Arriving before approval (spousal visa, from abroad)

[SeeEmilyPlay]

Hello,
I have sponsored my wife for PR (we both live in Japan) and the application was received on August 1, 2017. The estimated processing time is 12 months, so if all goes well, she should receive it later in the summer.

Unfortunately, I will be out of work a few months before then, and so we are thinking to move to Canada before the PR visa is approved. My wife would enter on a tourist visa and change when the PR visa is approved.

We are wondering what things we need to take into consideration, for example, health insurance, needing a return flight etc, and obviously if the approval is delayed, she would need to leave the country when the tourist visa expires. Does anyone have any experience with this situation? Any advice, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jordo]

Health insurance requirements for PR apps in progress are dependent on individual provinces' rules. You'll need to find out your province's rules. Before a person officially becomes a PR, some provinces don't offer any coverage at all. Some only offer to PRs in progress on Inland applications, and others, require specific document proof at specific points in an in progress application. Again, you'll need to double check your province's exact rules on when they will cover foreign nationals who are not yet PRs.

Without a return flight, CBSA may become suspicious of a "tourist's" intent to overstay or start living in the country. Japan is a visa-exempt country right? There should not be a big chance of secondary screening but always be ready. Always be truthful when questioned. "I have a PR application in progress. I'm just visiting my spouse." Have proof of the sponsorship app with you. If you're allowed entry, don't overstay the allowed time (you'll either get a stamp with a exit date, or no stamp which implies up to 6 months). You can always apply to have your tourist visa extended but do this at least 1 month before expiry.

Do not attempt to move too many belongings with you. Bring only what a tourist would normally bring on a holiday. Or again, this would raise the suspicions of the CBSA as to your intent to live in Canada rather than visit.

IF an interview is required for your spousal app, the interview would be back in the home country.

I'm not an expert in this so you may want to wait for the input of others on this thread.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello,
I have sponsored my wife for PR (we both live in Japan) and the application was received on August 1, 2017. The estimated processing time is 12 months, so if all goes well, she should receive it later in the summer.

Unfortunately, I will be out of work a few months before then, and so we are thinking to move to Canada before the PR visa is approved. My wife would enter on a tourist visa and change when the PR visa is approved.

We are wondering what things we need to take into consideration, for example, health insurance, needing a return flight etc, and obviously if the approval is delayed, she would need to leave the country when the tourist visa expires. Does anyone have any experience with this situation? Any advice, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi

Carry proof of the PR app and proof of finances. Don't volunteer information but don't lie if CBSA asks. She shouldn't have more than a few bags like a normal visitor. This is a common situation and she should have no issues.

She doesn't need to leave. She can apply for a visitor extension.

 

[SeeEmilyPlay]

@jordo and @canuck_in_uk,
Thanks for the responses. TBH, I just assumed she wouldn't be eligible for heath care, but now after reading the OHIP page and a massive thread here on the subject from a few years back, it seems like it is possible (even for outland) but a serious headache. And best case scenario, it will still be three months after she establishes some kind of residency, so private health insurance will be necessary.

Regarding proof of application, I've gotten a couple of paper letters from CIC (eligibility for sponsorship, letter informing me that the application will be processed in Manila) - would this be sufficient? Everything else is digital.

And for finances, like a bank statement?

Thanks again!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

@jordo and @canuck_in_uk,
Thanks for the responses. TBH, I just assumed she wouldn't be eligible for heath care, but now after reading the OHIP page and a massive thread here on the subject from a few years back, it seems like it is possible (even for outland) but a serious headache. And best case scenario, it will still be three months after she establishes some kind of residency, so private health insurance will be necessary.

Regarding proof of application, I've gotten a couple of paper letters from CIC (eligibility for sponsorship, letter informing me that the application will be processed in Manila) - would this be sufficient? Everything else is digital.

And for finances, like a bank statement?

Thanks again!

Note that as a returning resident, you will be subject to the OHIP waiting period.

The letters are fine.

Yes, bank statements are fine, provided there is money in the account.

 

[BlueSkiesHere]

こんにちは！

just done exactly what you're wanting to do (applied from Japan and came to Canada early to wait) came a few weeks ago.
(I'm the PA, not sponsor)
I had a return flight, 6 months health insurance, recent bank statement, proof of employment in Japan etc.
Look up about "Canada dual intent"
Some people get grilled at the border, and others (like myself) didn't have such a hard time and was just asked to explain how I can take 6 months off work, and made a pinky promise not to work (such a pleasant change to the Japan border)

 

[canuck78]

No matter what you will both have to wait a minimum 3 months. Yes wife may get access to OHIP earlier than 3 months after receiving PR but she is pretty early in the process and will always have to wait the 3 month waiting period.

 

[SeeEmilyPlay]

Thanks all!

Also does anyone know about the process for changing from the temporary visa to the PR visa?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks all!

Also does anyone know about the process for changing from the temporary visa to the PR visa?

She could flagpole at the Canada-US border, make an appointment to land at an inland office or leave Canada and return on an international flight.