Questions in regards to border

[Ferirosha]

Hi there, I posted here before and I received some amazing answers, so I'm asking here again

I know this is dumb but I have been watching the reality show called "Border Security: Canada's Front Line".
With a few people I've noticed that they interrogate you, with one example being;
"Okay you're visiting your fiance/girlfriend/boyfriend, what if he/she wants to marry you? Will you stay here? What's going to happen?"
With the people answering that they would stay, they got rejected. Does this mean if I answer truthfully I will be rejected?

Reason being as to why application is not done before is because we need to meet up first to marry (as online marriage certificates are not valid), and only then will we be eligible for PR, so of course I will be a visitor temporarily.

I'd also like to know at what point they'd ask to inspect your phone. I do have private conversations, none of which suggests I work, but suggests I'd stay in Canada as I do plan on moving there, BUT I need to go there first to even be eligible since we'd need a marriage certificate. I am planning on answering truthfully, suggested to go as a visitor first and act like one, but I'm worried about them being suspicious or too cautious. I have a police certificate and medical history just in case they want to see it, and I'm only bringing 2 luggages full of my own belongings with 2000CAD. Would that be suspicious?

If I was allowed in with only 2 weeks (my return ticket is 2 weeks), am I still allowed to apply for an extension, even if CBSA lists me as a strict visitor of some sort? (NZ passport).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Decoy24601]

This is usually an issue if the person who's trying to enter doesn't have enough ties to their home country (employment, lease, etc) and/or does not have enough money for their trip. The reason they inspect people's electronics is if they think the person is blatantly lying about something (secret plans to work in Canada illegally, secret plans to stay permanently, illegal activity, etc). They will not want to see a police certificate and medical history. That is only for the application for permanent residence.

On a visa-exempt passport and 2 weeks with enough money, proof of ties to your home country, and a return ticket, I don't think you will have an issue. I have crossed 3 times and have never had my electronics searched, even when I was given a voluntary withdrawal for visiting my husband (then boyfriend) without enough ties to the US (I was given one after being allowed entry for 3 days... it's a long story. The CBSA officer didn't follow "normal" protocol by seizing my passport to force me to come back in 3 days to accept a voluntary withdrawal instead of just issuing me a short visitor record). I had my bag x-rayed once while crossing by train, but the CBSA officer didn't even bother inspecting it by hand because it was a routine secondary and I had nothing suspicious.

(By the way, I've also watched that show. Most of the people who got denied had other issues than just dating someone who is Canadian. A lot of them had issues like lack of ties to their home country or lack of money)

If you are asked questions, always be truthful. If they ask if you plan on getting married say yes. They just want to know you will follow the legal steps to immigrate. If they ask if you are planning on moving there, say in the future after you have applied for permanent residence and get approved.

In the end, the majority of CBSA officers just want to make sure that you know and will abide by the rules of being a visitor in Canada and won't overstay or do anything illegal and that you will be able to support yourself on your trip.

 

[Ferirosha]

I'm unemployed. Still a student, but the semester ends in June. I usually don't have mail for me since I want everything to be sent electronically.
The only thing I can think of is to request a letter of some sort from NZ IRD (IRD is some kind of ID thing that's related to the government, so it should be legitimate enough.)

I'll be able to get 2000 CAD in cash for the trip. Just wanted to know my chances of getting into secondary check, even though I feel like I really shouldn't be questioned further (?)
I'm 50% confident that I'd get a 6 month pass regardless of my return ticket, but the other 50% is making me uncomfortable as the show I watch, the officers often issue them a pass with a specific date that they must leave by which is less than 6 months.

Also, aside from clothing, I'm bringing in my laptop, headset and keyboard. Would I need to pay duty for these? The laptop I bought long ago in 2013, and keyboard in January for 200(NZD). I tried looking it up online, but nothing came up for an electronic keyboard for computers, nor a headset.

So if they ask me "what if you get married in Canada?" I can answer truthfully and tell them my plan is to visit, marry in Canada, and then in the future apply for permanent residence and get approved? What if they ask where I'm going to stay if I want to apply for PR, and what if I want to change my mind while in Canada even though I'm still only a visitor at border until anything else happens (application for PR, marriage, etc.) I'm always aware of marriage fraud, so I'm a bit concerned as I've read some other posts here, and the CIC doesn't seem to be satisfied with some getting married with no formal "party" afterwards, eg a lot of friends, family, party, wedding dress etc.

 

[Decoy24601]

Do you have proof that you are enrolled in the next semester? The first time I visited my husband (then boyfriend) I asked to visit for 3 months for the summer before I started university in the fall. I obviously had real university plans for the first semester, so I wasn't questioned further. There's a good chance that the CBSA officer will ask you what you do for a living and you can say that you're unemployed, but you're a student at your university. Based on the fact that you are unemployed, you may be called in for a secondary depending on the officer dealing with you. I think with the money you're traveling with and proof of university plans for the fall you'll be allowed in. The worst I can see happening is they will give you an opportunity to withdraw your application to enter Canada and have you sign a "voluntary withdrawal" and send you on the next flight back. This won't affect any future application for Permanent Residence.

Also, the 6 months for visa-exempt travelers is given automatically. If you get a stamp in your passport it will likely be an entry stamp.

You will not need to pay duties on anything unless you are giving them to anyone in Canada, since all of those objects should be leaving with you at the end of your trip. I have traveled with a laptop and had no issues.

Yes, you can be truthful about that. The CIC is not the CBSA and you have to deal with both differently. It's fine to tell the CBSA you plan to get married and that your future spouse will sponsor you under family class sponsorship. They just want to know that you're doing things "the right way". In terms of the CIC, I wouldn't worry about having a big wedding. Visa offices are normally aware of cultural norms when it comes to wedding. For example, American applicants normally have no issue by just having a "courthouse" marriage with just a few people present, while someone from India might be expected to have a big traditional wedding. As far as I know, NZ doesn't have any strict cultural norms when it comes to weddings or receptions. I didn't have a formal reception after my wedding, which was a small non-religious ceremony in a state park (I'm from the US). The most important part is that you have at least family present.

 

[Ferirosha]

No, I'm actually planning on taking a break. I only did a pre-course and I was going to apply, but noticed that my field is only available from start of year. Can I not tell them that I'm taking a gap year of some sort? I'm on a sort of "wel-fare" I should say, and that's how I can save up money. Problem is I really don't have a plan to go to University mainly because the plan was to stay in Canada (with application of PR, of course). And because my field is only accepted during January. There are no mid-term applications allowed and that is stated on the website.

I don't know that would work out, but truthfully the field really does not take in anyone during mid semester which is July here for us.

What would/could I say? I could show them proof of me signing out with NZ government as I'm obliged to sign out if I'm leaving the country (even for vacation). ? I'm not sure how else I would prove anything. I know sometimes they ask the reception (person picking you up) questions to try and confirm details too. Would that help?

My main concern was money, but now that I have that under control, I suppose being unemployed is another issue, as I understand that they would want to know how I saved up 2000 for the trip just for spending, but informing them that I'm on welfare here should help my case, right?

As for marriage, we were going to have the minimum 2 witnesses. Seeing as my parents are not in Canada, would it be fine to not have parents present, or is it a must? This is due to the fact that we're mainly doing this for PR until we save enough money for a bigger and more "official" wedding with friends and family, but later on. Hope I'm not being confusing here.

 

[Decoy24601]

I've personally never experienced having my "reception" questioned and I've crossed at YVR (one of the places they filmed the show and where I saw most of that happening), the Peach Arch land crossing (where I was given a voluntary withdrawal) and the Pacific Central Station crossing (by train). Keep in mind that since that show is a reality TV show, they pick the most "exciting" or complicated cases to air.

The main thing you could use as showing ties to your home country would be an apartment lease/utility bills or proof of a job. Since you aren't employed and don't have plans on going back to college for the next semester you might be pulled in for a secondary. It all depends on the individual CBSA officer. Since you're only asking for 2 weeks and have enough money for your trip I don't think you will have any issues. There's a chance they might want to know how you were able to afford the trip, and then would be an opportunity to explain how you do get money. It would be different if you were asking for anything around maybe a month or more. 2 weeks is a reasonable amount of time to visit a significant other, especially when you live so far away. Overall, there's a chance you could be pulled in for a secondary, but I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep in mind that all they want to do is make sure that you'll be able to support yourself and that you will leave when you say you will. It also helps that you have a return ticket.

As for the marriage and the PR application, that should be fine. Just explain that your parents were unable to afford the (expensive) trip to Canada or whatever the reason may be. Many people have done this and then said in the PR application that they plan on having an actual ceremony at a later date. This shouldn't be an issue for you.

 

[Ferirosha]

True. But watching the show does give me an idea of what they ask.
Since you are from the USA, may I ask you if I would be questioned or suspected at US border? This is due to the fact that no current flights go straight from NZ to Canada and I must stop in the states in Houston, Texas. I do have an approved ESTA that I filled and everything in January, only doubt is interrogation. I'd be grateful if you could explain anything I may need to know for the states, even if I'm only transiting.

I rent, therefore payments go directly to the landlord via bank transfer which is automatic. Aside from a hand written letter from the landlord (which is not enough proof as anyone could write that), what else can I do? As I stated I'm on welfare, so the payment is actually from the Ministry to the landlord. I'm not too sure how I should get a legitimate document from the landlord and such, seeing as she pays the bills, not me. I do however have pending student loans that I obviously must pay back, and that is linked to IRD NZ, which is government. Can I use that as proof? Get them to send a copy of my student loans and obligations?

 

[Decoy24601]

I've been given sass by American border guards and yelled at one time (I think the guy was having a bad day), but nothing serious. I haven't even been questioned or searched. My husband visited me multiple times before we got married and he never had any issues. One time an American border guard stamped his passport with 6 months of entry when he was only visiting me for 3-4 days. He's never been really questioned or anything. I doubt you will have issues, especially since you have a plane ticket that proves you are only stopping in Houston and will be continuing on to Canada. Just answer their questions; they likely won't ask you many.

Actually, if you could get your landlord to sign some sort of statement saying that you rent from him at your address for "x" amount of money a month, that would probably help. Also have his phone number on handy just in case the CBSA officer wants it (which is very highly unlikely, but it's good to have this kind of information on hand). Do you have any sort of official documentation that ties your welfare to your rent?

I don't think the student loan repayment documents will be very good proof, but it couldn't hurt to have it just in case.

 

[Ferirosha]

Well, I have an assigned 'agent' who specializes at helping me for anything as long as I'm on the welfare. I could request a letter which would be legitimate proof as they are tied to the government. Would that be enough proof that I rent at that location?

Thank you for that answer. I was a little nervous as my connecting flight is only 3 hours after I arrive in Texas, so I have a limited time and don't want to be kept by the US border for a long time.

The biggest problem is, as I'm actually planning to marry my fiance and applying for outland PR, I have to tell the landlord that I'm leaving the place. I was hoping that the Canadian border would be satisfied enough to see documentation, but I'm stuck between having to tell the landlord that I'm staying at the place to aid my way into the border, or I have to tell the landlord I'm leaving and risk the border calling them. This is the biggest issue I have so far, and I'm not sure how to go around this really. In the end I still don't have any malicious intent, but the Canadian border is too strict.

 

[Decoy24601]

That should be. It's at least something.

I wouldn't worry about the connection in the US. The only thing that would be a bit of a concern is how long the customs/immigration line is and squeezing that into the 3 hour layover, but 3 hours should be enough time.

Just to clarify something, are you actually only staying in Canada for 2 weeks, or are you planning on staying longer than the two weeks? If you're planning on staying longer, this could be tricky. Especially if you say you are "planning" on visiting for 2 weeks, but are sent in for a secondary and the CBSA officer discovers you are planning on staying longer. I'll be honest, since you are unemployed it's iffy whether or not you will end up in a secondary or be given a voluntary withdrawal.

 

[Ferirosha]

I had planned to marry in Canada and then apply for PR.
The problem I saw was that since something like a "internet" marriage (it's actually a thing?) is not a real marriage certificate, I can't be sponsored anyways because I'm not yet married to him, I have to go to Canada first, marry him and THEN apply for a PR. This is the hardest part. I don't want to lie at all.

At first I had wanted to straight up tell CBSA officers what my plan is, which is to marry first and then apply for outbound PR while living with him as a "visitor" until approved.
But asking here, I was told that if I did that, most likely I'd just be kicked out and be rejected into Canada. This is why I'm even considering going as a "visitor".

I don't know how to get past this as Canada border is probably the hardest to get past and it's incredibly strict on it's rules, I'll respect that. But my situation is uncommon I would think, seeing as I need to get into Canada first before I can even get married, then I can get a PR. Unless if there's another way around this?

I have 0 criminal records and 0 medical issues, that and I'm from a visa-exempt country, I was hoping that would help to not raise suspicion as well as the 2 week return flight I have which was originally booked just in case anything bad had happened.

I know unemployment raises suspicion, but he is willing to support me in the first place and I would have enough money saved up for 2 weeks.
I've been trying to think of an idea to not lie about this situation, but from what I've been told here and watching the show, I'm really hesitant.

 

[CDNPR2014]

don't worry. Let Border Security be a good tool to understand what they want and what to do. seriously if i had seen that show before all of this, i would have gone through such less of a hassle. it's good you are seeing the worst of it. know that a majority of people who enter don't get sent to secondary and it's a non issue.

The fact you know the rules gives you a leg up. generally, the people who are turned around are those who are unprepared or are stupid with what they bring, have on their phones. Saying, if we get married, we will be applying for permanent residency is absolutely acceptable and they will like that answer. Showing you have a return ticket and means to support yourself is also good. Delete supsicious looking emails or texts on your phone before you leave. don't use the terms "living" or "moving". you don't have the right to do either, right now you can ONLY "visit". Don't bring your entire life with you. Bring what a normal visitor will be bringing.

No, you won't have to pay taxes on your laptop or your personal belongings. remember, you are a visitor, not a resident.

Again, relax. you will be fine. it won't be as scary as Border Security because you know the rules!

 

[Ferirosha]

That's a good relief.

In regards to my home, what should I do? Should I sign out with the landlord or should I do that after border crossing?
This is because I'm unemployed and it probably would raise suspicion. I just don't want that. I'll be bringing a carry on luggage and a bigger luggage to check in with. Hopefully 2 luggages of clothing is not excessive.

Should I get a form confirming my address from the government still? I'm anxious as I think they may call them. It's difficult as I need to declare how long I'm going for, but I'm pretty sure I could call back after and declare a change, but as for renting, that one's a lot harder as the landlord would obviously be pissed if I left saying I'm coming back but I'm not.

 

[CDNPR2014]

That's a good relief.

In regards to my home, what should I do? Should I sign out with the landlord or should I do that after border crossing?
This is because I'm unemployed and it probably would raise suspicion. I just don't want that. I'll be bringing a carry on luggage and a bigger luggage to check in with. Hopefully 2 luggages of clothing is not excessive.

Should I get a form confirming my address from the government still? I'm anxious as I think they may call them. It's difficult as I need to declare how long I'm going for, but I'm pretty sure I could call back after and declare a change, but as for renting, that one's a lot harder as the landlord would obviously be pissed if I left saying I'm coming back but I'm not.

Anything regarding giving notice at your current place to live in NZ should be done AFTER crossing. if they find out about it, it will increase their suspicion. even though a letter from the landlord can be "written by anyone". having one is better than not, and showing your automatic payments for rent will help. if they want to, they will call the landlord to confirm he wrote the letter, though i doubt they will go through the trouble. act like a visitor, talk like a visitor and then once you're in, start figuring out how to do what you want to do.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Don't tell CBSA you are on welfare, as you will most likely be refused entry. CBSA looks to prevent entry to people who may become a burden on Canada's welfare system and someone on welfare in their own country would be a risk. Also, someone on welfare shouldn't be able to save thousands of dollars, so there would probably be suspicion about where your money came from.