US Outland - Timeline

[mrdr]

Hello all,

I apologize in advance for what is likely a (frequent) repeat question. I did a quick search and had trouble locating the response so I decided to start a new thread.

My husband has started the process for sponsoring me to immigrate to Canada. We are currently living in the US and therefore have decided to take the Outland route.

Assuming we are approved, we are wondering about the timeline for immigration. Specifically, once our paperwork is processed/approved, how long do we have to move to Canada? Is there an expiration date on entry into Canada under this immigration class?

Also, what are the stipulations for me upon arrival to Canada? Will I be able to visit my family in the US after I've immigrated? Do I have to stay in Canada for a minimum period before I can travel?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[Rinnerz]

My husband has started the process for sponsoring me to immigrate to Canada. We are currently living in the US and therefore have decided to take the Outland route.

Hopefully you know that your husband has to be a Canadian citizen, not just a PR (permanent resident), in order to sponsor you while living outside of Canada. And if he's a citizen sponsoring you from outside Canada, he will need to demonstrate to the best of his ability that you guys will, indeed, settle in Canada once you receive your PR status. This can be demonstrated by outlining your settlement plans, showing a lease, job offer, letters of support from his family there (if applicable), etc. (Mentioning this just in case.)

Assuming we are approved, we are wondering about the timeline for immigration. Specifically, once our paperwork is processed/approved, how long do we have to move to Canada? Is there an expiration date on entry into Canada under this immigration class?

How long it actually takes them to process your file, approve you (hopefully), and issue your visa... depends on way too many factors, so none of us can say for sure. It could be anywhere from 4 to 11 months.

But once they issue you your PR visa, it WILL have an expiry date on it. This date will correspond to either the 1 year anniversary of when you had your medical done, OR your passport expiration date--whichever's sooner. You'll need to land in Canada before that visa expires in order to officially become a PR, but you don't have to stay; you CAN land, turn around and go back to the States to finish tying up loose ends, etc before returning to Canada.

Also, what are the stipulations for me upon arrival to Canada? Will I be able to visit my family in the US after I've immigrated? Do I have to stay in Canada for a minimum period before I can travel?

Of course you can visit your family in the States. Just because you've immigrated to Canada, doesn't mean you're STUCK there. You don't have to stay in Canada for any set amount of time right after you've landed; like I said above, you could even land, then turn right around and leave again. The only thing you need to worry about is maintaining your PR status. You do need to be residing in Canada for 2 years within a 5 year period in order to retain your PR status.

Hopefully that's enough to get you started. Others may chime in with even more info as well. Good luck!

[j2m]

Rinnerz seems to have covered everything. I'll add just one thing. I just completed my PR process and landed on FEB 17th. When you land they attach a paper (COPR) in you passport. The IO instructed me that I can use the paper COPR to enter Canada by car only. If I wanted to travel into Canada by commercial carrier ie. airline, boat, train, that I would need to do one of the following: (1) wait for my PR Card (usually takes 4-6 weeks to get)  or (2) Obtain a travel document from a Canadian Embassy

[Patricksgirls]

Rinnerz seems to have covered everything. I'll add just one thing. I just completed my PR process and landed on FEB 17th. When you land they attach a paper (COPR) in you passport. The IO instructed me that I can use the paper COPR to enter Canada by car only. If I wanted to travel into Canada by commercial carrier ie. airline, boat, train, that I would need to do one of the following: (1) wait for my PR Card (usually takes 4-6 weeks to get)  or (2) Obtain a travel document from a Canadian Embassy

That is something I did not know! Thanks for adding that

[AllisonVSC]

Rinnerz seems to have covered everything. I'll add just one thing. I just completed my PR process and landed on FEB 17th. When you land they attach a paper (COPR) in you passport. The IO instructed me that I can use the paper COPR to enter Canada by car only. If I wanted to travel into Canada by commercial carrier ie. airline, boat, train, that I would need to do one of the following: (1) wait for my PR Card (usually takes 4-6 weeks to get)  or (2) Obtain a travel document from a Canadian Embassy

Not if you are from a visa exempt country.

[j2m]

Not if you are from a visa exempt country.

I am from the U.S. and was instructed that I would need the card to travel by airline. I specifically asked due to a trip I have booked for March.

Quoted from: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/index.asp
The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.

This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).

[mrdr]

Thanks everyone - this is helpful information.

I wasn't sure about the expiration timeline. I knew if the US there is an expiration date for entry with immigration VISAs based on the date the VISA is issued (usually 3-4 months afterwards) but was not sure about Canada.

As far as travel goes, if you are in the US awaiting your Green Card you cannot leave the country until you apply for and receive "Advance Parole" (basically a travel document). It typically takes about 2 months to receive so there a minimum period before you can travel again. That's great to hear that it is not the same in Canada (at least by car).

Just to clarify...

My husband is a Canadian citizen. He is planning on attending a Canadian education institution upon return to Canada. The nature of the schooling would ensure that he will work in Canada upon graduation (without getting too specific, but I think that gives you some clues about what type of degree).

The reason I have been asking all these questions is because we are trying to figure out the timing for immigrating based on the university schedule. Obviously immigration timing is a crapshoot, but ideally we would like to move to Canada as close to the start of the school year as possible. This allows both of us to continue working in our current jobs, without having (as much of) a difficult transition, especially in terms of finances since neither of us will be working immediately upon arrival to Canada.

That naturally leads me to my next question. Since my husband is starting school, he will not have a job offer. What type of information (other than job offer) might suffice for proof he/we intend to settle in Canada. I realize this is subjective but perhaps you can give us some advice.

I understand that a letter of acceptance to a Canadian education institution might suffice. However the nature of university applications (in this field) means not receiving acceptance letters until late winter/early spring (March-ish), with classes starting mid-August. This is only a six month window and potentially not enough time to process everything. But if we apply earlier (which we will), what will suffice as evidence we intend to remain in Canada. Will proof of applying to Canadian universities (or even intent to apply) be sufficient evidence? Also, is there opportunity to submit new proof at a later date (i.e. an acceptance letter).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[AlieW]

The only thing you need to worry about is maintaining your PR status. You do need to be residing in Canada for 2 years within a 5 year period in order to retain your PR status.

Even this is flexible! If you are are residing abroad - with a Canadian spouse, then that time spend together counts towards your PR. There is a thread discussing this here http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/can-prs-count-time-abroad-with-a-canadian-spouse-toward-quota-t38396.0.html

As for the proof of intent to return. I would submit all the proof that he has applied to a (or several) Canadian Educational Institutions, esspecially proof that he paid the application fee, as well as a letter from his family in Canada (if he has any) saying they are aware of your plan to return and support you. If he still has an active Canadian bank account include that, and write a detailed letter outlining your plans. I have heard of people being approved with way less proof then this, and as you said as soon as he gets his letter of acceptance you can send them that.

[mrdr]

That's great. Thanks so much for your help.