Canerican

On 12/12/2023 at 1:23 PM, MillieIKC said:

After mailing off our EAD, AoS, and AP forms I received correspondence for my biometrics appointment. After that we heard nothing until suddenly I received my PR card in the mail, as well as my approval letter. 

The letter with the card states I can now work in the US. Is the card indicative that I can work here legally now? I had anticipated a second document.

We had also expected another interview. We went through one before my approval to move from Canada, so perhaps since we did one it's not needed? Or is there more to come?

The letters we received made it sound like this was the end, but the more I read online, and in these forums, I'm just not sure.

 

TIA

Good Evening,

What you have received is your Green Card. As others have said get your unrestricted SSN card. This is the end of the road for 2 years. As you go keep documents that you will need for your Removal of Conditions (ROC/I-751) in 2 years. To view the documents you will need go to guides and look for the I-751 guide. About a year after that you can also apply for citizenship. 

So....you are done for now. Sit back and celebrate!! Congratulations!!

9 hours ago, Lil bear said:

 

Not instead of ..  you are not a visitor of either country …but if you are keeping a FL address as your  US residence … even a family members address .. you can keep licensing  insurance plates (swap plates on arrival in FL) current and active at the same time as having all the Canadian equivalents 

@jskibo Above is what I was responding to regarding clarification questions. 
 

@Lil bear what did you mean when you made the above comment? Did I misinterpret your comment? Please see clarification questions. 
 

3 hours ago, jskibo said:

Not sure how you would get plates on a car in the US if the car has a Canada title?  Not sure how canada works but lets say random US state (kentucky) isn't going to give you license plates if the car shows a title in another state, let alone another country.

My vehicle is a Florida title with Florida plates currently. 

50 minutes ago, Mike E said:

In Canada and the U.S., the federal government does not have authority over license plates issued by provinces and states. The federal governments do regulate vehicle importation though.
 

Out of 50 states and 10 provinces I am sure you will find some that allow it. You might even find some that require it. 
 

The discussion has evolved from can one avoid getting new license plates to can one have license plates from two states/provinces on the same vehicle. 
 

You will find out for sure when you go to provincial DMV to get provincial plates and the Florida DMV to renew. The Florida DMV might be notified that vehicle was imported into Canada, which might void vehicle title. 
 

 

Thank you for your information. 
 

As I stated in my last post, I will call the provincial government to discuss. Things can change and that is okay. Again, thank you for your input. 

8 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Generally,  a non commercial vehicle gets one license plate from the jurisdiction where the car spends most of its time.

 

Generally a driver gets one drivers license from the jurisdiction where the driver spends the most time.

 

I’ve lived in Florida and visited there countless times. Not once did I see a motor vehicle with two license plates except for a commercial truck. The same is true of any other state or province I’ve lived in or visited.

Respectfully, I was asking if it is legal to have license plates from two different countries. 

The reason I am asking is because I am finding conflicting information and cannot find anything official. I will call one of the agencies to get a firm answer.  

1 hour ago, Lil bear said:

 

Not instead of ..  you are not a visitor of either country …but if you are keeping a FL address as your  US residence … even a family members address .. you can keep licensing  insurance plates (swap plates on arrival in FL) current and active at the same time as having all the Canadian equivalents 

Questions for clarification:

So, for Canada, I would have an Ontario license plate that would be registered and have a Ontario drivers license?

Then for the US I would have a Florida license plate that would be registered and retain my Florida license?

Is this legal?

5 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

 

Not instead of ..  you are not a visitor of either country …but if you are keeping a FL add

So this would all depend on how long I am in FL and whether or not I have a Florida address?

1 minute ago, Mike E said:

If you leave the car in Florida fine.

 

If you will be operating it more in a province of Canada than anywhere else, it will need insurance and plates for that province.

 

What is the “etc”?

 

Thank you. 

Just now, Mike E said:

What kind of insurance?

 

What else besides insurance? 

Car insurance, plates, etc. everything. Would prefer to not change everything over. 

Good morning Visajourney family,

I have a question that is not visa related but has to do with going back to Canada. 
 

I am intending on going back to Canada to be closer to my children but am also going to be coming to Florida multiple times each year. 
 

Is there any way that I can keep all of my insurance, etc in Florida instead of Canada?

To clarify, I am a dual Canada/USA citizen.

Thank you for your help. 

3 hours ago, yoh said:

Update: their call was due to an internal error in their computer system. According to the officer One of the signatures apparently did not get into their system during the interview as we are signing electronically that time on an ipad/tablet. (And it was just one! Jeez!) 

Oath taking will be this Wednesday. Thanks everyone!

Congratulations!!!

20 minutes ago, giulianoseguro said:

I totally agree but how does one prove that? She has a home there, her sister still lives there, friends etc. She will most definitely not overstay again because she doesn't want to not be able to come and go to visit her granddaughter when she wishes.

 

Would they allow her the time and space to articulate her reasons? Because her experience with consular officers is that they don't give much room and just go off what's on the application + what they believe but CBP might be different.

 

I also know its 100% up to the CBP officer to allow her in hence my concern about a picky officer on a smaller airport vs larger one etc.

The CBP officer may or may not give her the time to explain. That is the roll of the dice chance you take. 
 

Whether you go to a small or large airport has no bearing on the CBP officers day. It could go either way at any airport. As I said above and TBoneTX quoted from my post, she has to prove her strong ties but overcome the history of overstaying. 
 

As much as she can prove. Friends and family can say all the right things to help her stay in the USA, if she so desired, so that doesn’t hold a lot of weight. A job she has to go back to or a house deed. Those are things I would suggest and maybe more. Not sure what else can be used but will leave that to other posters. 

1 hour ago, giulianoseguro said:

Hey everyone,

Feel free to move this to the appropriate forum if this is not the right place to post this question.

 

Summary of the situation

My mom had a 10-year ban because she overstayed her visa in the U.S. She served her 10-year ban and now was granted a B2 visa. She will be coming to visit me and my family in the U.S. (wife and I are LPRs, child is USC). My aunt was recently in the same situation and came to visit us. Her POE was Fort Lauderdale and she got the stinky eye by some immigration officers that didn't know what to do given her history. Ultimately they allowed her in and she came and visited us on a B2 visa.

 

My concern is that my mom faces the same issues at the POE because she'll be entering the U.S. for the first time after the ban on a new B2 visa.

 

Question

Would a POE from a larger airport like Houston or Dallas be better than smaller airports POE because the officers would be more experienced in this type of situation?

We're in Austin,TX and tickets are cheaper if she comes through Sao Paulo-Mexico City and then San Antonio. My concern is the POE at San Antonio airport. Would it be better to pay more and enter through POE in Houston or would she be ok even at a smaller airport POE such as SAT?

 

Thanks all!

In my honest opinion, whether or not she has a B2 visa, she will probably get looks no matter where she enters, considering your mother’s history.

If my mind serves me correctly, even though she has been granted a B2 visa, it is still up to the customs & border patrol officer whether or not to let her into the country. 
 

It is up to your mother to prove that she has enough strong ties in her home country to return after her visit. If she does not or cannot prove this, no bueno. I would highly suggest that she has proof of her return and ties to her home country when traveling to the US. Having a child here in the US is a strong tie to stay beyond her allotted tome combined with the fact she has overstayed in the past. 

20 hours ago, Boiler said:

Not a good start

 

 

I have seen in the past, much like this, where Don Lemon sets himself and CNN to look like fools. 
 

“That’s an interesting conversation. Thank you. We’ll continue to talk about this.” 
 

You know what interests me? Don going into a firefight without ammo. Doesn’t he look silly. 🤪

On 9/18/2022 at 2:03 AM, ConsistentCut said:

Went and saw Dr. Cheema on September 15th. Waited for about 20 minutes in the waiting room. The physical was pretty simple and Dr. Cheema is a nice guy. I gave them my vaccination information and they told me I was all good. Chest xray and simple blood test after. Spent far more time waiting in line than the medical or tests. I was kinda ticked off that I had to go all the way to Surrey for the medical. There is absolutely nothing done there that can't be done at any municipality with an xray machine and blood work apparatus in Canada. Anyway, went well and highly recommended.

 

They didn't require the flu shot, and I'm assuming it's because the medical fell outside of Oct-Mar time period.

 

"Q. When does the flu season start for purposes of the seasonal flu vaccine requirement? Since the seasonal flu vaccine is required, do I have to get the seasonal flu vaccine if it is not the flu season?
A.  For purposes of the immigration medical examination, the flu season starts on October 1 and ends on March 31 each year. If your immigration medical examination is during this period, you are required to have the seasonal flu vaccine. If you have an immigration medical examination completed between April 1 and September 30, when it is not the flu season for immigration purposes, you are not required to document that you have received the seasonal flu vaccine."

 

 

I found this on the USCIS website. Is it accurate, or should I go get one and bring it to the interview? I've never had a flu shot and don't intend on ever getting one unless I absolutely have to.

I lived in Orillia, Ontario and had to take a full day off work in order to go to Toronto, Ontario (2-3 hour bus ride) to get my medical done.

I understand your frustration. The US government most likely has certain stipulations as to who can do an immigration medical. They don’t want just anyone doing immigration medical. 

40 minutes ago, ShaniaB said:

If we move to Mexico and my spouse applies for a work visa while his application for marriage green card is pending, will this affect anything?

So, if your spouse entered the USA through the K-1 process and plans to “move” to Mexico to work while the AOS is pending, this is considered abandoning the AOS as the spouses intent is to work in another country. Veterans, correct me if I am wrong.

if your spouse entered the USA with a CR-1 (Conditional Relative) or IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visa then the stamp/visa is the spouses green card till the physical one arrives.  

Convoluted News Network (CNN) is getting even crappier from what I see here. 

23 minutes ago, Adventine said:

I'm not seeing the connection between tax season and people not following USCIS instructions. Based on your screenshots, it all looks like human error.

Agreed. 

4 hours ago, A+N said:

Hi, I’m wondering if anything in particular needs to be done before leaving Canada and entering the US on a k1 visa. For example:

 

Do we need to advise Canada Revenue Agency of the move or do anything in regards to taxes?

This is a silly question, but what happens to our Canadian citizenship? Is it something we always have, even when we become a green card holder in the states? 
 

What happens if our Canadian passport expires before we get a US green card, let alone US citizenship years later? 

Are we still able to use our MSP healthcare benefits if we are visiting back home in Canada? 
 

Thanks!  

1. After immigrating to the USA you will do an exit tax return the next year. In the case of HST checks, etc you will need to contact the CRA to let them know you moved so that you do not erroneously get these checks.

2. Much like the USA unless you renounce Canadian citizenship you have it for life. July 2019 I became a US citizen so I am now a dual Canadian/United States citizen, hence the name Canerican. Nothing will happen to your Canadian citizenship once you become a green card holder. 
 

3. I would highly suggest that once you get married that you be added to your spouses insurance until you are able to work. 
 

Once you immigrate you are not able to use your provincial insurance anymore. Not even when you visit. This was an area that was a shock to me once I started working and paying for insurance. Coming from Canada where it appears as though we do not pay a premium, etc it took me a bit to realize that, in my opinion, I am getting better quality care paying for my health insurance. 
 

I hope this is a help to you and good luck on your journey. 

38 minutes ago, asidroo said:

Hi

I had my first interview in Illinois in July where I passed the civics and English test, but informed the interview officer that I had moved to NJ 2 weeks ago (flew to IL for interview only) and that my current address was not in IL. The interview went very smoothly!

Now today, almost 2.5 months later I received another interview letter for Newark Nj office. 
 

Is this normal? Cause for worry? Do I need to bring any additional evidence? Is this troublesome/ worrisome? 
I was just hoping to get an oath invite but instead this kind of freaks me out a lot. 
 

danke . 

I assume that due to your move they transferred your case.
 

From my recollection you cannot live in one state and interview in another as the office would then not have jurisdiction over your case. 
 

I don’t think it is a bad thing; the previous interviewer transferred your case to the correct jurisdiction.

You also have to live in the new jurisdiction for a minimum of three months, hence getting the interview appointment letter for Newark, NJ field office.   
 

Not sure if you will need to do tests over again but as stated above, I believe the Illinois interviewer transferred the case to New Jersey field office as they, New Jersey, have jurisdiction over your case since you live there. 

1 hour ago, kgill said:

Canadian citizen and stayed in USA 2019 till 2022 over stayed but was minor that time when turn 18 went back to Canada and came back to USA as visitor cuz collage in USA said i m visa exempt cuz I’m a Canadian citizen and after collage start they told me I need a stamp I have to go back and come back I went to USA side on bridge custom border patrol officer and asked I need stamp on i20 he asked I over stayed in 2019 I try to explain he didn’t listen to me and said I have to go cross the border and come back to get stamp  but at the end he said good luck coming back in USA I don’t know what to do can anyone help me . I didn’t do anything on purpose I didn’t know that I can’t stay in USA that long cuz school gave me admission I told them I’m Canadian 

I am pretty sure that this has to do with your overstay from 2019 to 2022. I know that you were a minor so I am going to let others chime in. 
 

Future advice, do not overstay. You may have a ban now due to the overstay. Again, will allow others to chime in.

As stated above, unless you told the college that you overstayed they are not aware. There is nothing the college or your explanation will do to convince CBP that you do not have immigrant intent. 

25 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

We did K1 through N400 without a lawyer and only a single RFE back at the initial I129F submission.

 

Good Luck!

I also did K1 through N-400 (citizenship) without a lawyer. 

On 7/29/2022 at 3:36 PM, sunshinelove said:

My wife just got her appointment letter in the mail yesterday and we're both super excited! We haven't received anything talking about biometrics though, which is what I was waiting for. The appointment is for about a month away and tells us what to bring to the interview but doesn't say much else. Is this the appointment where she'll be interviewed and the civics test done? I'm asking so she can know what to expect. If you've done it, how was your experience with this interview and what recommendations do you have on any additional evidence to provide? Also, is this interview followed by the oath ceremony or is that done on another day? Thanks so much!

Previous poster is correct. This is the interview where you do your reading, writing, and civics test. They also look through your paperwork and ask clarifying questions, if needed. 
 

Good Luck. 

23 hours ago, jimbrackets said:

Why do they ask before interview? Do they not allow travel at all, or are they trying to establish the new total for validity?

At the interview they ask because you may have traveled between the application and your interview and they would need to add that travel to your application. For between interview and oath ceremony they want to make sure you have not been out of the country for an extended period of time. 

18 hours ago, SE18 said:

My understanding is that it's 3 years (K1 visa Filipina) and 5 years for my stepdaughter (I'm the sponsor). However, it's unclear when the 3 years begins. Is it upon arrival in the U.S. or after AOS? Is it from when the permanent (10yr) green card was issued? Is it when the conditional green card was issued? (despite being over 3 years, she's still on her conditional green card). Thanks!

 

@SE18,

Has your wife filed for Removal of Conditions (ROC) yet? If she did then she would have a green card that is valid for 10 years. If not, I would suggest you file as soon as you can and explain why you are late filing. 

This question is for others in the forum. I understand that even though OP’s wife may have not filed ROC she still has status. Can she apply for citizenship without having filed ROC? Can she do it concurrently?

42 minutes ago, Ed & Roth said:

We have mailed out the 751 early 2019, we have a interview coming since March 2020 but we never get a letter telling when. If we don’t get a interview/card before the extension letter expires, can we get another extension?

When your extension letter expires it does not mean that your status expires. If you need proof of permanent residency for travel or work you would make an appointment at your local office to have an I-551 stamp in your passport. 
 

Keep in mind that you do not have to present a green card for employment purposes. You can use a Drivers License and social security card.