Port of Spain Office, Trinidad and Tobago

[Behopeful]

oh thanks for the response, and yes i just left in december, i downloaded the V.O instructional manual, i dont know if you all have ever read it but let me see if i can post the link at the bottom here.it gives a good insight on how their work ect ect. its quite thorough. oh we miss @ missd so much it been 8 month for her and its driving her craazyy so she is spending time away from the forum, until she hears something,i guess being on this forum from since december kinda stressed u out especailly not hearing anything in months, its so ridiculouse, i just realise in 4 month POS has only contacted 1 person so far well from the forum am sure there is other ppl that not on the forum that gets some kinda of feedback.

but anyways everyone else hold strong am two weeks away from my interview i already bought my place ticket for the day before i dont know if i gave myself enough time, my flight leave SLU 1:45pm on the 7th and departs POS 1:45pm on the 8th. hope the interview is not delayed or anything like that. thanks for all the info from @ canadtrini.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op01-eng.pdf

Hi Millslu!
I ended up looking over that document but am even more confused about the ARC. It's hard to understand if it will be approved before the exclusion order is up. Nothing is ever clear. But if you have a VISA to enter canada can you be denied because of the exclusion order?
What time is your interview scheduled for? I'm sure you will be fine for time. As long as you're on time for the interview that is all that matters.

 

[millslu]

Hi Millslu!
I ended up looking over that document but am even more confused about the ARC. It's hard to understand if it will be approved before the exclusion order is up. Nothing is ever clear. But if you have a VISA to enter canada can you be denied because of the exclusion order?
What time is your interview scheduled for? I'm sure you will be fine for time. As long as you're on time for the interview that is all that matters.

oh no its quite simple, if like me my exlusion is for one year so i cna only come back to the country in december, that when i was deported so a year frm now i can come back, but if i want to come back before that i would need an ARC.my interview is at 8am but u know it wont start on time lol

 

[Behopeful]

oh no its quite simple, if like me my exlusion is for one year so i cna only come back to the country in december, that when i was deported so a year frm now i can come back, but if i want to come back before that i would need an ARC.my interview is at 8am but u know it wont start on time lol

Got it! So basically if you were not coming back until December you wouldn't even need to do the ARC or worry about any of this. Is that correct? It's just complicated because you WILL be coming back long, long before December.
An 8AM interview... I can't believe they are even scheduling interviews that early and would be very surprised if it started at 8. You will have lots of time.
How was the rest of your visit with your wife? Has she come back to Canada now?

 

[millslu]

Got it! So basically if you were not coming back until December you wouldn't even need to do the ARC or worry about any of this. Is that correct? It's just complicated because you WILL be coming back long, long before December.
An 8AM interview... I can't believe they are even scheduling interviews that early and would be very surprised if it started at 8. You will have lots of time.
How was the rest of your visit with your wife? Has she come back to Canada now?

yes that is correct but..being that i want to come back before december because of my sponsorship application i will have to send them an ARC, the sponsorhsip application doesnt guarantee that am granted entry, actually if i fail the ARC then my sponsorhsip wil fail as well.

yes am sure then gonna make me wait for awhile, but doesnt matter. my wife had a great time she left yesterday and she had a bad experience when she went back home, she was greeted with CBSA officer at the plane with dogs and all sort asking her all kinda of personal question she was very much afraid and angry, it was so terrible she said she has never experince something like that, so i had to calm her down and she is stll pretty angry. but we had an amazing time and it was quite empty when i went back home and she wasnt in my room with a big smile.

 

[CdnandTrini]

Reply: Port of Spain Office, Trinidad and Tobago

yes am sure then gonna make me wait for awhile, but doesnt matter. my wife had a great time she left yesterday and she had a bad experience when she went back home, she was greeted with CBSA officer at the plane with dogs and all sort asking her all kinda of personal question she was very much afraid and angry, it was so terrible she said she has never experince something like that, so i had to calm her down and she is stll pretty angry. but we had an amazing time and it was quite empty when i went back home and she wasnt in my room with a big smile.

Hi Millslu & forum friends - I can share a common experience from the very first time I travelled to Trinidad and returned back to Toronto - something similar happened to me. They pulled me off the plane in Trinidad just as we were getting ready to leave, 2 plainclothes detectives (who would not tell me their names) took me to a room off the tarmac, ransacked my luggage (ripped apart the lining and everything) told me that they received a "tip" about me - all lies - then hustled me back on the plane (of course they did not find anything) with no explanation. As soon as I landed in Canada, I was pulled over by the CBSA folks luggage ransacked again, dogs etc. questions. At least they were more polite on the Cdn. side. Since then - thankfully this has never happened to me again.

They do of course have cameras everywhere in the airports and I can tell you for sure (told to me by the border guys in Canada) that if a single woman is travelling on her own (particularly if she is white/caucasian) back and forth from Canada/US to the Caribbean to see boyfriends, husbands, fiances, whom they always assume are black) they will suspect you are carrying drugs for your partner. The unfortunate and racist "drug mule" scenario. Millslu maybe you can tell your wife, that now that they have her details on record with the CBSA, hopefully this should not happen again. It is pretty offensive and upsetting for those of us that are innocent and I suppose they have to do their jobs but to me it is the same as racial profiling and any type of racism/injustice angers me. So sorry she had to go through this after having a nice visit with her husband. Happens to women of other races as well (apparently not as frequently though) and the common denominator is a woman travelling alone to visit a man from the Caribbean.

My husband is going to relate to this story and also about going home to face the empty house. He gets pretty down when I leave (as us wives/significant others do too) and he says he sees glimpses of me everywhere around the house but the hardest time is walking in the door.

 

[MissDominica]

Hey all!

I'm still here. I read the forum almost every day... just not a lot to say on my end... no news.. at all. 8.5 months and nothing... I honestly never thought I'd wait even this long when I started (I was disillusioned to think I'd be one of the lucky ones that got through in 6 or 7 months... just because... I HAD TO! lol).

I miss all of you and hope some of you hear something too!!

I do not know the answer to your question millslu as I have no experience with that type of stuff because hubby was never permitted to come to Canada even for a visit.. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

The day is coming to a close.. can't POS shoot off ONE email to make someone's weekend extra special!?

:-*


OH! PS: Passed that board exam I was studying for... so thanks for all the luck guys! It worked.

 

[CdnandTrini]

Reply: Port of Spain Office, Trinidad and Tobago

Hey all!

I'm still here. I read the forum almost every day... just not a lot to say on my end... no news.. at all. 8.5 months and nothing... I honestly never thought I'd wait even this long when I started (I was disillusioned to think I'd be one of the lucky ones that got through in 6 or 7 months... just because... I HAD TO! lol).

I miss all of you and hope some of you hear something too!!

I do not know the answer to your question millslu as I have no experience with that type of stuff because hubby was never permitted to come to Canada even for a visit.. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

The day is coming to a close.. can't POS shoot off ONE email to make someone's weekend extra special!?

:-*


OH! PS: Passed that board exam I was studying for... so thanks for all the luck guys! It worked.

Congrats on passing your exam Miss D! That's some good news for all of us even if not from POS. When @ Behopeful gets time to send her CSE and if POS responds, and Millslu has his interview maybe then we will hear some updates. Have a great weekend everyone . Prayers and blessings to all and families.

 

[Can-Vinc]

cdnandtrini & millslu & everyone

This situation with CBSA happened with me, although to a slightly lesser degree. A) I wasn't confronted/interrogated in St. Vincent and B) I wasn't met with dogs or anything; however, I was put through the ringer and had all of my luggage examined out in the open piece by piece by CBSA here at the airport. The guy was a bit intimidating at first but the further he got through his examination, and of course finding nothing and realizing I was becoming a bit scared, he was a bit nicer and explained exactly what cdnandtrini said, that I'm the perfect bait to be 'kidnapped' down there and forced to transport illegal drugs, etc.. I understand that everyone has a job to do but it is unfortunate that it is this way. The second time that I came back from visiting, it was smooth sailing and had absolutely NO troubles when I got home. It is just hard because we're already in an emotionally fragile state given that we've just left our loved ones behind and are now being unjustly pigeon-holed when we get home and probably just want to go cry ourselves to sleep... but I digress.

Another question for the wives on this forum... have you all changed your last names? My maiden name is one that is pretty unique and something I'm very proud of, and my hubby is totally 100% fine with me keeping it. The only thing that worries me is that if I did change my name, it would help the app? Of course, this process of changing your last name to your husband's last name is a time consuming one and I did not want to let something like that delay submitting the papers in the first place, but I'm wondering if they'll be expecting any sort of update when I send supplemental information in a couple of months? Thoughts/opinions?

Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[millslu]

@missd congratulation on passing the board, we always knew you would, and you better half will be with you soon in good time.

@canadtrini i hear you my friends and she was approached by CBSA and she told them everything, and then they ask her some weird question, and it did refer to if she was carrying drugs back from st lucia. so your point is very accurate, from the time she travelled it seems its quite suspiciouse a single female travelling to the Caribbean raises a red flag all over the place. maybe we should have a forum seperate for that so ppl will know what they facing when travelling to the caribbean and see their husbands and wives. well thanks for all that info i will let my wife know about your experience just in case she felt it waas an isolated incident.

1.5 weeks and interview time am sturdying like crazy hahah . i hope everyone have a blessed weekend and keep our finger cross for next week and our prayers as well.

 

[millslu]

cdnandtrini & millslu & everyone

This situation with CBSA happened with me, although to a slightly lesser degree. A) I wasn't confronted/interrogated in St. Vincent and B) I wasn't met with dogs or anything; however, I was put through the ringer and had all of my luggage examined out in the open piece by piece by CBSA here at the airport. The guy was a bit intimidating at first but the further he got through his examination, and of course finding nothing and realizing I was becoming a bit scared, he was a bit nicer and explained exactly what cdnandtrini said, that I'm the perfect bait to be 'kidnapped' down there and forced to transport illegal drugs, etc.. I understand that everyone has a job to do but it is unfortunate that it is this way. The second time that I came back from visiting, it was smooth sailing and had absolutely NO troubles when I got home. It is just hard because we're already in an emotionally fragile state given that we've just left our loved ones behind and are now being unjustly pigeon-holed when we get home and probably just want to go cry ourselves to sleep... but I digress.

Another question for the wives on this forum... have you all changed your last names? My maiden name is one that is pretty unique and something I'm very proud of, and my hubby is totally 100% fine with me keeping it. The only thing that worries me is that if I did change my name, it would help the app? Of course, this process of changing your last name to your husband's last name is a time consuming one and I did not want to let something like that delay submitting the papers in the first place, but I'm wondering if they'll be expecting any sort of update when I send supplemental information in a couple of months? Thoughts/opinions?

Have a great weekend everyone.

2CAN-VAC thanks for sharing your experience again wow i wish we had a forum to discuss that so other ppl could be wary of stuf like that, my wife is in such a fraigfile state like u said and for that to happen. about your changing of name, its always best to send your application as soon as you can, and down the road since the application takes such a long time, send something to strenghten it, send them your name change send them stuff that transgressed during the time your are married whether abroad or inland, show them bills, insurance, credit card, more photos, things that u know that u didnt have time to send, they wll not have a problem recieiving it, it will make they job easier, just try not to send to many at different time, send one chunk maybe 3-6 months and dont send anymore, if they want more they will ask.

 

[MissDominica]

cdnandtrini & millslu & everyone

Another question for the wives on this forum... have you all changed your last names? My maiden name is one that is pretty unique and something I'm very proud of, and my hubby is totally 100% fine with me keeping it. The only thing that worries me is that if I did change my name, it would help the app? Of course, this process of changing your last name to your husband's last name is a time consuming one and I did not want to let something like that delay submitting the papers in the first place, but I'm wondering if they'll be expecting any sort of update when I send supplemental information in a couple of months? Thoughts/opinions?

Have a great weekend everyone.

I would send your app right away. I don't think changing your name is a "big" deal anymore. Many people keep their last name, hyphenate their last name, etc. It's the marriage license that counts.

Me and "hubby" aren't legally married yet as we are common-law.. but I plan to considering keeping my last name. I've worked for 8 long years to get a "Dr." in front of my last name and then just to change it a year later to someone elses' last name!? haha I dunno about that As long as we're together, I'll be happy.

I would send your app right away and not worry about the name change.

 

[CdnandTrini]

cdnandtrini & millslu & everyone

This situation with CBSA happened with me, although to a slightly lesser degree. A) I wasn't confronted/interrogated in St. Vincent and B) I wasn't met with dogs or anything; however, I was put through the ringer and had all of my luggage examined out in the open piece by piece by CBSA here at the airport. The guy was a bit intimidating at first but the further he got through his examination, and of course finding nothing and realizing I was becoming a bit scared, he was a bit nicer and explained exactly what cdnandtrini said, that I'm the perfect bait to be 'kidnapped' down there and forced to transport illegal drugs, etc.. I understand that everyone has a job to do but it is unfortunate that it is this way. The second time that I came back from visiting, it was smooth sailing and had absolutely NO troubles when I got home. It is just hard because we're already in an emotionally fragile state given that we've just left our loved ones behind and are now being unjustly pigeon-holed when we get home and probably just want to go cry ourselves to sleep... but I digress.

Another question for the wives on this forum... have you all changed your last names? My maiden name is one that is pretty unique and something I'm very proud of, and my hubby is totally 100% fine with me keeping it. The only thing that worries me is that if I did change my name, it would help the app? Of course, this process of changing your last name to your husband's last name is a time consuming one and I did not want to let something like that delay submitting the papers in the first place, but I'm wondering if they'll be expecting any sort of update when I send supplemental information in a couple of months? Thoughts/opinions?

Have a great weekend everyone.

Hi Can-Vin, re: the name change - here is what I did. At first I was not willing to do it as I have always kept my birth surname (even in a prior marriage). I am also middle aged (so is my husband) - in other words not a young bride/groom so I thought what a pain in the butt to have to change all my ID etc. etc. especially after submitting our application.

So then my hubby tells me that it is important to him and would I at least consider adding his name...........talked to my pastor who is a wonderful guy (also from the Caribbean - JA) and he said "that culturally it is important to West Indidan men that their wives take their name". So I prayed about it and talked to hubby and what I did was change my health card and drivers license - all free at sevice ON if done within 90 days of marriage. Not changing my passport though or my e-mail address as I do consulting work and have been a career woman for too long at that e-mail.

That was our compromise, it was all done in less than 10 days so this is what we will use as supplemental info. if required. I simply added his last name to mine (no hyphen). I also saved the envelopes with my "married name" and copied my 2 new pieces of id and will scan and send to hubby if needed. Last thing, I also changed it on my SKYPE so that if we have to submit any more SKYPE chat logs immigration will see the change there as well. Each person needs to think about their own circumstance - what I am not doing is sending this along as a change to the original application (hence no change to passport) as I am afraid it will cause delays. I only realized how important it was to my husband when I showed him the updated ID on SKYPE and his smile was 1000 watt!!!

I see that your app was already submitted/received by CIC so you can still do the name change (or not) at this time without needing to upset the POS apple cart. If they ask for supplemental you will have some. They do not always ask. Let me know if you have any other questions on this.

 

[Behopeful]

cdnandtrini & millslu & everyone

This situation with CBSA happened with me, although to a slightly lesser degree. A) I wasn't confronted/interrogated in St. Vincent and B) I wasn't met with dogs or anything; however, I was put through the ringer and had all of my luggage examined out in the open piece by piece by CBSA here at the airport. The guy was a bit intimidating at first but the further he got through his examination, and of course finding nothing and realizing I was becoming a bit scared, he was a bit nicer and explained exactly what cdnandtrini said, that I'm the perfect bait to be 'kidnapped' down there and forced to transport illegal drugs, etc.. I understand that everyone has a job to do but it is unfortunate that it is this way. The second time that I came back from visiting, it was smooth sailing and had absolutely NO troubles when I got home. It is just hard because we're already in an emotionally fragile state given that we've just left our loved ones behind and are now being unjustly pigeon-holed when we get home and probably just want to go cry ourselves to sleep... but I digress.

Another question for the wives on this forum... have you all changed your last names? My maiden name is one that is pretty unique and something I'm very proud of, and my hubby is totally 100% fine with me keeping it. The only thing that worries me is that if I did change my name, it would help the app? Of course, this process of changing your last name to your husband's last name is a time consuming one and I did not want to let something like that delay submitting the papers in the first place, but I'm wondering if they'll be expecting any sort of update when I send supplemental information in a couple of months? Thoughts/opinions?

Have a great weekend everyone.

Thanks for sharing your experience. CBSA profile certain people for whatever reason. It's difficult to deal with CBSA or anyone for that fact when you are leaving your loved one and feel like an emotional wreak. We will all be stronger from the experiences of dealing with CBSA and CIC. I figure it is something to share with my husband an prepare him for when he re-enters Canada and will be prepared for CBSA's. When he went back to Trinidad he was pulled aside and held for 3 hours and 15 minutes. No idea why but the authorities in TnT grilled him like crazy and literally examined EVERY single item he had (which was ALL clothing). It's difficult to know your rights and what you can or can't do. Just think Millslu... Next time she travels you will be by her side.

As far as changing your name... I did not. I hold my academic degrees and licenses in my maiden name and odon't feel any need to change it. I thought long and hard but I didn't want to do anything to just make CIC happy. I have a daughter though and she only uses my husbands last name only so I figured that would be supportive for our application too. I am personally not a person that would hyphenate my name either so I stayed with my maiden. It's a tough decision but do what will make you happy and not just for immigration purposes!

 

[Behopeful]

OH! PS: Passed that board exam I was studying for... so thanks for all the luck guys! It worked.

[/quote]

Congrats MissD! I knew you would do great! Any plans to see your husband soon? I hear your frustration and I admit I think I am going to be one of the "lucky" ones that will be done in 8 months. The reality is setting in. People keep saying to me, 'you have to go on with your life and live your life'. People don't get it. I love my husband and how do I just travel, buy a house, have another baby without him, etc. I use to be able to shrug it off but not so easy these days. Days are just getting harder.

 

[fromadistance]

Hello to all,

I feel very selfish about my last breakdown if you may call it that and trying to stay away from the forum. People have been waiting for way longer than me and I should be patient and wait in line. Look at Maddants and millslu! But still it is hard. My husband and I have been apart for 6 years and this year makes it 10 years we are together so I was hoping it would be our lucky year . Oh well.

I did not change my married name but I might be doing that now. I do not think it is an issue with CIC if u dont laminate it.

MissDominica, congrats on passing! Keep your head up girl. Your good news soon come