Questions about "visiting" Canada during application process

[craiglem]

Hello,

I just received my FBI background check and we are about to send in our outland application. I am a US citizen and my wife is Canadian citizen living in the US with a green card.

A couple questions:

1) As a US citizen I know I can visit Canada for up to 6 months at a time. As long as I maintain a residence in the US, I should be fine right? We are planning to stay at our in-laws for about 6 months during the application process.
2) Does the 6 month clock reset every time I go to the US? I have a business where I would need to cross via land to the US about once per week. It would likely be day trips to the US with occasional one or two night stays.
3) Can I work remotely for a US based company while visiting Canada? My company would consider me a US employee and I'd be paying US taxes.

 

[Ponga]

1. Yes, in theory, but it is always the discretion of the CBSA officer that you encounter to reduce your stay.

2. Yes. Taking daily trips back and forth would likely be a real problem for you, eventually.

3. Absolutely, as long as you are not remunerated by a Canadian company (or Canadian division of a global company) or individual. This is probably your safest option while you are in Canada.

 

[RWoods]

I "visited" in Canada while my application was being processed and had to cross into the US by land every week day. I did get into a bit of hassle at the border about crossing so much, was I living in Canada, etc. but I ended up getting a Visitor Record given to me because CBSA could see I had an application for PR being processed. With the Visitor Record I was still questioned as I crossed but as soon as I said I had a VR and my application for PR was being processed I was allowed to enter Canada with a lot less hassle.

 

[craiglem]

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure if will help me or not but I do have a NEXUS card, which should reduce the chances of having to talk to CBSA.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure if will help me or not but I do have a NEXUS card, which should reduce the chances of having to talk to CBSA.

yeah, if you have a nexus, you probably won't get pulled into secondary. it's always good practice to carry copies of the pr app/fees paid and ties to the us though, just in case.

 

[RWoods]

Thanks for the information. I'm not sure if will help me or not but I do have a NEXUS card, which should reduce the chances of having to talk to CBSA.

Yes, I have Nexus too, but still encountered quite a bit of questions at the booth - I think they more frequently you cross before you have status they start watching/questioning you. I agree with RH that the chances of getting pulled in for secondary are slim but be prepared if they do...I always kept a copy of our application, receipts of fees and correspondences with CIC in my glove box.

 

[inlovewithacanadian91]

I "visited" in Canada while my application was being processed and had to cross into the US by land every week day. I did get into a bit of hassle at the border about crossing so much, was I living in Canada, etc. but I ended up getting a Visitor Record given to me because CBSA could see I had an application for PR being processed. With the Visitor Record I was still questioned as I crossed but as soon as I said I had a VR and my application for PR was being processed I was allowed to enter Canada with a lot less hassle.

How did you get a VR? I live in the USA and want to visit my husband during our application period.

 

[Cupkeyk]

hi! i'm in canada too on a trv and might cross the border to the US 2-3x this year. was wondering how to get a visitor record too. Still waiting for aor of our application