US to Canada

[carr1]

Hopefully someone can assist me in some questions I have? I am a US citizen dating a Canadian. I am planning on moving to Canada this fall going on a visitor visa and planning on getting married while I am in Canada at the beginning of 2015. I know that I will not be able to work until I get a work permit but how long will that take? Can we apply for sponsorship as soon as we are married? Also while I am there without PR will I be able to travel back and forth to the US without issues?
Sorry I am trying to search for answers but am so confused. Thank you for any info!

 

[michminn]

Inland Travel: If you apply "Inland" it is not guaranteed that you'll be allowed back in to Canada, it depends on the officer you get honestly. Also, you will need to prove your "Intent" to leave once your visitor pass expires (Typically within 6 mos.) Pros to Inland applications: You will be able to work once the first stage approval has been granted (This is achieved by applying for an "Open work permit" w/ your application. Cost is 155.00). Outland is preferred amongst most Americans ( Excluding myself), the reason is because you COULD POSSIBLY receive your PR in as little as 3 mos. BUT, do you have the money to travel back to America should an interview be required? Also, if there are problems (Delays etc..) you will have to wait sometimes as long as the Inland apps. Outland applicants are not granted an Open work permit as are Inland apps. HOWEVER!! If you have all your ducks in a row...... quack quack the proceed with the Outland.

1. Get you medical Physical
2. Get finger printed ( Your choice, research the company first, make sure they're reputable)
3. Apply for your FBI record i.e.. Police certificate
4. Complete your application Inland or outland if inland also complete your open work permit app. 5. Make sure you have signed everything, you can send everything above WITHOUT the police certificate, make sure you include a cover letter explain your intent to send that once received (Wait for CIC to request it otherwise, it'll get lost)
6. Smile, laugh, don't get stressed be patient

BEST OF LUCK ;D

 

[carr1]

Thanks for the info!

Should I do all these before I arrive in Canada in October?
1. Get you medical Physical
2. Get finger printed ( Your choice, research the company first, make sure they're reputable)
3. Apply for your FBI record i.e.. Police certificate
4. Complete your application Inland or outland if inland also complete your open work permit app. 5. Make sure you have signed everything, you can send everything above WITHOUT the police certificate, make sure you include a cover letter explain your intent to send that once received (Wait for CIC to request it otherwise, it'll get lost)

Oh my, I have so many questions!!

 

[michminn]

PS: I posted so many links for you but this forum does not allow it. Just Google your questions CIC info. is the best..

 

[michminn]

If you where married then applying outland would be easier while living in the States. then yes proceed

Medical certs are good for 12 mos. so wait if applying inland
FBI certs 12 mos

 

[tink23]

As an American, you should definitely apply Outland. If you're going to be in Canada then you can just get the medical exam done here, right before you're ready to submit the application.

 

[michminn]

I agree Tink, however! This person isn't moving until 2015. Medical exams have a 12 month shelf life.

 

[tink23]

He should still wait until closer to the time. Why do it so early, when you don't know if things could get delayed later? If he is getting married in January, then he doesn't need to do the medical exam until December or January.
What he should focus on sooner rather than later is getting his FBI check because I have heard that that can take a long time in the US.

 

[michminn]

I got the information from CIC's website, please check there for more information. Both expire in 12 mos.

 

[tink23]

Allthpugh the results will be used by cic for up to 12 months, the results must be submitted within 3 months of obtaining the police check.

That being said, to actually get the FBI police check can take a long time for US applicants, which is why it is good to start looking into getting them earlier, otherwise it will hold up submitting the application.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I got the information from CIC's website, please check there for more information. Both expire in 12 mos.

As per CIC's website, police certificates cannot be older than 3 months when received by CIC. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/intro.asp

Who needs a police certificate?

In general, you and all the people in your family who are 18 or older need to get a police certificate. You must get one from each country or territory where you have lived for six or more months in a row since the age of 18.

The certificate must be issued no more than three months before you apply.

 

[carr1]

Thanks so much everyone.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get medical insurance for the time I am there before I get PR and OHIP?

 

[truncat]

See this thread for health insurance: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/health-insurance-t238841.0.html

 

[Ravcat]

Dont make the mistake of doing what we did. If you are traveling by car do not pack all your belongings and such...bring proof of insurance bank statements etc. You need to have a job or house to return to and have proof of that.

If you do a land crossing, with all your belongings, no job, no house, and your car with you, you have no ties to the states. They will reject you and red flag you and other crossings will become almost impossible.

If you are going by air just say that you are visiting and staying with a friend...other wise you will run into heaps of issues...

 

[Ravcat]

Sounds like she is doing the exact thing me and my now hubby did. You cannot "visit Canada" and "move" at the same time. Do not mention "move" in any text messages on your phone they will check your phone for texts or emails...