Danette

Just to clear up any confusion....the BCG vaccine is for TB, the smallpox vaccine is something different. If you had the BCG vaccine, your TB skin test has the potential to be positive which would require an xray to confrim the absence of active TB. I am not sure about the Ontario vaccination requirements of the 70's, but as a medical laboratory technology student of the 80's, I required to have a BCG vaccine which produced a nasty dime sized scar that took months to heal and the potential to give a false positive TB skin test. As a K1 applicant, I required a chest x-ray, not a TB skin test, so my BCG vaccine did not affect my medical adversly.

Hope this info helps. It's not often my med lab experience allows me to answer Vj questions

As with most on here, Hubby and I looked at portability of career which came out as a no-brainer. He (the USC) is a consultant in the oilfield and I am Med Lab Tech. With no oilfield in eastern Canada and the fact he makes 4x what my career pays, guess who moved?

I am working presently in a lab job, but not medical. I am hoping to get a job at the local hosptial lab when one comes available.

Hubby and I usually buy tins of Tim's coffee on ebay with the "middleman" costs, but out of curiosity, I emailed their customer service to ask if we could buy directly from them.

Got a speedy reply back that yes indeed you can buy directly from the coffee plant. Didn't ask if they sell individual cans as we buy it by the case (hubby drinks a pot a day so we go through it quite quickly). They ship fedex and take credit card orders. For anyone that would like the contact info here it is:

Maidstone Coffee Plant

Telephone: (585) 272-1040 Ext. 2221

Fax: (585) 272-8495

Address: 60 Mushroom Blvd Rochester, New York 14623

E-mail: coffee@timhortons.com

I rarely ever post...but I had to for this one

After chatting as "friends" for 5 months we decided we had so much in common and would be good to meet to see if there was anything to the "online" attraction. I flew 12+hours and got to OKC around supper time. I can't tell you how intimidating it was to meet the guy I had talked to and see on cam for the last few months and 3D is definately different than 2D. We went to supper at a nice italian restaraunt near the airport, it was a bit awkwardat first to say the least, but, there must be something to "on-line love" cause the waitress asked us when we were getting married!?! No joke...she turned a bit red when we said we had met 2 hours ago! It was one those moments we will always remember.

I think looking back....we both knew what the waitress saw...and the pitstop we took on the way back to his place....sealed the deal...

I was one of those people who got at least one Tims a day and couldn't even win a cookie! It was a running joke cause it went on for a couple of years. My luck changed shortly before I moved here and won the camping gear package. We think it's cool cause we are probably the only Okie's who own a Tim Horton's tent!

Ontarkie,

I sent you a PM regarding this topic.

Thanks

Danette

Newfoundland/Labrador is considered part of the Maritimes, yes. Nunavut is the most recent Canadian territory - composed of parts of the old Northwest Territories (which used to have two districts but is now just one district still called the Northwest Territories), and then Yukon Territory is separate.

The Maritimes are lovely and well worth visiting - there is lots to do and see and I agree, Atlantic Canada is definitely well worth including as one of the 50 must see places to visit. Weather will be Spring and cool to warm.

FYI:

Maritime provinces are NB, NS, and PEI

Atlantic provinces are Maritime provinces plus Newfoundland/Labrador

If I recall correctly, Newfounlanders get insulted being called Maritimers.

I went through a court battle a year and a half ago and lost . It's a very long story of the ex and his family lying to get what they want, but more than that, my lawyer was not a family law lawyer and made some huge mistakes. The judge I had is also known for his irratic behavior and decisions (found that out much later). I did not have an option of hubby moving to Canada due to his career being regional, so I explained to the court that staying in Canada was not an option (to which I'm told later... a big mistake). So, after 3 years of me having primary care, my ex was awarded the honor and I was left with only block access in summer and alternating holidays. I am still in the process to get that decision varied, but I'm told it will take a couple of years due to the "Canadian" system. In the meantime, I have continued my immigration so that my kids will have a stable home to come to when they are able to. They seem to be doing ok, but it's tremendoulsy hard not to see them every day.

Wally has some very good advice. Seek a family law specialist for sure. I also agree on the getting married part, I wonder if I would have been taken more seriously if we had done that first. There is still a real hysteria about "internet relationships", if that is how you met. One big thing too that came up against me, make sure you have a plan for what would happen if your relationship broke down as far as financially. I was leaving a government job and did not have a job in place here, so I was going to be financially dependant on my fiancee. The judge used that against me and said that I could be left in dire straights, if my relationship broke down, that I would be relying totally on the "kindness" of my hubby. Know as much as you can about this immigration process, we unfortunatley did not know all that we should have (ie. affidavit of support and what the USC is responsible for, etc.) Hindsight is 20-20 and I think knowing more about this process at that time would have helped.

Getting her ex to agree would be the best for all parties involved if his motive is not a vindictive one.

Good luck, I hope it works out.

Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lived in Toronto, Moncton, NB and Truro, NS. I now reside in a place I like to call US Nowhere Shattuck, Oklahoma (near the panhandle). But the funniest part, I work in a town about 40 mins from home called Canadian, Texas!

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long they waited for marriage certificates to arrive in the mail from Clark County, Nevada.

I just ordered them last week, but I wanted to know when I should start worrying...it's the only thing I need to send off my AOS/EAD packet, and I just hope it doesn't delay me much longer!!!

Thanks for your help!!!

Timeline:

March 21, 2006 - I129 F Petition Approved

April 4, 2006 - RFE, IMBRA related

July 19, 2006 - Consulate received packet, Caracas, Vzla

August 25, 2006 - Interview, approved

August 30 - Traveling day!

September 30, 2006 - Married

October, 2006 - Awaiting to file AOS/EAD

We copied the certificate that we recieved in Vegas (the one the minister signed) and sent that with the AOS application. We never recieved a request for a "certified" copy, so I assume the one we had was good enough. I got my green card last month with no problems. I know the marriage certificates vary from state to state, so I wonder if it only needs to be a certified copy for certain states. I would assume you would be safe to send a copy of the marriage certificate you already have. If for some reason it isn't, you should have the certified copy by that time.

Hope this helps

I usually don't post much here in VJ unless it's something I feel strongly about, so here goes....

I know Sarah personally, we actually met here on VJ a year and a half ago and live 7 miles apart. I have not talked to her for a couple of weeks and have only read this thread today. It actually is the perfect example of what she was talking about in the first place. We have discussed VJ many times and laugh at some of dynamic that occurs here. I can assure you all she is not the "drama queen" you portray her to be. She is a very strong, independant woman who can take the ####### as well as give. It is true that there are some on here that use rudeness as their MO and post to make waves and then there are others who cannot take the least bit of criticism. I am one who enjoys reading the flame war and drama, but it does get out of hand at times and gets malicious. If some of you remember, I was the OP of the infamous "intimidated" thread that got deleted. For those of you who don't, some of us in chat one night decided to stage a huge flame war just to show how riduculous it really is and to make everyone laugh.

I don't spend as much time of VJ as Sarah, so I don't get as involved, but, I am very disappointed that some in this community chose to berate her for a decision and explanation. I know she has made alot of friends on here and I think she was just trying to give the community an explanation as to why she won't be here in the future and to give those people who she has developed a repore with a chance to keep in touch. She does have a point about the atmosphere around here lately, I have read some pretty offensive posts lately. Being a long time member myself, I have watched the dynamic change from time to time and hopefully people will lighten up once again. It IS sad to see long term members leave, especially those who post regularly. I miss alot of the members who used to be on here when I first came, but sh$t happens and things change.

Yes, this is the internet and a public forum where people are entitled to their opinion and to express it, but, I can assure that some of you were way off on this one.

OK, that's all I wanted to say. Flame on.

You can do better than this, LisaD.

approveme...I am not pointing fingers at anyone...if that is what you mean. If I remember....LisaD was one of those in chat that night. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I just didn't like the way Sarah was getting raked over the coals in general. I know most of you have never met her, but I have and thought I should come to her defence. I also wonder what would be said if we all had to sit in a room together without the safety of the keyboard. Food for thought.

I usually don't post much here in VJ unless it's something I feel strongly about, so here goes....

I know Sarah personally, we actually met here on VJ a year and a half ago and live 7 miles apart. I have not talked to her for a couple of weeks and have only read this thread today. It actually is the perfect example of what she was talking about in the first place. We have discussed VJ many times and laugh at some of dynamic that occurs here. I can assure you all she is not the "drama queen" you portray her to be. She is a very strong, independant woman who can take the ####### as well as give. It is true that there are some on here that use rudeness as their MO and post to make waves and then there are others who cannot take the least bit of criticism. I am one who enjoys reading the flame war and drama, but it does get out of hand at times and gets malicious. If some of you remember, I was the OP of the infamous "intimidated" thread that got deleted. For those of you who don't, some of us in chat one night decided to stage a huge flame war just to show how riduculous it really is and to make everyone laugh.

I don't spend as much time of VJ as Sarah, so I don't get as involved, but, I am very disappointed that some in this community chose to berate her for a decision and explanation. I know she has made alot of friends on here and I think she was just trying to give the community an explanation as to why she won't be here in the future and to give those people who she has developed a repore with a chance to keep in touch. She does have a point about the atmosphere around here lately, I have read some pretty offensive posts lately. Being a long time member myself, I have watched the dynamic change from time to time and hopefully people will lighten up once again. It IS sad to see long term members leave, especially those who post regularly. I miss alot of the members who used to be on here when I first came, but sh$t happens and things change.

Yes, this is the internet and a public forum where people are entitled to their opinion and to express it, but, I can assure that some of you were way off on this one.

OK, that's all I wanted to say. Flame on.

Sorry, must have been the way I interpreted and let's face it, Shon does have a history. Didn't realize the citizens of Suriname were exempt from the process, I must have missed that thread.

Ok, back to lurking.....

Hi larrysgirl,

Totally ignore shonjaved's post, she just likes to be ignorant.

To answer you question honestly, no, unfortunatley being Canadian does not give any fringe benefit in this process. It is a tad bit easier being from a country where immigration fraud is fairly rare and generally the process takes 6 months or less. The big thing is which service center you file with. Last year, vermont was extremely quick, not sure whats up these days. Montreal is slower than Vancouver in general to schedule interviews by about 30 days. As long as your case is uncomplicated, the process is pretty straight forward and getting the K1 visa is no problem.

My personal feelings on this subject is that it should be easier for the born Canadian citizens, and hell, being from the Maritimes, if Quebec separated, the joke is we would be the 51st state anyway!

Hello,

I was in a similar situation and we filed as soon as my divorce became final with no question or problem. So to answer your question, as long as the divorce is final, there will be no problem. All the USCIS requires is to prove you are able to be married. BUT....as far as the fact you have children....you may need to sort the custody issue before they can legally come to the US. You will either need permission from your ex or a court order in order for them to immigrate with you. If they do not intend to immigrate with you, then the divorce document is all you need.

Hope this answers your concerns.

Hey Lisa,

Thanks...I'm kinda bored here and hopin hubby will find the thread. He isn't expectin me on so I thought it would be funny.

I need a life!

Sorry guys....this is a joke kinda

I finally got the damn AP...drove 2500 miles to Canada last wed...arrived on the same Fri....

My poor hubby is lonely and I see him here on VJ in off topic

So.........thought this would make him laugh.

BTW Bruce....decided I love Canada more than you! OOOOOOPs Think I might stay..........

LOL

Poor hubby was sleeping and didn't hear me fall off my chair dozen times last night. When I went to bed finally, I told him to make sure and read it in the AM (he loves a good catfight too!). He was really disappointed it had disappeared, so I voted yes for his sake.

And besides.....I hardly ever post and now it's gone

Hmmm...I was planning to drive back to Canada possibly as early as this coming week. I was planning to take all necessary documents...AP..marriage certificate....passport, etc. Then I got to thinkin....the last time I crossed the border via car was 15+ years ago and at that time, you just verbally answered a few questions regarding length of stay, where are you from, how much did you spend, how much tobacco and alcohol etc. What exactly happens at the POE these days when driving across the border? Do they ask for identification? I know that sounds like a silly question, but, if I am so used to flying these days and going through POE at the airport where producing documents is very much of a routine. I can't ever remember having to produce identification when crossing the CAN/US border although I am sure things have changed in light of 9/11. Thanks for any info

Danette

BTW...Canadalaura...hope you enjoy the trip back to Canada! I know I am looking forward to spending a couple of weeks back home and have my grocery list set out already....Tim's is #1 on that list of course!

Hey Sarah,

Thought you were busy packin meat today?!?!

I'll take ya to VJ rehab when I get back next week!

Hi,

Our NOA was dated Feb 2 and we finally got approval last wednesday. It was updated online on the 20th, but no touches or anything before that. The actual document arrived today. I was getting pretty frustrated as the online message said 30-60 days to process and the MSC processing date was Feb 15 a couple of weeks ago. I guess they are just a bit slow at the moment kicking out AP. Hopefully you will hear something soon!

Hi

I know you mentioned you did not want to have a big hotel wedding but I thought I would tell you that we got married at Treasure Island, just us and our 3 kids. The chapel was nice (not cheesy in the least) and I liked the convienence of being able to stay at the same hotel. We took the cheapest package which ran us just under $700 (I did not need all the bells and whistles of the more expensive packages). The reason we picked it was the fact they had intenet broadcast capability and most of our families could not be there. I was also impressed at the photography offered. I had thought about doing it at "The Little White Wedding Chapel", but after being in vegas, was really glad I hadn't as those chapels are down at the far end of the strip and away from the nice picture taking spots (ie. the Mirage volcano, the Venetian, etc). The reactions I had from family who watched over the internet were very positive and it was commented on how "nice" it was. The chapel does not offer reception services, just weddings, so no sales pitch to do a full package.

Congrats and hope it goes well.

That sounds right what I've been looking for! I just looked at the website & they make no mention of the broadcast capability (unless I missed it, which is possible)....they have that all set up there? Or are you talking like you brought a webcam and a laptop?

Hi LisaD,

On the TI website, under the weddings page, there is a link called "live weddings". You can actually watch some if they have opted to broadcast. Once we booked our wedding, they sent us an email link to the subcontractor that actually does all the photography and videography...Cashman Professional. I think the cost for 30 days of webcasting was about $60. This is the same place that you order your pictures from and I must say I was pretty impressed by the quality considering you only have about half an hour after the wedding to get them done. They will email you a web link to your pics a day or two after the wedding and a contact sheet in the mail after that. You can buy your video from them as well.

Webcasting is actually pretty awesome, we ended up watching it a couple of times after the wedding and those who couldn't watch it live (cause we got married xmas eve) were able to see it when it was convienent.

Hope that helps and best of luck

Hi

I know you mentioned you did not want to have a big hotel wedding but I thought I would tell you that we got married at Treasure Island, just us and our 3 kids. The chapel was nice (not cheesy in the least) and I liked the convienence of being able to stay at the same hotel. We took the cheapest package which ran us just under $700 (I did not need all the bells and whistles of the more expensive packages). The reason we picked it was the fact they had intenet broadcast capability and most of our families could not be there. I was also impressed at the photography offered. I had thought about doing it at "The Little White Wedding Chapel", but after being in vegas, was really glad I hadn't as those chapels are down at the far end of the strip and away from the nice picture taking spots (ie. the Mirage volcano, the Venetian, etc). The reactions I had from family who watched over the internet were very positive and it was commented on how "nice" it was. The chapel does not offer reception services, just weddings, so no sales pitch to do a full package.

Congrats and hope it goes well.

Ok this doesn't relate to the visa per se but I had to thank whoever it was that suggested the English Toffee Cappuccino from Tim Horton's. I saw it on a thread here last week before I went to Kelowna, BC to visit my fiance. I think I had two of them a day while I was there. Now I will be going through withdrawals.

He wants to buy a case of coffee before we move him down in the Fall.....

Thought I would let ya know that you can buy Tim's coffee on ebay, it's a little more $ than buying it in Canada. Some guy from New York state sells it on there by the can or case. There is also a couple of Canadian food web sites that sells it as well, but the final price with shipping was cheaper on ebay. We bought a case a couple of months ago after running out...not as good as the real thing brewed at the store, but better than anything I can find in these parts. Funny thing, my american hubby was actually more excited to get it than I was! I do wish they made 18% coffee cream here, makes the coffee taste so much better, half and half just doesn't quite cut it

Cheers

Try using "light cream" it is amost the same as the coffee cream we buy here in Canada

Char

Yeah I use light cream here, but it's not as good as its's higher fat cousin coffe cream. Of course I was one of those horrid Tims customers that liked their mix "just right" LOL.

Donairs...donairs....oh how I miss donairs! Not to mention the slice of donair pizza at 3am after a night on the town . Where the heck is my AP? .

Ok this doesn't relate to the visa per se but I had to thank whoever it was that suggested the English Toffee Cappuccino from Tim Horton's. I saw it on a thread here last week before I went to Kelowna, BC to visit my fiance. I think I had two of them a day while I was there. Now I will be going through withdrawals.

He wants to buy a case of coffee before we move him down in the Fall.....

Thought I would let ya know that you can buy Tim's coffee on ebay, it's a little more $ than buying it in Canada. Some guy from New York state sells it on there by the can or case. There is also a couple of Canadian food web sites that sells it as well, but the final price with shipping was cheaper on ebay. We bought a case a couple of months ago after running out...not as good as the real thing brewed at the store, but better than anything I can find in these parts. Funny thing, my american hubby was actually more excited to get it than I was! I do wish they made 18% coffee cream here, makes the coffee taste so much better, half and half just doesn't quite cut it

Cheers