Visiting USA

[parker24]

Howdy All,

I greatly appreciate any help/suggestions here. My husband is American, and I am Canadian. We just sent out our application yesterday so hopefully the 55 days go through fast (We're applying outland obviously). My husband lives in Nashville, and I've wanted to go there for a while now, not only to meet my in-laws for the first time, but I also have a cousin on my father's side who lives down there. We do have a copy of the receipt of paying for immigration that my husband keeps on his person at all times. My question is, would that be all it takes? Do we say "We applied outland for PR and waiting for it, going to visit family/friends and here's the receipt of the immigration application"? I'm a natural worrier so I do worry that they will send my husband back to the states and leave me stranded at the border or something.

Thank you

 

[canadianwoman]

There should be no problem either way. Take proof of your ties to Canada, and his ties to the USA, just in case the border agents ask. Eg.: return ticket (if not going by car) with a specific date, enough money, proof of apartment lease or mortgage, proof of employment; and proof you sent in the application (the fee receipt) for him to get back into Canada. You most likely will have no need to show the application proof (or anything else) to get in to the States. However, I know one young Canadian who was refused entrance to the USA because the border agent thought she would not return to Canada, so do take proof of your ties to Canada and the fee receipt.
I would not say "we applied outland ...." right at the start; just say you are going to visit family and friends in Nashville. If the border agent starts questioning you, then you can tell him about the PR application. Canadians visit the USA all the time with no problems; you should be fine.

 

[wilson]

Howdy All,

I greatly appreciate any help/suggestions here. My husband is American, and I am Canadian. We just sent out our application yesterday so hopefully the 55 days go through fast (We're applying outland obviously). My husband lives in Nashville, and I've wanted to go there for a while now, not only to meet my in-laws for the first time, but I also have a cousin on my father's side who lives down there. We do have a copy of the receipt of paying for immigration that my husband keeps on his person at all times. My question is, would that be all it takes? Do we say "We applied outland for PR and waiting for it, going to visit family/friends and here's the receipt of the immigration application"? I'm a natural worrier so I do worry that they will send my husband back to the states and leave me stranded at the border or something.

Thank you

Hi Parker,

Your husband's entry as visitor to Canada could usually be easy. Being you are a Canadian citizen there could not be much questions from the BSA at Canadian boarder or at the airport. He should tell that he will be returning to USA within 6 months if asked by the officer.
Also, if necessary, your husband can back to USA for a while, before reaching his allowed period of six months, if PR is not received by that time and may re-enter again, if a petition for extension of visit is not submitted. However, I don't think there is any reason for any worry about a refusal of his entry at the boarder. Be optimistic and enter with a pleasant face and smile to the BSA. , Cheers! Good luck.

 

[parker24]

Thanks guys

The main reason I worry about mentioning family is because when I was attempting to visit (during tornado season) I had said my cousin lives down there and the agent just jumped right on that one statement. "Is this cousin Canadian or American?" I wasn't entirely sure because I'm not extremely close to this cousin so I kind of looked stupid when I asked my parents in the front seat!

We're going by car, and I know they are a little more relaxed when it comes to waving Canadians in the the US and Americans into Canada. My husband has been here since May of last year. He's here legally, on a visitor's visa/record. Would it be wise to take our marriage certificate? I feel like I'm worrying over nothing haha. But I just want to be prepared

 

[wilson]

Hi Parker,

Some times I used to feel that the officers at the boarder are paid for asking stupid or embarrassing questions
You should always carry enough proof of your relation and you said your husband do have the copy of the payment receipt.

 

[krista2011]

My husband has never been detained when coming to Canada, he came about a dozen time before we got married and 3 since we've been married. I was never questioned going to the States before our wedding than as soon as we were married, I was detained and sent to secondary screening at the airport, I had copies of my return flight, and our immigration documents and pay stubs, and still got sent to secondary screening. Funny thing is, I'm an engineer and can get a NAFTA entry visa at the border with a valid job offer. On a side note, the officier at the secondary screening point was wonderful. All in all it added about an extra 45 mins to a hour to clear immigration. So, like everyone else has noted, just make sure you have lots of documentation to prove dual intent and ties to Canada.

 

[alf+jlh]

Hi Parker.... I visit my husband at least once a month (he lives in florida) and often like cross border shopping... And I really have never had a problem. If you drive, let me just suggest you bring as much info that you can, doesn't hurt it be prepared. If you are flying, as long as you have a return flight you should be fine.
If you are still nervous ask for a letter from your employer, it helps, I've had to show this letter before.

In the end, the fact that you have applied for him to move to Canada means you clearly want to come back.

Boarder agents can often be intimidating but thats their job...just state the facts and you will be fine. If they ask details I'm always glad to tell them, our story of meeting in Aruba and livi apart for 4 years becomes Boring after awhile and they just let me thru.

Sometimes if you have a plan for what you will be doing while you visit him that will help too.

You will be just fine....just bring your receipt (when I drive to fly from niagara or Bufallo I will bring our 4 ring binder of documents) and your boarding pass and it'll be a simple process.


Good luck