questions for people applying outland but staying with spouse in Canada

[kourts]

I've read in some posts on here about people who have applied outland but went up to stay with their spouse in Canada while it's being processed, i just can't remember where i read the posts at, and I have some questions. Did the Canadian border give you a hard time? and did you have to prove you have ties to the states and that you'll return and did they ask you for proof of anything else other than that you applied? and when you cross what did you say to them? Thank you for your help.

 

[QCSunshine]

I can't really answer about the experience of the border because I originally came in on a work permit.

Perhaps these threads might help?
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/crossing-canadian-border-with-wife-from-us-t22091.0.html
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/what-is-dual-intent-t13358.0.html

And yes, I think having proof of ties to the U.S. would help demonstrate that you are visiting (bank accounts in U.S, if you have a lease for an apt, a letter from your employer if you are returning there to work, return travel ticket, etc.) If you are visiting, but only have few ties to the U.S., it might be more difficult, so I would think things like financial support would be more closely looked at. Are you and your spouse going to be traveling together?

I would not travel with too many belongings, just a "trip's worth." Other things: proof of funds to support the non-working spouse, the receipts of payment for PR application, marriage certificate, and if you come after submitting the application, I would bring confirmation of that (confirmation of courier deliver, sponsorship approval, whatever you have).

 

[fizzlefunk]

I've read in some posts on here about people who have applied outland but went up to stay with their spouse in Canada while it's being processed, i just can't remember where i read the posts at, and I have some questions. Did the Canadian border give you a hard time? and did you have to prove you have ties to the states and that you'll return and did they ask you for proof of anything else other than that you applied? and when you cross what did you say to them? Thank you for your help.

I crossed the border a month ago by car from the US. The officers at the checkpoint asked basic questions (where are you from, what is the intent of your stay, how long, etc), and flagged me to pull over. I was traveling in my car with my wife (Canadian), three cats, a bicycle, and a couple suitcases worth of stuff. I also had a folder of documents prepared for the bolder crossing -- bank statements, copy of the lease on my apartment in the US, a copy of my application for residency, a copy of my wife's sponsorship approval letter, receipt for the fees, cat's health/rabies certificates, etc etc etc. I was upfront with the visa officer inside and explained that I intended to stay with my wife for a few months while the immigration process moves forward, and I was aware of the 6 month limitation on my visit and the restrictions. After a bit of questioning about how I'm going to support myself (I'm on a sabbatical from work, and offered bank statements to show I could afford to live for a few months), he reviewed my papers, did a quick vehicle search, and said we were good to go.

I showed ties to the US through my apartment lease which, while it's still costing me, ends in October. That said, I crossed without too much trouble in about 45 minutes. The visa officer said he really appreciated that I had all the appropriate documents all readily available for him to review. Every officer is different, but just answer the questions they ask and have all the documentation you may need to show that you're aware of your status and have ties back to your home!

 

[kourts]

I dont have a lease as i live at home with my parents,I'd be quitting my job to go stay there. but I would be able to provide money to support myself,the receipt for the app, and hopefully the approval letter by the time i go. also I'd be going by bus so hopefully a return ticket is enough for them. but what is the appropriate amount of money for a few months?

 

[RobsLuv]

Read through the information on the Visiting tab of the US2Canada website - if your Canadian partner is not accompanying you to Canada, yes, they will harass you and might even turn you back.

 

[kourts]

It's impossible for my spouse to accompany me to Canada. She's been refused entry into the US. So for her to come back and go through the refusal process AGAIN and risk being banned isn't really an option. I'm not sure what to do. =/