Visitor Visa while waiting for PR?

[bethanycupcakes]

Someone suggested that I could get a visitors visa while waiting for my PR. HOWEVER, I live very close to my spouse (about a 45 minute drive, He lives is lower BC, me Northern Washington) and I have NEXUS so we visit often. I also have had issues in the past with the officers wanting to see ties to the states every time I go through to prove I'm coming back until my VISA is approved.

How would I even go about getting a visitor visa if I already live so close, would I even be able to get one?

Also, doesn't that change my status to "applying from WITHIN Canada'?

Thanks!

 

[Garry2008]

Someone suggested that I could get a visitors visa while waiting for my PR. HOWEVER, I live very close to my spouse (about a 45 minute drive, He lives is lower BC, me Northern Washington) and I have NEXUS so we visit often. I also have had issues in the past with the officers wanting to see ties to the states every time I go through to prove I'm coming back until my VISA is approved.

How would I even go about getting a visitor visa if I already live so close, would I even be able to get one?

Also, doesn't that change my status to "applying from WITHIN Canada'?

Thanks!

No it does not Change your Status Of Application from Outland to Inland if you are in Canada.Are you US Citizen ??

 

[Sheps]

US applicants are not eligible for a visitor visa.

Are you using the NEXUS lane when entering? It is my understanding that there are less questions asked in the NEXUS lane.

I would honestly just deal with the scrutiny from the officers until you get your approval. It is not worth the hassle. If you really have problems and are denied, don't make a fuss and cause a exclusion order to be issued instead.

 

[bethanycupcakes]

Okay that answers my question. Yes I am a US Citizen.

Yes they are supposed to ask less questions, but they don't even though I've had my nexus for a while and it's been almost 2 years since the "incident". I just deal with it every time, it's just annoying cuz 1, I hold up the line and 2, nothing has changed, I always return and I've answered the same questions 100 + times.

Nonetheless, I'll just wait.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Nonetheless, I'll just wait.

What exactly are you wanting to do? Were you asking about a visitor visa to make it easier to cross each time or are you wanting to come to Canada and remain here while your PR app processes?

 

[bethanycupcakes]

I was just wondering if I would be able to get a visitor visa to live with my husband while we wait for my PR. I don't need one to visit.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I was just wondering if I would be able to get a visitor visa to live with my husband while we wait for my PR. I don't need one to visit.

You just enter Canada as a visitor like normal and then don't leave, extending your visitor status as needed. You technically cannot "live" in Canada as a visitor but you can stay with your husband while the PR app processes.

 

[bethanycupcakes]

True, the only problem is that they ask me every time when I'll be back and if I say more than a day or so, they'll call me in for questioning/not let me in. So if I stayed longer, I'd be lying and wouldn't that work against me? I already have a file saying I'm suspect of trying to immigrate without visa/ not enough ties to the US.

 

[Caribou]

Hi, I think you and I have similar concerns.
My spouse is US citizen, and visits almost every 2 weeks.
If you already applied outland, carry application receipt and a copy of marriage license with you.
I noticed as soon as you say you've done medical and police certificate, they know it's processing.
Are you crossing peace arch? I found peace arch or blaine border a lot more strict.
If you're already flagged at secondary, I think you just have to carry more documents to prove your ties to US. (home, house lease, etc.)
You can also request "visitor record".

 

[canadianwoman]

Do they stamp your passport giving you only a couple of days? If they do not, you can stay for 6 months and apply to extend this. People change their minds all the time. If questioned at your PR interview, you could say you just felt so sad to leave you decided to stay longer.

 

[Sheps]

I would enter and tell them straight up:

I am coming to visit my husband while my permanent resident application is being processed.

Bring proof of the application and if applicable proof of your sponsorship approval. You do not need to follow Canadianwoman's advise and be all weepy at the PR interview if you even have one. It is perfectly acceptable to extend your status and you can be completely honest about why: you wanted to stay with your husband while you are awaiting PR. This would fall under "dual-intent" as you are visiting your husband awaiting either a positive or negative decision, but the key is you are only visiting.

Just make sure you don't prematurely move and you will be fine.