American Visiting my gf in Canada

[Kangaroo76]

Hi there,

I’m an American girl planning to visit my gf in Canada (yes, lesbians, calm down).

We have talked about possibly marrying while I’m there. Nothing formal.

In any event, even if we did marry, I have a steady job and would need to return home while any residency is applied for.

I’ve heard border agents can be sticklers about not letting people in if they feel they won’t leave. Not my intention at all.

I plan on bringing a copy of my apartment lease, which runs through December 2020; letters from my employer with my date expected to be back at work; a copy of a doctors appr letter for the day after I return, a copy of my hold mail notice, and anything else I can think of to show I’ll be returning to the USA. Additionally, my daughter will be staying with my ex during my visit and as we share custody I need to return to her within our agreed upon timeframe.

Is there anything else I should bring? Will I have an issue crossing?

 

[kcward7]

Hi there,

I’m an American girl planning to visit my gf in Canada (yes, lesbians, calm down).

We have talked about possibly marrying while I’m there. Nothing formal.

In any event, even if we did marry, I have a steady job and would need to return home while any residency is applied for.

I’ve heard border agents can be sticklers about not letting people in if they feel they won’t leave. Not my intention at all.

I plan on bringing a copy of my apartment lease, which runs through December 2020; letters from my employer with my date expected to be back at work; a copy of a doctors appr letter for the day after I return, a copy of my hold mail notice, and anything else I can think of to show I’ll be returning to the USA. Additionally, my daughter will be staying with my ex during my visit and as we share custody I need to return to her within our agreed upon timeframe.

Is there anything else I should bring? Will I have an issue crossing?

No one cares that you're lesbians, we have many same sex couples on this forum.

No one can tell you if you will have an issue crossing, they have the right to refuse you entry for any reason. Your primary goal as you stated is ensuring you do not give them the impression you're moving. It sounds like you have put thought into how you will demonstrate that you'll return. If you're flying it's helpful to have a return ticket.

 

[Kayaker]

I don't think you will have an issue at all. Having all those documents is a great idea, but generally don't offer more information/documents than asked. Just have them handy in case they do ask, that's all.

 

[amandabear9]

Do you have a return ticket?

 

[Kangaroo76]

I do have a return ticket, yes.

And I didn’t mean anything by stating we are lesbians other than to confirm it if someone was confused.

I also had a dismissed charge but I’ll be carrying papers showing I was not convicted and it was expunged.

 

[kcward7]

I do have a return ticket, yes.

And I didn’t mean anything by stating we are lesbians other than to confirm it if someone was confused.

I also had a dismissed charge but I’ll be carrying papers showing I was not convicted and it was expunged.

Because you said calm down - just wanted you to know there's no judgment here for same sex and we have many same sex couples.

 

[amandabear9]

I do have a return ticket, yes.

And I didn’t mean anything by stating we are lesbians other than to confirm it if someone was confused.

I also had a dismissed charge but I’ll be carrying papers showing I was not convicted and it was expunged.

Usually a return ticket is more than sufficient evidence to prove you will return. I wouldnt offer any other info unless asked.

If you had a dismissed charged i wouldnt bring that up either unless you were asked.

As long as your charge wasn't a DUI or sexual charge you should be just fine.

 

[Jazzercise]

I do have a return ticket, yes.

And I didn’t mean anything by stating we are lesbians other than to confirm it if someone was confused.

I also had a dismissed charge but I’ll be carrying papers showing I was not convicted and it was expunged.

Have your return flight itinerary printed out, folded in your pocket. That's all you'll need (besides your passport). Everything else you listed isn't really necessary, but if you will feel better about having it, have it all placed in your carry-on or something. You'll probably be asked some combination of how long you're staying, who you know, where you'll be staying. Possibly even what you do for a living, which you can give a simple answer to without busting out the letters from your employer.

Just relax and enjoy your trip to see your girlfriend.

 

[Imjennah]

Hi there,

I’m an American girl planning to visit my gf in Canada (yes, lesbians, calm down).

We have talked about possibly marrying while I’m there. Nothing formal.

In any event, even if we did marry, I have a steady job and would need to return home while any residency is applied for.

I’ve heard border agents can be sticklers about not letting people in if they feel they won’t leave. Not my intention at all.

I plan on bringing a copy of my apartment lease, which runs through December 2020; letters from my employer with my date expected to be back at work; a copy of a doctors appr letter for the day after I return, a copy of my hold mail notice, and anything else I can think of to show I’ll be returning to the USA. Additionally, my daughter will be staying with my ex during my visit and as we share custody I need to return to her within our agreed upon timeframe.

Is there anything else I should bring? Will I have an issue crossing?

It sounds like you have enough documentation. The most important part (and easiest) is that you're intentions are true. It depends on the CBSA officer, but you do truly want to come back after your marriage and have enough to prove it. I would say the only extra thing is you have a letter from your gf explaining that you are getting married but that she acknowledges that you will be returning to the US.

 

[scylla]

And I didn’t mean anything by stating we are lesbians other than to confirm it if someone was confused.

Same sex couples are extremely common and the application process you'll follow is the same as for a heterosexual couple. Gender isn't really that relevant to applications these days. You should expect smooth sailing and likely no problems at the border as an American.

Are you planning on bringing your daughter with you to Canada when you immigrate? If you are, your ex will need to consent to this.

 

[Kangaroo76]

My charge was for domestic assault. It was not the partner I have a child with and as I said it was dismissed (no convictions) and expunged. I have all documents relating to it.

We haven’t decided as to if my daughter will come formally or just visit regularly. It will largely be her call.

 

[canuck78]

It sounds like you have enough documentation. The most important part (and easiest) is that you're intentions are true. It depends on the CBSA officer, but you do truly want to come back after your marriage and have enough to prove it. I would say the only extra thing is you have a letter from your gf explaining that you are getting married but that she acknowledges that you will be returning to the US.

Wouldn't bring up the potential marriage. You are visiting your gf.

 

[Jazzercise]

Wouldn't bring up the potential marriage. You are visiting your gf.

Correct.

 

[Kangaroo76]

But isn't it best to be honest? If they ask "are you going to marry while you are here," the honest answer is "we've talked about a civil ceremony but I have to go home because of my obligations for the next 18 months," and wouldn't that be better?

Am I overthinking this? I'll probably have no issue--right?

 

[np08]

But isn't it best to be honest? If they ask "are you going to marry while you are here," the honest answer is "we've talked about a civil ceremony but I have to go home because of my obligations for the next 18 months," and wouldn't that be better?

Am I overthinking this? I'll probably have no issue--right?

It's extremely rare for Americans to have issues in situations like these. Especially since you have a lot of proof of your ties to the US and obligations (including a child back home) that guarantee you'll go back.

I personally visited my then gf four times in Canada and not once was I asked if we were going to marry (I was always honest about visiting my gf). No need to volunteer any information they don't ask for. It's true that you're visiting your gf. What you're going to do during that visit isn't something you need to share upfront.

But either way, like I said, you have a ton of proof you'll return so I wouldn't stress.