09/29/06 - Got fingerprints done
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and California DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ police clearance letter
01/25/07 - Received FBI clearance
02/19/07 - Got fingerprints re-done for DOJ
(they're nearly 5 months old)
02/22/07 - Medical exam
02/22/07 - Received 2nd DOJ police clearance letter
02/23/07 - Mailed application to CPC-Mississauga
03/07/07 - CPC-M received application
03/28/07 - Sponsorship decision made and letter sent
04/04/07 - Received letter - sponsorship approved
04/12/07 - Buffalo started processing Immigrant portion
05/01/07 - Received letter - Buffalo acknowledgement of receipt (mistakenly sent to our old address)
05/08/07 - Received letter - file sent to Los Angeles Consulate (also mistakenly sent to our old address)
Status of application can be checked online at e-Client Application Status (e-CAS).
Incidentally, our moving out of state in mid-March doesn't seem to have affected the processing time at all. The sponsorship approval letter arrived just as fast as it did for others going through the same process on this forum.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Spouse Outside Canada - Processing
I was just poking around on the forums at immigration.ca , and found a thread (discussion) where people were posting their timelines for Outside Canada applications from the USA: http://www.immigration.ca/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19254
and found some very interesting things. According to many of the people there, the Sponsorship part of their applications is being processed in a month or sometimes even less, which is a week or two less than the timeline posted on CIC's website. But much more amazing, the Immigrant part that goes to Buffalo, New York is often getting processed in a month or so as well! CIC's website timeline says 30% are processed in 3 months, 50% in 6 months, 70% in 9 months, and 80% in 13 months. Based on that, one might figure on waiting 6 months for the Immigrant part to be approved. It would be so lovely if that's not the case! Another interesting thing is that the Buffalo office has apparently been offloading some applications for processing at other offices throughout the country, apparently for the purpose of keeping processing times down. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
and found some very interesting things. According to many of the people there, the Sponsorship part of their applications is being processed in a month or sometimes even less, which is a week or two less than the timeline posted on CIC's website. But much more amazing, the Immigrant part that goes to Buffalo, New York is often getting processed in a month or so as well! CIC's website timeline says 30% are processed in 3 months, 50% in 6 months, 70% in 9 months, and 80% in 13 months. Based on that, one might figure on waiting 6 months for the Immigrant part to be approved. It would be so lovely if that's not the case! Another interesting thing is that the Buffalo office has apparently been offloading some applications for processing at other offices throughout the country, apparently for the purpose of keeping processing times down. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Spouse Outside Canada - Updated Timeline
09/29/06 - Got fingerprints done
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and California DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ police clearance letter
01/25/07 - Received FBI clearance
02/19/07 - Got fingerprints re-done for DOJ
(they're nearly 5 months old)
02/22/07 - Nickie's medical exam
02/22/07 - Received 2nd DOJ police clearance letter
02/23/07 - Mailed application to CPC-Mississauga
Status of application can be checked online at e-Client Application Status (eCAS).
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and California DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ police clearance letter
01/25/07 - Received FBI clearance
02/19/07 - Got fingerprints re-done for DOJ
(they're nearly 5 months old)
02/22/07 - Nickie's medical exam
02/22/07 - Received 2nd DOJ police clearance letter
02/23/07 - Mailed application to CPC-Mississauga
Status of application can be checked online at e-Client Application Status (eCAS).
Spouse Outside Canada - Application
That's it! We've done it!!!
About 250 (double-sided) pages, 9-10 months, CAD $1040 (which at current exchange rates turns out to be USD $896), another USD $496 and untold hours later, all of our forms, info, and a heap of supporting documents have all been shipped off to Mississauga, Ontario. It cost about $18 to send it off in a big padded post office envelope (forget a regular manila envelope; trust me, it'll never fit in one of those anyway) by air mail, certified mail with receipt (so we know exactly when they receive it), and insured for $300 ($115 for 4 notarized letters from friends and family certifying that our relationship is genuine, and $215 for the medical exam).
We did a little happy dance after we mailed everything off. Now we wait, hope and pray. We're terrified that we might have forgotten something and exhilarated that we've finally done it!
About 250 (double-sided) pages, 9-10 months, CAD $1040 (which at current exchange rates turns out to be USD $896), another USD $496 and untold hours later, all of our forms, info, and a heap of supporting documents have all been shipped off to Mississauga, Ontario. It cost about $18 to send it off in a big padded post office envelope (forget a regular manila envelope; trust me, it'll never fit in one of those anyway) by air mail, certified mail with receipt (so we know exactly when they receive it), and insured for $300 ($115 for 4 notarized letters from friends and family certifying that our relationship is genuine, and $215 for the medical exam).
We did a little happy dance after we mailed everything off. Now we wait, hope and pray. We're terrified that we might have forgotten something and exhilarated that we've finally done it!
Spouse Outside Canada - Forms
gray - Not applicable
red - Completed items
(Numbering is a little off because that's the way it is on the Document Checklists.)
Case Processing Centre - Mississauga
P.O. Box 3000, Station A
Mississauga, ON L5A 4N6
Sponsor forms
- IMM 5491 - Document Checklist - original
- IMM 1344A - Application to sponsor and Undertaking - original
- IMM 1344B - Sponsorship Agreement - photocopy
- IMM 5481 - Sponsorship Evaluation or IMM 1283 - Financial Evaluation - original
- Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) - original
- IMM 5401 - Receipt for fee payment - Copy 2
- IMM 5409 - Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union - original
- IMM 5540 - Sponsor Questionnaire - original
Supporting Documents - Sponsor
- Canadian birth certificate - photocopy
- If spouse is a co-sponsor, marriage certificate - photocopy
- Proof of spouse's PR status or Canadian citizenship, if s/he is co-sponsoring - photocopy
- Proof of severance of any previous marriages or common-law relationships - photocopy
- "Option C Printout" from last year's Canadian taxes, or explanation why missing - original
- Evidence of last 12 months' income (Letter from employer or self-employed statement) - original
- If you must meet the minimum income requirement, more evidence of income (i.e. paystubs)
- If you are a Canadian citizen exclusively living outside Canada, proof of intent to accompany spouse in Canada
- Medical Condition Statement for adopted children
Applicant forms
- IMM 0008 Generic - Application for Permanent Residence - original, 3 copies
- IMM 0008 Schedule 1 - Schedule 1 - Background / Declaration - original, 3 copies
- IMM 5490 - Spouse / Partner Questionnaire - original
- IMM 5406 - Additional Family Information - original
- IMM 5476 - Use of a Representative - original
Supporting Documents - Applicant
(Details are in Appendix A, in Country-Specific Instructions)
- Identity and civil status documents - birth certificates, baptismal certificates, domestic partnership certificate, etc.
- Children's information
- Travel Documents and passports - photocopy
- Proof of relationship to sponsor - photos, letters, phone bills, airline ticket coupons, boarding passes, etc. For common-law partner:
- evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing and has existed for at least 12 months prior to your application
- details of the history of your relationship
- at least two (2) statutory declarations from individuals with personal knowledge of your relationship supporting your claim that relationship is genuine and continuing
- Police certificates / clearances - original {1 year}
- Proof of medical exam - Copy 2
- Photos - five (5) recent *identical* photos {6 months}
- Photos - four (4) recent *identical* photos {6 months}
Country Specific Instructions - USA
- Appendix A - Document Checklist - Applicant - original
- Appendix B - Police Certificates/Clearances - original
- Appendix C - Photo Specifications
- Appendix D - Medical Instructions - original
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Spouse Outside Canada - Updated Timeline
09/29/06 - Got fingerprints done
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and California DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ police clearance letter
01/25/07 - Received FBI clearance
02/19/07 - Got fingerprints re-done for DOJ
(they're nearly 5 months old)
02/22/07 - Nickie's medical exam
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and California DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ police clearance letter
01/25/07 - Received FBI clearance
02/19/07 - Got fingerprints re-done for DOJ
(they're nearly 5 months old)
02/22/07 - Nickie's medical exam
Friday, February 16, 2007
Spouse Outside Canada - Updated To-Do
To do:
- Go with at least 2 friends/relatives to a notary public, to make a notarized statement that our relationship is genuine and continuing
- Hit up other friends/relatives with an unnotarized statement to fill out and send back
- Call photographers
- Get photos done*
- Re-do California Live Scan
- Make doctor appointment and bring:
- Passport and photocopy of passport bio-data page
- Eyeglasses
- Previous medical reports - any documentation including physician's reports, treatment, prescriptions
- Five recent photos taken within 6 months of exam
- Completed Appendix D
- Passport and photocopy of passport bio-data page
- Make final copies of all forms and supporting documents
- Mail everything by certified mail with receipt
Relocating and importing
Our research has led us to some solid conclusions.
Since moving to Canada directly would involve Nickie going without health insurance or employment for around 10-18 months, by my current guesstimate, we decided it would make more sense to stay in the U.S. for now and continue saving up while the paperwork is processing.
I looked into what it would take to import our vehicle(s) into Canada. I also looked into importing an RV to Canada. There are things you have to do with U.S. Customs as well as Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). When all is said and done, it doesn't seem like it's worth the pain in the rear. We even asked about buying a Canadian-made RV and bringing it to the U.S. - that would be considered importing to the U.S. even though it would be temporary, and re-importing to Canada including all associated fees even though it's already made to Canadian specs. Our decision -- forget it. Wait until we land in Canada and buy one then. And part with one or both of our cars before landing, to minimize the headaches.
Thirdly, our current neighborhood is most excellent for driving one absolutely mad, what with helicopter chases, gang members hiding out on the property, and all sorts of other insanity I don't care to get into. So we have been looking for another place to live while the paperwork is in process and such, as mentioned before. We looked into a number of places here in Southern California that, last we knew, were still decent places to live. Very few of them have remained decent - most of them are now gangland, plagued with crime, and falling into disrepair and neglect. We even saw some of this as far north as Santa Barbara! Southern CA is a dump, overall, and getting worse... Northern CA rents are, incredibly, even more expensive than Southern CA. We found all this rather discouraging, and weighed more heavily toward leaving CA altogether; of the out-of-state areas we were considering, that mainly left MN and OR. It seems that Minneapolis, MN rents are expensive like L.A., and I know from my research that it's actually colder in MN than in Ontario, Canada, and I've been buying warm clothes but I really don't think we're prepared to drive into the ice and snow to try and acclimate in the dead of winter. Ditto on the winter thing in upstate NY, which right now is measuring snow in feet, not inches. That leaves Portland, OR, which is a relatively short drive away (about 14-15 hours), has a milder winter, and we've been there and liked many things about it.
So in a nutshell:
Since moving to Canada directly would involve Nickie going without health insurance or employment for around 10-18 months, by my current guesstimate, we decided it would make more sense to stay in the U.S. for now and continue saving up while the paperwork is processing.
I looked into what it would take to import our vehicle(s) into Canada. I also looked into importing an RV to Canada. There are things you have to do with U.S. Customs as well as Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). When all is said and done, it doesn't seem like it's worth the pain in the rear. We even asked about buying a Canadian-made RV and bringing it to the U.S. - that would be considered importing to the U.S. even though it would be temporary, and re-importing to Canada including all associated fees even though it's already made to Canadian specs. Our decision -- forget it. Wait until we land in Canada and buy one then. And part with one or both of our cars before landing, to minimize the headaches.
Thirdly, our current neighborhood is most excellent for driving one absolutely mad, what with helicopter chases, gang members hiding out on the property, and all sorts of other insanity I don't care to get into. So we have been looking for another place to live while the paperwork is in process and such, as mentioned before. We looked into a number of places here in Southern California that, last we knew, were still decent places to live. Very few of them have remained decent - most of them are now gangland, plagued with crime, and falling into disrepair and neglect. We even saw some of this as far north as Santa Barbara! Southern CA is a dump, overall, and getting worse... Northern CA rents are, incredibly, even more expensive than Southern CA. We found all this rather discouraging, and weighed more heavily toward leaving CA altogether; of the out-of-state areas we were considering, that mainly left MN and OR. It seems that Minneapolis, MN rents are expensive like L.A., and I know from my research that it's actually colder in MN than in Ontario, Canada, and I've been buying warm clothes but I really don't think we're prepared to drive into the ice and snow to try and acclimate in the dead of winter. Ditto on the winter thing in upstate NY, which right now is measuring snow in feet, not inches. That leaves Portland, OR, which is a relatively short drive away (about 14-15 hours), has a milder winter, and we've been there and liked many things about it.
So in a nutshell:
- Complete and submit Outside Canada application
- Move to Portland OR vicinity, save up and wait
- On approval of application, sell car(s)
- Land in Canada and purchase RV
Friday, February 09, 2007
RVing - Importing & Exporting
Called Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV), and asked them the following question:
I'm a Canadian living in the U.S. I'm considering buying a Canadian RV and bringing it here while my partner's immigration goes through, then moving back to Canada with it. How long could I have it abroad before I'd have to register it as an export, and what would be involved?
I was told that I would have to export it as soon as I took it out of the country, and then still have to pay to enroll it in the import program and do the associated inspections when I return, even though it's Canadian-made. They recommended I just wait until I move back to Canada and purchase the RV then.
I suspected this might be the case, for the trouble involved, not to mention the money. Other temporary living arrangements are obviously in order.
Their recorded message gives the following numbers for more information when calling from outside Canada:
(204) 983-3500 CBSA
(613) 998-8616 Transportation Canada
Next question: are there camper shell requirements? I called twice because the first gentleman seemed unsure about what a camper shell is. (There is probably another term for it in Canada, but I don't know what that would be.)
None according to Pierre at RIV, 2/9/07 1:42 p.m. PST.
No restrictions according to Mu at RIV, 2/9/07, 2:00 p.m. - just need bill of sale and title.
I'm a Canadian living in the U.S. I'm considering buying a Canadian RV and bringing it here while my partner's immigration goes through, then moving back to Canada with it. How long could I have it abroad before I'd have to register it as an export, and what would be involved?
I was told that I would have to export it as soon as I took it out of the country, and then still have to pay to enroll it in the import program and do the associated inspections when I return, even though it's Canadian-made. They recommended I just wait until I move back to Canada and purchase the RV then.
I suspected this might be the case, for the trouble involved, not to mention the money. Other temporary living arrangements are obviously in order.
Their recorded message gives the following numbers for more information when calling from outside Canada:
(204) 983-3500 CBSA
(613) 998-8616 Transportation Canada
Next question: are there camper shell requirements? I called twice because the first gentleman seemed unsure about what a camper shell is. (There is probably another term for it in Canada, but I don't know what that would be.)
None according to Pierre at RIV, 2/9/07 1:42 p.m. PST.
No restrictions according to Mu at RIV, 2/9/07, 2:00 p.m. - just need bill of sale and title.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
RVing
The following is a written version of "thinking out loud," if you will, in considering the RV option.
Lisa's RV want list, in order of importance
Stay below 80-85% of tow vehicle's GVWR, or 75-80% of hitch rating, whichever is lower, for best performance (our case: about 2500 lbs)
Toilet with black tank
Indoor shower with gray tank
Sink and freshwater tank
Queen bed 60" wide (full is 53")
Stove
3-way refrigerator (12V, 120V, LP) w/freezer compartment
Furnace
No need to convert bed into dinette every day
A/C or something innovative like ThinkGeek Desktop A/C
(depending on climates we stay in)
Screen room
Research by manufacturer
Casita - Insulation rating? Completely enclosed floor, around 13000 with options. Rice, TX
Scamp - R15 insulation in walls, dry 1750 lbs, antifreeze water lines?, around $13000 with options. Backus, MN
Shadow Cruiser -
Sun Valley - Several small models, X-Treme Lite has R7 insulation
Taylor Coach - Lower cost, all the amenities but still the most lightweight we've seen, all wood inside no particle board (wow!), R7 insulation upgradable to R12. Millgrove, ON
Airstream - Too expensive
Bigfoot - Too heavy
Burro - No cold weather features?, no longer in production?
Escape - Insulated, looks well-built, but wet weight is 2600-2800 lbs, and pricey at CAN$19200 w/shower
Fleetwood - Too heavy
Gulf Stream - Too heavy
Jayco - Too heavy
Keystone - Too heavy
Nash (Northwood Mfg) - Too heavy
Palomino - Too heavy
R-Vision (Trail-Lite) - Too heavy
Sunline Coach - Too heavy
T@b (Thor Industries) - No bathroom,lots of insulation?, heater not for use in weather below 40 degrees (yes, you read that right)
Trillium - No bathroom
Fiberglass trailers - Casita Trillium Scamp Escape Burro
Good information gathered from Lightweight RV News
and RV Towing Tips
Lisa's RV want list, in order of importance
Stay below 80-85% of tow vehicle's GVWR, or 75-80% of hitch rating, whichever is lower, for best performance (our case: about 2500 lbs)
Toilet with black tank
Indoor shower with gray tank
Sink and freshwater tank
Queen bed 60" wide (full is 53")
Stove
3-way refrigerator (12V, 120V, LP) w/freezer compartment
Furnace
No need to convert bed into dinette every day
A/C or something innovative like ThinkGeek Desktop A/C
(depending on climates we stay in)
Screen room
Research by manufacturer
Casita - Insulation rating? Completely enclosed floor, around 13000 with options. Rice, TX
Scamp - R15 insulation in walls, dry 1750 lbs, antifreeze water lines?, around $13000 with options. Backus, MN
Shadow Cruiser -
Sun Valley - Several small models, X-Treme Lite has R7 insulation
Taylor Coach - Lower cost, all the amenities but still the most lightweight we've seen, all wood inside no particle board (wow!), R7 insulation upgradable to R12. Millgrove, ON
Airstream - Too expensive
Bigfoot - Too heavy
Burro - No cold weather features?, no longer in production?
Escape - Insulated, looks well-built, but wet weight is 2600-2800 lbs, and pricey at CAN$19200 w/shower
Fleetwood - Too heavy
Gulf Stream - Too heavy
Jayco - Too heavy
Keystone - Too heavy
Nash (Northwood Mfg) - Too heavy
Palomino - Too heavy
R-Vision (Trail-Lite) - Too heavy
Sunline Coach - Too heavy
T@b (Thor Industries) - No bathroom,lots of insulation?, heater not for use in weather below 40 degrees (yes, you read that right)
Trillium - No bathroom
Fiberglass trailers - Casita Trillium Scamp Escape Burro
Good information gathered from Lightweight RV News
and RV Towing Tips
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Spouse Outside Canada - Notarized statements, photos, medical exam
To do:
- Go with at least 2 friends/relatives to a notary public, to make a notarized statement that our relationship is genuine and continuing
- Hit up other friends/relatives with an unnotarized statement to fill out and send back
- Call photographers
- Get photos done*
- Make doctor appointment and bring:
- Passport and photocopy of passport bio-data page
- Eyeglasses
- Previous medical reports - any documentation including physician's reports, treatment, prescriptions
- Five recent photos taken within 6 months of exam
- Completed Appendix D
- Passport and photocopy of passport bio-data page
- Make final copies of all forms and supporting documents
- Mail everything by certified mail with receipt
Spouse Outside Canada - FBI & Police Clearance
1/25/07 Received FBI clearance - fi-nal-ly! Sheesh.
California LiveScan was received a couple days after it was done, FBI took 4 months. Took so darn long to get, I'm left wondering if we'll be asked to do the California one again. Grr.
My advice to anyone reading this: Get fingerprinted and send for your FBI clearance first. Then after about 14 weeks or so, send for your state police clearance. Depending on your state, you'll probably get them both around the same time.
Updated timeline:
09/29/06 - Got FBI and California DOJ fingerprints done
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ clearance letter
01/25/06 - Received FBI clearance letter
Next: Photos and medical exam.
California LiveScan was received a couple days after it was done, FBI took 4 months. Took so darn long to get, I'm left wondering if we'll be asked to do the California one again. Grr.
My advice to anyone reading this: Get fingerprinted and send for your FBI clearance first. Then after about 14 weeks or so, send for your state police clearance. Depending on your state, you'll probably get them both around the same time.
Updated timeline:
09/29/06 - Got FBI and California DOJ fingerprints done
09/30/06 - Mailed paperwork to FBI and DOJ
10/03/06 - FBI received fingerprints
10/04/06 - Received DOJ clearance letter
01/25/06 - Received FBI clearance letter
Next: Photos and medical exam.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Transpo planning - RVing
- Check Canadian rules for importing a trailer
- Get truck's full trailering specs from truck dealer
- Make a list of trailers within specs
- Do web research, request brochures
- Truck dealer questions
- Wheel base sufficient?
- Suspension sufficient?
- Effects of long-term towing on transmission?
- Winterizing, i.e. antifreeze, tire chains/snow tires
- RV dealer questions
- Tongue weight 10-12% of trailer weight?
- Functionality of water system and tanks in the cold?
- Insulation rating of roof, floor, walls?
- Location of tanks, i.e. will they increase tongue weight?
- Withstand full-timing?
- 3-way refrigerator? (12V, 120V, LP)
- Weight rating of bed(s)?
- Tongue weight 10-12% of trailer weight?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Health Coverage
Canada's universal health coverage doesn't start immediately in most provinces, even if you are already a permanent resident or citizen - any supplemental insurance you purchase during the time you aren't covered must be bought within 5 days of arriving in Ontario, or the insurance companies will not provide coverage for you.
This is only one insurer, so more research to follow. Obviously, some comparison shopping is in order.
- Paying for health insurance prior to health coverage eligibility
- Private health insurance for new immigrants
- Applying for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan
- Canadian Health Centres (CHCs) - Some of these offer health services to people who do not yet have their health card (OHIP).
This is only one insurer, so more research to follow. Obviously, some comparison shopping is in order.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Transpo planning - example: Albany, NY
Flying
Flights start around $200 for two (about $20 more for Toronto)
Transit time: 6.5 - 8.5 hours
Shipping cost for cars?
Shipping cost for belongings?
Advantages: Fast, start working and settling right away, no motel expense, no concern about snow/accidents/car trouble
Disadvantages: Cars and most other belongings must be shipped which will be expensive
Train
Tickets start around $277 for two
Transit time: 58 hours
Shipping cost for cars?
Shipping cost for any remaining belongings?
Advantages: No motel expenses, allows more checked baggage and less shipping, no concern about snow/accidents/car trouble
Disadvantages: Could be working instead of traveling, sleep not very restful, cars must be shipped, may still have to ship some belongings
RVing
Advantages: Less hectic pace, work as we travel, no motels, no separating from cars or belongings, no expense for shipping cars or belongings
Disadvantages: Must purchase either small RV or camper shell and small trailer, gas expenses for each vehicle, possible snow/accidents/car trouble
Driving
Roughly 3090 mile drive
Rough guesstimate of gas expense, per car: $570
Transit time (minimum): 46.5 hours
Potential hotel cost: $240
Rental cost for hauling trailer?
Advantages: Possibly less hectic, no separating from cars or belongings, no expense for shipping cars or belongings
Disadvantages: Could be working instead of traveling, possible snow/accidents/car trouble, expense for rental trailer
* ** *** ** * ** *** ** *
Related Research
Driving
U.S. current snow cover
Google maps
Mapquest
Given our non-existent experience driving in the snow, we'll want to route around snowy areas as much as possible. It looks like the best way to get around it is basically take freeways 10, 20, 30 out to Fort Worth, then swing north on one of several routes northeast.
Tornado season is roughly March-August, peaking in April and May, and predominantly occurring along Tornado Alley – a flat stretch of land from west Texas to North Dakota. Texas is the hardest hit.
Auto Transport/Shipping
Car shipping tips
Costs vary widely, but just as an example I got some prices for shipping our cars from Los Angeles, CA to Albany, NY. Some of them have somewhat higher prices for trucks than cars. Range for the truck: $799 - 1592. Car: $649 - 1392.
Flights start around $200 for two (about $20 more for Toronto)
Transit time: 6.5 - 8.5 hours
Shipping cost for cars?
Shipping cost for belongings?
Advantages: Fast, start working and settling right away, no motel expense, no concern about snow/accidents/car trouble
Disadvantages: Cars and most other belongings must be shipped which will be expensive
Train
Tickets start around $277 for two
Transit time: 58 hours
Shipping cost for cars?
Shipping cost for any remaining belongings?
Advantages: No motel expenses, allows more checked baggage and less shipping, no concern about snow/accidents/car trouble
Disadvantages: Could be working instead of traveling, sleep not very restful, cars must be shipped, may still have to ship some belongings
RVing
Advantages: Less hectic pace, work as we travel, no motels, no separating from cars or belongings, no expense for shipping cars or belongings
Disadvantages: Must purchase either small RV or camper shell and small trailer, gas expenses for each vehicle, possible snow/accidents/car trouble
Driving
Roughly 3090 mile drive
Rough guesstimate of gas expense, per car: $570
Transit time (minimum): 46.5 hours
Potential hotel cost: $240
Rental cost for hauling trailer?
Advantages: Possibly less hectic, no separating from cars or belongings, no expense for shipping cars or belongings
Disadvantages: Could be working instead of traveling, possible snow/accidents/car trouble, expense for rental trailer
* ** *** ** * ** *** ** *
Related Research
Driving
U.S. current snow cover
Google maps
Mapquest
Given our non-existent experience driving in the snow, we'll want to route around snowy areas as much as possible. It looks like the best way to get around it is basically take freeways 10, 20, 30 out to Fort Worth, then swing north on one of several routes northeast.
Tornado season is roughly March-August, peaking in April and May, and predominantly occurring along Tornado Alley – a flat stretch of land from west Texas to North Dakota. Texas is the hardest hit.
Auto Transport/Shipping
Car shipping tips
Costs vary widely, but just as an example I got some prices for shipping our cars from Los Angeles, CA to Albany, NY. Some of them have somewhat higher prices for trucks than cars. Range for the truck: $799 - 1592. Car: $649 - 1392.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Cold weather living, and settlement
For those of us who have lived most of their life in a place like Southern California, a place where "cold weather extremes" consist of 28-32F degrees and an occasional light hailstorm, we really need a primer on living in a colder climate. Here is some good info I've found on this:
Checklist and tips for safe winter driving
Winter safety
Winterizing your car
Driving in snow and ice
Cold weather tips - geared towards camping but still good info
How to dress for Ontario winters
How to survive a cold winter
Car tips from dad:
Block heater
Plenty of antifreeze
Emergency supplies
Lighter weight oil for easier starting
Pump brakes to avoid losing traction
General settlement information
Immigrating and bringing your belongings
Your first days in Ontario
Finding short-term accommodation in Ontario
Help finding work in Ontario
Ontario Immigration
Going to Canada
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Immigrating or settling in Canada
Moving back to Canada
Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC)
A newcomer's Introduction to Canada
Checklist and tips for safe winter driving
Winter safety
Winterizing your car
Driving in snow and ice
Cold weather tips - geared towards camping but still good info
How to dress for Ontario winters
How to survive a cold winter
Car tips from dad:
Block heater
Plenty of antifreeze
Emergency supplies
Lighter weight oil for easier starting
Pump brakes to avoid losing traction
General settlement information
Immigrating and bringing your belongings
Your first days in Ontario
Finding short-term accommodation in Ontario
Help finding work in Ontario
Ontario Immigration
Going to Canada
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Immigrating or settling in Canada
Moving back to Canada
Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC)
A newcomer's Introduction to Canada
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Job and Training Resources
Labor Market Info
www.labourmarketinformation.ca
www.workdestinations.org
www.jobfutures.ca
General Internet Job Sites
Workopolis - www.workopolis.com
SkillNet - www.skillnet.ca/pub/index.html?iin.lang=en
Government - Canadian Job Bank - http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/Intro_en.asp
Government - Jobs Etc - www.jobsetc.ca
The Workplace - www.theworkplace.ca
Career Edge Internships - www.careeredge.org
Job Opportunities by Province/Territory
Alberta - www.alis.gov.ab.ca/
British Columbia - http://workinfonet.bc.ca/
Manitoba - www.mb.workinfonet.ca/
Newfoundland & Labrador - www.gov.nf.ca/nlwin/
Nova Scotia - http://workinfonet.ednet.ns.ca/
Northwest Territories - http://northwin.ca/
Ontario - www.onwin.ca/
Prince Edward Island - www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/Employment/index.php3
Saskatchewan - www.sasknetwork.gov.sk.ca/
Yukon - http://yuwin.ca/
www.labourmarketinformation.ca
www.workdestinations.org
www.jobfutures.ca
General Internet Job Sites
Workopolis - www.workopolis.com
SkillNet - www.skillnet.ca/pub/index.html?iin.lang=en
Government - Canadian Job Bank - http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/Intro_en.asp
Government - Jobs Etc - www.jobsetc.ca
The Workplace - www.theworkplace.ca
Career Edge Internships - www.careeredge.org
Job Opportunities by Province/Territory
Alberta - www.alis.gov.ab.ca/
British Columbia - http://workinfonet.bc.ca/
Manitoba - www.mb.workinfonet.ca/
Newfoundland & Labrador - www.gov.nf.ca/nlwin/
Nova Scotia - http://workinfonet.ednet.ns.ca/
Northwest Territories - http://northwin.ca/
Ontario - www.onwin.ca/
Prince Edward Island - www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/Employment/index.php3
Saskatchewan - www.sasknetwork.gov.sk.ca/
Yukon - http://yuwin.ca/
Monday, December 25, 2006
Exporting/Importing a Vehicle, etc.
Canadian government offices will be closed tomorrow for Boxing Day, but after that I will need to start contacting them for various information. Here is a quick to-do list.
Follow steps at RIV website
- my car has a minor recall so there will be some extra steps here
Important Contacts:
Follow steps at RIV website
- my car has a minor recall so there will be some extra steps here
- Have recall repair performed 1
- Obtain manufacturer's recall clearance letter 1 2 3
- Check Transport Canada's list of admissible U.S. vehicles 1 2 3
- Check vehicles for manufacturer's valid U.S. statement of compliance label 1 2 3
- Valid 17-digit Vehicle Identification Numbers 1 2 3
- Ensure vehicles have daytime running lights 1 2 3
- Trucks - Manufacturer's cargo capacity label if manufactured after April 1, 1999 1
- Determine additional costs, such as duty and taxes
- Gather title documents, registration, sales receipts, statement of compliance label and manufacturer's recall clearance letter
- Find out about any additional provincial or territorial requirements, such as safety inspections and emissions tests
- Arrange for insurance on vehicles 1 2 3
- Notify U.S. Customs and follow procedures:
- Provide Certificate of Title including the VIN
- Provide 2 complete copies of Certificate of Title
- Submit this required documentation at least 72 hours prior to exportation
- Present vehicle for exportation at time of export
- Port Directors will determine at what location vehicle(s) must be presented
- Original document will be authenticated and usually returned
- Dirt must be washed from vehicles including undercarriages (see BIS contact info below to get requirements)
- Check this - vehicles may be able to be brought in as "temporary" at first, then official importation filed later - this may work for Nickie as a temporary resident but it may be different for me as a citizen
- Obtain SIN from HRSDC
- Ensure that the Inside Canada forms are ready to go
- Photos - PR app
- Medical exam - PR app
Important Contacts:
Registrar of Imported Vehicles
1-888-848-8240
Fax: (416) 626-0366
info@riv.ca
Mon. to Fri.: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight (EST)
Sat. and Sun.: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST)Canada Border Services Agency
In Canada: 1-800-461-9999 (English) ; 1-800-959-2036 (French)
Outside Canada: (506) 636-5064 (English); (506) 636-5067 (French)
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.caTransport Canada
In Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Outside Canada: (613) 998-8616
Fax: (613) 998-4831
www.tc.gc.caBorder Information Services
In Canada: 1-800-461-9999
(204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064
24-hour recorded info
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00 local time press "0" for an agentImport Service Centers
(for Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements)
In Canada or U.S.:
Eastern ISC (Montréal): 1-877-493-0468
Central ISC (Toronto): 1-800-835-4486
Western ISC (Vancouver): 1-888-732-6222
www.inspection.gc.ca
General Motors (Oshawa, ON)
888-467-6853
905-440-7689
Toyota
1-800-331-4331
Friday, December 22, 2006
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is the Canadian equivalent of a Social Security Number (SSN) in the U.S. It takes about 3 weeks to get your card, and there is no charge for your first application. You need one in order to work.
I don't know if I have an SIN yet, so I will have to call them to find out what to do.
There is a toll-free number for callers inside Canada:
1 800 206-7218 option 3
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (your local time), except statutory holidays
but if you call from abroad you have to call long-distance
(506) 548-7961
8:00am to 8:30pm (Atlantic time)
Here is where you can get the form to request a SIN:
http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sin
Update 12/27/06:
I called and found out that if you come into one of their offices in person with your Canadian birth certificate, you will receive your SIN on the spot and then it takes about 10 days for you to get it in the mail. If I do it by mail, I was told, I may be separated from my original birth certificate for up to 8 weeks during processing. This is obviously something better taken care of after landing.
I don't know if I have an SIN yet, so I will have to call them to find out what to do.
There is a toll-free number for callers inside Canada:
1 800 206-7218 option 3
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (your local time), except statutory holidays
but if you call from abroad you have to call long-distance
(506) 548-7961
8:00am to 8:30pm (Atlantic time)
Here is where you can get the form to request a SIN:
http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sin
Update 12/27/06:
I called and found out that if you come into one of their offices in person with your Canadian birth certificate, you will receive your SIN on the spot and then it takes about 10 days for you to get it in the mail. If I do it by mail, I was told, I may be separated from my original birth certificate for up to 8 weeks during processing. This is obviously something better taken care of after landing.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Locations
This is a list of some locations currently under consideration for our immediate move. Items will be turned gray if we cross them off our list. Because we are (A) visible minorities and (B) gay, and want minimal hassling over either of these, things like racial diversity/tolerance and legal recognition of gay relationships will weigh heavily on our decision about where to go.
SSM= Same-Sex Marriage
civil union = same rights as marriage but with a different name
domestic partnership = most of the legal rights of marriage
div = amount of racial diversity
unempl = unemployment rate
jobout = job outlook (the higher the better)
Alaska - anti-SSM constitution, no recognition
California - domestic partnership, racially diverse
Connecticut - civil union
Massachusetts - SSM
New York - no recognition
Ontario - SSM
Vermont - civil union
SSM= Same-Sex Marriage
civil union = same rights as marriage but with a different name
domestic partnership = most of the legal rights of marriage
div = amount of racial diversity
unempl = unemployment rate
jobout = job outlook (the higher the better)
Alaska - anti-SSM constitution, no recognition
- Juneau
- Fairbanks
California - domestic partnership, racially diverse
- Brea
- Fullerton
- Irvine?
- La Mirada
- Monrovia
- Pasadena
- Placentia
- San Dimas
- San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles - 3.2% unempl
- Temple City
avoid: - Anaheim
- Garden Grove
- Santa Ana
Connecticut - civil union
- Bridgeport - $? 5.3% jobout
- Danbury - $? 50-60% div 3.4% unempl 6.3% jobout
- Hartford
- New Haven-Meriden - 50-60% div 6.5% jobout
- New London-Norwich - 30-40% div
- Stamford-Norwalk - $? 50-60% div 3.2% unempl 5.1% jobout
- Waterbury - 6.7% jobout
Massachusetts - SSM
- Barnstable-Yarmouth - $? 10-20% div
- Boston - $? 50-60% div
- Brockton - $? 10-20% div
- Fitchburg-Leominster - 30-40% div 7.1% jobout
- Lawrence - $? 30-40% div
- New Bedford - $? 10-20% div
- Pittsfield - 10-20% div 5.4% jobout
- Providence-Fall River-Warwick - 5.7%
- Springfield - 5.8% jobout
- Worcester - 50-60% 6.4% jobout -2.4% jobgro
- Minneapolis - major traffic, colder than Ontario
New York - no recognition
- Ithaca
- Rochester
- - Skaneateles
- - Victor
- - Perinton
- - Pittsford
- Syracuse
Ontario - SSM
- Ottawa
- Peterborough
- Markham
- Toronto
Vermont - civil union
- Burlington - 3.1% unempl
- Los Angeles - 6.2% jobout
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