crossing the border together prior to marriage

[sw4746]

Hi,

I am a USC and She is Canadian. She has kids from her first marriage and she lives in Canada. I am widowed and I have my kids with me. I am going to Canada and going to get married and apply for outland PR.

This July she will visit us with her kids and then we are planning to drive across the border together.  Would it be a problem if we all in one car and try to drive across the border together. We will not be married at that time, and if they asked who we are, can we tell them that we are engaged and that we are getting married and applying for PR ?

Thanks a bunch
SW

[nyssa]

Hello! You probably shouldn't mention you're planning on getting married, as this is a red flag. They may assume you won't be returning home. You can mention that you are in a relationship together, she can show her travel itinerary when you both are crossing into Canada, to show she came to visit you, and you to visit her. Things like travel iterneraries, bank statements, a letter from your employer, pay stubs, etc. will help make it a smooth crossing. Congrats on your upcoming marriage!!

[sw4746]

Thanks a lot, It looks like it's not a good idea to cross together :)

[nyssa]

Glad to help! My boyfriend and I are getting married this October in Canada, so I've been studying up a bit. It might be better that way, but I wouldn't think it would be a problem for you to cross together, as long as both of you show strong ties to your countries. Keep in mind, if you do decide to not cross together but want to visit her in Canada, bring the documents I mentioned in my previous post. You don't want to miss your wedding!

[sw4746]

We are going up and down for couple of years now, and there have never been a problem. I think I one time said that I am visiting her also, they were OK with it. I was trying to see whether we could drive together and I think it may not be a good idea.