Bernie and Gary

Thanks for the info. I just received my Naturalization Certificate and my son will turn 18 this May. We will apply right away for our passports, which expire in 10 years. If we don't complete the N-600 process, will he need to do so in order to renew his passport? I ask you because government isn't really helpful in this regard. Thanks!

I was just reading that post about Canadian debt when you move to the US. I've been thinking about money issues a lot lately. I have some Canadian debt too, but I'm still going to pay it when I move down. My question is though..what did those of you who have moved, do with your Canadian RRSP's? I was going to cash them and use the money to pay my Canadian bills until I get a job, but it seems like such a waste with the heavy tax on it. I've read that you can take them out to pay for school or a down payment on a house untaxed but does that count if the school or property is in the US? Is there the option to move it into a US RRSP without being taxed big time?

Applicable to the locked-in RRSP's from a pension perspective, you can only claim them when you declare financial hardship. You can certainly cash in your regular RRSPs but of course with all of them you'll have to incur heavy taxes. I'm not sure about transferring for school or property in the US, but in speaking with a financial advisor, evidently you'll still end up paying for the tax component and then the CDN income taxable component as well.

In the meantime, you should think about your beneficiary assignment and a will for your investments, which should be good internationally. Therefore seek advice from a tax lawyer or accountant.

Just a reminder, I'm quite 'green' on this issue and learning as I go....

Good luck and let me know if you find some good solid answers.

Cheers!

I have chosen to transfer-in my Pension to RRSPs and have other RRSPs in place. My husband is listed as the Designated Beneficiary for my Locked-in RRSP, but there doesn't seem to be an option for the regular RRSPs. I'm awaiting answer from my financial institution (and of course will let you know as soon as I find out). However because the benefits are from Canada, should I hire a lawyer that will ensure the benefit goes to him? Which leads to another question, I live in Florida, does anyone know of a lawyer that is licensed or knows both Florida State and Canadian laws pertaining to this question? My children are involved as well..... Sheesh!

Krikit, you live in FL, can you help me with this?

Alex Debogorski, the guy in the pics in front of his truck is a good friend, awesome family man and great at any challenge that he can pursue (raising 11 children, business prospects, playing broomball, just to name a couple).

I'm from Yellowknife, home of the ice road truckers.

Happy Canada Day everyone!

I live in the US, as of December. My son, who recently graduated high school in Canada plans to move here this summer, then attend University in the fall. Does anyone know whether he can attend University prior to receiving his green card, similar to the 'refrain from work procedure'???

Ask me if my question is not clear.

Many thanks, Bernie

Hi everyone, do we pay $600 only for the AOS/EAD/AP, plus the $80 for Biometrics fee? He's under 14.

Thanks,

B.

Also if you can quickly clarify, I only pay $1010 for the same including the Biometrics, right?

Thanks again!

So is the $305 fee for the I-131 (Employment Authorization) applicable to them separately as well? Thanks

My interview date request was before December 21st, they initially scheduled it for the Tuesday, and yes medical are done Wednesdays only, so I emailed a date change to the Thursday and it was granted. Otherwise, we would've been in Vancouver for at least a week. They're efficient with a smile. Enjoy Vancouver! B.

Dec 17 - I had just two days to pack from our return to Vancouver. Went out with my lifelong friends, and packed (how did I do it?) because I waited just to make sure we had our Visas. This was the last of work, but I popped in to gather any other personal belongings, say goodbye to my co-workers who I loved working with and we had cake. I was glad to leave, because I still had to visit with my brother and tie up other loose ends before our flight at 5:00.

We arrived at the airport at 4:00, the airline said I could bring as many pieces of luggage as I wanted, for a fee, no problemo, I was prepared and thank god I worked two jobs. Well we had 'toooooo' much luggage but thankfully we checked in early, and were referred to cargo (thank God it's a small town). So they took it (another long story, and I'll have to deal with that when my parents get home) and we were on our way to Edmonton for the night.

Dec 18 - We got to the airport at 4:00, collected our luggage (10 pieces including a bike) from storage and went to United for our check in. We were about 6th in line. When at Customs, the lady said asked what he did for a living and how much money he made, my response was he worked for --- and I didn't look at his taxes but have them in my bag, then we were sent to secondary. In secondary, a very nice man had me fill in the I-94 and then processed us. He crossed out the Visa (in our passport) as a one time entry told us to get married asap, I advised our date (Dec 27th) and he led us to the boarding area. But before he did that, I asked if he needed our papers or anything else (x-ray), and his response was 'no - you can take it with you and process the rest once we get married'. Easy breezy I hope.

We arrived in time and I couldn't wait to see Gary - when I did I jumped on him. His daughter was there too and we loaded the cars, my youngest rode with the daughter and I had a little time to reflect and reunite with the love of my life - YAY!

Two days till my parents get in - was wonderful and a good transition for all of us. Eight days of visiting and holidays including our favourite home cooked meals was fantastic! I love my family, all of them!!!!!

Cheers again - hear me wine???? Yes!

I forgot to tell about the pickup of the VISA:

Dec 13th - arrived 1:30 at the Consulate. Different Security Guard, not very friendly - must have gone through this since the beginning of his career as a Guard at the Consulate. He said to return at 1:45. So we again went for Starbucks. I had the kids wait with my purse (with electronics) there. I arrived at 1:45 and was about 6th in line. Didn't want to tick anyone off, so I got through security and they advised to tell that I'm picking up my fiance Visa, so was actually expedited. We got the Visa, Ms. Ophelia was there to greet me at the window and reiterated her instructions with the pending K2. All is done, and I skipped back into Starbucks to collect my kids, coffee and purse and we walked back to our hotel to get our bags and onto the aiport.

Did I mention my best middle school friend took us out for lunch? It was a grand day.

So we got to the airport in hopes that we could catch an earlier flight to catch a connector home, to the Arctic, no chance, we had to book a hotel in Edmonton for an early morning flight, I wanted to party with my friends, bid my farewells and have a drink since it's been a few weeks. I think I lost about 7 pounds, but oh well, at least if I find a white dress it would feel not so big and white...... But white really doesn't have to be anymore right???? Sheesh!

Cheers!

Dec 12 - Arrived at the Consulate at 1230 - a half hour early so the security recommended we come back at 1245. We went for coffee and a snack at Starbucks, attached at the Manulife Place. We lined up (second in line) at the Consulate, went through security - just like boarding at the airport, remove everything from your pockets, take off the jacket, watch, belt, etc. Don't bring your purse, big bags or electronics (read that on VJ). I brought the original Petition with copies and original supporting documents along with copies so we had a tonne, since there were three of us (one K1 and two K2s)., they flipped through the papers and I handed them our passports, they were expecting us.

We walked up one flight of stairs, another security guard escorted us in the elevator to the 20th floor. Then we again went through security, same as on the first floor, he checked off our names and brought us to the sitting room. He gave me a checklist of what papers I needed and in what order - I thought I was organized??? There is some reading material, but not much. One kids book - Jack and the Beanstalk, always a classic to refresh childhood memories, hahaa, a Money magazine (money? I've been spending it all along.. hahahaaaa) and some interesting photos on the wall. Electricians were carting about wire and a ladder throughout the area, they were rewiring their security cameras and perhaps enhancing communications at the windows.

We were second to be called up. Ophelia is her name and she is a lovely and pleasant gal. I hauled all of our papers (about 2 ft high) I had way too much paper but that's okay, better to be prepared...... Since there were three of us, I handed her the forms according to the list, so make sure if there is more than one of you, you have the papers in order according to the list, for each person, or per person, makes her job way easier; So she was going through her checklist and was checking the authenticity (seal and original format) of the documents. I handed her both, and she would return what she didn't need to keep (long form birth certificate, etc.). The divorce decree was not original (oh nooooooo!). Then she asked me to return to my seat and wait. Well I chewed on the same piece of gum (since my arrival) for about an hour, I thought about crying, what the hell am I going to do about Christmas, kids were now complaining, and that my parents made plans to arrive in Florida for Christmas. I didn't have my cell phone to text Gary and tell him that he might have to entertain my parents on his own - sheesh!). The oldest had to use a bathroom, through the exit part of the office, down the elevator to the main lobby of the manulife place, up to the second floor then back around through security - make sure you use the bathroom before you enter!!!!

We were called to another window (BTW - these windows are like ticket booths) and two gals were standing there. They took my fingerprints, then the 17 year old's fingerprints, but not the 13 year old - he was disappointed that he couldn't contribute at all again (~smile), then we were told to have another seat. The gals commented on the jacket that I was wearing, loved the colour - YAY!

We were called to another window (#3 I think) and a very pleasant asian lady (she too had a great jacket on) called my name. She asked how we were, questions:

- who does he work for?

- how much money do I make? (yes I'm motivated...)

- Do I know how much he makes? (I didn't look)

- Asked the boys what grade they are in? and what their future jobs might be? And where they presently lived?

Then she said, 'well I see no reason not to give you.... an approved VISA'. Yay - I smiled, thanked her pleasant self and we went back to see Ophelia and she asked what our intended entry dates were. The youngest and me were to enter on Dec 18th. The oldest wanted to finish high school and graduate with his friends.

NOTE - K2s have up to six months to have their Visa issued and six more months to use it. This was confusing to me, as I thought he had six months to use his Visa from the time I activated mine. Therefore they have his passport and Visa until the time that we decided for him to enter and activate his K2 Visa (he can't visit).

I'll post my POE and Marriage in another post!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Dec 10 - The three of us traveled all the way to Vancouver. We decided to stay at the Four Seasons (very lovely, but no coffee maker) because it was half way between the Woking Medical Clinic and the Consulate, and we were eligible for a very good discount ($125/night). It was attached to the Pacific Centre Mall and about a block from Robson Street, as well as the Skytrain which took us to the Mall for some Christmas shopping.

Dec 11 - We got up early and walked toward the Clinic. On the way, we decided to get some breakfast at Denny's (don't go there, it was pricey and greasy). When we arrived at the Clinic on the first floor at 0615, we were third set of people in line. The receptionist came through a door (from the stairway) and advised us to enter the clinic on the second floor. We all filled in medical history forms, etc. and handed them in, then we were given numbers 6 & 7 (under 16 doesn't require blood or x-ray - he was disappointed) and told to go through two doors and into the lab area and wait to be called by number. Make sure you ask for a copy of your passport (that the clinic keeps) for the lab to verify your identity, and thankfully we had our drivers licences with us. But the lab tech was kind of inconvenienced. Then we were sent back to the clinic. The X-ray dept is attached to the clinic waiting room, and they too call the same numbers, only took a minute. But the 17 year old's film didn't turn out so he did a retake, took another minute.

In total there were approx 12 people there for immigration medicals for many different reasons. We had all of our papers with us, medical records from past hospitalizations including prognosis (including chidbirth - sheesh!) and our immunizations. All was good. Except my oldest son who is very athletic beat the NHL players in heart rate, he was sent for an ECG with a Cardiologist exam - no worries but recommended that he pursue an athletic career (he's so big and strong!). Physician and staff were awesome, he brought coffee for his staff and they were all friendly. One of them are present for female exams, we chatted about the bruises on my legs, I play full-contact sports. I commented to them my impression of their positive working relationship, and they agreed - they're good!

All in all the experience was quite pleasant, and a bit longer than we thought - at least we had breakfast, but we were still third in line and were out long before the others were, and left the building at around 1045.

We walked back (about 5 blocks) to the hotel and had a nap. The kids stayed while I walked back to the clinic to get our results and film. I paid the fee ($325 X 2 adults and $150 for child - whoa) and left. Then proceeded to stop at Bebe and Le Chateau to find myself a gift, nothing white for a wedding - wrong time of year - oh well).

We hung out for the rest of the afternoon, then went for sushi that evening. Life is grande!

~ Will post the interview in a moment!

Yes - DOS is very friendly and helpful.

I'm glad you get your interview on a Wednesday, mine is on Thursday so we're spending a total of 5 days including travel. But that's okay - we'll manage.

Good luck everyone!

I cheated and contacted the Department of State. They told me when my packet 3 was sent (took 2 1/2 weeks to receive), when I returned the packet 3, I requested my interview date before Dec 21st. Knowing our 'fantastic' mail system is slow, I called the Department of State again, and they shared my interview date with me. So my wait too 2 1/2 weeks.

Good luck!

No, he'll attend the interview with me, next week. So I guess he'll be here for Christmas, unless I confirm otherwise. Thanks for the input. B

Can the K2 visit while I've already activated my k1?

Thanks everyone.

I managed to change my interview to December 13th, in order to accommodate the medical on the Wednesday (Dec 12th). My interview on the 13th is at 1:00 PM. When do you get the visa? I'd like to fly out of Vancouver that evening or the morning of the 14th.

THanks again everyone!

Okay okay - They acknowledged my requests and changed our interview date to Dec 13th to accommodate my medical on the 12th. So one trip, less travel time, perhaps I'll send the kids home after our interview, stay the weekend in Vancouver and catch up on long overdue visits with friends in the area. Heck I might even buy myself a new pair of shoes!!

Thanks & Cheers everybody!

Tips are welcome!

I live in Yellowknife. I can get an appointment for myself and my 17 year old in Edmonton on Monday, this is a $700 trip for each of us, plus a car rental. Then I can fly back to Edmonton to pick up my medical report on the 10th, rent another car, then carry on to Vancouver for a couple/few days (three of us for the interview). Sheesh!

BTW - They're not responding to my email and I just sent them a fax! Of course there isn't a phone number to call, and their 900# is out of service.

Right now, I'm in VJ hell, and look forward to this part ending.... soon

I would hope that they would reschedule my appointment to the Thursday, following a Wednesday appointment. However I've also heard that they can conduct the interview and approve it, pending a successful medical. Anybody out there experience this?

Is it possible to book the medical (done on Wednesdays only) a day after the interview (scheduled on Tuesday)? Otherwise I'll have to spend a week in Vancouver. If anyone has experienced their Vancouver appointments in this order, I'd love to know. Also did you get your Visa right away or was it mailed to you?

Many thanks

My interview date is Tues, Dec 11th, I'm sure they know that I'm traveling from afar, so the norm would likely be that I could book the medical a day after the interview (Wednesday). The reason I ask is because Vancouver is not responding to my emails.... Thanks Everyone!

I'm so sorry, I'm having a hard time or am impatient finding info that I need.

Do we pay the $100 interview fee for each, myself and my two children?

Do I wait to book the medical when I get my interview date? Checklist says to schedule the appointment, but I'm not sure I want to make two trips.

NB: I know I've seen this on a previous thread, however I can't find it......

Thanks for your valuable information, as always!