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Filed: Other Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

I lived in Canada for 28 years but never felt at home until I moved back to the US. Sometimes how you feel makes no sense. Best of luck.

Oh I didn't know that! I that how you met your wife?

For our detailed K-1, AOS and ROC journey, see the "about me" page on our profile!

Posted (edited)

Oh I didn't know that! I that how you met your wife?

***Meant to edit my last post but took too long***

Yeah, I was living in Canada at the time. It really makes no sense, I only lived in the US for 1 year before moving to Ontario but I've always considered myself American. My mom is American and I guess she wore off on me. I don't think she's ever liked living in Canada. She never applied for Canadian citizenship nor had any interest in doing so. Katrina has expressed some interest in applying for US citizenship so I am hoping she doesn't turn out bitter like my mom did. She's starting to look for work now, so hopefully she'll be able to get out and make some friends here. Guess you can only take things one day at a time and hope for the best.

I started working in the US once (actually before) I finished University and was commuting across the border every day for 5 years. That finally got old and the exchange rate was about where it is now (i.e. crappy), so that was enough push to finally move back in 2008. I probably would have to move to Toronto or something to get a decent "career job" in Canada, and even then, I'd be making less than half of what I do now unless I got a top tier position. I'm a computer programmer.

We live right on the border near Detroit so we can go back and visit our families every few weeks or whenever we feel like it. That helps. My parents probably only saw their families every ten years or so. They are spread out across from PEI to BC to Texas so it wasn't practical for them to visit often.

I almost regretted moving here earlier this year with my whole hospital bill fiasco (almost got billed for $70,000), but since that was resloved in my favor and I actually understand how insurance works now, I don't think I'll be in that position again. However, for a month or so it was pure hell. You can have nightmarish situations where ever you live, but at least you don't have to worry about hosptial bills in Canada. My two biggest fears about moving to the US was their banking system and health care and it seems my fears were justified on both accounts but I am positive about both moving forward.

I think finding a job you like is key to adjusting. Hopefully everyone finds something soon.

Edited by nickbits
Filed: Other Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

Thanks nickbits! I was wondering how everything was going health-wise for you, but by the looks of it, seems you're doing good! :thumbs:

I just saw in the papers yesterday that a school I applied to and went for an interview about 2 months ago are looking again... I guess I'll send them another letter and resume, see if they change their mind!!! So frustrating!!!

For our detailed K-1, AOS and ROC journey, see the "about me" page on our profile!

Posted

Jeff and I seriously considered my moving to Canada. It just ended up being more practical for him to move here. I'm smack in the middle of a masters degree that is paid for by my work which I don't want to leave. My French is extremely basic, and I make a lot more money than he does and it's just easier for me to be able to support us.

Overall, I think that he's happy to have moved here. I think sometimes I miss Quebec more than he does. Ever since we started dating I drove up to Montreal every single weekend and really fell in love with it. Maybe someday we can move back who knows.

I think getting out of the house with definitely help things out. Even if its on a voluntary basis. Adjusting to a new place always takes time. :)

J-

Our Story

03-05-2008: Met Online (World of Warcraft)

04-19-2008: Met in Person and Started Dating

04-19-2009: Engaged

08-07-2009: Married at Laconia, New Hampshire

USCIS

10-21-2009: Mailed I-130

10-26-2009: NOA1

05-17-2010: NOA2

Our I-130 was approved in 203 days from our NOA1 date

NVC

05-25-2010: Called NVC to receive case # and submit emails

06-01-2010: AOS Fee Paid

06-09-2010: Opt-in accepted

06-16-2010: E-mailed I-864 package

06-23-2010: IV Fee Paid

07-12-2010: E-mailed DS230 package

08-04-2010: Email from NVC - Case Completed

NVC process completed in 71 days

CONSULATE

12-07-2011: Received consulate interview date

12-13-2010: Medical Exam (Medisys)

01-07-2011: Interview - APPROVED!

POE & POST INTERVIEW

01-16-2011: POE Highgate Springs, VT

01-22-2011: SSN Card Received

01-24-2011: Receipt Letter Arrived

02-10-2011: Biometrics Appointment (uncommon for CR-1)

03-15-2011: Welcome Notice Received

03-19-2011: 2 Year Green Card Arrived

Filed: Other Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

Jeff and I seriously considered my moving to Canada. It just ended up being more practical for him to move here. I'm smack in the middle of a masters degree that is paid for by my work which I don't want to leave. My French is extremely basic, and I make a lot more money than he does and it's just easier for me to be able to support us.

Overall, I think that he's happy to have moved here. I think sometimes I miss Quebec more than he does. Ever since we started dating I drove up to Montreal every single weekend and really fell in love with it. Maybe someday we can move back who knows.

I think getting out of the house with definitely help things out. Even if its on a voluntary basis. Adjusting to a new place always takes time. :)

J-

So true... My car has been under repair for some time now... And Chris' dad is the one fixing it which means it takes a LOT longer than the average mechanic :lol: But once it's ready, I'm planing on going out every day discovering where I live... Should cheer me up!!!

For our detailed K-1, AOS and ROC journey, see the "about me" page on our profile!

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

So true... My car has been under repair for some time now... And Chris' dad is the one fixing it which means it takes a LOT longer than the average mechanic :lol: But once it's ready, I'm planing on going out every day discovering where I live... Should cheer me up!!!

Yes definitely! Does he have any siblings you can hang out with? My sister in law was a godsend. I was really lucky because she was off for the the summer, about to start college and super cool so we hung out a lot. We went to the beach, library, shopping (or window shopping since we were both broke), got our nails done, went for lunch etc.

Also, I loved to just explore the neighbourhood and the city! I used to spend hours in the grocery store or Target, just walking around and familiarizing myself with the stores and the area. I live in a very urban area, so again it was easier for me to get around, but there were times when I just sat at home feeling sorry for myself and then I realized, "Hey! Get outside and just go for a walk or go to the library!" I read a ton of books that summer, including books on how to improve my resume and interview skills, which helped me a TON. I learned a lot.

I also joined the local gym and went twice a day! Once myself in the morning and then once with my husband in the evening. Gained everything I lost once I started working, but felt good to lose weight and it killed lots of time!

Removing Conditions

Sent package to VSC - 8/12/11

NOA1 - 8/16/11

Biometrics - 9/14/11

Posted

Meh. We're coming up on seven years of living together/nine years of my husband living in the US. Maybe it's because he lived in Alberta, the Texas of Canada? ;) but he didn't really have too many issues transitioning. He does in many aspects still miss his homeland. I honor Canadian Thanksgiving with a turkey and whenever Canadian bands come to KC, we go to see them. (Not THOSE bands of course. Real music!) But he's actually found a very, very, very good job in the states with his degree. We've just bought our first house which is far and beyond whatever we could have bought in Canada, if I were eligible to immigrate.

I'm not eligible to immigrate to Canada due to extensive past mental health issues.

we met: 07-22-01

engaged: 08-03-06

I-129 sent: 01-07-07

NOA2 approved: 04-02-07

packet 3 sent: 05-31-07

interview date: 06-25-07 - approved!

marriage: 07-23-07

AOS sent: 08-10-07

AOS/EAD/AP NOA1: 09-14-07

AOS approved: 11-19-07

green card received: 11-26-07

lifting of conditions filed: 10-29-09

NOA received: 11-09-09

lifting of conditions approved: 12-11-09

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

Sounds like the same things my husband listens to. :lol:

Hmmm. Those topics will be eerily familiar to my husband as well. I try to hold back, but sometimes it just comes pouring out. My other rants include: the bureaucracy of health insurance companies, banks, the incredible volume of junk mail and catalogs (subset of recycling rant), sneaky mail that looks official but is some sort of scam.

N-400

02/08/12 - Mailed N-400

02/14/12 - NOA

03/02/12 - Biometrics Letter

03/22/12 - Biometrics

04/09/12 - Interview Notice

05/16/12 - Interview and Oath - USC

ROC

11/16/10 - Mailed ROC

11/18/10 - Delivered to VSC

11/19/10 - NOA1

11/23/10 - Cheque cashed

12/29/10 - Biometrics

05/06/11 - ROC Approved

05/16/11 - Green card received. Yay! (6 months)

There's diamonds in the sidewalk, the gutters lined in song

Dear I hear that beer flows through the faucets all night long

There's treasure for the taking, for any hard working (wo)man

Who will make his home in the American Land

Posted

I definitely get into the political debate with my in-laws at times. My ma-in-law once told someone in front of me that "well in Canada, you can't pick your own doctor because of their health care". I went WHAT? They all looked at me and I informed her right then and there that was a bunch of ####### and I don't know where she heard it. At that point I had had it with people informing me about my own country.

My Mom likes to say I'm going a bit "American" on them...hey, if I can go a bit American and apply it towards defending the Motherland, I'm all for it! :dance:

***Removing Conditions***

Submitted I-751: March 4, 2011

Check cashed: March 10, 2011

NOA1: March 8, 2011

Biometrics Appt: April 21, 2011

Early Bio Walk-in: April 7, 2011

Approved: September 7, 2011

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

Just a question for all you Canadians..if you have seen the show How I Met Your Mother, can you relate with the character of Robin Scherbatsky?

More info on the character : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_How_I_Met_Your_Mother_characters#Robin_Charles_Scherbatsky_Jr.

02.14.2009 - Started chatting online

06.07.2009 - First meeting : Syracuse, NY

07.03.2009 - Spent 3 days together at Philadelphia

08.15.2009 - Engagement in Toronto! In front of her and my parents!

12.31.2009 - Civil Wedding in Toronto!

03.xx.2010 - Got Marriage Certificate but they mispelled my name. Reprint ordered.

05.15.2010 - Finally got correct marriage certificate

06.01.2010 - Ended 4 night trip with her in Las Vegas, NV.

06.04.2010 - Sent I-130 to USCIC

06.09.2010 - I-130 delivered to Chicago USCIS @ 1:40 PM.

06.16.2010 - Check cashed

06.18.2010 - NOA1 received in mail.

07.18.2010 - Real wedding and other events at Brampton/Mississauga!

11.05.2010 - NOA2 text received.

12.21.2010 - Sign In Failed!

03.09.2011 - Original Interview Date (Date was changed by us as T was in India at that time)

04.05.2011 - Medical

04.26.2011 - Interview : Passed! Woohoo!

04.28.2011 - Passport mailed from Montreal/Dorval. At Brampton DHL awaiting pickup 4/29.

05.08.2011 - Point Of Entry : Peace Bridge, Buffalo, NY. Took 1 hour total.

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

Hmmm. Those topics will be eerily familiar to my husband as well. I try to hold back, but sometimes it just comes pouring out. My other rants include: the bureaucracy of health insurance companies, banks, the incredible volume of junk mail and catalogs (subset of recycling rant), sneaky mail that looks official but is some sort of scam.

No kidding - it is shameful the amount the junk mail we received around the Housing crisis which looked official and even contains details about you own mortgage. It could easily fool someone into thinking they HAD to reply to it because it looks so real.

If Congress would like to do something while they're working out how much to pay themselves...how's about getting rid of this type of tricky stuff?

Wiz(USC) and Udella(Cdn & USC!)

Naturalization

02/22/11 - Filed

02/28/11 - NOA

03/28/11 - FP

06/17/11 - status change - scheduled for interview

06/20?/11 - received physical interview letter

07/13/11 - Interview in Fairfax,VA - easiest 10 minutes of my life

07/19/11 - Oath ceremony in Fairfax, VA

******************

Removal of Conditions

12/1/09 - received at VSC

12/2/09 - NOA's for self and daughter

01/12/10 - Biometrics completed

03/15/10 - 10 Green Card Received - self and daughter

******************

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline
Posted

Just a question for all you Canadians..if you have seen the show How I Met Your Mother, can you relate with the character of Robin Scherbatsky?

More info on the character : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_How_I_Met_Your_Mother_characters#Robin_Charles_Scherbatsky_Jr.

Yes, for the most! Especially since I live in NYC! Some jokes are more west coast Canada, though.

Removing Conditions

Sent package to VSC - 8/12/11

NOA1 - 8/16/11

Biometrics - 9/14/11

 
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