Cutting it close on time.

[Lbbkai]

My husband and I are waiting on our marriage certificate in the mail before we can officially file for Sponsorship, it still should be about 2 more weeks. The problem is, my 6 month stay is up in October, and we just did my fingerprinting for my criminal check(FBI) (I somehow was able to forget that it takes awhile for this to get done) *I'm so upset with myself about this*. I need to file for an extension of stay. But I'm terrified the 'criminal check' will take too long to come back, and I won't have time to file an extension, siting 'Spousal Sponsorship' as the reason.

My question is, can you file for an extension to stay in Canada if you haven't filed your Spousal Sponsorship application yet? Is there another reason you can site?

I am totally freaking out that I won't get to stay during our application process all because I didn't do my FBI check sooner.

Please any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[frege]

My husband and I are waiting on our marriage certificate in the mail before we can officially file for Sponsorship, it still should be about 2 more weeks. The problem is, my 6 month stay is up in October, and we just did my fingerprinting for my criminal check(FBI) (I somehow was able to forget that it takes awhile for this to get done) *I'm so upset with myself about this*. I need to file for an extension of stay. But I'm terrified the 'criminal check' will take too long to come back, and I won't have time to file an extension, siting 'Spousal Sponsorship' as the reason.

My question is, can you file for an extension to stay in Canada if you haven't filed you Spousal Sponsorship application yet? Is there another reason you can site?

I am totally freaking out that I won't get to stay during our application process all because I didn't do my FBI check sooner.

You can certainly request an extension. You just need top say why you'll be staying in Canada, and convince the authorities that you won't work and will leave when required.

To clarify your situation, are you applying "inland" or "outland"?

Also, since you mentioned the FBI check, you're probably a U.S. citizen. Is that correct? If so, you're more likely to get the extension because you don't usually require a visa to visit Canada.

 

[Lbbkai]

Sorry for the lack of details.

Yes I am a US Citizen, and we plan on applying outland.

When filing for an extension, I had originally wanted to site 'Spousal Sponsorship' as the reason. But since I'm not sure we will get all of our paperwork back on time, before my original 6 month time is up, I can't site that.

Is there another reason I can say when applying? Like would they accept, 'Waiting on Paperwork to File for Sponsorship'? And then maybe send them a copy of out Marriage certificate?

 

[Alurra71]

You SHOULD be able to tell them you are currently waiting for your FBI clearances and then you can file your sponsorship paperwork and you would like an extension. As long as you are not being shady about it you should be fine. If you are close to the border, then go to the immigration office right on the border with your hubby and go inside. Then they can clearly see you are willing to leave if demanded, but would prefer to stay but you are obeying their rules of no work, no study.

That is what I did when I needed to file for an extension. Your mind will certainly play more games with you about the 'what ifs' but it really was not as bad as your mind will entertain! Remember, what if a frog had wings? He wouldn't bump his a$$ when he jumps LOL

 

[frege]

Sorry for the lack of details.

Yes I am a US Citizen, and we plan on applying outland.

When filing for an extension, I had originally wanted to site 'Spousal Sponsorship' as the reason. But since I'm not sure we will get all of our paperwork back on time, before my original 6 month time is up, I can't site that.

Is there another reason I can say when applying? Like would they accept, 'Waiting on Paperwork to File for Sponsorship'? And then maybe send them a copy of out Marriage certificate?

I think the reason for your stay would be something like "staying with my husband in Canada" or "visiting my husband". Mention that you intend to apply for PR but haven't received all the documents for your application yet. I don't think you need to say more about this in the application.

Also, because you're applying outland, there's no connection between your application for PR and your application to extend your stay in Canada. They're on two completely separate tracks. Applying inland would automatically extend your stay in Canada, but outland won't have any effect.

I think you probably don't need to worry about this too much. Most U.S. citizens don't have a problem entering Canada in similar circumstances. (My wife is British and had no problems - she just said she was visiting me and never had to mention the sponsorship application.) So you might find it preferable to spend a day in the States with your husband and cross back in. They'll probably give you a fresh six months. You should carry proof of you and your husband's income or assets so you can show you won't need to work while you're in Canada. This will be easier than applying for an extension because in all likelihood they won't ask you for any proof at the border.

By the way, if it looks like your FBI check is going to take a long time, you should just send in your application without it (with a note that you've applied for it but don't have it yet). This way you get in the processing queue. Then send it once they ask you for it. You do need to wait for the marriage certificate, though, because you won't get Stage 1 (sponsorship) approval without it.

 

[Lbbkai]

Thank you for the replies.

Another question, is this the proper form to use when applying for extension? w w w.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5708E.pdf

Do I check *Extension for my temporary resident status? For extending my Visitor's stay?

And also, Do I put the reason you guys suggested in the 'Details of Visit to Canada' section under 'Other'?

Sorry again for the questions, and I truly appreciate all the answers I've gotten. It's totally helped to calm me down.

 

[Alurra71]

Thank you for the replies.

Another question, is this the proper form to use when applying for extension? w w w.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5708E.pdf

Do I check *Extension for my temporary resident status? For extending my Visitor's stay?

And also, Do I put the reason you guys suggested in the 'Details of Visit to Canada' section under 'Other'?

Sorry again for the questions, and I truly appreciate all the answers I've gotten. It's totally helped to calm me down.

I'm sorry, I can't help you with that, as when I did my extension, I just went to the border to have it done. They looked at my paperwork, typed in their computer, and it spit out a new record for me and they put it in my passport, wished me a good day and out the door I went. I have NO idea what paperwork or questions are even on those things.

 

[frege]

Thank you for the replies.

Another question, is this the proper form to use when applying for extension? w w w.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5708E.pdf

Do I check *Extension for my temporary resident status? For extending my Visitor's stay?

And also, Do I put the reason you guys suggested in the 'Details of Visit to Canada' section under 'Other'?

Sorry again for the questions, and I truly appreciate all the answers I've gotten. It's totally helped to calm me down.

Yes, if your time in Canada hasn't expired yet, you should tick "extension". You should wait until your status is about to expire to apply.

Looking at the forms, I think the answers to Questions 3 and 4 will make the situation perfectly clear. You could add a separate note about the fact you intend to apply for PR through sponsorship.

If you intend to stay in Canada during your application, you'll need to go through this again once your time in Canada is up. And it only really makes sense to request a long stay (over six months) once your PR application has been submitted.