sunnyinlombardy said:
Thanks everyone! We decided to buy a return ticket because the difference in price is like 50 euros so to save my nerves, we'll buy round tickets. I'm also worried if they ask if we are planning on applying for PR, and we say yes that they will make a problem of it. I know we are not doing anything but still the whole thing is scary. Last time, they never asked anything but we had a round trip ticket.
It comes down to serendipity and who your agent is when you cross the border. It's better to be prepared and all the advice here is geared towards helping you through the worst-case scenario.
You may get an agent who is at the end of her shift, tired, wants to go home and doesn't ask you too many questions. You may also get a new agent who's eager to prove how good he is and he asks you lots of questions.
From all that I have read here (I am Canadian sponsoring my partner, I initially immigrated to Canada in 1997 so went through the process myself) it's best to be honest with them, take your paperwork with you, tell them at the border you are applying for PR for your partner. Show he has a return ticket and that he has every intention to leave should he not get PR. The facts are easily checked by CIC anyway so you may as well be honest.
Good plan to get the return ticket.
I will be doing the same too in August, my partner's application is in process and if he is not approved by then we'll have a return ticket. He will also have only one suitcase. We'll be shipping goods in my name to Canada.
Good luck
Jonesy