Volunteering

[meak]

I wrote earlier about marrying my fiancee and being denied a longer stay last time. I am wondering if the next time I come through, if it might help me to show that my other reason of travel is volunteering at the local aids walk, habitat for humanity, and passing out fliers for cervical cancer awareness? I decided to volunteer at a few places so A. I'm not stuck in the house, bored. B. I like contributing even if it means I don't make money and C. Possibly to help get my foot in the door if I apply for a worker's permit.

 

[truesmile]

Am not sure that it will help with a work permit. From what I know about it, getting an employer to offer you a job in writing, AFTER obtaining a 'Labour Market Opinion' or LMO is the key (and difficult part) to success for that. To help you pass time here - GREAT idea!

 

[AnaMaria]

Once you are given the status whatever it might be, volunteering is great opportunity just as you mentioned. But I think this makes your situation for getting a longer stay or even crossing the boarder even harder. What you have to do is to show the tie to your home country, that is the US, not Canada. The purpose of visit is less critical particularly when you are flagged. The proof you would need is family, place to live, employment and, I guess, bank statements in the US.

If you read posts in this forum, you will probably get better understanding what immigration officers look for. At least you are in the right place to find information. Good luck!

 

[scylla]

I agree. Don't mention volunteering at the border or the possibility of a future work permit. Volunteering doesn't sound like visitor behaviour. It sounds like something someone does when they are planning a longer stay. And mentioning a possible future work permit DEFINITELY makes you sound like someone who has plans to stay long term.

 

[meak]

Thanks, guys. Maybe I should just say that my husband is going to do the spousal sponsorship if they ask?

 

[ladyjess]

I wouldnt mention it...

 

[AnaMaria]

You are asking for a visitor status. You have to show the strong ties back to US. From your posts, that is definitely one thing you are missing. I would suggest you work on that before trying to cross the boarder next time. You might be able to visit him next time for a short visit but I suspect that the chance for a longer stay is not great as you have already been flagged.

 

[meak]

I am going to try a different border, not in victoria. The guard did tell me that if I comply and leave on the date I say I am going to leave, that it will look good for the next time I visit. It's weird because they let him visit me in Wa every weekend so maybe they'll let me visit that often as well. I will be working in Minnesota fairly soon and I'm hoping to wait two weeks until I visit him again, from a greyhound bus. I was wondering, would a change of address form sent from the post office be enough as proof of address?