Thread for outland Buffalo applicants!

[ddobro2]

Is it just me or did the "updated threads" part of this forum experience disappear? I don't see the link anymore.....

 

[Calgary-Bound]

Turned on the computer and had an ecas update.To bad all It said was medicals have been recieved.I got that back on Sep 7th.Oh and the address is gone again to what a surprise.

 

[doctorkb]

On a side note, the DMP where I got my medical done seemed pretty confused when I went in with my Appendix C.

I don't know how confused our DMP was (my wife was the one to see her), but she didn't give us the correct form -- just a stamped letter saying the medical was done.

I feel as though this was part of the hold-up on our case -- when I faxed Ottawa to have the meds sent to Buffalo is pretty much when the file got opened. Yes, it could be coincidence... but I was kicking myself for not having done that a couple months earlier.

I ended up having to go back to the photographer twice to get immigration pictures done, and come to find out, almost all the immigration medical exams this guy does is for the inland process, and because of that, the people there were pretty confused at first. I guess a whole lot of people buy into this sham from the sounds of it. But it wasn't for me.

Yeah -- us, neither. Having applied in January, it was a difference between 30days+7months (Outland through Buffalo) and 9months+10months (inland). It just didn't make sense to go inland.

Now, if the applicant was from India, China, etc... and both attending an interview in the foreign consulate is a hardship and getting another visitor visa is unlikely, then yeah, it makes sense. But from the US, or even Mexico? I wouldn't dream of it.

 

[doctorkb]

These trips to back to the US in my mind anyway, constitue a reset of the 6 months visitor limit. In my case, I have relatives in the State that I could stay with if I had to while waiting -- but so far, so good.

Am I flirting w/ danger here?

That is my understanding as well -- but that doesn't change the fact that the border guards can say "it looks like you're living in Canada" and deny you entry at any time. You're on the legal side, yes, but that doesn't mean they have to continue allowing you into the country each time.

Never lie, but do not tell them you are 'working' in Canada as a visitor. Keeping out people taking jobs from Canadians is one of their core purposes. If you really are working in Canada, then you may be breaking the law, and should be very careful.

Working IN Canada is not the problem. Doing a Canadian's job IS. If you can put your computer and phone anywhere in the world and work for your US employer, and you choose Canada to do this, you're OK. BUT, you have to make it VERY CLEAR when you're asked at the border that you will be continuing to work for your *US EMPLOYER* while you are in the country and WILL NOT be seeking work from a Canadian employer.

I'm afraid you might be. As for myself, I've been told three different stories in regards to how long I can stay as a visitor before I got married. One story was 6 months minus a day, implying that the clock resets when you reenter.

That is the most accurate interpretation of the rules. Basically -- you cannot stay longer than your entry permit allows. If it is just a stamp in your passport, it's 6 months. If it's a visitor record, it may be shorter or longer, depending on the alignment of the planets.

Ultimately, the only concern is overstaying your welcome.

Meanwhile, I was also told not to stay longer than three days per week, with the implication that four days a week means you're staying in Canada longer than you're outside of it.

Patently false. If it were true, how could an American come to Canada for a three week vacation? Or even a one week vacation?

Finally, I was told once that yes, it's six months minus a day, but for a whole twelve months. Now, do they mean for a calendar year? Does the year 'start' when you first enter? Damned if I know, let alone keep track.

It really is a judgement call on the part of the border guard. Ultimately, as long as you don't overstay your visitor permit (see above), you are giving CIC/CBSA an opportunity to re-evaluate your time in Canada each time. And, since family reunification is one of the primary goals of CIC (yeah, I know, hahahaha), you're not likely to be denied entry as long as your PR app is in process.

So, I stay for 2-3 days, leave for at least four, and endure my wife begging for me to stay longer just for me to say, 'Sorry. I can't.' because I'm just not willing to take that risk. It is incumbent upon me, the visitor, to follow the rules, and not my wife.

Again, the rule you have to follow is to not overstay. You will have to deal with a border guard each time you enter -- and if you stay your entire permitted six months, then go to the US for a day, then come back into Canada, they may question it. Pulling out the PR app and such will likely get you let back in -- especially if your wife is with you.

Then, I'd have to hear he go on about how she used to go to the States all the time for Taco Bell, (because the Taco Bell in Canada just sucks!) and I just reply to her, "You're just very lucky, and you don't even realize it, because if you make coming over that much of a habit, they will stop you!"

It's unlikely they would ever stop someone doing that unless there were suspicious circumstances. A person that shows that sort of habit has made it clear that they're just visiting and often for short stays. I know of several people that live around Abbotsford who make trips a few times a week to the US to get gas and groceries with nary a problem.

 

[doctorkb]

My application was just recently sent to Buffalo (October 17th we received confirmation that my wife was an eligible sponsor), so following the spreadsheet here and the CIC website prediction of 11 months, I suppose we're hoping that my PR gets finalized at least before next October. (Is that a fair assumption?)

Probably. 11 months seems to be the ABSOLUTE longest. There are many (since March) who are getting it in 3-4 months from when sponsorship was approved. We were one of the longer ones, having applied before the switch to GCMS. Our app was in Buffalo for about 8.5 months before PPR.

So, that's the first question. Will I be able to spend the summer in Canada?

Probably, yes!

So, that's the second question. If I am a visitor next summer and my PR comes through, can I just stay up there and switch the status of my visa?

Kind of. Once you have your PR visa, you can either arrange an appointment at a local CIC office for a landing interview (appointments may be 4-5 months or more from when you ask for it), or you can leave the country and re-enter.

Or, if I know that my PR might be coming soon can I extend whatever visitor status I may have to just cover me until my PR comes through?

Yes. You can apply for a visitor extension. When you do come to visit in May, you should ensure that you ask the border guard for a Visitor Record -- this is the easiest document to use to base your renewal on.

On another note: as a university professor, your qualifications should be enough to get you up here with a temporary work permit. Have you considered applying to a university up here for employment? They would be used to navigating the immigration hurdles to hire from out-of-country... then you'd have work and be able to live with your wife. Just a thought...

 

[doctorkb]

...I received a 6 mo visa with the exp date written in. Sadly I could only stay for 8 days. I imagine it's easier to come in via plane then car though as your probably more likely to stay if you drive in.

Actually, it would have been a visitor record (a separate piece of paper stapled into your passport) or perhaps just a stamp declaring your permitted stay. If it was a VR, it would have had in big bold letters "NOT VALID FOR RE-ENTRY". It doesn't *give* you status here, it *proves* your status. Coming and going should be easier until its expiry as you can show that as proof that you were allowed visitor status until that date by a secondary inspection officer.

A visa is something that you apply for ahead of time and isn't something all that relevant to visitors from visa-exempt countries. (I was corrected on this not too long ago).

 

[rxpei]

Thanks for everyone's tips. Sorry I made an mistake by saying I will move to Toronto and work there... I meant after the wedding, I will relocate and hope get PR then move and work in Toronto. I make sure I don't stay too long and not work while I am visiting my fiancee and not to drive like manic New Yorker (NYC) ;D.
Thanks again....

 

[amaranth]

Yeah I think it's something about the word "Buffalonians" that does it for me

Just gotta say... "Buffalonians" is technically correct! (Unless you're talking to my dad. Then we become "Buffalites")

8) 8) 8)

 

[Bargeld]

I'm afraid you might be. As for myself, I've been told three different stories in regards to how long I can stay as a visitor before I got married. One story was 6 months minus a day, implying that the clock resets when you reenter. Meanwhile, I was also told not to stay longer than three days per week, with the implication that four days a week means you're staying in Canada longer than you're outside of it. Finally, I was told once that yes, it's six months minus a day, but for a whole twelve months. Now, do they mean for a calendar year? Does the year 'start' when you first enter? Damned if I know, let alone keep track. So, I stay for 2-3 days, leave for at least four, and endure my wife begging for me to stay longer just for me to say, 'Sorry. I can't.' because I'm just not willing to take that risk. It is incumbent upon me, the visitor, to follow the rules, and not my wife. This is basically why this reality I face doesn't compute in her head. Then, I'd have to hear he go on about how she used to go to the States all the time for Taco Bell, (because the Taco Bell in Canada just sucks!) and I just reply to her, "You're just very lucky, and you don't even realize it, because if you make coming over that much of a habit, they will stop you!"

So be very careful.

And yes, the Taco Bell in Canada really does suck. Badly!

I have to disagree there, well, partly.

There's a few Taco Bells that seem to be combined with KFC's that serve chili cheese burritos and chili cheese fries. I've never seen a Taco Bell in the states that has these. I've found 2 in Brampton alone, therefore I already like these Taco Bells better by default.

 

[mjh49783aa]

That is the most accurate interpretation of the rules. Basically -- you cannot stay longer than your entry permit allows. If it is just a stamp in your passport, it's 6 months. If it's a visitor record, it may be shorter or longer, depending on the alignment of the planets.

Ultimately, the only concern is overstaying your welcome.

Right, and that's my main concern as well. I've just applied to extend mine yesterday. But what frustrates me the most is how I can't seem to really get a straight answer out of people. (I know. Join the club. ) Also, while filling out the immigration paperwork, we've went to the immigration office and talked with them a few different times over the best way to put everything together for mailing, and just about the only consistent piece of advice we got was to do the medicals last. One time, there was a lengthy conversation between my wife, and a person at the immigration office over whether or not she'd be denied the ability to sponsor me because of her OSAP loans, which was a complete waste of time because in the end, it didn't even matter. One person even said that I didn't need to worry about police certificates from the FBI, and that I could get my criminal check done with the RCMP, which was a complete load of bunk. So, the best advice I'd give to anyone filling out the paperwork is to take your time in reading the paperwork, and if it's all overwhelming, to get an immigration lawyer's advice.

Patently false. If it were true, how could an American come to Canada for a three week vacation? Or even a one week vacation?

It really is a judgement call on the part of the border guard. Ultimately, as long as you don't overstay your visitor permit (see above), you are giving CIC/CBSA an opportunity to re-evaluate your time in Canada each time. And, since family reunification is one of the primary goals of CIC (yeah, I know, hahahaha), you're not likely to be denied entry as long as your PR app is in process.

Yeah, I didn't believe what that woman said, either. However, I wasn't in a position to argue with someone that was yelling at me like an idiot in front of my wife (girlfriend at the time) for taking her home just for being a frequent visitor - like my wife was when she used to visit me in the States.

Again, the rule you have to follow is to not overstay. You will have to deal with a border guard each time you enter -- and if you stay your entire permitted six months, then go to the US for a day, then come back into Canada, they may question it. Pulling out the PR app and such will likely get you let back in -- especially if your wife is with you.

But I've mailed in the PR app already, and it's now in process, so I can't show them that. However, when we did have it, and we showed it to them, that was when they gave me the 12 month visitor record. What I can show them is the fee receipt for the immigration fees, my rent receipts, lease agreement, and my bills from my place in the States, (to show them I'm a visitor) and if necessary, the letter my wife got from Mississauga showing them that she was approved to sponsor me, and that my file is in Buffalo, collecting dust. (or maybe I should just carry that with me as well?)

It's unlikely they would ever stop someone doing that unless there were suspicious circumstances. A person that shows that sort of habit has made it clear that they're just visiting and often for short stays. I know of several people that live around Abbotsford who make trips a few times a week to the US to get gas and groceries with nary a problem.

But yet I get the grief, although it was just the one time.
Of course, there was one time soon afterward where the border agent on the US side gave us grief because we were going to the Taco Bell on my side, and she was going to drop me off at home - and he was really cranky about it, too. I just looked him in the eye and told him, "She's only in it for the Taco Bell, sir." and the guy growled, "I got my eyes on both of you." before he waved us through. Yeah. I wasn't too impressed with him. It seems that some people are just in it for the power.

 

[mjh49783aa]

I have to disagree there, well, partly.

There's a few Taco Bells that seem to be combined with KFC's that serve chili cheese burritos and chili cheese fries. I've never seen a Taco Bell in the states that has these. I've found 2 in Brampton alone, therefore I already like these Taco Bells better by default.

That's what we have here in the Soo; a Taco Bell with a KFC put together. I find the KFC part of it better than on my side. I didn't know they served chili cheese fries, but I like their poutine, and I do enjoy their chicken bowls very much. As for their tacos however, wrong! Just wrong!

 

[doctorkb]

But what frustrates me the most is how I can't seem to really get a straight answer out of people. (I know. Join the club. )

Muwahahahaha! Sorry, I couldn't hold it back... I tried, honest!

if it's all overwhelming, to get an immigration lawyer's advice.

From what I've heard, that's valid advice -- but to not waste money on a "lawyer" -- rather go to an "immigration consultant" for a cheaper price and better service.

But I've mailed in the PR app already, and it's now in process, so I can't show them that.

Are you saying you did not keep a copy for yourself???

What I can show them is the fee receipt for the immigration fees, my rent receipts, lease agreement, and my bills from my place in the States, (to show them I'm a visitor) and if necessary, the letter my wife got from Mississauga showing them that she was approved to sponsor me, and that my file is in Buffalo, collecting dust.

All good things to have on hand...

Yeah. I wasn't too impressed with him. It seems that some people are just in it for the power.

Yup, and it seems US border guards and TSA agents are at the top of that list...

We got a grouchy Canadian border guard once... I still joke that she must have been a dual-citizen and works half-time for Canada and half-time for the US.

 

[Trish1982]

SO! GUESS WHAT!!! PPR!!!!!!!!!!!!


AMAZING RIGHT!!!

So check this out-

We got the letter today, dated October 12th 2011. We have 30 days to send in the passport. Uhm...that gives us until Friday.
So, instead of mailing it (we live in the freaking tundra-theres no way we could get the passport to LA by Friday via mail) SO, instead we
booked a flight to LA on Tuesday!! Ahhhh! Im so excited!!!!!!!!!! Hubby will hand in his passport Thursday morning, and Friday he will land

What a battle, Im so happy we're almost done.

 

[amaranth]

SO! GUESS WHAT!!! PPR!!!!!!!!!!!!


AMAZING RIGHT!!!

YAY! FINALLY! CONGRATS!!

 

[jstnmlr]

Actually, it would have been a visitor record (a separate piece of paper stapled into your passport) or perhaps just a stamp declaring your permitted stay. If it was a VR, it would have had in big bold letters "NOT VALID FOR RE-ENTRY". It doesn't *give* you status here, it *proves* your status. Coming and going should be easier until its expiry as you can show that as proof that you were allowed visitor status until that date by a secondary inspection officer.

A visa is something that you apply for ahead of time and isn't something all that relevant to visitors from visa-exempt countries. (I was corrected on this not too long ago).

Thanks for the clarification but to make the water even more murky, I just looked at the stamp I got and it's just has a valid date and a hand written expiration date with some initials. Nothing else on there other than you would expect "immigration canada" "halifax" (where i entered) and a 4 digit #. It has surprisingly little information... Well I guess the phrase "surprisingly little information" should never be used with them...