Olive25

You just want to be careful because even though you think you'll get approved on the spot, they may decide to do post decision activity before giving you your visa. It doesn't mean you're denied, but they may ask for more information that could delay it.

The safest is just to wait for the visa. Or purchase a ticket with extra insurance that lets you change your flight. But I guess that defeats the purpose of you wanting a deal on airfare.

Seesh! seems like we were all told the same story! I have a Nissan and both the finance manager and the salesman said so.

My DH had a car he was still paying on when he imported. We just kept making payments to Canada through aft. We sent money to his Canadian account each month to cover the withdrawal.

That's interesting. They said I couldn't physically take the car to the US unless the title in Canada was clear. I could continue to pay the car through my Canadian account too.

1. Currency - you can bring up to $10000 in cash across the border without having to pay anything extra. You may need to pay income taxes on it or something, but nothing at the border.

2. Car - I don't know how it works if you are still paying for the car, because if you are, the car doesn't totally belong to you yet. There will be some kind of charge for importing the car, but probably less than $200. It would cost more the other way around, since the car is worth more in Canada than it is in the US (especially if it's marked in KM (speedometer and odometer) - makes it virtually unsellable in the US). You will also have to pay to have the car re-inspected in the state you move to (cost and how in-depth the inspection is will vary by state).

If you are going to continue to make payments on the car, you'll have to do it through your Canadian bank, because you won't have a credit rating yet in the US, probably.

3. I don't think there will be much in the way of import fees on any of your household goods (just be sure to be really OCD in listing and labelling everything that is in each box etc.) Again, almost everything you've bought in Canada cost more to buy in Canada than it would have done in the US. I'm sure there's a ceiling on how much you can bring in without penalty, but you'd have to do a more involved internet search for that... I know I did find that information once, but I haven't looked for it in awhile.

Ooh! Actually here's something!

Your household goods and personal effects are permitted to enter the U.S.duty-free providing they have been in your possession and used by you for at least one year.

Cautionary note - if you do not declare new items or understate the value of the items, U.S. Customs can confiscate the items and assess duties and a monetary penalty. If you will be making purchases of expensive items prior to your move you may want to compare the cost to purchasing the item(s) in the United States.

Antiques must be 100 years or older to be eligible for duty-free entry. Customs will require that you prove this, so be prepared to furnish a receipt or an appraisal.

While it is not normal practice to charge duty on used personal items, some items such as photographic equipment, vehicles, consumable items etc. may be dutiable. Check with the nearest U.S. Consulate in your area for specific information. If you are already in the U.S, contact your nearest Customs Office listed in U.S. telephone directory under: U.S. Government Offices, Treasury Department.

This came from the Atlas Moving company's webpage. Here's the link:

http://www.atlasvanlines.ca/cross-border-moving-canada-to-usa.html

Thank you for this! I have a chest from my grandmother… no idea how old it is or what the value could potentially be. I better get it appraised.

Not saying sell your car. But you may not be able to import it if the title isn't free and clear. For example, (sorry on a mobile device) if someone in your province was to do a personal property registry (ppr) search on your vin, they'd see your bank as an interested party. And you may not be able to import it.

Hence why I say talk to your bank see what your options are.

You're right, I called the company and there's no 'easy way' to transfer your finance.

I can get a car loan in Canada and pay it down but I wouldn't be able to keep that 0% financing. Or I can contact a dealership in the US and re-apply for financing… my warranty and everything will be valid whether I'm in Canada or the US, but getting the financial part figured out is going to be more work. I'm thinking I'll try and find someone to take over the finance payments and I'll pay the documentation fee's etc.

If I can't sell my car eventually… in the next 4-5 years even when we decide to upgrade to a bigger vehicle, then there really is no point in me taking it with me.

Talk to your bank who the financing is through. I'm in the same boat with my car. Who knows they may be able to transfer it to a us affiliate bank, or you may have to look into other options. Don't wait til last minute just in case.

This is exactly what we're trying not to do… It looks like, if there are no hiccups, the move will take place just before the summer. I'd like to keep the car since I'd be losing money on selling it at this point.

I worked remotely, and I also travelled back and forth for business reasons, prior to receiving my GC. It's right there in the Advance Parole document. I also had it okayed at the local USCIS office. You're not taking a job, unauthorized, from an American so that's where the grey area comes in and what they are trying to guard against. There are a lot of people who will argue against this but there are just as many of us who have done it. You claim the income on both sides of the border but you'll need to read up on the tax treaty to see how to go about it.

Is it possible to PM you? I tried, but doesn't seem to work.

I'm just hoping to get more information on what is taxed when moving to the US.

- Currency: If I decide to take some cash with me ($5000.00) to deposit into my new account when I get set up, will I be taxed on the currency, money order, etc. when bringing it into the US?

- Car: I have a 2 year old Nissan that I am currently still making payments on. I have 0% finance and a car allowance at my company, so I never thought of paying it off in full… I'd like to keep my car and bring it over. I could keep the finance through my canadian account and transfer money, or perhaps I can change my billing to a new account through Nissan USA? But am I taxed on the car when bringing it over? I know I have to bring documentation from Nissan Canada that everything is up to standards.

- My belongings: clothes, furniture, electronics (all at least 2+ years old) like TV's/laptops, some kitchen appliances (my kitchen aid mixer). I don't have receipts anymore for most of them, since they're all a few years old…

With all the immigration fee's and us having to pay double taxes for my e-ring (US/CAN taxes), I just want to make sure that we're planning ahead for any costs so that it's not unexpected.

Thank you!

Hi Everyone,

I thought I’d get a head start in trying to get all my ducks in a row before we get too far down the road and before I know it, it's time to move!

I just want to be as prepared and not give myself any unnecessary headaches or stress because I wasn’t proactive enough. Most of my concerns revolve around finances. How did you all organize and transition from Canada to the US? Here are a few details of my situation:

- I work for a Canadian company that is owned by the US. I know there is a gray area of letting me work remotely and still get paid to my Canadian account. Most of the concerns I’ve heard about were tax implications… what taxes would I have to pay? If I am able to continue working, I’d be happy to pay double the taxes… I’d rather do that then to be out of work for 3+ months while my AOS – EAD and AP are in the works.

- If I have to take a unpaid leave of absence I have a few thousands of savings in my Canadian account. What is the best way to transfer those funds? I need to split up my savings and keep some in my Canadian account as I haven't sold my property yet… I do have a renter, if needed, so I'm not that worried, but still need to keep some funds for the insurance etc.

- I had zero (non mortgage) debt until a few months ago when I was hit with an emergency. It left $11,000 on my LOC. Since then, I have been able to pay it down to $8000.00 but although I am optimistic, I don’t believe I can pay it off completely by the time I move.

So what should I do? My fiancé will of course support me while we wait for the AOS but I still feel my canadian finances are mine to deal with. Should I call my bank and let them know that I will be moving out of country and will they be able to help me form a temporary payment plan for the 3+ months when I am doing my AOS, if I am unable to work remotely? If I am able to work, I don’t have many problems since I'd be paid into my canadian account and can continue to pay down the debt. I'd actually would be able to pay it down much quicker, if that was the case. But in the chances I can’t work remotely I will need to figure out a way to organize this. I know what I owe and I want to pay it down. I would like to come back and visit my family on a frequent basis. I would not flee the country to not pay my debt. I’ve never missed or been late for a payment and don’t plan on doing so when I am in the US. I just want to figure out what is the most efficient and economical (without having to wire or transfer to a US bank etc and have fee’s galore) way to bridge my finances until I am back on my feet in the US.

TIA!!

Firstly, you are allowed to feel however you want to feel. I think Oprah (sorry to have to quote her) said it best "all pain is the same". So whether you felt justified in your annoyance or frustration or not, you had to deal with it and feel it. I think perhaps, it would help, to understand that some people just don't have tact and you shouldn't get so upset. Sometimes people just say stupid sh*t without thinking and if you're the one who's blood is always boiling in anger because someone was insensitive, the only person who's losing out is you.

I mean, I am a minority but was born and raised in Canada. I am a second generation Canadian, meaning my parents were also both born in Canada. Yet, I have dealt with racism even in my own hometown. I am asian and I remember getting into a fender bender. It wasn't my fault and I had many witnesses pull over to give me their contact information if I needed it. When the other driver finally got out of their car too, they said to me "Oh, are you from here?". Sure, I could've taken it as if they were being racist, but what was the point? I just answered "born and raised. Why? Do I have an accent?". I've encountered so many people who tried to make me feel less than them because I 'look' a certain way. I've had a lot of people complain about the "asians" taking over our country... Whatever. I just feel sorry for them and the fact that their lives must be consumed with that much negativity to have to pour that onto someone else.

Like I said, you have the right to feel whatever you want to feel. But at the same time, you have the control to let is roll off like water off a ducks back.

From what I've read... most doctors only schedule appointments when the interview is scheduled. I'd call once you have your interview scheduled and let them know what the dates are and if there are any availabilities. Most people do their medical exams before their interviews so you shouldn't have problems scheduling if you call right when you get your interview date.

Take a read over http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/dogs.html and http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/travel/pets_wild.ctt/pets.pdf

It is not a cheap process. We recently transported 2 dogs from the west coast to the east cost and it was a major hassle. The airlines have very specific guidelines for transporting pets, especially about the kennel the dogs travel in. Which country would the dog be coming from?

Thank you for this!

I can actually drive my car to where my Fiance is (Calgary, Canada to California). We were thinking about selling my car (and most of my bigger items) and shipping the rest and hopping on a plane. Now I'm thinking of keeping my car, it's only a few years old and almost fully paid off, and taking it with me. My dog is happy in the back since it's a truck. I know the gas won't be cheap though... But at least I can make frequent stops to let her out. We can make a road trip out of it! I would spend a few days driving to California to ensure that she's comfortable. I know she'll be confined in baggage and that breaks my heart because I know she won't be comfortable and likely very scared/nervous.

This may sound pretty silly to some... but what is the process of bringing pets over when you move? I am about to start the K1 process with my fiancé and I have a dog (lab/german shep mix) who is 7 years old. She is very well behaved and have had all her shots up to date. When I travel, I bring her to a doggy hotel that has a policy that each dog is well socialized, trained and has their current shots.

I haven't even thought about it, thinking I could bring her over without any hassle... I was told that you'll have to bring all the paperwork (birth certificate, vet records etc) and they may hold the dog for one month to ensure that they're not "vicious". Where in the K1 process do I disclose bringing over a pet? She is very calm and friendly... I really hope they don't keep her for a month. I'd be really sad knowing she was in a cage for a month while they do whatever screening they have to.

If you have a medical card then saying you have never used is lying. Lying can earn you a lifetime ban, use is at worse a years delay and as a Canadian that isn't a big thing as you can see each other easily.

I don't want to lie. Like I said, I have no intentions other than being honest.

However, I'm asking if there's a better way for me to articulate my answer. When they ask, I'll of course say yes. They can look back in my files and see that I was granted a card for it. I can prove that I am no longer using because I have injection treatment instead for my arthritis. Because I received and used it LEGALLY here in the past, I hope that they have discretion.

I'm a little confused. Are you the US citizen? If you are, your drug history doesn't even come into question... if you're the immigrant, you're in a sticky situation because unfortunately they treat marijuanna as if it was a 'hard' drug. I don't think they make any allowances for the 'medical' use. If you have to have a physical, the questionare includes the 'have you ever used drugs' question, and you still have to have a blood test even if you've never touched a drug in your life.

No I am not a USC. I'm Canadian and my fiance will be the one petitioning for me.

I've read a few posts that say that they admitted to using in the past. Even if it was once in high school the fact that you answer "yes" is an automatic 1 year ban. I am 1000% certain I will pass the blood test and any other drug related test. However, I'm more afraid that answering honestly to 'yes' will still give me a 1 year ban even though I pass the test. Or worse, they deny me without giving me a test to prove.

Mods* Please delete my other post as it may be in the wrong section.

I wrote another post about marijuana and medical tests but may have been in the wrong section. I know that not every medical exam that goes through US Immigration will require a drug test. However, I want to be completely honest in my application. I have used Marijuana in the past for my arthritis. I use to be a daily user (just before bed) but recently stopped due to getting injections to help with the pain. I have been approved for a medical marijuana card but I have also dabbled in it as a teen when I didn't have one. I went through a very traumatic experience when I was 15 years old... because of this event my doctor and law enforcement (who responded to the scene) recommended that I see a psychiatrist to ensure that I process this event OK. I was honest in my sessions and have told them that I used a handful of times then. I was cleared after 3 sessions saying I was able to cope with the event and had a "healthy way" of processing it (non suicidal, didn't require anxiety medication etc) - at that time, I admitted to taking it here and there but never was a heavy user/daily user... until I was diagnosed with arthritis.

So my question is this:

When my fiance and I do our K1 paperwork my interview should be in the summer of next year/early fall. I know 100% I will have been and off marijuana for at least 1 year. I've read on the forums that even admitting to using once, years before, will give you an automatic 1 year ban. I won't feel comfortable answering "have you ever used drugs?" with an indefinite "no". I would prefer to answer honestly "Yes, I have but it has been at least a year since". But I don't want this answer to give me an automatic ban when I'm being honest and can pass a drug test and show I haven't used in over a year. Does having a medical marijuana card even help in this case?

What can we do?

TIA

I see a number of issues that would need to be discussed with the Companies Immigration Lawyer.

Do you need a Work Visa or can ot be be done on the VWP/B.

If you do need a work visa, can you get one.

I don't believe it would be a VWP/B because I would be in the US for work and not for a course that has no credit. I would still be paid during the time I am in the US through the Canadian offices, I believe. I still need to figure out those details of course prior to accepting any offer.

I can obtain a work visa through the companies immigration lawyer. The company has multiple US and Canadian offices (as well as offices in Asia and Europe). Recently, the US HQ acquired another Canadian company so the majority of the people in the office have flown to the US HQ for 3-9 months (depending on seniority) to do an on boarding program because essentially we'll be reporting to our US executives/parent company even though we are working in and out of our Canadian offices most of the time.

When I called the Immigration helpline, both agents said that I can be on a temporary work visa and still file for the K1 visa. The only issue is timing... so if I'm doing training for 3 months, I would be fine. If I were to do training for 6-9 months, they recommend that I delay my petition date. Because once my visa is approved and an interview is set, I need to leave the country and 're-enter' under the K1 and go through that process. I would still have to apply for the EAD/AP (which takes 90 days) and the employer is aware of that. So I'd have to take a leave and return to work in my US remote office (most of our consulting positions are remote with requirements to travel to your HQ once every 2-4 weeks) after I apply for the EAD/AP and have it approved.

I don't think you can do the K1 and a work visa at the same time.

What I'd recommend is that you get married now, file CR1 so that you can work right away when its approved. You'll get a Green card right away when you enter the USA. As opposed as to having to do K1, get married and wait 3-12 months for green card. Just my opinion!

Good luck with your decision though and congratulations on getting married!

Thanks for the reply! I've asked a few people and have some conflicting opinions. I did end up calling the customer service line... twice. Just to make sure.

Apparently, It's not a conflict to be on a temporary work visa and file/petition for the K1. The only issue is timing... If I am still in the US on a temporary work visa and I get approved on my K1, I must leave the country and begin the process of the K1. I would still have to go through the 90 day period of getting my AP/EAD done after I get married and enter the US for the second time.

So I just need to make sure that my training is less than the wait period that is given for the K1 visa to be approved or extend my filing date. However, if I'm understanding correctly, it would be frowned upon for me to be on a temporary work visa, get married, and apply for a spousal visa. Because that could be seen as immigration fraud (which is what im trying to avoid by doing as much research before taking the job offer).

Hello

Thanks everyone for the help so far. I’ve read so many threads and think this is such a great resource.

Just a brief overview of my situation… My partner and I are planning to file our paperwork to start the K1 visa process in early 2014. We planned to close the distance at the end of the year...

I was recently headhunted by a past client of mine who wants me to join his company. The company has offices in Canada and the US. The office in Canada is not close to my home (1 hour flight or 5-6 hr commute) and being in a LDR and owning my property, I didn’t want to move for the first half year to work in their Canadian offices. In the last few weeks, we’ve talked about the potential of me working and doing the training out in the US office (same state and city as my partner). This of course makes me EXTREMELY happy… because our chances to be close together would come sooner rather than later.

I just want to know what the process is in obtaining a 3-6 month work visa to do training at the US headquarters? I would think if the process wasn’t too troubling, that the company and I can make it work and they will want to extend their offer. Also before I consider accepting an offer, I'd like to know if having a temporary work visa and applying for a K1 while I am in the US would hurt our chances of approval? We have been in a long distance relationship for 2 years and can prove that we are a legitimate couple and that our relationship has gone back longer than this job. We have historically travelled back and forth from the US-Canada/Canada-US once a month and see each other frequently. Do you foresee an issue?

You may not be aware but an immigration lawyer is usually more trouble than they're worth and they've been known to botch things and make it worse (like not knowing where the interview embassies are).

K1 is extremely straight forward especially for US/Can couples - most if not all of us have done it all ourselves with help from the guides and people on this website. You and your fiance(e) should seriously consider doing it yourselves unless you have a very odd circumstance which you feel needs a lawyer's attention.

Best of all you dont pay a sketchy lawyer big $$$$ - I'm sure a few folks will chime in on this

it is dependent on where the Canadian Fiance(e) resides - not sure if that's you.

Thank you! I agree, I won't be hiring the lawyer... it's scary to think she doesn't even know where the interview centres are.

I am the Canadian fiance. We have a lot of proof that our relationship is legitimate. We have seen each other ever 2 weeks for the last year and a half and have the bills and bank account statements to show for it! haha.

Approved for what?

My Visa. They is a position open now, but of course they need to fill it and won't wait for a 5-12 month wait for my K1 to be approved and then about 90 days for my EAD etc.

Great, thank you! I'm going through a K1 Visa so Vancouver would be the closes centre to me.

I’m just curious to know what the job market is like on the West Coast? Specifically in Southern California… There’s a chance that I could get hired from a client if there’s an opening during the time I am approved and ready to move. But just in case the timing doesn’t match up.

I have over 8 years of experience in Marketing and Global sales in the technology sector. In my career, I have brought 2 technology start-ups from incubation to hitting revenues of over 1 Million within the first year (pure revenue driven from sales and no funding). In Canada and in my area, I have been lucky enough to be given a lot of opportunities despite not having a degree to prove myself. I have great references and just wanting to see what my chances are in getting a B2B Sales or marketing position is? I wouldn’t mind going back as an Account Manager and can work my way back up to building and managing a team after proving myself.

Every interview that I’ve had in the past, the company or hiring manager has asked me about my education. I’ve been able to prove that working my way up and taking additional courses have been a better investment for my career than to take 4 years to get a degree and have no experience. I started working full-time as an inside sales rep only weeks after graduating high school. Within that first year, I was promoted to manage the whole inside sales team (5 reps). I believe that once I get in the door, I work my butt off and they never think about it again.

I’ve been looking at a lot of positions recently and many of them will list very minimal experience but want a degree and a certain GPA. Recently there’s been a lot of articles that have been published about how a degree in this economy is a bad investment… how Google was quoted “GPA’s are worthless”. It is starting to feel like this is becoming a trendy topic, but it is very true to my world. I still understand the hesitation of interviewing with someone who only has minimal education (I have an Associates/Advanced Certificate… but no degree), however I do have a lot of experience and a track record with proof and references.

Hi,

Are there any other interview centres in Canada other than Montreal? I'm not sure if I'm being misguided but I was speaking with a lawyer in the states and she had to double check for locations... I'm seeing this as a red flag and won't be hiring her if she doesn't know if there's other centres. I am in BC and on the West Coast...

Thanks!

I am not sure why this is understandable. Why can't your client offer you a job on the condition that you obtain a valid authorization to work? If you fail to get the appropriate work authorization then the offer expires. It doesn't cost the offeror anything but the time and resources to generate the offer letter.

This is a great idea. I didn't think about a conditional offer. Thanks!

I am in the process of getting my Green Card via CR1 and just waiting for completion and interview. We have listed our condo in Vancouver since Feb and it's been so slow that we also looked into renting it out. We have 6 allowed in our building and currently all max. I also looked into it and saw the exemption rule, under financial hardship, via rule 144 of the BC Strata Act.

As you've probably read, the rule itself is merely a guideline, so the ultimate decision will be formed by your Strata. Rule 144(6) helps you out as well, as the Strata cannot be unreasonable in their decision. The most common cases are where the owner has to move for whatever purpose, and is forced to pay rent at that new place, while trying to maintain their current mortgage amount.

When I sent my request into my Strata, I merely estImated what my new income will be (based on job ads). I gave them these job abs to show approximate income. I also gave them some ads of rentals where we are planning to move. Finally, I provided our mortgage statement. If you can adequately show that maintaining the mortgage and new rent will take up most, if not all, of your potential income, then they should grant you the exemption.

Your situation is a little different though, as we've been trying to sell (ie. we have shown that renting it out is our ONLY option). Your strata may say that you really haven't exhausted all options and may deny your request. They won't care that you have a fixed mortgage or that renting it out is better for your cash flow (I hope that wasn't one of your points in your request). Keep in mind that rule 144 was formed to help those who have no alternatives and can't maintain 2 places. Good luck!

No, I didn't put that into my request. I kept it very very basic... saying that I am moving abroad and would like to request a hearing. I know each strata uses their own discretion. Because I have been a very ideal owner (no issues ever, very quiet and clean) and get along with many on my council, I may have a chance that they will see where I am coming from and grant it. Unfortunately, we have a company that all requests have to go through and she has been unresponsive. I can't afford to eat up what I will lose if I sell it now... Which I could prove that by selling it I would essentially go into debt and to carry the debt + living expenses won't be feasible.

My fiancé and I are trying to finalize our paperwork and we are hesitant in submitting it

It'll be 9 months to 13 months before you get any visa , then another 6 months to immigrate into the USA with said visa,

so

can't you put the condo on the market , for sale, after getting visa in hand?

We are going through a immigration lawyer and I'm not sure if the conditions are different than yours (I'm moving from Canada to the US), but our lawyer says that it would take up to 8 months total from when we submit our paperwork. We are going through the K1 visa and that's generally quicker than the marriage visa.

I would prefer not to sell as the market hasn't fully recovered and I would then have to carry the loss in between my move and when I can actually start work and get paid.