Canadian wanting to visit american husband while paper work is being processed?

[TammyCTG]

Hi there

I am a Canadian woman, and I am married to an American man since Aug 16 2008. WE only put the paper work for my green card in a year ago.....we were not sure at the time where we wanted to live. Anyway We have 3 kids 6 year old, 2 year old and a new born. I am not sure of the immigration rules regarding my visiting him while my paperwork is pending for my green card. WE decided to do the paper work ourselves to save money, so I don't have the luxury of asking a lawyer. I am currently on 1 year maternity leave from my job and I would like to spend it with my husband in the US until my paper work is completed. I am planning to send mine and my kids personal belongings down to the US with movers or with a UHaul attached to my car, but I am now hearing contradictory opinions regarding if I am able to do this. I Plan to leave in 6 weeks and now I am panicking about what is going to happen once I get to the border. I don't want to hurt my chances of getting a green card later, but I don't want to be apart from my husband for this long either, especially since I am on maternity leave now.

So my questions are as follows

1. Am I allowed to legally enter the US while waiting to hear back from the US Consulate regarding my Green card?

2. What is the best option for moving our belongs to the US?

3. Will entering the US now, hurt my chances of getting a green card later?


Also should I allow my husband to drive my car and my belongs across the border with our Children and fly
to the US with my infant?

Please I need any and all relevant advice....

Thank you in advance!

Tammy

 

[matthewc]

I think you'll find for the most part people here know about Canadian immigration for those coming into Canada, rather than Canadians going elsewhere. You might want to search for a US-specific forum.

 

[jcbrobeck]

You need to apply for a Canadian Passport. thats the only way Homeland Security will allow you to cross/you need a specific city where you are going. If he comes to CA the longest he canstay is 6 months but may be able to get an extension. You also need to get that Canadian passport. A green Card is for those that work,Its a totally different world in the US

 

[TammyCTG]

Hi ...I thought someone might have some insight or knowledge to help me. Oh I do have a Canadian passport as do my children, I was just wondering if I am allowed to enter the US but like you suggested I guess I will have to try an American forum

Thanks all the same

Tammy

 

[mylota]

The US does not allow dual intent. meaning once your application for PR is in, it is unlikely they will issue a visitors visa to you if you required a visa. for those that do not need a visa like yourself, it is 50:50 chance you will be allowed in. A friend crossed in last year from Niagara and they just glanced through his passport even when his green card to his American wife was in progress. This is exactly your situation. The problem is that unlike the canadian the US does not allow dual intent so if you choose to try to cross into the US I will suggest you use a land border where you have the best chance of getting in but do not carry your stuff along like you are moving over!!