Had a terrifying experience. I need to know if this was handled correctly or if I should complain.

[PaperLantern]

There's no point in paying any fees at this point in time. I vaguely remember that if they are not "used" by a processing agency within a certain amount of time, they are automatically refunded.

Thank you! I didn't know that.

 

[keesio]

Only PRs and Citizens are guaranteed entry.

Same goes for US border patrol for Canadians entering the US.

Even that is not a guarantee! While very rare, CBP has been known to deny entry to US citizens who try to enter the US with a non-US passport even though that passport is visa-exempt.

So as others have said, there are no guarantees...

 

[PaperLantern]

Can a PR get a Canadian passport after a certain amount of time?

 

[kcward7]

Can a PR get a Canadian passport after a certain amount of time?

If they choose to become a Canadian citizen, then yes (this has its own set of requirements)

 

[keesio]

There's no reason to be rude.

Dolly may have been a little harsh but I understand where she is coming from. The vast majority of people on this forum have gone through being separated from the spouse for a long period of time. When looking at the bigger picture, US applicants tend to have it easier, not only because of relatively faster timelines, but also because close proximity makes it easy to visit, in addition to no need to a visa on either side. There are applicants applying from abroad that have timelines that goes into YEARS and because of distance, cost, and visa restrictions they rarely see each other face to face. There is no choice but to wait patiently and be at the mercy of IRCC. It is hard but we all have gone through it and it can be done.

 

[keesio]

Can a PR get a Canadian passport after a certain amount of time?

Need to apply for citizenship first. That would be AT LEAST 3 years away after becoming a PR.

 

[PaperLantern]

I didn't know that! Truth is, I don't even have my Canadian passport yet. I was told at the border that I can just wait until my USA one expires if I want. I'm going to assume that we won't run into many issues once she has PR since at our usual port we haven't had issues with her TRP.

I do understand where Dolly was coming from but I'd like people to keep in mind that I am distressed about this and when I'm distressed I panic. Logic flies out the window. My wife is my best friend and we haven't been apart for more than a few days since she first moved in with me in the USA in 2015. The idea of being away from her makes me FEEL like I'm literally going to die. I didn't mean to offend anyone and obviously I know some people have it harder than me, but knowing that doesn't really diminish the sadness I feel. Anyway, we have decided to start spending more time at her place every week but she hasn't had trouble crossing at our usual port so I'm not going to stop her from coming to visit me too. Thank you all for the help.

 

[keesio]

I didn't know that! Truth is, I don't even have my Canadian passport yet. I was told at the border that I can just wait until my USA one expires if I want.

?

I don't understand that statement. You don't need to wait until your US passport expires. Having a US passport doesn't make a difference at all. I am proof - as a dual citizen, I have both a US and Canadian passport. You can get a Canadian passport now.

And you will always want to keep your US passport active. You must enter the US with a US passport. Otherwise CBP can (and often will) give you a hard time trying to use another passport.

I do understand where Dolly was coming from but I'd like people to keep in mind that I am distressed about this and when I'm distressed I panic. Logic flies out the window. My wife is my best friend and we haven't been apart for more than a few days since she first moved in with me in the USA in 2015. The idea of being away from her makes me FEEL like I'm literally going to die. I didn't mean to offend anyone and obviously I know some people have it harder than me, but knowing that doesn't really diminish the sadness I feel. Anyway, we have decided to start spending more time at her place every week but she hasn't had trouble crossing at our usual port so I'm not going to stop her from coming to visit me too. Thank you all for the help.

A lot of people here can sympathize, we really can. That is why we all freak out over sponsorship and come to this forum for support while we are forced to wait it out! I initially came in here for answers and then later it was for support. Then after that I came in to try to help others. All we can say is that while it is hard, you will get through it. Just be as patient as you can. Good luck!

 

[PaperLantern]

?

I don't understand that statement. You don't need to wait until your US passport expires. Having a US passport doesn't make a difference at all. I am proof - as a dual citizen, I have both a US and Canadian passport. You can get a Canadian passport now.

And you will always want to keep your US passport active. You must enter the US with a US passport. Otherwise CBP can (and often will) give you a hard time trying to use another passport.



A lot of people here can sympathize, we really can. That is why we all freak out over sponsorship and come to this forum for support while we are forced to wait it out! I initially came in here for answers and then later it was for support. Then after that I came in to try to help others. All we can say is that while it is hard, you will get through it. Just be as patient as you can. Good luck!

Sorry should have been more clear! It's not that I need to wait it's that I want to wait. I just moved to Canada a few months ago. It was a very last-minute thing. Within a span of a couple of weeks I put a downpayment on a house, moved all my stuff, etc. As such, I was worried about having to spend more money on a Canadian passport and the agent told me that if I want I can just wait and I don't need to get a Canadian passport right away if I wanted to save a bit of money. Most of my family and friends live in Canada and none of them have a US passport, they cross to the US daily for shopping, to get gas, to see family, etc. I think this would be an issue at a bigger port of entry (like the one we tried to cross through on Friday) but our usual US/Canada port is very small and everybody knows everybody else by name.

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

 

[keesio]

ah ok. Yes, your just US passport should be enough for now. Eventually you will want to get a Canadian passport to avoid any future hassle but you can do that when things settle down.

 

[kcward7]

You are too emotionally labile. You should go see your doctor.

Stop.

 

[PaperLantern]

I do see a doctor. I fail to see how having an emotional reaction to a stressful situation makes me unstable.

 

[kcward7]

I do see a doctor. I fail to see how having an emotional reaction to a stressful situation makes me unstable.

It doesn't. Dealing with aggressive CBSA is extremely stressful.

Ignore.

 

[amc90]

Obviously that person either doesn't understand or doesn't care about their spouse or whomever they are sponsoring/Being sponsored by. If they did then they would empathize that even just the mere thought of not being allowed to be with the person you love and can't imagine a life without would be crippling. I feel the same way as g and every day we don't have an answer for our pr. Your feelings are justified and warranted. The only thing I will say is that the panic won't help you or your wife, this is the beginning of this process which is long and gruelling and you both are going to have to keep a level head or you'll seriously go mad lol.

 

[amc90]

It helps to keep calm and be rational when dealing with aggressive people. There are ways to help with this medically.

Okay you're clearly just a troll so people just need to stop fuelling whatever fire you're trying to start.