Nashvan

NOA received today dated 7/30.
 
7/26 Shipped via Fedex
7/28 Delivered
7/30 Text received (SRC)
7/31 CC processed
8/3 NOA received in mail

I just did mine. I used Turbotax and filed as deemed resident. If you lived in Canada for less than 183 days, you need to file as a non resident I think. If you have foreign address, you can’t do Netfile, but Turbotax allows you to download and print the forms. You can manually fill out the form too, download it from CRA website.

I can answer for Canadian taxes as I was in a similar situation in 2019 -- you can file like normal but make sure your ID is updated on the first page of the tax return for things like your new last name (if applicable), address, marital status, and current residence and date of departure (under Information About Your Residence). If you had any recurring premiums for benefits based on residence, make sure they know you left so they stop charging you and refund any payments made since you left. I'm from BC and paid for MSP the month after I moved and they eventually gave back the amount because I updated my residency late. The CRA also issued me a GST/HSTC (and BC climate tax credit) notice to give back the tax credits I earned since becoming a non-resident of Canada but I had to call them to ask about this.
 
If you file US taxes after Canadian taxes, you can use Form 2555 to exclude your Canadian income. You'll also have to file FBAR if all your Canadian bank accounts add up to over $10k USD.

In response to COVID-19, CRA says the deadline for individuals will be deferred until June 1. Taxes owed deferred until August 31.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html
 
IRS fed deadline is still April 15 (July 15 for Tennessee tornado victims) but taxes owed will have an additional 90 day window, interest-free.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html

Thanks. I was just super impatient to continue my career and expected too much too soon. Now I can laugh about it and move on. Every so often it's good to zoom out and look at things for what they are, not what we want them to be. It's so easy to get sucked into our own narrative that we fail to see the positives.
 
Based on what you wrote, I feel like you might be overcompensating for your husband's reaction to the issues. You are not responsible for his feelings. He is not responsible for your feelings. If his reaction is something you think is getting in the way of discussing these issues, then consider letting him know that you perceive it as such, or encourage him explain his feelings about the situation. Keep the communication open and honest. The 'we, not me' mentality only works if both of you believe in it.

Thank you so much. This was really, really comforting to read. I’m so sorry that things have still been bleak since getting your GC. I hope your circumstances improve in the future so that stress doesn’t need to accumulate quite so much. You’re so right about the both of us just needing to keep trying, though. I’ve been feeling more level-headed since starting back on my medication, but that hasn’t made my surroundings all that much easier to deal with. Still, I rise and try to go on. I need my husband to try to get on the same page, but it seems anytime I bring up issues that are hurting my quality of life here, he takes it as an attack and becomes defensive or passive-aggressive. It’s what leads me to feeling guilty - as though I’m wholly responsible for everything. Like you said, though, we need a ‘we, not me’ mentality, and I have no choice but to keep trying to get us to that point. Thank you again for having a read of my whining and being so supportive.

OP, I think I mentioned this on your other topic that disappeared but you remind me so much of myself, it's like reading a mirror. You don't have to blame yourself for your worries. I don't think anyone is ever fully prepared for life in a new country, no matter how ready they think they are. It sounds like you and your husband have different ideas on how to live together, and while that's natural, it's also important to work as a team to solve any issues with a 'we, not me' mentality.
 
I've been in your situation, and am still trying to grow out of it now. Personally, my life in the past three months since getting the GC has been worse than the entire six-month AOS period. I almost got into a wreck within a week of getting my car, bombed my first job interview from anxiety, had a creepy experience at a networking event, and took a job that pays half my previous wage despite having work/intern experience in it just to get my foot in the field here. I felt, and sometimes still feel, like such a failure. It wasn't until last week that I properly broke down for a solid hour from all the accumulated stress.
 
I've learned that there is no shame in expressing frustrations, that not being able to certain things within a certain time does not define your worth. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do. I don't know exactly what I want to do. We're still young. Whatever we try will eventually lead to something later on, or inspire something completely new. What's important is that we keep seeking ways to do something. I'd say you're already on your way!

You only need one.  I just did two for the heck of it. 
I would say physical presence started the day you began living there. 
Bonafide resident since citizenship. 
 
I see no benefit to a dual status year. You can’t file a joint return if a NR and are taxed at a higher rate. Without reviewing every little detail, I would say choose to be RA all year. The other might be for a person working on a  student visa who has to file a NR return, but toward the end of the year got a green card so can split the year and not pay the higher amount for the RA months. I don’t know that much about a dual status return.  From Pub 519. 
 
Choosing Resident Alien Status
If you are a dual-status alien, you can choose to be treated as a U.S. resident for the entire year if all of the following apply.
You were a nonresident alien at the beginning of the year.
You are a resident alien or U.S. citizen at the end of the year.
You are married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien at the end of the year.
Your spouse joins you in making the choice.
How To Make the Choice
Attach a statement, signed by both spouses, to your joint return for the first tax year for which the choice applies. It should contain the following information.
A declaration that one spouse was a nonresident alien and the other spouse a U.S. citizen or resident alien on the last day of your tax year, and that you choose to be treated as U.S. residents for the entire tax year.
The name, address, and identification number of each spouse. (If one spouse died, include the name and address of the person making the choice for the deceased spouse.)

You have to go through the instructions. And there may be certain things that Canadians get to do that Brits (me) didn’t,  so read carefully if you are doing this yourself. 
 
I can’t comment on what the entire joint return will include...kids, self-employed spouse, credit for various things, own a farm, tips, gambling winnings....who knows.?? There’s a gazillion forms that might fit your family...or not.
 
Schedule 1 - Wages It’s your excluded wages you calculated on 2555 and carried to Schedule 1. It will be a negative number indicated by parentheses. You have to read the instructions that tell you these things.   
 
If you work through the 2555 and read the form and instructions, it will say enter this number in parentheses on Line x Of Schedule 1. That’s a clue you need it. 
 
FBAR is not in the tax return. Filed with the Treasury Dept online. We used to mail it but do online now.Start here https://bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov//NoRegFBARFiler.html
If you have $100k, then also FATCA which is in the tax return. Well it was last year. Things change every year. 
 

Hello 
 
We couldn’t have made it thru the process without this site!! Thank you everyone who answered questions and encouraged us along the way! Thanks my Tn Bud  @Nashvan and there are others but my mind is not set-up to remember everybody LOL! 
 
see ya for the next round 
 
Cheschirecat 

Thank you for your help. I am still shocked about the notarial part as i consulted couple friends from Hong Kong who went through the AOS process ,and they didn't have to do with the notarial certificate by third party but submitted the photocopy of original Birth Certificate/ Certificated copy only.

Just got notification this morning that my interview has been scheduled! I was shocked to see this as the Orlando office usually is quite a bit behind (I wasn't expecting to get my green card for at least 1-2 years to be honest - especially if I go according to the processing times of the Orlando office) and very busy - but, I am not complaining! 

Hello everyone! Just wanted to give a quick review of my AOS interview today (K1) at Nashville, TN office:

Timeline:
AOS Filed - Aug 09th, 2019
NOA Hard Copy - Aug 16th, 2019
Biometrics twice (Finger prints failed) - Sep-Oct, 2019
Interview "ready to be scheduled" - Oct 18th, 2019
Interview Date Scheduled - Dec 10th, 2019
EAD/AP combo card received - Dec 10th, 2019

The process went by very swift for us. Got into the building at our designated time and showed the 2 security guards our ID's and appointment letter. Then had to put all folders, coats, watches, keys, belts and shoes into the tray to be scanned (we didn't bring our purses or phones in). Walked through the metal detector and was told to report to window 1. Walked up to the lady and handed her our ID's and appointment letter again. She looked through everything and gave us a number. We waited for about 5-10 mins and heard a faint call of our number (so keep your ears open!). Was met by a gentleman officer, who greeted us and had us follow him into a separate office/room. Was told to stand to take the oath and proceeded to sit together (husband and I were not separated). Officer was friendly and nonchalant at the same time (we didn't feel too stressed). The beneficiary (me) had to take a picture with his little webcam on the desk scan fingerprints of both my index fingers. Then he went through the first few pages of my I-145 form and asked to see the following documents:
- My passport
- Husband's ID (drivers license)
- My birth certificate (original)
- My husband's birth certificate (original)
- Marriage certificate (original)

After marking down that each one was legitimate on my I-145, he proceeded to ask me from the form:
- My full name now
- Name prior to marriage
- Date of birth
- My husband's full name
- Date of birth
- My current address

Next, he asked me if I wanted to submit anything that would go towards his consideration (I asked him to clarify and he said "things that had a co-relationship"). I handed him copy's and original statements from our bank, credit cards, health insurance, 401k retirement, letters of recommendation, marriage photo album, wedding invitation, drivers license + my state ID (to show same address). He then read through all the mandatory pages (about committing crime etc) within the form and after each one had me answer. All of them were "No" and each time I answered he'd put a check mark next to each one. Then he asked me to sign the last page to confirm all we went through.

Then, he began to ask me to tell him "all about us", "how we met" etc. He specifically asked me (the beneficiary) to be the core speaker (and told my husband he could chime in if needed). I went right from the beginning, explained that we met through a game - all the way up to our visits (showing him pictures, chat logs etc.) - right through to our wedding day, honeymoon and current living status/life. He was quite pleasant and laughed with us a bit which was nice. After that, he asked if we had any questions (we asked about an address change), and he escorted us out of the room and back towards the security guards. The entire thing lasted about 30 mins.

It made us feel good that he commented on how legitimate our relationship felt to him and commented on us checking our status online, whether we would be approved or not (he said if there were any other docs he would need after the interview, he would issue an RFE). If not, the green card should just "surprise" us in the mail - his words lol

All in all, it was such a quick process! I prepared 3 folders THICC with documents, copies, evidence etc. But he didn't look at anything but the above. Very friendly experience and we hope to hear some good news soon (apart from the combo work permit/AP card I received when I got back home!). 

Hope this helps! 
 

I doubt it. The problem with TFSAs is that the US doesn't recognize the interest earned as being tax-free (like we obviously do). If you're not earning any interest, and therefore not generating any "income" from it, there shouldn't be a problem.

I moved all my money from TFSA to Savings account since savings gives a better interest rate. There is no reason to keep your money in a TFSA since IRS will tax you on the interest you've earned.

I'm going through a recruiter too and they never asked me that. They only need to know whether you have work authorization or not. You do not have to answer how you got it.

Got our approval today 

I'm going to get US citizenship as I don't want to deal with USCIS for the rest of my life haha. Being able to vote is another pro. Also certain jobs like with the federal government require US citizenship, if that's something you're interested in.
 
Dual offers advantages for both sides along with responsibilities as others have mentioned. Personally I'm keeping mine for our future kids since I wasn't born in Canada and we want them to have an option. It also gives my husband an option to move back north with me, should we ever decide to.
 
Re: Canadian federal elections, you can vote as long as you remain a citizen -- your vote will count towards the riding of your last Canadian residence so you choose from the reps there. I voted by mail in early October but didn't receive any notification of receipt, not sure if that's the norm.
 
I'm guessing OHIP is like BC's MSP which was $37.50/month for me so that was cut off right when I left lol.

approved friday, got notification via text this morning (norfolk office)

Green card now in hand See y'all in a year and 9 months when we get to complain and fuss about the slow RoC process

Our status still shows as "Interview was scheduled" but today we received in the mail our approval NOA for permanent residence.  I was sweating bullets since we never saw anything updated on USCIS. 
 
So, I suppose this means I'll see you all in a year and a half when we start going through the slow as heck ROC process 😐 

Just had my interview in Chicago and my case was approved on the spot!! I’m so happy since it was only 2 days away from my bday  
The interview was very chill, she only asked us how we met and asked to submit evidence of our marriage. 
I am very glad I’m done with immigration for now. This process really messed me up during the months when I couldn’t work or do anything. 
I wish good luck for those still waiting, your time will come! 

For AOS interview bring an original and copy.

We had our interview in Nashville yesterday, all my stress, it went better than I thought it would! 
 
We we had a lovely officer interview us together. She asked how we met, about our first date, how my husband proposed and how I liked Tennessee. We brought everything it says on the interview notice but all she asked us for were photos, anything that we had in both our names-we brought our car and health insurance, joint bank acc info, lease agreement and flight receipts with both our names on it from the last few months and took a photo copy of my husbands American passport. She also kept our interview notice as proof we showed up for the interview. She was surprised I still haven’t gotten EAD yet. 
All in all we were with her for about 30 minutes, she said we’d hear her decision within the next 30 days, she also told us we were obviously meant to be married so we’re taking that as a good sign!!
And now to spend the next 30 days constantly refreshing our uscis profile page! 
Good luck everyone who has there interview coming up! 

We completed our interview yesterday for AoS.  Here was our takeaways:
 
The office was easy to find (especially if you stay at the Best Western or Holiday Inn Express that are 2 minutes away). You have to go through Airport like security (removal of shoes, belt, jewelry, etc then metal detected).  You can bring your phone which is nice, but usage is discouraged. The beneficiary checks in using their ID (Me as the petitioner never had it checked). You are then called by the immigration officer.  Ours differed slightly from NashVans experience: You are sworn in just like when you had the consulate interview and then the beneficiaries picture and index fingerprints are checked. Both my wife, myself, and my 11 month old daughter were allowed in during the initial interviewing.  I evidently didn't submit a copy of my passport's bio page so it was good that I brought both my passport and a copy. I submitted additional financial documents (like my last 2 months of pay stubs) just to strengthen that, but the IO didn't need anything else on that topic since I had submitted my IRS tax returns. We gave her pictures, copies of both of my retirements with her listed as a beneficiary, insurance statements with our names on it, electric bills with both our names on it, and then for shits and giggles a credit card offer my wife got in the mail.  We didn't have lease or banking because we hadn't gotten her SSN.... We did get asked "How did we meet?" "Where did I propose?" "show me a picture of the wedding ceremony you guys had" "Is our Daughter going to be added to this application (she's gotten Us citizenship through me so no worries there).  The IO went through the application  to verify things were correct (wedding date, names, birthdays, etc). Once the IO reached the Eligibility question portion (The Yes/No questions you have to answer about if you had a crime ever, etc), the IO escorted me and my daughter out.  This part is only asked of the beneficiary. My wife told me the IO went through each Yes/No question.  Only thing my wife was asked about was a prior conviction that was overturned (an overstay in Switzerland) that she provided the copies of the court document with the translation, which the IO was very cool about in her comments. After that, they are lead out a different door on the other side of the waiting room and out you go.  We got told that the IO has 30 days to review the case, request additional information, etc. As of now, we're waiting for our case to change in the case tracker.
 
One big thing to note:  I asked about my wife's SSN.  The IO stated the hang up was on the green flag for the EAD.  Since my wife has her EAD, she should had gotten her SSN. Also, they should had been able to tell us why we were getting the hang up. 
 

Update: I-485 approval notice received 10/26 dated same day as interview (10/21). The tracking number was updating back in time and said "Delivered" with the wrong zip code! After much panic and confusion, the green card arrived today after a surprisingly nice call to USPS. 😀 Wishing a happy ending to all!