Moving to QC said:
So I have a few questions after reading through a lot of the material...
1. How far in advance can you get the medical clearance done before submitting your application for PR through spousal sponsorship?
2. How far in advance can you get the FBI check completed before submitting?
3. I am getting married on 10-24 but remaining in the states to work while the application is being processed. When crossing the border, should i be concerned with what I tell border patrol? I do not want to be turned away when I go to visit my fiance/husband after 10/24. Any advice?
Hi Moving to QC,
To answer your questions,
1) Your medical can be done any time before submitting your application, however, it is only good for one year. So, if you get it done in October, and submit in November, then it'll expire the following October. The CIC can override the expiration as they see fit.
The medical date also determines how long you'll have to enter Canada once you've received the paperwork to land in Canada.
e.g. If you get medicals done in October, submit November, and then receive all the paperwork/completed the process in June next year, you'll have up until October to land in Canada to validate/activate your PR.
Medicals can be sent after you've submitted your application, but it could potentially lead to a delay in how long it takes to process your application.
2) Your Police Certificate is good for 6 months from the date issued on the official paperwork/background check. As long as it is in the CIC's hands within the 6 months, it should be accepted. (It used to be 3 months, which I think they realized was problematic. The CIC expanded the time in May this year.) Last I looked, FBI background checks are taking 12-16 weeks in the US, so keep that in mind when you're assembling things. The background check can be submitted after you've sent off your application, but there's always a chance that it delays the process.
3) The Customs Agents/Border Security will know you have an application in once you receive AOR, so honesty is the best policy. I'd simply say, "I'm here to visit my husband. We just got married, but I'm waiting on my application to be approved for PR. I'm working in the US until then, but I'm lucky enough to be able to travel and see him, etc."
Mentioning that you have a job to return to in the US and that you know what the rules are won't do anything to jeopardize your application should be more than enough. I think they appreciate the honesty more than anything! Having a return flight home is also something that will assuage any doubts. Being a US citizen works to our advantage; it's highly unlikely we're attempting to remain in Canada illegally when we come from a comparable country.
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, ask away. ;D
