Lights

28 minutes ago, Sukie said:

You are fine to travel with your expired Green Card and your NOA1 letter.  Do be prepared to go to secondary screening when you return.  Don't be frightened if you are taken there - but it is happening.

 

My spouse is Australian and we are both in our 60s.  She was taken to secondary screening at JFK last December when we came from a trip to Oz.  She was really scared - but during these absolutely bizarre days here in the US, nothing should surprise you.

 

Have fun!

 

Sukie in NY

25 minutes ago, charmander said:

Yes you can ( I traveled back home 4 months after my GC expired with the NOA letter) but no one could attest for whether a CBP agent would acknowledge the NOA or not. It happens rarely but we've seen people stopped at even major airports. Hit or miss but you have better chance at airports or land borders that sees ROCs frequently. If you are going to drive to Canada, pick crossings that sees more traffic than others. If you are going to fly, pick bigger airports, increase your chance with dealing with a CBP agent that has seen the NOA paperwork before. Know your rights, if you ever get referred to secondary and the agents seem ignorant about the NOA, ask to speak with their supervisor.

Thank you both so very much!! I have gone to secondary inspection before (when I was on an EAD/AP and did not yet receive my GC). I wasn't nervous either times and luckily got very friendly CBP agents. 

I have been lucky to have a company and clients based out of my home country, so I get to "go home" often. But as you mentioned, with the things happening in the US, nothing surprises me anymore.

Thank you both so much for responding and giving me some peace of mind. 

52 minutes ago, Derwood said:

Yes. Good luck!

Thanks, Derwood! I remember you from my K1 journey  glad we're both in the process and moving along! 

I can be added to the list. 

California Service Center. 

Mailed on 2/9/2017,

Received/Delivered on 2/10/2017,

Check cashed on 2/14/2017

Waiting on NOA 1

When I receive my NOA, I will be able to go to the DMV and renew my driver license + travel outside of the country (as long as I bring my expired GC and NOA)? 

Thanks

Hello everyone, 

It's been awhile since I've come to this forum. With all that's going on, we're a bit nervous with our ROC and whether we can still fly and travel outside the US. 

My country of birth is Canada and we travel internationally quite often (for both my husband and my careers and family). We have travel planned for March, April, and May so far (to Canada). We recently submitted our ROC paperwork and have read that I can travel with my GC and my NOA. 

We have provided:

- joint bank account statements

- joint tax returns

- our names on all our insurance policies and each other as beneficiary 

- multiple confirmations of travel with us two and our intermediate family members

We don't believe we'll have any issues with our ROC, but of course I'm nervous with leaving the country on a "expired" GC while waiting for my ROC to pass through. Would CBS Agents recognize the NOA, while I'm traveling on a GC that the date is "expired"?

Can your fiance help you move your things a few weeks prior to POE?

I hired movers and recall they weren't able to move my items until I was in the US but I can't remember if that's because I hired movers or if that was a law.

I'm trying to help my friends who are also making this move. Unlike me, they actually don't have a lot of stuff. Just clothes and some small heirlooms. They will be making a drive because they have a dog. However, her US fiance will be in Canada one more time before her official move date.

He recently asked whether he could help with the load by packing some of her clothes in his suitcase and also checking in a bag, just so they can fit all their things in the trunk (instead of getting a trailer attachment). I didn't know how to answer...Is that allowed? Is there a form (import/export) that he can fill out to ensure that they know it's old/not new clothes of his fiance - soon to be wife?

Super basic question but it's been so long and my brain is mush today and I don't want to provide the wrong answers to my friends.

We have friends who are embarking in their own K1 journey. They recently have been approved and they will be making her POE soon (LAX). They will legally get married right away and submit paperwork for AOS.

A month and a half after POE, they plan to fly to Hawaii to elope. She is allowed to fly, within US, with no problems even as AOS is pending.

They are about to put their deposit down for their wedding reception and don't want any issues with one of them not being able to make it to their own wedding.

thanks!

Good Advice. Happy Belated Canada Day to you

Thank you! We did a little Canada Day celebration and then ended off the weekend with July 4th. I won't be eating for the next 3 days!

Thank you for sharing! I would be interested to know your journey on how you go about starting business as a foreigner! Do share more about it!

Sure! I'm happy to share.

I spent 11 years in digital. I started with developing websites to apps and then worked with some of the worlds largest brands to create strategies and systems that bring them more sales through digital channels. I loved it when I was in Canada and when I moved to California, my experience was still very much needed. I received an offer letter before my EAD came in. I was very transparent (I networked a lot when I first came here, just to create a community) with my immigration and the company that offered me a contract was okay to wait. They waited 2 months before I was able to officially start.

When I started, I spent about a year with this company until I got headhunted. It was amazing, at the time, because the company offered nearly 3x my salary at the previous company based on my client experience. Shortly after starting at this company, things went downhill. I was working for someone who was ruthless with other people. He made it impossible for any of us to get our work done. And he was very "you should be lucky you have a job" kind of attitude. Now, I've worked with some crazy clients and terrible employers in the past, but nothing to this level.

I had already been thinking about the difference I would have in Canada versus in the US (such as maternity leave etc.) and was really at a cross roads. One day, while we were in his office for 6 hours working on a report and he had gotten his assistant to bring HIM lunch only, while the rest of us sat there all day with no bathroom breaks, I realized that this wasn't the way for me. I just didn't know how and or if I could do anything different... The following week, we went on a business trip. It was then that I realized I had to go. He humiliated one of my staff at the airport and laughed about it, then expected me to do the same. Which I refused. The following day, I quit.

At first, I thought "what am I doing??" but my survival instincts kicked in. Within my first week, I picked up a contract client to do consulting for. Over the last year, I picked up business for things that I had done previously (digital work) because that's what I have a track record in, and it held me over (without a consistent paycheck). Slowly, I started to lower my hours on what I use to do and started focusing on building what I wanted to do. Once I got out of that survival mode, I started to look at my life and think what it is that I really wanted to do. I realized moving didn't mean picking up where I left off, it meant I could pivot and create a new normal IF I wanted to.

Canadians work very hard but we also understand balance. Something that I struggled with here. I talk to a lot of working moms and they feel like they have to choose one or the other. Many of them, who have had C-sections, are back to work well before they are healed. This just did not work for me. I decided to get involved and build a business around the life I wanted, but also understanding that I live in California and that it's not cheap. Once I went down this road, I realized just how many others were in my position but felt stuck and couldn't really change their course like I could. It's not easy and i'm still building but you can do it.

I'll be coming up to one year of being my own boss shortly. People who say it can't be done, really haven't tried. I had an idea, consulted a lawyer, created an LLC and went to a bank and got my business banking accounts opened. I went back and took some licensing courses. I worked hard and within a few months I had banks trying to give me loans up the wazoo (which I declined).

You can always PM me for details but wasn't sure how detailed I should be on here . I'm not a citizen, I'm a permanent resident and I was able to start a business. America is still a land of opportunity, but I think it's almost an advantage being a foreigner. I find, although it works for some, that Americans have a "if I work many hours, I'll be productive" mentality. Whereas, I have a "you do focused worked for less hours but you actually produce more"

Thanks for a great post! I'm also from Canada, and I can relate to a lot that you said. Especially #5.

I'm adapting to the current political situation by becoming a US citizen (I've been here long enough) so that I can vote. The way I look at it, every country has imperfections, and for problem situations to improve, its citizens need to act. Being indifferent doesn't help anyone. My life is in this country now, so I'm putting my energy into life here.

Ahh! I wish I could vote, I'm not there yet but soon. I hear you... my thing is the resistance... I've encountered a lot of people who haven't traveled outside of their state, let alone country and have such strong opinions of why certain things cannot be done. I agree with you, the citizens need to act. I can tell you that I am the most political in the family and my in-laws are like "but I thought you were Canadian and Canadians are so neutral". The way I see it is exactly like you. If I'm living here, I want to act on behalf of the society and community I live in. Maybe I'm a bit crazy, but I think even my small voice can make a different.

"amen sis'ta" (Spoken in my newly learned southern dialect). Thank you for the post!

Canada to Mississippi!? That must be a change. Thank you!

Very interesting! Congrats on your move into the entrepreneurship I was planning to do the same thing as you for the same reason! If imay ask what was your job and what are you doin now?

Thank you! Well, it's not my first go-around. I did do some consulting/side work when I was in Canada as well.

I'm in digital/tech, have been for the last 10+ years. I've been in digital payments, platforms and ad tech in some form over the last decade. Right now, my company essentially builds things for other businesses. Whether that is internal or external tools. Either it's web based or an app, we can do it.

It wasn't much of a change when I decided to work for myself. I already had experience and a network, although not locally.

And paid parental leave is a huge issue here! Coming from a country where 52 weeks is normal... I get told here in California when someone gets 6 weeks how lucky they are.

I refuse to have it this way. When I relocated to the US, I was lucky and received a job offer before my EAD came in. When my EAD came in, that following day I went to work. Within that year, I did well for myself (US does pay slightly higher in some fields), and made well into 6 figures. For that year, I saved up and steamrolled our cash. I knew that I had some time to build. We are now a year away from trying for a family and I couldn't think of only getting 6 weeks paid leave (if that). My family is in Canada, and although not a long trip away, I couldn't think of using all my vacation to visit them for a measly 10 days per year. Growing up I was so close to my grandparents and I need to find a way to make it work for my parents as well.

So I consciously quit my job and started my own business. It's not easy. Building a business in a place where you really don't have much of a network. But after almost 1 year in, I'm so glad I did. The time will pass and the work will need to get done whether you're sitting in an office for someone else or for myself. Luckily for me, my profession easily transitioned into self employment. It had made the transition easier and it has made my husband and I happy to know that as much as I've 'sacrificed' to move to be with him, that this isn't one of them.

Just a word of caution.

I just read a thread on this forum the other about someone who got pulled over driving in CA with their Canadian drivers license and they ended up in court and they had to pay a $1,000 fine.

Of course the DMV wouldn't give him a license because he didn't have his EAD or other required ID's, but the judge was unmoved.

Maybe the laws or rules have changed since I believe that thread was from a while ago.

This is still true. You are not allowed to drive on a Canadian license when you have established residency in California, like @NLR said.

California insurance companies will insure you, but that doesn't mean you're compliant to the state laws. You also can't hold 2 licenses if you have a BC license... so once your BC license is expired, you can only have either a BC one or California one, whichever you're a resident of.

There really is no issue, if you are immigrating legally. Just a delay dependent on who you encounter at the DMV. Heck, I know someone who had to go back twice because they got divorced and changed their name. But if you're following the process legally, although it's annoying and you may have to go back an extra time, it does work itself out.

But yes... for those Canadians who are establishing residency in the California... it's a big no no to be driving with your Canadian license.

i have never had a problem with my canadian license in LA and my canadian frainds in LA have their canadian license too and drive insured no problem.. i called geico and got insured on my canadian license and when i got my visa i went to DMV did a written test and then a driving test and i passed 'with the minimum' lol i actually did bad but im a goo sales person haha but i got my CA license.

i actually drove 2 years with a canadian license, california plates and insured in america.. so i dont know why you had a problem? maybe you were confused:/

No, I wasn't confused. I did all my paperwork legally, in time. Different DMV, different employees. Some didn't know how to process it and when I came back, the new employee knew. It's a hit or miss. I was just saying that was my only frustration... But you're lucky you didn't have issues with driving on a Canadian license for that long.

I was insured fine from day 1. But some employees aren't sure and that creates small delays.

We filed AOS the day after my POE. It took the full 3 months to get my EAD/AP card. We didn't get our interview for almost a year... where I was beginning to worry whether I should re-new my EAD/AP. We luckily got notice of our interview, but we had issues with my biometrics (had to go in twice to do it). Then when we finally got our interview, our package wasn't at the office. So we did our interview but had to wait. We got my green card just after a month after our interview.

I miss Cheemo perogies. I have only been able to find Mrs T's so far and I don't really like them. Plus, when I ask at the store if they have perogies, the clerk looks at me like I have a second head on my shoulders; I haven't found anyone who even knows what they are.

I miss perogies too! I even liked the no name brand ones and used to eat them all of the time

I thought this was only me! I had a craving for perogies one day and coudln't find them ANYWHERE in the frozen food aisle. Then one day, Costco had a traveling display and it was perogies! I thought they would be there to stay, but nope... after that one weekend, they were gone. A year has gone by and a few weeks ago, I found them again! I loaded up on a few bags, but they're not the same... I didn't think I'd miss perogies with sour cream as much as I do. LOL

I moved to the US in October... and it seems like everything is just going wrong! Is anyone else feeling the same way? I'd love to talk to some other Canadians.

My AOS is messed up, missing my family, problems with health care. aka I just got an unexpected medical bill in the mail for 2 grand... can't work yet, haven't made any friends.. And a million other things have gone wrong lately of a more personal nature.

Not to mention, I miss Tim Horton's so much! Ketchup chips! Hickory sticks! Driving here scares me because the roads are so busy. And people constantly make fun of my accent It took ten months to get my visa and I thought we were so prepared... HAHA, no. I think I miss OHIP most of all. People here don't eat fish and chips.. they don't know what coffee crisp is.. and they do rock, paper, scissors differently. I feel like I am learning something new and totally unexpected about American life every day, and my whole life people have told me our countries are so similar. I miss sidewalks and bus service, too! And being able to actually walk places!

Can anyone relate?

Late to the party but wanted to chime in.

AOS was a process. Even though mine wasn't messed up other than a small delay when our package didn't reach our local admin office for our GC interview. DMV was a total nightmare because no one knew what to do with a Canadian license. I was there at least 2-3 times on average for everything I needed because they couldn't understand how to process my papers.

I've been in the US for almost 2 years and I have not gone without ketchup chips. LOL! When I visit or when anyone comes and visits me, this is their entry ticket into our house. Half kidding...

I totally get the being able to walk to places. I'm from Vancouver and we're outdoorsy people. Even for those who aren't outdoorsy, we just know how it feels to walk in the rain, wind, fresh cool air of Vancouver. I'm in California now and absolutely LOVE the sun but hate the traffic and lack of nature. We do a lot of hikes, but it's just a different kind of nature.

The thing that I find the hardest to adjust is the automatic "Canadian Vs. American" mentality. For some reason everyone assumes I'm local (I guess I don't have a strong Canadian accent) and when they find out I'm Canadian all the jokes start to come. Jokes are fine, but when it gets political or patriotic, that's when I clench my jaw and bite my tongue. I just can't with some American's... Also, there are a lack of manners, I definitely notice that compared to Canadians.

All in all, I do love being here. I miss my family loads but they visit often and I go back often. We're in the same timezone, not a long flight/always direct, so it's been easy to adjust in some capacities. I started working right after I got my EAD. I actually accepted an offer 2 months before my paperwork came in. My boss's wife immigrated from Australia so he completely understood what I was going through and I got lucky because he loved me enough to wait. I've since moved on from that company to start my own and he's one of my mentors. I would say in general, life has gotten better because my husband and I are able to work towards our shared goals and dreams together. Moving and adjusting is hard, but you will get through it!

Is it smart to try and do this at the same time? Is there an option still to change my name based on my marriage license?

My husband and I got married the day after POE in June of 2014. We decided against my name change, because we didn't want issues with SSN and all the other paperwork. Pretty close to right after we got married, I wanted to change my name. But we held off on doing it for the sake of not complicating our paperwork any further (not that we had issues, but I have a long long name - 2 middle names).

It's been almost 2 years of us being married and I would like to be called a Mrs. ___ versus Mrs. Maiden Name. I know it's not that big of a deal, since it's just the name on my ID etc. But we're trying for kids this year and I'd like to have the same last name as our children.

Thanks for your insight and congrats to everyone who is removing their conditions... just another step in our journey. Sometimes I can't even believe it's been almost 2 years since I've moved away from my 'home'. How time flies when you're having fun!

Thanks!

Great, thank you!

They're researching their options right now and they came across DCF? Direct Consular Filing? They asked me if I ever heard of it, but I haven't. Have anyone here?

Hi everyone,

I have a question for a friend who is going on a similar journey as my husband and I. My husband and I went through the K1 route and have been married and in the US for over a year.

Our friends are looking into the CR1. Do they have to be married at the time of filing or can they be married before the interview?

Thanks

I do not know about CA, but in NJ, one needs several "points" worth of Identification. For my wife's State ID (she doesn't want to drive) we brought the following and she was not turned away:

1. Current Passport

2. Birth Certificate

3. AP/EAD Card & Green Card

4. Social Security Card

5. 1 (unopened) Utility Bill with her name on it (Phone Bill)

6. 1 (unopened) Statement from our shared Bank with her name on it

7. Marriage License (receipt) and Marriage Certificate

8. My Birth Certificate and Passport (To prove I am her husband).

Wow! Your bc too? I have to bring my husband? What if he can't go because of work? Can I take his bc and passport for him?

TIA!

Hello,

I'm in the state of California... I recently received my GC and need to renew my license as it is only valid for 1 year (EAD/AP).

I'm going to a DMV that's about an hour away because I couldn't get an appointment for the day I can go. Just to make sure I don't get turned away, I want to ensure I have all my documents. Do I need to bring anything other than my current license and green card?

thanks so much guys and i mean he has the medical care thats provided by the company hes working for why i dont think he can add me so it just covers him but when i find out if i am i might do the social services thing sounds promising and no i dont have a SSN yet i haven't received my authorization for work yet, im still waiting for it to update since i had an RFE for a ###### cert.

I was added immediately after we were married with no SSN yet. You have to ask your husband what his plan is. Generally, companies will pay a portion (lucky if you get it 100% covered) for the employee and they'll have to pay a premium every month to have someone added (you and your child) etc.

I would HIGHLY ask him to look into it and if you've passed the enrollment, ask when they have open enrollments. I know it's different for every company.

I am a Canadian that moved to the US and insurance was always a top priority for me since I am used to being insured well in Canada. I really do hope that this gets sorted for you as it's stressful and can get expensive in the US.

Are you flying or driving?

All you need is your green card and passport and it should not take you more than a few minutes, maybe even seconds. Normally there is no secondary inspection with a green card and passport, unless they suspect something.

I'll be flying.

Thanks! Great news because my flight is really early in the morning on Monday.

I'm on a roll today with new posts.

I recently got my GC a few weeks back. I know I couldn't use my nexus until I update my information. When crossing Canada/US border, will I have to go to secondary inspection to fill out that form each time?

I'm visiting home this weekend and not sure if i'll have to give myself extra time to fill out that form like I normally had to with my EAD/AP card.

This is what I found:

"Young Offenders

You may have been convicted of an offense during your youth. Generally, if you were convicted of an offense when you were under eighteen years old, you will likely be admissible and can enter Canada.

Offenses committed when you were under eighteen years old are equivalent to offenses under the Youth Criminal Justice Act in Canada.

You can not be prevented from entering Canada for foreign offenses equivalent to an offense under the Canadian Youth Criminal Justice Act."

Hope that helps.

Thanks! I'll forward that.

Maybe it wouldn't hurt if they provided some references from colleagues and mentors of his current and past character (post incident). I know I brought a lot of 'proof' when my husband and I were going through the K1 process.

Thank you.