ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

 

Please update us once you have paid the AOS, there should be a check-box to the right to the Pay Now link, check and see if there is check-box to the right of the Pay Now link for the IV Fee, if there is no check-box you don't have Access to make payment for the IV Fee.

 

What you have described is exactly what I saw once the DS-261 was review and completed.
 

 

Well you were right.  Paid AOS today, and no box to the right of the IV fee.  That's okay.  Just got the transcripts ready and finished the I-864EZ.  This is feeling creepily easy.  I am feeling like I'm forgetting something, lol.  Well, I guess I will see what happens after they have processed our payment.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-09-27 18:41:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

Please read timelimes in the future. Thanks :)

It always has been. Takes up to 60 days for the ds-261 to be added to the case file and the IV bill to be invoiced.

 

ah, so even though it says "Pay Now" for both, likely it won't let me.  Not surprised if it won't.  We won't likely be ready to pay AOS until the weekend, and we will see what happens then.  I am cautiously optimistic, but I am a realist too.  I will post back here if anything new or weird happens, but as always, all cases are different.  I am prepared to wait...


DualieFemaleCanada2014-09-24 09:37:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

Thanks. That is what I expect to happen and I can't see why it wouldn't happen.

Good luck everyone.

I continue to stay POSITIVE and focus on good ENERGY here.



 

Hi Robbie!!  Good to see you here!  Yes, we are keeping it positive for sure.  It seems like the movement at NVC is a little more consistant, so maybe things will be a little quicker than we thought!

 

Cheers!!!   :)


DualieFemaleCanada2014-09-23 23:22:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

 

Was your petition/application submitted for Expedited service?

 

No, I did not appy for expedited service.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-09-23 23:19:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

 

Please update us once you have paid the AOS, there should be a check-box to the right to the Pay Now link, check and see if there is check-box to the right of the Pay Now link for the IV Fee, if there is no check-box you don't have Access to make payment for the IV Fee.

 

What you have described is exactly what I saw once the DS-261 was review and completed.
 

 

I will do...I haven't paid anything yet as I didn't expect it to come so quickly, and yes that was exactly what I saw after after I submitted the DS-261.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-09-23 23:17:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

Iv fees becomes available when the ds261 is been reviewed and this takes 2-4weeks. The fact that ds261 status indicates completed does not mean that nvc has reviewed it.
From the new system, nvc recommend submitting both aos and iv package as one package if you have them ready, or as separate package when ever each is ready but early enough with same oas cover sheet to review both package same time within the 60days time frame. Inbetween the 60days time frame, iv fees window will then be opened for iv payment. At this time all you need is to pay the iv fees,fill out ds260 and wait for case completed or checklist at the end of the 60days. This was what nvc operator told me and I did same thing and it worked for me. I always recommend people to call nvc and find out things them selves.

Nvc processing is entirely diffirent for expedited cases. Nvc expedite means by passing nvc straight to US embassy or consulates overseas and these varies from countries to countries.


 

Hi,  I just thought I would post my experience on here for others to get an idea of what could become normal (maybe?).  I called NVC for a case number on the 16th (last Tuesday, I think).  They told me they had received my case on the 10th but it wasn't entered in the system yet.  On Friday the 19th I got a forwarded email from my husband with a case number and an invoice ID number.  I went online (same day) on the link provided in the email and logged into CEAC, and the DS-261 was there.  I filled it out and signed it, then submitted it.  The site said to give them 3 to 5 days to review it.  I thought BS because of what I have been reading on VJ.  Checked it now just for giggles and, low and behold, both the AOS and IV fees say PAY NOW.    Now...that was fast!! I figured at least a month!!

 

It's kind of freaky...

Looks like they really do want both packages at once.  Haven't even touched a DS-260.   I'm thinking that things might be changing.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-09-23 19:55:00
CanadaName change - Passport and ID issues

Thank you all for the great advice!  I definitely will renew my passport early with my new name and opt for the 10 year one.  Everything else should be a piece of cake from there.  Thanks again everyone!


DualieFemaleCanada2013-09-13 09:39:00
CanadaName change - Passport and ID issues

Thanks so much JnJ13, that is what I thought but I didn't want to take any chances.


DualieFemaleCanada2013-09-12 08:56:00
CanadaName change - Passport and ID issues

Hello all

 

I am very new to posting here, but I have been lurking for a while.   This site is a God send.  My story in a nutshell...my USC manfriend and I plan on marrying in the near future.   I pretty much know the drill now thanks to VJ, but I have questions regarding the name change thing.

 

I will be taking his name once we are married.   We will just do it one weekend while I am visiting him down there.   I am wondering whether it is wise to change over my Canadian passport (along with all my other ID) to my married name.  My passport expires at the end of 2015.   I am just concerned about confusion at the border while on visits while I am waiting for my visa to clear.  

 

Any advice and words of wisdom would be welcomed.  Thanks in advance!


DualieFemaleCanada2013-09-12 08:34:00
CanadaContinue to work in Canada?

  Not to mention the gas money you'll save and car wear and tear.  That's a long road trip if you're doing it almost every weekend.  Once every few months wouldn't be bad, but all the time would be too much.  Yes commuting would be out of the question as well with that distance.

 

  But if you get the money anyways, then probably best just to leave and move on from there.  It might actually save you money doing it that way with gas prices and all that time you spend road tripping there...

 

Yes, and it's already getting hard on me and we haven't even started the process yet.   Fargo is growing fast and there will be plenty of jobs in my field to keep me busy until I was to retire for good.   The pensions I have here in Canada and CPP will do us just fine.   No sense in killing myself for a few extra bucks in a pension.

 

Thanks for your time and advice!


DualieFemaleCanada2013-12-05 09:14:00
CanadaContinue to work in Canada?

Thank you warlord.   I was thinking that this would be the case.   I am strongly leaning toward just leaving the position altogether as I don't think it will make that much of a difference money wise in the pension (I get the money anyway), and I am tired after nearly seven months of the weekend commute as it is.   Thanks so much for your input!


DualieFemaleCanada2013-12-04 12:12:00
CanadaContinue to work in Canada?

Thank you for the responses everyone.   I have been doing quite a bit of reading on here.  I love this site.   I am sure we will be able to manage without a lawyer, and I have read quite a few threads where folks have been able to visit during the visa process.   Just  gotta have your ducks in a row.   He and I have loose ends to tie up before I move down there anyway so we figured the CR1 was the best option.   I just have to decide whether the pension is worth all the commuting.   He may not even want to entertain the thought..

I am just feeling out my options where that is concerned. 


DualieFemaleCanada2013-12-03 21:49:00
CanadaContinue to work in Canada?

Hello everyone!  I don't post on here much yet, but my journey will be beginning soon as my fiancé and I will likely tie the knot by the end of this month.   I did look through the forums to see if anything like this has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything.   So, at the risk of redundancy, here is my situation...

 

I am the Canadian (soon-to-be) beneficiary, and I currently work at a large college in Winnipeg.   My fiancé and I plan to file for CR1 early in the new year.   He lives in Fargo and we have been doing the long distance thing basically since we met six months ago.   My dilemma is : I have been in my present position for going on 8 years.   By the time we get through the process it could very well be another year (give or take).   My pension will kick in at ten years (if I leave before that I will still get mine and the employer's contributions back in form of an RRSP).   My question is : when we go through the CR1 process, and if I am granted permanent resident status, is there a process by which I could apply to be a permanent resident in the US but continue to work in Canada?   I haven't decided yet whether I even want to continue the three and a half hour drives to and from Fargo and Winnipeg for another year or so after the fact.   I am just wondering if there is a process, and if so what it is.

 

Thank you in advance for any input and insight. 


DualieFemaleCanada2013-12-03 15:22:00
CanadaMailing out I-130 packet from Canada

Thanks for the quick replies guys.  Much appreciated.  Out it goes tomorrow!! :)


DualieFemaleCanada2014-01-28 18:28:00
CanadaMailing out I-130 packet from Canada

I am positive I saw a post regarding mailing the I-130 packet from Canada on here but I have spent the better part of the day going over all this stuff and I can't find that post to save my soul.  Hubby and I got everything together while I was in Fargo on the weekend and then realized that a document was up here.  And then there was the blizzard...and our timing went out the window.

 

I am back in Canada and he had to go out to the oilfields for a month, so I have our packet all ready to go.   I am sure someone on here said you can mail this from Canada but my confusion sets in where the address is concerned.   He is from North Dakota, so if it were mailed from there it would go to Phoenix, AZ.  Now, there are two addresses for this : one for USPS deliveries, and another for non-USPS deliveries.   I would GUESS that this would be a non-USPS delivery, but then I read a post that that is for courier companies.  Canada Post, I am sure, is not a private courier company.   THEN, I read an address for OUTSIDE the US which is a Chicago lockbox.  I am confused now because I am not sure if that means if the petitioner lives outside the US, or if it's just the packet coming from outside the US.

 

If you all understand all this, I commend you.  My question is simply...which address do I send it to from Canada?   My brain is mush, I apologize...

I am eternally grateful for any answer at this point :)


DualieFemaleCanada2014-01-28 17:10:00
CanadaDual Citizenship - Yay or Nay?

Thanks so much.  I have had no luck with Google, it just directs me to archival stuff.  Canadian Forces site said you can write in or fax in a request but they don't tell you who to send it to or where to send it.  I think I will call Veterans Affairs.  Failing that, Service Canada..

 

Thanks for your help!

 

*update* Your link to collectionscanada had the application I needed.  Thanks so much!*


Edited by Dualie, 07 February 2014 - 03:18 PM.

DualieFemaleCanada2014-02-07 15:14:00
CanadaDual Citizenship - Yay or Nay?

Hi Flames!  Maybe you can help me on that.  I have been trying to find out how to obtain those records, as I lost my UER several years ago.  There has to be a way to get a hold of copies somewhere.  Do you know anything about that?  Can you point me in the right direction? (I got out in 1981 so they were all paper records back then.  Dating myself, hahaha)

 

Thanks in advance!!


Edited by Dualie, 07 February 2014 - 01:51 PM.

DualieFemaleCanada2014-02-07 13:47:00
CanadaDual Citizenship - Yay or Nay?

I am not there yet, but I do plan to eventually become a US citizen.  I will ALWAYS be Canadian because I was born a Canadian, however most of my immediate relatives are US citizens and I spent the greater portion of my childhood in the United States (long story, and I may tell it here one day).   Because of this, becoming a citizen will make things a lot easier with regard to transferring properties and things like that.  The America I grew up with is a lot different than today's America, and it makes me sad to see some of the things that are going on, but as a previous poster said, Canada has her issues also.  I grew up feeling like I always had on foot on either side of the border, and allegiance for both sides.  I served proudly in Canada's Armed Forces while my siblings served in the United States military.  Ours is a family with strong ties on both sides, so for me it makes so much sense to make it easier on myself and become a citizen of both countries.  I want to become a citizen of the country where my fondest childhood memories are, but I will also always be Canadian.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-02-07 13:30:00
Canadasomething funny

I get nailed by my husband every time I let an "eh" slip out!  Thanks for sharing this, I had to share it on my Facebook!


DualieFemaleCanada2014-02-12 15:01:00
CanadaTomorrow I leave to get married...

When my husband and I decided to get married during the holidays, we knew I would be returning to Canada a married lady.  That being said, when I crossed the border (by car, mind you) at Pembina, ND, I only answered what they asked (always).  They don't need any details and if they do, they will ask.  They asked the purpose of my visit, and that was to "visit my fiancé".  I ALWAYS carry my car lease, six months of bank statements, employment letter, apartment lease to prove ties to Canada... and they have never asked to see anything or questioned me further.

 

It is not fraud to enter the US to marry, only with intent to stay.  Answer only what they ask for, always be truthful and pleasant and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Congratulations and good luck!


DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-06 13:21:00
CanadaPolice Checks Question
Thanks so much NLR. It never even occurred to me that I would need one from there until I began reviewing the wording of the guides. Thanks for your help!
DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-08 08:58:00
CanadaPolice Checks Question

I have had a gazillion police checks done in the last 10 years due to the work I do.  CSIS clearance for Transport Canada, biometrics, so they have all that happy stuff on file.  I am just a little worried they will want me to go to the German Police for one, as we lived off base when we were over there.  I hope not...not that I did anything remotely nefarious over there (except party a little too hard sometimes..lol).  I just think it would be a difficult hurdle.

 

If anyone has any knowledge around this sort of thing, I would be grateful. :)


Edited by Dualie, 07 March 2014 - 09:15 AM.

DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-07 09:13:00
CanadaPolice Checks Question

I lived in Germany in the 80's for three years, with the military.  I wonder how that would work.  Does anyone know?


DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-07 09:09:00
CanadaPolice Checks Question

So...while I am doing the long wait I am trying to be proactive and get together all the documentation I am going to need for the next step in the process.  Have ordered the long form birth certificate and military records.

I have lived in several places in Canada, being military and all, and my question is : Do I need to provide a police check for every place I have lived in Canada?  It states that I need to provide a police check for every place I have lived longer than six months since age 16, and this could be a tall order.  I just want to double check here before I undertake such a task, in case something has changed, or if I am misreading it somehow.

 

Thanks in advance!


DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-06 16:48:00
CanadaTiming of Medical and Police Certificate

Thanks NLR.  Good to know!


DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-27 10:29:00
CanadaTiming of Medical and Police Certificate
I was also under the impression that Canadian Police Checks are only good for six months, as I have to get them every few years for my license for work. Winnipeg Police Checks are only good for six months. Are RCMP checks different?

**Edit**
I just noticed the word certificate. Is there a difference?

Edited by Dualie, 26 March 2014 - 03:01 PM.




DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-26 15:00:00
CanadaPros and Cons of getting US Citizenship as a Canadian
I am not even a Permanent Resident yet, but I definitely plan on becoming a US citizen. I am a very proud Canadian, proudly served my country for 9+ years, and my heart will always be Canadian. I have very strong ties in the United States, my half siblings and step fathers are all American citizens, and I spent the greater part of my childhood growing up in America. In my mind, Canada and the US feel like one big country with a cultural line in the middle.

Like others in this thread, I feel the pros vastly outweigh the cons where having dual citizenship is concerned. The words referring to renouncement refer to allegiance, they don't insist that we renounce citizenship,(I believe, correct me if I am wrong). Anyway, my family is so blended that it makes total sense that I become a citizen if for anything else, ease of travel and residence.

I grew up thinking I was American (until I was told otherwise in my teens), and so I have a strong allegiance to both countries. To be a citizen of both countries would be an honour and a privilege. Just my two cents (even though we don't have pennies here anymore, lol!)

Edited by Dualie, 27 March 2014 - 10:26 AM.





DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-27 10:23:00
CanadaHas anyone here had to get a PCC from Germany?

Has anyone here had to obtain a Certificate of Conduct from Germany?  I have basically hit a wall and I am hoping that someone from the Canada forum has done this before and can help me out.  Here is my issue :

 

I lived in (West) Germany from 1983 to 1986 while we were stationed there in the Canadian Forces.  I have contacted the German Consulate in Toronto and was given the information from the website of the Federal Office of Justice in Germany (see below).

 

 

Fees

The fee for each certificate of conduct is 13 ?. Payment may be effected by sending a cheque, or by transfer to the account of the Federal Office of Justice given below:

Deutsche Bundesbank - Cologne Branch -
IBAN No.: DE49370000000038001005
BIC/swift No.: MARKDEF1370
Purpose:  (file reference of the event - if known - or the forename and the surname of the person making the application)


All cheques must be made out in Euro and be drawn on a German bank. Fees levied by foreign banks for cashing a (foreign) cheque are to be added to the fee for the certificate of conduct. Questions relating to payments by cheque and their fees can be answered by the respective foreign bank.

If the amount is transferred, the carbon copy of the transfer order is to be forwarded to the Federal Office of Justice ? if possible ? with the application to issue the certificate of conduct.

The certificate of conduct cannot be issued until after receipt of the fee or on presentation of proof of payment (section 8 of the Judicial Administration Costs Law [Justizverwaltungskostengesetz ? JVKostG]).

 

 

I went to my bank (RBC) to transfer the fee, but they can?t/won?t without the account holder?s name and the German bank?s address.  I contacted the Consulate again and explained this and asked if they would accept a bank draft from the RBC in Frankfurt (not a German bank, but RBC?s corresponding bank).  All I got back was the above information yet again.  Yes, I can read.  Didn?t answer my question.  I can?t call the number on the webpage as it is an international number (my phone is my work cell phone and I would get killed), and there is no email address available for inquiries.

 

 

So, I have googled the Deutsche Bundesbank and got the Cologne Branch address.  Would it be a stretch to assume the name on the account would be the ?Federal Office of Justice?, much like how we make our cheques out to the ?Minister of Finance? for things like passports?

 

Any insight would be helpful.  Just want to get this rolling as I am guessing it will take a while to process.   Thanks in advance!


Edited by Dualie, 27 March 2014 - 02:48 PM.

DualieFemaleCanada2014-03-27 14:47:00
CanadaWhat to Bring to Medical

Check out the Wikis here on VJ.  VJ member Saylin has a couple of really good guides to follow about the NVC process and they cover medical, also with active links to the required vaccinations.  Good luck! 

 

(I would supply the links for you but I am dumb with that sort of thing..lol!)


Edited by Dualie, 03 April 2014 - 12:33 PM.

DualieFemaleCanada2014-04-03 12:32:00
CanadaVisiting the us
Just tell them the truth. I live in Winnipeg and visit my husband in Fargo, ND nearly every weekend, and I answer only what they ask and bring all kinds of documentation to prove strong ties to Canada. It sounds like you have enough to prove this, and once you have filed and received your NOA1,carry all your relevant paperwork with you. You shouldn't have a problem, although remember that your admittance to the US is always at the discretion of the border guard you are speaking with.
DualieFemaleCanada2014-05-05 23:05:00
CanadaBanking Recommendations?

My husband just added me to his account, also got me a credit card, I didn't have a social security number at the time.  


I still live in Canada but my husband was able to link a joint checking account for me at Wells Fargo that I can use anywhere. It totally depends on the bank I believe.

DualieFemaleCanada2014-06-22 13:01:00
CanadaImmunizations REQUIRED for Medical/Immigrating?
Here is a link with information on which vaccines he will need at his age. It's much cheaper to have a family doctor give them beforehand, or so I hear.

http://www.visadoctor.ca/usa


DualieFemaleCanada2014-07-11 12:50:00
Canadafinding pc food products in the us

Many years ago I was in a upscale grocery store in Phoenix and to my amazement saw several kinds of PC foods products.
 
Now that I will be moving to Nevada I'm wondering what the likelihood is me finding them there. 
 
I love PC products and can't bring shiploads with me when I move.
 
Has anyone found any PC products in the states?  If so, I'd love to know which states and what stores.
 
Thanks.








Wow! I love PC products and I never even thought to look for them in the US, thinking they wouldn't be available. Now I MUST check out the Target, etc. in Fargo to see if they are available, given the proximity to the Canadian border. :)

DualieFemaleCanada2014-07-18 11:08:00
CanadaCan my spouse still work in Canada after moving to the US?

Hi there.

 

I checked this out as I had an opportunity to do this, however when you are an LPR you must spend more time in the US than in Canada.   I would have had to commute on weekends which places me in Canada more than in the US, so my circumstances the answer is no.  But as previous posters have said, it is doable...you just need to be sure she satisfies the length of time in the US required for the Green Card.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-07-23 14:45:00
CanadaCanadian passport 5 or 10 years?

Well by getting the 10yr passport it would save you having to renew it from the US in 5 yrs, plus it will cost more to renew it outside of Canada. 

 

I did this.  Mine was a year to expiry when I applied for the 10 year one.  It was only like $40 more (give or take a few) for the 10 year so I opted for that one, after seeing what they charge to renew in the US I wanted to defer that cost as long as I could. 


DualieFemaleCanada2014-08-05 11:29:00
CanadaDo they give me proof of immunity? (split from 'Proof of Immunity' thread)

Thanks for all the responses.  I had chicken pox (I remember being kept home from kindergarten and being smeared in calamine lotion..lol), and I had measles.  I do know I will have to have tetanus because the last one I had was over 20 years ago.  Aside from that, if the blood test comes back that I am immune, all is good.   Thanks for the answers guys...and thanks Mods for making this a new thread.  I was on the verge of sleep when I posted, I really should know better :).


DualieFemaleCanada2014-08-21 13:33:00
CanadaDo they give me proof of immunity? (split from 'Proof of Immunity' thread)

Hi all!  I went to elementary school in the early 60s in the US, andback then we were given all kinds of shots and boosters and TB tests, polio vaccines, etc. at school.  My parents never gave me the records when my mom and I went back to Canada.  It wasn't important at the time.   I just saw my doctor and asked about the shots I would need for this process, and she printed out a lab requisition for me to have bloodwork to determine my immunization.  She said if it shows I am immune I won't need the immunizations.  Do they give me a paper stating this to give to the panel physician? 

 

I will get a free flu shot this year, as I work at a college and they offer it to us at no cost.

 

Thanks!


DualieFemaleCanada2014-08-20 21:24:00
CanadaBest Way To Move Money To US?

Actually u can carry zillions of cash across the border---u just have to declare it.     If its a small amount of $$$, just leave it in ur Cdn account and then use ones debit card to take it out in the USA.......When its larger amounts of $$$, one should do their homework.  Some banks will cash ur Cdn cheque (if you can find a competent bank teller,lol) some wont charge any fees, but give a sub-par exchange rate.  Others may charge a fee, but give a superior exchange rate, which could actually be better.  This has been discussed many times, so a search should come up with a fair number of hits!   At one time CustomHouse--out of Victoria was awesome!  But then they got bought out by Western Union, and the rates were no longer that great.  Havent checked them in a long time, so not sure if their rates have stayed crappy.  Best of luck

Lol!  Yes you are right, one can carry whatever amount you want as long as you declare it.  Long day yesterday and I was tired when I posted, I should have elaborated.  Thanks Flames, I was hoping someone like you would chime in with your wisdom! 

 

OP, I guess I was trying to make the point that if you will be having recurrent payments from, say, CRA, EI or CPP, that (in my humble opinion) the most convenient way would be through automatic deposit into a Canadian account which is linked to a US account.  But, as Flames9_RN has said, there is lots of discussion on here where you can pick up tid bits of info that will apply to you.  Good luck! :)


DualieFemaleCanada2014-07-30 09:48:00
CanadaBest Way To Move Money To US?

Cash and Paypal..  Whatever route you go, someone will take their cut.  Either the bank, exchange, wiring... They have to make their money some how...

You are so correct!  I have found that the fees with both RBC and Wells Fargo are minimal, a couple of dollars at most.  I have the peace of mind knowing the money is within my small little network between Wells Fargo and RBC.  The money is insured all the way.

 

Of course you should research and choose whichever way you feel most comfortable moving your funds.  :) 


DualieFemaleCanada2014-07-29 15:41:00
CanadaBest Way To Move Money To US?

I am no where close to this step, but I opened an RBC account with an RBC US account.  They are two separate accounts which are linked.  The US account is administrated in the state of Georgia and the account is an American account.  I simply transfer funds from one account to another, and the money is transferred instantly.  I have also linked a Wells Fargo account to the RBC US account. 

 

I would not withdraw all your money and carry it (regardless of the amount).  It's just too risky, ie..theft, loss.  You can only carry $10000 across the border legally also.

 

I know others have posted that the TD Bank also has US banking available.  I would try those options.  I know for me, the RBC has worked wonders so far, and that is how I am going to move my money.  I can also receive Canada Pension and EI through RBC and transfer funds as I need them.


DualieFemaleCanada2014-07-29 14:52:00