Can you get a multiple entry visitor record for US outland PR applicant?

[tom_from_sk]

Is it possible and/or feasible to ask for a multiple entry visitor record for a US outland PR applicant? We currently have AOR and SA, but are awaiting the DM/COPR.

As I had mentioned in a previous post we are trying to renew my wife’s status to extend health coverage. We could travel to the US this weekend… and try to ask for a visitor record when coming back at Canadian Customs.

We have never asked for a visitor record/visa at the border so we are unsure of how they work and the rules/expiration terms.

My concern is that we are going to be leaving Canada at Christmas time (in a couple weeks) and then our honeymoon (in January) and don’t want to end up getting a visitor record this weekend that is void the next time we travel out of country in 2 weeks (because I believe Alberta Health will only extend for the duration of her visitor record/visa).

I guess another question is to clarify whether a visitor record and visitor visa is the exact same thing or not?

Thank you for your assistance.

 

[carr1]

I was given a one year visitor record last month. When it was stapled into my passport the CBSA agent said its good for one year but I'm not allowed to work or study in Canada but I can now say I live here. I've crossed a few times now with it as we live close to the US border. We haven't had any issues at all. The agents hardly even ask me questions now at the border. It's the best thing since before border crossing was nerve wrecking before.
I've been in Canada for 14 months but just applied for PR in August. Before I extended my visitor status and was always given just six months extension.
When I cross I always carry all my paperwork copies, when given the VR they wanted to see my SA approval and marriage license and that's it. I've heard of others getting only a few months VR but I was given 1 year, not sure how they decide that.

I can't answer on the health care as I'm in Ontario and am in the process of trying to get OHIP to approve me.

 

[tom_from_sk]

Thank you Carr1, I just tried sending you a PM for a few more details! We really appreciate the response. Thanks again!!!

 

[Buletruck]

I'm not sure you can actually ask for a visitor record. I was under the assumption that is something CBSA uses to ensure that visitor that are a risk ok overstaying got to effectively require them to report to CBSA by a certain date.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/processing/record.asp

I would also think, based on your other post, that once you leave for Asia, your wife status in Canada is lost, meaning that the AHCIC is invalid. It certainly won't cover her for anything outside of the country if that is your though behind extending it.

 

[carr1]

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/my-experience-obtaining-a-visitors-record-not-so-scary-after-all-t366171.0.html;msg4714980#msg4714980

This is where I got the idea to try for the VR, worked great for me. I think there is a lot of misconceptions on a VR. Keep in mind I'm a US citizen so I'm not sure how it works from other countries or non exempt countries or if that makes a difference.

 

[tom_from_sk]

Thank you Buletruck for the response.

I agree that I have had hesitations in the past over asking for one of these... but from Carr1's experience it doesn't sound as bad. I guess it likely depends on the border agent.

As for the health care, I realize Alberta Health care wont insure us out of country, but as long as she has the Alberta health card, my work benefits will cover her for all out of country health insurance. So I need one (Alberta health) to get the other (overseas work insurance).

 

[canadianwoman]

A visitor visa is needed by people from certain countries in order to enter Canada. The USA is not one of those countries - Americans can enter Canada without a visa.
A visitor record is something you can get if you do not need a visa. The border agent can give you one if he or she does not believe you will leave in time. You can also get one if you ask.
It sounds like carr1 got one by asking at the border, and has since traveled back and forth with it.
I think your wife could ask for a visitor record for one year the next time you cross the border. Then she can use this to try to renew her Alberta health card.
Keep in mind that some health insurance plans only cover expenses if Alberta health does. I would not trust that your insurance plan will cover your wife's expenses, particularly in the USA. They might, of course, but I would look into it before traveling.

 

[carr1]

A visitor visa is needed by people from certain countries in order to enter Canada. The USA is not one of those countries - Americans can enter Canada without a visa.
A visitor record is something you can get if you do not need a visa. The border agent can give you one if he or she does not believe you will leave in time. You can also get one if you ask.
It sounds like carr1 got one by asking at the border, and has since traveled back and forth with it.
I think your wife could ask for a visitor record for one year the next time you cross the border.

I actually didn't ask for one, I was planning on it but didn't need to as I was offered one. At the border I said I was "visiting my husband while my PR app was being processed" the CBSA agent asked if I rather live here than visit and I said yes but I know I can't. We were sent into secondary where I was given the VR and told I'm now allowed to live here but cannot work or study. Like I said in a PM to the OP we live near the busiest border where they are very familiar with the process. I'm just going by what CBSA has told me regarding a VR. At no point did any of the 5 CBSA agents helping give me the VR say it was a bad thing or that they thought I wasnt going to leave when I should. She said they are very common for people in my situation and I should enjoy not working while I live with my hubby in Canada for my app to process. They even at the time asked me if I wanted to import anything now like a car. I don't know people's situations on having a VR being from a non exempt country I can only comment on my own situation. For me it's been great, we even now do our grocery shopping in MI.

 

[tom_from_sk]

Thanks Canadianwoman. You, and others have been a great help! I appreciate you taking the time to answer.