September 2014 OUTLAND Applications

[missmatalini]

Hi there, February Applicant here.

Was just reading the talk about visiting *cough*moving*cough* to Canada while your Outland application is in progress.

I "moved" to Canada to visit my husband in July of 2013. We got married the following October. We've had no issues at all with renewing my visitor extension and me "living" in Canada with him.

Just wanted to also +1 to what michminn has said. Because I have been living in Canada now for over a year, I haven't seen my parents, my siblings, my friends and my dying Grandfather in over a year. I LOVE that I am with my husband and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have us be together while we go through this process. . . but it is beyond difficult to not be able to work or go to school, which then also hinders the ability to meet people and make new friends. It's hard to not be able to go home to family without the intense worry of being refused entry. . . Be kind to one another. This is hard for everyone and it does us no good to tear each other down.

Good luck to all of you! Hoping you all have a super speedy process with no bumps in the road!

 

[michminn]

Hi there, February Applicant here.

Was just reading the talk about visiting *cough*moving*cough* to Canada while your Outland application is in progress.

I "moved" to Canada to visit my husband in July of 2013. We got married the following October. We've had no issues at all with renewing my visitor extension and me "living" in Canada with him.

Just wanted to also +1 to what michminn has said. Because I have been living in Canada now for over a year, I haven't seen my parents, my siblings, my friends and my dying Grandfather in over a year. I LOVE that I am with my husband and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have us be together while we go through this process. . . but it is beyond difficult to not be able to work or go to school, which then also hinders the ability to meet people and make new friends. It's hard to not be able to go home to family without the intense worry of being refused entry. . . Be kind to one another. This is hard for everyone and it does us no good to tear each other down.

Good luck to all of you! Hoping you all have a super speedy process with no bumps in the road!

Appreciated, it's nice to see you agree! Sorry you miss your family so much, you'll see them again soon I am sure.

 

[Claudzilla]

Hi there, February Applicant here.

Was just reading the talk about visiting *cough*moving*cough* to Canada while your Outland application is in progress.

I "moved" to Canada to visit my husband in July of 2013. We got married the following October. We've had no issues at all with renewing my visitor extension and me "living" in Canada with him.

Just wanted to also +1 to what michminn has said. Because I have been living in Canada now for over a year, I haven't seen my parents, my siblings, my friends and my dying Grandfather in over a year. I LOVE that I am with my husband and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have us be together while we go through this process. . . but it is beyond difficult to not be able to work or go to school, which then also hinders the ability to meet people and make new friends. It's hard to not be able to go home to family without the intense worry of being refused entry. . . Be kind to one another. This is hard for everyone and it does us no good to tear each other down.

Good luck to all of you! Hoping you all have a super speedy process with no bumps in the road!

I'll raise a glass to that! (the supportive part...not the "missing your family" part)

For good or ill, I'm not terribly close to my family. I'm pretty certain that when I say "goodbye" to my great grandmother before moving up, it will be for the last time, so that's a little rough. But as it is, I tend to only see my family on major holidays anyway, despite them all living close by. Honestly, I don't see my move changing that dynamic much. It'll just mean I'll miss out on 1-2 Thanksgivings/Christmases.

I'm pretty much a hermit as it is. Most of my friends are scattered around the States and we interact online. And, thankfully, I've already met many of my husbands friends in Canada. So I feel pretty mentally prepared for the isolation and the change. I will say though, as I pack more and more, and my house gets emptier, everything is getting very real.

A question for those who are already in Canada without medical coverage: How are you coping with that? Have you just been lucky and not needed anything? If you have had to have medical attention, how bad is the cost out of pocket?

 

[Claudzilla]

I have another question. For those of you who've already gone up to "visit" *cough* your spouses, what did you say to customs? I will not lie, or do anything deceptive. It's not worth it. But when you reach the border, and you have no return ticket in hand, what did you say? What did they ask? (I know agents can vary in their questions). My "game plan" is just to be completely up front. I'm going to visit my husband for 6 months and my application is in process. Anyone have any trouble crossing over, or even any worrisome moments?

 

[michminn]

I have another question. For those of you who've already gone up to "visit" *cough* your spouses, what did you say to customs? I will not lie, or do anything deceptive. It's not worth it. But when you reach the border, and you have no return ticket in hand, what did you say? What did they ask? (I know agents can vary in their questions). My "game plan" is just to be completely up front. I'm going to visit my husband for 6 months and my application is in process. Anyone have any trouble crossing over, or even any worrisome moments?

Hi there,

If you are flying into Canada you will wait in a GAWD awful long line, at least I did when I flew into Vancouver. The officer asked me simple questions:

1. How long is your visit: I said for about 4 months or so, I plan to have our honeymoon here. (That was the truth, we did have our honeymoon).
2. What do you do for a living in Kansas
4. Why would your employer give you so much time off? (I said because I am a district manager and set my own hours, and if he needed to confirm it to look at my travel plans that were in the works via a thread on my Facebook page. He laughed his A** off at that and said: You know you can only stay 6 mos. if you stay longer please extend your visit, welcome to Canada.

I was never asked for a return ticket, I am sure the first time I was there they saw that I had one on there 'Tell all" computer, everything is linked to your passport! But the second time, if they would have asked why I didn't I would have said: I do not know how long I plan to stay and will keep my options open on a return flight, I do not want to commit to anything for chance of missing that flight. (This too would have been the truth)

Being honest at all times is your best and only option, immigration is smart. Make travel plans with your spouse before going there, and share THAT intent with the officer should they ask

 

[michminn]

I'll raise a glass to that! (the supportive part...not the "missing your family" part)

For good or ill, I'm not terribly close to my family. I'm pretty certain that when I say "goodbye" to my great grandmother before moving up, it will be for the last time, so that's a little rough. But as it is, I tend to only see my family on major holidays anyway, despite them all living close by. Honestly, I don't see my move changing that dynamic much. It'll just mean I'll miss out on 1-2 Thanksgivings/Christmases.

I'm pretty much a hermit as it is. Most of my friends are scattered around the States and we interact online. And, thankfully, I've already met many of my husbands friends in Canada. So I feel pretty mentally prepared for the isolation and the change. I will say though, as I pack more and more, and my house gets emptier, everything is getting very real.

A question for those who are already in Canada without medical coverage: How are you coping with that? Have you just been lucky and not needed anything? If you have had to have medical attention, how bad is the cost out of pocket?

Here in BC, you can go to a walk in clinic for around 40.00. Just hope you don't have an emergency or anything and get travel insurance before you leave.

 

[missmatalini]

Here in BC, you can go to a walk in clinic for around 40.00. Just hope you don't have an emergency or anything and get travel insurance before you leave.

I tore a ligament in my ankle back in January, Although I knew that's what I had done and in hindsight I would've tried to do things differently, we had gone to the ER and found it was 400 dollars JUST for the doctor to walk in, 500 dollar hospital fee, and then if I needed x-rays 700, and then between 150-200 for a cast.

We walked out and went home and did damage control ourselves

Just be CAREFUL! I am so prone to accidents and so anything I think could go sour I try and avoid. Obviously you can't get out of riding in a car and what have you, but just be very aware and mindful that it'll cost you selling your kidney on the black market to visit Hospital.

I have another question. For those of you who've already gone up to "visit" *cough* your spouses, what did you say to customs? I will not lie, or do anything deceptive. It's not worth it. But when you reach the border, and you have no return ticket in hand, what did you say? What did they ask? (I know agents can vary in their questions). My "game plan" is just to be completely up front. I'm going to visit my husband for 6 months and my application is in process. Anyone have any trouble crossing over, or even any worrisome moments?

We drove through Spokane and the Laurier POE. Just told them I was visiting my fiancee and his family. They asked if I had a return ticket and I told them my parents were buying one for me (Which they were going to, if I needed to come home sooner) They let us through no problem. I had only 1 huge suitcase, I had sold/left behind most of my things before I left and figured it'd be easier to just start over in Canada

 

[michminn]

I tore a ligament in my ankle back in January, Although I knew that's what I had done and in hindsight I would've tried to do things differently, we had gone to the ER and found it was 400 dollars JUST for the doctor to walk in, 500 dollar hospital fee, and then if I needed x-rays 700, and then between 150-200 for a cast.

We walked out and went home and did damage control ourselves

Just be CAREFUL! I am so prone to accidents and so anything I think could go sour I try and avoid. Obviously you can't get out of riding in a car and what have you, but just be very aware and mindful that it'll cost you selling your kidney on the black market to visit Hospital.


We drove through Spokane and the Laurier POE. Just told them I was visiting my fiancee and his family. They asked if I had a return ticket and I told them my parents were buying one for me (Which they were going to, if I needed to come home sooner) They let us through no problem. I had only 1 huge suitcase, I had sold/left behind most of my things before I left and figured it'd be easier to just start over in Canada

LMAO @ Kidney sold on the "Black Market", so true.

 

[lleahdoll]

I have another question. For those of you who've already gone up to "visit" *cough* your spouses, what did you say to customs? I will not lie, or do anything deceptive. It's not worth it. But when you reach the border, and you have no return ticket in hand, what did you say? What did they ask? (I know agents can vary in their questions). My "game plan" is just to be completely up front. I'm going to visit my husband for 6 months and my application is in process. Anyone have any trouble crossing over, or even any worrisome moments?

I wrote my "story" a couple pages back (page 10 or 11 maybe). I can try and give more detail though!
Honestly, I just told them I was visiting my husband. I never got asked about a return ticket (which I only had one the first "visit"). Thankfully I never got asked for ties to the US as I don't own a car, house or anything. I don't work right now and I'm taking a break from school. I really got so lucky because I've heard of people having the worst time getting grilled at the border. And I flew btw.
I always fly in through Montreal Trudeau airport. It's never super busy and I always got through customs within a couple minutes.
Being upfront is your best bet. Only tell them what they ask. Don't give extra information unless asked for it. I told them what they asked and didn't divulge anything else. I did one time and that just made me more nervous, I thought the guy was going to know I was "lying". Which, I wasn't... just didn't tell them... Hey I'm actually planning on not leaving Canada til I'm a PR (legally still of course through an extension).

I'm a hermit as well, Claudzilla. It'll hopefully get better once I can get out and work or go to school!!!

Also, to your other question about insurance: We didn't buy any for myself. We never really knew about travel insurance til I was already here. All my life I never have been to the hospital. Never had surgeries or been majorly sick. I don't get the flu or yearly colds or anything. I recently did get a cold from going to Comiccon. I know it's bc I've been a hermit and I'm sure that crushed my immune system.
I did go to the doctors a couple times since I've been here (almost 2 years non-consecutively). It cost from $20-$60 for a check-up. We went to the same clinic those couple times but we found out each doctor charges the price he wants. So if you do go to a clinic just look for their prices, they should be posted up on a wall by the front desk or something.
Going to an emergency room would cost like $1000+ so I'm lucky nothing has happened.
I'm just chancing it. I'm young and I don't think I'll need any major healthcare. Although once I'm a PR and the 3 month wait is over here in Quebec for the health insurance, I'm going to get a doctor's appt for a general check-up and a gyno appt since I was due for another one this past summer.

 

[missmatalini]

I'm just chancing it. I'm young and I don't think I'll need any major healthcare. Although once I'm a PR and the 3 month wait is over here in Quebec for the health insurance, I'm going to get a doctor's appt for a general check-up and a gyno appt since I was due for another one this past summer.

Check and see if in you're area there is an Option for Sexual health clinic, it's kind of like a Planned Parenthood. We have one in our area and they do pap smears and the like for cheap, I had one and it only cost me 27$

 

[Mariac819]

I have another question. For those of you who've already gone up to "visit" *cough* your spouses, what did you say to customs? I will not lie, or do anything deceptive. It's not worth it. But when you reach the border, and you have no return ticket in hand, what did you say? What did they ask? (I know agents can vary in their questions). My "game plan" is just to be completely up front. I'm going to visit my husband for 6 months and my application is in process. Anyone have any trouble crossing over, or even any worrisome moments?

I'm a nexus member for some time now so I never go through customs when I fly in. However, I will be driving this time when I "visit." I just show my nexus card (nexus card holders have security pre-clearance so we don't need our passport to travel into Canada or the U.S.) and they usually ask.

1. How long are you stay?
2. Where are you staying?
3. Who are you visiting?
4. Do you have an guns, alcohol or Tabacco?
5. Anything you will be leaving in Canada?
6. Any gifts for family?

They kinda know me at this border crossing so I've never had an issue. But just be honest, you are visiting. technically you are a visitor until you get your PR anyway.

 

[lleahdoll]

Check and see if in you're area there is an Option for Sexual health clinic, it's kind of like a Planned Parenthood. We have one in our area and they do pap smears and the like for cheap, I had one and it only cost me 27$

I'll try and look around! Thanks for the suggestion.
Honestly it's very difficult trying to learn anything about the healthcare procedures here in Quebec. Like, where to go for things. Their website isn't helpful at all either.

 

[Subbanator]

Hi everyone..

We submitted our spousal sponsorship application in early September/late August but we haven't gotten any feedback from CIC yet. Although I see that they're not sending AOR anymore? That sounds stressful.

Also, this weekend I, United States partner, will be driving with Canadian partner to live in/visit Canada for 6 months. Do I need to complete a b4 form even though I'm not landing? The Canadian border didn't ask for one when I crossed to start my year-long work visa there. However I will be coming with my car, a lot of clothes, computer, etc. and I don't want to break any rules.

 

[Mariac819]

Hi everyone..

We submitted our spousal sponsorship application in early September/late August but we haven't gotten any feedback from CIC yet. Although I see that they're not sending AOR anymore? That sounds stressful.

Also, this weekend I, United States partner, will be driving with Canadian partner to live in/visit Canada for 6 months. Do I need to complete a b4 form even though I'm not landing? The Canadian border didn't ask for one when I crossed to start my year-long work visa there. However I will be coming with my car, a lot of clothes, computer, etc. and I don't want to break any rules.

I haven't heard anything either I sent mine in 9/5/14. I am not expecting to hear anything until at least 2 more weeks or end of Oct. I am giving them time! lol..

I really don't know about the B4. I am "visiting/moving" next month also but I am only bringing clothes, my laptop and cat because I don't want to be denied entry if they think I am going to stay with out having my PR. I am also a nexus member and if I break any rules I can get my nexus revoked and denied entry so I am being extra careful.

 

[lleahdoll]

Hi everyone..

We submitted our spousal sponsorship application in early September/late August but we haven't gotten any feedback from CIC yet. Although I see that they're not sending AOR anymore? That sounds stressful.

Also, this weekend I, United States partner, will be driving with Canadian partner to live in/visit Canada for 6 months. Do I need to complete a b4 form even though I'm not landing? The Canadian border didn't ask for one when I crossed to start my year-long work visa there. However I will be coming with my car, a lot of clothes, computer, etc. and I don't want to break any rules.

What Maria said. I don't expect to hear anything til mid/late October. Which would be SA most likely, not AOR. I submitted ours September 8th. I mean, that's when CIC received it anyways.

Also, I wouldn't worry with a B4. You're not moving there, so you're not importing any goods into Canada permanently (for now) that they could tax you on bc you're a visitor. Plenty of visitors drive their car to visit and bring their personal computer (I'm assuming a laptop?) and clothes.
I brought clothes, laptop, and other personal belongings. Not like customs checked my suitcase but that's what I brought over on my first visit.