CONFESSION TIME....NEED ADVISE!!!

[trailmix 77]

I just so flustered when I think about the boarder crossing... then getting a marriage license, get married, transfer car, get license, file forms, get accounts, enroll my son into school... blah blah blah... oh yeah, and cook dinner for my new husband

Whoaaaa. No wonder you are feeling overwhelmed

Don't be flustered by the border crossing by the way - it is truly no big deal, while it may test your patience a bit, it's really just turning in some forms and having someone enter your info in a database - really.

As for the rest of the stuff, just write a list and mark them off as you do them. If you look at them separately none of them are really that difficult - again, they may try your patience, but that's going to happen a lot once you move, no way around that haha.

Plus! Do keep in mind that you will be unemployed for a while. You seem like a high energy person, you will have no problem accomplishing this stuff!

[thetreble 19]

poprocks, absolutely don't be frustrated.

I hired a lawyer and it was one of the silliest thing's I have ever done. He didn't do anything but send in the paper work.

I found VJ AFTER the lawyer fiasco and believe me, you can do it on your own.

If you need any help, just ask us.

[beans 7]

Agreed lol ask them for help and then when my time comes I'll just look back to those boards. No lawyer necessary, lawyers just try and make you think everything is super difficult.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

We did it ourselves the only thing that slowed us down was the printer, having to print out the forms for 5 of us and then double checking it all making sure we didnt miss a kid lol.

AHHH HAAA! That's funny!

I didn't even read the guides or get familiar with AOS until after I arrived and married, I didn't want too much information overload!! But yes definitely read the guides, practice filling them out, etc. You don't need any proof for the AOS package except marriage cert, the proof will be needed later for the interview if you get called for an interview. Trust us all, save your $$!! Think of the nice family vacay you can take with that $$, sorry but what a rip off the lawyer is charging you!

I agree with you... I haven't even really researched the AOS yet. I figure I'll have lot's of time to kill once I get there and am unemployed!

From what I've looked at so far, it seems like a piece of cake. I'll be sending mine in probably around the same time, so we'll have eachother for moral support

I agree... it is a rip off...

You guys are right, I can do it!

How long is it taking to get adjusted status at this point? I think I saw that AP is taking about 3 months, and the AOS about 7 months? i'm just wondering if my medical will still be good, it's good till the one year (Feb).

My case is very straight forward... I was just worried cause of my son, didn't want to miss anything, and I really want to try and get on the AP thing, so he can start seeing his dad easily.

ok, gonna do it

I brought my daughter so I understand the situation about being able to get back home and see family. We arrived Nov 12 and had the whole 9 yards (AP/EAD and then GC) in hand effective Feb 25 - 3 months in total - not a long wait at all. My GC came right on top of receiving the Ap/EAD so it was never really needed. It's not like that for everyone...but as long as you have the AP, you're golden

Maybe the father can schedule a visit to the US between the time you arrive and you have the AP ? Remember - you could meet half way if it's far and you cn travel within the US.

PS - after reviewing my timeline, I realized we applied for AOS mid Dec - so between mid Dec and Feb 25 is even less then 3 months!

Edited April 24, 2009 by Udella&Wiz

[maya62 7]

Sorry I didn't read the whole thread, but I'll chime in anyway...

A word of advice, if you want a thread to stay "in Canada", then don't title it "CONFESSION TIME", because then it will be very well read and might make it on to the "Today's Active Topics" (see upper right corner of screen) where people like me who are nosy and/or bored at work might drop in...

But ANYHOW... it really is no big deal to do AOS on your own. Just pay attention and do your best to follow your case status online. And don't worry about pestering people here... it has been my experience that they are very kind to neurotic worriers who ask a million questions (at least they were to me )

So good luck and here's wishing you a smooth AOS...

Maya

[trailmix 77]

Sorry I didn't read the whole thread, but I'll chime in anyway...

A word of advice, if you want a thread to stay "in Canada", then don't title it "CONFESSION TIME", because then it will be very well read and might make it on to the "Today's Active Topics" (see upper right corner of screen) where people like me who are nosy and/or bored at work might drop in...

But ANYHOW... it really is no big deal to do AOS on your own. Just pay attention and do your best to follow your case status online. And don't worry about pestering people here... it has been my experience that they are very kind to neurotic worriers who ask a million questions (at least they were to me )

So good luck and here's wishing you a smooth AOS...

Maya

I don't think the OP meant non-Canadians stay away, she just wanted it left in the Canada forum.

We welcome everyone here, nice to see you maya

Edited April 24, 2009 by trailmix

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Ahaha!

Curiousity killed the cat! I know, talk about an inviting title lol'! I world click on a title like that over 'quick question' anyday! Lol'!

I value all feedback I just feel that in proof preparation etc....and boarder crossing (AP) travel, my Canadians would be able to give me similar experiences...

I'm a creature of habit...now that I've taken a liking to the Canada Forum...I ain't leavin!!!

[bowflex 0]

Ahaha!

Curiousity killed the cat! I know, talk about an inviting title lol'! I world click on a title like that over 'quick question' anyday! Lol'!

I value all feedback I just feel that in proof preparation etc....and boarder crossing (AP) travel, my Canadians would be able to give me similar experiences...

I'm a creature of habit...now that I've taken a liking to the Canada Forum...I ain't leavin!!!

Which POE are you going to be using? I highly recommend the Windsor-Detroit if you're around there as they seem to have the most people working that understand Visas and how to activate and all that. My wife and I used that POE and we go to visit her family every few months and there's always at least one person who seems to know what they're doing

Also I agree with everyone else about the lawyer, my wife and I are still using ours just because we had so much trouble but most of the process was just her and I sitting up late together redoing the forms to make sure they were completely correct. Congrats!!!!

[coldwatersurf 5]

Poprocks the paper work for AOS will be a breeze. I met K1 applicant @ the consulate and she said she was quoted $5000 to do all the paper work from the start to the end (AOS) and it took her 14 months just to get a consulate interview. Think about all the $$$ you'll save. and when you receive the paperwork, you get to see it first! its exciting.

Also.. if you dont know how to break up with your lawyer... check this book http://www.amazon.com/Dump-Em-Anyone-Frien...r/dp/0061646628

I was watching Good Morning america and they said its a great book about how to break up with your doctor or your kid's mom b/c she maybe annoying. lol. teaches you how not to ruin the childrens friendship when you break up with that mom. lol.

Edited April 24, 2009 by borderdriver

[JillA 2]

As Tmix said, making a list really helps.... I wish I still had my list to send you because it really helped me.... I did a "to do" list and it helped me focus alot and concentrate on one thing at a time.... once it was done I would cross it off and I felt really accomplished! I remember about 2 months after I moved my last item was crossed off and I felt so happy, the last item was getting the tags on my car! I even had simple things on the list like "join the gym" but it kept me busy too at the beginning.

[July09Bride 1]

If it makes you feel any better, I chose to skip the lawyer as well, and am also a complete stress case. Needless to say I badgered people here in the Canadian forum at least daily, (sometimes a few times a day,) with annoying, paranoid questions, and people were always friendly and willing to help out! (I did the CR-1, but I've heard AOS is a breeze

Honestly, I'm sure you'll be fine! It's not as hard as it looks, and you'll have your VJ buddies around to back you up, so WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT WEATHER??

Shhhhh. I'm trying to get her to give it to me.

Oops, my bad. Edited out for the sake of Kriket's billfold

OMG, now it makes me look like some kind of perv!

HAHA!!! Kirkit, YOU'RE HIRED!!! lol! But just so I know who i'm dealing with, are you the one on the right with hair, or the bald one on the left in your photo?

Ok, I will read over the guides etc... I assume I can maybe start some of it now? like filling out the forms etc?

The proof (such as bills, leases etc...) is not needed till afterwards right?

For the K1, for every form I had to complete for myself, I had to do the same one for my son. So I assume I will do the AOS, AP, but not the EAD?

Off topic, do kids need SSN's? Like if I go to the SSN office to apply, should I get one for my 5 year old son?

Ok, you guys made me feel better... my lawyer is gonna hate me.... lol!

Keep an eye out for a thread titled 'POPROCKS AOS JOURNEY'

Thanks guys!!!!

OMG... I have an idea!!! Why don't we do this together!!! It seemed to work well for the K1..... I'll mooch off your info - you mooch off my information... we'll get through it all together!!! Only problem to that is... you'll be married before D gets over here. Hey... wait! That works for me... I'll mooch off of you....!!!!!

[July09Bride 1]

Ahaha!

Curiousity killed the cat! I know, talk about an inviting title lol'! I world click on a title like that over 'quick question' anyday! Lol'!

I value all feedback I just feel that in proof preparation etc....and boarder crossing (AP) travel, my Canadians would be able to give me similar experiences...

I'm a creature of habit...now that I've taken a liking to the Canada Forum...I ain't leavin!!!

Me either!!! And I'm not even Canadian... but I'm marrying one!! lol

As Tmix said, making a list really helps.... I wish I still had my list to send you because it really helped me.... I did a "to do" list and it helped me focus alot and concentrate on one thing at a time.... once it was done I would cross it off and I felt really accomplished! I remember about 2 months after I moved my last item was crossed off and I felt so happy, the last item was getting the tags on my car! I even had simple things on the list like "join the gym" but it kept me busy too at the beginning.

Does anyone (is there one in a Wiki or Guide) have an AOS checklist? What about a POE checklist??

[Hugglebuggles 60]

If it makes you feel any better, I chose to skip the lawyer as well, and am also a complete stress case. Needless to say I badgered people here in the Canadian forum at least daily, (sometimes a few times a day,) with annoying, paranoid questions, and people were always friendly and willing to help out! (I did the CR-1, but I've heard AOS is a breeze

Honestly, I'm sure you'll be fine! It's not as hard as it looks, and you'll have your VJ buddies around to back you up, so WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT WEATHER??

Shhhhh. I'm trying to get her to give it to me.

Oops, my bad. Edited out for the sake of Kriket's billfold

OMG, now it makes me look like some kind of perv!

HAHA!!! Kirkit, YOU'RE HIRED!!! lol! But just so I know who i'm dealing with, are you the one on the right with hair, or the bald one on the left in your photo?

Ok, I will read over the guides etc... I assume I can maybe start some of it now? like filling out the forms etc?

The proof (such as bills, leases etc...) is not needed till afterwards right?

For the K1, for every form I had to complete for myself, I had to do the same one for my son. So I assume I will do the AOS, AP, but not the EAD?

Off topic, do kids need SSN's? Like if I go to the SSN office to apply, should I get one for my 5 year old son?

Ok, you guys made me feel better... my lawyer is gonna hate me.... lol!

Keep an eye out for a thread titled 'POPROCKS AOS JOURNEY'

Thanks guys!!!!

OMG... I have an idea!!! Why don't we do this together!!! It seemed to work well for the K1..... I'll mooch off your info - you mooch off my information... we'll get through it all together!!! Only problem to that is... you'll be married before D gets over here. Hey... wait! That works for me... I'll mooch off of you....!!!!!

HA! You'll both be married before me. This means I can mooch off you both. It WILL be like the K-1 experience all over again! I honestly expect you to ask all the weird questions so when Its my turn things will be easy

Jill- Brilliant! I will make a to do list. This way I won't be bored out of my skull waiting for my EAD/AP. Joining the gym? Good idea. Its about time I start exercising my lazy butt.

[CaptainRubyHeart 1]

Oh, yeah, do it yourself. I'm a big worrywart, too, and I'm super nit-picky about details (I'm a technical editor). I did my husband's AOS and EAD paperwork by myself. The whole process took me about a week: three days to psych myself up to do it, one day to make a little checklist and gather most of the documentation, one day to fill out all the forms and gather the REST of the documentation, and two days to check, make corrections, recheck, throw a little temper tantrum because the neighbors were playing music outside while I was trying to concentrate, make more corrections, check again, make final corrections, and finally to use my little Hello Kitty sticky "flags" to label the different attachments to the form.

You know what? After all that drama, checking, rechecking, etc., I STILL made a mistake! I wrote our marriage date in wrong. I didn't discover it until several days after my husband received his permanent resident card in the mail and I was filing all his paperwork. Apparently, USCIS didn't notice, either.

[July09Bride 1]

HA! You'll both be married before me. This means I can mooch off you both. It WILL be like the K-1 experience all over again! I honestly expect you to ask all the weird questions so when Its my turn things will be easy

Jill- Brilliant! I will make a to do list. This way I won't be bored out of my skull waiting for my EAD/AP. Joining the gym? Good idea. Its about time I start exercising my lazy butt.

Well, hey, why not??!! If it's not broke, don't fix it, right??!! So... is it easy yet?? As in, what'cha got together for the interview? Worried yet? Made your 52 copies of the gazillion things you're taking with you? LOL Too funny.... Okay, at least I crack myself up.