traveling to Canada

[jay7777]

Looking for advice about coming to Canada as a visitor while my PR application is being worked on. My situation:

I am from the United States. I came to visit my girlfriend who is a permanent resident in Canada approx 5 months ago and have not left. We have been a couple for roughly 2 years. Last month we got married so she could sponsor me as a PR as she is not ready to move to the United States and I am ok with that. I plan on submitting my PR application as an outland application within a the next month (just waiting for my FBI report). I had a small business I sold last year which left me with enough money so that I can support myself while I am here waiting for my PR application to be processed. I also have a couple apartments I rent out in the US which gives me a little income every month.

We are taking a road trip to United States in a few days for a vacation, but I have a concern they may deny me when I come drive back across the border into Canada. I won't have and definite plans to return to the United States and not sure exactly when I might returning. I want to stay with my wife in Canada as much as possible until my PR application is processed. I am looking for recommendations of what I should bring and or do so that it will increase my chances of getting back into Canada. I would think a copy of a bank statement and my health insurance card and marriage certificate. Whatever anybody has for a recommendation would be appreciated.

 

[BeShoo]

Pay your fees online (at least the $550) and have that receipt with you. It wouldn't hurt to have all the forms filled out and with you as well. You can tell them you are waiting for the FBI report. They will most likely let you in, especially is your wife is with you, vouching that she is sponsoring you. They probably will want to give you a Visitor Record (VR), which has a definite expiry date by which you either have to leave or apply to extend it. Expect to be taken aside for "secondary inspection" in any case.

You do need to prove to them that you are just visiting and will return to the U.S., for example if you don't get an extension to the VR or by some chance are ultimately denied PR. It's not their job to judge whether you deserve to be a PR or not, only whether your visit is temporary. You need to have an address in the U.S. which you can identify as your "permanent residence" which you can return to if required to leave your temporary residence in Canada. Chances are, you may have a relative or even friend who would let you stay with them.

Definitely, have your marriage certificate and bank statements available in case they ask. This can be a stressful process, but given what you've told us, they are not likely to deny you entry into Canada as long as it doesn't look like you're moving permanently. Once you get a VR, passage through customs and immigration is usually a breeze, based on my experience.