Entering Canada while application in process / waiting out the results there

[penandpaper]

Hello everyone,

We spoke to CIC call center about this and they said it is an ok move but I wanted to ask if anyone here has done this and how it went.  CIC did not mention that I would have to show any docs at the border but I am unsure. I think I saw something on this forum but cannot find it for some reason.

Anyway, here are the details.
Application received in Mississauga July 14 2011
Outland via Bucharest.
Medicals done, fees paid.
Applicant is dual citizen of Bulgaria and the United States.

We have a 3 month old baby and all three of us (husband is QC born citizen, resides there; baby already got the passport)  will be flying in to Montreal from Europe.

What should I show at the border?  Payment receipt plus letters received from CIC and the CSQ info? 
I am hoping that the process will be completed during the 6 months I am allowed visa free so that I won't have to go thru additional paperwork.

Has anyone gone this route and what was your experience?

Thanks again for all the info I find here :-)

[CharlieD10]

Lots of visa-exempt spouses wait out processing in Canada.  All the information and documents you have mentioned will be helpful in showing that you are already in the process, so definitely have them handy for presentation in case they are needed.

[RobsLuv]

Your spouse should definitely accompany you to prove that your marriage is valid and that he has applied to sponsor you and the application is in process.  If you try to go through immigration alone, they could turn you back.

[AmericaninQuebec]

You can't move yet, but you can go to Canada to await the results of your PR application with your spouse. Be careful what you say to immigration when you arrive. Telling them you're moving will likely not go over well, but if you say you're coming to visit with your spouse and child while awaiting the results of your PR application you'll probably have a nicer response from the immigration officers.

[penandpaper]

Thank you all.

We will be traveling with only one suitcase each (i.e. it won't look like I am moving at all) so I hope they don't give me any trouble. 
I'll make sure we are careful with the wording ...  We are not doing anything illegal actually so why does the whole process make you feel like you are being sneaky!?  Oh well, it is the honest ones that usually get burned ...

[Vercetti]

I did this!

I sent in my application and went to visit Canada.  I did not have my wife with me, but I brought my receipts and a copy of my marriage certificate to customs.  They stamped me in for 6 months.  Then I applied for a visitor extension for 75$ and got a year extension on my status.

I packed 3 suitcases and had a guitar case with me as well when I flew in to Canada.