Tips for coming across the border with my American husband?

[kandc]

At the beginning of June I'm going to fly down to Florida (where my husband lives) and then we will be driving up to Canada together. He's going to be staying with me at my apartment for 6 months and hopefully longer if he can get an extension (side note: does anyone have experience with doing this and know if it's common for them to reject visitor extensions? I'm worried he'll get sent back to the states after 6 months )

What should/shouldn't we say at the border? He knows he is NOT allowed to work or do anything for money here. He has money saved and also gets a disability cheque monthly which he will use to help support himself. We also know that he is only VISITING me, and not MOVING IN with me, and to make that clear to the border guards. Any other helpful tips? Much appreciated!

 

[scylla]

Have you already filed a PR application?

 

[kandc]

Have you already filed a PR application?

No, we were planning on doing that next month after he is already staying here.

 

[MSP2YYZ]

Take it easy with the amount of stuff he has with him, don't show up at the border with a blender and microwave and lots of boxes. It would be good also to show that he has ties to the US to show that he will leave after his visit is over (even if you do plan to request an extension). I visited my husband here for 2 years (1 time by car, 4 times by air) before my pr application, and never had any issues. The last time I came I was supposed to be here for 3 weeks, had my return ticket and everything, but I just couldn't bear to leave him again, so I am 'visiting' until my pr is complete. I did apply for an extension online, and it was approved in 2 weeks. You should not have any issues, as your application will have been filed by the time he needs an extension, and you can just state in his extension request that he wants to continue 'visiting' until pr is complete. Just as long as he knows he can't work or get health care or anything.

 

[brightredscream]

My husband has been here for about 8 months from the US, living with me....when he crossed the border on this visit, he told the border official that he would be here for at least 5 months, and nothing was stamped or given to him. He is leaving to go back to Florida on Tuesday...should we be worried?

 

[kandc]

The last time I came I was supposed to be here for 3 weeks, had my return ticket and everything, but I just couldn't bear to leave him again, so I am 'visiting' until my pr is complete. I did apply for an extension online, and it was approved in 2 weeks. You should not have any issues, as your application will have been filed by the time he needs an extension, and you can just state in his extension request that he wants to continue 'visiting' until pr is complete. Just as long as he knows he can't work or get health care or anything.

That's reassuring about the extension. And yes, he knows he can't work or get health care here either. Thanks for the response : )

 

[brightredscream]

My husband has been here for about 8 months from the US, living with me....when he crossed the border on this visit, he told the border official that he would be here for at least 5 months, and nothing was stamped or given to him. He is leaving to go back to Florida on Tuesday...should we be worried?

*bump*
Anyone?

 

[parker24]

My husband has been here for about 8 months from the US, living with me....when he crossed the border on this visit, he told the border official that he would be here for at least 5 months, and nothing was stamped or given to him. He is leaving to go back to Florida on Tuesday...should we be worried?

Not so much about him going home. But they might give him a lecture about trying to come back since he's technically in Canada with no status (aka illegally, as they usually automatically get 6 months). I'd be more worried about him coming BACK.

 

[brightredscream]

He won't be coming back for a while after this visit - he's going back to Florida for his job etc.
The next time he'll be here again probably won't be for at least 4 months

 

[SEVEN07]

My best advice go to boarder and dont mention anything about you and him are married or you are going to apply to PR...Only vacation sometimes be honest is not the best option..

Good Luck

 

[MSP2YYZ]

My best advice go to boarder and dont mention anything about you and him are married or you are going to apply to PR...Only vacation sometimes be honest is not the best option..

Good Luck

Whatever you do, do not be dishonest! You don't have to volunteer to tell your life story, but do not lie to border patrol. If you lie, it could be found out, and that would put a real hitch in getting his pr approved when you do apply. As I mentioned before, have lots of proof that he will be returning to the US at the conclusion of the visit, and don't act like you are nervous or trying to hide anything. They will be reading your actions along with any proof you provide.

 

[SEVEN07]

well it is my personal opinion...if you telling them you are going to stay long or in couple weeks you are going to apply the agents maybe DONT allow you in...
Good luck and let us know what happeend....

 

[Sunshine87]

I've been wondering about the same thing, in Sept we're planning on packing up my husband's place in Arizona and driving to Montana where we will put his things in storage and cross the boarder to Alberta with just a few basic things. He will wait out the rest of the PR process with me (we applied outland in April). He won't have an employment letter or a lease agreement, what else could show ties to the US?