soon2batexan

I agree! I've lived here just over 2 years, and there are numerous things about Canada that make it a much better place to live. It's not silly at all, and in fact it's something my husband and I have talked about. There's a member on here who recently made the move to Canada with her husband and their dual citizen daughter. I've heard a number of people say that in Canada, you can basically just show up at the border with your US spouse and inform them that you intend to sponsor your spouse for permanent residence.. from what I hear, there's no problem with that. Of course, there'd still be paperwork to file etc. but the separation part isn't necessary like it is with coming here. Obviously we haven't tried that, but I've come across others here and have talked to people who have.
I'd say weigh your options and the pros and cons of living in either country. Me, I'd go back in a minute and my husband would happily move there too. It's good to have options, especially with all the uncertainty here. Canada seems to be much more friendly and civilized, doesn't it?!

When I had my interview last Summer, Vancouver consulate advised me that when I send in my packet 3 stuff to make sure that I request either a Wednesday or a Thursday interview date. They were very accommodating, and I got the Wednesday interview as requested. I also noted (when I faxed them my forms) that I was from out of province..I think I said something to the effect of "Wed of Thurs date please - traveling from AB". They're VERY familiar with the process. And don't worry about being out of the medical on time...my understanding is that they schedule an afternoon interview for those who are having medicals same day (unless your appt is on a Thursday, which may differ). Woking Medical knows the process well and will do their best to keep you on schedule. Most likely, you will go to your interview after lunch and they'll check you in then send you back to pick up your medical results. You can walk it, but it's a power walk. Probably quicker than finding parking twice though! It's about 6 blocks between the both.

The Vancouver Consulate staff is awesome! They're VERY organized, and very friendly...they're there to help, so while I know it's nerve-wracking, try to relax knowing that they'll help make the process as easy as possible.
In our case, the Vice Consular asked me to tell him about the night we met, he asked my Fiance (who came to the interview with me) about his job, and also what I plan to do for work once I move and get settled. That's about all. I brought boarding passes with me, more current e-mails and phone records and photos, but they didn't ask to see them. The majority of the time I spent at the Consulate involved waiting...waiting for them to take your fingerprints, waiting for the interview. The interview itself took maybe 15 min? One thing I do recommend is that you and/or fiance provide an updated letter of intent, similar to the one you sent with the original package but with a more current date. We included one, and they seemed to appreciate that..they kept it with our file.
A couple of things to note: There are no washrooms on the 20th floor, so make sure if you need to use one, you use the one on the 2nd floor before they take you up. Also, unless you plan to be in Vancouver the entire next day to pick up your visa (which is usually ready after 2pm), make sure to bring a PACK-size XpressPost mailer with you (I think it's the 294mm x 304mm one).
All the best! Everything will be fine.