So it begins. newly married Canadian submitting inland package

[Moonlightprancer]

Hello everyone, I just want to take this time to say thank you to each and everyone who has posted advice on peoples topics. I have been reading these topics for aprox a yr now and can proudly say I officially am able to start the process myself  now!! Every effort to assist people on this site should be applauded!!

Here is my situation:
Recently married to the man of my dreams who is American and residing in USA. I am Canadian born perm resident and currently living in Canada. There are no children or family members involved.  Due to my career at this time he has stated that he will move to Canada. I have done hrs and hrs of research on the immigration process, however, I can not afford a lawyer as teachers do not make much !!  I am hoping for clarification or any pointers in regards to my case you see fit.  His company has an office here in Canada and he was offered a job, however, they will not file a work permit for him due to company policy. He will come up to visit me for max 6months ... in that time we will hopefully submit an inland application for Perm. Res. I also plan on submitting a work permit application requesting open work permit once AIP is given.  We have documented our history, collected letters from friends/family, cell phone bills, photos etc. (thankfully we have known each other 11 yrs and have some things put away for this) I understand the wait time is aprox 12-18months. This is my first time sponsoring someone and my last ! I want to make sure I do everything right as I will not get a chance to appeal.

Am I right to think I can submit the work permit with the spouse package?
if my husband "visits" me for 6 months we will have to extend his visitors pass as the PR package is still being processed correct?
Why is there no form for Open work permit? Is this the basic work permit??
Is there any suggestions on how to get a work permit fast seeing his company would not sponsor him and he will not be able to work until the AIP is given?? Or am I missing an option???

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[scylla]

First and most important piece of advice: Go Outland!!!! 

[scylla]

And if you haven't already - read the first post in the following thread:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/spousal-sponsorship-t46995.0.html

[Moonlightprancer]

Thanks! I just finished reading that one! I wondered if I could have him here in canada visiting and submit a outland application hmmm I think this sounds better. He can still stay with me (not working) and as long as he touches foot on American soil after 6 months he should be good . He plans on driving his truck here which I thought might set off red flags. Thank God he doesnt plan on bringing anything with him !

Outland it is thank you!

[doctorkb]

I agree... outland should be significantly faster for your application.

ALSO: if your husband resides in the US, he doesn't qualify for inland -- he must be in Canada, and remain admissible (i.e. he probably doesn't want to leave the country) for the duration of the inland application.

Outland is MUCH better in all senses (at least for Americans) -- he can even come and stay with you in Canada as a visitor, and will likely have PR in about the same amount of time it takes to get first stage approval for inland apps.

Also: he doesn't even have to touch foot on American soil after 6 months.  He can apply to renew his visitor permit for $75 (IIRC).

[scylla]

Thanks! I just finished reading that one! I wondered if I could have him here in canada visiting and submit a outland application hmmm I think this sounds better. He can still stay with me (not working) and as long as he touches foot on American soil after 6 months he should be good . He plans on driving his truck here which I thought might set off red flags. Thank God he doesnt plan on bringing anything with him !

Outland it is thank you!

It's great that you've decided to go with outland. I think that's definitely the right way to go for you. (My husband's application was processed in four months.)

Just so you're aware, there's definitely some risk involved in having him drive across the border with his truck (although it's very good to hear that he plans on packing light). As you are aware, he's only allowed to come here as a visitor. So if the IO suspects he may want to stay longer, this could cause problems. If at all possible, it would be a very very good idea to submit the sponsorship application before he tries crossing the border. Then he can bring proof that you have formally submitted a sponsorship application. This by no means guarantees that he will be let into the country. However it certainly increases the chances of a smooth crossing.

[Moonlightprancer]

So I have discussed it with my husband, and we are going to go OUTLAND vs inland!! He plans on coming up from the USA to Seattle then up to BC driving. I called immigration today and the woman suggested when he arrives to point of entry he declares to the officer he has sent an application for Outland and that he will remain in Canada for 5 months. immigration said I should have him declare that he is coming to visit his wife....I have heard other suggestions.. Any advice for at the border? I want to do this legal but I also don't want my poor husband stuck in Seattle ! Can he say he is visiting family or does he have to say his wife? Any recommendations?

Also... It is cheaper to have his medical exam in Canada vs USA on an outland package does it matter where the medical exam papers are from??

[Love_Young]

I would suggest you read more on this site about visiting from the US to Canada to visit a spouse.
Look through the visiting section: http://www.us2canada.com/index.html