rupa

hey folks,

I had my biometrics taken yesterday, was in and out in 10 minutes, but had a bit of a snag. My USCIS office is in Jacksonville FL. Just thought I'd mention that I applied for AOS and EAD with my married name so my appointment letter had my married name. Once small problem though is that my K1 visa and my passport is in my maiden name. THe only photo ID I have right now is in my Maiden name. I did not realize that I should have had my marriage licence with me as they need it to verify identity before taking your finger prints if you have no other picture id with your married name. Thankfully I had one marriage licence in the car and had to run out and get it. I also forgot my ssn, but that was no biggie.

Moral of the story, if you are applying for AOS or EAD with a married name and you are a K1 with no other state issued photo ID, Bring your marriage licence!! (and ssn if you have it)

hey folks,

I had my biometrics yesterday, in and out in 10 minutes. My USCIS office is in Jacksonville FL. Just thought I'd mention that I applied for AOS and EAD with my married name so my appointment letter had my married name. Once small problem though is that my K1 visa and my passport is in my maiden name. I did not realize that I should have had my marriage licence with me as they need it to verify identity before taking your finger prints if you have no other picture id with your married name. Thankfully I had one marriage licence in the car and had to run out and get it. I also forgot my ssn, but that was no biggie.

Moral of the story, if you are applying for AOS or EAD with a married name and you are a K1 with no other state issued photo ID, Bring your marriage licence!!

My fiance and I just got married yesterday and now we are going to file the AOS and EAD. My question is what should i put for my fiances last name? She is going to take my family name but we have not legally changed it yet. Do i need to put her family name or can i put mine? Please help!

Hi, congrats!

When I applied for AOS, I used my husbands last name and included our marriage certificate for the AOS forms, EAD and AP. I filled out all the forms with my new last name. I have since then received documentation from USCIS that has my new married name on it so I'm guessing that is all it takes for them to aknowledge it and issue you your green card with your new married name.

Soccer dome!! I played there!!! Best memories were the corporate challenge. A bunch of companies fielding teams trying to beat the pants off each other. The best game was when we beat EnCana's super stacked team. My team was just a bunh of pencil pusher gov't regulators. It was awesome.

By the way, Rupa is my horse's name, but I prefer anonyminity. (sp?)

Hmmm, I thought about putting in an intended date of return, but then I'd just be lying cause I don't really know for sure and then I was wondering if doing this (voting in Canadian elections) would cause any consequesces for adjusting status here and eventually citizenship in the us down the road. Will USCIS see this as trying to maintain ties to Canada? My goal is dual citizeship, as I would like to keep my Canadian citizenship to be able to go home whenever I want, but also be able to fully participate in American society as well.

I love keeping up with politics and I guess with all the election ferver down here, I just wish I could be a part of everything going on back home too. But I suppose, I better play by the rules. It just sucks feeling like I'm going to be a non-entity for the next 5 years.

Thanks. I clicked on the link and though I meet the qualifications of residing in Canada prior to registering to vote, I answered honestly about my place of residence being in the us and that I do not plan on returning to Canada. (my husband is in the Navy so I'm here for at least 20 years, before we may or may not decide to go back) Therefore, the system would not allow me to regester to vote by mail. It appears you can only vote if you are "temporarily out of the country" not if you are adjusting to a permanent residency status in the US. SO even though I've only been out of the country for two months and still a Canadian citizen, it appears that I can not vote as I am becomming a permanent resident in the U.S.

Bummer, anyone else have any more information? IT kind of sucks that citizens can not vote just because we are not living in Canada. We still care about our country and want to be involved. Or at least I do.

Oh well.

Anybody know? I'd like to vote if possible.

Hey, looks like everything's moving along swiftly, Got my NOA's too and my biometricks appt is on Sept 30. It seems pretty quick so far don't you think?

I read in one thread that someone got a raised eyebrow from the interviewer during the AOS interview when she saw the Doc who did the record was in Texas, but applicant was a resident of another state.

Here is that thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=133187

Thanks for providing that thread. This is the first time I've ever heard of that comment, and because tons of people have used Dr. Arnold and not had these types of comments I would still use them. Sounds like the CO was a little irritable anyway that day.

The CO makes mention of using a Dr. you've not seen face to face...well, my experience I didn't see mine either. I paid $50.00 to hand over my vaccination record book from Canada to a receptionist, who filled out the form, stuck it in front of a Dr. to get his signature, and then return it to me. All this is about is a money grab as far as I'm concerned, because I had a Dr. in Canada sign the form saying I was up to date on all my vaccinations before I even came here, as outlined in the medical report that was turned over to the BO when I arrived here. I would suggest that half the Civil Surgeons here who fill out the form, didn't give the person their vaccination anyway!

Thanks Carla, that's good to know.

o.k. mine made it to the chicago lockbox in three days. Wow, postal system is way better here than in Canada. Now just waiting for the NOA's

No don't risk it if there's been changes. Plus you can get it transfered for a very good price, I would just get it done then.

Better over prepared than getting an RFE, I have never received an RFE and I don't think you have either, keep the record clean!

agree sweetie....I'm going to just do it this way.

Thanks hon

Hi Laura,

I just sent off my AOS package to the lockbox in Chicago. I found on the USCIS website that USCIS would accept my Canadian immunization records (from the civil surgeon exam) because the exam was done before a certain date. BUT, I don't trust these people (USCIS) to know their own rules and regulations. I used the guy in texas to transcribe my records too. They were very fast, I got it back in less than a week and they sent me a copy for myself and a sealed one for my AOS package. I agree, better to take the extra step, more because from what I've observed from other peoples experiences, people at USCIS don't know their own rules or have the ability to recognize the required documents so I decided to go the extra mile. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for no RFE's.

Best of luck to you!

Hi Folks,

Just thought I'd get this month's thread going. (Hope one hasn't been started already) My AOS package was in the mail yesterday. (Just couldn't get it together in time for August) Best of luck to everyone else and hopefully no RFE's!

Rupa

Thanks Everyone,

I've had all the required vaccinations so only need the vaccination record transcribed. I read in one thread that someone got a raised eyebrow from the interviewer during the AOS interview when she saw the Doc who did the record was in Texas, but applicant was a resident of another state. Is this really a problem or am I being too #######. I would love to use the Doc in Texas, just so I can get through this process faster, but am worried if that will cause problems for me at the interview if I don't use one from Florida.

Any thoughts?

Hi Folks,

I've read through the pinned thread on this topic and seen the contact info for the guy in Texas, but how do I find one in Jax FL that will do the same thing. I know the info is out there, just not sure where to find it.

Thanks,

Rupa

Hi Laura,

Just wanted to pop my head in and wish you many many blessings and hope you have lots of fun enjoying the big day. Remember stressing about the NOA2?! Well, kick your heels up girl it's time to PARTY!!!

Seriously though, your deserve the very best and hope the day exceeds all your expectations!

Rupa

Hi Everybody,

I apologize for these past couple weeks, not returning PM's and such, but life has been a blur. My Fiance (now husband) and I crossed the border at the Kingsgate crossing on July 6th (BC/Idaho crossing) with my parents truck full of stuff. No problems at all (they did not give me an EAD stamp after asking but told me I could get one at the local office in Jacksonville FL, will try that tomorrow) They did not even care about the truck or its contents even though I had everything itemized and a permission letter from my parents.

Got married on the 12th outdoors at my fiance's parents place, it was a dream wedding! Then we left the next day for Puerto Rico.

When My Fiance and I were planning a honeymoon, we both wanted to go somewhere tropical and with a different culture. PR was a natural choice. Though I was worried about getting back to Florida after the wedding.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we had absolutely no problems comming back from PR. You do not even go through customs, only airport security as it is a domestic flight. So comming back to mainland u.s. from PR is basically like flying within the u.s., all you need is photo i.d. to check your bags and get through airport security. Not once did I have to show my visa or even mention it.

PR was a great place to spend a week. I highly recommend it. My Husband and I will be definitely be going back.

Hope that this helps anyone trying to decide on a honeymoon.

Oops I just realized that I keep saying Fiance instead of husband now! Need to get used to that!

Hi Everybody,

I apologize for these past couple weeks, not returning PM's and such, but life has been a blur. My Fiance (now husband) and I crossed the border at the Kingsgate crossing on July 6th (BC/Idaho crossing) with my parents truck full of stuff. No problems at all (they did not give me an EAD stamp after asking but told me I could get one at the local office in Jacksonville FL, will try that tomorrow) They did not even care about the truck or its contents even though I had everything itemized and a permission letter from my parents.

Got married on the 12th outdoors at my fiance's parents place, it was a dream wedding! Then we left the next day for Puerto Rico.

When My Fiance and I were planning a honeymoon, we both wanted to go somewhere tropical and with a different culture. PR was a natural choice. Though I was worried about getting back to Florida after the wedding.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we had absolutely no problems comming back from PR. You do not even go through customs, only airport security as it is a domestic flight. So comming back to mainland u.s. from PR is basically like flying within the u.s., all you need is photo i.d. to check your bags and get through airport security. Not once did I have to show my visa or even mention it.

PR was a great place to spend a week. I highly recommend it. My Fiance and I will be definitely be going back.

Hope that this helps anyone trying to decide on a honeymoon.

Wow, thanks for the info. I'm trying to transfer a good chunk of change from the sale of my house from my canadian account into a u.s. bank account, and I could just cry at how much I'll be loosing by using the Royal Bank. I've been cheking their website hourly, but with their poor rates, I'm looking to loose thousands in the conversion. That could buy a lot of shoes! So I'm going to check out those other sites right away!! Thanks so much!!

Hello Fellow VJer Canucks,

Well, just as everyone said it would, it all went very well. The Vancouver interview was great and I even got to meet another covert VJer. It's amazing how many people use this site to get through it all. I'll post the review in a bit, once I have time to type it all out. Came across a few things that may be helpful to others so will put that out there by the end of the day.

Anyhow, what a week! Sold my condo, got the visa, put the invitations in the mail and I just gave notice at work!

I'm so happy and excited right now I could just yell. I can't believe that we can even get married on the day we chose almost a year ago. I just never thought it would actually come together so well! I miss him so much and will be going down in two weeks for a quick visit, we'll move him into our new place, then back up to Canada to pack me up. Oh yeah, the consular officer said it was no problem to visit before activating the visa so long as I make it clear that it is just a visit and tell them I do not want to activate the K1 on this trip. (I'm assuming bringing a letter from an employer and other supporting evidence like when we visited before would still be a good idea)

So I'm sending good vibes to all you still waiting....I can't wait to see the rest of you get through too.

Best of luck to Everybody!

YIPPEE!!

Can't believe we finally made it this far.

It seems like after all the waiting and worrying over the past year, time is moving way too fast now.

Anyway, I'll post again when I get the chance after the interview. Hopefully no suprises, and thanks VJ'ers for all the help. I don't know how I ever would have kept my sanity through this without it!

Rupa

Great, thanks!!

Hi Folks,

Well the big day is almost here. I'm nervous as heck although I'm sure things will go pretty well based on reviews I've read from others. Just wanted to see if any fellow VJers will be interviewing next week as well. Any final tips or pointers anyone would like to share??

Also for all those folks waiting for Montreal interview dates, man I feel for you. I keep checking your thread to see if they have been set yet. Hang in there, hope you guys hear real soon.

An American Decided to write a book about famous churches around the world.

So he bought a plane ticket and took a trip to Orlando , thinking that he would start by working his way across the USA from South to North.

On his first day he was inside a church taking photographs when he noticed a golden telephone mounted on the wall with a sign that read '$10,000 per call'.

The American, being intrigued, asked a priest who was strolling by what the telephone was used for.

The priest replied that it was a direct line to heaven and that for $10,000 you could talk to God.

The American thanked the priest and went along his way.

Next stop was in Atlanta . There, at a very large cathedral, he saw the same golden telephone with the same sign under it.

He wondered if this was the same kind of telephone he saw in Orlando and he asked a nearby nun what its purpose was.

She told him that it was a direct line to heaven and that for $10,000 he could talk to God.

'O.K., thank you,' said the American .

He then traveled to Indianapolis , Washington DC , Philadelphia , Boston and New York.

In every church he saw the same golden telephone

with the same '$10,000 per call' sign under it.

The American, upon leaving Vermont decided to travel up to Canada to see if Canadians had the same phone.

He arrived in Canada , and again, in the first church he entered, there was the same golden telephone, but this time the sign under it read '40 cents per call.'

The American was surprised so he asked the priest about the sign. 'Father, I've traveled all over America and I've seen this same golden telephone in many churches. I'm told that it is a direct line to Heaven, but in the US the price was $10,000 per call.

Why is it so cheap here?'

The priest smiled and answered, 'You're in Canada now, son - it's a local call'.

KEEP SMILING

If you are proud to be a Canadian pass this on!

Laura!!! my heart goes out to you!!

This thread has been moving so fast I've not been able to get a word in.

Anyway if it helps, I'm going through this this week too. I just received a nominal raise at work last week. It was more than I was expecting and I was shocked since my boss already knows I'm going. It's T-minus 18 days to my interview in Vancouver and I had to stop and think for a minute, because it suddenly occurred to me that I'll probably never see that figure on my paycheque again once I move to the states. I work in the oil industry now and my hubby just started with the Navy, he makes good money too but for the first time in my life I'll have to rely on someone else for my financial security and that scares me a bit. (I also want to be a stay at home mom when we have kids) Also, for the next 20 years we are going to be hopping from base to base every three years. Chances are if I ever make it back to Canada it won't be for another 20 years or so. I have a nice place here and am trying to sell it, but will be moving to the hood in Florida where we will be renting. I am really going to miss my beautiful Rocky Mountains too!

This all came crashing down on me two days ago and I had a bit of a meltdown, the reality of what I was giving up finally hit me.

I cried A LOT at told my hubbie about how I was feeling. He listened and let me vent and cry and by the end of it he was encouraging me to set some goals that I can work on no matter where we live.

Today, I am reminded of the reason I filled out those immigration forms to begin with. Yes I have a nice job, but I'm tired of comming home to an empty home. Yes I LOVE Canada (we have the best country on the planet!), but I have an adventurous spirit and also want to see and experience new things with the man I love. Yes I Love my family and friends, but my heart is with my fiance. Yes, I am financially secure here, but I value his Love, companionship and support and the chance to be a better half to a great man AND be a mother, than I do my job and my career here.

You know I started off writing this for you, but I think it has helped me too to write this for myself. Love is a crazy adventure. It's life's highest pursuit. It's why we choose to go through what we go through. Now I'm babbling and forgot what my point was.

Anyway, There are things in life like jobs, houses, cities, places we like being, places we dont, but in the end, they can not compare to sharing love with another human being. All those other things will sort themselves out in time.