jd.

29 minutes ago, BellaUnion said:

Thanks for sharing your experience. We have our interview coming up, so reading this is reassuring. Congratulations!

Thank you! and you're very welcome! Best of luck at your interview 😄🙌

Hey All!

TLDR: simple questions about relationship/family, got approved

I had my interview today and wanted to share my experience with you guys while it's still fresh in my head.

First off, I'm a very VERY anxious person already so I was super nervous, stuff like these really gets to me no matter how small or big. Though for those who aren't crazy anxious like me but still a little nervous, try to relax, they're asking you questions you already know.

We had our interview at the NYC Field Office, my husband and I was led into a room while our interviewing officer was in another room interacting with us through an iPad for covid prevention obviously (though I didn't notice the iPad until she spoke Lol)

The following items I brought with me were the following:

-Interview notice

-Both mine and my husband's passports

-Both our birth certificates

-My husband's citizenship

-A certified copy of our marriage certificate

-My EAD/AP

-Supporting documents of our relationship (bank statements, photos, tax returns)

I brought both original copies and photocopies of the original. There was a  middle man who came to get documents from us and I intended to give him the photocopies but I was so nervous I gave him the originals. The eventually returned everything except the supporting documents I provided minus the photos.

The interviewing officer told us to stand and take an oath and the questioning started. She told us not to help each other out when it comes to answering. She asked me about my husbands siblings, their names, and what they do for a living. How long we were dating for, what kind of car he drives, who was at our ceremony, who his best friends were and what they do for a living, how my husband proposed...and I believe those were pretty much it, my husband were asked the same questions about my siblings.

Then I was asked a whole string of questions if I committed any crimes, etc. After that the interviewer came in with the papers that were collected from me and had me sign a document. She gave me a sheet that said notice of interview results. It said your case is being held for review which kind of bummed me out a bit because it meant more waiting BUT after she left and went back into the iPad, we sat in silence for what felt like forever while she was on the computer typing and ended up letting us know that she went ahead and approved it and that my card will come in 2 weeks!

She also added that because my husband and I have only been married under 2 years, we will have to file Form I-751 before our 2nd anniversary to remove the conditions on residence.

aaaaand that's it! 

I have a concern for the interview, you know how the checklist says to bring a report of Medical Examination? So I just want to make sure that because we filed the I-485 within a year of the medical examination I had done back home, that means I don't need to do a new medical exam right?

If anyone would like to share what they're preparing for their interview and help ease some anxiety, I'd appreciate it a lot 😁

It's been a long wait but my interview finally got scheduled! I got the email on Nov. 30 and got the notice in the mail today; my interview is on January 14th.

For those who need a peace of mind, a few weeks ago I got pretty anxious from the wait (especially when there were others who were getting their interviews scheduled already when we filed around the same time or after me) and eventually I learned from my uncle who was doing the same application that if you live in a more dense population, like where I am, it will take longer than usual which actually makes sense lol so don't fret all, you will get your interview scheduled!

As covid is surging again though, I really hope nothing gets cancelled *fingers crossed*

13 minutes ago, Ayrton said:

Mine expires in January, I already filed for renewal. You can only file if it has less than 180 days left on it.

Ah I didn't know that, thank you!

17 hours ago, Ayrton said:

That's completely normal waiting. I'm in NYC. We can't even complain because the processing time on their website is up to 3 years.

 

I'm in NYC too! I assume you're on the same waiting-for-an-interview boat?

Also, I know the EAD card is good for a year; I got mine back in Feb/March and I've seen some posts about needing to renew 180 days prior the expiration date, I'm sure the pandemic is definitely going to affect that number now so I'm wondering if I should start filing for a renewal now 🤔

Are there any AOS filers in this group in New York ? My case has been on "ready to be scheduled for an interview" since Feb, not sure when I should start calling for more info or keep waiting. 😴

7 hours ago, Tover said:

If you leave without having authorization, you risk not being able to return and the Immigration Officer can deny you entry at customs, you have to do the process all over from the outside Blah Blah Blah, avoid that mix up. I suggest you file the document and get permission. After all... that is what it’s there for, to save us from ourselves.

 

Some get the EAD before getting their GC interview and some get it a week or two after, there is no guarantee that you will receive it before your interview. 

 

All the best!!!

Yeah, I was told I shouldn't need to because when my husband researched the whole timeline of things he figured the AOS will be done in about 3 months or at least by the time we have to travel but reading others' experience is making me paranoid and now I'm filing, as you say, to save me from me Lol

Also got my notices for EAD and AOS today!

Hi all!

I'm pretty late joining this thread 😅Would have been super helpful when I was organizing my files.

Anyway, I sent out my AOS package (I-485 with I-864 and I-765) on December 24 and was delivered and signed by a J.Harper on the December 26.

Got a text on January 2nd (midnight, weird lol) saying my case was received and husband saw they took out the money on the same day.

My concern is that I noticed from other's posts that they also filed for travel...I didn't file because I didn't think I would be needing it for the next couple months but I'm not exactly sure what the timeline is looking like.

My religious marriage ceremony is in August and it will be taking place in Jamaica - will I be okay or should I file for that travel document?

Also, what's the time estimate for receiving Employment Authorization?

35 minutes ago, dledingham said:

Hello! As I have been waiting for my NOA2 for my K-1 Visa I too have been thinking about this. I would like to keep my Canadian citizenship once/if I obtain US citizenship. Although, I am unsure about how this works when it comes to taxes, do you know?

If I saw your post earlier, I would quoted you as well so you could see my post but here it is Lol! And good luck with your process, don't forget to relax! I literally got stressed out just by OVERTHINKING >.<

15 minutes ago, donjamie said:

Lol that's true. Yeah I just realized I would only be eligible for OHIP if I lived in Ontario for at least 6 months out of the year. But doesn't really matter since my fiance will be adding me to his insurance.

My parents in Canada were just pushing me not to let it expire which didn't make sense to me and got me all confused because I know that once I moved I automatically forego those benefits...which I don't think they understood. BUT that's all cleared up for me thank goodness.

 

Well I'm gonna summarize my understanding so far please correct me if I'm missing anything or incorrect about anything....

 

I actually don't need to do anything with my Canadian status since US and Canada allows for dual citizenship..

just gotta make sure I'm current with Canadian taxes up to the year I last worked..

no income in canada, no taxes to file..

when it comes to income, US/Canada has a pretty good trade agreement where I would only pay taxes in the country I receive income so theres no double taxation...

 

Now the only maintenance I would have to do, as I was told by my aunt who just got approved for a green card, is to not let my Canadian passport expire...which makes sense.

2 hours ago, Issac said:

Hi please my name is Issac I really worried and I need your help my girlfriend lives in the state and want me to come stay with her but she doesn’t no how to go by the process please what do you think she should do?

Have her apply for the K-1 visa. It's quite a long process but it's worth it. Check out other forums where they guide and inform you about it.

5 hours ago, Duke & Marie said:

I’ll be taking usc when the time comes and will be keeping my already dual citizenship... I know here in Aus we need to register to vote from overseas... there is also restriction on how long we can do that for whilst residing out of the country before we need to withdraw from voting (6 years)... we also get fined if fail to vote when registered, as its mandatory to Vote here.

 

id check any restrictions specific to Canada and or other counties relevant to those reading this thread. 

See, with Canada I always thought that once you move with the intent of living abroad I wouldn't be able to vote anymore but someone here actually mentioned that those laws have changed so I would still able to vote (granted that I use the last Canadian address, which is where my parents live, and register to vote obvi). As far as I know, we don't get fined if we don't vote..we just may or may not suffer the consequences of our voice not being counted Lolol

11 hours ago, leroyleviticus said:

I will apply for US citizenship but definitely keep my Luxembourg citizenship for several reasons. 
 

1. The more options for different places to live and work, the better. (Luxembourg is part of the EU so a ton of options there)
2. Even though I was born in Luxembourg, I got citizenship through naturalization (no birthright citizenship). I had to apply to get it. 

3. My passport is so rare, I still have airport staff  jokingly telling me they didn’t think Luxembourg was a real country (It is. And yes - Luxembourgish is a real language too.)
4. This is not a serious point, but I could add a fourth citizenship to my “Lists of Countries I’ve been a Citizen of at some point”. (So far: Germany, Spain, Luxembourg.)

 

 

Lol amazing, I did not know about most of the points you got there! You learn something new everyday!

13 hours ago, Nashvan said:

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.

Lol that's true. Yeah I just realized I would only be eligible for OHIP if I lived in Ontario for at least 6 months out of the year. But doesn't really matter since my fiance will be adding me to his insurance.

My parents in Canada were just pushing me not to let it expire which didn't make sense to me and got me all confused because I know that once I moved I automatically forego those benefits...which I don't think they understood. BUT that's all cleared up for me thank goodness.

18 hours ago, Cryssiekins said:

It seems silly for everything that needs to be considered, especially bc I literally only moved 20 minutes away, but that silly invisible line in Lake Erie makes a big difference.  
 

The first few months sorting everything out is a real headache (if you’re bringing a car, for example) but eventually, things are done and then you can relax.

 

My Canadian Doctor is awesome and is a Doctor to help people vs for the paycheque, so she still sees me (virtually) as I have a condition that requires regular medication, which, even without a benefit is cheaper in Canada ($20/CAD for 60 days) than in the US with our insurance ($50/USD for 30 days).  She just doesn’t bill OHIP for the renewals, and in turn, I make an annual donation to her foundation that helps people in third world countries.  

Well I'm gonna summarize my understanding so far please correct me if I'm missing anything or incorrect about anything....

I actually don't need to do anything with my Canadian status since US and Canada allows for dual citizenship..

just gotta make sure I'm current with Canadian taxes up to the year I last worked..

no income in canada, no taxes to file..

when it comes to income, US/Canada has a pretty good trade agreement where I would only pay taxes in the country I receive income so theres no double taxation...

Now the only maintenance I would have to do, as I was told by my aunt who just got approved for a green card, is to not let my Canadian passport expire...which makes sense.

18 hours ago, Cryssiekins said:

It seems silly for everything that needs to be considered, especially bc I literally only moved 20 minutes away, but that silly invisible line in Lake Erie makes a big difference.  
 

The first few months sorting everything out is a real headache (if you’re bringing a car, for example) but eventually, things are done and then you can relax.

 

My Canadian Doctor is awesome and is a Doctor to help people vs for the paycheque, so she still sees me (virtually) as I have a condition that requires regular medication, which, even without a benefit is cheaper in Canada ($20/CAD for 60 days) than in the US with our insurance ($50/USD for 30 days).  She just doesn’t bill OHIP for the renewals, and in turn, I make an annual donation to her foundation that helps people in third world countries.  

Oh wow, only 20 minutes away?! dang.

Yeah, I'm feeling the stress and on top of that a wedding to plan, I hope that time to relax comes soon Lol

Also, your doctor sounds AMAZING ❤️

3 minutes ago, Cryssiekins said:

You don’t get to keep OHIP, unfortunately.  The day you leave the province with the intention of living somewhere else, you forego health insurance.  For that, you do have to live there.  Your partner can add you to their insurance, even without a SSN. It’s a bit of a pain in the butt to deal with insurance and banks while you don’t have a SSN, but they have to.  My calls usually involved supervisors and higher, as it’s not a common thing they do, but it can be done.  (I had massive issues with SSA when I got here, so my advice double check the details on your i94 [spelling of your name especially] before you leave customs).
 

Also, for taxes:  the first time you file while in the US, I found it easier to use a service to assist as I had a mix of Canadian and US income, and there was an additional form to be declared a US resident for tax purposes.  After that, you just file with the US.  CRA, to my knowledge, does not require you to file a nil report, unless you have income (from a rental property, etc).

See that's what I thought! My parents kept hounding to keep renewing my OHIP when needed but it didn't make sense for me to keep it if I'm not even a resident in Canada anymore. Thank you for clearing that up for me!

So my fiance can definitely put me on his insurance right away then, we always thought we had to wait until I get the SSN.

Thank you so so so much for this, you are so helpful ❤️ 

1 minute ago, patrick33 said:

No, found out too late and registered too late for this past Canadian federal election. But I did get an email from Elections Canada that said, and I quote, "However, your application will be processed and your name will be added to the International Register of Electors. At the call of the next general election or by-election in your riding, a voting kit will be sent to you automatically." You have to enter your previous Canadian address and it uses that for the local elections I guess.

Okay that makes sense, great to know that my future votes will still count!

49 minutes ago, Cryssiekins said:

I believe it’s harder to actually renounce Canadian citizenship than it is to just obtain US citizenship.  US only recognizes 1 citizenship officially, but obtaining it doesn’t negate your Canadian citizenship.

 

There’s no harm in applying for it once you qualify.  The biggest factor, for me, is the ability to vote where I reside, since right now I can’t vote in the US or in Canada (must be a resident in a province).

 

The only real hassle is having to carry two passports for trips home (you have to enter Canada as a Canadian citizen if you are one, and you would have to enter the US as a US citizen when you are one), but that’s pretty trivial.  
 

At the end of it all, it’s a personal choice to apply or just stay as a permanent resident.

Okay, I see...I was also wondering about OHIP, how do I make sure to keep that? Lol 

Also, thank you so much for your responses all, I really appreciate it 🤗

25 minutes ago, patrick33 said:

Canada changed the rules for voting abroad, you can now vote in federal Canadian elections!!

 

I was going to vote in this past one but applied too late. I am registered to vote now though in any upcoming elections! They mail you a ballot. I think you can even vote in local elections too. 

Did they mail you the ballot at your new address in the states?

27 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Like others said, getting US citizenship does not impact your Canadian citizenship. There is nothing special to do for dual citizenship.

Citizenship has benefits (i.e. voting, immigration, etc.), but also has responsibilities (i.e. worldwide taxes). It's a personal preference, but usually the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Note that this is specific to Canada - other countries have their own rules for citizenship where it may not be so easy or even impossible to hold both.

Okay so the tax part, to my understanding I have to keep filing for taxes even after I get the US citizenship? Will not doing it affect my Canadian citizenship? Sorry I'm very clueless when it comes to this part =S

Hey all!

My fiance and I were just questioning if it would be good for me to keep my Canadian citizenship..and having to eventually file for a dual citizenship..

I'm not quite knowledgable in this area which is why my questions are:

How would I keep my Canadian citizenship?

How hard is it to apply for a dual citizenship, what's the process like?

What did you guys do, keep or leave?

...And honestly any information would be good because I do not know what questions to ask and where I would start in regards to research.

Please and Thank you ❤️

2 minutes ago, HRQX said:

What is your ancestry? Just covering all bases; such as:

• https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/first-nations-and-native-americans/
• https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/american-indian-born-in-canada

I'm Canadian but born in Philippines. I had original and copies of my live birth certificate from Philippines and Canadian passport which they accepted. Interview done and flying next week! 😁

1 minute ago, Lil bear said:

Nothing needed regarding health care, no.

Thank you

I'm on a K1 visa and I'm flying over next week, am I gonna have to show something or say something specific to customs when I'm going through ?

3 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP Form 3299.pdf

 

Omg I was totally looking at the wrong one lol THANK YOU