A bunch of random questions from an excited Fiance.

[MissPearls 38]

Hello ladies and gentlemen of VJ,

I have a few randomish questions about the whole process going on here. I apologize in advance if everything is in the wrong spot.

We just filed our I-129F - it arrived via Fedex in Lewisville, TX at 8:39am. Believe me, I am BEYOND excited at this point. Though I know the long wait is coming...

So my questions:

1. My finance started his job a month ago now, he will make more than enough to satisfy the government. My question is, without previous tax returns, or anything, or even the fact that by the time my interview comes up, his one tax return will only show a few months of work... will this matter? Or are the concerned with pay stubs, etc that show constant employment with a wage that is above the poverty amount?

2. There is an age difference between us. I am the female fiance, and he's the younger of us. By a little over 10 years. I'm not sure what the government thinks of this, or would it be an issue? We have plenty of proof of relationship and all that. Tons of pictures, family pictures, we visit every 6-8 weeks, we Skype all the time, including keeping it going while we sleep. I mean, that's not an issue. So do you think they'll frown upon the age difference? I know with men marrying younger women, that's generally fine. But women? It's a whole double standard thing at times...

3. Do you think I am going to have any issues crossing the border for the next 8 months or so? I have 2 trips to fly 3,000 miles away just by the end of this year alone. Any chance they are going to deny me at the border? Or is there a better chance of that happening later on in the process?

4. How did everyone adjust to the move? I mean, it's a big deal. Moving to another country, where you don't know as many people generally, needing to look for a new job, and all that... It's big. It's overwhelming. Was it smooth, did you get homesick? Did you find it easy to adjust? I'm looking forward to moving, but I've lived here my whole life, and now I'm looking at the big picture of moving. It's frightening!

5. I recently read you could collect EI after you get your work authorization in the US. Is this still something you can do? I had NO idea.

The things you learn on this website and amazing. I don't think I could have gotten through the initial paperwork without it. So thank you everyone in advance for your help! Also, I know a lot of people want to see a timeline, but I don't think it lets me do one yet. So, again, sorry! (I'm such a Canadian, lol)

[CanadianYinzer 31]

2. There is an age difference between us. I am the female fiance, and he's the younger of us. By a little over 10 years. I'm not sure what the government thinks of this, or would it be an issue? We have plenty of proof of relationship and all that. Tons of pictures, family pictures, we visit every 6-8 weeks, we Skype all the time, including keeping it going while we sleep. I mean, that's not an issue. So do you think they'll frown upon the age difference? I know with men marrying younger women, that's generally fine. But women? It's a whole double standard thing at times...

We just filed our petition at the beginning of this month so I can't answer your other questions, but as to the age difference.... I don't think that's a problem at all. My fiance (male-beneficiary, also Canadian!) is almost 11 years younger than I am. As long as you can show proof of a relationship, I don't think age matters at all.

[thatangela 134]

I'm about two-thirds through the K-1 process so the only question I can really answer is No. 3.

And all I can tell you is my own experience, because I'm sure anything could happen at any given border crossing. HOWEVER, I have yet to encounter any problems crossing and I head south at least once a month. Once I became comfortable saying the word "fiance," the border guards didn't bat an eye. Some have asked if we've started the application process and then they wish me luck.

So no problems for me.

Oh, and for No. 5, this has been a valuable thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/8-the-canuck-ei-thread/

[Sweetmelissa 82]

1. My finance started his job a month ago now, he will make more than enough to satisfy the government. My question is, without previous tax returns, or anything, or even the fact that by the time my interview comes up, his one tax return will only show a few months of work... will this matter? Or are the concerned with pay stubs, etc that show constant employment with a wage that is above the poverty amount?

Shouldn't matter as long as he is currently making more than poverty level. My fiance (now husband) was in the same situation- I brought a letter from his employer, 6 months of pay stubs and print outs of his bank statements to show savings. The guy at the interview (in Vancouver) didn't even ask for any tax information, which was good because I only had a tax transcript showing that he made pretty much nothing the previous year.

2. There is an age difference between us. I am the female fiance, and he's the younger of us. By a little over 10 years. I'm not sure what the government thinks of this, or would it be an issue? We have plenty of proof of relationship and all that. Tons of pictures, family pictures, we visit every 6-8 weeks, we Skype all the time, including keeping it going while we sleep. I mean, that's not an issue. So do you think they'll frown upon the age difference? I know with men marrying younger women, that's generally fine. But women? It's a whole double standard thing at times...

Not really an issue in Canada.

3. Do you think I am going to have any issues crossing the border for the next 8 months or so? I have 2 trips to fly 3,000 miles away just by the end of this year alone. Any chance they are going to deny me at the border? Or is there a better chance of that happening later on in the process?

You probably won't, but its always a possibility (like any border crossing). I never encountered any issues and I went to the US many times while our K1 was being processed.

4. How did everyone adjust to the move? I mean, it's a big deal. Moving to another country, where you don't know as many people generally, needing to look for a new job, and all that... It's big. It's overwhelming. Was it smooth, did you get homesick? Did you find it easy to adjust? I'm looking forward to moving, but I've lived here my whole life, and now I'm looking at the big picture of moving. It's frightening!

Things feel pretty much the same for me to be honest - just different scenery. I don't really get homesick though- everyone adjusts differently so tough question.

5. I recently read you could collect EI after you get your work authorization in the US. Is this still something you can do? I had NO idea.

Yes, just make sure you apply within four weeks after leaving your job.

[Ontarkie 14,227]

1. He can also get a letter from work with his salary.

2. Age difference in Canada should not be a problem. But the only things in life guaranteed are death and taxes

3. Your chances are about the same, take your ties to Canada and copies of what you filed some members did use that to help them get in.

4. For the first 6 months it felt like a long vacation for me. After that I felt like I didn't fit here and had no home to return to. It took me a good 2 years to feel like this was home and stop comparing so much. I just don't like change so it was hard on me.

5. I can't help with EI but there is a sticky thread at the top of this forum with lots of info.

[chiggins82 88]

Congrats! Looks like most of your questions are answered

1. I think with tax info you can also include employment letter, pay cheque etc.

2. Anything I have seen on here (for Canada) is that age difference should not matter as long as you meet the requirements of the visa (met in the last 2 years, support and all the other questions they have in the visa application)

3. Most people seem to have no issues crossing the border. Always bring proof of ties to Canada. Most people bring some evidence of the K-1 Application. I bring with me: Proof of employment, return trip itinerary, car insurance and receipt for airport parking, and my approval letter, interview letter etc). The last trip I made crossing the border, they asked me what food I was declaring, I told them candy.. and he said have a good trip. He didn't even ask if I was business or pleasure or anything. I have heard that once in a while people get lots of questions at the border, just not my experience

4. Not there yet, but I expect overwhelming and stressful, but will get better with time. All moves are stressful especially if you haven't done many. My plan has been making check lists of what I need... and reminding myself that it will all be fine once I am there and settled.

5. Yes you can get EI. Good advice above on reading the forum topic on it and to apply within 4 weeks of leaving your job. I went through that forum and started making my own notes on what is in there. Helped me keep it all straight.

[VeeNDee 44]

2. There is an age difference between us. I am the female fiance, and he's the younger of us. By a little over 10 years. I'm not sure what the government thinks of this, or would it be an issue? We have plenty of proof of relationship and all that. Tons of pictures, family pictures, we visit every 6-8 weeks, we Skype all the time, including keeping it going while we sleep. I mean, that's not an issue. So do you think they'll frown upon the age difference? I know with men marrying younger women, that's generally fine. But women? It's a whole double standard thing at times...

3. Do you think I am going to have any issues crossing the border for the next 8 months or so? I have 2 trips to fly 3,000 miles away just by the end of this year alone. Any chance they are going to deny me at the border? Or is there a better chance of that happening later on in the process?

4. How did everyone adjust to the move? I mean, it's a big deal. Moving to another country, where you don't know as many people generally, needing to look for a new job, and all that... It's big. It's overwhelming. Was it smooth, did you get homesick? Did you find it easy to adjust? I'm looking forward to moving, but I've lived here my whole life, and now I'm looking at the big picture of moving. It's frightening!

Hi! Just weighing in on some of your questions. I know it's not as big an age difference, but my husband (fiance at the time) is 4 years younger than me and it wasn't an issue at all. We got matched on eHarmony and he was actually the youngest age I was allowing to be matched with me - surprise! I totally thought it would be the other way around. Honestly we both feel the same age as each other and it doesn't make any difference.

I only had one 'issue' crossing the border to visit my fiance back then - I would visit every 2 weeks and he would alternate the week between. One time they sent me to secondary because they said I didn't have enough bags with me and were convinced my possessions were all in the US and I was living there illegally. I got out of secondary after waiting in line by showing the guy there our K1 application NOA1 and photocopies of all the paperwork. He didn't bat an eye, just asked 'why didn't you tell the officer you had applied??' - well I thought we weren't supposed to interrupt or volunteer more information than asked for and he never asked! He then said "I'll get you out of here in a jiffy" and after filling out some paperwork I was on my way and never had a problem after that. So my word of advice to you - make sure to carry your paperwork with you!

As for the move it was only the second time in my life I had moved, and it was the first time I had moved out of my parents so it was a big deal to me. That being said since my fiance was there it went pretty smoothly and we were just so happy being together that it didn't matter. Approximately two years down the road, the hardest things for me are not being there for big events that family has. I have only seen my 10 month old nephew twice and I was used to seeing my almost 3 year old niece every week. It's stressful planning trips back home since for example my husband didn't get Thanksgiving off work since it's a different day and timing becomes tricky.

Other than missing family I'm getting used to living here and it's finally feeling like home. That being said I still get annoyed at things from time to time, like the fact Americans claim their healthcare is so much better and I still had to wait over 5 hours to see a doctor in the ER when the waiting room was empty... and then paid a thousand bucks for the result WITH insurance. That'll make you rant. That and little things, like the recent shootings in Canada - my Facebook feed was full of Canadians talking about it and not a single American I know has mentioned it - not on Facebook or even seems to know in real life (at least the people I talked to). I just see disparities sometimes but I think eventually you just accept the differences.

Sorry that got kind of long..just feels good to rant sometimes With people like VJ members who understand!

[MissPearls 38]

Wow! So many great answers already.

Shelley92 - It's nice to know there is someone else with a big age difference petition going, as well as another Canadian/PA match. Good luck with yours! I feel less stressed now.

Thatangela - So glad you haven't had any issues. I wasn't sure if I would, but sometimes they are kind of intimidating at the best of times at YVR. So I wanted to be prepared! And thank you for the link!

Sweetmelissa - I will make sure I have all his paystubs, and will get him to get a letter from his employer. I told him to hold onto all his paystubs just in case, so I'm glad I thought to tell him that! I knew that there were probably other countries where that would be a bigger deal, but wasn't sure in general. Glad the age thing shouldn't be an issue. The scenery there isn't a lot different than here, other than the lack the sidewalks and all the freeways/highways, so hopefully that helps! Well, other than the lack of an ocean to see every day. And thank you! I will be sure to make note of the 4 week thing. It's nice to know I won't have to settle for just any job while there.

Ontarkie - Well geez, you couldn't be right about that! Taxes and death sure are certain. I think I will start bringing copies with me so I'm prepared just in case, last thing I want is to be denied at the border. And I dislike change as well, so that is kind of how I feel. I feel as though I will continually compare Canada and the US. I hope I ease in well.

Chiggins82 - I have lots of proof of our relationship, so that luckily shouldn't be an issue. I'm scared about crossing, but I'll carry what I need, bring proof I'm coming back, and hope for the best. Oh, a checklist is a good idea. I should probably start one now. Lol. I feel as though I won't ever be prepared for this, so constant lists and notes might be helpful!

VeeNDee - Well geez, guess I'll always make sure to not pack light. We met online as well, and I assume a lot of people applying have as well. So I'm hoping this is something they are well used to by this point. And it's those little things that concern me. I have a small family here, but I keep thinking of all the little things I will miss, or even the big ones. I'm lucky that Canada is a lot closer than some have it, but it still stresses me out a bit at times. I am going to go crazy with the whole medical situation there, I can tell already. I know a massive raging rant will come at some point. Lol. I do notice that American's don't seem to be as up on what is happening here, and I will certainly miss that.

[MissPearls 38]

I have one more question, how do I know where my file will go? Whether it be Texas or California?

[thatangela 134]

It's based on where your fiance is located so I'm guessing you're stuck at Texas.

[MissPearls 38]

I've heard that is bad, am I correct? Is the processing time a lot longer there?

[thatangela 134]

I've heard that is bad, am I correct? Is the processing time a lot longer there?

From what I've learned, yes, the processing time at Texas can be five to six months, while at California it's more like two.

[MissPearls 38]

Oh my goodness... Please tell me that's not true...

[floridaboundcanuk 7]

Oh my goodness... Please tell me that's not true...

Hate to burst your bubble, but I would prepare to leave about a year from now. That's about what it worked out to be for me.

Hello ladies and gentlemen of VJ,

I have a few randomish questions about the whole process going on here. I apologize in advance if everything is in the wrong spot.

We just filed our I-129F - it arrived via Fedex in Lewisville, TX at 8:39am. Believe me, I am BEYOND excited at this point. Though I know the long wait is coming...

So my questions:

1. My finance started his job a month ago now, he will make more than enough to satisfy the government. My question is, without previous tax returns, or anything, or even the fact that by the time my interview comes up, his one tax return will only show a few months of work... will this matter? Or are the concerned with pay stubs, etc that show constant employment with a wage that is above the poverty amount

Was answered pretty well by others already

2. There is an age difference between us. I am the female fiance, and he's the younger of us. By a little over 10 years. I'm not sure what the government thinks of this, or would it be an issue? We have plenty of proof of relationship and all that. Tons of pictures, family pictures, we visit every 6-8 weeks, we Skype all the time, including keeping it going while we sleep. I mean, that's not an issue. So do you think they'll frown upon the age difference? I know with men marrying younger women, that's generally fine. But women? It's a whole double standard thing at times...

Shouldn't be an issue

3. Do you think I am going to have any issues crossing the border for the next 8 months or so? I have 2 trips to fly 3,000 miles away just by the end of this year alone. Any chance they are going to deny me at the border? Or is there a better chance of that happening later on in the process?

If you have a nexus card, that helps because the machine is never interested why you're crossing. Although, what I did was kept documents showing ties to Canada that hadn't been severed yet. Car payment, recent pay stub, etc.. just in case. The one time I wasn't able to use the machines (they kept breaking down at that time) I told the guy I was going to see my fiancee. He was more interested in chit chatting the housing prices and stuff than whether I would stay.

4. How did everyone adjust to the move? I mean, it's a big deal. Moving to another country, where you don't know as many people generally, needing to look for a new job, and all that... It's big. It's overwhelming. Was it smooth, did you get homesick? Did you find it easy to adjust? I'm looking forward to moving, but I've lived here my whole life, and now I'm looking at the big picture of moving. It's frightening!

Felt like a vacation for two weeks, then my stuff arrived and home after that. Don't let it be overwhelming, really the only thing different than Canada is you have to pay for health insurance, everything is cheaper and you have more selection of things. I even still watch Hockey Night in Canada (for what it is, thanks Rogers) from here in Florida on NHL Network.

5. I recently read you could collect EI after you get your work authorization in the US. Is this still something you can do? I had NO idea.

The things you learn on this website and amazing. I don't think I could have gotten through the initial paperwork without it. So thank you everyone in advance for your help! Also, I know a lot of people want to see a timeline, but I don't think it lets me do one yet. So, again, sorry! (I'm such a Canadian, lol)

Make sure before you leave that your employer uploads your work record or gives you a record of employment letter. Then apply online like usual, then call the interstate number at 1 877 486 1650 to let them know who you are, that you just filed and that you'll be sending a fax of your needed documents, fax them to 1 613 545 8934 - then you will be contacted by an EI officer. Eventually you'll need to call every two weeks to report even if you don't have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. It won't be until you have that card that you can receive money. You will likely have to wait 6 months to receive anything so be prepared. Also, think about financially how you can handle your money. I moved all mine into TD Bank as they make it spectacularly easy for Canadians to access their money and credit. As an added bonus there are branches all over here in Florida so I have an actual bank to go to.

In the meantime, I would research financials, where to stay during your K1 interview, places to live if you need to, etc.. It won't get truly frustrating until you need to book an appointment :-D

[moemac59 192]

I only had one issue when crossing the border because I was here in the US every weekend. My husband's cousin is an US ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) agent and told me to make sure that I had lot's of paperwork showing ties to Canada as well as my NOA stuff showing that we had filed for the K1. I was very thankful to have this info with me as it helped when I got put into secondary once. The IO actually seemed annoyed that I knew to have this info. He asked me how I knew to carry this stuff when traveling to the US and when I told him that my then fiancée's cousin was as ICE agent and suggested this, he shut up pretty quickly and let me go on my way.

If you are going to be crossing over into the US frequently, you may want to look at applying for a NEXUS card...not sure if this helps with expediting you a lot faster but it seemed to work for me.

As for UI, you can send all of your paperwork in once you arrive but you will not receive any benefits until you get your EAD/AP (Employment Authorization Document/Advanced Parole) card which you should file for in conjunction with your I-485 AOS (Adjustment of Status) application. You will be doing filing this application once you get married. UI wants to make sure that you are able to work.

Good Luck. I know that it may seem like a long wait but it will fly by before you know it.