Getting through the border

[MandiF]

Hey, don't mean to sound rude but been as other people came in and had similar problems, could someone answer the last post? Thanks.

I think the thing is, no one really knows if he'll get through or not, and others are just putting up their own experiences and thoughts.

I flew directly into Canada with my Canadian husband and had a return ticket for 3 months after arriving and they didn't really say much to me at all, just asked him if he had friends and family in Canada, which we both thought was a bit weird, yes, obviously he has as he's Canadian! and then just let us both through.

It might have been different if I was on my own, or had a different border guy, but they didn't mention anything about a return ticket or did I have a job in UK (I'd just left it) or anything.

So really, do your best at the border, always be honest, and if its normal for people to fly to the States and then cross over do everything the normal way and don't get so stressed out about it all, as that is something that will look odd as he's going over the border and might get him questioned more.

 

[BeShoo]

Basically what I'm asking is, is the return ticket and him saying he will leave if he gets refused, a bank statement showing our money, as well as saying he'd be supported solely me and my family, and our receipt that he has in fact applied for permanent residence enough to get through?

I think it should be enough, based on my experience, but it's always a judgement call by the border officer, so we can't offer any guarantees. I would say however that I think there's more than a 90% chance thet this will be okay. You might have to answer a lot of questions, but it should be fine.

 

[mmhughes]

Okay just to clarify a couple of things. He has already booked the flights! Hes unable to change them without having ludicrous charges, the quickest and cheapest way to get into where I live is through the USA border as I'm literally right next to it. Last time he came he had no problem getting through but that was only for two weeks. The reason we booked it for so many months after was then if he got refused, or was unable to get an extension, he'd already have a flight home.

The plan is for him to stay with me and my parents, and he'll pay for everyday things while I pay rent to them on behalf of both of us from my job.

He has already resigned, he can't turn back (he wouldn't be able to get a week or two off, let alone a six month leave of absence or whatever its officially called). And thats what scares him the most, the prospect of them asking him what he does (him saying hes either left his recent job to live with me for a while, or nothing, neither sounds particularly good when previously it really reassured them) and him being turned back around wasting the money on flights and everything else.

As I originally mentioned, hes paid the fees for us both and has the receipt as well as me. I will be going to the American airport to pick him up, so I can help him get through the US/Canada airport, but even I am worried about him getting through the first part.

We really don't want to lie in case he gets caught out, that obviously won't help us and will only put a giant sign above our heads.

Basically what I'm asking is, is the return ticket and him saying he will leave if he gets refused, a bank statement showing our money, as well as saying he'd be supported solely me and my family, and our receipt that he has in fact applied for permanent residence enough to get through?

I know its down to them and they have the authority, I just want to make our chances as good as possible. He would be staying for 172 days, leaving on April 11th.

From my understanding (based on my friends and my Dad who have come into Canada also from the UK) Canada will only want proof that he can support himself (or have family members support him or both) when he is visiting Canada for a long period of time. If you are super worried he should maybe bring a print out of his bank details showing money saved. Also, having you and his family vouch for him coming through the US border will be an added bonus.

Your husband is allowed to visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa if he is from the UK. So they will only ask these details if they are worried that he can’t look after himself while he is visiting. I think when my father came to Canada (albeit 25 years ago), my mother and her family just vouched for him at the airport and signed a few papers stating that they will look after him financially. And my father was a long haired hippy with tattoos and only in his early 20s. And I think appearance was a huge thing back in those days!

 

[MandiF]

Hi SarahL,

i was just wondering how this all went when your husband arrived? Did it go okay?