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Decoy24601

Champion Member
Aug 13, 2015
1,511
52
Vancouver, BC
Category........
Visa Office......
Ottawa
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
06-04-2016
AOR Received.
28-04-2016
File Transfer...
SA 27-05-2016
Med's Done....
23-03-2016 Upfront
Interview........
Waived
VISA ISSUED...
07-06-2016
LANDED..........
06-07-2016
1: If I say I'm visiting for 6 months while my PR application is in process and have proof of fees and my marriage license, what ties to the US do I have to prove, if any? If I'm away for that long I obviously won't have a job or apartment in the US anymore, so I'm worried about that, but I have family where I live and most of my belongings and my furniture will be here and I will have a return ticket.

2: Should I make the return ticket for just under 6 months?

3: Do you think I will have any issues with this or is it normal for the CBSA to let people in who are visiting their spouse's during the PR process?

4: Has anyone had any experiences with crossing via Amtrak to Vancouver? I live close to the border, so the Amtrak is much cheaper and easier than traveling south to Seattle just to get on a pricey plane ride.
 
I would simply tell them that you have applied for PR and you would like to stay in Canada with your husband while your application is being processed. Tell them your plan is to stay the 6 months and then if your application has not yet been approved that you will apply for an extension.
I am not sure you will need a return ticket. I am hoping one of the VIP members can answer that. I know we are told to have a return ticket to show that we will be leaving Canada, but if you are married and already submitted PR it might make a difference. But I am not an expert.

I came to Canada for a visit last April with my two cats, with intent of staying. I was never asked about any ties to the US (job, home..etc) or to show them my return ticket, even though I did have a return ticket. I then applied later for an extension.

Just be completely honest and have all of your documents. I hope this helps you and hope that others can answer your questions for you.
I am sorry I am not familiar with traveling via a train.

Good luck!! :)
 
A [fully refundable] return ticket is always a good idea.

The officer must be convinced that you are NOT moving to Canada (yet) and that if your PR is denied, you will return `home'. This is explained in greater detail on CIC's website, under `Dual Intent'.

Good luck!
(oh...and did you fire your lousy immigration consultant yet?!).
I'm reading/responding to too many posts! LOL!
 
I'm just confused on how to convince them that I will leave if it's denied. I have family here, but I will of course not have a job or apartment if I'm staying there for 6 months.

Also we are waiting to file the application until I'm actually there visiting and I am planning on visiting him the day after we get married as a honeymoon.

Wouldn't it be easier just to say I'm visiting my spouse for my honeymoon and will return in 5 days and go back to work and then just stay later if I'm let in?

(I'm not the one who hired the bad immigration consultant)
 
Decoy24601 said:
I'm just confused on how to convince them that I will leave if it's denied. I have family here, but I will of course not have a job or apartment if I'm staying there for 6 months.

Also we are waiting to file the application until I'm actually there visiting and I am planning on visiting him the day after we get married as a honeymoon.

Wouldn't it be easier just to say I'm visiting my spouse for my honeymoon and will return in 5 days and go back to work and then just stay later if I'm let in?

(I'm not the one who hired the bad immigration consultant)

I would not tell them you are going back in 5 days if you are not planning on doing so. That would be a lie. If you say that they could even stamp your passport with a date you need to leave by (the 5 days) You always need to be honest.
 
Ponga said:
A [fully refundable] return ticket is always a good idea.

The officer must be convinced that you are NOT moving to Canada (yet) and that if your PR is denied, you will return `home'. This is explained in greater detail on CIC's website, under `Dual Intent'.

Good luck!
(oh...and did you fire your lousy immigration consultant yet?!).

Thank you Ponga! I know it's important to have a return ticket. I just didn't know if someone was married and applied for PR if they still needed it. I have read lots of different info on the subject. I appreciate your help.
 
Decoy24601 said:
I'm just confused on how to convince them that I will leave if it's denied. I have family here, but I will of course not have a job or apartment if I'm staying there for 6 months.

Also we are waiting to file the application until I'm actually there visiting and I am planning on visiting him the day after we get married as a honeymoon.

Wouldn't it be easier just to say I'm visiting my spouse for my honeymoon and will return in 5 days and go back to work and then just stay later if I'm let in?

(I'm not the one who hired the bad immigration consultant) I now realize that. ;)

Don't ever intentionally lie to a border officer. You could say that you are planning to stay for x number of days, because sometimes plans change...right?
 
Ponga said:
Don't ever intentionally lie to a border officer. You could say that you are planning to stay for x number of days, because sometimes plans change...right?
Yeah, that's true. Plus, at the port of entry for the Vancouver Amtrak station the lines for customs aren't separate so my spouse and I can talk to the border guard together. He said the forms even have room for up to four different people. He recently traveled back home from a visit with me and said it was a very easy crossing. I imagine actually being able to see and talk with my spouse and sponsor would benefit me.

Would it be worth saying then that I would never do anything to jeopardize my application?