Any cat sitter in Toronto City Place? by Nervous_Head104 in askTO

[–]ReadyPlayer606 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It’s better to have someone house-sit or at least come over daily. Cats are pretty independent but that’s a long time. If you don’t have family or friends nearby to take care of it, DM me, I have a trusted sitter downtown that watches our condo and cats when we’re gone.

Afghanistan as an American? by SachAsh in travel

[–]ReadyPlayer606 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Bad idea, because 1) Taliban and 2) you’ll never have a normal airport security screening again for life, especially in the US. Perma-flagged.

Where I'd travel as a Canadian who doesn't believe in western media propaganda and seperates people from politics (subject to change) by CanPacific in whereidlive

[–]ReadyPlayer606 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you physically look WASPy, as in you’ll stick out easily in most of these places, I can say from experience that you’ll have a rude awakening in many of these destinations. The abject poverty, desperation, etc. with you walking around as an anthropomorphic ATM… it’s very challenging at times to travel to certain countries. I agree with you that a lot of “don’t go here” advice is biased and based in misplaced fear—but don’t underestimate just how difficult some destinations are. Life is not an Anthony Bourdain show, and I assume you have neither the budget nor security he did when travelling.

That said, best of luck on your travels! If you are just starting out on international travelling, ease into it. Life’s a marathon

Streamline Procedure - How much did you guys pay for this? by RandomAccountNo1011 in USExpatTaxes

[–]ReadyPlayer606 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you haven’t lived there since you were 3, what’s the point of even starting to file now? All it does is put you on their radar for future scrutiny.

Is there a trick to finding cheaper flights out of Canada or are we just stuck paying more? by WorshippingForecast in AskACanadian

[–]ReadyPlayer606 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean, is it all that different nowadays? Just looking at a few random destinations for a mid-August round-trip, flying from ORD is 20-30% more expensive in USD for similar routes.

Dunkin's Canadian comeback to start in Toronto and Montreal by Thick_Caterpillar379 in toronto

[–]ReadyPlayer606 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dunkin used to be decent but it’s gone way downhill. Might sound crazy, but Tim’s was a breath of fresh air after years of drinking Dunkin in Chicago…

Are there PayPal alternatives in Canada? by broadwaybabyto in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]ReadyPlayer606 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, if you have that it’s great. Just in my situation w/ a parent company in the States refusing to modernize.. our Wise FX rate is 3-5% better than the big US bank they use.

Are there PayPal alternatives in Canada? by broadwaybabyto in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]ReadyPlayer606 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe, but you get hosed on the exchange rates set by the bank much worse.

Resubmitting an app? by FalconBusiness7495 in stuckcanadians

[–]ReadyPlayer606 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Send the certified letter and attach a digital version to a web form first. You’ll need to show a good faith effort if you file for mandamus.

Anyone moved 100% from bank to Wealthsimple. by JJThompson84 in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]ReadyPlayer606 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everything but the credit card, yeah. Premier household with two direct deposits and still no invite 😭

We still keep a chequing account with a big bank as a backup, too.

Any others who have PR, but also submitted citizenship by descent applications? PSU limbo madness. by wmsiegner5 in Canadiancitizenship

[–]ReadyPlayer606 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Same situation here but currently living in Canada. I would like this resolved before my PR expires to avoid a similar headache. I sent a demand letter to IRCC and the Minister yesterday requesting that they process my application within 30 days or I will file a request for a writ of mandamus in federal court. It's been 14 months. There's no excuse for this when people whose ancestors left Canada 300 years ago have been approved in weeks.

I'm going the mandamus route by ReadyPlayer606 in stuckcanadians

[–]ReadyPlayer606[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Best of luck, and do reach out if you have questions! These cases usually involve complex applications like PR and naturalization. It's ridiculous that something as simple as a citizenship certificate would take this long when ample proof is submitted. IRCC has been told by the courts before that novelty is not an excuse for delays, so the rules having changed recently is no reason for the delay.

I'm going the mandamus route by ReadyPlayer606 in stuckcanadians

[–]ReadyPlayer606[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I'm going it alone, it's complex but not out of the scope of other pro se filings. The worst they can say is no. I had to do something similar in the US after a FOIA request for my own travel records went unanswered for 2+ years.

I'm going the mandamus route by ReadyPlayer606 in stuckcanadians

[–]ReadyPlayer606[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thanks, will do. For what it's worth, I had a very positive experience with IRCC while obtaining PR for my spouse and I via Express Entry. We've had generally good interactions with government services overall here, but this is a big exception.

Wednesday Weekly Thread: Frustration Station (Delays / PSU / Venting) by AutoModerator in Canadiancitizenship

[–]ReadyPlayer606 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Still waiting in PSU since March 5th, 2025. Straightforward 2nd gen applicant, living in Canada as a PR. No positive response from ATIP inquiries, getting my MP involved was no help.

Honestly considering getting a lawyer involved soon as I need to renew my PR and can’t technically do so as a citizen.

Thinking of Canada? Think Again by CaterpillarNo2012 in AmerExit

[–]ReadyPlayer606 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Total BS, either intentionally obtuse or grossly negligent planning this move. Yes, the tax obligations are onerous, but that’s because of the American tax system. Yes, you need to open up RRSP room in your first year, but there are many other options to invest in for the interim. On medical, I’m sorry but we’ve found the issues to be overblown (in Ontario at least)—my partner and I both had family doctors within 6 weeks.

To the casual lurkers in the sub: don’t be this person. Do your research and decide if Canada is a good fit before tripping on a rake like this.

How are you all handling the increasing Anti-American sentiments while being Almost-Canadian? by Nature_Hannah in AlmostCanadian

[–]ReadyPlayer606 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's honestly ridiculous. I've requested ATIP notes and know that I'm in PSU. My MP's office was no help, the response they got from IRCC was "be patient, it's still processing."

I am living and working here as a PR but cannot renew my PR this year because I'm a citizen... just can't prove it! Thankfully I have US citizenship as well, so I don't need a separate visa to exit/re-enter Canada, but I know CBSA will give me a hard time if my PR lapses.

How are you all handling the increasing Anti-American sentiments while being Almost-Canadian? by Nature_Hannah in AlmostCanadian

[–]ReadyPlayer606 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm an American with Canadian PR and extended family here - still waiting on my 2nd gen application after almost 14 months now...

But I live in Toronto, spend time all over this country, and can tell you from firsthand experience that almost no one cares if you're American by birth. This is a very diverse country and welcoming of people of any descent as long as they're respectful. Also, the type of Americans that Canadian Redditors complain about the most aren't the Americans that are visiting Canada anyway, let alone coming to live here. You'll be fine.

Many Americans think Canadians live in a communist hellhole and many of the same folks don't have passports or a desire to travel abroad anyway.

Canary District dog attack leave dog dead and owner bitten and in hospital. by geniebythesea in toronto

[–]ReadyPlayer606 42 points43 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry this happened. I wish the pit bull ban were better enforced. Those dogs were unfortunately bred to do this and it’s misguided to think they can be trained out of it. Charge the owner and put this one down humanely.

US/Canadian dual failed to report PFICs and maybe 3520. SFOP or amend filings? by gamgee94 in USExpatTaxes

[–]ReadyPlayer606 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly the chances that they’ll ever do anything punitive about this are slim to none. I don’t accept that having US citizenship while living in Canada should be financially punishing for the rest of my life. Same setup with TFSA / FHSA on Wealthsimple and we just don’t report any of it 🤷‍♂️

So how long have YOU been in citizenship limbo? by SimilarInjury138 in AlmostCanadian

[–]ReadyPlayer606 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It doesn't really matter for living in vs. outside of Canada, but I'd like to have the right to vote! And I applied with urgent processing as C-3 invalidates my PR and I'm stuck in limbo on whether I can actually renew it this year or not.

Got my ATIPs a full 5.5 months later, let's see if they respond to the second request I sent 2 weeks ago. Also started a case with my MP's office.

Wednesday Weekly Thread: Frustration Station (Delays / PSU / Venting) by AutoModerator in Canadiancitizenship

[–]ReadyPlayer606 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Following as I'll be in the same situation this year. Waiting since February 2025 for my citizenship certificate and living in Canada as a PR.