Leah123

On 9/2/2021 at 3:31 PM, Shumai84 said:

Is there anyone who crossed the border and has a good idea on how to get a temporary health insurance coverage till starting a new job?

 

I'm crossing the border this weekend and trying to find a short term policy but haven't been able to find one. 

Initially I thought I can just buy a travel insurance, but when I spoke with the online agent I was told that the travel insurance won't cover my situation because I will no longer be a Canadian resident once I cross the border. 

If you look up new immigrant insurance you can find some temporary ones. 

On 8/31/2021 at 11:18 AM, Flowergirl 737 said:

Hello everyone, what is the time waiting for the green card and SSN, if you have crossed the border with your VISA in the past 3 weeks can you let me know if you got anything ? Still waiting after 3 weeks. Do I need both green card and SSN to work ? Thank you guys in advance. 

Your green card will probably take over 90 days to arrive. I just received mine and crossed May 4th. The SSN is fairly quick, I see most people getting it within 2-3 weeks. You can call your social SSN office and ask them if there is a SSN on file for you. They can tell if one has been created as you answer a few security questions. In my case it was lost in the mail so I had to make an appointment and visit them in person and get a new one. 

You don't need your green card to work. You can use the visa in your passport for proof of residency. 

Just wanted to post my timeline as I finally received my green card. The process was pretty straight forward for me. The only thing I'd recommend is when you cross the border... ask to see what information the border agent is putting in the system. They changed my address and also put my name in wrong so it was a bit of a headache getting my SSN fixed. My green card did arrive with all the correct information.

I really appreciate all the information in this forum and everyone on it! It made the process much easier. 

Sent i-130 - November 14, 2019 (Also my priority date) 

i-130 Approved - June 24, 2020

Filed with NVC - July 23, 2020

DQ'd - August 11, 2020

Interview Date: April 21, 2021

Passport Returned: April 26, 2021

Crossed Border: May 4, 2021

Green Card Received: August 30th, 2021

Thanks so much everyone! So glad to finally have the card in hand! 

On 8/26/2021 at 5:56 PM, Lovewithoutborder said:

Anybody who already crossed have timelines for how quickly your greencard got sent to you? I’m on day 84 since I entered the USA and still no update on my card production. 

I crossed May 4th and just got notice that they mailed it on Thursday.

3 hours ago, CGs_Mother said:

I was thinking of taking the train but I was concerned that the last train back to Toronto leaves at 1:30 pm and I wouldn't be out of the interview in time. My interview is scheduled for 9:30 AM. Do you think we'll make it back? I was also considering driving but I am really fearful of driving with an Ontario license plate in Quebec and being pulled over often and frequently by the SQ after crossing. Would we make it to the train home in the afternoon? I am also worried about being put into AP because I am immigrating with my teenager, who is autistic and I have had to fill in more forms about their mental health and safety concerns... 

My appointment was at 9:45. I was back at my hotel by 11:20. I've heard some people say theirs took 3 hours. 

2 hours ago, VegasEagle said:

Hi all,

 

So does anyone know why they issued so little interviews this month? 
 

cheers.

Maybe a combination of Canada’s May long weekend and Memorial Day in the US? I’m still not sure which holidays they observe. 

15 hours ago, jbarr627 said:

Sorry for this dumb question everyone, but I’m getting conflicting info. Do you have to arrive in Montreal two weeks prior to your interview? Not expecting our appointment til August based on timelines, but New Brunswick’s regulations just changed again and I don’t know if Quebec is following suit.

As of right now if you are coming from Canada you do not have to, there is no quarantine or anything. There is a 8pm curfew. 

Has anyone moved to the US on a CR-1 green card that owns a business? I own a web design business in Canada and am wondering what I need to do.

The day I cross the border with my green card, I am no longer a Canadian resident. Does that mean any income I claim from that day I eventually file with the IRS? 

Does anyone have any resources about moving with a business? Maybe I just need to call the IRS for some information? 

I assume as well I stop charging tax for any Canadian clients.
Most of my clients are US residents already.

Thanks for your help! 

33 minutes ago, burmel said:

Great idea, the Train.  How far was it from the Via Rail Station to the hotel ?  I am staying at that Best Western too.  Were you able to find any food service, take out, etc. near the hotel ?  Was Via serving anything on the train ?  I'll do some research on my own but very interested in your personal experience.

It’s like a 10 min walk. I took Uber there cause I arrived the day the phones were all down and not familiar with the area. I took Uber back cause it was snowing, less than $9.

The Embassy is right beside the bank there, no signs on the door but people were standing there at my interview time. I walked the day before just to check out the area. It’s so close to the hotel, it’s perfect! 

Tons of food options. I used skip the dishes for dinners and Cora is in the hotel so I ordered my breakfast online and walked down to get it. You could walk and pick up dinner as well but just did delivery. 

There’s tons of shopping too so leave room in your suitcase if you want to do any shopping. 
 

Feel free to message me if you have any questions as well.

48 minutes ago, Leah123 said:

Yes it does. I planned to work too but never did as I couldn’t focus lol. 

I forgot to say, I wouldn’t plan on working the internet the whole time. It’s spotty. 

17 minutes ago, irisheyes123 said:

Congrats! I plan on doing the same (train from Toronto to Montreal.) Did the train have WIFI? I'm contemplating not taking a day off work and just working remotely

Yes it does. I planned to work too but never did as I couldn’t focus lol. 

4 hours ago, Mel and Deb said:

 

Have people been hearing back from Dr Cheema with an appointment time? Emailed 9:30 Friday morning and nothing yet. Thanks!

I would email them again. I emailed yesterday and they responded in the afternoon with an appointment. 
 

This is the email I sent my appointment request to: panelphysicianUSA@drcheema.ca

11 hours ago, MichaelZas said:

Same here it doesnt work for me too, lets see if it works tomorrow.

I was able to register today. 

7 minutes ago, Cressidia said:

March 20 2020

I believe it expires 1 year after it was issued and has to be valid for the interview and to officially cross and move into the USA. So you probably need to do it again. Hopefully someone can confirm. 

11 minutes ago, Cressidia said:

omgggggggg i got my interview scheduled! my interview is april 28th 2021! at 7:30 am!!

 

does anyone know if i need to redo the police certificate before then?

When did you have your police certificate done? 

I'm planning my travel for my interview in April. How long would you say your appointment took? Trying to decide if I can fly out that same day to save on another hotel night. Thanks! 

3 hours ago, Lovewithoutborder said:

Just got my interview letter. April 21 at 9:30

See you there! 

41 minutes ago, Meghan.brooke said:

Same!!! Its driving me insaneee

Same!!! I keep waking up in the middle of the night to check. 

Question for those who recently attended an interview or will be soon... 

Did you arrive in Montreal a few days prior just to be safe? With covid and flight cancellations I’m thinking I’d feel most comfortable arriving about 2 days early. Will be an extra cost for hotels but it would be terrible to have a flight cancelled and miss the interview completely. Anyone else do the same or am I just being overly cautious? 

Congratulations everyone! This is so exciting! 

39 minutes ago, Hadarah said:

Hey guys, so I immigrated last week Monday and I can not even tell you how frustrating it is to try to open a bank account in this country. I just tried opening an account with Ally online, and that didn't work out. My husband can't even get me added to his accounts. Is there anyone here who has already immigrated that could share info what they did? Chase bank won't accept the temporary green card in my passport, and the Credit Union my husband is part of as a teacher also won't even accept an ACTUAL green card as ID, they need state ID, which I can't get without my SSN. And sadly I'm in a complicated situation with the SSN because I have one with my maiden name from years ago when I was in school in the US but with covid and all the SSA offices closed in our city I can't get an appointment to get my name changed on my card.  If anyone can give direction or point me to another thread on banking in the US that would be great. I'm starting to get frustrated. 

I signed up with Wells Fargo with no issues with out a SSN and just with my Canadian passport. You probably won't be able to join a credit union without a SSN based on my experience.  

Could I please be added the the private Montreal thread too? Thanks!

I DQ'd in July.