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Staying in Canada while Outland app in process

Smarties17

Star Member
Oct 31, 2018
56
9
US to Canada outland application. I’m wrapping up a few things here in the states and would like to spend the rest of the time in Canada with my wife and kids while my app finishes processing.

I know I’ve read before on cic’s Website that I can stay in Canada while my sponsorship app finishes processing but I can’t seem to find it again.

Does anyone have a link to this or can tell me some more details? My specific questions are:

1) what do I tell the customs officer at the border so that they are convinced I will return to the US? I will need to come back to gather a few things before I land anyway.

2) do I need any special paperwork to do this?

Just curious to hear some input from anyone knowledgeable on this or have done it

Thanks guys and gals
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,541
20,360
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
US to Canada outland application. I’m wrapping up a few things here in the states and would like to spend the rest of the time in Canada with my wife and kids while my app finishes processing.

I know I’ve read before on cic’s Website that I can stay in Canada while my sponsorship app finishes processing but I can’t seem to find it again.

Does anyone have a link to this or can tell me some more details? My specific questions are:

1) what do I tell the customs officer at the border so that they are convinced I will return to the US? I will need to come back to gather a few things before I land anyway.

2) do I need any special paperwork to do this?

Just curious to hear some input from anyone knowledgeable on this or have done it

Thanks guys and gals
The rule regarding remaining in Canada applies to those who are already in Canada and have applied inland. The same rule does not apply to outland applications such as yours - so there's no reference to find and no link we can give you. While the outland application is in progress, you can come to Canada as a tourist but not officially move here. To remain in Canada, you'll need to apply to extend your visitor status if / when your allowed visit is close to expiring. There is no special paperwork to complete.

As for what you tell the customs officer, if asked, you should make it clear that you know you are a visitor only at this time and will respect the rules regarding what this does and does not allow you to do. If asked, you can certainly mention that you have a spousal sponsorship application in progress. Make sure you don't bring too much stuff with you when you arrive (again, you're not allowed to move here yet). Just bring what you would as a visitor.
 

Smarties17

Star Member
Oct 31, 2018
56
9
The rule regarding remaining in Canada applies to those who are already in Canada and have applied inland. The same rule does not apply to outland applications such as yours - so there's no reference to find and no link we can give you. While the outland application is in progress, you can come to Canada as a tourist but not officially move here. To remain in Canada, you'll need to apply to extend your visitor status if / when your allowed visit is close to expiring. There is no special paperwork to complete.

As for what you tell the customs officer, if asked, you should make it clear that you know you are a visitor only at this time and will respect the rules regarding what this does and does not allow you to do. If asked, you can certainly mention that you have a spousal sponsorship application in progress. Make sure you don't bring too much stuff with you when you arrive (again, you're not allowed to move here yet). Just bring what you would as a visitor.
Ok that’s great info thank you very much!

So as far as what I bring, I will only have clothing with me. Probably a lot of it but that’ll be it, should be ok right?

And do I NEED to have a return flight booked upon arrival? Or can I just simply tell them I plan on returning the week of “X”? I’m asking bc I don’t know EXACTLY what day I will come back to the states and I know when filling out the declaration form at the border, they ask you how many days your visit is....so what do I say for that?
 

melylags

Star Member
Nov 25, 2018
69
86
Hi, so as an American who did the same thing (filed outland but stayed in Canada near the end of the process) I recommend writing down an exact number of days you will be in Canada because the customs form will be asking you to fill out this information as a visitor, even if it's just an estimate. Only answer questions you are asked--don't volunteer extra information. When I went through customs, I simply stated I was visiting my husband and I was never asked much more.

However, to be on the safe side, print out all of the correspondence you've received from IRCC (AOR letter, VO office transfer) to prove to them that you have a PR app in process IF they happen to ask for this information.
And to be extra safe if you wish, book a return flight less than 24 hours before you fly out to show them a return ticket is indeed booked, then cancel it once you land so that you can receive a refund.