Getting married in USA.. and then living in Canada

[eternalrock]

Hey everyone,

My fiancee and I are getting married in August. She is an American and I'm a Canadian. We'll be getting married in the United States and then heading back to Canada after our honeymoon.

We understand that she can't work while in Canada (until her VISA goes through), and that's OK. We also understand that even though we are married -- we must state that she is only coming to visit when we return from our honeymoon. She is allowed here for 6 months and then we apply for another 6 month extension while we wait for the VISA to be approved. We will likely be applying for an Outland VISA.

Basically, I just want to make sure everything goes smooth when we come back from our honeymoon. I've heard horror stories of newlyweds being separated for months or years because they didn't have everything sorted out. I want to avoid this at all costs and hope you guys might be able to provide some insight as we plan ahead.

Here are my questions..

1) When can we apply for the Outland Visa. Is it only after we're married? Is it possible to get the process going beforehand?
2) Is there anything we should have when we come back from our honeymoon into Canada? I know she may need to prove ties to the US (property, license, etc), which is no problem. We will also have our marriage license too. Is there anything else we should have?
3) Any other thoughts and/or tips to make sure it's a smooth entry?

Thanks so much for your help. If there's anywhere else I can find reliable info about this stuff, please let me know.

Warmest regards,

Laura&Jason

 

[Ponga]

Please be aware that although visitors that hold a visa exempt passport are usually allowed to visit Canada for 6 months, this is NOT guaranteed. It is at the sole discretion of the Border Officer at the time of entry, to determine how long she can `visit' you!

1.
Yes.
No, you can not apply before you are married (unless you had been cohabiting for 12 continuous months and were applying as a Common-Law couple).

2.
Check the numerous other threads here to get more ideas.

3.
Bookmark this website and read as much as you can! You'll find more help and support than you could have ever imagined!

Good luck!

 

[rhcohen2014]

1. since you are applying for spousal sponsorship (it's not a visa - it's permanent residency status), i don't think you can submit the application ahead of time, since your marriage certificate is needed for the application. if the application is not complete, then it will be delayed until it is, or they will just send the application back.

2. if you have any proof of your intentions to apply for PR, then bring that with you. Also, it's good to pay for part of the fees. This will show your intent to apply, and they like to see that

3. just always tell the truth, be ready for a lot of questions, and be prepared with all your wife's documentation - especially ties to the US this includes lease/mortgage, paystubs/work contract. Having belongings, family and a driver's license doesn't prove ties in their eyes. They want to make sure she has something significant to go back to. if you are pulled into secondary, and interrigated, they will most likely write your answers into their system, so they can ask them again next time she crosses. They want to see consistency in answers. some agents are tougher than others. Remember, she is not guaranteed 6 mo. even if she asks for it. It really depends on the agent you deal with, and their mood in that moment. there is debate if the 6 mo is per calendar year (without an extension) or per visit. CBSA likes to tell people different things!

 

[truesmile]

Something I always like to suggest. You have a long haul ahead, why don't you get her to apply for a NEXUS card? The fee is $50 and she should have it in 8 weeks. You could too if you will be travelling together. They're valid for 5 years. Even after you're through all of this, you won't regret having one. You're subject to 1 in a 1000 or so random checks but otherwise you get to breeze through "security" at some airports and for customs you use a machine rather than a customs officer.

 

[blueangel371115]

Hey everyone,

My fiancee and I are getting married in August. She is an American and I'm a Canadian. We'll be getting married in the United States and then heading back to Canada after our honeymoon.

We understand that she can't work while in Canada (until her VISA goes through), and that's OK. We also understand that even though we are married -- we must state that she is only coming to visit when we return from our honeymoon. She is allowed here for 6 months and then we apply for another 6 month extension while we wait for the VISA to be approved. We will likely be applying for an Outland VISA.

Basically, I just want to make sure everything goes smooth when we come back from our honeymoon. I've heard horror stories of newlyweds being separated for months or years because they didn't have everything sorted out. I want to avoid this at all costs and hope you guys might be able to provide some insight as we plan ahead.

Here are my questions..

1) When can we apply for the Outland Visa. Is it only after we're married? Is it possible to get the process going beforehand?
2) Is there anything we should have when we come back from our honeymoon into Canada? I know she may need to prove ties to the US (property, license, etc), which is no problem. We will also have our marriage license too. Is there anything else we should have?
3) Any other thoughts and/or tips to make sure it's a smooth entry?

Thanks so much for your help. If there's anywhere else I can find reliable info about this stuff, please let me know.

Warmest regards,

Laura&Jason

Hello,
I married my Canadian husband in October and filed my application in January following the Medicals and my FBI certificate. We returned from our overseas honeymoon with no problems at all. I heard all kinds of horror stories too before about us being banned or border bound in the other's country just because we were married. It's frustrating and sometimes scary but in my experience, it hasn't occurred yet. And I cross once a month WITH my husband. Just be honest and polite and you should be ok. However, as always it is up to each officer's discretion whether or not to allow you to enter at any point.

Feel free to PM me if you wish if you have more questions.

 

[katester]

Good luck and jut be honest. My husband and I tried this and I was limited to visiting for only 4 months. So for a year we have been living apart and hoping that my application gets approved soon. Don't argue with the guard they have final say and can can her if they want. I would suggest bringing your proof of income. They wanted to make sure my husband could support me for the time of my visit. Showing her ID means nothing to them. They don't want to know that she will stay more then 6 months. They want to make sure she will leave when they say she needs too. SHe needs to have ties an investment in the US like a house or rent or a job. Family and friends mean nothing.