pegbert64

Hi All! I received the approval "Card Ordered" email yesterday, and wanted to share my timeline with the group. Everything went very smoothly.... no RFEs, no interview. I don't frequent this forum too often, but would be happy to share my process if it would be helpful to anyone - just ask! Good luck, everybody!!

(I hope I added my info correctly!)

California Service Center (11/23 approved, 48%)

VJName..............Date of I-751....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved....

SERENGAR............03/01/10.........03/03/10.......04/12/10........05/11/10....

ROCKY_NBULLWINKLE...03/02/10.........03/05/10.......04/16/10........04/13/10.... (early Bio on 3/29)(card received 4/19)

LIL MISS SUNSHINE...03/03/10.........03/05/10.......04/20/10........05/12/10.... (card received 6/11)

FINESSE.............03/04/10.........03/09/10.......04/30/10........--/--/10....

GENESIS1968.........03/05/10.........--/--/10.......04/15/10........05/03/10 - Card production ordered

AHEBL...............03/06/10.........03/09/10.......04/14/10........04/27/10.... (card received 5/05)

JEFF & ROSE.........03/08/10.........03/10/10.......05/03/10........--/--/10....

RAMZIS52............03/10/10.........03/13/10.......04/23/10........05/06/10....

KUTING..............03/12/10.........--/--/10.......04/15/10........04/26/10.... (card received 4/30)

AMY AND BRIAN.......03/15/10.........03/16/10.......04/14/10........--/--/10....

JULIE&ANDY..........03/15/10.........03/26/10.......04/16/10........05/05/10.... (card received 6/01)

CLAU................03/15/10.........03/15/10.......05/11/10........--/--/10....

ANOTHRNG............03/15/10.........03/22/10.......04/12/10........05/03/10.... (card received 5/27)

ABHAY...............03/17/10.........03/23/10.......04/23/10........04/29/10.... (card received 5/06)

MINNHELP............03/18/10.........03/19/10.......04/28/10........--/--/10....

DDX.................03/18/10.........03/--/10.......04/21/10........05/10/10.... (Interview letter received 3/27 for 4/14)

KEN'S ROSE..........03/19/10.........03/22/10.......04/20/10........--/--/10....

MDAVIS31............03/19/10.........03/22/10.......05/26/10........--/--/10....

W8INGLONGTIME.......03/23/10.........03/29/10.......06/10/10........--/--/10.... (early Bio 5/20)

KARLA5001...........03/24/10.........03/29/10.......05/07/10........--/--/10....

PREET...............03/24/10.........--/--/10.......04/30/10........--/--/10....

CAPPUCINO...........03/25/10.........03/29/10.......05/07/10........--/--/10....

RADKRI..............03/25/10.........03/29/10.......05/07/10........--/--/10....

Vermont Service Center (12/30 approved, 40%)

VJName.............Date of I-751....NOA1 Date.......Biometrics......Approved....

CHEFBOYARDEE.......03/01/10.........03/04/10........03/30/10........05/14/10.... (card received 6/10)

NEALANDCARI........03/04/10.........03/08/10........04/06/10........--/--/10....

NATASHENIKA........03/05/10.........03/09/10........04/12/10........06/03/10.... (early Bio 3/29)

BOYINFLORIDA.......03/05/10.........03/08/10........04/14/10........05/27/10.... (early Bio 4/09))

LALA_XOXO..........03/05/10.........03/09/10........04/02/10........--/--/10....

VSCFILER...........03/06/10.........03/08/10........04/16/10........05/27/10....

PLATANO587.........03/08/10.........03/16/10........04/09/10........05/28/10....

PICHO..............03/09/10.........03/12/10........04/09/10........--/--/10....

THE SPARROW........03/09/10.........03/12/10........04/07/10........--/--/10....

KIDDHAN273.........03/10/10.........03/15/10........04/12/10........06/04/10.... (early Bio 4/08)

SOCH...............03/11/10.........03/15/10........04/22/10........05/28/10....

IAMWHATIAM80.......03/11/10.........03/17/10........04/12/10........--/--/10.... (divorce waiver)

LEAFGAL............03/15/10.........03/17/10........04/19/10........06/02/10....

LIZELLE_N_OLIVER...03/15/10.........03/17/10........04/16/10........06/07/10....

CHA GIO............03/15/10.........03/16/10........04/01/10........06/08/10....

CINAMAJE...........03/15/10.........03/19/10........--/--/10........--/--/10....

SCOTT N YENIFER....03/15/10.........03/19/10........04/22/10........06/14/10....

CELLY_DANY.........03/16/10.........03/23/10........04/14/10........--/--/10....

SUPRATOY...........03/16/10.........--/--/10........--/--/10........--/--/10....

GOLDFILM...........03/17/10.........--/--/10........04/16/10........06/09/10.... (never got NOA)

LATOSLATOS.........03/18/10.........03/22/10........04/16/10........--/--/10....

B.ZHYZN............03/19/10.........--/--/10........--/--/10........--/--/10....

PFCSBABY...........03/23/10.........03/29/10........04/22/10........--/--/10....

LYNNAMI............03/23/10.........03/29/10........04/23/10........--/--/10.... (early Bio 4/15)

NO-TEN.............03/23/10.........03/30/10........04/21/10........--/--/10.... (early Bio 4/15)

CASHEL.............03/27/10.........03/30/10........05/07/10........--/--/10....

KRUMLOVGIRL........03/28/10.........04/08/10........05/19/10........--/--/10....

RICK&OLECHKA.......03/29/10.........--/--/10........05/07/10........--/--/10.... (never got NOA and I-551 stamped)

CARPE DIEM.........03/30/10.........03/31/10........05/03/10........--/--/10....

DAVID-RHOSIE.......03/30/10.........--/--/10........--/--/10........--/--/10....

PEGBERT............03/25/10.........03/29/10........04/30/10........06/15/10....

I'm trying to get up to date with all the Canadian taxes. I called CRA to find out what they needed, and they said that I must file a return for 2006, even if I had no income. 2007 will become my "exit" return, as that is the year that I filed for US Permanent Residency.

My question is this: on the 2006 T-1 Identification box, do I use my CURRENT (married) name and current US address, or do I use my PREVIOUS name and former Canadian address?

Thank you.

You would use your name on 12/31/06. Use your current address.

Thank you. I have one more question..... the last one, I think! I'm filing Section 217 for 2008 to get back some of the 25% withheld when I cashed out my RRSPs in 2008. I've got the non-resident T1 filled out already. Obviously, I use my current married name and US address. Where it says "marital status", I put "married". But then what do I put under the spouse information, since my husband is the US citizen, never lived or worked in Canada, does not have a SIN# or any other ties to Canada (except me, of course!) Do I just leave that box blank? If it makes a difference, I have no income from anywhere in 2008, except for the RRSP cashout.

Thanks again!

I'm trying to get up to date with all the Canadian taxes. I called CRA to find out what they needed, and they said that I must file a return for 2006, even if I had no income. 2007 will become my "exit" return, as that is the year that I filed for US Permanent Residency.

My question is this: on the 2006 T-1 Identification box, do I use my CURRENT (married) name and current US address, or do I use my PREVIOUS name and former Canadian address?

Thank you.

Sorry, I meant for this to go into Zyggy's tax thread.... can someone move it there for me?!!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Zyggy

Thank you so much for helping everyone with your expertise!

I did send you a pm, but maybe this will be helpful for everyone.

1) The last taxes I filed in Canada were for year 2005.

2) Came to the US on extended vacation in April 2006. Met Mr. Right and never went back!

3) Called Canadian tax accountant to inquire about what to do for 2006 taxes, and he said that since I had zero income and was not living in Canada, I did not have to file anything.

4) Married May 2007, filed for AOS July 2007

5) Husband included me on his US taxes for year 2007, since I had EAD and SS# before the end of 2007

6) GC granted June 2008.

7) cashed out Canadian RRSPs August 2008 (25% withheld).

OK, so now I'm trying to finish everything up with RevCan. We do not see ourselves moving back to Canada in the foreseeable future, so I'm definitely a US resident. As far as I understand (according to the nice lady at RevCan with whom I spoke on the phone), I need to:

a ) file a return for year 2006 with zero income

b ) file a return for year 2007 as my "exit return", using the date that my AOS application was accepted as the date I ceased to be a Canadian resident (July 2007). On this return, I would claim the remaining HBP amount (approx $1300) as "other income", but again zero as employment income (I have no income from anywhere in the world)

c ) the income from the cashed out RRSP goes on our 2008 joint US tax return as foreign income. QUESTION: do I need to file a tax return with RevCan for year 2008, due to the cashing out of these RRSPs? Is there any way to get back any of that 25% that they withheld?

Am I on track so far? Also, which name/address do I use on each of the returns? For 2006, do I use my previous name and Canadian address... and then switch to my married name and US address for 2007? Or do I use my current name and address on ALL returns?

And finally.... when I spoke with the lady at RevCan, she asked when did I leave Canada? I told her I the dates that I left, got married, applied for AOS, and got the GC. She said that the date I was granted the GC would be the date I "left" Canada. I don't think this is correct, since when my application for AOS was accepted, I became a "conditional resident" in the US, and was thereafter approved. Also, since I was included on my husband's 2007 US tax return as a US resident, I can't be a resident of two countries at once, right?! Therefore, I think that the date I left Canada ought to be in 2007. Correct?

Thanks again for posting all this info and answering our questions!!

My husband also changed jobs in the process. Since they do ask you to bring two months of paystubs to the interview, the name on the employment letter should match the name on the paystubs. We had his new company write up a letter of employment (actually, they just copied the old employment letter onto their own letterhead!). We took it to the interview, and the officer took it for the file. As long as the new salary isn't below the Affidavit of Support guideline, then you'll be fine.

thank you for the reply, i like your sheltie too! so cute!!! your dog is male right? what's the name of your dog?

His name is Luke, but we call him Woo (because of the "woooing" sound he makes when he is lonely!) He's 7 years old and has been playing flyball since he was 1. He's on the small size (13.5", 12lbs), and just as cute as a button! I also have a Border Collie.... here's a picture of the two of them. (One day I'm gonna get another tiny Sheltie.... they're too cute!!)

I love your dog! I have a Sheltie too!!

I have flown a dog on an airline before (Canada to US). Personally, I would avoid it if possible... but it's not always possible, so I would do it again if necessary. There are lots of things you can do to make it safer, and I'd be happy to share my experience. I also belong to a dog sports club, and a rescue organization, so I have heard lots of stories (good and bad). I can't imagine leaving my dogs behind.... so I hope yours will make the journey with you!!

What is your Sheltie's name?

L

I really hate how a lot of jobs here are not correctly listed. I've applied in the past for a few positions and the job "title" and the actual job where two totally different things.

I've had the same problem here in NC. Some companies use some rather sneaky tactics to get people in to apply for jobs. I honestly don't want to work for a company that has to lie to get anyone interested in a job there

That happened to me last week.... oddly enough, in NC The job advertised was for "Office Clerical", and said in the description something like "Duties may include A/P, A/R, payroll, bank deposits, answering phone, filing..." etc. At the end of the interview, I asked him how much of it would be answering the phones, to which he admitted it would be the PRIMARY function. I said "Oh, so it's actually a receptionist position with other duties thrown in from time to time?" He asked "Why, are you not comfortable answering phones?" To which I politely replied "I did not apply for a receptionist position." His parting comment was "Ya, they should have written the ad differently." Ya think? Oh well.... have another interview on Wednesday. All we can do is keep trying!!!

I'm also a Canadian who came (drove across) as a visitor, later met hubby, married, and adjusted status. If you'd like to know what our highly paid attorney put on our applications, here are the questions and answers exactly as she entered them on the forms. Hope the info will be helpful!!

I-130 .....

Question 14:

"He/she arrived as:" = VISITOR

"Arrival/Departure record I-94" = (left blank)

"Date Arrived" = April 4, 2006

"Date authorized stay expired, or will expire, as shown on Form I-94" = I-94 NOT GIVEN AT LAST PORT OF ENTRY

I-485 ......

On page one:

"A #" = NONE

"I-94 #" = I-94 NOT GIVEN AT LAST POE (I-102 FILED)

"Current USCIS Status" = VISITOR

"Expires On" = UNKNOWN

On page two:

"Give your name exactly as it appears on I-94" = N/A

"In what status did you last enter?" = VISITOR

"Non-immigrant Visa number" = CANADIAN - EXEMPT

"Consulate where Visa was issued" = N/A

"Date Visa was issued" = N/A

What rate are you waiting for?? 97 cents is pretty good compared to the 62 cents five years ago. If you wait the rates may go up a couple cents but more likely they will go back down at some point.

Well, mid-July the dollars were pretty much on par. I realize there is no guarantee, but I'm hoping to not loose $300-$500 on the exchange just from being lazy and not watching the rates. I'm thinking positively!!

I can relate to the bag thing - Trader Joes actually pack bags properly and ENCOURAGE you to bring the bags (paper with handles ) to reuse them - that is great I keep forgetting though and we have a large pile of bags on the fridge (including my two co-op ones from the UK that I brought ) We don't have a garage which is really annoying - we have a tiny square piece of counter in the kitchen and when that gets full, it all goes into a carrier bag (after all - we have thousands - I really don't see the point of putting just one thing in a bag - wouldn't it be better to just carry it on its own???) and we take it to the next city over where they pay you to recycle - you get a voucher to use in the grocery store (which has a deli and stuff which is cool - fresh meat!).

But yeah - the bag thing really annoys me

Back in Canada, there were some stores where you HAD to bag your own groceries. Thus, I have no trouble jumping in and bagging my own stuff here.... I always get a funny look from the clerks, but at least I know it will be done right; they think I'm helping THEM, but really I'm looking out for myself I've even had occassion to rebag something right infront of the bagger..... as in "soup cans do NOT go on top of the bread, thank you"

The other thing that I find strange is when they DON'T bag things (large juice bottles, 2liter sodas, etc). Not all of us have the luxury of driving into an enclosed garage, and carrying single items from the street doesn't make a lot of sense. I solve this by grabbing a couple of extra bags on the way out, and rearranging my groceries once I get to the car. Not a big deal, but I kind of think there is no point in doing something if it's not going to be done right the first time. Oh well!

I can't believe you people don't think drive-through ATMs aren't amazing - I LOVE them!

I love them too! Now, if I can just learn not to scrape my rims on that darn curb that they put alongside the teller window, then my car might love them as well

I don't know if this will help you now, but RBC Bank (Formally RBC Centura) has their head office in NC and many branches throughout the state. If you have a Royal Bank account up in Canada, you can transfer money back and forth freely through the two banks. So in a sense, you could keep your RRSP in the Canadian account and whenever the rate changes, transfer to the US.

If you don't have a Royal Bank account, I don't know how easy it would be to open one now.

But just so you know

That's actually exactly what I'm trying to do!! Here's the problem: I had my RRSPs with RBC (Canada), and also a few savings/checking accounts. I openned a Royal Embassy Account at RBC Centura here in NC, which is where I do all my banking. In an effort to "sever tax ties", I went ahead and closed the savings/checking accounts in Canada, since I haven't used them since I moved here. A couple weeks ago, I cashed in one of my RRSPs, and I *wanted* to reopen an account an have it deposited, but was told that since I'm a non-resident, they just mail a check. Well, since mid-July the exchange rate has continued to deteriorate, so when the paper check arrives I don't want to deposit it into a $US account right away. I went to RBC Canada online, and tried to open a simple savings account, but was told that I have to have at least one sole-ownership account at RBC Canada in order to open another account.... and the only holdings I have left in Canada is a spousal RRSP. Hence, now I am kicking myself for closing those accounts, as I really wanted to park the RRSP $$ in a $CAN account until the exchange improves. I definitely want to have the $$ in a US account before the end of the year, but it gives me a few months to play with in hope that I can get a better rate.

Another question: can a Canadian Citizen non-resident open a bank account in Canada, without actually living there? Or am I stuck hunting for a foreign currency account at some bank here in the US?

L

Does anyone know, off the top of their head, if there is a bank in the southeast (NC) that offers a foreign currency (ie: $CAN) account? I've put myself in a bit of a pickle and need to find a way to park my RRSP check ($CAN) for a while until the exchange rate improves.

Thanks!

Not a whole lot better in NC..... I just figured he was a pervert. A lot of money and time...... but as someone once told me, "If you want to stay, you have to do what they want." Sigh. Just glad it was over pretty quick.

Ah, but what if she doesn't know the name of the person? Or who that person is? And won't they be asking both of us at the same time?

You have time to go over everything together before the interview so that you both know who is in the pictures, where they were taken, etc. We went through our file and album the weekend before the interview .... it was actually quite fun to relive the memories together! If you want to over-prepare - and drive yourself to drink while you're at it - print out a list of the fraud interview questions (things like how many ceiling fans in your house? what day is the trash picked up? what color is your spouse's toothbrush? etc)

I don't think you need to be worried about them picking you apart. It's my understanding that only if they have reason to suspect marriage fraud will they separate and question you individually on such minutia. Otherwise, just be confident in yourselves and your marriage, go over all the evidence you plan to take with you, and let the truth be shown!

Oh.... and as for captioning photos..... I didn't caption each photo as to who was in them..... just a general page heading like "Visiting Hubby's Family"; or "NASCAR Race 2007"..... which allowed the officer know what they are, but also allowing her lots of opportunity to ask more questions (which she did).

I think you'll be just fine!!!

If you don't have a bank statement with both your names, do you have some cleared checks on the account? Ones that show your signature, and ones that show your husband's signature. You can photo copy the fronts and backs of those cleared checks, to show that the bank accepted your signature as a signing authority. Of course, take the actual checks with you too.... but make the photocopies to leave with the IO. Explain that you requested a letter, and the request went MIA...... but if the bank will clear checks under both of your signatures, then that ought to show that you are sharing the account.

(I had the bank statement with both our names, but I also did as above with a few checks, just to be sure!)

Relax, don't worrry, and best of luck tomorrow!!!

L

I've enjoyed following your story..... I'm excited for you!! Congrats - looking forward to a pix or two from the big day!!!

L

Is RevCan always this disorganized on the phone??? I just called them to give them my name/address change, and request the last copy of my NOA since I have been in the US and never got it.... so that I can file an exit tax return. First number I called - the one listed on their website for address changes - said that I have to call a different number. Lady at second number, whom I could barely understand, said:

1) I have to MAIL in a name change request along with the marriage certificate (this is contrary to what the RevCan website says)

2) Once the name is changed, I have to CALL back again to change the address..... apparently the same person cannot change the name and address..... too complicated, I guess

3) Once the name and address are changed, I can CALL and request a copy of the NOA

Oh..... and she added "I couldn't help you anyway....... our systems are down. You'll have to call another time."

I'm getting the impression that dealing with RevCan is going to be more fun than the ol' barrel of monkeys

Well done! Congrats!!!!!

I've amost always used the truck crossing, and never had a problem there. Just came through a couple weeks ago (first time coming back with my GC, yeah!) and the gentleman was VERY nice and professional...... probably the most pleasant crossing I've ever had!

Keep in mind that the Peace Arch crossing is the "touristy" one..... being that a lot of folks from other countries want to enjoy the park, take pictures at the big arch, etc. So, it would stand to reason that the officers might be a bit more 'testy', having to deal with a whole myriad of tourists from who-knows-where. The truck crossing, on the other hand, is rather boring...... just pavement and buildings!, so not much appeal to the vacationing tourists. And, dealing with trucks, couriers, drivers on business, regular crossers, etc, you would hope that the officers might have a better general knowledge of special situations.

Yet another one of my late entries to a thread

I'm also a Canadian who came to the US as a visitor, met future hubby, got engaged and married, applied for AOS, now have GC in hand.

We hired an attorney; just like Stillness, we also don't regret it at all. Perhaps we "could" have done it on our own, after some initial consultation, but we just felt better with a knowledgeable immigration attorney steering things in the right direction (and she's one of the top in the state.) We still had to do all the legwork in gathering the documents, but she was great at advising us when it came to documents for the interview - what to take, what not to take, what not to mention, etc. We were very well prepared for the interview, and it was very easy and successful!

I'm also happy to help answer questions or share what I learned on my AOS journey. Ask away!

Good luck, congrats, and welcome to the group!!

Well I guess it's a good thing for everyone that only two VJer's got RFEs! Congrats to the rest of you who did it right the first time!

Just checked my copies, and our attorney sent our Responses to RFE's via Express Mail (return receipt requested) to the address at the top right corner of the RFE's, which was:

US Department of Homeland Security

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

PO Box 648004

Lee's Summit, MO 64064

I assume they got it, cuz I now have my PR! I don't know if it's the same for FedEx or UPS, sorry.

so the correct POE would be useful

Not just useful.... NECESSARY! You have to put this on the I-485 application, and they will ask you again at the interview. Saying "I don't remember" is not going to bode well for you

Through process of elimination, and online maps, etc, you should be able to figure it out

But you're not alone....... when I asked my sister-in-law for the affidavit, she said "I don't remember which one we came through." (there are two between Vancouver/Blaine) I knew 110% it was the truck crossing, but she didn't remember!! So you are not the only one who forgets these things!!

L