VISA: CHECK!!! :) NEXT STEPS....CANADIANS PLS SHARE/HELP :)

[JillA 2]

Hummm... Ok, why would you need to register with the post office?

Oh you have to! I learned the hard way, I didn't know ahead of time and all my mail got turned back for about a month It sucked so bad! In the US, it's not as easy as it is in Canada when you just tell your friends and family your new addy. Nope, if you don't register at the PO you're not, well, registered living there and won't get your mail.

What? Seriously? Argh that's frustrating! But... I've been getting mail at my fiance's house for months now. Not mail I want, but mail from wedding vendors and stores like bath and body works... Strange.

It is strange. Some things may get through, but it's best to register. Laura & Nick unfortunately did not know to do this also, and her SSN card got sent back which she didn't know about for months. Save yourself frustration by registering, so important documents like a SSN card, USCIS mail doesn't get turned back. It's too important!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Just thought of something else, re: post office. While you don't need an SSN to register, you do need some sort of proof you live there. For example, I showed my lease. So if you're not listed on the mortgage, I'm not sure what proof you will have.... a cell phone bill, or utility bill maybe?

I have no idea what I can use. I'll be living at his parent's house and we won't have a lease! Hmm... maybe the bank will add me to the account without a SSN and I can show a statement...

[JillA 2]

Just thought of something else, re: post office. While you don't need an SSN to register, you do need some sort of proof you live there. For example, I showed my lease. So if you're not listed on the mortgage, I'm not sure what proof you will have.... a cell phone bill, or utility bill maybe?

I have no idea what I can use. I'll be living at his parent's house and we won't have a lease! Hmm... maybe the bank will add me to the account without a SSN and I can show a statement...

Yes a bank statement, or are you going to get a cell phone? That would be evidence too...

Maybe even a signed letter from his parents to state you're living there? That might work too....

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Just thought of something else, re: post office. While you don't need an SSN to register, you do need some sort of proof you live there. For example, I showed my lease. So if you're not listed on the mortgage, I'm not sure what proof you will have.... a cell phone bill, or utility bill maybe?

I have no idea what I can use. I'll be living at his parent's house and we won't have a lease! Hmm... maybe the bank will add me to the account without a SSN and I can show a statement...

Yeah i'm in the same position Sapphire... I had no idea you were suposed to register with the post office, how strange. I'm going to need to get a cell phone when I get down there, so I could probably get that in my name with the American address? That seems like the easiest way...

[SapphireDreams 71]

Just thought of something else, re: post office. While you don't need an SSN to register, you do need some sort of proof you live there. For example, I showed my lease. So if you're not listed on the mortgage, I'm not sure what proof you will have.... a cell phone bill, or utility bill maybe?

I have no idea what I can use. I'll be living at his parent's house and we won't have a lease! Hmm... maybe the bank will add me to the account without a SSN and I can show a statement...

Yes a bank statement, or are you going to get a cell phone? That would be evidence too...

Maybe even a signed letter from his parents to state you're living there? That might work too....

Good idea. I might have them write me a short lease just to show them. Hopefully that will work, what a pain!

I am getting a cell phone, but I'm being added to my fiance's family plan, so I don't think I'll be on the bill.

[FormelyCA 0]

Though you are probably right, it is is best Jill, but I haven't had any problems. I get mail here all the time and just got my SSN in the mail WOOHOO! It's always to be safe then sorry tho!

[SapphireDreams 71]

I'm going to test it out and send myself a letter and change my phone bill in Canada's mailing address and see if that works.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I'm going to test it out and send myself a letter and change my phone bill in Canada's mailing address and see if that works.

Honestly, I don't remember showing anything proving I was at that address or maybe my husband showed his driver's license and was the one who filled it out - MAYBE i showed my passport to prove I was me, but that was about it.

Frankly the changing address thing is a russ (sp) since we registered, but still get ####### for the previous owners of our house all the time......apparently the PO is selective of what they will and will not deliver, even if you are/ aren't registered at that address - does that make sense????

I did put both my maiden name and my married name on teh list - as if I was 2 speraate people since I figured I'd still be getting Cdn mail in my maiden name

[RYCK 0]

Hummm... Ok, why would you need to register with the post office?

Oh you have to! I learned the hard way, I didn't know ahead of time and all my mail got turned back for about a month It sucked so bad! In the US, it's not as easy as it is in Canada when you just tell your friends and family your new addy. Nope, if you don't register at the PO you're not, well, registered living there and won't get your mail.

What? Seriously? Argh that's frustrating! But... I've been getting mail at my fiance's house for months now. Not mail I want, but mail from wedding vendors and stores like bath and body works... Strange.

It is strange. Some things may get through, but it's best to register. Laura & Nick unfortunately did not know to do this also, and her SSN card got sent back which she didn't know about for months. Save yourself frustration by registering, so important documents like a SSN card, USCIS mail doesn't get turned back. It's too important!

I don't know how true that is for everyone !!!! I didn't do anything and i get all my mail .. i actually ran in the mailman here and he asked me if the mail was right with 3 different names coming to the same address .. i also asked him about registering names with the post office and he kinda looked at me strange and asked why i would need to do that!!! I may call the post office later to see if that is really needed here but so far no problems ...

[JillA 2]

Hummm... Ok, why would you need to register with the post office?

Oh you have to! I learned the hard way, I didn't know ahead of time and all my mail got turned back for about a month It sucked so bad! In the US, it's not as easy as it is in Canada when you just tell your friends and family your new addy. Nope, if you don't register at the PO you're not, well, registered living there and won't get your mail.

What? Seriously? Argh that's frustrating! But... I've been getting mail at my fiance's house for months now. Not mail I want, but mail from wedding vendors and stores like bath and body works... Strange.

It is strange. Some things may get through, but it's best to register. Laura & Nick unfortunately did not know to do this also, and her SSN card got sent back which she didn't know about for months. Save yourself frustration by registering, so important documents like a SSN card, USCIS mail doesn't get turned back. It's too important!

I don't know how true that is for everyone !!!! I didn't do anything and i get all my mail .. i actually ran in the mailman here and he asked me if the mail was right with 3 different names coming to the same address .. i also asked him about registering names with the post office and he kinda looked at me strange and asked why i would need to do that!!! I may call the post office later to see if that is really needed here but so far no problems ...

Yes, it surely may depend on your mail carrier and how strict they are. I just know that I have read on here, many times that people got USCIS mail sent back, along with other mail, because they never registered at the PO. Laura & Nick was very upset because her SSN card got sent back, the PO said it was because she didn't register. Happened to me too, and yes I did get a few things come through. But most got sent back, the PO told me it was because I didn't register. And of course, I still get junk mail for the previous people that lived here, go figure!

[July09Bride 1]

Just thought of something else, re: post office. While you don't need an SSN to register, you do need some sort of proof you live there. For example, I showed my lease. So if you're not listed on the mortgage, I'm not sure what proof you will have.... a cell phone bill, or utility bill maybe?

I have no idea what I can use. I'll be living at his parent's house and we won't have a lease! Hmm... maybe the bank will add me to the account without a SSN and I can show a statement...

That's what my bank did! My banking officer (the same guy I go see for everything at the bank) added Duncan to my account... in fact, Duncan even HAS an account - as a secondary account to my account. I'm on the account too, but it's nice for him to have acces to the US funds. BTW, we use Chase.

Okay, so we emailed Toyota of Canada over the weekend and they ACTUALLY emailed him back today!!! Imagine that... a company that checks their feedback email!

Here's their verbatim response for his vehicle...

> Dear Mr. H:

>

> Thank you for your recent e-mail.

>

> For Canadian residents relocating to the United States, Toyota Canada is able to investigate DOT/EPA compliance of Canadian Toyota vehicles. Upon confirmation that the vehicle does comply, we will issue a letter of compliance. This letter is required in order to register the vehicle permanently in the U.S.

>

> We would require the following information prior to issuing a letter of compliance:

>

> - Model Year and 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

> - US Mailing Address(Please note that compliance regulations may vary by state)

> - Date of Departure from Canada

> - Copy of Driver's License (both sides)

> - Copy of Provincial Registration (both sides, showing expiration date)

> - Your Canadian mailing address (and fax number if available)

>

> This information can be forwarded to Toyota Canada Inc. by mail, e-mail or by fax at the following:

>

> Toyota Canada Inc.

> Head Office

> 1 Toyota Place

> Scarborough, ON

> M1H 1H9

> Fax: (416) 431-8035

> E-mail: toyota_feedback@toyota.ca

YEA! Duncan even said he'd do this one! Something LESS for me to do!!!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Sweet - we have Chase too.

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Great add the bank issue to one more thing I have to do lol!

I need to register my son into school as soon as I get there, and I have no proof of res as of yet.... i'm just gonna deal with one thing at a time.

I am pretty much packed, i'm doing some last minute stuff....terminating services etc....

I would like to say that....

I LEAVE IN 10 DAYS!!!!!!

My fiance is coming here in 1 week (weds), my movers show up Thurs, and we are off on Fri.... I will put a list of stuff in our cars, but it will really be suitcases with clothes, toiletries and some toys etc...

We are gonna be pit stopping in PA to unload and rest up...then i'm taking my son and mom to Disney and Clearwater Florida for 10 days....buy some time till the house closes, I HOPE!!!! This closing has turned out to be a nightmare! My fiance still has to hash out a few repair items with the current owners, so as of yet, no fixed address...HAHA!

Because of the unexpected delays, we have pushed our wedding back to either the first or second week of July (either 7/8 or 14/15th) we want to do it mid week...

Anyways, anyone else feel so overwhelmed by all the 'immigration' stuff that needs to get done...and i'm not just talking 'AOS' forms, I mean, post office, SSN, register at school, register car, DL, car insr, bank accounts..., where do I stop?????

ok, now i'm stressed....bed time lol!

[FormelyCA 0]

Great add the bank issue to one more thing I have to do lol!

I need to register my son into school as soon as I get there, and I have no proof of res as of yet.... i'm just gonna deal with one thing at a time.

I am pretty much packed, i'm doing some last minute stuff....terminating services etc....

I would like to say that....

I LEAVE IN 10 DAYS!!!!!!

My fiance is coming here in 1 week (weds), my movers show up Thurs, and we are off on Fri.... I will put a list of stuff in our cars, but it will really be suitcases with clothes, toiletries and some toys etc...

We are gonna be pit stopping in PA to unload and rest up...then i'm taking my son and mom to Disney and Clearwater Florida for 10 days....buy some time till the house closes, I HOPE!!!! This closing has turned out to be a nightmare! My fiance still has to hash out a few repair items with the current owners, so as of yet, no fixed address...HAHA!

Because of the unexpected delays, we have pushed our wedding back to either the first or second week of July (either 7/8 or 14/15th) we want to do it mid week...

Anyways, anyone else feel so overwhelmed by all the 'immigration' stuff that needs to get done...and i'm not just talking 'AOS' forms, I mean, post office, SSN, register at school, register car, DL, car insr, bank accounts..., where do I stop?????

ok, now i'm stressed....bed time lol!

Honestly poprocks, it does SOUND like a lot, but you will be thankful for it when you are here as it gives you something to fill your time with. Just take one thing at a time You do have the added stress though of dealing with a house closure! So I feel for ya there. But, the AoS really, though a bit of work, is wuite simple. But you are correct, there are a tonne of "little" things that need to be done to make you a resident here!

SSN is the easiest thing, takes 30 mins out of your day and takes 1 week to get.

Post office - I never did it, but again, takes 20 mins.

DL I am still waiting to get a new one. I literally JUST renewed my Ontario (WHICH BTW the new ones are awesome!!!!) one where my picture is the best one I have ever taken so I wanna keep it for a bit hahaha I'm so vain

car insurance - you can be put on your fiances no? I got added onto all my husbands insurance in one phone call. Easy peasy. I am not sure for you because your fiancé is self-employed, but shouldn't be too difficult.

School registration - Don't have any kiddies so I am not sure what that entails

Bank accounts - STILL waiting to hear from his bank (speaking of, we need to call them today!!!)

Just make a list and each day do a few. Remember, you can't work for about 3 months (or longer if you guys are waiting till July to get married). So you have a LOT OF TIME on your hands

Just enjoy your last days as a Canadian resident and forget about all that stuff that will need to be done. It will get done

Have a great last 10 days!!!!

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

POE question:

My mom will cross with me. Our plan is for her to stay for a month to help with the move and be there for wedding, watch my son during honeymoon etc...

Will they give us problems? I will not have AP, so my plan at month end is to drive to Buffalo, have my ex drive over, spend the weekend with my son in Buf, then he will take my mom back.

My mom has no ties she can show? She is retired, lives with her long time boyfriend and the lease us in his name. The only thing she has is a passport, pension she gets and a Canadian bank account? Her life us simple.

I wonder if they are understanding due to fact that it is a wedding etc... Plus my fiancé will be there to give them the look of 'my MIL live with us? Over my dead body!' haha!

Maybe an affidavit from my ex saying he is meeting us and picking her up in 4 weeks?