So I'm on hold with Social Security and my estimated wait time is 45 minutes! Arrgg
Back when we moved to the USA I came with an R1 (religious workers work permit) - took me 20 minutes and $20 at the border. (with substantial documentation) the rest of the family came with R2 permits. Shortly after we arrived SWMBO got a job that required her to change R2 to R1 - went to the immigration office (Orlando) waited in line, got to the information desk only to find we could do it for $170 dollars (plus same for Son who hadn't got his R2 when he crossed the border - don't ask) and 6 months to process, OR they could leave the country - re-enter 20 minutes and $20 at the border easy peasy.
Guess whihc we chose?
Well, Southwest was having a 2 for 1 sale so, SWMBO & son flew to Buffalo, rented a car, left the USA turned around and re-entered, got their permits for less money (including flight and rental) than the other option AND in less time than it took us to get to the information desk in the first place - from when I dropped her at the Orlando airport!
And yes, Canadian bureaucracy is just as bad.