CPP-Ottawa

[Mariac819]

Thats what I was thinking. It seems they only care about the amount on you for terrorism funding/ money laundering purposes. Thanks!

Trying to figure out the whole cross border money situation is tough. I have read in many places the worst thing you can do is completely "close up shop" as an expat. It's recommended to maintain an address, even if it's one those $10 a month mail forwarding services. To keep a bank account open with a little activity and to maintain a few American credit cards.

I am keeping my US bank account and all my US credit cards. I don't see why anyone would cancel them and close their accounts. I personally still plan on traveling to the USA often and why use a Canadian Credit Card over the border and pay foreign transaction fees when you can use US cards.

 

[Mariac819]

So in my typical OCD fashion, I was glancing through some of what takes place when landing, concerning goods and money. One thing I noticed is that you have to declare if you're carrying more than 10K on you, whether it's in stocks, cash, checks etc. There was no reference as to whether you've left the money in a cross border bank account to wire transfer as needed at a later date. I'm assuming with wire transfers the government is able to track these transfers. So, then you don't need to declare money you've left behind in other accounts?

I wish the CBSA gave more insight as to how new settlers should handle discloser of foreign accounts. Unless they already did and I missed it.

Thanks for any insights from those who've landed or read deeper than I have.

Only money you are physically bringing with you across the border. Bank accounts don't count for purposes of crossing the border. When you do wire transfers they ask you what its for and they track the accounts where they came from and going to. (I've done this before). Also, banks have to report activity over 10,000 to the IRS or CRA anyway.

 

[saria1]

I am keeping my US bank account and all my US credit cards. I don't see why anyone would cancel them and close their accounts. I personally still plan on traveling to the USA often and why use a Canadian Credit Card over the border and pay foreign transaction fees when you can use US cards.

I called both Amex and TD bank in Canada and was surprised to learn that 19% was considered a good interest rate. Not one of our cards is over 10%, even our American TD credit card. It makes more sense for us to pay the 3% foreign transaction fees and use our American credit cards on a regular basis. We'll get a few cards under our Canadian SIN's only for the occasional use, to build and maintain Canadian credit, but I can't justify 19% for good credit. :-\

 

[Mariac819]

I called both Amex and TD bank in Canada and was surprised to learn that 19% was considered a good interest rate. Not one of our cards is over 10%, even our American TD credit card. It makes more sense for us to pay the 3% foreign transaction fees and use our American credit cards on a regular basis. We'll get a few cards under our Canadian SIN's only for the occasional use, to build and maintain Canadian credit, but I can't justify 19% for good credit. :-\

You only pay interest rates if you don't pay your full bill balance by the due date. I always pay my bill in full when the bill is issued and I don't pay interest.

And yes 19% is considered good even in the USA. Even though 10-14% is ideal. If you don't have Canadian Credit 19% is actually not bad.

 

[saria1]

You only pay interest rates if you don't pay your full bill balance by the due date. I always pay my bill in full when the bill is issued and I don't pay interest.

And yes 19% is considered good even in the USA. Even though 10-14% is ideal. If you don't have Canadian Credit 19% is actually not bad.

I've learned both American Express and TD bank will pull from my American credit history and issue me cards under my Canadian SIN. So that helps for immediate setup of Canadian credit. We're planning on renting for awhile, so we're in no hurry for a home loan.

I'm wondering since TD looks at our American credit for the Canadian credit card, if they will also do the same for a home loan??? Off to Dr Google to find

 

[keesio]

I am keeping my US bank account and all my US credit cards. I don't see why anyone would cancel them and close their accounts. I personally still plan on traveling to the USA often and why use a Canadian Credit Card over the border and pay foreign transaction fees when you can use US cards.

The only thing to keep in mind is CRA Form T-1135, CRA's version of the FBAR. But the threshold is much higher (total foreign assets have to exceed 100K) to require reporting. Otherwise it is a good idea to keep your US accounts. I kept a few of mine and still have US credit card. Very useful if you want to purchase things online from the US intended for the US market (best deals) as many vendors require a US credit card to purchase it. Of course you also need a US address to ship to but that what relatives (in the US) are for

 

[ISP221]

Decision made on ECAS today. App was received on July 23, 2014. Will update the spreadsheet soon!

 

[KarlR]

Happy New year all!


Can anyone give me some advice?
My medicals expire in about 10 days.I emailed CIC over a month ago and asked about what to do,but they never replied.Will they contact me after they expire and either request that I do them again,or tell me they will extend them?

Should I just sit tight and wait for them to contact me?

Thanks!

 

[parker24]

Happy New year all!


Can anyone give me some advice?
My medicals expire in about 10 days.I emailed CIC over a month ago and asked about what to do,but they never replied.Will they contact me after they expire and either request that I do them again,or tell me they will extend them?

Should I just sit tight and wait for them to contact me?

Thanks!

It's been a while since my husband landed, but if it's still the same as it was before, if they extend them, you won't know until they approve/deny the application. I'm fairly sure that it's still the same, Immigration likes to keep everyone at arms length! haha.

 

[spaceexp]

Got my DM today Hoping my COPR arrives soon...

 

[Qaiss]

Help me please

Applied spouse sponsorship
Apllication got refusad in Aug 2010
Appeal allowed in Jan 2014
Documents and medical chekups requested from ottawa office in Aug 2014
Douments and medical checkup posted in Sep 2014
No response after that from CPC-Ottawa

Some one please advice me how long more my case would be in process. Thanks

 

[ganubie]

Hello,

We have a DM made on ecas recently and was wondering if anyone can tell me if they contact you via email or snail mail regarding the decision and PPR. My husband (applicant) is in Australia but for some reason got processes in ottawa.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Hello,

We have a DM made on ecas recently and was wondering if anyone can tell me if they contact you via email or snail mail regarding the decision and PPR. My husband (applicant) is in Australia but for some reason got processes in ottawa.

no, you don't get any notification about what the decision it. generally, if there was no interview and any requested information was sent, the decision will be positive. if he is visa exempt, then he was probably waived the PPR, as a lot of visa exempt applicants don't get the request. your husband should be expecting his COPR in the mail. i am not sure how it will be sent to australia (assuming that's where he is). for most applicants, the COPR is sent through regular mail in a brown envelope.

 

[blueangel371115]

Woot, eCAS says 'In Process' Finally!!! I think there's a light at the end of this tunnel

 

[EmSNYC]

Congrats! If I may ask, are you an American Citizen or a Foreigner living in the US?