Criminal Rehabilitation Help Needed!

[ryanntheredhead]

Here's my story: I was arrested for a DUI in the US 8 years ago when I was 18 years old. Long story short, the case was dismissed and the charges were dropped and I have proof of that. I've visited Canada many times before and I entered Canada with my partner where they warned me I might have problems with my old arrest, but then they let me in and I've been here for 9 months now (waiting to hear back about my visitor extension...probably taking a longer time because of the arrest...) I'm applying to be sponsored by my partner and I have the application package completely ready to go right this second except for the FBI certificate. I was thinking of attaching proof that I requested the certificate and sending the application along because I plan on traveling to the US for a visit in a month (doing outland application). So here's the thing, I'm worried about being denied at the border when I re-enter because of my arrest even though I've been many times with no problem, but this time I'm trying to stay and even re-apply for a visitor extension when I get back or just leave and re-enter every 6 months until my application is processed.

I honestly don't even know if I need to do a rehabilitation application since the charges were dropped, but I figure it can't hurt to do it anyway. I just won't be able to gather the necessary paperwork before my trip since I'm just finding out that the FBI certificate alone takes 15 weeks. I've flown into Canada many times before with no problem, the only time my arrest was mentioned was when my partner and I drove in when he was importing his car to Canada. But they let me in...she just said I would need to carry proof with me from now on that those charges were dropped. If I'm in Canada now, that should mean I'm admissible, correct? Could it still affect my outland spousal sponsorship?

I really wanted to get my sponsorship application off and in line to be processed, but would it be smarter of me to wait until I have my FBI certificate before sending it off? Because I'm assuming if I send it off now and they see the arrest (even though I'm also in the process of getting it expunged JUST IN CASE) that it will severely hurt my processing time. Some people have mentioned they sent their application in at about the two month mark since it takes that long for them to approve the sponsor anyway before they even look into my application, then sent the FBI certificate once they got it.

There are so many things to consider and I would just like some insight from anyone who may have experienced this before! Thank you!