U.S. to Canada while PR is in process

[sbwv09]

I am a teacher and I told them I was up here for summer break, but I'm actually staying the duration. It wasn't technically a lie, the IO just assumed this when I told her my profession.. and I will be in the US in August but I will be coming right back. Doing something like that is ok. Honestly, as long as they don't give you a 'leave by' date on your passport, you won't get in trouble for staying longer than you say you will as long as it is less than 6 months. If it did ever come up, just say that your plans changed.

You shouldn't really volunteer any proof, paperwork, or information at all until THEY ASK YOU. When I crossed over I had a huge file full of information, but she just asked me if I had a job and house in the US but didn't ask for proof. She also looked in my car to make sure I didn't have too much stuff, so be careful with that. She also didn't ask anything about a PR application or anything. Just answer the questions they ask, nothing more or less. I also crossed alone, which isn't ideal, but I had no trouble at all.

I actually always cross in Buffalo because the one time I crossed in Niagara Falls was the only time in two years of bimonthly crossings that I was sent to secondary.

[michaelab]

I am a teacher and I told them I was up here for summer break, but I'm actually staying the duration. It wasn't technically a lie, the IO just assumed this when I told her my profession.. and I will be in the US in August but I will be coming right back. Doing something like that is ok. Honestly, as long as they don't give you a 'leave by' date on your passport, you won't get in trouble for staying longer than you say you will as long as it is less than 6 months. If it did ever come up, just say that your plans changed.

You shouldn't really volunteer any proof, paperwork, or information at all until THEY ASK YOU. When I crossed over I had a huge file full of information, but she just asked me if I had a job and house in the US but didn't ask for proof. She also looked in my car to make sure I didn't have too much stuff, so be careful with that. She also didn't ask anything about a PR application or anything. Just answer the questions they ask, nothing more or less. I also crossed alone, which isn't ideal, but I had no trouble at all.
I actually always cross in Buffalo because the one time I crossed in Niagara Falls was the only time in two years of bimonthly crossings that I was sent to secondary.

Thanks Sbwv09,

So in you guys opinions I shouldn't say anything til I was asked...so I shouldn't provide the invitation letter from my husband til they ask me more about it?  (I think its kinda weird to have an invite letter from my own husband but I will have it on me if it is going to help)

You are in Canada right now right without a stamp on your passport, right?  Are you planning on to stay while PR is in process as well since you said you would be coming right back in August?  I am asking this since my major concern is that if I don't get a stamp on my passport, how hard it is for them to see my entry date since CIC site said to have a photocopy of the stamps which I won't get without a VR.  (sorry if I am repeating myself in all my posts) 

So when you come back in August, how long would you tell them that you are intending to stay?  I am debating on how long I should tell them I would stay.  Last time I crossed, I told them 3 weeks and they had no problem but if I tell them like 6 months they might be taken back a bit more.  I will never overstay and I don't want them to think I would but if I say I don't know for how long or as long as they let me then they might get very suspicious...so...hmm.

Any input appreciated!

[sbwv09]

That's right, don't offer to show them any documents or anything. Let them ask for it, but definitely have it on hand in case they do need to see it.

When I return in August my husband will be with me, so it won't be as nerve wracking, since some people I've read on here have been turned down outright because the Canadian sponsor wasn't with them. I stayed with him all last summer too and I've learned it's better to be vague, so that's probably what I'll do then. Say "a few weeks" or "a few months", they don't seem to have a problem with that and it isn't untrue. I don't have a stamp on my passport but as the CIC website says, it's not required for an extension. I've crossed the border at least bimonthly since 2008 and have never had anyone stamp my passport, even when I say I'm staying for months. They deal with this every day.

I've already applied for PR and the decision was just made on the sponsorship, so if you happen to have any of that, bring it along.. but like I said, I was never asked for it and you shouldn't show them unless they ask. Let them set the tone of the interview.. you don't want to make it 'hardcore' if it doesn't have to be.

I know there are horror stories on here but the VAST majority of people have no trouble, as long as you know the rules and have proof of ties to the US if they would happen to ask for it, you should be ok.

Oh yeah.. be sure to say VISITING.. never ever ever say "living"!

[the-fanatics]

We filed under "common-law", so should the applicant say "visiting a spouse" or "visiting a friend" when crossing? Plus the applicant will be flying into toronto pearsons so there's always stamping in the PP...could someone advise us what the applicant should say when flying alone into toronto?

[AllisonVSC]

on vacation to visit friends if you have a return ticket and aren't staying too long.

[michaelab]

Thanks!

With all the inputs I have now I think I know what to say (and what not to say).  I will be prepared with all the documents only if they ask for them. 

Can you link the webpage about extending the visit without a stamp on passport?  As well if I say I am visiting for a couple of months or so and they don't stamp my passport, I still have 6 months right?
I really want to be sure on these things.

I apreciate your help!

That's right, don't offer to show them any documents or anything. Let them ask for it, but definitely have it on hand in case they do need to see it.

When I return in August my husband will be with me, so it won't be as nerve wracking, since some people I've read on here have been turned down outright because the Canadian sponsor wasn't with them. I stayed with him all last summer too and I've learned it's better to be vague, so that's probably what I'll do then. Say "a few weeks" or "a few months", they don't seem to have a problem with that and it isn't untrue. I don't have a stamp on my passport but as the CIC website says, it's not required for an extension. I've crossed the border at least bimonthly since 2008 and have never had anyone stamp my passport, even when I say I'm staying for months. They deal with this every day.

I've already applied for PR and the decision was just made on the sponsorship, so if you happen to have any of that, bring it along.. but like I said, I was never asked for it and you shouldn't show them unless they ask. Let them set the tone of the interview.. you don't want to make it 'hardcore' if it doesn't have to be.

I know there are horror stories on here but the VAST majority of people have no trouble, as long as you know the rules and have proof of ties to the US if they would happen to ask for it, you should be ok.

Oh yeah.. be sure to say VISITING.. never ever ever say "living"!