Possible to apply for TRV if from visa exempt country?

[MandiF]

I'm hoping someone can help me with some advice. I've been reading through all of the threads and have decided although I'm applying outland in London to go and live with my husband in Canada in January to wait it out, knowing that I'll have to fly back to London for an interview if required and will have to send my passport off for the visa when it is finally requested.

I know there are a lot of threads of how to get through immigration at the Canadian end if I have limited ties to the UK, as I have given up my job, and will be renting out my house, and know to take copies of my application with me, and confirmation of spousal approval etc, but one of the things that most people say is to have a return ticket, even if you don't use the return portion.

I'm trying to work out if it is possible to only have a one way ticket and still get through okay. My husband is home in UK for Christmas and I will be flying back with him, but he has to return on a specific day as his employer has paid for his ticket and for me to fly on that specific day is quite expensive and then if I spend even more money on a flight back which I know I'm not going to use anyway seems like a really big waste that we're not really going to be able to afford as we will be living on one wage for a while.

I know some people have said that airlines can have a problem with one way tickets, but my husband has done it before and they haven't questioned it, although he does have a Canadian passport if that makes a difference.

My question would be if its an issue to go over on a one way ticket, would it be possible for me to go through all the hassle first with the Canadian Embassy in London and try to get a six month TRV, even though the UK is visa exempt? Do you think they would issue it? And would I have a good enough reason for them to?

I am thinking of being totally honest with them and telling them all of the above, to see what happens. i was going to try and call the Embassy and ask, but of course have no idea how to actually speak to anyone about a TRV, as their website is so complicated and when I go to email a question the webform only relates to a current application, which I have but this is separate and a different issue.

Any thoughts or advice?

 

[Holidaylove]

my husband never had a problem with one way tickets. But he always just did say that he was only staying a few weeks and that it was cheaper to get a ticket home last minute.
The last time tho when we left after his first 6 months were up we went to vegas and came back just took a copy of sponsorship approval, and we had no problem, the IO was really nice at the airport, and told us what to do when his 6 months was to expire. etc. And what he was allowed to do here. They just asked what he did all day while i was at work, and said he was allowed to LOOK for work just not work. So it all worked out. I haven' heard of anyone from the UK having any problems coming in and out. but that's just my opinion. I am sure you won't have a problem. Just be prepared. And since you still have a house in the UK you can always say that once PR is done you are goign back to sell that way you have a tie to the UK.

 

[MandiF]

Thanks so much for your advice Holidaylove, maybe I'm worrying about this too much - that's what my husband says about everything anyway.

Just from the posts on the board, I thought maybe I'd have something to worry about with a one way ticket. But maybe that's from other countries and not the UK.

Also, after looking at my previous passport stamps it looks like I've always just been given entry but no limit or date to leave, is that normal? I've never noticed before, so really when I arrive from UK, I can stay however long I want anyway as long as I don't work?

 

[Holidaylove]

Depends who your IO is.
Sometimes they write under your stamp. SOmetimes they send you to immigration. My hubby has only been sent to immigration once. and it was because I was a worrier and divulged to much info lol saying we had papers in the works.. lol. But actually enjoyed the visit to immigration if it wasn't at 2am.
I wouldn't worry to much.
You can always just say you are staying for 2 months. and that you are going to buy your ticket when it goes on sale.

Even if you say you are staying for 2 weeks. you can stay up to 6 months. Then apply for your extension. But you should be PR approved by that time anyways.

 

[Baloo]

Just from the posts on the board, I thought maybe I'd have something to worry about with a one way ticket. But maybe that's from other countries and not the UK.

I am from the UK, I always buy a return ticket, but I make sure I can change or cancel it. That way I don't have to worry about the IO asking why I don't have a return ticket

Also, after looking at my previous passport stamps it looks like I've always just been given entry but no limit or date to leave, is that normal? I've never noticed before, so really when I arrive from UK, I can stay however long I want anyway as long as I don't work?

Getting an entry stamp with no fixed return date is usual (personal experience). Without a specified date, it means that you can stay in Canada for up to six months.
You can apply to extend a visa when you are in Canada.

As a visitor you are not usually allowed to work.

 

[MandiF]

Thanks Holidaylove, I appreciate your calm optimism, which really is what this forum is all about. Being able to calm down people's panic, which when its just so important, makes a really big difference.

I'll just book my one way flight and deal with it as you suggested, although should I tell them that I'm in the middle applying for PR and going to stay until approved when asked, or just say I'm staying for a few months with my husband? By the time I get to Canada it will have been processed for about 3 months anyway, and so could be almost finished (fingers crossed).

I know the first will get me a trip to immigration, but it is the truth and I so don't want to lie/mislead them.

Thanks Baloo for your info will definately apply for extension if still not approved from six months after I arrived, and I know I can't work as a visitor, but hopefully it wouldn't be too long after I get there, that my application will be completed.

With regards to return flight, I definately won't be using it, and because I fly Canadian Affair from Manchester won't be able to get any refund, so just seems like a waste to buy the return especially now.

 

[Canuky]

If I were you, I would fly to States on the one-way ticket and bus to Canada. You shouldn't have any issues if you are on the bus to Canada from US, with a one-way bus ticket. I have seen a Dutch citizen being deported for entering Canada as a visitor on a one-way ticket.

 

[Holidaylove]

If it were me I would just say that you are staying for a few months, not sure how long, you can mention your application. But also mention that you do need to go back to the UK at some point to tie up loose ends, selling your house, etc etc. Even if you aren't selling it. and that all your stuff is in the uk. They wil most likely just stamp you and say that you have 6 months. Trip to immigration isn't always as scary as one would think. I think if you come prepared, then they know you've researched and that you know the rules. You should be fine

 

[MandiF]

If I were you, I would fly to States on the one-way ticket and bus to Canada. You shouldn't have any issues if you are on the bus to Canada from US, with a one-way bus ticket. I have seen a Dutch citizen being deported for entering Canada as a visitor on a one-way ticket.

Thanks for your comment, but I'm going to be flying with my husband to Calgary as his flight has already been booked by his employer and I'm hoping that's going to help me with the IO and I will have copies of my application and sponsorship approval by then as well.

I can't imagine that they will be able to refuse me entry just for a one way ticket???

 

[Holidaylove]

We landed in Calgary too the IO's we've dealt with in there are pretty nice as long as they know you have begun your process. We did hear them yelling at a couple who would come back and forth every 6 months from Australia for the last 10 years but never applied for PR. Needless to say he wasnt' happy. But was nice to us after You should be just fine.

 

[MandiF]

Thanks for your support here, I really appreciate it and it makes me feel so much better especially as you have the experience of Calgary as well.

I'll book the one way ticket tonight, and then when I speak to my husband at our usual 2am time slot, I'll give him the good news!

 

[Holidaylove]

Good luck

 

[matthewc]

I can't imagine that they will be able to refuse me entry just for a one way ticket???

The issue is less likely being refused entry to Canada, as long as you have a genuine intention to visit while waiting for PR to be finalised, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself etc. (You'd be well advised to carry a copy of the application to sponsor and the fees receipt as proof you've applied.)

The issue really, is that the airline can refuse to board you on a one-way ticket if you're not already a permanent resident of Canada. It's happened. It's no good having the best proof in the world for Canadian immigration if you end up unable to board the plane. I'm not saying it will happen - most likely they'll let you on just fine - but it can happen.

 

[MandiF]

The issue is less likely being refused entry to Canada, as long as you have a genuine intention to visit while waiting for PR to be finalised, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself etc. (You'd be well advised to carry a copy of the application to sponsor and the fees receipt as proof you've applied.)

The issue really, is that the airline can refuse to board you on a one-way ticket if you're not already a permanent resident of Canada. It's happened. It's no good having the best proof in the world for Canadian immigration if you end up unable to board the plane. I'm not saying it will happen - most likely they'll let you on just fine - but it can happen.

Thanks matthewc, what I might do is speak to the airline first to make sure I won't have this problem - cause that would be really crap!

 

[potcakes]

I am from the UK, and I got a TRV which lasted from April 09 to Feb 2011. It doesn't authorise re entry, howver i have come and gone on it and it has helped. When I got my open work permit they took my TRV off me and said i could now use that. Just make sure you have copies of every bit of paperwork you have.
good luck