ey guys!<br> I have received my travel documents
in order to go back to Canada whenever I want now. I
was wondering...do you get your working papers next?
Or do they do the interview first? Just let me know
how you did it, if you have gotten that far already.
Thanks!

orry it took me so long to respond...I did
respond on the same day as you posted yours butit didnt
show up for some reason!??!! Thanks for the info...I'm
sure I will figure it out. Canadian Government likes
to throw yah every once in a while.

owdy!<br> I think perhaps you have to talk to
either Immigration here in the INS to ask about that, or
call the Canadian Embassy in your local area and see
if they know what the case is. I think if you
haven't yet completed your permanent residence here you
may have to notify the Canadian government especially
if for any time after last February until now; if
you were still there at some point. I know being from
Alberta, I still receive my G.S.T. cheque until I no
longer file there. For me this year I know I will have
to fill out two different income tax forms as I
worked until June in Canada, therefore I need to account
for that. And being here, my husband has to include
me as I was part of his for this year too. Get a
relative at home though to ask for you, this could save
alot of money on long distance phone calls as they
like to put you on hold for awhile. Hope that helped!

recently recieved a letter from our government
and they want to know if I am still a resident for
tax purposes. Apparently in Canada even if you make
money out of the country and you are still a resident
they can tax you on that money because of their
international money thing. Talk about confusing!!!!Anyhow does
anyone know anything about this ...if so tell me more
about it! Hopefully I am not the only one!

t is under the profiles, but I'll post it, as everyone is welcomed to use it!
Its Daff73@...

t would be great to keep up bye email....I also have ICQ.....let me know!

have thought about getting american citizenship
but it will only happen if necessary! Haha! I chose
to move to the states for the same reasons....he was
grounded ..I wasn't. I have however, learned a lot about
myself since being in the states and learned that I do
actually have string opinions about things. Normally I
would have tried to look at it from many different
angles and couldn't come to one particualr belief! That
much I can give to the States!

was really glad to see you response! It seems
like some of us are living in a cocoon when we come
down here to live, and it is next to impossible to
find others that hold the same views as we do. When my
husband and I were first together and making the
decisions we needed to make to be together, we had to make
some big choices. One of them being who was going to
go where and what sacrifice would that be. Well,
obviously I knew I'd have to move since he had the better
job, and education at the time. And also, a Canadian
citizen can become and American citizen, and still keep
their Canadian one, as Canada will still recognize you
such as one. Whereas the Americans won't recognize it,
and if he moved to Canada and became a Canadian
Citizen, the States would not let him keep his American
citizenship. Another example of how Americans have a very
strong hold on their people. He could do that, but he'd
give up his god given birthrate, how fair is that?! He
could stay a "Landed Immigrant" for years too, but
would never be able to vote or run in any elections. He
would like to get involved someday...myself?! At this
point I have no desire to get involved with U.S.
politics; although I would obtain my American citizenship
for the fact if we have kids someday, I want us to be
a whole family in every sense. So here is another
angle to look at all this from. Thanks babibleu, I am
going to e-mail you personally from now on, you and I
seem to share alot of the same views. And the rest of
you too, let all your frustrations go!

y husband and I watch the news every evening and
I truly get bored. I watch the first 15 mins to get
the "local" news and then i leave the room and come
back on when the world news is on...however the world
news consists of US world news! I have always believed
that as a whole americans are very ignorant. I
generally wtach CNN on my own but it still isnt quite the
same. <br> As for the entire Iraq issue, the area I
live in now is like the military capitol of the US, so
that is all that ever makes the news as families are
ripped apart for this big thing in Iraq! This country
seems to forget that it has many issues that should be
dealt with before it can criticize others. One is the
racism. That is a major issue still as we come to the
year 2000. How can Bill fix the seperatism in other
countries like Isreal when thats exactly what they have
here... the confederate flag still hangs in Alabama
courtrooms!!<br> I have chosen to marry an American but I will not
become an American.

ell, I finally have something to contribute
here,<br>my husband and I were driving into town this morning
and we ended up getting into a heated arguement,
usually I let up before I let it go this far, but i was
PMSing so I shoved back... The issue was rather black
and white to me; let me see how my fellow canadians
view it...<br> I was comparing the country of Iraq
being actually quite simular to that if the States.
Which may seem harsh, but listen to my reasoning.
Saddam has a huge support system in his own country, and
the people there don't seem to think their lives are
so bad, they support him. The Americans have never
been one to like anyone in the Middle East.My husband
says that it is okay to bomb the whole country of Iraq
as they are all not any better than Saddam. Kill
them all; and I know this is an American view by most
loyal American citizens. I said the Iraqians are being
brainwashed by Saddam, the same way the French Quebecers had
back in the referendum. They only received French
television financed by the Separatist party, therefore they
were not getting any feedback of how the rest of
Canada really felt. Its happened in our own country.
Well the day before the referendum I remember a huge
rally in Montreal where everyone across Canada joined
to let Quebecers know we wanted them to stay...and
that is why the vote was so close....Anyway, back in
Iraq their news gives their own point of views. I
doubt they even get American television to most of the
common people.In turn I told my husband that Americans
were no different! Have any of you noticed that since
moving down here, that we never get issues pertaining to
other countries... if we do it has to involve the
States in it too, and their point of view, which is the
right one of course! But back home, our newscasts were
much more broader, and reported from everywhere,
regardless of Canadians were involved or not. It just seemed
more newsworthy than self-righteous like. It is hard
for me to adjust, as I realize just how the Americans
are only stuck on themselves. I love my husband but
you should hear how he talks about the Americans
saving the world; I didnt' know there were any big world
war typed problems that need to be dealt with?! But I
know, from talking to his other family members, and
others that this is how they all think! Scary, huh?!<br>
Americans in return only hear their country's side to most
issues. They have no control over their governments
either. The coruptness is so great that who Saddam
assasinates over there, that they are doing here...behind
closed doors everyday. The FBI, CIA, pride themselves in
locating people and taking them out when they have to,
where would that be any different then Saddam's
associates?<br> The issue my friends is between the Americans,
and the Iraquis. Canada never publicly states
anything any more... Britain used to not either, until
Tony Blair became buddies with Clinton. But you don't
hear from France, Germany, Belgium, China, etc...on
the issue with Saddam. The last crisis...the
Americans had made their decision if Saddam didn't comply.
The hell with the UN, the Americans were going to
attack. They had the British's support, but that was all.
No other country stood up and supported the States
then. I don't know if this is the country as always, or
if it is Clinton's doing. Either way, I don't agree
with it. They may be the most powerful nation in the
world, but get off your high horse! Work with the
others, not against. <br> Anyways, as you can see I get
alittle too passionate about these issues. I hope to hear
your imput to this view. I was good to vent these
frustrations, I feel better now; I just hope the American
Government doesnt' see this they may get the wrong idea; Hey
I married and American it can't be that bad! Just a
minor disagreement on my part, just my opinion that's
all! lol

t has been about 2 weeks since the last message
was posted....I haven't left one before because I
didnt want to fell like I was talking to myself. It
would be nice if we could all get this going because I
think we could all share alot of feelings and vent out
our frustrations of living in the States!! I check
this almost everyday so leave a message about anything
and I will certainly respond!!

ey everyone!<br> At this point I do not have a
computer at home, but will have one again shortly. When
this happens keep updating here, as I would like to
devise a time when we all can get on here and chat. It's
been nice to hear how everyone has been doing in the
process they are having with the INS. <br> I am glad to
see that setting up this club was a useful tool for
all of us. <br> Take care, and we'll all keep
checking back, and I will get back to you all on the
chatting session we all could do.<br> Bye!

o you have icq? i would be interested in hearing
more details, as we are exploring all of our
options...<br>thanks for the email<br><br>girl, aka kari<br><br>icq #
11887939 please add me if you have it!!!

'm so excited I just heard form my emplyer that
my H1B visa camr through! Loks like I'll be starting
next week ! sure took a lot of fangdangling but it's
defiantley going to be worth it! Good luck to everybody else
dealing with INS!!!

his is one area I am becoming an expert at.
First while we were engaged, living in two different
countries, I tried to get a working visa. I even had a
sponsor, but the government wants your sponsor to
advertise the job, and tells you what to pay. Well, as you
can imagine, the pay for the job I was to do was
outrageous, and in the state of Montana was unheard of. So I
told the sponsor to not go any further, as if an
American Citizen applied for the job, they'd get it. So it
was pointless that way. If I had finished my College
degree it would have been easier. <br> Anyway we decided
to follow the rule again, and applied for a fiance
visa. This cost $75.00. He had to send it all in...but
we needed pictures, and alot of information on it.
Turns out that was a waste of time, since we had
already set out wedding date by this time...so he was
told after we paid the $75.00, there was another
way...Port of Entry. We got married in Canada, and then
drove back across the border, that is where we got my
parole card, and went on to the State's capital for all
the papers I needed to get filing. After waiting for
our marriage liscense from Canada, my immunization
records, physical here, and more information...we also
applied for my working permit, which you have to apply
for if you want to work right away, and even a permit
to leave the country sooner than the year's
proceedings. All this would have cost $375.00 up to October
13th, but all went up after as rates changed, and now
cost us $525.00. So that was quite the jump. We had no
choice though, my marriage liscense from Canada took
awhile too. So there you have from my experience. Lesson
to learn, the government will not tell you all your
options until you have paid some money already, that's
what it seems like anyway! Talk to you all later!

tell you it can be the longest process.....but
its worth it! I entered the states as a visitor and
then my hubby and I married and then we applied for
adjustment of status or something. The only glitch with that
is that I was not permitted to work until I recieved
a work permit. To applyfor all the correct papers
etc..I would say it cost us in the neighbourhood of
about $500 US. That includes the required medical exam
and finger prints. Try and have your shot record for
the exam and it will save you havin to get them done
again which I had to. After filing the papers and
making sure we had all the ones that they wanted and
needed and many trips to the office it took about 3
months for me to get a letter to say for me to come get
my work permit. Then you can apply for your SSN
which only takes about 3wks..if they dont mess it
up..lol! the work permit does not make you a permanent
resident from my understanding,,it just gives you
registered alien status and allows you to work. If you can
support your man from TO then its pretty easy. If not
call the 1-800 number and speak to them ....there
might be a similar way! Oh to catch you up with the
step I am in now is...I have been workin since I
recieved my permit about6 months ago and am about to go
for what I think is my final interview for a
greencard which gives me permanent residence. THe key
insponsoring someone is you...how much money you make. I know
there are many ways to do this this is just one of
them. Good Luck to you and congrats on your new found
love. It has been the most incredible thing for me and
has worked out wonderfully and no regrets. I wish you
the same.

ello. Let me start out by saying that I am not a
Canadian, but, I met the love of my life in Yahoo chat
also, and he is from Toronto. Does that count? I would
be interested in talking with you just in regards to
what you've dealt with in gaining status to the
US....cost, time, paperwork, etc. We have just begun all of
this, and don't really know what the best route is. Let
me know if you're open to this. Regarding the gun
issue, I have heard the same comments from him. I guess
since I have lived here my whole life, it is something
that I am used to. Sad, isn't it?<br><br>Kari, aka
girlcanthelpit

t is so funny sometimes when you are learning of
a new country's ideals. Us, as Canadians, don't
realize how these people think...or begin to understand
it at times. Americans think it is their right to
bear arms, which kills me(no pun intended) because it
is so ludicrous that all people have the access they
do. They have so much violence with guns in their
country don't they clue in that if they got rid of most
of the easier access laws, and made tougher ones,
that it may help their society. You can't have a
population like they do, and expect everyone to be
responsible with their guns. Have your hunting rifles for
hunting; that's fine...but why do they need all these
handguns, assault rifles, etc...? At home nobody cares...we
are all fine without these socalled rights. I am
proud of the fact that we are viewed as quiet, and
subdued. Our only problems that are really serious has the
pertaining to who we let into our country and how they
compromise our traditional beginnings. Such as our Royal
Canadian Mounted Police...East Indians want to be able to
wear there turbans with the uniform. This to me is an
emotional issue, but definitely not as serious as kids and
teenagers going into their schools blowing each other away.
I'd rather have the Canadian problems, as they are
not taking away lives unnecessarily. Anyway...that is
my beef with guns...I'd have no problem if they
started a crackdown on Gun control in this country, lord
knows they need it! They have definitely proved it
isn't a right worth giving.

y new husband is a police officer down this way
and it frightens me everyday knowing that it is so
easy for anyone to get a gun. He is so relaxed about
it because he has to be but when he comes home and
tells me that some 16 yr old pulled a gun on him or had
a gun in possession I almost die of shock. One
knowing that he could very easily get shot and two
knowing that everyone has a gun..legal or not. I cant
even express what I want to say about this so I will
just end it here!!!!!! *_*

i Guys!<br> It is so funny when I was reading
the newer messages.<br> I too met my husband online
with Yahoo Chat, not even a year ago. We were
longdistance for about 6 months, when we knew it was a sure
thing. I stayed on in Montana over the summer just to
make sure him and I were still just as compatiable,
and sure enough we were. Anyways, we got married back
in Calgary on the 12th of September. I have been
waiting for my Marriage License in order to send all my
paper work in too. I can't believe the costs! He's
American obviously, and there are some funny differences
though. For example...the gun issue. In Canada we all
could really care less if we have them or not...but we
don't think its our right to bear arms, what's the
point??Unless you're a hunter, or a farmer protecting his
lifestock. Getting a green card is next to impossible,
especially when I was single just trying to locate down
here, its like they don't want us. Oh well though,
everything always works out for the best. Good luck on your
interview, and keep in touch!

have been in the states since last decmber and
am now just goin through the greencard process. I do
have a work permit but not permanent residence! I have
my interview with INS on November 5 ...wish me luck!
Wish you luck with your tries at living in the states.

i! My name is Kristan, I'm andre's wife - we
just moved to Las Vegs 7 months ago and are having a
great time! I too am in th eidst of figuring out INS -
it is crazy! Everytime I get a form I need to get
three more to file it! I got a job as an for acomputer
software company and am now waiting for my H1B visa to be
processed - it is taking much longer than I thought but I'm
trying to be patient - my husband is acivil Engineer so
He's under NAFTA - much easier!!! We are orginally
from ontario. Hope to talk to you guys
soon!<br>Kristan

ey! Where do I start? I am originally from
Vancouver! West Coast girl! Miss it dearly! What brought me
to the states??? Well after chattin on yahoo for the
first time I met my husband who just happened to live
in Virginia. After a long distance
relationship...very big phone bills and frequent flyer miles we
decided to get married. I have been in Va since last
december. Do I like the states? You could say I am dealin
with it. Canada and the US are so much alike but they
are soooooooooooooooo different! Anyways I think that
about sums up me in a nutshell. Boring,eh? LoL

i there...sorry that I don't check back here too
often. Anyway, I just wanted to know what BabiBleu does,
and where she is originally from and all that fun
stuff...nice to see people viewing the sight! Take care!

just wanted to say hello to all of you.  So, hello!

owdy folks!<br> It has been awhile since any
messages have been posted. Was busy in September. Had a
wedding to plan; went home to Calgary,Alberta. The
wedding itself was on the 12th. We ended up going to
Puerto Vallarta for our honeymoon. Rainy, as it was
their rainy season. Now were back in the States trying
to process all the paper work to become a
conditional status resident. I can't believe the amount of
things needed to be done for this, considering American
and Canadian Societies are so simular in our Systems
of Health and Laws. Anyway, it is definitely a
learning experience. Talk to you again real soon!

e again...<br> We have been getting into length
discussions from both sides of the border. <br> Is it fair to
scrutinize public figures? Especially involving their
personal lives?<br> My answer to that question....No!
People's privacy is something that should be allowed to
all people, regardless of title. Unless it is
something that directly relates to the issue at hand within
the profession they are involved in, then we can
comment on it. But if what they do, and how they conduct
their private lives are two different things, then why
bother them their right to their own cocoon?!<br> Even
President Clinton deserves to be left alone on the issue of
whether or not he cheated on Hilary, and to leave them
alone to work it out. Its no one else's business to
begin with. Although, he did commit "Obstruction of
Justice", and being the President, he should have known
what the consequences would be. Himself being a
lawyer, professionally, his own ethics were definitely
compromised. So that is where the attention should be drawn.
He lied to the court of law, plain and simple.
Not...Did he and Monica Lewinsky have a sexual
relationship? Who cares!<br> In Canadian news, one never hears
what is going on negatively with our public figures.
It is usually some crisis they are going through,
and looking for support from the people. Our Prime
Minister's marriage is never mentioned, his sexual
preferences, etc... Its just not done. In Canada, our sense of
humor makes us joke about things, but not take them so
seriously. Our friends to the South could learn to do the
same...as their public figures seemed to be losing
credibility to their talents that got them there to begin
with.<br> Canadians are definitely not the type to analyze
to death on Television, Radio, Newspapers, etc...
any news, personal, of any figures. The only way you
see this if it is an American Channel playing across
our Televisions, and guest spots in Newspapers. We
keep our opinions to ourselves and don't add fuel to
the fire.<br> Thanks for reading....

ell it has been a long time since I have been
back to Canada, but I would like to think that it is
better than it is here. The way the news is hounding
president Clinton is like paranas after blood. What do you
think? What is the view of what is happening in the US
by Canadians? I would be very interested to hear
anyother point of view than the majority point of view
here.

ave you noticed the minor differences, but seem
to be a little bothered by them. I have noticed many
differences up close. At one time I thought Canadians and
Americans were very closely identical in Culture, but now I
know that is not the case. As the Clinton scandal
comes up, for example, do we Canadians force this
upheaval in our own politicians personal lives? From my
opinion, we don't allow our media this much access to
discredit those we elect in our offices. So example number
one...United States-Media Circus, Canada-Tight Lipped. What do
you think? Do you agree? Disagree? And Why? Do you
have any other examples you can relate to? Thank you
for reading this.

Welcome, This is the Yahoo! Message Board for Canadians Living in the States
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