Can outstanding student loans keep me from getting Canadian Passport?

[Kittyfang 6]

Did you just decide leave all responsibilities behind? This is a completely serious question... jokes aside. I don't understand how someone can just do that.

What if this marriage doesn't work out? What if you have to go back to Canada for something? How far behind are you on your payments? You do realize that defaulting on your student loans can screw your credit score and everything right?

No I didn't leave everything behind to marry my husband. I know that no sympathy will be shown if I say this, but it was a pretty big pain. We married on a whim, so, I had to deal with Canadian issue by phone. I had some friends pick up my stuff (I just told them they can have it if they pick it up), I paid off some loans over the phone, I was on vacation from my job, I just took an extended vacation, knowing that they would rehire me once I returned. And, before leaving, I was in the process of moving in with my sister.

All in all, I didn't have much, but yes, I didn't really deal with it too well. It sucks and I'm not asking for pity. I'm just trying to fix a situation that keeps eating at me.

[Sprailenes 47]

I don't know... you can only miss so many payments, once it goes to collections it's out of the hands of the people who could have possibly helped you.

[Kittyfang 6]

I don't know... you can only miss so many payments, once it goes to collections it's out of the hands of the people who could have possibly helped you.

Ya, I'm aware of that. Catch 22. It sucks. Guess you guys must be happy now.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I think your best option is to just apply for a passport and see what happens. They might send you a letter saying that until you pay back whatever you owe you can get your passport. Or, they might give it to you and inform whoever is looking for you of your information and then you'll have to deal with that separately.

Your only way to find out is to apply and see what happens and take it from there.

[Sprailenes 47]

No not happy. I just don't understand.

My life and my personal finances and business had to be sorted before I decided to move down here. The border is not an escape hatch and you can't run from stuff like that. I understand you're in love, you didn't want to be apart. But you have made some insanely terrible decisions and now during a time where you should be worrying about just adjusting status, you're worrying about a whole ####### load of other things.

I couldn't do that, my hair would be falling out.

[Kittyfang 6]

No not happy. I just don't understand.

My life and my personal finances and business had to be sorted before I decided to move down here. The border is not an escape hatch and you can't run from stuff like that. I understand you're in love, you didn't want to be apart. But you have made some insanely terrible decisions and now during a time where you should be worrying about just adjusting status, you're worrying about a whole ####### load of other things.

I couldn't do that, my hair would be falling out.

No, that's the thing. I AM worrying about adjusting my status, but to do that, I need passport (or some kind of ID for biometrics). I AM freaking out. I know it was retarded the way we did it and I really wish I could go back and change some things, but I can't. I want to do things right, but nothing is working.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Personally i think many of you have given her a hard time and should just drop it! MANY people come to the USA with no intention of staying and they do! One doesnt know the whole story, and one isn't expected to share their whole story on the internet! Who knows, maybe this person left an abusive relationship back In canada, etc etc, they shouldn't be expected to state that on a forum. So what if you (or we) did it by the books. You can sleep peaceful that n one is going to be knocking on ur door telling you to leave the USA. And you can safely go back to Canada while they can't! Not everyone knows the rules of immigration! And one truly can't feel the 'tone" of ones posts, some people take it the wrong way! Just seems to be a lot more bickering on the cdn forum lately, slowly taking the turn to be more like the other OT forum, which is sort of sad. I usually find it nicer to help others, than attack them, but thats just me!

[lgg 2]

Man, Kittyfang... I feel bad reading this stuff. I mean that and it doesn't make me happy at all the world of trouble you have yourself in.

I found this site, you might want to have a look at it -- it may help you...

How to Deal with Canada Student Loan Debt

ANd just so you know, we're a feisty bunch here and you really have made some crazy-bad decisions but I doubt anyone here really wants to see you fail.

Just an FYI, I had student loan debt and other debt but I worked 3 jobs to pay them all off before leaving Canada (haven't even LEFT Canada yet, actually which sucks). I've been socking money away for a couple of years so I can be a viable asset when I get to the US. It's sh1tloads of work and I spend a lot of time wishing I were already with my husband but i'm glad I got it all sorted out before hand. It was a lot of work and a lot of heartache...

I really am sorry for your situations -- I am finding it harder to be disgusted with you as it really seems that you flew by the seat of your pants, something i'm sure we all wanted/could have done too, and you really ended up in some hot water...

Try that link I included here -- you might find out some good information.

No, that's the thing. I AM worrying about adjusting my status, but to do that, I need passport (or some kind of ID for biometrics). I AM freaking out. I know it was retarded the way we did it and I really wish I could go back and change some things, but I can't. I want to do things right, but nothing is working.

[Sam and Ben 2]

With conflicting answers from contacting them directly, I'd just apply... me personally.

The worst that will happen is that they deny you and now know where you are. If you intend to fix matters, they'll know where you are anyhow.

If you're lucky, they'll approve you (and still know where you are... but again, they will anyhow).

[Kittyfang 6]

Man, Kittyfang... I feel bad reading this stuff. I mean that and it doesn't make me happy at all the world of trouble you have yourself in.

I found this site, you might want to have a look at it -- it may help you...

How to Deal with Canada Student Loan Debt

ANd just so you know, we're a feisty bunch here and you really have made some crazy-bad decisions but I doubt anyone here really wants to see you fail.

Just an FYI, I had student loan debt and other debt but I worked 3 jobs to pay them all off before leaving Canada (haven't even LEFT Canada yet, actually which sucks). I've been socking money away for a couple of years so I can be a viable asset when I get to the US. It's sh1tloads of work and I spend a lot of time wishing I were already with my husband but i'm glad I got it all sorted out before hand. It was a lot of work and a lot of heartache...

I really am sorry for your situations -- I am finding it harder to be disgusted with you as it really seems that you flew by the seat of your pants, something i'm sure we all wanted/could have done too, and you really ended up in some hot water...

Try that link I included here -- you might find out some good information.

No, that's the thing. I AM worrying about adjusting my status, but to do that, I need passport (or some kind of ID for biometrics). I AM freaking out. I know it was retarded the way we did it and I really wish I could go back and change some things, but I can't. I want to do things right, but nothing is working.

Thank you for the link. I am looking it up. I didn't think I had so many loose ends in Canada and it's making me panic to see them. All I am trying to do if fix to situation so I CAN fix the rest. As for the actual ID issue, I've asked in another post. We'll see what people say. I just don't see the end of the tunnel and it's starting feel suffocating.

Edited October 23, 2009 by Kittyfang

[SapphireDreams 71]

OKay, well take a deep breath and take things one step at a time.

First, get your passport. Before you even think about the immigration process, get yourself a passport and that will act as your valid ID. Or, if you need to take a step back and get ID for the passport, figure that out first. There may be some hiccups along the way, and just deal with those as they come.

Once you get your passport, move on to getting yourself in-status in the United States. Ensure your husband has a passport/birth certificate as well for this step.

Once you get all that sorted out, then you should start the AOS.

You've made some mistakes and the only way to fix them is going to be to stop freaking out and get started on fixing them.

Good luck. And, I seriously mean that. I'm not here to judge you. People make mistakes and that's okay. Now, you are in control of your own destiny, so if you want to gain respect from others you need to do everything in your power to fix things. You have the resources and information to fix this, so there is no excuse to hold off on things anymore.

[lgg 2]

Agree with Sapphire here...

Apply for your passport and then once you know w hat's up with that, move ahead with the rest. Personally? i can't see you NOT getting a passport, but do keep us posted, okay? It'll be interesting to see how the government works these things out...

Also yeah, get your husband's stuff in order. He'll need all of his paper work too. I'm not sure how this works but does he have to prove the income thing like we had to do in our Affidavit of Support papers?

Just a few more things to toss out there...

OKay, well take a deep breath and take things one step at a time.

First, get your passport. Before you even think about the immigration process, get yourself a passport and that will act as your valid ID. Or, if you need to take a step back and get ID for the passport, figure that out first. There may be some hiccups along the way, and just deal with those as they come.

Once you get your passport, move on to getting yourself in-status in the United States. Ensure your husband has a passport/birth certificate as well for this step.

Once you get all that sorted out, then you should start the AOS.

You've made some mistakes and the only way to fix them is going to be to stop freaking out and get started on fixing them.

Good luck. And, I seriously mean that. I'm not here to judge you. People make mistakes and that's okay. Now, you are in control of your own destiny, so if you want to gain respect from others you need to do everything in your power to fix things. You have the resources and information to fix this, so there is no excuse to hold off on things anymore.

[Kittyfang 6]

Agree with Sapphire here...

Apply for your passport and then once you know w hat's up with that, move ahead with the rest. Personally? i can't see you NOT getting a passport, but do keep us posted, okay? It'll be interesting to see how the government works these things out...

Also yeah, get your husband's stuff in order. He'll need all of his paper work too. I'm not sure how this works but does he have to prove the income thing like we had to do in our Affidavit of Support papers?

Just a few more things to toss out there...

OKay, well take a deep breath and take things one step at a time.

First, get your passport. Before you even think about the immigration process, get yourself a passport and that will act as your valid ID. Or, if you need to take a step back and get ID for the passport, figure that out first. There may be some hiccups along the way, and just deal with those as they come.

Once you get your passport, move on to getting yourself in-status in the United States. Ensure your husband has a passport/birth certificate as well for this step.

Once you get all that sorted out, then you should start the AOS.

You've made some mistakes and the only way to fix them is going to be to stop freaking out and get started on fixing them.

Good luck. And, I seriously mean that. I'm not here to judge you. People make mistakes and that's okay. Now, you are in control of your own destiny, so if you want to gain respect from others you need to do everything in your power to fix things. You have the resources and information to fix this, so there is no excuse to hold off on things anymore.

My husband is in order. He just needs to get a passport and birth certificate.

I think the worst case scenario would be to be denied a passport and have collectors calling.

[Wis-Can 0]

OKay, well take a deep breath and take things one step at a time.

First, get your passport. Before you even think about the immigration process, get yourself a passport and that will act as your valid ID. Or, if you need to take a step back and get ID for the passport, figure that out first. There may be some hiccups along the way, and just deal with those as they come.

Once you get your passport, move on to getting yourself in-status in the United States. Ensure your husband has a passport/birth certificate as well for this step.

Once you get all that sorted out, then you should start the AOS.

You've made some mistakes and the only way to fix them is going to be to stop freaking out and get started on fixing them.

Good luck. And, I seriously mean that. I'm not here to judge you. People make mistakes and that's okay. Now, you are in control of your own destiny, so if you want to gain respect from others you need to do everything in your power to fix things. You have the resources and information to fix this, so there is no excuse to hold off on things anymore.

EXCELLENT ADVICE Good luck Kittyfang

[Avery 0]

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.