Thread for outland Buffalo applicants!

[Tiggilicious]

Pretty quiet here today. I dont like that! haha.
Off topic.. but our daughter got her US Birth abroad yesterday at the US consulate in Halifax! Shes now officially a dual citizen!

[amaranth]

A tiny bit of news, and a glimmer of hope.

Last week, Husband called our MP's office and briefly outlined the issues we and the entire Nov. thru Feb. group is dealing with. Today we went to the office, and met with one of the MP's assistants... whose main job within the office is to handle immigration issues! We explained everything to her, focusing on how many people are in limbo. She's just as concerned as we all are now, and she will be contacting Ottawa to see if she can get any real info on why the computer change may have hindered so many people, and why our group is seeing hardly any movement while March is sailing through. She did say it may be a couple of weeks before she gets any answers, but I kind of expected that since she's dealing with a government office!  

We will also be sending a case specific inquiry, but she warned us not to be surprised if we get the same seemingly generic response everyone else has. (Which is why I haven't sent one yet. I don't really think I'd get any better response than what's already been posted by others.) According to her, Buffalo is one of the most frustrating offices to deal with when trying to get any kind of info! Again, not surprised at all!  

So, we have at least one person working on our side now, for ALL of us. I'm hoping we get some info soon... or even better, we ALL get good news while I wait for an update from her!

(She's also intrigued by our forum here. She loves that we have a place to share info, answer questions, and generally offer support to each other, because really, who understands the frustration and confusion better than others who are going through the same things?   )

((Also... Sparkle, I hope you don't mind, but I showed her the spreadsheet. Having the visual was easier than trying to explain just how many of us are waiting   ))

[Jeff]

Oh good stuff Amaranth! My MP asked me to fill out some consent forms but I figured I'll wait another week now that I have finally received confirmation that they have our fees paid. Was quietly hoping to hear something today but no such luck.

[amaranth]

Pretty quiet here today. I dont like that! haha.
Off topic.. but our daughter got her US Birth abroad yesterday at the US consulate in Halifax! Shes now officially a dual citizen!

Congrats! It does feel good to get some happy news here! 

[avon]

That is great news Amaranth, I firmly believe this is a system issue, and has to be addressed by everyone as such and hopefully she will get back to us with some answers. If we address it individually, I think we will get my answer of check back with us in the fall.  That way everyone will have their nice summer break, and it has to go through the different departments, etc.  This way, their is a chance if we let them know that we won't be more delayed than usual.  Thank you!!!

Regarding, moving, my wife used this company I think called purelycanadian movers or something with that in the name.  I can get details if you need.  There was wide differences in moving companies based on costs, and some companies were really aggressive on costs, but if you looked them up on the better business bureau they rated as an F.  So that is my advice check out the companies on better business bureau - you can google the results.  Also check out what they want in terms of paperwork, the company that we went with had paperwork for the border.  Other companies weren't really sure about the process.

Congrats Tiggilicious regarding your child's dual citizenship.

[kayan]

 @  Avon
      Thanks for the info! I found the company online and will request a quote.

 @  Amaranth
      That's great that your MP is so proactive. Looking forward to hearing what she finds out.

[avon]

Sorry just talked with my wife, we used transcanadian movers, and we were very happy.  They also shipped one of our cars, and handled the paperwork associated with that.

[kayan]

Sorry just talked with my wife, we used transcanadian movers, and we were very happy.  They also shipped one of our cars, and handled the paperwork associated with that.

No problem, thanks. I will check them out as well.

[buffalo-toronto]

Its been a week that my wife emailed her MP but havnt heard back from him. Tried calling too but went to voice mail all the time and voice mail was also full.
No Escape!!

[puzzle69]

Does anyone know if I decided to use a mover to haul my belongings over the border into Canada would I have to physically be at the border when the moving truck came over? Or, could I fill out paperwork ahead of time to clear my goods and have the movers drive directly to my new house w/o me being at the border crossing? If anyone knows for certain I'd appreciate the advice. Thanks.

[dhd]

Does anyone know if I decided to use a mover to haul my belongings over the border into Canada would I have to physically be at the border when the moving truck came over? Or, could I fill out paperwork ahead of time to clear my goods and have the movers drive directly to my new house w/o me being at the border crossing? If anyone knows for certain I'd appreciate the advice. Thanks.

No, in general they will take the truck to a warehouse in Canada where you will meet them to clear the shipment.  Then they will drive it to your house.  However the actual paperwork mostly takes place when you cross the border - you can do this when you land.

When you cross the border you'll submit forms B4 and B4A, which have a list of all your goods.  They will stamp these and give them back to you, then you will present them to the customs officers at the warehouse.

It's helpful to print out the forms and fill them out before you get to the border - this will make it really fast when you actually cross (and the customs officers will appreciate it and probably be nicer to you).

You can find the forms at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/menu-eng.html

There are a few other threads about this on this messageboard with recommendations on how to fill them out (or just Google "B4")

[puzzle69]

Thanks dhd, that helps a lot! Now I can begin to formulate a moving plan for whenever I get my PPR. According to your progress you haven't landed yet, but are you already in Canada? It sounds like you've already been through the move.

[sparkle]

It has been so slow again
And we are heading towards a long weekend, so more delay, including the fact that many might even take the whole week off

Being hopeful for end of July is asking for too much ??

[Rinnerz]

Being hopeful for end of July is asking for too much ??

I hope not; my medicals expire August 1  . Hopefully everyone will hear something soon, despite the long weekend.

[dhd]

Thanks dhd, that helps a lot! Now I can begin to formulate a moving plan for whenever I get my PPR. According to your progress you haven't landed yet, but are you already in Canada? It sounds like you've already been through the move.

I'm Canadian, sponsoring my wife - but I just recently moved back, so this is based on my experience moving my stuff.  I think the procedures are essentially the same for immigrants as for returning citizens, but you might want to do a side-to-side comparison to make sure

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5087-eng.html
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5114-eng.html