US citizen applying for spouse PR - US/CAN border crossing ????

[CanUs]

Hi, I'm in need of some good info and am very grateful to anyone that can give me some insight to our unique situation.....

My husband and I just moved back up to the Washingon / BC area. I am a US citizen my current residence is in northern Washington. My husband, Canadian citizen, (to be my sponsor) and his family live in near the border in BC.
Currently, I have a part-time job in a US border town, I just got hired and don't plan on quitting any time soon. The commute is very reasonable and I need to make some $ to help us out, since I can not work in Canada. My husband works in BC.

my Purpose of PR in Canada is to
- live (legally) with my husband
-study Nursing at University, eventually work in that field
-possibly start a family, etc.

????'s
1. While applying for PR status (in Canada) can I continue to cross the border (probably about 2-3 times a week) using my US passport?
2. When crossing is it safe to say that I am working in US but am in the application process for my PR in BC?
3. Can I keep my job during the application process and after I get PR status- since I intend on living in BC, paying taxes, studying, etc.?

thanks

 

[Karlshammar]

1. Yes, as long the officer on the border admits you.
2. Yes, you must be honest with the officer if he asks.
3. Sure, you're a U.S. citizen, so you have the right to work there even if you become a Canadian PR.

 

[rnbacchus]

My situation is similar to yours, except in reverse. I am the sponsor, living in BC, and my husband is a US citizen with a full-time job in Seattle. His employer allows him to work 3-4 days per week from home, but he has to travel down to Seattle once a week to work in the office. He generally has no issues crossing the border every week, as he is honest about when he leaves and enters Canada. However, he was refused entry once because one particular IO thought he was spending too much time in Canada, which meant he must be living illegally in Canada. We got it all sorted out, as we went to the customs office and showed all kinds of documentation showing that my husband has a job and a permanent address in the US. He's had no problems at the border since, but I always hold my breath whenever he has to cross.

It sucks, but whether or not you're admitted into Canada can depend on which IO you get when you cross the border. I would suggest that you always have documentation on you that proves you have ties to the US, and shows that you have no intention of living or working illegally in Canada. This means having your employer write you a letter stating the terms of your employment, having a copy of your lease for your residence in WA, etc.

 

[CanUs]

Thanks for your situation/experience... I hold my breath too, just because it's not like we're trying to take advantage of anything, it's just wanting to be with my husband and his family.

Did you file for your husband's PR in Canada yet? If so, did you do so "Outside"?

Anyone out there: Currently about how long does filing for/receiving PR in Canada take from the US?

thanks

 

[AllisonVSC]

I applied outland conjugal partner in early August, sponsor approval in early September and got my passport request last week...just under 3 months using the Buffalo office. I suspect a thoroughly documented spousal application would take less time; I'll be interested to read what others post in response.

 

[rnbacchus]

Thanks for your situation/experience... I hold my breath too, just because it's not like we're trying to take advantage of anything, it's just wanting to be with my husband and his family.

Did you file for your husband's PR in Canada yet? If so, did you do so "Outside"?

Anyone out there: Currently about how long does filing for/receiving PR in Canada take from the US?

thanks

Yes, we submitted our permanent residency application and we used the outland option. I would suggest you do the same, as you need to leave Canada every week for your job. With the inland option, it is recommended that you do not leave the country while the application is in process. As far as I understand, if you are refused entry at the border, your inland application is no longer eligible for processing because you are no longer living in the country. If you apply outland and are refused entry at the border, your application is still eligible for processing and you just have to live in WA until your permanent residency is approved. It would be terrible to be separated from your husband, but at least your application would still move forward.

We sent our application to CPC-M on October 13, and I was approved for sponsorship on October 29. I imagine straightforward applications with lots of proof of the relationship are generally approved fairly quickly. At least that's what we're hoping.

 

[AllisonVSC]

I was also told by an IO that North American family class applications are processed pretty quickly.