Applying for PR with my Canadian wife sponsoring me, "Implied Status"?

[David132]

Hey there again! This forum has been fantastic for information thus far, and I thought I'd do a quick check here to make sure I'm doing everything properly.

I am a US citizen and have been in Canada for a few months now as a visitor. I'm now married to my Canadian wife, and we're waiting for my background check from the FBI and our marriage certificate to apply for PR family class. (Through outland.)

Now, my visitor visa expires next month. We may have the background check, but we won't have the marriage certificate yet. Earlier this month I paid $75 and sent in for an extension on my visitor visa, explaining our situation. This means I'm good to stay in the country until I hear back from them, correct?

If they say "yes" to the extension, we go about our business and apply for PR once we have the documents... and then what happens? Do I apply for another extension, do we go back to the border (I assume not, as I'm supposed to stay in the country, correct?), or what exactly?

And if they say "no" to the extension, what do I need to do? Then do I need to go back to the border right away, seeing as my visa will have expired?

Thanks a ton!
-David

 

[sbwv09]

I'm not sure where you got married, but Ontario says it will take like 15 weeks when it doesn't. Request the certificate online in spite of what the website says. I got mine in a bit less than 3 weeks after our wedding.

As for the status, you are right that you are ok to stay in Canada until you hear back about your visitor's extension. If you need to extend it again, you can send it off yet again or you could come to the US for a short time and return. You can do the same if you are turned down.. actually you have to leave Canada if you are turned down. However, the vast majority of the time, you won't get much trouble crossing the border and sort of 'resetting' the clock. Just a day trip will suffice. Have some US address to show as a 'home' address and other ties to the US if you are asked, as well as proof that you have the finances to support yourself while in Canada. I personally was never asked to show these documents, but it is possible that they will ask for them.