kanadatrustee
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Posts: 15
Ratings: +0
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« Reply #10500 on: May 27, 2011, 03:42:05 pm » |
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Looking at the air tickets from Virginia to Calgary or Edmonton is making me wonder if it is possible to do the landing much closer lets say Toronto or Ottawa.
Questions:
1. Has anybody with AINP nomination done landing in Toronto or Ottawa without any issues? Just an FYI I will be providing an Alberta address to send my PR cards in case I go to Toronto or Ottawa.
2. Me and my wife are not planning to move right away due to job related obligations can we still get our PR cards before we permanently move to Alberta or do we have to apply for PR cards when we move to Alberta permanently.
Would really appreciate any help on this matter.
Gracias
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Avalap
Star Member
Posts: 151
Ratings: +21
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« Reply #10501 on: May 27, 2011, 05:11:51 pm » |
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Hello Enna, The information given by cchabert is the right place to check for the office locations regarding SIN and Health Cards. Arrival into Canada on a weekday or weekend does not make any difference as the landing process is a fairly simple and the officer on duty will help you throughout the process. With regard to departing from Canada and using AVR, Personally I would advice departing on a weekday. Since the number of people using AVR from Calgary/Edmonton airports are very few and the VO may or may not be fully aware of the rules. I assume the full Immigration staff is available on a weekday than a weekend and the VO (if needed) can seek clarifications or advice from his colleagues regarding AVR. Also do take a copy of the AVR guidelines to support your case. FYI - Immigration to US is done at Calgary/ Edmonton International Airport itself. Hope this helps. Hi Avalap,
I'm planning to land this end of July, can I asked you the following questions:
1. Where is the SIN office in Calgary? And what do I need to bring to apply for SIN?
2. How about the Health card, where is the office and what do I need to bring to apply?
I'm coming back using AVR
1. Is it better depart during weekday and during office hours, so in case the border person/s have a way to check if they are not familiar with AVR?
2. How about arrival, is it better also during weekday ?
Thanks,
enna
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Avalap
Star Member
Posts: 151
Ratings: +21
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« Reply #10502 on: May 27, 2011, 05:24:42 pm » |
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Kanadatrustee, Here are my thougths: 1. 1. Has anybody with AINP nomination done landing in Toronto or Ottawa without any issues? Just an FYI I will be providing an Alberta address to send my PR cards in case I go to Toronto or Ottawa. Many people from this forum (AINP Folks) landed in Toronto and other places. The experiences are mixed and the bottom line statement is "Convincing the Visa Officer at the port of entry that you intended to settle and reside in Alberta". 2. 2. Me and my wife are not planning to move right away due to job related obligations can we still get our PR cards before we permanently move to Alberta or do we have to apply for PR cards when we move to Alberta permanently. Legally and technically, You have to apply for your PR cards when you move to Alberta Permanently. However, many people do apply for PR cards at the time of landing and make a permanent move at a later date.
Applying for PR Cards - As a new immigrant, you automatically get your PR card to the address you provide at the time of landing in approx. 8-10 weeks UNLESS you tell the VO that you are only completing the landing formalities and/or do not have an address and the VO gives you a fax number to send the address when you move permanently. Hope this helps Looking at the air tickets from Virginia to Calgary or Edmonton is making me wonder if it is possible to do the landing much closer lets say Toronto or Ottawa.
Questions:
1. Has anybody with AINP nomination done landing in Toronto or Ottawa without any issues? Just an FYI I will be providing an Alberta address to send my PR cards in case I go to Toronto or Ottawa.
2. Me and my wife are not planning to move right away due to job related obligations can we still get our PR cards before we permanently move to Alberta or do we have to apply for PR cards when we move to Alberta permanently.
Would really appreciate any help on this matter.
Gracias
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Avalap
Star Member
Posts: 151
Ratings: +21
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« Reply #10503 on: May 27, 2011, 05:26:46 pm » |
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shambho, If you have SIN number, you can start working and need not wait to receive your PR card. Hey Avalap - Thank you very much for explaining this. At this time, I am asking - If you land in Alberta with your stamped passport, have received your SIN etc but still waiting for the PR card to arrive in mail, can you work in Alberta?
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enna
Full Member
Posts: 48
Ratings: +0
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« Reply #10504 on: May 27, 2011, 06:09:14 pm » |
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Hi Avalap, Thank you, thank you again.....i have a question with this one Applying for PR Cards - As a new immigrant, you automatically get your PR card to the address you provide at the time of landing in approx. 8-10 weeks UNLESS you tell the VO that you are only completing the landing formalities and/or do not have an address and the VO gives you a fax number to send the address when you move permanently. Why is it that some who landed and told that they are going back to the US where told that they will apply when they come back to Canada? Hello Enna,
The information given by cchabert is the right place to check for the office locations regarding SIN and Health Cards.
Arrival into Canada on a weekday or weekend does not make any difference as the landing process is a fairly simple and the officer on duty will help you throughout the process.
With regard to departing from Canada and using AVR, Personally I would advice departing on a weekday. Since the number of people using AVR from Calgary/Edmonton airports are very few and the VO may or may not be fully aware of the rules. I assume the full Immigration staff is available on a weekday than a weekend and the VO (if needed) can seek clarifications or advice from his colleagues regarding AVR. Also do take a copy of the AVR guidelines to support your case.
FYI - Immigration to US is done at Calgary/ Edmonton International Airport itself.
Hope this helps.
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justinline
Star Member
Posts: 59
Ratings: +2
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« Reply #10505 on: May 27, 2011, 07:45:13 pm » |
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I thought I post my AVR experience here as well
My case for AVR
Expired visa Stamped on Expired passport. Changed Status to H1b. Never had H1b stamped. Just have the I797 and I94.
Enter the Toronto US customs pre clearance area around 5 am on 12 May 2011
First encounter with Immigration officer after 15-20 Minutes. Show him all the passports and H1b approvals and tell him about AVR. This officer has no clue what I am talking about. Insists he has to deny admission since I donot have valid visa stamped, and also says no way to make across without a proper stamped visa. Wants to deny admission....asks me to go to consulate and get visa stamped. Asks me to take emergency appointment.( I am thinking atleast send me to the secondary immigration...isn't that the normal procedure. If you think something is missing....or you can't understand the case send me to the senior guys back in the secondary area.)In the meanwhile I keep talking about the AVR rule, how I need to join my job, I donot have time for visa stamping. This goes on for while...finally IO says allright, packs my stuff in a envelope sends me to the secondary area. Says let see what guys back there think.
Go to the secondary inspection area and hand them over the envelope with all the documents. The secondary area has lot of people. People applying for TN visa, people importing weird food stuff, people who have expired passports, people with name mismatch ...and me, a guy who wants to use AVR. I think this is going to be an interesting day. It will be more than a hour before my name is called. Atmosphere there is little tense.
Meet the new IO. Asks slew of questions.Show him all the crap and more. IO says I know AVR but doesn't apply to you.....why? You have changed status. If you want to use AVR you cannot change status. Then I start my rote about AVR, what my lawyer said what my company HR said. IO is not convinced. Says take a seat he needs to consult. In the meanwhile people pour in and people are escorted out being inadmissible. (remember no use getting angry and frustrated it is like twilight zone). And yes no phone in secondary area. Mr Lee(a chinese guy ...just stereotyping) wants TN visa stamped. IO there not convinced about his job responsibilities....think he questions his immigration intent. Mr Lee gets angry...tries to call someone. A IO shouts across the room..IF YOU DO NOT PUT THAT DOWN IT WILL BE CONFISCATED. Mr Lee is pissed.....complains about the treatment...takes the name of the officers says he will file a complaint. IO escorts him out.
I check the time holy cow!!! it is 7.15 am already....will miss the flight. There are other drama and side shows going on. One good thing is different Air Line staff keep coming to the secondary inspection area to check out if any of their passengers are stuck there. If you have any bags checked in, and if you are getting late they will hold your bags for you. I saw this with Air Canada. I ask the Air Canada lady to book me on the next flight....then I thought no use, I am not even sure if I am going to make it or what time. Air Canada lady says do not worry, we have flights through out the day.
Meanwhile stroke of luck....due to escalating backlog in the secondary area.....more senior IOs trickle in to help the staff. Another IO takes up my case file. After same routine of questions and some more he says, yeah you can use AVR. I told him... I know that, you know that......now tell it to that IO. Get a chuckle out of him. He goes to the previous IO and explains the rule. They have a very hearty discussion. The previous IO takes my file keeps it on the side. I go back to my seat. My flight is long gone...I am thinking hmmm!! thank God at least there is some light at end of tunnel.
Name is called again time is 8.00 am. IO is grumpy. Asks for all the documents h1b approval, pay stub, w2 , opt card, employment letter, what else you got to prove your employment? Says....ok I will let you in this time using AVR. But gives me his version (as if his belief was shattered that day) of AVR. Automatic Visa Revalidation. Revalidating your existing status...not your previous status. If you have no stamped visa in current status there is nothing to revalidate. Still goes into think mode as if he is making some kind of mistake......goes back to senior IO. Comes back. Says ok I am letting you use the AVR this time (I am thinking "let you".....what is this "let you" all about, either there is a rule or there is no rule. When his superior is saying I can use AVR......who is he to say "let you").Soon my answer comes....AVR he says is a privilege....there are lot of laws and regulations which give discretionary powers to IOs.
Then I begin to engage the IO in little chit chat. But then Sir, even if you have a stamped visa, isn't it the discretion of the IO to let the person in or not. Yes...he says confidently. Only US citizens with valid passport have the right to enter...that is the law. For rest with visas and even Green card admissibility is always determined at the point of entry. There has been cases he told GC holders has been denied entry because of felony records and DWI records. Then he says....I see your last stamped visa is very old....next time you exit US make sure you get the visa stamped. I donot like people using such old visa for AVR purpose. I am cancelling your old visa without prejudice and taking your old I94. This way you won't be able to use AVR any more. I am giving you new I94 and stamping your entry as H1b entry with expiry as your latest H1b approval.
8.30 am I am out of secondary inspection.
Justin
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venks80
Star Member
Posts: 52
Ratings: +4
Category........: AINP
Visa Office......: BUFFALO NY
NOC Code......: 2171
Doc's Request.: 12/11/2009
Nomination.....: 01/10/2010
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« Reply #10506 on: May 27, 2011, 09:50:05 pm » |
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Justin i think your landing formality is not by road right? I think road journey is safe when you are using AVR. Any how welcome back!  I thought I post my AVR experience here as well
My case for AVR
Expired visa Stamped on Expired passport. Changed Status to H1b. Never had H1b stamped. Just have the I797 and I94.
Enter the Toronto US customs pre clearance area around 5 am on 12 May 2011
First encounter with Immigration officer after 15-20 Minutes. Show him all the passports and H1b approvals and tell him about AVR. This officer has no clue what I am talking about. Insists he has to deny admission since I donot have valid visa stamped, and also says no way to make across without a proper stamped visa. Wants to deny admission....asks me to go to consulate and get visa stamped. Asks me to take emergency appointment.( I am thinking atleast send me to the secondary immigration...isn't that the normal procedure. If you think something is missing....or you can't understand the case send me to the senior guys back in the secondary area.)In the meanwhile I keep talking about the AVR rule, how I need to join my job, I donot have time for visa stamping. This goes on for while...finally IO says allright, packs my stuff in a envelope sends me to the secondary area. Says let see what guys back there think.
Go to the secondary inspection area and hand them over the envelope with all the documents. The secondary area has lot of people. People applying for TN visa, people importing weird food stuff, people who have expired passports, people with name mismatch ...and me, a guy who wants to use AVR. I think this is going to be an interesting day. It will be more than a hour before my name is called. Atmosphere there is little tense.
Meet the new IO. Asks slew of questions.Show him all the crap and more. IO says I know AVR but doesn't apply to you.....why? You have changed status. If you want to use AVR you cannot change status. Then I start my rote about AVR, what my lawyer said what my company HR said. IO is not convinced. Says take a seat he needs to consult. In the meanwhile people pour in and people are escorted out being inadmissible. (remember no use getting angry and frustrated it is like twilight zone). And yes no phone in secondary area. Mr Lee(a chinese guy ...just stereotyping) wants TN visa stamped. IO there not convinced about his job responsibilities....think he questions his immigration intent. Mr Lee gets angry...tries to call someone. A IO shouts across the room..IF YOU DO NOT PUT THAT DOWN IT WILL BE CONFISCATED. Mr Lee is pissed.....complains about the treatment...takes the name of the officers says he will file a complaint. IO escorts him out.
I check the time holy cow!!! it is 7.15 am already....will miss the flight. There are other drama and side shows going on. One good thing is different Air Line staff keep coming to the secondary inspection area to check out if any of their passengers are stuck there. If you have any bags checked in, and if you are getting late they will hold your bags for you. I saw this with Air Canada. I ask the Air Canada lady to book me on the next flight....then I thought no use, I am not even sure if I am going to make it or what time. Air Canada lady says do not worry, we have flights through out the day.
Meanwhile stroke of luck....due to escalating backlog in the secondary area.....more senior IOs trickle in to help the staff. Another IO takes up my case file. After same routine of questions and some more he says, yeah you can use AVR. I told him... I know that, you know that......now tell it to that IO. Get a chuckle out of him. He goes to the previous IO and explains the rule. They have a very hearty discussion. The previous IO takes my file keeps it on the side. I go back to my seat. My flight is long gone...I am thinking hmmm!! thank God at least there is some light at end of tunnel.
Name is called again time is 8.00 am. IO is grumpy. Asks for all the documents h1b approval, pay stub, w2 , opt card, employment letter, what else you got to prove your employment? Says....ok I will let you in this time using AVR. But gives me his version (as if his belief was shattered that day) of AVR. Automatic Visa Revalidation. Revalidating your existing status...not your previous status. If you have no stamped visa in current status there is nothing to revalidate. Still goes into think mode as if he is making some kind of mistake......goes back to senior IO. Comes back. Says ok I am letting you use the AVR this time (I am thinking "let you".....what is this "let you" all about, either there is a rule or there is no rule. When his superior is saying I can use AVR......who is he to say "let you").Soon my answer comes....AVR he says is a privilege....there are lot of laws and regulations which give discretionary powers to IOs.
Then I begin to engage the IO in little chit chat. But then Sir, even if you have a stamped visa, isn't it the discretion of the IO to let the person in or not. Yes...he says confidently. Only US citizens with valid passport have the right to enter...that is the law. For rest with visas and even Green card admissibility is always determined at the point of entry. There has been cases he told GC holders has been denied entry because of felony records and DWI records. Then he says....I see your last stamped visa is very old....next time you exit US make sure you get the visa stamped. I donot like people using such old visa for AVR purpose. I am cancelling your old visa without prejudice and taking your old I94. This way you won't be able to use AVR any more. I am giving you new I94 and stamping your entry as H1b entry with expiry as your latest H1b approval.
8.30 am I am out of secondary inspection.
Justin
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tonyind
Star Member
Posts: 96
Ratings: +2
Category........: AINP
Visa Office......: Detroit
App. Filed.......: 24/03/2009
Nomination.....: 12/10/2009
AOR Received.: 07/23/2010
File Transfer...: 01/05/2011 (Detroit )
Med's Request: 07/23/2010
Med's Done....: 07/29/2010 reached 08/5/2010
Passport Req..: 06/10/11
VISA ISSUED...: 06/24/11
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« Reply #10507 on: May 28, 2011, 10:29:01 am » |
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Thank you very much Avalap for confirming.
My passports received @ detroit,MI on 05/19/2011 for visa stamping. Today I checked in USPS with return tracking number, it says arrived @ Atlanta post office. I think in couple of hours they may deliver at my home. Hoping visa's are stamped in passports.
Thanks,
Srikanth.
Congrats!!! Hope you have got your passport and getting prepared for landing. If you could please share the validity of your visa. Is it till ur medicals??? Mine is also stuck in Detroit since Jan'11. My medicals are going to expire in July end. Best of Luck!! |
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josephdadreamer
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« Reply #10508 on: May 28, 2011, 11:47:19 am » |
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Tonyind, So there's no communication yet with them? oh my goodness it's frustrating to know this situation. I believe there's 2 members before way back in 2009 whose medicals is about to expire also but they got their ppr on the last minute. Did you try another inquiry? Congrats!!! Hope you have got your passport and getting prepared for landing. If you could please share the validity of your visa. Is it till ur medicals??? Mine is also stuck in Detroit since Jan'11. My medicals are going to expire in July end.
Best of Luck!!
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tonyind
Star Member
Posts: 96
Ratings: +2
Category........: AINP
Visa Office......: Detroit
App. Filed.......: 24/03/2009
Nomination.....: 12/10/2009
AOR Received.: 07/23/2010
File Transfer...: 01/05/2011 (Detroit )
Med's Request: 07/23/2010
Med's Done....: 07/29/2010 reached 08/5/2010
Passport Req..: 06/10/11
VISA ISSUED...: 06/24/11
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« Reply #10509 on: May 28, 2011, 12:13:13 pm » |
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Tonyind,
So there's no communication yet with them? oh my goodness it's frustrating to know this situation. I believe there's 2 members before way back in 2009 whose medicals is about to expire also but they got their ppr on the last minute. Did you try another inquiry?
No dear!!! Yes it is agonizing......wish there could be a way to reach them directly...I ordered my CAIPS, and on it it says that they will review my file on 1st May 2011.................I did sent them an inquiry and you know what I got to hear from them. I will wait till 15th June and re sent. |
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VAtoCA
Star Member
Posts: 81
Ratings: +5
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« Reply #10510 on: May 28, 2011, 05:26:08 pm » |
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Looking at the air tickets from Virginia to Calgary or Edmonton is making me wonder if it is possible to do the landing much closer lets say Toronto or Ottawa.
Questions:
1. Has anybody with AINP nomination done landing in Toronto or Ottawa without any issues? Just an FYI I will be providing an Alberta address to send my PR cards in case I go to Toronto or Ottawa.
I did the same. Landed via Niagra and gave AB address. No problem at all.
2. Me and my wife are not planning to move right away due to job related obligations can we still get our PR cards before we permanently move to Alberta or do we have to apply for PR cards when we move to Alberta permanently.
Yes you can. Once I completed landing I visited Toronto for couple of days and came back to US. They mailed my PR card at the address I provided.
Would really appreciate any help on this matter.
Gracias
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what_a_joke
Full Member
Posts: 22
Ratings: +0
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« Reply #10511 on: May 28, 2011, 10:39:22 pm » |
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Well..
completed the landing in Calgary on Sunday, May 22nd.
customs did not accept the photos i took with me of the jewelry.
used my friend's address in Calgary for PR cards..
applied for SIN on Tuesday and returned on Thursday via Toronto. AVR in Toronto was smooth as baby's butt...no issues...the officer didn't even ask me the reason for my visit to Canada.
Sandeep
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Albertahero
Full Member
Posts: 27
Ratings: +2
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« Reply #10512 on: May 28, 2011, 10:42:35 pm » |
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opportunity to share one month Rent Guys who is moving to alberta or was already to moved to canada, I need a Local address of alberta , iam ready to share the one month rent with you. So that it can helpful for both. Just i need the address for my PR CARD. If any one is interested please let me know. Thanks albertahero [/quote] |
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KKumar
Member
Posts: 13
Ratings: +0
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« Reply #10513 on: May 29, 2011, 10:52:01 pm » |
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Hi Alberta Hero....
Have you thought about the option of renting a UPS Box in calgary or edmonton ( they give you the street address and not PO Box no.). And once you rent their box they also provide the mail forwording services... were they will forword ur mail to any part of world at cost of forwording plus there service charges....
Any seniors or experienced members please tell ur your thoughts.... is this is a good option which will work,,?? or any one who has used this option in past....
thanks...
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Albertahero
Full Member
Posts: 27
Ratings: +2
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« Reply #10514 on: May 30, 2011, 01:20:32 pm » |
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Hi Seniors Could you please provide your valuable opinion on this(Renting a ups box)... Hi Alberta Hero....
Have you thought about the option of renting a UPS Box in calgary or edmonton ( they give you the street address and not PO Box no.). And once you rent their box they also provide the mail forwording services... were they will forword ur mail to any part of world at cost of forwording plus there service charges....
Any seniors or experienced members please tell ur your thoughts.... is this is a good option which will work,,?? or any one who has used this option in past....
thanks...
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Immigration Forum
