ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
I know how you feel Mal!! Although I don't think my recipient as received theirs yet! >< I want to know if they liked it or not! =D I wonder when we can let the cat's out of the bag! I'm terrible with surprises! hehe

Edited by Avery, 27 December 2009 - 12:31 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-27 12:30:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
That is the most adorable polar bear ever! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-26 23:25:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
lol it's great =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-24 16:54:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
That is the best picture ever lol... what is it?




jkjk
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-24 15:47:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
I guess it could be both! lol
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-24 12:06:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
Oh yea! Christmas Photos!! These are last years and there abouts. I don't have a camera where I am . ><

Attached File  10_30_06_Welcome_Winter_02_.jpg   106.51KB   12 downloads
Attached File  DSCF0067.JPG   326.71KB   13 downloads
Attached File  10_30_06_Welcome_Winter_01_.jpg   101.17KB   14 downloads

Edited by Avery, 24 December 2009 - 10:48 AM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-24 10:48:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
I hope my Secret Recipient gets their gift today! I'm excited to hear about it. If we make it to the day do we want to let the cat's out of the bag? =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-24 10:42:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
lol <3 Garfield!!!
and yea was a picture of my tree at home. lol
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-23 01:01:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
Oh my Christmas tree is gone . =( Sad Pandas...
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-22 22:43:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
innocent.gif My favorite part about Christmas is the giving. Mostly cause I like to see the reactions. I think it's the best part when you spend time on thinking what someone will like. <3



I can't wait to see my Secret Santa recipient's surprise!

(¯`·._.·(¯`·._.·(¯`·._.· Happy Holidays ·._.·´¯)·._.·´¯)·._.·´¯)

Edited by Avery, 22 December 2009 - 10:32 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-22 22:31:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
I haven't seen nothing yet myself, but my recipient should be seeing their early next week!!! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-17 09:39:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
Sent mine out today! I hope the recipient likes it! It has panda bits. =P
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-14 20:35:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
ooo I like this idea!

Do you have any hobbies in particular?
I play wow too! lol (aren't we a bunch of nerds) gives me a great idea though! =D but i also like jigsaw puzzles, knitting, plastic canvas, and sewing

What are your favourite colours?
definitely blue and silver and green

Do you decorate for Christmas? What colours do you use and what style (if any) do you like?
I love to decorate for Christmas, my favorite things to use, garland and Christmas lights. Lots of lights and anything cinnamon smell.

When you shop, what are your favourite things to shop for? Linens, books, clothing, perfume, skate board accessories etc etc
When I shop for stuff it's usually notepads and notebooks (i have like 30 unused around here, my husband just hates it) I think im addicted to them. Puzzles always in a toy store looking at puzzles. I also like looking for knitting patterns or sewing patterns from the like 40's-70's (im strange like that)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-20 21:15:00
CanadaChristmas - Secret Santa
I'd like to sign up too!!
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-20 12:54:00
CanadaReasons for Optimism
"The waaaiting is the haarrdest paart" Tom Petty and the heartbreakers anyone? lol >< MAKE THE SONG END!!!!!
AveryFemaleCanada2009-12-01 17:04:00
CanadaShow of hands...
Wow! They really pushed a whole bunch through!! Way to go guys! Ill be excited to read all the reviews!!! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2010-01-23 01:00:00
CanadaOn the train to Montreal...
Yea Dell mini!! lol Good luck to you!!! I will be waiting excitedly!!
AveryFemaleCanada2010-01-24 16:09:00
CanadaGood luck for all the people interviewing on the 20th !!!
Congratulations all around!! =D Glad it all went smoooth! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-20 12:57:00
CanadaMontreal Consulate Interview Review
wooot Way to Go LGG!!!! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2010-01-29 01:28:00
CanadaVisa: Denied
I am very happy for the fact we finish our Canadian Road on Friday. The timing could not have been better. He immediately booked a flight down to the US. We are going to gather so much evidence and shove it down his pin eyed throat that he will have wished he got rid of us on Tuesday. =D

The letter we used is as follows:
QUOTE
I, Rhonda Johnson, will be having my son, Brandon Johnson and his wife, Marie
Johnson, staying in our home when they arrive in the United States. They have
projected their date of arrival for the 5th of November of 2009. During the time my
son, Brandon Johnson, has been away, he has maintained his residency on our home at
27 Faye Avenue. we are delighted and very excited to have them coming home.
If you have any questions regarding this letter or any other concerns please feel
free to call me at 419-XXX-5766
Thank you,
First Name Last Name


He had said that a one paragraph from his mother was not sufficient and a verbal job offer from his friend is not enough. Despite the fact we told him we quit our jobs and already have sublet our apartment. I am trying not to be steamed or hurt by it simply because it is what it is now. On the bright side everyone he knew in Ohio has been more than helpful.

His friend has him an interview and the final interview lined up for the same day he arrives on Saturday. (aka he gets a job that day). His Aunt has someone to notarized that "one paragraph-mother's-will-do-anything-for-there-sons page". He is registering to change his driver's license, opening ANOTHER bank account, registering with his state to vote(if he's able), paying some state taxes, and visiting his chiropractor and getting a letter from him saying that he has been and is his regular patient.

And if then that is not enough, we are calling his state senate cause that would just be fricken ludicrous to want more. What's dumb? We couldn't have done it earlier as to not jeopardize the Canadian Permanent Residency. So him being in Canada for the last 2 1/2 years actually hurt us. I am hoping in the end we both have access to both countries (him with his PR card and myslef with Green Card) and this whole hiccup as it were will have been worth it.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-15 05:44:00
CanadaVisa: Denied
Thank you for the support guys. <3 I know it's not so bad. =) I mean they could have just said no and make us start over. LOL (I think i would have died though)

My worry is that everything else we send might not be sufficient. However what doesn't kill you will make you stronger and frustrated LOL <3

So lesson learned, proving domicile uber important! And hey we finally have a list offered with stuff that will work! =D

*looks for the silver lining*
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-13 18:40:00
CanadaVisa: Denied
We finally had our interview today. (Thank you for the well wishes.) We actually walked from our hotel on Labelle Street. Took us about 15 minutes. We arrived at 6:50am. Sadly it was raining so it was kind of miserable and cold outside. People started showing up at about 7:25am.

The guard finally came to let us in at about 7:35am. He had us put everything in bins and trays and we walked through a mini airport security. We then gathered our paper work and went downstairs to wait for the elevator. There was one other gentleman and another couple waiting.

Finally a guard came down in the elevator and took us up. We waited until about five after eight and we were called to a back window where a really nice lady took all our paper work. I had been so worried about the whole I 864 issue as my husband hadn't been back in the US since June 2007. Everything was ok, she only wanted the most recent year of taxes so 2007 for my husband and 2008 of our joint sponsor. (So only one year of taxes for I864 with IR1/CR1). The coolest thing was the finger print machine. She took everything and said it looked all good. Sent my husband to pay the fees and said we could go sit down.

We waited a until 8:30 then were called into a small room for our interview. We made our pledge of oath. He asked how we met and when we became sweethearts. Also asked what we do for a living. I informed him I used to work repair computers and had quit my job and he asked when we planned on moving down. We told him November 1st was what we had hoped. He asked where we lived and we said we had sublet our apartment already and we are living with family until we move. He then entered the rest of the information and asked us if we received information for proof of domicile.

We told him that my husband had maintained his credit card and bank account in the US and that we had a letter from his mother stating that we would moving down for November 5th (travel time). He then informed us that maintained accounts did not qualify and a paragraph from his mother was insufficient because "Mother's will say anything for their sons."

He then went on to explain that there needs to be a stronger show of proof of domicile. He then said he couldn't tell us exactly what we needed but it would be good for my husband to travel back to the US. He mentioned some good things to prove domicile (TAKE NOTES!) to obtain/renew a drivers license in that state, get a more concert contract for where we are living, register at a school, to get a job offer , register to vote, to open a bank account, see a doctor, and show state taxes.

He then went on to say that everything else looked in order and lectured us on how other couples have to be apart for this process. And the whole point is to reunite couples and that I didn't need a visa to go to the USA. He then reminded me that if I did go down before approval they would most likely turn me back because I have an open case.

He told us that we didn't have to come back to Montreal and just needed to send in the Proof of Domicile. I asked how long it would take and he said he can't promise times as it can take up to four weeks.

Needless to say I was extremely disappointed, I actually felt very heartbroken. Really heartbroken and the weather to match. ( I know it's not as bad but when you go in thinking you got your ducks in a row, its just disappointing)

We left the consulate and actually got lost trying to get home. Mostly disorientated from disappointment.

My husband will be traveling down on the 17th, day after his Canadian swear in for PRC. (Does anyone know if they keep his passport, so far I've read not.) We are getting so much proof they will be like good lord! He's getting a job offer, opening a NEW bank account, registering with state, renewing his driver's license to the state, getting a full contract written up with his mother and getting it notarized, and see if he can register to vote.

We travel back home tomorrow. I'm trying not to feel like this trip was a waste(cause I know it wasn't) it's just hard when you don't go back and say YEA. =(

Good Luck to everyone else though.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-13 16:59:00
CanadaMontreal denied!!!
QUOTE (Dalene @ Nov 24 2009, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Avery @ Nov 24 2009, 08:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Especially for a license, you need to prove to your state that you are a resident before they issue you one. So if your state sees you fit living there to give you a drivers license, what is holding up immigration?



I never gave mine up and have had it for several years, so you would think that would help. Unfortunately, it made no difference.


With the license we had to actually converted his Canadian license to state of Ohio. In which case you do have to redo the tests and prove residency before they will issue it, which we did. I am hoping that's our ace up our sleeve.

You could convert temporarily to a Canadian one (which they request you do if you are going to be staying longer than 3 months), they didn't have to redo the tests in MB and then convert back to your state license after in which case you prove residence.

Edited by Avery, 25 November 2009 - 07:13 PM.

AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-25 19:12:00
CanadaMontreal denied!!!
Especially for a license, you need to prove to your state that you are a resident before they issue you one. So if your state sees you fit living there to give you a drivers license, what is holding up immigration?
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-24 20:38:00
CanadaMontreal denied!!!
Oh Darlene I am so sorry to hear that happened! =( One thing you said set off alarms that our immigrating officer said to us were very similar. He is completely out of line telling you to get rid of your PR card. Canada has special clauses to accommodate people who take their Canadian Spouses with them to their home country so they don't have to go through the process again.

What did he mark down on your refusal worksheet? He wrote "domicile" and told us "I am writing one word on here to indicate what you need to prove, domicile, and thats it"

The strange part is he told us a lease or mortgage, job offer, renewed drivers license were examples that he said we needed to provide.

The guy we had was rather short wore a blue suit and had ice blue eyes. Blonde short hair. All in all he was right to refuse us as much as I hate to admit it but for what you had I'm in shock too. I'd recommended just gathering the paper work of all the proof make a cover letter and send it all in.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-11-24 20:21:00
CanadaVancouver Clinic: Adacel/TD Booster
For those who asked about Montreal medicals:

We had our medical on October 6, 2009. We did not have to have to get them done in advance. I did have to get a new TD shot at the cost of $25. It was just the TD shot.

=D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-19 07:54:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
We are currently staying at the Les Suites Labelle, it has contental breakfast every morning, internet and a kitchenette. Cost us $61 /US for each night. We did the walk today and took us 15 mins to walk to the consulate. There is also an IGA that is close and the staff are super friendly. The metro is just across the street. I highly recommend it! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-09 21:14:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
QUOTE (trailmix @ Sep 16 2009, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


Added DCF to Avery - also Avery, if you tell me when you sent your package back to the consulate we will use that as your 'completed at NVC' date.


Thank you for updating us. =D

Sending back the DS-230 (packet 3 to my understanding) was the last thing we did which was on 06/05/09. And then we got our letter just the other day. lol sometimes I think we are missing steps. wacko.gif



AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-16 17:36:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
Thank you Trailmix. LOL I was always confused about which consulate that list was referring to, the filing consulate or the interview consulate. My head is spinning with so many preparations now! =D
AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-16 05:49:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
@Dalene We actually filed directly at the consulate in Calgary. So our NVC time-line was non existent. There was no option to choose Calgary. =P
AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-15 22:10:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
The letter medical is updated to July 2009 - It gives you a full list of vaccinations required which were not on the old list that is on file in the guides section. The format is also different, probably not a big thing for those of you just coasting by but I've been hawking and reading over and over so its a change to me. =P

@I<3NVC =D We received our letter today, dated September 8, 2009. No e-mail, I checked the spam box too.

I imagine anyone living further west of us might get it this week! My fingers are crossed for you Igg. =)
AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-15 19:23:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
So happy news!!! We received our letter today! =D Our interview is October 13, 2008 @ 8:00am . looks like they changed a bit of how the medical is handled but no complaints here. I was suprized that they left three weeks in-between lol i was expecting 2 months! But i'm happy! I was getting worried.

Guess we'll see you there Sierratango!
AveryFemaleCanada2009-09-15 17:11:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
Congratz you guys on the approvals! My husband and I are still waiting for our letter and are getting a little ansy. =( Has anyone who sent in their package three in early June, heard anything back?
AveryFemaleCanada2009-08-13 15:46:00
CanadaIR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview
Congrats on all your interviews!! lol I've been hawking over my mail box for the past two weeks! I think maybe I'm being too anxious thinking it would come so soon. Considering they only got my DS230 on the 5th of June. I was so hoping for an August interview! lol ><

Can you add me to the time line too? wub.gif
AveryFemaleCanada2009-06-25 07:33:00
CanadaHotel Reviews Montreal
My husband and I booked through hotwire.com and we compared the amenities with trip advisor and we pretty much knew which hotel we were getting. We stayed at the LaSalle Hotel and Suites for $61USD/night. The hotel was located about 15 minute walk from consulate and right across the street from the metro. (which was really easy to navigate with Google maps!) There were also three grocery stores within walking distance.

The hotel room had a kitchenette (which was big for us as we were there for eight days), included free internet, access to an exercise room (which we actually went to, once), free breakfast every morning (buffet style) and tv in the room too ( i guess that is standard for most hotels). All in all the hotel was rather clean. It was more apartment stylish but really nice. Staff there were super friendly except one kitchen guy who got mad when people didn't put their trays away from breakfast. LOL


AveryFemaleCanada2009-10-23 06:57:00
CanadaWoW'ers stand up and be counted!!!
Oh oh a post I know something about! =D

I am really happy to see other wow players and from Canada and the like! =D

My husband and I actually met in EverQuest (for those of you who remember the dreaded online drug) but our love blossomed on WoW (aren't we corny)!

We both play on Feathermoon (used to be on Rivendare and Spirestone but moved to be with friends).

My husband plays a priest, Ahji [Team Voodoo]. He also has a plethora of alts.

I of course enjoy my hunter. Very sadly I have three.... all on the same server and two on the same side. TT

Saylis [Team Voodoo] is my hordie. (Sairk is my other)

Aaryonar [Make it Happen] is my alliance.

If you happen to be on Feathermoon and want someone to group with we are always happy to ablige for the newer heroics. 3.1 is a big anticipation for us both and for the guild. Ulduar is a definite excitement and shameless plug we are aways looking to group our hordie 25 man raids with guildies. Right now we run with about 10-15 pugs.
AveryFemaleCanada2009-04-15 17:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeeding some direction.
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 09:44:00
CanadaMarrying an American AND Starting Your Career in the USA
Thanks for the answers everyone - and thanks for the warm welcome!

I've been reading the guides and the postings and it's been quite helpful.

One more question. Once I have the K1 Visa, it says I may enter the US any time within six months of the visa being issued. Thereafter I have 90 days from the point of arrival to get married and file for the AOS. I've read postings where it stated that I can get married ANYWHERE in the US including Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. However, I've been advised that receiving the marriage certificate can take anywhere from 4 - 6 weeks depending on the jurisdiction. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Since it's clear that once I enter the US with a K1 visa I have to apply for an AP before I can travel outside of the US, my fiance and I wanted to just combine the ceremony and honeymoon into one.
Red_DahliaFemale02010-06-08 19:40:00
CanadaMarrying an American AND Starting Your Career in the USA


Alright. Here's my deal. My American boyfriend and I have been long distance throughout our relationship - he has visited me in Canada, and I have visited my boyfriend in Minnesota at least once a month since we got together a year ago. I'll soon be graduating with a MLIS from the University of Toronto and wanted to get information on the following:

Would it be better to get a work visa to work in the United States OR should he go through the Fiancee visa process?
- I have read the information regarding TN1 visas as opposed to H1B. I know that TN-1 visas are easier to get and quicker to process, but my concern is that my history of coming down to the United States to visit my boyfriend will clearly show that I have dual intent: to work in the US and immigrate. I'd like to hear from anyone who has gone through this situation. I'm told that TN-1 visas are also less work for employers and is the more attractive option, but I am really concerned that my application for a TN visa will be declined b/c of my continuous history of going to the States to visit my boyfriend.

If I do get a work visa, whether TN1 or H1B, am I allowed to then get married to my American partner thereafter or would I still need to apply for a Fiancee visa in addition to my work visa? My immediate question is: does getting a work visa complicate getting the fiancee visa and vice-versa?

If I were to go through the fiancee visa route, how would I go about obtaining a work permit? How long would it take before I can apply for one? How long is it good for?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. If possible, please address the specific questions above.
Red_DahliaFemale02010-06-08 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling to the United States and Other Countries while K1 Visa application is in process

1. Depends. Do you need a visa? if you can get a tourist visa you can visit. If you do not need a visa you can visit but be prepared to show that you will return to your home country.

2. Depends on other countries. If you do not need visas, no problem.

The K-1 has NO affect on your ability to travel otherwise to the US or other countries. (other countries have no clue you have a pending K-1) It MAY have an affect on a CBP officers decision to admit you to the US or not, so be prepared to show you do not intend to immigrate illegally.


Re: #2. My concern is that I travel to certain countries, it will somehow affect a CBP officer in terms of letting me in once I do get the visa.
Red_DahliaFemale02010-11-09 21:58:00