American PR moves to Vancouver

[vnannan]

Dear members,

I have a few questions about my fiancee coming to Vancouver from the States. Hope we can get some good advices from here...

He is an American PR, I am a Canadian PR. We recently decided to have him moved from Florida to vancouver and live with me, we shall get married in a couple of months and I will start to sponsor him (that case he can legally work in Canada). Will he be questioned by Canadian border officer when he enters canada by driving his car from the States?? I will accompany him on the road.

Thanks a lot!!

 

[scylla]

He can't "move" to Canada. All he can do is visit Canada at this time.

He needs to be careful at the border. If he shows up with a car full of personal belongings looking like he's planning to stay in Canada long term, he could be refused entry (even banned - although the chances of this are small).

When he enters Canada he should ensure he looks like a tourist and packs like a tourist. Fine to bring a couple of suitcases of clothes. Don't bring furniture or photo albums or any kinds of belonging that tourists normally don't bring and make it look like you're moving. Leave those in storage in the US until he is a permanent resident and can bring them into Canada without issue.

 

[vnannan]

Thanks so very much Scylla. You confirmed our thinkings.
Is it 6 months for an American PR to visit and stay in CA?
We have been thinking if he wants to register some courses and study in Vancouver before I sponsor him to become a Canadian PR, can he apply a student visa??

Thanks again!

 

[scylla]

Is it 6 months for an American PR to visit and stay in CA?

How long he is allowed into Canada is up to the CBSA official you encounter at the border. Most Americans are allowed in for the default six months. However it's also possible to only be allowed in for a shorter period of time - or even to be refused entry completely (rare - but it happens). Assuming he is allowed into Canada, you can request an extension once he is close to the end of the visit. Ideally your husband should carry proof with him that if asked, can demonstrate ties to America (e.g. property ownership/rental, proof of employment, etc.).

As for studying, if the complete duration of the program he wants to take is six months or less, he can study in Canada as a visitor. Otherwise he will need to apply for a study permit. For the study permit to be approved, he will need to show he has a bank balance covering first year tuition (keep in mind that he will have to pay the higher foreign tuition fees) + $10K living expenses (it doesn't matter that he will be living with you - he still needs to show this amount).

 

[vnannan]

Thanks a lot Scylla!