ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaNeeding Some Direction
X-POSTED to R-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa General Discussion

Good Morning,

My husband is a US Citizen and I am Canadian. He arrived in Canada in June 2007, and we got married on July 2007. We started the Canadian Immigration process (which has been nothing but a headache). He is currently sitting with a work visa and a visitor's extension (or temp resident it doesn't say) until January 2010. A process we are now abandoning.

We have since decided that this is not the place for us and need to move to the US.

Unfortunately we are unsure where we need to file our I130 and which course of action would prove the most timeliest in our situation. We have a time limit before he is required to leave. (10 months)

We are unable to book with our local consulate as we are in Winnipeg. All visa applications and NON emergency inquires are delt with ONLY at the Calgary office. We are on a limited budget (aren't we all). So travel is kinda out of the question.

The options we think we have are as follow:

1. We file the I130 at the Vermont center and pray it doesn't get lost. Filing with a I129F(K-3) shortly after.

2. We file the I130 at the Chicago office (as he is from Ohio) and again following with the I129F.

3. We file the I130 with the I485 at the Chicago office and hope it goes faster.

4. Somehow manage to scrape enough money to travel to Calgary and get an appointment there and apply.

I have been all over every website and majority of these forums. (Perhaps I'm not good at finding information) I've called our local consulate (who won't help us with inquires), I've called the visa office at (603)334-0700. I've called (202) 663-1225 and I've tried (403) 266-8962. As well as (785)330-1048 which tells me its out of service.

If anyone can give me some time lines that I would be looking at I would forever be grateful. Or at least point us where on earth we have to send these papers. I hate sitting on them.

Thank you so so so much in advance. =)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-01 09:56:00
CanadaUS Consulate in Calgary
The whole Canadian immigration has been nothing but a headache to be honest and a long horrific process from doing it inside country. It's sad that people outside of Canada get immigrated before people IN Canada. We waited over a year for just a work visa to be approved. ><

I digress. He does have a provincial drivers license and a work visa atm. But nothing else.

I do understand the the final process will be done in Montreal and obtaining an affidavit of support is already done. LOL It's the starting process that has had me hooped. Lol its like I got all this stuff but had no idea where to go with it.

But if we can file at the consulate directly I will be much much much happy after reading about the entire process.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-03 20:00:00
CanadaUS Consulate in Calgary
Thank you so much for all the information. It's like watching muddy water clear. LOL

Although one last question:

Can we file at the consulate?

June 2007 - husband arrives in Canada as visitor
December 2007 - flag poled and updated his status to a year visitor pass with intent to immigrate (from what I'm told temp residency equivalent)
January 2009 - issued work visa and extended his temporary residency (first stage of Canada immigration was approved)

There was no lapse in his stay in Canada and has been with me ever since June 2007.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-03 18:09:00
CanadaUS Consulate in Calgary
We are trying to find out if we can book an appointment at the US Consulate in Calgary ( as we are from Winnipeg). I know you can book non-immigrant appointments through the 900 numbers and on line. However we want to book one for the I130 interview. Every time we call all we get is a voice message that just keeps looping.

Any ideas?

If it is only on a first come first serve basis, is it always super busy? Cause I would have to take time off work and find accommodations for the time there. I have visions of standing in this horrid long line and getting our turn only to have the window say "closed now! lolol"
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-02 20:06:00
CanadaMOVING TODAY ... YAY!
Congratulations!!! and drive safe!! =D Must be a huge relief to finally be going!
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-25 05:40:00
CanadaFinal Checklists
Seems I can't edit posts.. lol

My husband's mother filed separately we are submitting two affidavits of support. >< Clearly I like to over prepare. lol

I130 – Check list
? – Cover Letter dictating contents
? – I130 Form – all boxes filled, papers signed & dated
? – Birth Certificate (front & back) of my husband (copy)
? – Marriage Certificate (front & back) (copy)
? – G325A x 5 completed and signed by my husband
? – G325A x 5 completed and signed by me
? – Passport photo x 2 of my husband
? – Passport photo x 2 of me
? – Affidavit of Marriage written and signed by my father
? – Affidavit of Marriage written and signed by family friend
? – Proof of Co-habitation (copy of lease from 2008 and 2009)
? – Proof of mingling finances (shared bank account)
? – Additional proof of ongoing relationship
? – Provincial Drivers license, SIN Card, and Canadian work permit for my husband
? – Payment $355


DS203 Package - Checklist
? – Cover Letter dictating contents
? – DS230 part 1 filled and signed by me
? – DS203 part 2 filled by me
? – Proof of domicile in the US for my husband
? – I864 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband's mother
? – I184 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband
? – Passport of me (copy)
? – Birth Certificate of me (original long form)
? – Marriage Certificate (original)
? – Police Record for me (original)
? – Canadian work permit for my husband (copy)
? – Payment $1010.

Interview Day – Check list
? – Cover Letter dictating contents
? – Passport of me (original)
? – Birth Certificate of me (original long form)
? – Marriage Certificate (original)
? – Police Record of me (original)
? – I184 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband's mother
? – I184 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband
? – Medical Exam of me
? – Passport photo x 2 of me
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-26 06:44:00
CanadaFinal Checklists
Thank you so much for all the input.

Couple of things I suppose I missed out was the payment. lol I was hoping they would do it all for free! *pout* I've adjusted my lists and do have all the things mentioned, just overlooked writing down that I actually needed them.

I was planning on carrying everything with me at all times so I would be prepared no matter what.

I am hoping we can send the package out immediately after we finish in Calgary. One week away though! =)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-26 06:35:00
CanadaFinal Checklists
After reading everything I can find under the sun and getting countless information and help from all you wonderful wonderful people. (yes, wonderful twice) I have comprised 3 check lists referring to the stages that we will undertake. If you could please let me know if I am possibly missing something or have something incorrectly it would be greatly appreciated.

Husband = US citizen
Me = the hapless Canadian

My husband and I are traveling to Calgary May 3 from Winnipeg and hope our I130 gets approved! Much luck to us >< Alas, without further ado, the lists we have;

I130 – Check list
? – Cover Letter dictating contents
? – I130 Form – all boxes filled, papers signed & dated
? – Birth Certificate (front & back) of my husband (copy)
? – Marriage Certificate (front & back) (copy)
? – G325A x 5 completed and signed by my husband
? – G325A x 5 completed and signed by me
? – Passport photo x 2 of my husband
? – Passport photo x 2 of me
? – Affidavit of Marriage written and signed by my father
? – Affidavit of Marriage written and signed by family friend
? – Proof of Co-habitation (copy of lease from 2008 and 2009)
? – Proof of mingling finances (shared bank account)
? – Additional proof of ongoing relationship

Once and if our I130 gets approved we will have with us on hand the paper work and forms to send the rest of the application to Montreal or Vancouver which ever they decide;

DS203 Package - Checklist
? – Cover Letter dictating contents
? – DS230 part 1 filled and signed by me
? – DS203 part 2 filled and signed by me
? – I864 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband's mother
? – I184 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband
? – Passport of me (copy)
? – Birth Certificate of me (original)
? – Marriage Certificate (original)
? – Police Record for me (copy)

And then finally with the utmost luck for the interview;

Interview Day – Check list
? – Cover Letter dictating contents
? – Passport of me (original)
? – Birth Certificate of me (original)
? – Marriage Certificate (original)
? – Police Record of me (original)
? – I184 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband's mother
? – I184 w/3 yr history of taxes by my husband
? – Medical Exam of me
? – Passport photo x 2 of me

And we most definitely will be making copies of each package so we have one on hand at all times. I do appreciate all your help and support. =)

AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-25 05:35:00
CanadaCanada Visitor Visa Extensions.... Do I need one?
QUOTE (Cindo and Joe @ May 1 2009, 10:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok great, thanks Tracy! I'm getting a lot more responses on this message board for this topic than I am over at RoadToCanada.com!

I plan to fill out the extension application tomorrow, but still need to know:

Do you guys think it would be safe to say that my reason for needing an extension is that I have met a girlfriend here and we are currently in the process of planning our wedding here in Canada for August/September? (That is the truth).

I would like to have the extension regardless if we decide to stay here or move to the U.S.

Also i've checked processing times for the extensions and they are currently at 90 days. Some say chances are you won't even get the response back from the government until 180 days, (however I don't have to leave the country before I get the response). If this is true, by the time they would even be able to reject my extension I would have been given enough time to figure out what we need to do.


If you live close to the border you can save yourself the $75 and do what the US border patrol calls "flag poling it". I thought the name was amusing too! Bring your girlfriend along and your passport. You essentially drive through the US border then back through the Canadian border. The Canadian border patrol we dealt with was very friendly and took the required information needed and granted my husband a year extension. (Mind you we had our marriage certificate and told him we had the intent to immigrate) The standard is six months however.

If you do apply for an extension they request you do it 60 days before the visa expires. (Although US citizens do not get a visa to visit the standard time is six months since date of entry.) In the event you have not received a reply from them you visa is temporarily extended until you hear from them. If in the end you receive a no response you will be required to leave the country. This however does not mean you cannot try to come back.

The Canadian immigration site and walk through's I've read are about as clear as the red river. I understand your pain. =P
AveryFemaleCanada2009-05-03 00:08:00
CanadaCalgary US Consulate
Very odd actually, the didn't want any of that information from us. She didn't even take a photocopy. All she said was to hang onto it for the final interview in Montreal. However I am not sure if that is because my husband and I have been married almost 2 years now. =)

But I definitely would bring anything you have just in case. =) I know I was brimmed with evidence! LOL

Edited by Avery, 22 May 2009 - 06:07 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-05-22 18:06:00
CanadaCalgary US Consulate
Oh yea, a few things I found out and had question's about.

1. You do not have to book an appointment.
2. It's open at 8:00AM
3. Be there early!
4. If all your partner has is a work permit they can qualify to file! (She was even only asking for a visitor permit and provincial driver's license.)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-05-06 10:51:00
CanadaCalgary US Consulate
My husband and I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Which left us the choice of either file our I130 by mailing or driving to our "local" US consulate office which happens to be in Calgary. So in the interest of time and money we decided to head out to Calgary.

After many many questions (thank you all who helped) and collecting more data than I could even want to know about myself, we packed up and headed out. We left Sunday afternoon at 3:00PM. The drive itself was not too terrible. The dreaded run of Saskatchewan wasn't as bad as told. Mind you I don't mind rolling hills dotted with cows. I was actually pretty excited being a city girl myself. It took about 7 hours to get to Regina and then another 6 to make it to Calgary itself. We arrived about 4:30AM. Calgary time.

Now if you live in a weird town like Winnipeg (or so I'm told it's weird) where you don't have freeways or by-passes and the like; Driving in Calgary and any other city for that matter is really ... really bizarre. I am ever so grateful we borrowed someone's GPS or else I would have never found a thing! We scoped around downtown and found the building we would have to be at in a few hours and then ran around to find some parking. Which actually wasn't too hard to find. We did opt to park at the convention center mostly out of convenience and I was too tired to price compare anything. It was about 5:00AM. So we changed and sat and waited. I think I fell asleep a few times.

7:30AM rolled around and we picked up all our paper work and left anything electronic we had in the car. We actually had a friend come along to drive us so he stayed behind to safe guard (sleep actually) the vehicle.

We walked into the office building and walked kinda looking dazed and confused until we saw the "office" where we would wait to be brought up to consulate. The main floor office consisted of a sign on the wall beside a filing cabinet. Along the wall near it was a line up area that was roped off. I was highly amused. There were two people already waiting so we plunked ourselves in line and waited. By the time 8:00 rolled around there were over 15 people waiting. From what I saw we were the only couple and everyone else was applying for visa's.

An older gentleman came down and set up the rest of the "office". He put a little flag holder on top of the filing cabinet and flipped out a table. Took out his trusty wand and started ushering people forward. He asked our purpose and took my things to investigate them and then wanded us down. We were then moved to the next line to wait before going up. After he had about 8 people we all went to the elevator where he so graciously noted that because my husband was an American citizen he would go first. LOL The look on his face was so priceless. It was somewhere between embarrassment and feeling bad. I of course couldn't help but to remind him that he was special. innocent.gif

When we got to the top he lined us up in order and instructed us to wait to be called. There was another officer who called us into a room that had the xray machine thing and the airport gateway. He took our id and our things and then scanned them. We were then instructed to walk through the magical gateway and collect our things. We then headed to the waiting room.

The waiting room was fairly large. On one side it had several windows and booths. The kind you would see at like a money mart. The front of the room was filled with chairs and there was a tv as well. We sat down and waited to be called. We were assigned a different number from the rest. A### vs V### to indicated which type of service we would receive. We were soon called to the first window and handed in our I130 and G325A for both of us. We were sent to go sit and wait again.

It was only about 10 minutes before we were called again to the next window to hand in the rest of our information. Marriage Certificate, Passports, Drivers Licence's, Work Permit, one passport photo of each of us. She photo copied what I already didn't have copies of and gave us our NOA2 and instructed us to wait to be called to pay for everything. Now keep in mind after a month's prep work and only needing the very basics I was mildly confused. Delighted, but still confused. LOL My husband reassured me that it was most likely because we were married for almost two years now. Mind you I am glad I over prepared as much as I did.

Shortly after we were called to the next window to pay. We did so by credit card. I was kinda glad because getting money orders and the like is such a pain and costs extra. They do not take interac (debit) to some of you! We then left. That was it... and it was 9:00AM. Most of our time there was just waiting to be called.

We received a letter stating that we would receive our next package in 4-6 weeks and then an interview would be scheduled within the next 6 months. Mind you from watching the rest of your time lines I don't think I will be waiting that long. We were both very happy and relieved.

We took off that day and headed back to Winnipeg.

Now all I have to do is worry about prepping for the medical! >< I didn't have a very good childhood growing up so I was unstable and did dumb things. I have since fully recovered and gawd its been years and years. I did some looking on the site and seems I will have to go through a psych eval. Has anyone else had this? All the posts I've read are from 2006 and most end up being denied. So I've been fretting my brains out. But I have every intention to be honest and will prepare the most I can, just not sure what to prepare with.

I digress; Winnipeger's if you can DFC, do it! Well worth it and it will save you time in the long run! =) good.gif

<3
AveryFemaleCanada2009-05-06 10:46:00
CanadaDinner Dress - Ladies which one would you choose?
I love number 3, but I definitely would shorten it to just above the knee and flare out the end. I'd wear a white sandal strap with it though. But I dress weird like that. LOL =)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-05-20 21:54:00
CanadaWhere are you from in Canada?
I'm from the frosty lands of Winterpeg... a city that cannot decide on its own friggen weather. Not many at all from the West side! lol <3
AveryFemaleCanada2009-05-19 14:01:00
Canadavisa approved YAY!
Congratulations!!! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-29 07:08:00
CanadaLast Check List
I am bringing the one written by my mom because it lists my mumps vaccination which for some reason was not on my vaccination card. I confirmed with her thrice. lol and she said I had them done and cried a lot. Although I can't see myself getting a sudden outbreak of it. I am 29 , if that makes a lick of difference. =)

Also thank you for the well wishes! <3 =)

Edited by Avery, 04 October 2009 - 11:53 AM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-04 11:53:00
CanadaLast Check List
I wanted to pre-emptively thank everyone for their support and information along this journey. My husband and I will be leaving on the 6th of October and be staying in Montreal for 8 days for my medical and interview. (sadly we do miss family thanks-giving, but I won't complain) I just wanted ask if you could all give a once over on everything I am bringing and point out anything I am missing. <3

The medical is scheduled for the 7th at 11:00am. The list I have for them:
  • - vaccination records (one official and one hand written by my mom) & copy
  • - 3 color passport photos
  • - interview letter & copy
  • - passport & copy


The only concern I have about for the medical is some scarring I have on my arm. Stupid things we do when we are young. I will be honest about it with them. They are however 14 years old and I was never hospitalized or anything like that for it. If anyone had any experiences regarding this, is this something I should be freaking out about? I've convinced myself so far its something to frown at but not to ban me for life kinda thing.

The interview is scheduled on the 13th. For that I am bringing:
  • - interview letter
  • - passport & copy
  • - long birth certificate & copy
  • - marriage certificate & copy
  • - police record & copy
  • - 2 color passport photos
  • - I864 fill by my husband with most recent 3 yrs of taxes & copy
  • - I864 fill by mother-in-law (joint sponsor) with most recent 3 yrs of taxes & copy
  • - letter from mother-in-law indicated we will be moving down and staying with them
  • - husband's visa statement with US address & copy
  • - husband's bank record with US address & copy
  • - business plan and records for Ohio (we plan on starting a business soon as we move down) & copy
  • - uhaul quote & copy
  • - Canada Expresspost mailer


They oddly enough didn't as to bring proof of marriage. My husband and I have been together for over two years now. I am of course bringing it anyways. I am also bringing the I130 copy we had left over and the DS230 copy we had left over. If there is anything we are missing please let us know.

Funny story, originally he was going to stay in Canada indefinitely when he moved up here. So we have been going through the Canadian PR card registration. Then one day I said forget it lets move to the US. Although, in order to maintain his status we had to continue it out. Took us 2 years and 5 months, but he finally got his "interview" date. I use the term loosely cause all they want you to bring down is his past issued visa's and money. His date is on the 16th of October. The nice thing about the PR card, it maintains it's validity as long as he is always living with me, doesn't matter where. =D Although to get his Canadian citizenship he will of course have to live in Canada. We were actually kinda glad we did it this way, it gives us more flexibility in case I don't like the US. =P

Thank you all for going over this and wish us luck! I'm a nervous wreck, but who isn't going through this process. LOL =) <3
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-04 09:03:00
CanadaLast Check List
I am bringing the one written by my mom because it lists my mumps vaccination which for some reason was not on my vaccination card. I confirmed with her thrice. lol and she said I had them done and cried a lot. Although I can't see myself getting a sudden outbreak of it. I am 29 , if that makes a lick of difference. =)

Also thank you for the well wishes! <3 =)

Edited by Avery, 04 October 2009 - 11:53 AM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-04 11:53:00
CanadaLast Check List
I wanted to pre-emptively thank everyone for their support and information along this journey. My husband and I will be leaving on the 6th of October and be staying in Montreal for 8 days for my medical and interview. (sadly we do miss family thanks-giving, but I won't complain) I just wanted ask if you could all give a once over on everything I am bringing and point out anything I am missing. <3

The medical is scheduled for the 7th at 11:00am. The list I have for them:
  • - vaccination records (one official and one hand written by my mom) & copy
  • - 3 color passport photos
  • - interview letter & copy
  • - passport & copy


The only concern I have about for the medical is some scarring I have on my arm. Stupid things we do when we are young. I will be honest about it with them. They are however 14 years old and I was never hospitalized or anything like that for it. If anyone had any experiences regarding this, is this something I should be freaking out about? I've convinced myself so far its something to frown at but not to ban me for life kinda thing.

The interview is scheduled on the 13th. For that I am bringing:
  • - interview letter
  • - passport & copy
  • - long birth certificate & copy
  • - marriage certificate & copy
  • - police record & copy
  • - 2 color passport photos
  • - I864 fill by my husband with most recent 3 yrs of taxes & copy
  • - I864 fill by mother-in-law (joint sponsor) with most recent 3 yrs of taxes & copy
  • - letter from mother-in-law indicated we will be moving down and staying with them
  • - husband's visa statement with US address & copy
  • - husband's bank record with US address & copy
  • - business plan and records for Ohio (we plan on starting a business soon as we move down) & copy
  • - uhaul quote & copy
  • - Canada Expresspost mailer


They oddly enough didn't as to bring proof of marriage. My husband and I have been together for over two years now. I am of course bringing it anyways. I am also bringing the I130 copy we had left over and the DS230 copy we had left over. If there is anything we are missing please let us know.

Funny story, originally he was going to stay in Canada indefinitely when he moved up here. So we have been going through the Canadian PR card registration. Then one day I said forget it lets move to the US. Although, in order to maintain his status we had to continue it out. Took us 2 years and 5 months, but he finally got his "interview" date. I use the term loosely cause all they want you to bring down is his past issued visa's and money. His date is on the 16th of October. The nice thing about the PR card, it maintains it's validity as long as he is always living with me, doesn't matter where. =D Although to get his Canadian citizenship he will of course have to live in Canada. We were actually kinda glad we did it this way, it gives us more flexibility in case I don't like the US. =P

Thank you all for going over this and wish us luck! I'm a nervous wreck, but who isn't going through this process. LOL =) <3
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-04 09:03:00
CanadaAnother Medical Review
So needless to say I was frantic about my medical and have searched and read and reread tons of reviews on them. I have this irrational fear of doctors and I really haven't done thumbs up things to my body so i was a worry I would get denied.

I scheduled with Dr. Seiden's office mostly because they have much faster turn around times. The medisys wanted to wait 4 days to get my results to me. Dr. Seiden informed me I'd have mine Friday. (which is the latest/earliest I could possibly get them)

Getting to the hospital from where we were was not so bad. It was entertaining considering I come from the stick town wanting to be a city (Winnipeg) so all the people and so many roads and ... a subway @_@ proved to be interesting.

Alas we arrived an hour and half early. (My husband hates me) =P The building where the office is located is rather small in terms of hospital. And nothing is in English. How come no one ever mentions that you will probably not find anyone who can speak English to help you. And that all the signs are in French. I felt really lost. After walking up and down the stairs and floors a few times (30 mins of walking around like neon tourists) we did manage to find the office.

The lady took all my paper work, the written immunization for my mumps was sufficient and I had my provincial issued card of vaccinations. However I needed a tetnus shot. @_@ Ok. $25 (which to be honest was much better than I was expecting). She took all my paper work and told me to wait.

The doctor eventually came out and asked me to come into his office. I dragged my husband along just for the sake of my own insecurities. It actually went incredibly painless and rather quickly. He asked me question regarding my health, if I had asthma, or HIV and so forth. We talked about where we were working and what not and kept going, asked me my height and weight. He asked me a few more questions regarding any mental health issues and if I had been hospitalized. All no's. He then got me to hop up on the table and felt my neck. Then took my blood pressure. Then listened to my lungs and asked me what exercises I did. He commented on my muscle structure (I am a VERY heavy girl, I assumed he was concerned about my weight when I told him). He then did the knee thing and told me to get down. Wrote down on the paper in the notes section (nominal muscle structure) and then told me to go back into the waiting room.

A lady came eventually to draw blood, which all in all was a horrific experience. She couldn't find my veins so it was rather tedious having her feel my arm up and down. (This is what I was most fearful of due to some scaring but nothing was said and she just want about looking for that vein). She tried poking me once for blood and then had to get another nurse as she couldn't find it. Eventually they got two vials and she gave me my TB shot to the shoulder. All in all while talking in French to this other lady. It was mildly amusing cause it dawned on her half way though and she turned to me and asked, "You don't understand us do you?" I of course said no and she then reiterated the joke they were saying about cutting off my finger to get blood. LOL

She patched me up and sent me to the waiting room again, where eventually another lady came in and got me for the xrays. She had me take off my upper clothing and stand in the most bizarre positions (I've never had an X-Ray) and took one from the back and then one from the side. And then again sent me to the waiting room to wait for my papers and to pay them.

I paid them via debit (yea for interac) and told me to come back Friday afternoon to get my results. In the end I though the whole ordeal was fun. Although I wouldn't opt to do it again if I didn't have to. =P

Edited by Avery, 08 October 2009 - 03:39 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-08 15:38:00
CanadaYou moved to the U.S. to be with your SO
I haven't moved yet so I'm not sure how I feel, I think about it and I am really excited about it and sometimes I feel a little melancholy. I've started moving there in my head when I got my interview letter. Although I'm moving into a loving family and a job that's already set up for me.

Although I feel for what Greg was saying. I think I might point out he didn't say DON'T feel that way , just dont say it that way. =)

I can relate to it cause for the first two years my husband left everything behind even sold his car to come up here to stay with me. Not once has he ever said to me "I left everything behind for you." I think if i heard those words I would feel pretty shitty inside, so I've made mental notes that if I ever feel frustrated and think of those words that I stop right away. Cause he really did leave everything for me without a blink. I know he got really home sick and sad a lot. <3 =)

But it is nice to have a loving and supporting community to share our feelings here and to be open minded to everyone. =D I know I love this place.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-29 22:25:00
CanadaWhat if we decided to do the reverse?
My husband and I are actually finishing up the Canadian Immigration process next Friday. We did it from in Canada. Aparently if you apply outside of Canada it is a lot faster. (hind site is 20/20) After reading the Canada Immigration website (it's the only one we knew of and it was actually very informative), this was our experience.

My husband arrived in June 2007, we got married in July 2007. His visitor visa was to expire on December 2007. Now we could not directly apply for extension of his visa because his original intent for visiting was visiting. So we drove down to the border and 'flag-poled' . Basically crossed into the US and then back into Canada. We stated to the POE officer that we would be immigrating my husband into Canada, he then granted us a one year visitor's visa.

You do gather everything that they ask for, the only thing I recommend is do not do the medical ahead of time. We had to do medicals twice for my husband. (if you are applying in Canada due to the time it can sometimes take). Photo copy all evidence and proof of relationship, photos, chat logs, everything you send them. Then you wait.

We sent in the first package in May 2008. During our wait we had to reapply for an extension and a work visa. As long as you've sent in your package and paid the first fee you can apply for extension and work visa on the same form. And always apply for it 60 days before you visa expires.

We received his extension approval and his work visa in January 2009. Applied for his SIN card and he got a job. (he was getting very antsy) And then we waited some more. During this time we decided that moving to the US would be better option and started that process in May 2009. However, we then heard more from the Canadian Immigration via website and letter that they were looking for the medical. This was in June 2009. They needed the medical information or they would pull his visa status. So we did another medical cause the other won had expired by this time (good for one year).

We sent it in and waited again. We received our letter two days after our interview letter with the US consulate. So on October 16, 2009 we go down to the Immigration office, pay our fees hand over some pictures and badda bing badda boom. Canadian Immigration PR card done. One year and five months.

We opted to keep taking this route for a few reasons, first and foremost, so he could stay in Canada with me. Second is that the PR card is valid for 5 years and while you are living with your spouse, no matter where.

However, in order for him to apply for citizenship he would have to spend three years in Canada.

The Canadian Immigration process was a long waiting game but I think a lot less stressful and easier than the American Immigration.

Edited by Avery, 10 October 2009 - 08:05 AM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-10 08:00:00
Canadai need a printer
You can play WoW! or any other Blizzard game for that matter (cause those are the only ones that count!) lol =D

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-13 18:44:00
Canadai need a printer
The best printers we offered, and especially for designers, was Canon printers. For a few reasons, they do work very well with Macs, and if you get the one with multiple cartridges you save a LOT of money from printing. Cartridges is how you shop for a printer not so much the printer itself. Canon runs you about $15-$20 a cartridge and lasts about 100 photos in my experience. The printers themselves are around $100-$300 depending on the option you get.

We use Canon MX7600.

It also has border-less printing! My favorite feature!
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-13 18:38:00
CanadaCountdown to Citizenship test/interview...
*crosses fingers for you* Good Luck! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-13 04:52:00
CanadaCalling all North of 60 fans!!
Almost from the horses mouth. =D This is the reply I got from Jordan.

QUOTE
I've never seen one but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You might ask the CBC or the Calgary based production company the show was co-produced by (look up Doug McLeod) or try Alliance/Atlantis -- I think they own the show.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-15 05:52:00
CanadaCalling all North of 60 fans!!
Ill see if I can find any info on where to get some episodes. Jordan Wheeler is actually in our family who wrote for some of North of 60. I really enjoyed the series and it was fun to see our cousins in the episodes. =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-13 19:07:00
Canadawanna go home!!!
Well I was just going off what the immigration told my husband and myself on Friday. She said it would have cut down on a lot of time waiting regarding him working. She was shocked to hear it took 18 months for inland.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-17 18:54:00
Canadawanna go home!!!
I'd highly recommend the outland application route. It is faster than inland. Also if you are in Canada you can apply outland. You just send your paperwork to Buffalo instead of Vergeville. Inland apps are taking 12-18 months. Outland apps are taking 6 months. BIG difference.

Also, when crossing claim your intent and show your marriage certificate to border patrol, they often issue one year visitor visa's.

Just a note, when you file (and we found this out at the end), send in your request for a work visa! You don't have to wait for the initial approval to wait for a work visa.

My husband just got his PR card issued this Friday! YEA!! I think I know more about Canadian Immigration than I ever want to know. >< There website is VERY comprehensive and you can actually call people to ask questions! =D

Edited by Avery, 17 October 2009 - 05:00 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-17 16:57:00
CanadaCan outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?
Unfortunately student loans are immune from bankruptcy claims for 10 years. After 10 years you can then add them to your debt. >< lol too many students were doing it so they added that clause not that long ago.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-23 20:25:00
CanadaCan outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?
When I got my first passport I had an outstanding student loan and was in bankruptcy. (another story of poor choices growing up) I didn't have any issues. This was however back in 2007. When I renewed this year I still had my student loan making payments (however minimal) and I got it renewed without an issue. They are however keeping my income taxes and GST cheques which is fine by me, anything to help pay it off.

I don't think you'll have much of an issue. Worse case scenario you can update your status with them and tell them how much you can afford to pay them. They seem to be happy with that. My minimum was suppose to be $377 but I can't do anything over $75.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-23 10:29:00
CanadaTiming the Medical and Interview in Montreal
We scheduled our medical at the absolute latest point to minimize the time spent in Montreal. Unfortunately due to the timing of our medical (Oct 13) and the weekend PLUS thanksgiving, we had to stay 8 days. Realistically though if you tell Dr. Seiden's office when your medical is they can tell you the latest you can take it. If the 9th is not a Canadian or US holiday you can probably get yours done on the 5th or 6th. The latest you can schedule it is 11:00am.

Give them a call and then co-ordinate your travel plans with it, they are very helpful. I do not recommend Medisys if you are in time constraint though. They couldn't promise me anything under 3 business days. =)

Gratz on the interview! good.gif
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-24 17:06:00
CanadaVISA APPROVED TODAY!!!! Whew. Because it ALMOST didn't happen!
OMG You must have got the same guy we got! He did the same thing to us but our proof was not concrete enough!( I am so angry at him)

I am so so so so glad you got approved!! *CHEERS*!!! =D

Edited by Avery, 22 October 2009 - 12:24 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-22 12:22:00
CanadaThings you do with your spouse / S.O. while apart
We used to talk on skype, sleep with out headsets on, lol we were so silly we'd wake up and hear the other person there and wake them up to say goodmorning. =P
We also played WoW and online Scrabble. Always on MSN and txt on our phones.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-29 20:00:00
CanadaIt's here!
Congratulations!! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-04 11:17:00
CanadaGood Luck on Friday the 13th!
Congratulations Peachey! =)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-13 11:31:00
CanadaGood Luck on Friday the 13th!
Make sure to ask them to hurry my case along!! =D *cry*
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-12 22:03:00
CanadaGood Luck on Friday the 13th!
<3 Good luck!! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-12 10:39:00
CanadaHey guys?
Woohoo! lol I don't think DFC is recommended anymore anyway considering majority are getting the short stick on domicile. =(

*crosses fingers* I hope it goes well.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-24 20:43:00
CanadaIR1/CR1 interviews at Montreal next week
Good Luck on your interviews!!! Don't let em stick ya with domicile! LOL
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-21 20:51:00