Soulmates513

When I travelled to Canada and showed them my Canadian passport along with the US, the guy smiled and said, "We don't need that, you can put it away." lol  So I wouldn't bother even showing it, take it if you feel more comfortable but the US passport is all you need for entering Canada and coming back to the US.  Have a wonderful and safe trip!

It's not silly!  I agree, it was not a clear question.  It doesn't say "including your current spouse", sometimes it's just not clear.  Has been married, yeah does this include the present marriage.  I answered like this and am in the process of filing so I'm glad I found this question, at least I know for sure I'm answering it correctly. Thank you for posting and thank you for answering!!

Hello, I have the same problem.  They say it can be from the fingerprints wearing down over years especially if you do certain jobs, working with paper, gardening can do it and also say a brick layer for example.  When I was first going through the initial process I went online and ordered this spray from a forensics company.  It's used to spray on fingerprints of deceased people to further enhance the prints for identification.............. didn't work on me!  Yes, I would say that a few more of my fingers passed but certainly not as many as was needed to be a pass.  So yes, I had to do the police clearance as well in lieu of fingerprints as I had tried 2 times and after that they get you to get the police clearance.  So frustrating I know, because you just know you're going to be called back.  Good luck!

Hey Hikergirl, I was just saying the same thing to my hubby - that Skype might work. i don't know what else you can do - the original has to leave your hands for some time even if you courier it back and forth right away.

Hi All,

I am planning to do this as well and will be required to do the long application due to changing my name since being married here. I just read that documents to support identity must be sent (originals) or the guarantor must sign a copy saying they "saw" the original. The 2 docs that would qualitfy per below would be my driver's license or my U.S. permanent resident card. Either way, because my brother lives in Ontario I'd have to send originals of one of these to either the passport office or my brother (feel safer sending it to him to validate that he saw the original) but either way very uncomfortable having these originals leave my side. Am I reading this correctly? If I wasn't changing my name then my passport could be used but they require a document in your name that is to appear on your passport. thanks folks!

Documents to Support Identity

Provide at least one (1) document to support your identity with the name to appear in the passport. Further documentation may be required.

Documents to support your identity must be valid, must be issued by a federal, provincial/territorial/state or municipal authority, and must include your name and signature. For example:

Provincial/territorial/state driver's licence

Provincial health card

Certificate of Indian Status

Canadian passport that is valid or expired for less than one year

United States permanent resident card

Federal, provincial/territorial/state or municipal employee identification card

Other federal, provincial/territorial/state or municipal identification card

Copies are acceptable provided your guarantor has signed and dated a copy of each document (both sides) confirming that the original document has been seen. If you are submitting original documents, they will be returned to you.

If you are submitting copies and are using form PPTC 132, Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor, the

Hi All,

I apologize if I'm not posting this in the proper location. I have a few specific questions regarding filing taxes. I moved in December 2011 and filed my taxes in Canada for that year. For the 2012 year, I was in the US for the entire year.

1) I received Canadian Unemployment Insurance benefits for about 2 months in 2012. Do I report this income on Canadian Income tax or the U.S. - or both?

2) I had my money in Canada for part of 2012 and have received interest on these funds. All of my money has now been converted and is in a U.S. bank in U.S. funds. Do I report the interest earned on Canadian Income tax or the U.S. - or both? (I did see one post that said there is a spot on the U.S. tax for this).

3) I still have RRSP's in Canada and I saw a post that said you have to report this to the IRS - for informational purposes.

Thank you to all who can help me with this.

*** Moving from Canada to AOS from Family Visa forum as not country specific ***

Hello Peguin - I haven't been on in a while but please help me locate my topic now? Why did you say it's not applicable where I posted it? I just need some direction butnow I'm unable to find the topic I posted and thought it was totally relevant in the Canada forum - why did you think not and move it?

Hello again, It's been a while and I've come to the place where I get help everytime! I require some information and direction on the I-485 Application to Adjust to Permanent Status. I received notification on March 30th, from USCIS that my case was being transferred to the California Service Centre for faster processing. (my interview was in Montreal and case processed from there). Note: I had already applied separately for the Work Authorization and Travel card (both which I received end of April). I have checked the USCIS website and the status in is Review. I am unable to find the 'processing times' for Adjustment to Permanent status for those applications sent to the California Service Centre. The NOA I received says you may call the customer service phone number for a status update once it's past the stated processing times so if anyone can direct me to that I'd appreciate it. If anyone else can offer any suggestions or information relevant to your own related case I would appreciate that as well! Thanks everyone.

Hi All, Well I had a 2nd fingerprinting for Biometrics and it too failed. I tried the Corn Huskers Lotion the week prior etc but it didn't help me at all. I didn't have time to order the ridge builder solution that may have helped. They told me to just wait for instructions as to what's next which is a Police Clearance. QUESTION: I had my RCMP clearance for the original K-1 on Sept 1, 2011 and moved here only 3 months later in December 2011. Having said that.......... will I be asked for another RCMP Clearance from Canada? I've seen a recent thread that it's taking 10 weeks by mail to request this. Or will I simply go to the State Police here in the U.S. for a police clearance? Any help anyone can give me would be much appreciated. I have elderly parents in Canada with failing health and I am wanting to go for a visit ASAP and my early travel rights and work visa are being held up because of my not being able to get fingerprints. Thanks all.

Thanks everyone. I followed up on the synthetic ridge builder but it's going to take too long to get here. I did go with the Corn huskers lotion - got it at the local Walmart. I'll follow the members instructions as to how to use it and let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the tips everyone If anyone has anything else to offer I'd be happy to try them. I just googled and found a few entries of "corn huskers lotion" - to use this the night before and wear cotton gloves while sleeping. It says to wash your hands in the morning but don't rub - pat dry - I think I will pat dry my hands for the next while until I go for my prints retry appt. It seems I can find this at my local Walmart so I'll start using it as a lotion even now to moisturize. It says if the hands are excessively dry the prints will be unreadable. I'm living in desert conditions now so dry is a given. Again...............any more tips would be great. The guy that I had do them was using a wipe whereas in Montreal they had me use sanitizer - this guy kept wiping my fingers and they were still pretty wet when he had me put my finger on the glass. I kept wondering if that was hindering the results as each time I saw "reject" but thought I better not tell this guy how to do his job. He was new to the job though cuz he had a woman who was watching him and guiding him although she didn't seem to help with the fact that my prints weren't good. I wonder why he'd even submit them knowing that the majority were rejects. You'd think they'd know what is going to be acceptable and what's not...........rather than delaying my entire process by 6 more weeks and making me make the trip again to another city for this to be done. I do wash my hands a lot so maybe the day before I will back off. All help is much appreciated because I'd like to get a readable set this time around. Thanks folks!!

Hi All, Hope everyone's been well. I came to my new life in December and things have been going well. I got married in February and promptly applied for the I-485, I-131 and the I-765. I went for my biometrics at the end of March and just today I received an NOA in the mail. Funny thing is I got 2 of the same thing - nothing on them is different, even the dates so it seems that they were mailed in duplicate by error. Having said that - what I receuved was another appointment notice for biometrics and the reason is as follows: "the FBI was unable to process your fingerprint card. In order for USCIS to continue processing your application, it will be necessary to have your fingerprints retaken." Now the guy had a terrible time with my prints (I had the same problem with my RCMP check and as well the prints at the interview in Montreal). The guy here tried many times and just kept over-riding the prints because he must have tried 5 times on each finger with not much luck - always getting the 'reject' flag on the screen. I don't know what it is that they can and will do differently?? The NOA states the "case type" as the "I-485 Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status".

My question to you folks is: Does this mean that my I-765 (work authorization) and my I-131 (early travel) are both delayed now?? My new biometrics appointment is not until May so I am really hoping that these are not somehow tied to this and will be delayed. I would appreciate if anyone has any ideas on this or if it would help if I call the phone number listed on my I-765 - if they would be able to tell me something. Thank you all!!

Hi All, Hope everyone's been well. I came to my new life in December and things have been going well. I got married in February and promptly applied for the I-485, I-131 and the I-765. I went for my biometrics at the end of March and just today I received an NOA in the mail. Funny thing is I got 2 of the same thing - nothing on them is different, even the dates so it seems that they were mailed in duplicate by error. Having said that - what I receuved was another appointment notice for biometrics and the reason is as follows: "the FBI was unable to process your fingerprint card. In order for USCIS to continue processing your application, it will be necessary to have your fingerprints retaken." Now the guy had a terrible time with my prints (I had the same problem with my RCMP check and as well the prints at the interview in Montreal). The guy here tried many times and just kept over-riding the prints because he must have tried 5 times on each finger with not much luck - always getting the 'reject' flag on the screen. I don't know what it is that they can and will do differently?? The NOA states the "case type" as the "I-485 Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status".

My question to you folks is: Does this mean that my I-765 (work authorization) and my I-131 (early travel) are both delayed now?? My new biometrics appointment is not until May so I am really hoping that these are not somehow tied to this and will be delayed. I would appreciate if anyone has any ideas on this or if it would help if I call the phone number listed on my I-765 - if they would be able to tell me something. Thank you all!!

I'm paying $5,000.00 "just" for myself - my fiancee is another $5,000.00 Consider yourself blessed at those prices. It's something as an American you have to pay for and something you can't do without.

Thanks so much Soulmates :) I can't wait to be done!!! I booked my plane ticket down on Dec 3rd so I'm there for my birthday/holidays so I sure hope my passport comes back quickly!!! I booked it 14 days after so hopefully that is enough!

I have everything organized in an expandable file, and all of the copies separate in order of the checklist, so hopefully I'm good

Hi Again Jen - I meant to email you too - sorry, it's been hectic what with the interview and work. And working on getting a health insurance policy - got that btw!! yayyyyyy. So the expandable file is perfect and you know they are so patient - when they ask for something they are so calm and give you time - they don't glare at you - they are usually doing something with the previous paper you gave them and don't make you feel pressured if you can't pull it out immediately. The guy i had was so funny too - he tried to make us feel comfortable and he did that! You'll be fine and I know me and one other VJ friend got our passports and visas within a week - so seems they're caught up at the moment - so you should be good to go. good luck again, I'll be thinking of you!

I can't believe the day is almost here, my interview is tomorrow at 8:30, I am so nervous!! Anyone have any tips??

PS: we are staying at the travelodge, we had to park 2 blocks away and its going to cost $20!!! The room is super small (me and a friend) so its 2 twin beds, the bathroom only has a stand up shower... its clean, and the service seems good, but overall I should have spent $20 more to stay at a better hotel!

Good luck!! You'll do fine. Like everyone said - it really "is" the easiest part of the whole process. The officers were very friendly and make you feel so comfortable. Just have all your papers and have them organized, don't take a large purse or bag or any electronic devices as a cell phone, smile, be honest, look them in the eyes - and you're good!! Let us know how you did. I had mine on the 4th and received my Visa at DHL on the 11th so a week to the day! You'll be there soon!! :dance:

Congratulations!!!

I will ask around; I am in the Albuquerque area. Might be best to have your stuff shipped and not ''moved''. Is it just belongings or furniture too?

Hi there - that would be great, much appreciated. It's about 30 plastic bins and then 4 items - 3 chairs and an wooden cabinet/sewing machine. The bins are clothes, personal effects and dishes, kitchenware. The total estimated weight for all items is approximately 2,000 pounds.

Hi Friends,

I'm looking for a reputable long distance mover for my belongings. Ontario to New Mexico. I've googled and put quotes out and have got quite a variance in price (never a good thing). I find the best way is word of mouth in most things in life. So any recommendation on movers you or family or friends have used in the last year would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

Hey fellow VJers.... I see some of the November 1st interviews already have their Visas (picked them up today). My interview was Nov 4th - approved but no email notification yet (nor is it showing on the USCIS website that the Visa has been processed). Are any of you from November 1st or later approvals still waiting on Visas too? I'm sure everything is fine and it has only been a full 3 days but since they all go into AP (administrative processing) I just will feel so happy when I know it's actually on the way. Thanks.

I'm scared because I used to live there under a visitor visa. But my parents brought me there when I was 11 years old. So I hope that doesn't go against me.

I don't know much about that but it shouldn't. this is a brand new process, the K-1 visa and I would assume independant of any previous visas (especially one as a minor). You'll be ok.

Congrats. My interview is in a week and its at 1:45 in the afternoon.

Good luck! I think we would have been ok had we waited "outside" on the sidewalk but we went up the stairs and entered into the building. After being asked to go away (he suggested the coffee shop next door) we didn't feel comfortable waiting on the sidewalk (plus the wind was really biting that day). If you do get there early stay outside and don't go up the stairs until 1:45 (if any others do they'd be told to wait anyway and they'll be behind you). We had only 5 couples that afternoon - i think afternoons are lighter than mornings. We were 3rd in and were in and out in less than an hour. So enjoy the city rather than waiting in line and show up around 1:30 but wait outside. If you're too early, they'll tell you. The interview is easy - the gentleman we had was so sweet and funny and then the final interview we had the soft spoken dread lock girl - they all make you feel so at ease - they are very very nice so don't worry.

I have mine tomorrow. I'm really nervous

Good luck! I think we would have been ok had we waited "outside" on the sidewalk but we went up the stairs and entered into the building. After being asked to go away (he suggested the coffee shop next door) we didn't feel comfortable waiting on the sidewalk (plus the wind was really biting that day). If you do get there early stay outside and don't go up the stairs until 1:45 (if any others do they'd be told to wait anyway and they'll be behind you). We had only 5 couples that afternoon - i think afternoons are lighter than mornings. We were 3rd in and were in and out in less than an hour. So enjoy the city rather than waiting in line and show up around 1:30 but wait outside. If you're too early, they'll tell you. The interview is easy - the gentleman we had was so sweet and funny and then the final interview we had the soft spoken dread lock girl - they all make you feel so at ease - they are very very nice so don't worry.

Congratulations!! :dance:

Hi All,

We were approved last Friday! We had a wonderful 4 day mini vacation in Montreal. The weather couldn't have been better for exploring that great city on foot. I won't be writing a review only because I don't feel I can add anything more. The only thing was maybe to give some advice for afternoon appointments. Ours was for 1:45 and we showed at 1:20 and we were firmly but politely told to come back at 1:45. As everyone has said on VJ - have your paperwork organized, answer questions honestly and succinctly, and above all else.............smile. The interview was definitely the easiest part of the entire journey so far. Thanks again for all the great advice and support from everyone here and a few of you for the "additional" support (you know who you are).

Congratulations you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance: