BruceC

Does change of US address (btw what was put on I-864 form and interview time) have any effect on visa approval at montreal? Essentially, we are going to use my wifes parent's address in MI on the I-864 and was on the initial I-130, but have no intention of moving to that state, probably SC (although this is still undecided and mainly depends on where she can get work). Can we just show up at the interview with all the relevant documents showing the new address as we go through the "re-establishing domicle" process?

I've been wondering the same thing. My employer will allow either a 1yr or upto 5yr leave of absence for "relocated spouse". I think it would be prudent to try this rather than out-right quit in case things don't work out. Am I able to collect EI when on a leave of absence?

Ok nevermind found it http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/digest/6_5_0.shtml#a6_5_3

Don't know if this in somewhere in the previous 54 pages, but I'm wondering if you can collect EI if you're on a leave of absence? I plan on working until Canadian Thanksgiving and then move the following week.

I've been wondering the same thing. My employer will allow either a 1yr or upto 5yr leave of absence for "relocated spouse". I think it would be prudent to try this rather than out-right quit in case things don't work out. Am I able to collect EI when on a leave of absence?

I don't think this is a matter of it being H&R block itself. There are many CA and other professionals that are deciding to get on the so called "band wagon" and calling themselves US-CAN tax experts as a result of all this press lately. Some deal with this exclusively, and others don't. Let's face it, there is some money to be made here. Of course, it's buyer-beware for anything we purchase (except for maybe Costco!!!!)

It is possible, but as I see it hardly worth the effort. I would rather have a local firm look at them and have easy access to the office if extra documents or other things arise. As you say though, it sounds like one could save a bit of money by doing as you suggested.

Ok I have another question in regards to the I-130.

Question C.22 I'm assuming since we are both in Canada and not applying for AOS, I would leave this blank, or am I entering Montreal, CANADA on the right side of the form under that question?

I was able to talk with a local H&R block representative who says they have done many returns for similar situations to my wife's and quoted $2-300/yr for the returns, and 30-40 per FBAR. 3 yrs would probably be sufficient if there are no US taxes owing. Of course, with all the media on the US imposing these foreign own accounts needing to be reported, the representative said they are quite busy and there is a 2-3 week wait. I'm not in much of a hurry, but this price seems much more reasonable than the $5-600/yr i was quoted via two local CA firms.

Thanks Flames9_RN.....I have been browsing that site you posted, and it has so much info. I'm gonna contact the local H&R block and ask if they have someone who has done the US returns before, and more specifically that has delt with RESP, RRSP, TFSA, etc.

I suppose it is also possible to have them complete one year, and then me do the other yrs.

On a side note, on that site you posted, they seem to indicate 3 yrs of back taxes required (as long as there is no taxes owing), but 6 if there is. Do you agree that is all that is required? I've seen on vj they are suggesting 6 yrs with no mention of 3 (other than what is required for immigration). Would 3 yrs suffice and bring my wife up to current status with IRS?

We JUST went through this, we were terrified we would owe a ton but we actually got $43 back, lol. We had to do 4 years (3 where he was working) and we did at H&R Block and it was around $450, it will depend on how many forms are needed for your individual case, but that is considerably less then $4000. Hope this helps..

Hi ryanandjen04,

Are you saying that H&R block did 4yrs of US returns for $450? Did you also report your foreign accounts (i.e. RRSP, RESP, TFSA)? I didn't realise they also do US returns.

Thankyou all

Thank you all that replied. Since the ultimate goal is to get me a green card, probably having the taxes prepared by a professional will eliminate some of the worry, and will no doubt get done faster than me do the research and filing.

Ok people, my wife (dual US/CAn citizen) has been in canada and paying Canadian taxes for 10 years now. She has not filed US taxes in this time, and of course, since we are looking at moving back to the US, she now needs to get this done.

How did most of you handle this? Did you do it yourselves, or get a tax professional? I've contacted a few professional accountants and they want anywhere from $3600 to $5000 to complete the 6 yrs.

if you have done this yourself, was it fairly straight forward? can you point me in the right direction as to procedure or forms required?

Thanks,

Hi there everyone,

My wife (USC) will soon be filling-out the I-130 and I was wondering if she should be putting her Canadian address (where we are now), or a US address in the B.2 area (information about you)?

Thanks

You are most welcome. I stress as I stress to everyone...make copies of everything. Make sure you have an original and a copy of everything you are asked to bring. Make 2 copies of your bio page of your passport....one to give them at at the interview and one to keep for yourself because you leave your passport with them.

So am i correct in that Montreal will take your passport after the interview? Are you saying that a copy of the bio page is sufficient to be able to travel by air back home after the interview? i have always been wondering how i was going to get back to BC if Montreal kept my passport!

Excellent, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

So since canada no longer does DCF via the local consulates, I am wondering what the full process is for IR-1? We both are in Canada and will apply (I-130) from here to the Chicago Lockbox, but then where does it go from there?. Is this process still valid http://www.visajourney.com/examples/NVC_Process_Flowchart_v1-2.pdf

It seems there is some confusing info in various wiki and other posts as it has now changed (Aug 15, 2011)as to the route in a case like mine.

Thanks all

Sorry for the ignorance, but I have just gotten back into researching the IR-1 process, and Montreal used to be the only place an interview was done. Are they now doing interviews in vancouver for us westerners?

I see the Vancouver Consulate no longer accepts the DCF (I-130 petition)

Thanks

So I recently found out that I can no longer file at the local vancouver US consulate and that the I-130 will need to go via the Chicago lockbox. This to me in no problem, other than it might now add some time. My question though, is the process still the same as before, and the file/case will be handled by Montreal (after the lockbox processes)? Will the interview still be in Montreal?

I'm just about to start gather for the I-130, and am trying to understand if the process has changed other than the initial filing location for Canada.

thanks all

Laura428, great idea, use a headhunter and give them dates as to when you are available to work.

Are you able to give me a rough estimate of the costs involved in pursuing the "Green Card"? Were there any medical exams, police record cost etc.? How about the form submission costs?

Thanks,

bruce

Hi Bruce...

Off of the top of my head, the biggest cost we've incurred thus far was the $190 USD to file the I-130. I know there was a fee for the police check - maybe $20? My husband went to take care of that by himself, so I'm not sure what the exact cost was. I know there is a cost for the medical but couldn't tell you what it is yet - that info is included in Packet 4, which we have not received. You'll also need to pay to have a few headshots taken - these were maybe $20 or 30. Oh, and if you don't have a long form birth certificate, you'll have to order that as well... can't remember the pricetag on that one.

Of course, there are the travel costs as well... even though you and I are both much closer to Vancouver, all DCF petitions go through Montreal, so you'll need to pay for airfare, hotel and all other costs incurred. I've been watching fares from Calgary to Montreal - cheapest I've seen thus far was $445, but we missed out on that one b/c we didn't have our interview date yet. I just checked again, and it's jumped to $600... argh.

Do you remember how much your wife paid to come to Canada five years ago? Honestly, all things considered, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to go to the States than it is to come here. I remember my immigration and work status combined costing me $1500, and that was just the application fee! Not to mention the medical and other miscellanea. What I find so funny about that is how the Canadian government is all on about bringing in more immigrants, but seems a bit cost-prohibitive, don't you think? I remember talking to our banker shortly after I moved here. Told her the costs of immigration, how I gave up a job that paid me $35k more USD per year, etc etc etc. She looked at my husband, and looked at me, and said, "Wow, you must REALLY love him."

Funny you should mention the costs of when she came to Canada. We were just discussing the cost and figured it to be about what you indicated ($1500 just for the application). My wife still reminds me about how she gave up so much to be with me here in Canada. I wonder if Canada has a DCF for immigration?

It is a little disappointing that the interview is required in Montreal. That for sure will be the largest expense, since I'm about as West in the country as you can get (Victoria).

Not suprising as to the cost of immigrants coming to Canada, as I'm sure you are use to the government grabbing all they can get from us. I'm glad to hear the fees for going to the US are minimal in comparison.

Did you get your Canadian Citizenship or are you at PR status? I suppose you loose your PR status if you are going back to the US. My wife is applying now for dual Citizenship, that way she won't loose status incase we decide to move back to Canada if we make the move to the US. There might be more involved in that, but it should be easier.

Thanks again for the info.

Bruce

Laura428, great idea, use a headhunter and give them dates as to when you are available to work.

Are you able to give me a rough estimate of the costs involved in pursuing the "Green Card"? Were there any medical exams, police record cost etc.? How about the form submission costs?

Thanks,

bruce

Laura428.....thanks for the info.

Yes, we do have a house to list. I agree with you in that listing it around the interview date would make sense. My wife doesn't have a job offer as of yet, but is trying to obtain one. We are just entertaining the idea of a move to the US at the moment, as I am trying to get as much background info. as I can.

I appreciate you sharing your experiences, as it sounds like my case would be very similar to yours.

I am still a little confused as to how or what you wrote on the "packet 3" forms to show domicle. Or is it just a requirement at the interview stage?

Bruce

Also Laura428

If the interview is successful, hence, Green Card issued, I suppose that means that the Canadian is now legal to work in the US also. If this is the case, I should be able to estimate the interview date, and look for work starting now, so that I have a job to go to when we move. Does this sound right?

Bruce

Maybe I didn't quite explain the area I was looking for info. on. I understand that for to file for DCF, you must live in Canada, but in regards to proving residence (or a domicle) for the I-864 application for sponsorship. It is my understanding that the sponsor is required to prove some sort of residence or ties to a US address.

In my case, as mentioned above, my wife has been with me in Canada for 5 years, and doesn't have a US address or drivers licence , or etc. What can we do?

Any suggestions?

Bruce

ok people......I have a case very similar to Laura428, where my wife is the USC and I am Canadian, both of us live in BC. I am doing the research now, as she would like us to go back to the US to live, and have found this thread in the forum.

I have a question in regards to proving residence in the US. Do you need to prove current residence in the US (she has been here in Canada with me for the last five years), or just that she was at one time a resident of the US? It sounds like on some of the threads people are giving examples of proof that may not be current.

Please straighten this out for me.

Bruce