Questions about..."after the waiting"

[KevinsJane]

Hi Everyone,

I am unsure if this is the appropriate forum to post in. However, if it is not, feel free to direct me.

In reading about landing...I have a few questions about beginning my/our life in Canada:

~Credit...since I have established credit (in the US, SS#) will this still be tied into me while living in Canada...for home purchase, car purchase...etc or will I need to reestablish credit?

~Drivers License...would I apply for an International Drivers License once living in Canada or do I hand in my Drivers License to the state I am currently living in and apply for a Drivers License in the Province my husband lives in? And will I have to start my driving history all over?

~Car Insurance...will my USA driving record be considered so that my husbands policy does not sky rocket?

~Last name change...when should I initiate my last name change...to bring you up to speed...my paperwork is under my former married name.

~Vacations...Once I am approved, will my husband (Canadian) be scrutinized at the border crossings when taking trips to visit my family, in the USA? Scrutinized meaning...will he have issues with the USA allowing him to visit with me.

~As far as visits to the USA...guessing 3-4 times a year..should I request my passport be stamped for time line documentation?

Just lots of unknown territory for me...and I am needing the wisdom from those who have walked the path, I anxiously await to walk.

Thank you All!

Make it a Great Day!

 

[Rasha]

I can only answer was what I experienced as a PR coming from the US:

1. credit in the US is diff than Can even though similar if not same credit houses are used. So you will be re-establishing your credit here. If you have really good credit, get some credit letter references from some of your accounts, it might help bring up your FICO in Canada.

2.3. Driver's License - they are exchangeable between USA and CANADA, all I did was surrender one, do a vision test, and get the other. YOu will want a driving abstract and proof of inssurance and your claims etc.. it should be transferrable and may lighten the cost of insurance on you etc.

4. Last name changes are up to you. We chose to get here, get everythign settled under existing documentation, and then change things over. Will be much easeir as you can do some things through US consulate. {SSN, birth cert...} or they can at least direct you to the vital stats of your county etc...

5. Canadians are free to come and go, as are PR's with their PR card. I would advise waiting until he has the card before travelling. But I have been in Canada 14 years, never took the citizenship, and travel freely on my passport and PR Card. Us and Can and reciprocal 6 month stay essentially you can stay in either place without a visa, without incident. slingshotting back into and out of the country literally renews the stay.

6. was confused on who is can or no..assuming it is your hubby, [maybe was reading fast] however, i didnt' always get my passport stamped, adn its' not necessary BUT do keep a record of your visits in/out of the country, for your continued PR cards and if you choose to take citizenship, as there is a residency requirement in order to apply adn that time is acrewed.

hope this helps, good luck, and welcome to canada.

 

[KevinsJane]

Ty Rahsa for your assistance...I truly appreciate you taking the time in giving me helpful insight!!!!! There is just so much to take in at one time...but I guess this is what the 'waiting' period is for. lol (Always find a positive)

 

[KevinsJane]

So I have another question..or situation that I would like suggestions on...once the PPR letter is received...(hopeful!!!)

Since we have 2 sets of household furnishings, mine in the states, his/ours in Canada (yes what's mine is mine and his is ours J/K)...I am electing to just bring my personal items; clothes, shoes etc...selling the rest.

If I am in Canada at the time the letter is received, we are planning to take a road trip to Buffalo...but unsure if we should:

A.) take a road trip, together, from Canada to my home to pack my items, then return to Buffalo and perform the landing
or
B.) handle Buffalo and the landing, together, turn around to re-enter the states to go to my home and return with my personal items...if we should choose this route...how would I handle the car at the time of landing...explain that we are planning to return within 2-3 weeks?
or
C.) if I am already in Canada, schedule an appointment with the local consulate, and we take a drive to the states to move my items...and explain what we are doing at the time of crossing the border

I truly prefer option B, or C, whichever is faster, as to finally get the landing over with...as this is what we have been waiting for!!!

I live over 21 hours away from him by car...so he would be joining me for safety and emotional support of saying good bye to my family...either way would any of the options create an issue at the US border for him? This would be my/our main concern.

I just know last time we entered the US...we were brought in for questioning...but were sent our way without any issues...yes the border does intimidate me...it's what has determined us being together and/or apart.

I'm just trying to be proactive in not having to travel the 42 hours alone...with excitement and tears.


I appreciate everyone's thoughts,

KJ