Entering Canada to get married and apply for PR, what to say at the border.

[redhotgalego]

Hello everyone,

Soon I´ll be travelling to Canada from my home country (Spain) in order to get married to my Canadian girlfriend, whom I met while I stayed in Canada last year on my Working Holiday Visa. Our plan is that I enter as a visitor to get married and after I apply for PR inland sponsored by her, remaining in Canada under visitor visa while waiting for implied status and open work permit. However, I´ve heard that I could find trouble at the border since I´m coming with the intention of staying. Of course I´d leave if my visitor visa expired before I got implied status or an extension of my visitor status. My question is about what to say at the border in the airport, if I should mention the wedding or only that I´m visiting. I understand the consequences of lying to the border guys, and I don´t plan to do so, but I´m concerned they´d think I´m trying to hide something if I don´t provide this information right away and they find out through further and more specific questions. In the other hand, from previous experiences I´ve read it is better not to mention that kind of information since it only brings trouble. I´m playing by the rules and are aware of Canadian inmigration laws. I´ve spoken to CIC a few times and even my girlfriend reached out to border officers and asked if we could encounter any trouble. They all said we shouldn´t have any problem (also that they can´t guarantee anything and it´s up to the officer that interviews you), but previous experiences I´ve read indicate otherwise. So, I´m very nervous, I don´t know what to do, and any advice would be much apreciated.

Thank you!

 

[sawadee-eh]

Hmm, that's a tough one. Seems like a 50/50 chance.

Can't encourage you to lie, but coming as a tourist will be pretty sure to get in. That is unless they question you more and search your bags/phone/computer and find signs of your real intent.

If you tell them straight out of your plan and make it clear you plan to do everything the right way and follow all immigration rules and that if your PR is denied to will absolutely leave, they might let you in despite it going against the idea of "visting".

If you are bringing tons of belongings it will raise an eyebrow as well.

Tough call.

 

[BonManush]

Hello everyone,

Soon I´ll be travelling to Canada from my home country (Spain) in order to get married to my Canadian girlfriend, whom I met while I stayed in Canada last year on my Working Holiday Visa. Our plan is that I enter as a visitor to get married and after I apply for PR inland sponsored by her, remaining in Canada under visitor visa while waiting for implied status and open work permit. However, I´ve heard that I could find trouble at the border since I´m coming with the intention of staying. Of course I´d leave if my visitor visa expired before I got implied status or an extension of my visitor status. My question is about what to say at the border in the airport, if I should mention the wedding or only that I´m visiting. I understand the consequences of lying to the border guys, and I don´t plan to do so, but I´m concerned they´d think I´m trying to hide something if I don´t provide this information right away and they find out through further and more specific questions. In the other hand, from previous experiences I´ve read it is better not to mention that kind of information since it only brings trouble. I´m playing by the rules and are aware of Canadian inmigration laws. I´ve spoken to CIC a few times and even my girlfriend reached out to border officers and asked if we could encounter any trouble. They all said we shouldn´t have any problem (also that they can´t guarantee anything and it´s up to the officer that interviews you), but previous experiences I´ve read indicate otherwise. So, I´m very nervous, I don´t know what to do, and any advice would be much apreciated.

Thank you!

Just sharing my experience: I, a Canadian Citizen flew into the states to get married. I told them straight up that I was going there for my own wedding. That was it - no other questions asked. It took less than 30 seconds. And, I gotta say I probably fit into one of their "profiles" with my name and background.

I really don't think you would have any problem if you are upfront with them. Of course, no one can guarantee it at this stage. You are not necessarily lying if you tell them you are visiting your girlfriend but if they go through your stuff and find out about your wedding plans then things can get messy.

 

[screech339]

It is not illegal to come into Canada to get married. What is illegal is not telling the truth to the CBSA agent about your intentions. Be up front about your plans including getting married. My wife then fiancee told them about our wedding plans. Had no issues. Even the agent told her congrats on getting married and let her in.

CBSA agents don't like being lied to, including omissions of intentions or facts.

 

[sawadee-eh]

Yup, I would go along with those answers. Just be totally upfront about everything. Good luck

 

[Shineon39]

Just say the thrue, always better, it's not illegal to come to Canada to get married. And if you have an straightforward case I strongly advice to apply OUTLAND. Way more faster and you are from a visa-exempt country so you can easyly stay in Canada on tourist visa while your application is being process. Just to give an idea, I just get throught one of the thoughest visa office in only 7month and half and inland would be around 2 years. I don't know wich visa office manage application from spain but i'm sure they are quicker than Singapore

Good luck