Is visitor visa absolutely necessary while PR application in process?

[BlueDragon17846]

I am an American citizen just got married to a Canadian citizen in September and we will be applying for PR under the in-Canada application.  I am currently here in Canada on a visitor visa, issued to me at the border, that expires in January.  We are just waiting for the marriage certificate to be registered, but everything else is set and we should be applying for PR before the visitor pass expires in January.  Is it absolutely necessary for me to apply for an extension on the visitor pass, even though I will already have my PR application sent in and I am also from a visa-exempt country (U.S.A).  I plan on not leaving Canada until the PR application is approved.

[rjessome]

Yes, unless you want to take the risk of being without status and potentially be removed.  NOT likely but what if you got pulled over for speeding or at a routine traffic stop and the cop decides to be really diligent?  Better for you to have status IMO.

[Suin]

my opinion,
yes, you will have to file for your visa extension otherwise you are illegal in Canada, being US citizen you can make it simple for you - just drive to the closest border and re-enter.
even if you apply inland you need to file for your visa extension too.

[BlueDragon17846]

Thanks for your reply.  I'm just afraid they might deny me entry even if the visitor visa is still valid.  I suppose it would be a risk either way...  Is there anything I should bring with me or any other conditions to make it easier?  I should probably have our marriage certificate with me, and should I be there at least 30 days before expiration of the visitor record?

[rjessome]

Are you applying inland or outland?  Anyway, I wouldn't cross the border, I would send the app for extension to Vegreville.  It's taking them 3.5 months to make decisions on these and as long as they receive it before it expires (I know is says 30 days before but they accept extension applications up to the date it expires), you are on implied status until a decision is made.  I know it's $75 but it's a better choice in my opinion.

[BlueDragon17846]

Applying from within Canada, and thanks for the advice.  I will send in the form; I think its the best option.

[amsyul]

Did you know you can apply outland from within Canada too via Buffalo? In that case if you need to go back to the US it won't be a problem -- you might have to stay in the US for some time if the people at the border only allow you into Canada for a specific amount of time but that would not jeopardize your application.

[Suin]

Are you applying inland or outland?  Anyway, I wouldn't cross the border, I would send the app for extension to Vegreville.  It's taking them 3.5 months to make decisions on these and as long as they receive it before it expires (I know is says 30 days before but they accept extension applications up to the date it expires), you are on implied status until a decision is made.  I know it's $75 but it's a better choice in my opinion.

are you sure that they accept extension applications up to the date it expires? it's very important to us.

[rjessome]

Positive.  ;o)  They have to receive the extension request before the TRV (or whatever) expires.

[rjessome]

Applying from within Canada, and thanks for the advice.  I will send in the form; I think its the best option.

Why inland?  Outland is generally faster processing and there is no right of appeal on an inland app.  You may have your reasons but be sure you know all of your options before you decide.  You cannot switch from one to the other mid-way through.

[BlueDragon17846]

I just assumed that since I am already in Canada, that was the only choice.  Anyway, its too late now since I already completed the medical exam with the in Canada form. We'll just have to see what happens.

[Prodigy4299]

Best of luck and good for you for doing it this way. Overstaying a visitor visa is exactly the sort of thing that makes Immigration wary and reluctant when issuing PR's.

[rjessome]

I just assumed that since I am already in Canada, that was the only choice.  Anyway, its too late now since I already completed the medical exam with the in Canada form. We'll just have to see what happens.

It's not too late.  )

Same exam for both types of applications.  They can match it up.

[mitamata]

Personally, I'd switch to the outland application. It will most likely be done faster and in case you need to go to the US for whatever reason (family emergency or something) and somehow can't return to Canada, you won't lose the application, which would happen with an inland one if you couldn't return.

[asimkhan]

Hey can some well help me..........................My PR case for canada is under process at Islamabad visa office right now.................can i apply for visitor visa at same time by the time my PR got sanctioned