American Staying in Canada for 9 months? Please advise!

[white_wolf]

Hi guys! I am legally married to a canadian since last year. I have been in Canada for 9 months without going back to the states. I now have to go to Australia because one of my family members is very ill and I am planning to be there for about 3 months plus.
My flight is from here in Canada to Los Angelas and then directly to Australia.
Will I have any problems getting there?
When I do decide to come back to Canada, will I be penalized and be unable to enter the country until I apply for my dual citizenship?
I'm pretty panicked and I am unsure of what will happen

 

[scylla]

You will have no issues leaving Canada.

It's impossible for any of us to say if you will have problems returning since you overstayed this visit. Whether you are allowed into Canada and for how long will be up to the immigration officer you encounter at the border. Generally speaking, you want to be spending more time outside of Canada than inside of Canada in any 12 months period (i.e. you want to avoid giving the impression that you are trying to live in Canada as a visitor). Generally speaking, it's also often a good idea to carry evidence with you of your ties to your home country (e.g. employment, property, assets) in case you are asked.

So the short answer is that none of us can tell you what will happen. It's impossible to predict. In the future, make sure you apply for an extension to your visit instead of just overstaying your visit.

FYI - You will not be applying for dual citizenship. You don't qualify for Canadian citizenship. You will be applying for permanent residency.

 

[white_wolf]

Thank you so much for your helpful information, I'll hope for the best!

 

[Leon]

If you are planning to live in Canada, you should have your spouse sponsor you for PR.

Like scylla said, you will not have any problems leaving but nobody knows if you will have problems entering again because you overstayed by 3 months.