Moving to Border Cities to be Closer While Application is Processing

[jesseheim]

I am from California and my husband is Canadian living in Ontario. We only get to see each other once every 6 months or so. We will be submitting our sponsorship application soon. While the application is being processed, we would like to be as close as possible, so we considered the possibility of us moving to Vancouver and Seattle (or a closer border city), respectively. That way I could drive up to see him as often as I’d like. How would the border officials take my situation if I were to frequently drive up to see him?

Another option we have considered is my living in Vancouver with him and driving into Washington State for work (since I wouldn’t have a work permit in Canada).

• Is it possible to live in Vancouver and work in the states without affecting my application?
• Is there perhaps another option we could take like some kind of work permit?
• How would would the border officials feel if I drove up and down every day for work?
• Would the NEXUS program be applicable to me, if I consider this option?

 

[Leon]

Nexus is supposed to make your border crossing easier so that would help. It is possible to stay in Canada and drive to the US every day for work but officially you are not allowed to live in Canada in the long term on visitor status.

An option to work in Canada would be to get a work permit. If your occupation falls under NAFTA, you would need a job offer and you would be able to apply for a work permit with that. If it doesn't, your prospective employer would have to apply for a labour market opinion and if he gets it, you can apply for a work permit.

If your husband is already living in Ontario, you might also consider living close to the border there, for example in Buffalo.