Maybe I overthink things.... my backstory....could use your expertise

[sunnynoon]

Ok so I have posted on here before but I am feeling overwhelmed before and need a more experienced perspective.

My boyfriend (Canadian citizen) and I (US citizen) met 11 years ago in Ontario.

We recently reconnected in Sept. 2012 - I was in the middle of a divorce which was finalized in March 2013. In November 2012 my boyfriend and I started dating. He was in Saskatchewan, and I was in Michigan. After my divorce was finalized, I attempted to move closer - like to Saskatchewan - but was denied entry at the border (I think technically I was given the option to rescind my request to enter Canada) as I couldn't prove ties to the US (yes this was my screw up - I take full responsibility for that).

So now I live in North Dakota - to be closer to him. I visit him in SK every weekend (since March).

We are considering getting married but we are definitely overwhelmed by everything - especially with our issues at border patrol at the beginning. We have documentation from me going up as they will stamp my passport occasionally or I sign a visitor slip upon entering Canada.

My concern is that we would both like very much for me to be able to live up there with him once we get married. Am I to understand that the only way to do that would to not be entirely honest with border patrol about my intentions on the length of stay and then submit paperwork immediately? Or is there a way to get a visitors visa for 6 months? Border patrol has me way freaked out since my first issue back in March and I really don't want to risk doing anything that will be detrimental to being up there with him.

If we do get married and I stay up there - I am assuming with my border issues I should apply inland and stay up there and not risk the back and forth...but then what do I do with my car?

So many questions...so overwhelmed....help!

 

[sakamath]

Have you considered the following scenario:
When the two of you are ready to get married, come over to Canada. Get married. Within Canada apply outland. Once the sponsorship part is approved (the application is split into 2 part, first where your husband - the sponsor - is approved to sponsor you and the second when you are approved for PR), you could go to US and deal with outstanding issues (car etc). Returning back when sponsorship is approved is much more assured than when it is not yet approved.

 

[sunnynoon]

so you are saying that border patrol will be less likely to give me a hassle if we do it that way?

 

[opmama]

Am I to understand that the only way to do that would to not be entirely honest with border patrol about my intentions on the length of stay and then submit paperwork immediately?

Given your previous experience at the border, I'd be very sure to be as honest as possible every time you cross, now. If they discover any deception, you risk getting banned, which would be really bad. Note that "honest" doesn't mean babbling your entire life story - it just means having a very coherent, very true explanation for each time you cross the border.

What kind of work do you do? If you could qualify for a work visa under NAFTA, that might be an approach to look at. Then you would be in Canada on a valid temporary work permit while you get married and apply for permanent residence.

 

[sunnynoon]

I have a bachelors degree in social work.

My boyfriend lives in a very small town in SK - and there isn't much for work up there.

I have a job offer currently - but not in social work... and I believe that for NAFTA - the job offer has to be in one of the 63 approved professions - the job offer is from a Child Care Centre - which is not listed in one of those professions.

Not to mention that my bachelors degree in social work might not even qualify - as I have to have it approved through the ministry as compatible with the social work education requirements in Canada....

Right?

 

[opmama]

I have a bachelors degree in social work.

Well, that is one of the professions that can qualify for TN status. I don't know about whether your degree would need to be evaluated - I've not heard of that for TN status, but it's possible.

Worth looking into, though. There might be jobs for mobile social workers near where your boyfriend lives, or jobs in Regina or Saskatoon, which would at least be on the same side of the border! Or the job description for the position at the child care center could be written in such a way that it fits the category (if you'd be working with special needs kids or high risk kids or something like that).

 

[sunnynoon]

I suppose it would be possible - but honestly - It was hard enough to find the first job willing to wait out a work permit - let alone trying to find a new job in the social work profession willing to wait it out.

Sorry, I just am extra frustrated. I think that if I want to go the work permit route - it would be best to hire an attorney to help me.

 

[opmama]

I hear the frustration - I had a very similar situation in reverse 13 years ago . But it might be preferable to nervewracking border crossings after you are married and/or not being able to work in Canada until you get PR.

And importantly, with a TN, you could be working in Canada two weeks from now. Unlike other types of work permits, the TN can be done at the border, so there's no waiting involved on the employer's part. I believe you just need the job offer letter and a copy of the job description that nicely matches the TN category (e.g. in this case, it would be great if the job title is "social worker" - nice and literal!), and I think a copy of your university transcript (check the details, but it was a small and simple list and I got my TNs in 10 minutes at the border).