Can US citizen spouse of Canadian citizen enter now as visitor with dual intent to start inland application?

[pixelderp]

Title has the question. I am finding really unclear answers about immediate family member exemptions from entering Canada. If we have a marriage certificate to show as proof, would he be able to come into Canada stating the goal of family re-unification and then we can start the inland processing?

I know prior to COVID any US citizen could enter as a visitor with dual intent of also becoming PR. Now with COVID, I don't know if he will be granted entry. I even called a POE and border officials could not give a clear answer though they were leaning towards no entry.

We do not want to be separated during outland sponsorship ... who knows how long that will take now and with the restrictions, short visits will definitely be deemed non essential, I assume. Please, any help appreciated.

 

[armoured]

Afraid it's hard for anyone to be precise about what will be considered 'essential' at the border, with - as you got already - mixed signals, despite the family reunification exemption. So best you can expect at this point is a "give it a try" and be prepared if it does not work.

You seem to have the key points above - he must have a specific plan to self-isolate for the period required or may get turned back; he will need to show he is joining you, his spouse (documentation); can't hurt to say 'family reunification' but may help to have other, specific reasons as to why now, even if it's 'my spouse needs me around to help with work/house/family.'

I don't know whether it makes sense to declare dual intent. It's fine to say that he intends to stay the length of time his visitor status allows and even extend. Obviously do not lie if asked; I would guess at this time they may find credible and believable an answer like we are looking at how to live together full time once the covid situation stabilises - including we don't know whether to file inland or outland yet.

One opinion only and again, no one can give guarantees about what is considered essential right now.