Monday, February 11, 2008

We're In . . . .

Well, the landing process went so smoothly yesterday it is almost unbelievable. The whole process took 20 minutes, which included having new photos taken. Apparently our "home-made" photos were not up to CBSA's standards as there was a shadow on each of them.

Our painstakingly-prepared B4 and B4A forms denoting
goods we were taking into the country upon landing and goods that were following later were not even looked at. Since we landed without any goods to speak of and would be towing a U-Haul trailer in late spring, the friendly agent advised to just wait until that time to do the inventory process. We are crossing our fingers that the trip through the Peace Arch crossing will be just as uneventful as the YVR airport experience was.

Today we went to a Service Canada Centre in downtown to apply for and receive our SIN (Social Insurance Number, not a reflection of morality!) numbers. The cards themselves should arrive before we head back to Florida next week.

So, the only bureaucratic items we have remaining are to get our BC driver's license and MSP (Medical Services Plan) cards. Both of these items we have been advised to apply for when we are actually residing here later in the year. Just another incentive to get back up here ASAP!

Tonight we are meeting another couple that have contacted us via this blog. We've been emailing back and forth for a couple of months now, and tonight we're all going to dinner in the West End. One of the guys is a USian recently landed here and his partner is Canadian. The blog family keeps expanding - Gotta love it!


There have been suggestions from Bloggerpalooza friends here in BC that we will need to change both our blog name and my posting ID due to our change in status. I have been thinking about that, and would appreciate any and all suggestions.

I have a couple in mind. Let's see how ya'll do . . . .



12 comments:

Emilio said...

Since get the MSP cards will take probably 3 months (at least that's what it takes in Ontario) and you already have a permanent address, you guys should apply ASAP, just mention that you are living there since you landing.

Emilio said...

BTW,
Congrats in your landing!!!!

Jen said...

Welcome!

West End Bob said...

Emilio,

Yeah, that's what I was planning on doing, but we were advised against it by a plan representative. BC's plan has restrictions on actually physically residing here during the "waiting period." Didn't want them to deny coverage, penalties, etc.

Thanks for the tip and well-wishes, though. You too, Jen.

Canada Calling said...

Congrats on landing!!! When you come back with uhaul in tow I would suggest Blaine trck crossing instead of Peace Arch.

We will talk this weekend . . .

Kinney said...

You are doing something that I am planning to do. Congrats!!!

Toma said...

Congratulations! And thank you for the super-charged positive vibes you sent to our camp.

laura k said...

Welcome home!!!

Anonymous said...

Woo-hoo!!!! Happy days!!!!

Daniel wbc said...

Guys, heartiest congratulations! It is all so amazing to look back and now have it be a reality. We wish you the best and look forward to being neighbors. (I guess when we're North, I need to start adding "u"s.)

West End Bob said...

Come on up, Daniel.

We're seeing quite a few "Vacancy" signs as we walk the 'hood . . . .

allan said...

YAY! Welcome to Canada!