
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2008-03-06 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 vs IR-1 / Cr-1
Thanks for the info.

Just to clarify a few things:

1. DCF is not an option unless spouse lives here in Canada with me
2. K3 is not any faster or cheaper than K1 (both require AOS)
3. IR-1 / CR-1 is much slower than K1 or K3, but is cheaper, because no AOS required

:blink: I think ... I may be catching on ... after reading that comparison 3 times :dance:
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2007-08-02 21:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 vs IR-1 / Cr-1
Would anyone mind giving me a plain English (brief) description?

I've read the comparison guide and the various flow charts .. I'm pretty new to all this lingo and could use a hand.

Our situation is:

I'm a Canadian citizen, living and employed in Canada, my fiance is an American citizen, living and employed in the US.

I am an accountant and would plan on working in the US (legally of course).

We can easily arrange to get married if that will speed anything up.

I'm just not sure which route to follow.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!
EmilyandJasonFemaleCanada2007-08-02 21:06:00
CanadaVancouver Embassy Review (Sept 2nd)
Sorry for the ignorance, but I have just gotten back into researching the IR-1 process, and Montreal used to be the only place an interview was done. Are they now doing interviews in vancouver for us westerners?

I see the Vancouver Consulate no longer accepts the DCF (I-130 petition)

Thanks

Edited by BruceC, 14 September 2011 - 01:38 PM.

BruceCMaleCanada2011-09-14 13:37:00
CanadaIs this the process for me?
Excellent, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
BruceCMaleCanada2011-09-15 17:44:00
CanadaIs this the process for me?
So since canada no longer does DCF via the local consulates, I am wondering what the full process is for IR-1? We both are in Canada and will apply (I-130) from here to the Chicago Lockbox, but then where does it go from there?. Is this process still valid http://www.visajourn...wchart_v1-2.pdf

It seems there is some confusing info in various wiki and other posts as it has now changed (Aug 15, 2011)as to the route in a case like mine.

Thanks all
BruceCMaleCanada2011-09-15 14:34:00