MOVING PREPARATIONS

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

So, I am starting to organize some stuff... seeing as we will be moving in the next 12 weeks or so.

It is so hard to make arrangements on the premise that you 'hope' to pass the interview, but knowing that we have all of our stuff in order, I can only trust that all will go well

I called some moving co's... their basic pricing is about $1500 to $2000 for what I have... kinda expensive, but I cannot move my stuff... I will have about 20-30 boxes, and about 4-5 pieces of furniture. My justification is I calculated the cost to replace my few pieces of furniture and it would be more than the cost to move...

U Haul will be about $1000 with gas, no movers. I think the moving co is the way we will go.

They said they need my I-94 faxed to them after I get there and they can ship my stuff the following week. Does this sound right?

Has anyone else started packing and getting ready prior to interview? I plan on moving within 2 weeks after my interview, that would never be enough time to pack...

I'm just the type of person where I need the visa in my hand before I could rest!

I figure, we have good proof, our med's are in line and I will be well prepared for interview...

Am I getting ahead of myself? I need to know that others started packing and stuff this soon as well. It's no different when you sell your home with a 90 day closing and need time to pack, no?

ok, trying to make myself feel better lol!

thanks,

M

[Kathryn41 3,205]

So, I am starting to organize some stuff... seeing as we will be moving in the next 12 weeks or so.

It is so hard to make arrangements on the premise that you 'hope' to pass the interview, but knowing that we have all of our stuff in order, I can only trust that all will go well

I called some moving co's... their basic pricing is about $1500 to $2000 for what I have... kinda expensive, but I cannot move my stuff... I will have about 20-30 boxes, and about 4-5 pieces of furniture. My justification is I calculated the cost to replace my few pieces of furniture and it would be more than the cost to move...

U Haul will be about $1000 with gas, no movers. I think the moving co is the way we will go.

It is a good choice. Add into the hassle of having to load and unload all of your stuff into the UHaul, concerns about break-downs along the way and being stranded - and something you may not have thought of, not all trailer rentals allow cross-border trips or one way trips so there is the question of returning a UHaul. We looked at this option as well and decided it was worth the money to us to pay for a moving company. It cost us more since I had more to move (a lot of books) but it was well worth the money. I highly recommend movers.

They said they need my I-94 faxed to them after I get there and they can ship my stuff the following week. Does this sound right?

Yes. Provide them with photocopies of your K-1 visa and then when you get to the US fax them a copy of your stamped K-1 visa and the I-94. They will definitely be asked for them at the border and if they can't produce the documents your items will not be allowed in. Make arrangements to have someone there to meet the movers and allow them access to your belongings as you will be in the US by that time. You will have to make prior arrangements for payment as well.

Has anyone else started packing and getting ready prior to interview? I plan on moving within 2 weeks after my interview, that would never be enough time to pack...

I started packing LONG before my interview - I lived in an apartment filled with boxes for several months. After the interview I focused on getting rid of the things I wasn't moving - donating them, selling them, etc. I made sure to label each box clearly in black marker (ie. bedding, kitchenware, winterclothes, etc.). When the movers come they will fill out the necessary customs form and list the various items and boxes. The movers will have the necessary custom forms on hand.

I'm just the type of person where I need the visa in my hand before I could rest!

I figure, we have good proof, our med's are in line and I will be well prepared for interview...

Am I getting ahead of myself? I need to know that others started packing and stuff this soon as well. It's no different when you sell your home with a 90 day closing and need time to pack, no?

ok, trying to make myself feel better lol!

You'll be fine! Good luck.

thanks,

M

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Thanks K, you always have good advise

Do you mean, meet them at the boarder the day they cross? They said as long as I provide a listing on each box I would be ok... I don't mind giving the co authority to open my boxes if they have to... I will be living 6 hours from the boarder...

I'm glad i'm not the only one, I am going tmrw to get some boxes

[trailmix 77]

Thanks K, you always have good advise

Do you mean, meet them at the boarder the day they cross? They said as long as I provide a listing on each box I would be ok... I don't mind giving the co authority to open my boxes if they have to... I will be living 6 hours from the boarder...

I'm glad i'm not the only one, I am going tmrw to get some boxes

We just had to let them know which day were were crossing the border and give them a copy of my Husband's visa. We never received an I-94.

They said that our stuff could not cross the border before we did (in fact it did cross the border the day before haha) - but no mention of having to show them any proof that we had crossed the border already - so basically all paperwork was done beforehand.

Edited March 11, 2009 by trailmix

[Kathryn41 3,205]

No, you don't meet them at the border. Unless you are arranging for a pick up while you are still in Canada you will need to have someone meet the movers at your Canadian address to let them in and to lock up after them since you won't be there yourself. It could be your landlord or a friend, just someone who is authorized to act on your behalf, especially if you are having the movers do any packing. It makes things easier, plus your friend can let you know when they have finished so you can relax about your belongings.

I know when the moving van pulled up to our place they had 2 loads in addition to mine and they said they were required to show proof for all three loads that the items were allowed to enter the US without duty.

Trailmix was in a different situation than a K-1. They already had their proof of legal entry with the CR-1 visa and could give it to the movers before they left Canada. The K-1, however, is not allowed to have their belongings precede them because the belongings have no legal right of entry until the K-1 has crossed the border, been admitted and received the I-94 verifying their legal presence. The CR-1 already verifies legal presence.

Edited March 11, 2009 by Kathryn41

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

No, you don't meet them at the border. Unless you are arranging for a pick up while you are still in Canada you will need to have someone meet the movers at your Canadian address to let them in and to lock up after them since you won't be there yourself. It could be your landlord or a friend, just someone who is authorized to act on your behalf, especially if you are having the movers do any packing. It makes things easier, plus your friend can let you know when they have finished so you can relax about your belongings.

I know when the moving van pulled up to our place they had 2 loads in addition to mine and they said they were required to show proof for all three loads that the items were allowed to enter the US without duty.

Trailmix was in a different situation than a K-1. They already had their proof of legal entry with the CR-1 visa and could give it to the movers before they left Canada. The K-1, however, is not allowed to have their belongings precede them because the belongings have no legal right of entry until the K-1 has crossed the border, been admitted and received the I-94 verifying their legal presence. The CR-1 already verifies legal presence.

Thanks guys!

They told me that they pick up the stuff, take it back to their warehouse and consolidate it with other shipments to the area... so I will be here when they pack up my apartment, I will leave the day or so after, and have them deliver to me within a week or so after....

I am such a paranoid person, that I am really out of my comfort zone, packing and all this planning without a Visa, but as they say 'build it and they will come' I just have to be positive that the interview will be uneventful

I also plan on giving my landlord notice on May 1st to vacate for July 1st...worst case, i'll be homeless lol!

[OBX 51]

We just had to let them know which day were were crossing the border and give them a copy of my Husband's visa. We never received an I-94.

They said that our stuff could not cross the border before we did (in fact it did cross the border the day before haha) - but no mention of having to show them any proof that we had crossed the border already - so basically all paperwork was done beforehand.

Sorry for the silly question but I understood that even with the CR1 the visa isn't activated until it is stamped at the POE. So what exactly would I provide to the movers as proof of my visa? I am confused

[trailmix 77]

We just had to let them know which day were were crossing the border and give them a copy of my Husband's visa. We never received an I-94.

They said that our stuff could not cross the border before we did (in fact it did cross the border the day before haha) - but no mention of having to show them any proof that we had crossed the border already - so basically all paperwork was done beforehand.

Sorry for the silly question but I understood that even with the CR1 the visa isn't activated until it is stamped at the POE. So what exactly would I provide to the movers as proof of my visa? I am confused

The visa will be in your passport - that is what you give them (a photo copy).

I'm surprised that there are two different sets of rules for CR1/IR1 and K visa holders when taking their personal goods. Before you enter the U.S. you are all considered 'non-residents'.

Edited March 11, 2009 by trailmix

[OBX 51]

The visa will be in your passport - that is what you give them (a photo copy).

I'm surprised that there are two different sets of rules for CR1/IR1 and K visa holders when taking their personal goods. Before you enter the U.S. you are all considered 'non-residents'.

Thanks for the info! That's good to know - so I don't physically have to cross the border and return with my stamped passport? But technically I do need to cross before the goods?

[trailmix 77]

The visa will be in your passport - that is what you give them (a photo copy).

I'm surprised that there are two different sets of rules for CR1/IR1 and K visa holders when taking their personal goods. Before you enter the U.S. you are all considered 'non-residents'.

Thanks for the info! That's good to know - so I don't physically have to cross the border and return with my stamped passport? But technically I do need to cross before the goods?

Exactly

[Flames9_RN 358]

I would not be making any firm plans (wedding, movign out date) until u get an actual interview letter, Their is a reason why soo many people complain about mtl,lol

[July09Bride 1]

I would not be making any firm plans (wedding, movign out date) until u get an actual interview letter, Their is a reason why soo many people complain about mtl,lol

No Kidding, Flames! I'll admit, I'm one of 'em complaining about MTL. But, I'm also grateful that we planned far enough out... but it almost wasn't far enough. If I would have gone with my "gut" feeling of sending back the P3 before the medical exam, we'd probably already have an interview date! LOL Oh, well... this is all a learning experience for the future tasks ahead, right??!! Such as the AOS, EAD, AP, GC, etc... all the acronyms could drive a sane person buggy!

[Flames9_RN 358]

no one has to plan, but dont be making any firm wedding dates

[Flames9_RN 358]

no one has to plan, but dont be making any firm wedding dates