Crossing into canada from US after wedding

[Kim Morgan]

Our son went to the MP office to ask questions about bringing his wife into canada (getting married May 4th in the US). She said that they can cross but might get a "crusty" cbsa who might deny entry. So that didn't really help.
It sounds like they should:
Get married
Travel across the border in separate vehicles - she can say she is coming to visit friends (which she is ). She would come with us and our son would drive his own vehicle.
Then apply for PR.
Does this make sense?

 

[Kayaker]

The main thing is for her not to drive up with too many belongings. If she comes with what looks like a normal amount of stuff for a visit, that's fine, but if she comes with her car stuffed to the brim with her worldly belongings, the border officer will wonder how long her "visit" is going to last.

I think the main thing about crossing the border is to be perfectly honest (if you, her in-laws, are driving with her in the car, and the officer asks what's your relationship, it would not be a great idea to say you are "friends" - just say you are her in-laws) but don't offer the officer your life story and your life plans unless asked. Don't volunteer more info than they ask, but be prepared to answer any of their questions truthfully.

She CAN have "dual intent" - be visiting, but planning to apply for PR and stay long-term. Having dual intent is not a reason for the officer to deny entry, as long as the officer is satisfied that she knows what the rules are and that she plans to follow them.

 

[Kim Morgan]

But are correct that she shouldn't say she is planning to apply for PR? Our daughter will be with us so our dil can say she is visiting her.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

But are correct that she shouldn't say she is planning to apply for PR? Our daughter will be with us so our dil can say she is visiting her.

Don't lie to CBSA. That's the fastest way to not only be refused entry but also be issued a one year Exclusion Order. CBSA officers aren't stupid; as soon as the relationship is established, they will know she isn't coming to visit her sister-in-law.

 

[Kayaker]

She should say she will apply for PR if they ask. If they don't seem interested in her and are ready to just wave her through, then she shouldn't volunteer that information.

If somehow it comes up in the conversation that she is married to a Canadian, and they ask what her long-term plans are, then she probably should say she is applying for PR in the near future. Again, applying for PR is not a reason for them to deny her entry. Being evasive, or appearing to have no plan, Could get her denied. It sounds fishy if she's newly married, and doesn't know if she wants to live with her husband or not. So it would be better to say she's going to spend some time with hubby and her in laws, then apply for PR. What they want to know is that she knows what the rules are and will abide by them. Her planning to stay in Canada permanently is NOT a reason to deny her entry, as long as she has a solid plan to do that legally.

 

[Kayaker]

Also, as canuck-in-uk points out, saying your daughter in law is visiting your daughter is not a lie in your eyes, but it may be a "lie by omission" in the officer's eyes.

 

[Kim Morgan]

Don't lie to CBSA. That's the fastest way to not only be refused entry but also be issued a one year Exclusion Order. CBSA officers aren't stupid; as soon as the relationship is established, they will know she isn't coming to visit her sister-in-law.

Thank you!! We certainly were feeling very uncomfortable with saying this. We were comfortable with them just crossing and saying she will be applying for PR.

 

[Kayaker]

Don't overthink it.

Actually, the simplest thing might be for your son and his wife to drive up together, saying they are going on a honeymoon. If the officer asks what next, then they can say they'll apply for PR.

 

[Kim Morgan]

She should say she will apply for PR if they ask. If they don't seem interested in her and are ready to just wave her through, then she shouldn't volunteer that information.

If somehow it comes up in the conversation that she is married to a Canadian, and they ask what her long-term plans are, then she probably should say she is applying for PR in the near future. Again, applying for PR is not a reason for them to deny her entry. Being evasive, or appearing to have no plan, Could get her denied. It sounds fishy if she's newly married, and doesn't know if she wants to live with her husband or not. So it would be better to say she's going to spend some time with hubby and her in laws, then apply for PR. What they want to know is that she knows what the rules are and will abide by them. Her planning to stay in Canada permanently is NOT a reason to deny her entry, as long as she has a solid plan to do that legally.

Awesome answer!! Thanks. I kniow they will likely ask them what their relationship is so they will just say they just got married.
Then I'm sure they will ask about their plans. I think they have to wait until after marriage to fill out the paperwork since they need their marriage license. They have the money set aside to apply as soon as they get back home.

 

[Kim Morgan]

Don't overthink it.

Actually, the simplest thing might be for your son and his wife to drive up together, saying they are going on a honeymoon. If the officer asks what next, then they can say they'll apply for PR.

Thanks--for sure we are overthinking it. She has people telling her horror stories of getting turned away and not being able to be together. I think those must be people who have not followed the rules.

 

[Jazzercise]

But are correct that she shouldn't say she is planning to apply for PR? Our daughter will be with us so our dil can say she is visiting her.

As I stated to you in a different thread (and as was told to you by the MP's office), it all depends on the CBSA officer. Many people on here have posted how they announced "dual intent," showed immigration receipts, etc. and have been allowed entry. Others, however, have had more difficult experiences. It all depends on the officer.

Yes, don't lie, but also don't volunteer information not really asked of your son and his wife. Based on my experience (I've crossed many times), the odds of them asking your son and his wife how they know each other is slim. They've always asked me how long we've known each other and/or where we met, but they never asked about our relationship status. Never. I suppose there's always a chance they might ask, but again, I've crossed maaaaany times and they have never asked this. They probably will also ask about how long you plan to stay. Give them anything shorter than six months (I'm assuming the wife is a U.S. citizen). As another poster already said, your daughter-in-law should not drive up with all her earthly possessions -- it's a massive red flag.

You're right: don't overthink it. If you do, you all might get super nervous, all but forcing the officer to ask questions!

 

[Kayaker]

After I got married I entered Canada by plane, not car, and I said "I'm visiting my husband." They didn't ask for my return flight info, but they asked if I'm going to do the "six-month-thing". Technically, that (visiting for 6 months at a time) isn't illegal, but we all know that's not a real plan for married life. So I said we'd already applied for PR. They didn't ask for proof that I had, just took my word for it, because I guess they thought I looked like I knew what I was doing and wasn't going to stay here illegally.

 

[Kim Morgan]

As I stated to you in a different thread (and as was told to you by the MP's office), it all depends on the CBSA officer. Many people on here have posted how they announced "dual intent," showed immigration receipts, etc. and have been allowed entry. Others, however, have had more difficult experiences. It all depends on the officer.

Yes, don't lie, but also don't volunteer information not really asked of your son and his wife. Based on my experience (I've crossed many times), the odds of them asking your son and his wife how they know each other is slim. They've always asked me how long we've known each other and/or where we met, but they never asked about our relationship status. Never. I suppose there's always a chance they might ask, but again, I've crossed maaaaany times and they have never asked this. They probably will also ask about how long you plan to stay. Give them anything shorter than six months (I'm assuming the wife is a U.S. citizen). As another poster already said, your daughter-in-law should not drive up with all her earthly possessions -- it's a massive red flag.

You're right: don't overthink it. If you do, you all might get super nervous, all but forcing the officer to ask questions!

Thanks--I think we are all stressed about this but none of us have ever had an issue at the border. I appreciate your answers (on both threads--I couldn't find this one on my phone. )

 

[Kim Morgan]

So we have a new daughter in law and they are crossing the border tomorrow. Her family is unable (unwilling?) to keep her pet rabbit. The rabbit has proper documentation. Will they allow her to bring the bunny with her if she is applying for PR?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

So we have a new daughter in law and they are crossing the border tomorrow. Her family is unable (unwilling?) to keep her pet rabbit. The rabbit has proper documentation. Will they allow her to bring the bunny with her if she is applying for PR?

It is generally not recommended to bring pets, as that is a strong indicator of moving to Canada when she is only allowed to visit at this point. Best case scenario, she is allowed in with no issue. Worst case, she is refused entry and issued a one year Exclusion Order.

Does she have a friend that can take the animal for now?