At the Border...

[em-persandcollins]

I'll be crossing the Sweetgrass, MT/Alberta border in early July to be with my girlfriend hopefully for the duration of our PR OUTLAND application (I'm American, she is Canadian), which we'll be sending in August/September after we get married (in Canada).

When I cross the border, which would be better for me to say:

1. I'm visiting my girlfriend.
or
2. I'm visiting my girlfriend who I plan to marry next month at which time we'll apply for PR Outland (I'll have the paperwork with me). I hope to stay with her while the application is in process and plan to apply for a visitor extension if the application takes more than 6 months.

I know that #2 is more risky, but after having read other questions on the same subject, I'm curious if Border patrol agents would appreciate the honesty and the fact that we're going about the process as legally as possible. Then again I'd hate to limit my ability to cross the border simply because the agent might not like my coming to Canada with an end result in my wanting to live there.

I won't be traveling with much, so I doubt they would be skeptical concerning the items in my car.

Thanks.

 

[rhcohen2014]

"i'm coming to canada to visit my FIANCE. We are getting married next month in xxx at xxx, and we will be applying for OUTLAND PR as soon as our marriage certificate is ready. We've already started compiling the paperwork, paid for some fees, and got the medical done (if you have already). see? here's the stuff."

I would not mention your intentions on asking for an extension because that shows your intent on staying longer than what they allow you in that moment. the application is certainly going to take more than 6 months. I think adding that will only cause you trouble. best to leave it out!

 

[notsopatient]

Speaking from experience, they will probably want proof that you still have significant ties in the US. When my husband tried to come in the first time they turned him back as they said he didn't have proof of enough ties to ensure he would leave when his time was up. He had to produce a lease or proof of a job in the US. Once he provided proof of both they allowed him in. Make sure you don't do anything to make them think that you will have any intentions of staying longer than you tell them you will.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Speaking from experience, they will probably want proof that you still have significant ties in the US. When my husband tried to come in the first time they turned him back as they said he didn't have proof of enough ties to ensure he would leave when his time was up. He had to produce a lease or proof of a job in the US. Once he provided proof of both they allowed him in. Make sure you don't do anything to make them think that you will have any intentions of staying longer than you tell them you will.

did they require both as proof? i plan to go back this summer, and i won't have proof of work, i will have proof of a lease though. any idea if that will be problematic? this is the first time i'm going without proof of work

 

[blueangel371115]

"i'm coming to canada to visit my FIANCE. We are getting married next month in xxx at xxx, and we will be applying for OUTLAND PR as soon as our marriage certificate is ready. We've already started compiling the paperwork, paid for some fees, and got the medical done (if you have already). see? here's the stuff."

This is almost verbatim what I always said to the Officer when asked and I had no problems and only one time did they check my receipt but they were going to issue me a VR that time. Just make it clear you have your ducks in a row and are aware of the rules and you should be fine. However, always remember it is at the officer's discretion whether or not to let you in.

 

[notsopatient]

For him they asked for both but they did let him back with just the lease initially.