snapcracklepop

The tax implications of trying to live in both the US and Canada aren't trivial. I really hated when we had to do both sets of taxes.

But thanks for the info on estate taxes. I'd forgotten that from the book we got on financial planning for Canadians who move to the US.

Is everyone leaving their RRSP up North?

Hi AC - mind sharing the book's title? I've spent way too much $$ in international tax accountants. That book sounds like it's an educated step forward

Thanks!

IC

Thanks to Canada, I have learnt patience, kindness, humility, and a gentle curiosity of those things that I many not understand at first. And that's because that's how I was treated when I first arrived. As an immigrant, I wasn't treated as an outsider, but as a person with a story unlike theirs, that they wanted to learn about so that they could understand who I was as a person. They were genuinely interested in my differences, not so that they could find fault, but so that they could educate themselves and broaden their understanding of the world. Through their inviting and compassionate nature, I learnt that understanding prevents judgment, and brings about compassion. What a difference it made in my life!

That is the most beautiful description of Canada and its people that I have ever heard, SnapCracklePop. Thank you so much for that.

Also lived in: London for about 3 years

I take it you don't mean London, Ontario. It's right next to Paris on the map.

You're welcome Krikit! You guys rock the free world

I actually *did* look at London on the map :meehee!: and had wondered if it was warmer cuz it was so far south in latitude. Aaah, the innocence of youth. Then I looked at a Temperature and Precipitation Graph ....

Born and raised - Vancouver

Lived for one year - Edmonton

I LOVE VANCOUVER!!! I LOVE VANCOUVER!!! I LOVE VANCOUVER!!!

I hear you loud and clear raymaga!

Born and raised: Cape Town, South Africa

Also lived in: London for about 3 years with backpacking stints thru Europe, Turkey, Greece, USA

Immigrated to: Canada

Landed in: Toronto, and did a fantastic adventure tour (canoeing, hiking etc)

Settled in: Vancouver, where I knew I wanted to settle down

Spent 10 OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE in Vancouver!!!

I LOVE this city, to the point where I feel like I have failed it for falling in love and moving away from it's warm heart.

I have the utmost respect for Canada and it's people.

Thanks to Canada, I have learnt patience, kindness, humility, and a gentle curiosity of those things that I many not understand at first. And that's because that's how I was treated when I first arrived. As an immigrant, I wasn't treated as an outsider, but as a person with a story unlike theirs, that they wanted to learn about so that they could understand who I was as a person. They were genuinely interested in my differences, not so that they could find fault, but so that they could educate themselves and broaden their understanding of the world. Through their inviting and compassionate nature, I learnt that understanding prevents judgment, and brings about compassion. What a difference it made in my life!

I'm getting a bit weepy thinking about it all, but I really do owe it to Canadians for gently molding me into the person my husband fell in love with.

I love you guys! Muah! You have the most beautiful culture and I feel honored to have been a part of it!

Hugs and appreciation

Ingi

Hi All,

I went for biometrics on Feb 27, but on March 12 I received a mail from USCIS saying I need to redo biometrics on April 2 because the FBI can not print my finger prints

Anybody had the same experience? It really disturbs me because I am afraid it would take even longer time for my AOS to be approved

D

Hi tinyrosie

I had the exact same problem with my biometrics last week. The officer took my digital prints and asked if I was in the medical profession or whether I was a pianist (?!?!). Reason being that the scanner couldn't get a solid reading of my prints. Apparently my 'contours are not very defined' LOL! I guess too much washing or over-use takes it toll. She said that if the FBI can't read them, they'll call me back and I have to redo them. She hinted at the fact that, after going the second time, they normally just proceed even if the second batch is poor. Another reason why some people's fingerprints are hard to scan, is if you're too dehydrated. I guess our fingers need to be juicy and plump otherwise their technology doesn't work I'm hitting McDonalds and the soda fountain if I get called back.

Don't worry too much about it and sorry for the delay that it's caused. Not working sucks the bag for sure.

I know it will cost, but would a service such as this be any good?

http://www.yourmaninindia.com/

to this! I had a similar run in but with the South African Embassy in Canada. Eventually, I started searching online for companies that offer services like passport renewals and visa applications. After a few dead ends I found a fantastic company that managed to get my birth certificate for me in 6 weeks instead of 6 months, which is how long it would have taken had I gone thru the SA embassy.

I wish you luck and I KNOW there's companies out there that offer that type of service! YourManInIndia looks like the ticket ... but perhaps research their background a bit more. I did, to avoid internet scams etc as they need personal information from you to get this type of stuff done.

Hugs and best wishes!

To the OP

Ignore everyone who says that the way he treats you is "normal". Treating someone badly and hurting them physically and emotionally is NOT OK. Abuse is a slippery slope. Once you start thinking that it's all your fault, you'll loose your courage to get him out of your life.

Speak to him honestly and tell him how his constant bullying makes you feel. If he makes an effort to change (and not just for a week, but for EVER) then that's great. If he makes a limp effort at trying to be a mutual partner and starts being an idiot again, then send him packing.

Take your life back and don't be a victim to this spineless man's verbal and emotional abuse. But be smart about it and plan your exit. This man sounds like he could be vindictive and threaten you if you try to divorce him. Before you tell him to ####### off back to his own country, make sure you have a place to stay - heck - does he even work?! Do you pay all the bills? Do you share bank accounts? The last thing you want is to be stranded and have this evil man render you homeless and penniless. If you're paying the bills, give him all his stuff in a box then change the locks on him. If you don't trust him, or you think he may threaten you physically, then move out and don't tell him where you live.

If he is on a conditional 2 year green card, then officially tell USCIS that you no longer support this marriage, officially withdraw your Affidiavit of Support, and give the immigration authorities ALL his information so that they can make sure he's shipped off back to his own country.

Whatever you do, make sure YOU'RE the one taking action. It will help you win back your self confidence and you won't feel like the victim being thrown out onto the street. Send this abusive bully packing - back to his own country, where he can "live with women who will submit to him". Take your life back girl and don't ever let a man make you feel worthless!! Real men don't do that to the women they love and respect

Hi there,

I just mailed my AOS/EAD/AP woot! However there's a slight chance my Canadian passport will expire before I get approved for any of these applications.

I would like to renew my passport AND change my name to my married name. Will this affect my AOS filing in any way? (all my AOS/AP/EAD forms have my married name) I'm also wondering what the pros and cons are between renewing my current psprt before it expires vs. letting it expire and requesting a new one. Do they give you an entirely new one either way?

I'm sure lots of people have been in a similar situation, and would love to know how you dealt with it.

Cheers and thank you

Should be no problem but I would copy every page of the old passport (even blank pages) before renewing it. You may or may not get the old one back. Somebody who recently renewed a Canadian passport can confirm that for you.

okee, thanks pushbrk

Hi there,

I just mailed my AOS/EAD/AP woot! However there's a slight chance my Canadian passport will expire before I get approved for any of these applications.

I would like to renew my passport AND change my name to my married name. Will this affect my AOS filing in any way? (all my AOS/AP/EAD forms have my married name) I'm also wondering what the pros and cons are between renewing my current psprt before it expires vs. letting it expire and requesting a new one. Do they give you an entirely new one either way?

I'm sure lots of people have been in a similar situation, and would love to know how you dealt with it.

Cheers and thank you

Hi fellow VJ'ers,

Has anyone used a tax accountant in Seattle that they would recommend?

Cheers and happy 2009,

Ingrid

Hi Ingrid.

We have gotten H&R Block to do it for us for the past 3 years and it was real efficient and quick. Don't know if that was what you were looking for..... Good luck!

Sha

Hi Sha, thanks for your reply! Unfortunately H&R messed up my husband's tax return a couple of years ago, which got him audited and fined - he doesn't trust them anymore

Awesome, thanks YuAndDan

I-94 Expiration date, this is just below the box for I-94#.

The visa's expiration date is the date that it must be used by to enter the USA, nothing more.

Hi VJ'ers,

I have a quick question regarding Form I-485 Part 1 where it says to state: Expires on (mm/dd/yyyy). Is this the date that the K1 visa expires (printed on the K1 visa), or is it the 90 day expiry date (printed on the I-94A)?

Thanks!

Woohoo! Seattle here!

Hi fellow VJ'ers,

Has anyone used a tax accountant in Seattle that they would recommend?

Cheers and happy 2009,

Ingrid

Hi there,

My husband is about to file our taxes (we intend to file: married, filing jointly). We're not sure about a couple of things tho,

I entered the US on a K-1 visa in November '08

We got married in December '08

I'm about to send in my AOS/AP/EAD in '09

What is my status in the states, am I a resident alien or a non-resident alien?

My second question is, do I declare my income from Canada? I'm (obviously) not allowed to work in the states so I have earned $0 since entering the US.

We're not sure what to do here, perhaps a fellow former-Canadian can help? I'd be curious to know what other K-1 visa holders are doing.

Thank you!

If you're about to submit your AOS (EAD/AP) package(s) - I'd just list your new address on those forms and let the system update itself with your new address.

Hi Karin, I'd be thrilled to do just that (less paperwork), however it says on the UCIS site: "the law requires that all non-U.S. citizens, except for holders of A or G visas, report a change of address within 10 days of moving by completing a USCIS Form AR-11, Change of Address."

I'm wondering if they'd rap our knuckles if we don't do it, and then they notice that both our addresses changed and we didn't tell them. Then again, this may be a chicken-little moment

Hi there,

I'm a k1 visa holder, married, and about to apply for AOS (waiting for our certified marriage license).

We also recently moved and I'm about to change our address online using the USCIS online AR-11 form.

QUESTION 1:

There are 2 fields in the AR-11 that I'm not sure what to write:

Field: I am in the US as a: (select one)

-other

-permanent resident

-student

-visitor

Field: If "other", please specify:

I think i'm "other" but then the question is, what do I write there? K1-visa holder?

QUESTION 2:

The website says to submit the A-11 and it will update your address on your 'pending application'. However, since I haven't submitted my AOS yet, am I considered a 'pending application' based on my K-1 visa? I don't know if I'm pending or not, and whether I should supply my A number on this form, considering that I've already been approved for the K1 and have married and moved.

Any advice? Thanks guys!

Ingrid

Well technically when the temp. EAD expires, you no longer have DHS authorization to work.

Did you already file for AOS (and EAD)? (If so, how long ago?)

Hi Karin,

I've not filed for AOS yet (we're waiting for our certified marriage certif). Which means that I have another 3 months to wait (if they process my EAD within that time). I just don't get it, why is this such a grey area? The lady at the SSA office confirmed that I'm allowed to work, but when I ask her how can I prove to prospective employers that I'm allowed to work, she says she doesn't know, and sadly she can't print me a letter stating that I can. She was super nice and really willing to help, but her hands are tied. In fact, she even tried to print off the info she has in their system but it comes out blank - she's not allowed to print it. There seems to be a major disconnect between SSA, DHS, USCIS ....

Here's a Q for K1 visa holders regarding work auth.

I've been reading the forum and gathering info on the various work vs. not work threads and there's only one question I'm not sure about now. It has to do with those grey days between the 90 day work auth expiring, and getting the actual EAD.

Here's what I know so far:

K1 visa + SSN = work for 90 days (if you can find an employer who's willing to take the risk. ones I've spoken to don't know what a K1 is and would rather not dabble in this grey area. Plus, I wasn't able to get the EAD stamp at the POE, so i have no written proof of being allowed to work.)

K1 visa + marriage = apply for AOS (including EAD)

Here's what I don't know:

So between the 90 day expiry and waiting for my EAD card to arrive, am I legally allowed to work? I get the sinking feeling that the answer is no. Sadly, it took 2 months for my SSN to arrive (it arrived yesterday!) so i only have 30 days in which to contribute to our income. As much as I'm enjoying playing wife-wife and baking cookies, immigrating is expensive business (as you all know) and even tho I saved 3 months of salary before moving, we're starting to feel the pinch. I'd love to take some of this financial burden off my poor hubby, but we want to make sure that I'm legally allowed to!

Bottom line: If I find a job before my 90 days expire, can I continue to work or do i have to quit and wait for my EAD card to arrive?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

ingrid

Hello fellow VJ'ers

I have a question (the timing is the issue) about changing our address:

Here's where we're at:

I'm a K-1 visa holder (entered the US in Nov 08)

We moved into our new apt together (i.e we both have a new address)

We got married 2 weeks ago

I am about to send in my AOS/AP (still waiting for our certified marriage certif. to arrive tho)

Here's my quandry: I haven't sent out my AOS/AP, but I wonder if I should first send out my change of address and receive their confirmation before sending in my AOS/AP.

Also, I have my husband's I-865 (sponsor's notice of change of address) to send in.

Should I:

1) First send out an AR-11 (one for me, one for my husband) plus his I-864. And THEN submit my AOS?

-or-

2) Send them all in together?

Not sure what to do here and appreciate any advice you can offer.

Not sure if this is what they are taking about:

If the manufacturer's letter states that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS but does not comply with the parts marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard at 49 CFR Part 541, the vehicle can only be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2B if the importer furnishes Customs with an invoice from a franchised dealer or other commercial entity showing that the required theft prevention markings have been applied to the vehicle.

I would call the POE perhaps and see what they typically require. Maybe its a simple fix - maybe you could ask for a quote from your garage.

Or it could be the same silly thing like the Running Lights thing Ford puts on some of its letters, which the Border guy saw and said 'Ford should know better'.

That said, when I called the POE about the lights, the guy told me that I absolutely had to have them disabled or I could not import the car - well I didn't and it was no problem.

I hope it's as cheap fix - otherwise you are just going to have to take your best guess at getting it fixed or not....good luck

Hey guys,

cattattitude, you're right on the money!

I emailed the US Dept. of Transportation and they sent this standard reply (which is verbatim from what you pulled off their website). Interestingly, I phoned the local Mazda dealership who were quite confused by the whole thing. They said that they get this request sometimes from insurance companies, but have never had people request it for import reasons. It'll cost $200 so at least I know it's do-able. I'm just so surprised that no other pre 2002 Mazda people have had to do this. Ah well! At least it's way less complicated than selling my car and buying another one. Here's the DOT reply:

---DOT reply---

Dear Ms. Grove,

If the manufacturer’s letter states that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS but does not comply with the parts marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard at 49 CFR Part 541, the vehicle can only be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2B on the HS-7 Declaration form if the importer furnishes Customs with an invoice from a franchised dealer or other commercial entity showing that the required theft prevention markings have been applied to the vehicle. A copy of the HS-7 Declaration form is available on our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import.

I hope this information is helpful.

Kristi Bragdon

NHTSA

----------------end DOT reply-----------

Happy monday guys, and thank you for your support

Ingrid

Here's another question about Vehicle Compliance

Today I received my Vehicle Compliance letter from Mazda (very efficient - 1 day turn-around time and received by email). The bummer is that my vehicle (2001 Miata) does NOT comply with the Theft Prevention Standard (Labeling Requirement - US CFR Part 541). Apparently it has to do with labeling various vehicle body parts with the VIN number.

Has anyone had to do this before and if so, where on earth did you go to get your car tatooed

I live in Vancouver.

Thanks guys!

I imported my car. No duty at the border but I had to pay Florida sales tax to register the title and get my plates.

What if you have a leased car?? Same rules apply?

If you have a leased car you would need to speak with the company. I don't think you can import something that doesn't actually belong to you.

Just in case anyone is wondering - here is what my compliance letter looks like. Got mine today. One last thing on the to do list.

There's that stupid "running lights must be disabled" sentence. Just ignore it, Catt. Honestly. What a moronic thing to make note of.

Wow OlafGypsy thanks for the 411 - I was about to dive into the murky depths of K1 EAD madness - you've saved me my sanity!

I hope you and your fiance are having a ton of fun now that you're finally together

Hey; I just wanted to shed some light on this, as I've been doing some research. My fiance is due to enter the USA in two weeks' time, so I researched employment eligibility. The most helpful source of information is the _Handbook for Employers_: Instructions for Completing the Form I-9 (employment eligibility form). It is available on the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/m-274.pdf.

On pg 31, Under "List A: Documents that Verify Both Identity and Employment Eligibility," USCIS lists BOTH "Unexpired foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp" AND "unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Arrival-Departure record, form I-94, bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien's non-immigrant status, if that status authorizes the alien to work for the employer."

This last bit is singularly unhelpful until you consult the SSA website's section for employers, "classifications that allow you to work," http://www.ssa.gov/immigration/visa.htm. This page does indeed list K-1 visa holders as authorized to work in the U.S.

Support for this authorization can be found in INS regulations at 8 CFR 274a.12(a)(6): http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2005/jan...8cfr274a.12.pdf.

So it appears a K-1 fiance does NOT need the EAD stamp to work legally. The stamp is simply an extraneous (unnecessary) verification of a privilege K-1 visa holders already have, for 90 days after they enter the U.S, AFTER they obtain a valid social security number. However, once the visa holder's K-1 status expires (i.e, after 90 days) they are no longer authorized to work in the U.S. unless they have obtained another EAD from USCIS using that form, I-775(?)

The SSA cannot require any documentation from the K-1 visa holder other than their valid i-94 for issuance of SS#.

However, the SSA is very unhappy with this situation, as it appears to have resulted in SS# fraud by K-1 visa holders who enter the U.S. on the K-1, do NOT marry the USC petitioner, and then continue to work beyond the 90-day expiration. The SSA would like to put in place controls that enable them to withhold the social security number from the K-1 visa holder until the couple provide documentation of legal marriage: http://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/audittxt/A-08-07-17044.htm.

If various SS offices have been inconsistent about their issuance of SS#'s to K-1 visa holders, it is probably because there is currently some controversy and haziness concerning this issue in the SSA.

So sorry that this has been such an onerous task for you! Without knowing your financial situation, and maybe you've already thought of this...but what are the chances you could fly over, and stay with your Mom and do it yourself before flying back? VERY costly police report I know, but some people may have the financial means.

Best of luck in finding a speedy solution!

Yeah I thought of that too LOL! It was starting to look like the only option but the good news now is that my mother braved the crowds again (at a different branch) and managed to submit my forms! I am now only two roadblocks away from faxing the checklist back and getting an interview date. Other good news is that i had my medical today!

I hope all is going well on your side too!

Snap

Did you hear if they will accept alternative documentation in lieu of this BC? I don't know off hand anyone that's from there, but you might try looking at countries here and searching who's done this process with their SO from SA and send them a message or email.

Hi Carlawarla,

Yeah, I searched the SA portal and a fellow SA'er give me contact info on someone who might be able to help - this is such a great site, I've managed to make some great progress thanks to VJ and the internet!

This info has put it all into perspective for me: The recent unrest in SA has made everyone scramble to get their legal docs so that they can either emigrate or show proof that they're not illegal aliens (illegal workers have been the target of some really brutal attacks lately). So the Dept of Home Affairs is struggling to keep up with these doc requests.

Try this woman, she has helped others on another site I am on, and I believe she has a quick turnaround time.

Elle Landzaad - c130[at]mweb.co.za

Good luck from a fellow ex South African.

Holy smokes ExSaffer you rock! I'll email her right away. Cross fingers will ya?