USA Immigrant: Police Certificates

[Ponga]

Spend some time reading through this thread:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/us-outland-applicants-thread-t106068.6900.html

You'll find that a lot of Americans are completing the entire process in ~6 months (+/-).


It's not that an Inland applicant cannot leave Canada; they can. The problem is that if they are denied re-entry, their Inland application is in jeopardy.

An OWP does NOT authorize re-entry.

Are you familiar with something called Dual Intent? If not, search for it on the CIC website. It might help shed some light on how people are assessed by CBSA if they attempt re-entry with an active sponsorship application submitted.

 

[TravisK]

Yea that makes sense, thanks everyone for your responses, I'll read through that thread (the last page is encouraging!)

Here's my big concern: I have a valid work permit, and no US address except my mother's address which is the same as my US credit card. I do have a storage unit with my belongings in Arizona. I live with my wife, who is a Canadian PR. My job requires me to travel to the US on occasion.

I guess that having a valid work permit is reason enough to let me back into Canada while my application is being processed? I get their concern, but it has me worried since my intent in returning to canada wouldn't be to dupe the system, but to continue my work...I guess I would just have to actually convince the immigration officer of that

EDIT: I guess I'm just a little confused as to this "apply outland from within Canada" thing. If I reside in Canada under a work permit, apply from without, have to go for an interview (for instance), and then come back, it will be tough to convince the officer that I will leave Canada at the end of my work permit - even though I would of course respect the process.

 

[Ponga]

I guess that having a valid work permit is reason enough to let me back into Canada while my application is being processed?

NO!

Your OWP allows you to work and `reside' in Canada. It does NOT allow you, in and of itself, to re-enter Canada.

Not having strong ties `home', can be a problem if the CBSA officer that you encounter wants to be convinced that you have a real home outside of Canada.

Outland, IMHO, is the best option for you.

 

[TravisK]

The more I read the more I agree, but it doesn't change the fact that I work in Canada already on a specified work permit (tied to my employer and subject to my employment). I don't have an OWP, mine is specific to my employer and has an expiry date unless it is renewed. I see what you mean though, it allows me to work up here, but if the border officer refuses my entry based on the rest of my circumstances, that's another issue altogether.

My question in the last post was this: If I apply outland from within Canada while I continue to work on my permit, if I am required to leave Canada for a brief period, I assume that my re-entrance will be under the same scrutiny as an inland applicant. So the only real benefit would be the generally quicker time period; the type of application would appear not to have any bearing on whether or not I can leave/re-enter Canada. Except, I guess, that if I do have to leave Canada, and am refused, I don't automatically nullify my application (abandoning it) and can wait out the rest of the process in the US. That's a positive, for sure.

 

[Ponga]

The more I read the more I agree, but it doesn't change the fact that I work in Canada already on a specified work permit (tied to my employer and subject to my employment). I don't have an OWP, mine is specific to my employer and has an expiry date unless it is renewed. I see what you mean though, it allows me to work up here, but if the border officer refuses my entry based on the rest of my circumstances, that's another issue altogether.

My question in the last post was this: If I apply outland from within Canada while I continue to work on my permit, if I am required to leave Canada for a brief period, I assume that my re-entrance will be under the same scrutiny as an inland applicant. So the only real benefit would be the generally quicker time period; the type of application would appear not to have any bearing on whether or not I can leave/re-enter Canada. Except, I guess, that if I do have to leave Canada, and am refused, I don't automatically nullify my application (abandoning it) and can wait out the rest of the process in the US. That's a positive, for sure.

Exactly! If for some reason you are refused re-entry, your OUTLAND application will still continue to be processed.

Since you don't need the OWP that is so appealing for most Inland applicants, there is absolutely no advantage for you in choosing an Inland application.

 

[TravisK]

Well,

I have another similar question; I have been working in Canada now for over a year, and have lived here most of that time. I imagine that means I'll have to complete an RCMP police check as well, right? But from what I understand, I will be directed to do so during my application process, is that correct?

 

[Ponga]

Well,

I have another similar question; I have been working in Canada now for over a year, and have lived here most of that time. I imagine that means I'll have to complete an RCMP police check as well, right? But from what I understand, I will be directed to do so during my application process, is that correct?

Correct. You will only need the RCMP PCC if CIC requests one from you.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/north-america/canada.asp

The Canadian visa office will tell you if you need a Canadian criminal record check while your application is being processed. If the visa office asks you to complete a criminal record check, visit the RCMP website for instructions. You must bring:

A full electronic set of fingerprints on form C-216C taken by one of these accredited companies or police services
A complete application form (available on the RCMP website)
Reason for your request (eg. For immigration)
Your full name
Date of birth
Sex
Mailing address
Phone number (and/or fax number and/or e-mail address)
Applicable fees

 

[TravisK]

Thank you Ponga and everyone else, you've been very helpful.

I'm sure I'll have more questions before all is said and done, but this is such a great resource.

 

[Ponga]

Thank you Ponga and everyone else, you've been very helpful.

I'm sure I'll have more questions before all is said and done, but this is such a great resource.

Happy to help.

Now...pay it forward.